{vsig}1995-12_1718{/vsig} In its long series of 1920s Type 35 models, Bugatti produced the quintessential vintage sports car. The original roller-bearing unsupercharged straight-eight Type 35 made its debut in the Grand Prix de l’ACF race at Lyon-Givors in 1924, and the production plain-bearing unsupercharged Type 35A soon followed. This intriguing example, […]
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1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/S Daytona
In 1950 Alfa Romeo introduced the 1900, a modern sporting saloon with some unmistakable family traits. At about the same time as the management were firmly directing the company down this new road, they lost all sense of direction so far as competition cars were concerned. It wasn’t that Alfa […]
1996 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG
The huge aftermarket in performance equipment shows just how restless many enthusiasts are about production cars. Most of us have made changes ranging from replacing engine and suspension parts to installing complete drivetrains. The results are usually a mixed bag but we never quit trying. Major manufacturers do little better, […]
1955 Aston Martin DB2/4
Fine car though the Aston Martin DB2 was, its sales had been affected by the limitations of two seats and minimal luggage space. Aston Martin thus redesigned the rear of the car to enable two occasional rear seats to be installed, at the same time raising the roof line slightly […]
1965 Maserati Mistral
The Maserati name is the oldest and most respected in motoring history the world over. Established in 1926 by racing driver Alfieri Maserati and his brothers, it began as a racing marque and developed into a sporting one. The production of road cars started in 1958 with the glamorous 3500GT, […]
Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 “Rimoldi”
The Rimoldi Alfa, named after its owner of over 50 years, is one of the most coveted cars of the pre-war era. The 8C-2300 series is regarded by many as engineer Vittorio Jano’s production car masterpiece. By 1930, Jano recognized that the incredible racing superiority of his 6C-1750 supercharged cars […]
1904 Mercedes-Simplex
The Mercedes, with its pressed steel frame, honeycomb radiator, mechanically operated inlet valves, gate-change gearbox and other advanced features was truly the fore-runner of the modern motorcar, and in its day was widely copied by manufacturers both in The Mercedes, with its pressed steel frame, honeycomb radiator, mechanically operated inlet […]
1931 Bentley 4 1/2-Liter “Blower”
The 4 1/2-liter Bentley was the last of the traditional big sporting cars with four-cylinder engines. In concept it was a scaled up three-liter with the same bevel-driven overhead-camshaft and non-detachable cylinder head, but output was up to 110-115 bhp and maximum speed to over the 90 mph mark. The […]
Ferrari 250 Le Mans
Le Mans: one of the most evocative names in the history of motor racing, and the one which identifies one of the most charismatic Ferraris ever built, the 250 Le Mans Berlinetta. The early 1960s were a time of great change and development at Maranello. Well into his second decade […]
1973 Lamborghini Espada 400GT Coupe
Ferrucio Lamborghini’s desire to include a four-seater GT in his line up of models was granted when in the spring of 1968 the Espada was exhibited at the Geneva Salon. The stylists at Bertone had created a distinctive vehicle, far out in appearance yet eminently practical. With 150 mph performance […]