The Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine made its premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in the fall of 1963. The previous “Grand” Mercedes-Benz were the pre-war 770 models (1930-43), built during a time in automobile history when luxury, power and elegance were at their pinnacle. They were the Daimler-Benz premier product, […]
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1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition Coupe
Last of the “Big ‘Vette” series, the 1982 Corvette lineup included a built-to-order-only Collector Edition model. Distinguished by more than just special paintwork, though of course it had that too, the Collector Edition featured an opening hatchback rear window in place of the previous fixed backlight. As well as a […]
1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 SZ Coupe
The Alfa Romeo 2600 coupe, which made its debut in 1962, marked a return to the high-speed GT cars Alfa was known for prior to the four-cylinder Giulietta series. The six-cylinder, 2,582-cc twin-cam was Alfa’s first “over-square” engine. It produced a lusty 145 bhp and, to cope with the power […]
1973 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
This European-registered car has a 2,418-cc V6, double overhead camshaft, cast iron block and light alloy heads, and produces 178 bhp at 7,000 rpm. It has a five-speed manual gearbox with front and rear independent suspension with unequal-length A arms, coil springs, tubular shock absorbers and four-wheel disc brakes. The […]
1967 MGB-GT Coupe
The MGB was introduced in 1962 as an answer to the growing knowledge and desire of economically minded enthusiasts for a more powerful and also more comfortable sports car. Although stronger and larger than the MGA, from which it is derived, the MGB actually weighed 40 pounds less and its […]
1959 Maserati 5000 GT
When the Shah of Persia came to Maserati in 1958 looking for a unique and distinctive gran turismo, Maserati included a two-page description of the sports-racer 450S in the information he received. The 3500 GT, then entering production, was not exclusive enough for Shah Reza Pahlavi, whose garages housed some […]
Art is Where You Find It
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS, SOUTH PACIFIC Oregon’s a nasty place to be in the winter, dismal with gray skies and endless rain. Hence, when spring break comes along and our eleven-year-old daughter Alexandra has some time off, Managing Editor Cindy Banzer (my spouse) and I make sure our annual vacation takes […]
1959-61 Chevrolet Impala Two-Door Hardtop
The 1959 Chevrolet was designer Harley Earl’s final, dramatic statement before his retirement. While “all new all over again” was GM’s apt description of its entire 1959 model series, it was the full-size Chevrolet that sparked the most controversy both within the industry and from observers.With its signature cat’s-eye taillights, […]
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
The third-series Mercedes-Benz roadster, the 230SL, was introduced in March 1963 at the Geneva Show, succeeding the highly regarded 1950s-designed 300SL and 190SL. This new SL (type 113), nicknamed the “pagoda” after the silhouette of its distinctive detachable hardtop, ushered in what Mercedes-Benz felt the automobile market desired and required: […]
1970 Plymouth Superbird Hemi Coupe
This is a very rare, very original 426-cid/425-hp Hemi Superbird, one of only 74 Torqueflite Hemi Superbirds built. A Chrysler/Plymouth dealer used this car to increase showroom traffic, and to participate in parades and local Mopar events. This vehicle has just over 9,600 miles on it, and the spare has […]