Columns


  • Secret Weapon

    Secret Weapon

    There’s a certain kind of person who’s drawn to Volvo station wagons. Typically, that person is a driving enthusiast who loves the practical applications of a wagon, affording all the cargo capacity of an SUV along with the performance and handling of a passenger car. The “long roof” cognoscenti smile and nod knowingly, hoping that…

  • 1932 Chrysler Imperial Series CG Custom Eight Roadster

    1932 Chrysler Imperial Series CG Custom Eight Roadster

    Seldom is an automobile more closely linked with its original owner than this 1931 Chrysler and Dr. William F. Whelan. A respected Philadelphia ears, nose, and throat doctor, he served for years both in private practice and as an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School before his retirement in 1963. His success…

  • 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500

    1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500

    The original Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was the first Ford to wear the Cosworth badge and was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1985. Launched for sale in July 1986, and based on the 3-door Sierra body shell, it was designed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) and was powered…

  • 1973 DeTomaso Pantera

    1973 DeTomaso Pantera

    This 1973 DeTomaso Pantera was initially sold by Peyton Lincoln-Mercury of Harbor City, CA, and was acquired by the seller in 1983 before undergoing a multi-decade refurbishment. It was completed in the late 2000s and consisted of repainting the body red, building and installing an aluminum 427-ci V8, and replacing the ZF 5-speed manual transaxle.…

  • 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista

    2019 Ferrari 488 Pista

    This 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista was sold new through Ferrari & Maserati of Newport Beach, CA. It has 7k miles following ownership history in that state and Oregon. The car was specified in Blu Elettrico with dual racing stripes over black Alcantara and yellow stitching. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 paired with…

  • 1966 Porsche 911

    1966 Porsche 911

    According to a copy of the Porsche Kardex, this early-production, short-wheelbase 911 was completed on March 24, 1966. It was delivered to Carl Steffens of Mountain View, CA, through Porsche Cars Northeast Inc. of Bedford, MA, one of seven U.S. Porsche distributors during the period. Believed to have been retained by a second California owner…

  • 1980 Jeep J-10 Honcho

    1980 Jeep J-10 Honcho

    This 1980 Jeep J-10 Honcho Edition stepside pickup is one of 1,264 examples built between 1980 and 1983. It has undergone a professional frame-off restoration, and everything was rebuilt or replaced. This Jeep is powered by an AMC 360-ci big-block V8 engine producing 195 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 3-speed automatic…

  • 1968 Chevron B8

    1968 Chevron B8

    Offered here for auction at the 2023 Race Retro International Historic Motor Show is DBE-45, believed to be the only Chevron B8 to escape a racing life and reportedly sold for road use, which is supported by a “pink slip” and letter of authenticity. The B8 proved too difficult for even occasional road use and…

  • The Other Next Big Thing?

    The Other Next Big Thing?

    1997 Honda Civic Type R S/N EK91001011. 69k kilometers (43k miles). “1.6-liter B16B inline-4, 5-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, Championship White paint, red-and-black cloth upholstery, white 15-inch alloy wheels, Type R-specific bodywork, Recaro bucket seats, Momo steering wheel, titanium shift knob, air conditioning, Pioneer head unit, import documents.” Condition: 1-. SOLD AT $35,700. Bring a…

  • Being “Adventuresome”

    Being “Adventuresome”

    It was a humid spring day in 1992. I was standing at a rent-a-car kiosk in Fort-de-France, Martinique. We had decided to take a family vacation to the Caribbean. My daughter Alexandra was less than a year old. We expected terrific French food in addition to the delights of the tropical scenery. When I asked…