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1956 Mercedes-Benz 220S Sedan “Zippo”
In 1953, Mercedes-Benz introduced the line of mid-sized automobiles that would be its mainstay for nearly a decade. Built using unit-body principles, they were lightweight yet strong and utilized a front sub-frame for mounting the engine. These “ponton” or “roundie” models received a number of motors, from 48-hp diesels in the 180D taxi models to…
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1947 Buick Super Series 50 Woody Wagon
This was the Mercedes G-Wagen of its day, most often sold in high trim levels to affluent customers {vsig}2005-12_1898{/vsig} Buick’s biggest and most elegant woody wagons owe their genesis to a cocktail party in Hollywood in 1941. Movie director Norman McLeod and his wife Bunny invited Buick designer Harley Earl over as part of…
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1965 Shelby Daytona 427 Coupe
Those who worship at the altar of the Snake will kneel and genuflect, but was it ever a real car? {vsig}2005-12_1903{/vsig} This prototype is the only 427 Cobra Daytona Coupe in existence. Following the successful campaign of the small block Cobra Daytona Coupes in 1964, Shelby’s Director of Special Projects Peter Brock penned new…
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1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider
Alfa Romeo’s reputation is built on performance. From the earliest days as Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobile (ALFA), the company dedicated itself to racing as a way to improve its road cars and earn a reputation among enthusiasts. A long string of superb cars followed-the 22/90 RLSS, 6C 1750 Gran Sport, Tipo B (P3), the 8C…
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1960 Ferrari 250 GT “Nembo” Spyder
The tradition of custom coachbuilding died in the 1960s as new technology made “frames” obsolete. Ferrari was among the last constructors still building automobiles with separate frames, and this accounted for the pre-eminence of Italian coachbuilders. The carrozzerie prospered, supported by sporting chassis and powerful drivetrains and nurtured by the Italian passion for design. Such…
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1993 Jaguar XJ 220
This magnificent-looking and supremely well-specified Jaguar XJ 220 coupe is offered here in pristine condition and at a level offering a considerable savings over the list price at launch. The words “supercar” and “sensational” are often to be found in conjunction, and no more justifiably so than in the case of Jaguar’s fabulous XJ 220.…
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An Affair Revisited
Just after Monterey, I got a call that delighted the enthusiast in me, and terrified what remains of the sensible adult. In 1995, I sold one of my favorite cars, a 1965 Alfa Giulia Spider Veloce, to Ken Metzger, a friend in Belvedere, CA, for $22,000. Now, a decade later, he offered the car back…
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1964-1970 Maserati Mistral
If you decide to restore a Mistral, forget the scuba gear and go find Alvin, the Titanic submersible. You will be that far under water The cold wind that gave its name to Maserati’s 1964 Mistral spells the end of summer in the south of France. The model heralded an even colder and more inhospitable…
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Porsche 356 Speedsters
My idea might hold as much water as Oliver Stone telling us who shot Kennedy, but I think it was all part of a wickedly conceived plan The Speedster is widely acknowledged to be the Porsche that spearheaded the company’s successes in the United States and, ultimately, the world. The new open Porsche was the…
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1965 Shelby GT 350
This is a very rare and original ’65 Shelby, one of the few remaining two-digit cars in existence as car #18. Celebrity status is also bestowed on this car as it was previously owned by Reggie Jackson. The car has recently undergone a complete and professional restoration and a professional rebuild of the original engine.…