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Following wartime devastation of its Portello factory, Alfa Romeo halted car production until 1946, reintroducing the 6C 2500, a pre-war model that became pivotal in the Milanese marque’s post-war revival. Originally launched in 1939, the 2500 evolved from the preceding 2300, embodying Alfa’s resilience amidst adversity. Designed internally but strongly...
Debuting in May 1972, the 3.0 CSL (Coupé Sport Leicht) epitomized innovative homologation. In response to the marketing department’s demands, BMW engineers devised a limited-production “homologation special” to adhere to the stringent regulations of Group 2 racing. By stripping away excess trim, utilizing thinner steel for the main bodyshell, employing...
Beginning with the Meyers Manx in the early 1960s, the dune buggy phenomenon surged across America. Bruce Meyers’ original idea was straightforward: repurpose a Volkswagen Beetle by discarding its body, retaining the essential floor pan housing all vital components, shortening the wheelbase, and affixing a simple, single-piece fiberglass body for...
In 1956, Mercury’s premier offering was the full-sized Montclair series, with its two-door hardtop coupe reigning as the epitome of luxury. Described as “long and low” in factory literature, the Montclair boasted a formidable 312-inch “Y-block” V8 engine equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, generating 258 horsepower and paired with a...
Debuting in 1960 and gaining fame through The Saint television series, Volvo’s elegant P1800 Sports Coupe marked a departure from the typically conservative Swedish automaker, despite not being a muscle car. Originally manufactured by Jensen Motors, production shifted to Sweden in 1963, utilizing Volvo’s reliable 1,782cc four-cylinder engine with overhead...
The unveiling of the Duesenberg Model J on December 1, 1928, at the 1929 New York Auto Salon captivated New York City, nearly halting its bustling streets. With a commanding presence, the Model J boasted a dual overhead camshaft 420 cubic inch inline eight-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 265 horsepower,...
Debuting at the 1969 Frankfurt Auto Show, the 914/4 showcased Volkswagen’s 1,679cc, four-cylinder, air-cooled engine from the 411 model. Conversely, the elite 914/6 boasted the prowess of Porsche’s 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine sourced from the 911T, meticulously installed at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen factory. Both variants boasted a sophisticated all-independent suspension system, blending...
Lamborghini’s 1970 introduction of the Urraco marked a strategic move to diversify its lineup, offering a more accessible model to complement its V12 flagship cars. Designed to rival Ferrari’s Dino 308 and Porsche’s 911, the Urraco, styled by Bertone, maintained the mid-engined layout of its iconic predecessor, the Miura. However,...
In 1955, Cadillac unveiled the Eldorado, a masterpiece of automotive engineering that combined style, power, and luxury like never before. The Eldorado underwent significant upgrades, including the introduction of sweeping, pointed tail fins that replaced the previous ‘fishtail’ design. This distinctive feature, paired with strategically placed brake, turn signal, and...
The 1957 debut of the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham marked a pinnacle for the automaker, showcasing their prowess in both luxury and technology. Boasting avant-garde styling, including the pioneering quad headlamps and a sleek stainless-steel roof, it was a marvel of its time. Powered by a distinctive 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine with...
Debuting in 1961, the Oldsmobile Starfire emerged as a top-tier luxury vehicle, positioned as a direct competitor to Ford’s Thunderbird. Distinguished by its sleek design and performance-driven features, the Starfire boasted a range of amenities, including brushed aluminum side panels and a dynamic interior with bucket seats, leather upholstery, and...
In the latter part of 1966, Dodge introduced print advertisements heralding the arrival of the Coronet R/T, an abbreviation for “Road and Track,” into Detroit’s increasingly competitive landscape of muscle cars. Fortunately for MOPAR enthusiasts and collectors, the first-generation Coronet R/T only graced the market for a single model year...
Ranked alongside iconic cars such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Mini, and Land Rover, Citroën’s distinctive 2CV made its debut in 1949, emerging as a classic mass-produced vehicle of the post-war era. Initially designed to offer basic transportation during a period of austerity, the 2CV transcended its modest beginnings to become...
Designed to showcase the NASCAR 429 engine, the Boss 429 transcends conventional Mustangs. Unlike mere modifications, the Boss 429 derives from Ford’s groundbreaking “385” program, boasting four-bolt mains, forged steel connecting rods, and a robust forged steel crankshaft. Its specialized cast aluminum heads feature “crescent” combustion chambers, mounted using a...
Oldsmobile, often associated with reliable but modest vehicles, surprised the automotive world with its evolution into high-performance cars. Initially recognized for its sturdy yet basic ‘Curved Dash’ models in the early 1900s, Oldsmobile gradually transitioned to larger, powerful touring cars post-World War II. The introduction of the Rocket 88, a...
By the mid-1930s, Packard had soared back to success. Overcoming earlier challenges, the production of Junior models had revived Packard’s fortunes, reaching a peak of 122,500 cars for the year. While mid-priced models contributed to the company’s financial health, the flagship Twelve remained a luxury reserved for a select clientele....
By the conclusion of the Brass Era, Pierce-Arrow had firmly established itself as one of the United States’ premier automobile manufacturers, recognized alongside Packard and Peerless as part of the esteemed “Three P’s”. Their vehicles became instantly recognizable, thanks in part to Herbert Dawley’s patented fender-mounted headlamps, a design element...
In 1929, Errett Lobban Cord unveiled the L-29, positioning it strategically between his Auburn and Duesenberg lines within the Cord Corporation. This model filled a crucial gap, especially as the Duesenberg line underwent a comprehensive redesign that same year. The L-29, powered by a straight-eight ‘flat head’ engine from Lycoming,...
The Nash eight-cylinder models from 1932 and 1933 epitomize the elegance of their time, featuring gracefully streamlined designs highlighted by a subtly angled radiator shell, elongated flowing fenders, and meticulously crafted bodies. Among these, the offerings from Milwaukee’s Seaman coachbuilder stand out as exemplars of beauty. Seaman’s convertible sedan, reminiscent...
Designed by Tritan Ventures based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the A2 aimed to revolutionize fuel efficiency through cutting-edge aerodynamics. With an impressive drag coefficient of only 0.15, it boasted remarkable stability, aided by airfoils that harnessed a sail effect to generate additional forward thrust. Constructed primarily from fiberglass and featuring...
For those who couldn’t afford the extravagant price tag of Mercedes-Benz’s elite race-inspired sports car, the 300 SL, there was the more accessible yet equally sophisticated 190 SL. Emerging in January 1955, the 190 SL was derived from the 180 saloon, utilizing its independently-suspended running gear. Its power came from...
After a hiatus spanning over three decades, the once-renowned Stutz brand made its comeback in 1967 under the stewardship of New York banker James O’Donnell. This revival saw the introduction of the inaugural Bearcat model, marking the resurgence of the marque. In 1970, the Pontiac Grand Prix-based Blackhawk followed suit,...
Packard unveiled the Caribbean Convertible in 1953, a lavish sports model inspired by the ‘Pan American’ show cars of the previous year, aiming to compete with Cadillac’s Eldorado. With only 750 crafted in 1953 and 400 in 1954, this exclusive vehicle boasted a 122″-wheelbase chassis and independent front suspension. Its...
Established by Henry Leland and Robert Faulconer, the Cadillac Automobile Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, unveiled its inaugural car in October 1902, swiftly gaining acclaim for its precision manufacturing, making it a leading producer of quality automobiles in the USA. Cadillac was at the forefront of automotive innovation, pioneering the...
Founded in 1926 in Turin by Giorgio Ambrosini, the Società Italiana Auto Trasformazione Accessori, or SIATA, initially specialized in crafting performance enhancements for FIAT vehicles. These upgrades ranged from dual carburetor manifolds to high compression cylinder heads, overhead valve conversions, superchargers, gearsets, and complete gearboxes. SIATA’s collaboration with FIAT proved...
Introduced in 1951, the 1900C Sprint showcased designs by Pinin Farina for the cabriolet version and Touring for the coupé, both powered by the 100bhp engine from the 1900TI sports saloon. The Touring-bodied Sprint Coupé received widespread acclaim, leading it to become the blueprint for all forthcoming ‘aerodynamic’ Alfa Romeo...
During the tumultuous years of the German occupation of France, Renault defied orders to exclusively produce commercial and military vehicles. Instead, their engineers clandestinely crafted a vision of hope: the Renault 4CV. This compact car, born from a clandestine effort during wartime constraints, symbolized the resilience of French ingenuity and...
An innovative departure from the Bentley Continental or Maserati 3500, the early Facel Vega Coupe models swiftly found favor among affluent industrialists and celebrities, affirming the company’s motto: “The Few Who Own the Finest.” Evolving the concept, it was soon evident that Facel’s reach could be broadened by introducing a...
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Gene Casaroll, known for the Dual-Ghia and its successor, the Ghia L 6.4, experienced a wave of success. His company, Automobile Shippers, boasted a fleet of over 100 semi-trailers, delivering new cars from factories to dealers who quickly sold them upon arrival. Not...
In 1965, Plymouth unveiled the Satellite, positioned as the flagship model within the mid-size Belvedere lineup. By 1966, it boasted Chrysler’s revered ‘Hemi’ 426ci (7.0-liter) V8 engine, elevating its performance capabilities. Priced at approximately $1,000 above the base model, the ‘Street Hemi’ engine was reputed to deliver 425bhp at 5,000rpm...
Only one example of this car was made! Its design drew inspiration from airplanes at that time. TASCO (The American Sportscar Company) modified a 1948 Mercury chassis, fitting it with a high-performance V8 engine. The Tasco’s unique design included an enclosed cockpit, reminiscent of a light aircraft, with removable glass...
Chrysler’s ‘Letter Series’ cars epitomize a glorious bygone era of personal luxury vehicles, solidifying Chrysler’s position as a leader in both performance and style. Over a decade, each model was distinguished by an alphabet letter suffix, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into the muscle car genre. The inaugural...
Rolls-Royce’s post-war continuation of rationalization, initiated in the late 1930s, persisted with the introduction of standard bodywork on the Mark VI Bentley. Introduced in 1946, a year ahead of the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, the Mark VI shared mechanical similarities with the latter but stood out as the first ‘standard steel’...
Named in tribute to Cooper-Maserati’s victory in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, the Mexico made its debut at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, commemorating John Surtees’ triumph in the final round of the 1966 Formula 1 World Championship. Designed by Carrozzeria Vignale, Maserati’s favored coachbuilder of the era, the Mexico...
The brainchild of former General Motors executive John Zachary De Lorean, the DeLorean car garnered attention not only for its larger-than-life creator but also for its stylish coupé body. Constructed with a unique combination of fiberglass inner panels and stainless-steel outer skin, it featured doors that opened in gull-wing fashion...
In response to Chevrolet’s Corvette sports car, the Ford Thunderbird was conceived and made its debut in October 1954, marking one of the earliest models to showcase Ford’s innovative overhead-valve V8 engine. Positioned as a contrast to the overtly sporty Corvette, the Thunderbird emphasized luxury and amenities, targeting a younger,...
With a storied legacy spanning various sizes and setups, the Toyota Land Cruiser has established itself as a stalwart in providing dependable service across the harshest terrains. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Jeep and Land Rover utility vehicles, the Land Cruiser showcased Toyota’s prowess beyond the realm of economical cars....
General Motors’ 1953 catalogs boasted three unique convertible models, each with its own distinctive features. Cadillac’s Eldorado boasted standard chrome wire wheels and a cleverly concealed top that disappeared beneath a body-color metal cover when lowered. On the other hand, the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta offered every imaginable factory option except...
The Tango T600, narrower than a motorbike, embraces a fully electric propulsion system, offering a promising solution against pollution and enhancing highway efficiency. Designed to fit snugly into specially designated spaces for motorcycles, the Tango T600 not only excels in compactness but also prioritizes safety, speed, and stability. Despite its...
When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa in 1984, it marked the revival of a renowned name from the Italian automaker’s heritage. Serving as a successor to the Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa maintained its predecessor’s mid-mounted, 5.0-liter, flat-12 engine, now equipped with four-valve cylinder heads that boosted its power output to 380bhp...