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The W191 chassis model marked a significant milestone for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. Introduced in 1936, the four-cylinder 170V, with its 1.7-liter engine, became the cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war era. Its cutting-edge running gear featured an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf independent front suspension,...
Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show, the 300SL Roadster was no hasty solution to owner demands. Mercedes went the extra mile, completely reengineering the car to address some of the 300SL’s issues, particularly its suspension. They lowered the pivot point, improving handling and reducing oversteer tendencies. The 3.0-liter straight-six engine,...
The Ghia-badged L 6.4, officially a Dual Motors creation, followed the Dual-Ghia and had its roots in the collaboration between Chrysler’s design chief, Virgil Exner, and Ghia’s leader, Luigi Segre. Like its predecessor, the L 6.4 aimed to compete with luxury giants like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac. It combined...
The automobiles designed by Ettore and Jean Bugatti have consistently held a renowned reputation for their precision engineering and craftsmanship, often drawing justified comparisons to the finest Swiss timepieces. However, among all Bugatti models, none embodied the marque’s celebrated qualities as effortlessly as the elegant, luxurious, and competition-proven Type 57S....
Before the M3, there were pricier, limited-edition M-Series models. However, the M3 changed the game by making BMW’s premier performance brand more accessible to enthusiasts. This shift was driven by BMW’s need to compete in Group A racing, which required the production of 5,000 units in the first year. To...
In 1969, Porsche’s enduring historical connection with Volkswagen was reaffirmed through the introduction of the VW-Porsche 914, a striking mid-engined sports car designed by Porsche and destined to be assembled by Karmann of Osnabruck. This collaborative endeavor arose from the needs of both companies at the time: Volkswagen sought a...
Introduced in 1938 under the name ‘New York Special,’ the elegant New Yorker was based on Chrysler’s upscale Imperial, featuring the same side valve straight-eight engine. The ‘New Yorker’ designation in Chrysler’s lineup represented luxury, evident in their high-quality interior trim and occasional use of unique upholstery materials, such as...
In 1962, Maserati introduced the Sebring, one of the last evolutions of the iconic 3500GT, a car pivotal in Maserati’s transition to a road car manufacturer. Despite its racing triumphs, including Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1957 World Championship win with the 250F, Maserati faced challenges due to its parent company’s financial...
Debuting at the 1975 Paris Salon, the exquisite 308 GTB marked Ferrari’s return to Pininfarina styling after the Bertone-designed Dino 308 GT4. Distinguished as a ‘true’ Ferrari rather than a Dino, it underwent minimal mechanical changes, mainly a shorter wheelbase, while preserving the predecessor’s underpinnings and transversely mounted 3.0-liter V8...
In 1955, Citroën unveiled the groundbreaking ‘DS,’ featuring advanced hydro-pneumatic suspension, power brakes, clutch, and steering. Initiated in the 1930s by Pierre-Jules Boulanger, this car aimed to provide both comfort on rough roads and stability at high speeds. It set new standards in ride quality that few could match for...
During the 1950s and early 1960s, Porsche included a variety of open and closed versions of its dependable 356 model in its lineup. However, among these variants, few are as universally adored and legendary as the limited-production Speedster. This sleek and sporty open-topped car was conceived by Max Hoffman, who...
Unveiled at the 1956 Turin Motor Show, Lancia’s flagship Flaminia retained the mechanical layout of its predecessor, the Aurelia. However, Lancia’s traditional ‘sliding pillar’ independent front suspension was replaced by a more modern double wishbone arrangement. The Aurelia’s legacy elements included the 60-degree, 2,458cc, overhead-valve V6 engine and the De...
Founded in 1926 by Giorgio Ambrosini in Turin, Italy, SIATA (Societa Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) initially specialized in tuning and modifying FIAT vehicles. In 1949, when the company became SIATA Auto Spa and introduced its first production car, the Amica cabriolet, it continued to rely on FIAT components, particularly from...
In the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 made their debut, exhibiting an external appearance that remained unchanged from their predecessors, the Silver Cloud and S-Type. However, their performance received a significant boost thanks to the new 6,230cc all-aluminum engine, generating approximately 25% more power...
Designed under the guidance of Cadillac’s chief designer and protege of Harley Earl, Bill Mitchell, the 1941 Cadillacs made a bold and refreshing entrance into the automotive market, achieving record-breaking sales. These vehicles featured smooth, sculpted bodies adorned with chrome accents that gracefully enhanced their flowing contours. Notably, the distinctive...
In 1915, Mercer cars were equipped with a 298 cubic inch side-valve four-cylinder engine, featuring single ignition and a 4-speed transmission. The engine, with a 3 3/4″ bore, was rated at 22.5 NACC horsepower, and initial versions were reported to produce 70 brake horsepower. Brakes were exclusively fitted to the...
The Trident Venturer represented an evolution of the Clipper, which originally emerged as a design concept by Trevor Fiore, commissioned by TVR and showcased at the 1965 Geneva Salon. During one of its recurring financial challenges, the sports car manufacturer from Blackpool sold the Clipper project to Bill Last, one...
Carrozzeria Touring’s historic connection with Alfa Romeo dates back to the late 1920s and continued after World War II. In 1958, the 102-Series 2000 cars were introduced as successors to the 1900 line. Interestingly, production of the Touring-bodied Spider version exceeded that of the Berlina, with 3,443 soft-top Spiders crafted...
Former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett eloquently described the V8 as “a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast, and immensely safe.” This iconic model came in various variants, with one of the most exclusive being the Volante convertible. The Volante made its debut in June 1978, responding to customer demands...
The DB6 Vantage has garnered acclaim for its enhanced handling, exceptional grip, and impressive braking performance. It achieved an impressive top speed of 148mph, and its quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds was the quickest ever recorded by the magazine for a four-seater vehicle. Even at speeds of 120mph, the Aston...
Ferruccio Lamborghini’s inaugural production car, the 350 GT with Touring styling, made its debut at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. It boasted a magnificent four-cam 3.5-liter V12 engine, crafted by Giotto Bizzarrini, and found its home in a chassis engineered by Gianpaolo Dallara. The lineage of front-engined Grand Tourers continued...
To broaden the appeal of the already successful DB2, Aston Martin introduced the 2+2 DB2/4 in October 1953. This version underwent extensive rear-end modifications, accommodating two occasional seats and offering more luggage space with a hatchback rear door—an early application of this now-common feature. It also featured a raised roofline,...
Bentley’s timeless Continental sports saloon has epitomized the art of luxurious high-speed touring since its debut on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the emergence of Rolls-Royce Ltd’s final generation of six-cylinder vehicles, including the new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental adapted without losing its exclusive allure. Later...
The 365 GTB/4, better known as the Ferrari Daytona, is an iconic vehicle that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Ferrari enthusiasts. Introduced at the 1968 Paris Salon, this car quickly earned its unofficial “Daytona” moniker in tribute to Ferrari’s remarkable 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 Daytona...
The Impala name originally graced the two-door hardtop coupé and convertible versions of Chevrolet’s Bel Air in 1958. However, it later evolved to represent a prestigious luxury trim level rather than a separate body style. In the marketing campaign titled ‘All New, All Over Again,’ the 1959 Chevrolets displayed a...
After World War II, Rolls-Royce initiated post-war production with the introduction of the Silver Wraith and Bentley MkVI models. While maintaining the traditional separate chassis for these two new additions, there was a significant departure as standard coachwork became available for the first time. This new “standard steel” body, manufactured...
Similar to the majority of British automobile manufacturers after World War II, Jaguar Cars, which had been renamed from William Lyons’ SS concern in 1945, initiated post-war production with a lineup of pre-war designs. These vehicles were essentially interim models, intended to bridge the gap until an entirely new generation...
In 1929, the Phantom II was unveiled as the successor to the New Phantom, which is now known as the Phantom I in retrospect. Deliveries of the Phantom II commenced in September of the same year. In contrast to its predecessor, which inherited its foundation from the earlier 40/50hp Silver...
The Austin-Healey 100, designed by Donald Healey, caused a sensation at the 1952 London Motor Show. Initially intended for the US market, it used major components from the Austin Atlantic saloon. Originally badged as the ‘Healey Hundred,’ it was later renamed ‘Austin-Healey’ after Austin’s Leonard Lord bought the design rights...
In 1969, the first-generation Camaro, which had made its debut in 1967, saw its final year. Extensive changes were made to the 1969 model, as it prepared to make way for a redesigned Camaro in 1970. Perhaps the most striking of these changes was in its styling. Nearly all of...
Introduced in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 built upon the success of the XK120 with several refinements. The main engineering changes included moving the engine three inches forward and adopting rack-and-pinion steering from the racing C-Type. Suspension and brakes saw minor updates, with stiffer torsion bars in the front and telescopic...
The introduction of the 250 Europa marked a pivotal shift in Ferrari’s preferred coachbuilder. While Vignale had previously been the favored carrozzeria among Maranello’s clientele, Pinin Farina (later Pininfarina) took the lead from that point forward. Pinin Farina’s design experiments culminated in a new Ferrari 250 GT road car, which...
By the early 1930s, Ettore Bugatti had firmly established an unmatched reputation for crafting automobiles renowned for their exceptional performance, whether on the road or the race track. The world’s most esteemed racing drivers celebrated numerous triumphs with the Molsheim factory’s creations, often selecting them as their everyday means of...
Hudson achieved significant success with its innovative “step-down” models, such as the Hornet, introduced in the post-World War II era. However, their journey to continued triumph was fraught with uncertainties, as demonstrated by the less fortunate fate of the compact Jet, which made its debut in 1953. Regrettably, the Jet...
In 1955, Chrysler established Imperial as its distinct brand, marking a significant shift in their approach. This pivotal year witnessed a complete overhaul of all five Chrysler lines, a transformation known as the ” $100 Million Dollar Look.” Thanks to the visionary design of Chrysler’s chief, Virgil Exner, the company...
The ‘Bullnose’ Oxford, one of the most iconic and easily recognizable vintage cars, traced its origins back to the Edwardian era. The initial models, equipped with 8.9hp White & Poppe engines, rolled off the production line in 1913, embodying Morris’ successful strategy of offering technically straightforward yet well-constructed and well-appointed...
Talbot, the most prosperous division within the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq amalgamation, might have avoided its 1935 acquisition by Rootes if it hadn’t been tethered to its less robust partners. The company’s strong standing was the result of a series of meticulously engineered vehicles designed by Swiss-born Georges Roesch, who had an unyielding...
Introduced in 1919 as a more affordable companion to the Hudson brand, the initial Essex model boasted a powerful four-cylinder engine with an impressive 180 cubic inches (2.9 liters) displacement, delivering a remarkable 55 horsepower, setting a new standard in its class. Essex quickly gained a reputation for both high...
Despite its founding in the 1920s, the precursor to Mazda Motor Corporation didn’t embark on the mass production of passenger cars until 1960. Just four years later, the Japanese company unveiled its initial prototype featuring a rotary engine, having secured the rights to manufacture engines designed by NSU’s Wankel. In...
Datsun, now known as Nissan, built its US reputation with the iconic 510 sedan, often called “the poor man’s BMW.” However, before the 510, Datsun cautiously entered the US market with simpler and more affordable models. The first was the 1.5-liter “Fairlady,” a right-hand-drive model from the home market. While...