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1978 Volkswagen Golf GTI
By the end of the production cycle of the air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle, the 1930s-designed car had achieved cult status, but on a practical level it was dated. Compared to modern alternatives from rival manufacturers, the Beetle was limited by its rear-engine platform, as the front-wheel-drive, front-engine setup became de rigueur in the 1970s. While the industry shift…
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2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS
Following discontinuation of the fourth-generation Dodge Viper in 2010, the Mopar fan favorite returned to mark a new chapter in 2013. Dodge whet the appetite of enthusiasts once again with the introduction of a fifth-generation car — this time carrying a new name. The SRT Viper broadened the rear-wheel-drive halo car’s rough-cut appeal. Available in…
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1951 Alta Formula Two
This remarkable “time machine” Formula Two racing car is offered here for the first time after no fewer than 49 years in its current ownership. Furthermore, this long ownership period has seen the car raced once only — back in 1975 — after which it was set aside pending more-thorough preparation, which its still-enthusiastic owner…
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Highway Star
1977 Toyota Carina S/N TA31012280. 4,200 miles. “1.6-liter inline-4, 4-speed manual transmission, yellow, white and blue paint, black vinyl with cloth inserts, widened 13-inch steel wheels with Advan rain tires, AE86 coil-over suspension, Celica Works over fenders, Vitaloni Sebring mirrors, Celica front spoiler, ‘Slit Spoiler’ rear diffuser, Momo steering wheel, air conditioning, Sanyo AM/FM cassette…
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Big Benz Bang for the Buck
There aren’t many high-end sports cars that become truly affordable, both in purchase price and in real cost of ownership. The 2002–08 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, however, is one such unicorn. Typical market prices are less than the cost of a new Toyota Camry, and you get a sweet supercharged V8 wrapped in a sexy folding-hard-top…
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Big Damage, Limited Recovery
It sure seemed like a great idea. “Pete” was flying all the way across the country for Monterey Car Week, and there was a Ferrari he wanted for sale in Monterey. He planned to check out the car, buy it if it was a good one, and ship it back home with an experienced collector-car…
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Auf Wiedersehen
We filled the tank of our 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG for the first time on July 1, 2020. The odometer read 45,389 miles. We had purchased it from a collector in the Los Angeles area for $22,500. SCM Contributor Philip Richter had urged — no, commanded — me to buy the car. He said the…
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1965 Dodge Coronet A990 Lightweight
Chrysler allowed the development of its Hemi engine for one real purpose: to win races. However, NASCAR in 1964 decided that Chrysler’s engine was not acceptable on its racetracks. Plan B was to build a factory car that would dominate the stock classes in NHRA-sanctioned drag racing. Thus was born the era of “A990” Super…
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1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Convertible
Sir William Lyons’ leadership allowed Jaguar to flourish. He had appointed the gifted engineer, pilot and racing technical wizard Frank RW “Lofty” England to lead the company’s racing department. Applying his experience working with Tim Birkin’s team and the Blower Bentley cars, as well as Prince Bira’s White Mouse Stable, in preparing his ERA race…
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1961 Maserati 5000 GT Indianapolis Coupe by Allemano
This 1961 Maserati 5000 GT is one of 34 examples built between 1959 and 1966 and is the first among 22 coupes constructed with Carrozzeria Allemano bodywork penned by Giovanni Michelotti. Named the Indianapolis as a nod to Maserati’s Indy 500 legacy, chassis 103014 was completed in September 1961 before being showcased in the factory…