Columns


  • 1961 Alfa Romeo SZ-1 Coupe

    1961 Alfa Romeo SZ-1 Coupe

    Alfa Romeo’s successful Giulietta range debuted in 1954 with the arrival of the Bertone-styled Sprint coupe, the Berlina (saloon) not appearing until the succeeding season. Veloce models with improved performance followed, and the agile Giulietta SV quickly established an enviable record in production-car racing, notable victories including a Gran Turismo class win in the 1956…

  • 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II  by Pininfarina

    1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pininfarina

    The 250 series was Ferrari’s crowning achievement of the 1950s and early 1960s. The high-water marks of this series have defined the “Prancing Horse” in the decades since, and in many ways, the series set the stylistic and cultural tone, which has grown exponentially model after model. From the lovely Lusso and the sporty California…

  • 1952 Jaguar C-Type Roadster

    1952 Jaguar C-Type Roadster

    Some 54 C-types were manufactured in all, the majority for customer sale, leaving the model rarer than examples of the replacement D-type family. This Ecurie Ecosse C-type has often been listed as having been intended originally for export to a customer in Argentina named Carlos Lostalo. The order was allegedly canceled due to customs difficulties,…

  • 1964 Facel Vega II Coupe

    1964 Facel Vega II Coupe

    In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Hand built, they were, of course, necessarily very expensive — the Facel II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory — and were bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The…

  • A Collector-Car Catechism

    A Collector-Car Catechism

    At times, the SCM offices resemble an automotive confessional. Emails, texts, Facebook postings, faxes and sometimes even old-school, hand-written letters flood in — each missive asking for collector-car absolution or permission. “Dear SCM, please forgive me as I have sinned and bought a car over the Internet without seeing it in person… again.” “Keith, I…

  • Selling “As Is” or As It Should Be?

    Selling “As Is” or As It Should Be?

    An SCMer wrote asking about potential liability if he sells his vintage Formula One car and the buyer is later injured as a result of a defect in the car. He knew he could clearly state that the car was being sold “as is” but wondered if that would be sufficient. He was particularly concerned…

  • Go for Z-Perfection or Nothing at All

    Go for Z-Perfection or Nothing at All

    It’s almost an axiom of the automotive world that an unloved make or model can gain respectability over time. The reasons for this phenomenon are many —changing tastes and fashions can transform a formerly ugly duckling, or advancing technology and engineering may reveal that a particular car was ahead of its time. But mostly, when…

  • 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe

    1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe

    This vehicle is the only known 1967 red/red L88 produced; it has GM documentation in the form of a legible Tank Sheet (Order Copy) that has been validated by the GM/NCRS Document Validation Service. It’s optioned with the L88 427 HD engine, M22 4-speed, J56 heavy-duty brakes, J50 power brakes, F41 suspension, K66 transistor ignition,…

  • 2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe

    2002 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe

    Created by Matt Murphy in 1999 to build specially tuned Chevrolet high-performance cars that were emissions-compliant, modern versions of the famous dealer-modified Chevys of the 1960s and early 1970s, GMMG quickly forged an outstanding reputation. Focusing on the fourth-generation Camaro and Firebird, GMMG created a new generation “supercar” with durability, reliability and modern technology. Clearly…

  • 1968 Ford Mustang “Bullitt” Fastback

    1968 Ford Mustang “Bullitt” Fastback

    • Visually accurate re-creation with modern updates • Owned by Chad McQueen, son of Steve McQueen • Documented on “Celebrity Rides” TV show • Titled as a 1968 Ford • Ford Racing 347-ci V8 engine • 450 hp • 5-speed manual transmission • RRS front independent suspension, rear RRS three-link setup • 4-wheel RRS disc…