Columns
-
1956 Jaguar D-type Roadster
Jaguar’s magnificent legend was enhanced at Le Mans during the 1950s, where their initial C-type specialized roadsters first won the 24 Hour race in both 1951 and 1953. For 1954 a far more sophisticated sports racing car was developed, which became known as the “D-type.” Entered at Le Mans as factory team cars in 1954,…
-
1962 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe
The definitive Gran Turismo of its era, the Maserati 3500 GT debuted in 1957 and was the company’s first genuine series-production road car. Maserati’s three decades as constructors of perhaps the world’s finest racing cars showed in every detail of the elegant Touring-bodied coupe, from its exquisite, race-derived 3.5-liter engine through its impeccable road manners,…
-
The Stuff of Dreams
STRATFORD-ON-AVON, England As I write this, we are nearing the end of our SCM Goodwood Tour. Yesterday we visited the ruins of Old Sarum, where the builders of Stonehenge are thought to have lived, and then went on to the monument itself. A superb and provocative performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company of “The Tempest”…
-
1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO Convertible
Pontiac’s Tempest went through a major transition in 1964. No longer a shirttail relative of the Chevrolet Corvair, it was fattened up and marketed as a family car. The “sporty” LeMans model featured standard bucket seats and unique trim moldings, but had the same engine combinations as all other Tempests.To enhance their image, the product…
-
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet
Having resumed production in 1946 with the 170 in unchanged, pre-WWII form, Mercedes-Benz introduced its first all-new designs of the post-war era-the 220 and 300-at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951. While the 220 was an advance on the 170, the 300 re-established Mercedes-Benz in the front rank of prestige car manufacturers, marking as it…
-
1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 in response to the Corvette. With the same wheelbase, the T-Bird was designed to be more comfortable and luxurious. The 1958-60 models added more chrome and two seats. This car is one of the rare “J” code cars-only 250 were built in 1960- with a 430-c.i., 350-horsepower Lincoln…
-
1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina
As described by the seller on eBay Motors: This is a USA car converted to carburetors (Webers) as a European model. Engine redone 3,000 miles ago. New transmission, new $3,000 paint with new rubber throughout. Original interior in near-mint condition. No cracks on dash. Extensive work mechanically and otherwise. Drives and looks like new. $500…
-
1962 Ferrari 250 GTE/250 GT SWB Berlinetta
Introduced in 1960, the short-wheelbase was available in street or competition spec, with alloy bodywork on the lighter competition cars. All SWBs were more than capable as road cars,All SWBs were more than capable as road cars, with a level of trim and sound and weather proofing that seemed luxurious for their day. Much of…
-
1968 MGC Convertible
By the late 1960s the MGB, now with a 1.8-liter engine, had been in production for five years and was firmly established in the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. Its performance, however, was outpaced by sports models and-on occasion-tuned sedans from other factories. The engineers at MG’s Abingdon works knew there was plenty of…
-
1966 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C Super Sport
The Flaminia was the first Lancia designed by Antonia Fessici and was the company’s flagship when launched in 1957. Fessici had finally broken with tradition and discarded the previously used vertical coil independent front suspension in favor of wishbones. The engine was a 2.5-liter V6 driving through an aft-mounted gearbox and de Dion rear axle.…