Columns


  • 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: a “civilized” sports car. A…

  • 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 never been on the ground.…

  • 1958 Alfa Romeo 750 Spider Veloce

    It only took delivery of a few Giulietta Sprints to their new owners in 1954 for word to spread that Alfa Romeo had built something exceptional. Alfa Romeo, caught by surprise, had to quickly figure out how to increase production to meet the demand that far exceeded its expectations. In 1955, it introduced a Pininfarina-bodied…

  • 1998 Ferrari 456 GTA

    When Ferrari released the 456 GT it changed the perception of a high-performance 2+2. Refined and elegant comfort and performance were the orders of the day, and the Pininfarina-designed body is as intensely beautiful as the car is luxurious and fast. Powered by a sporty 436-hp V12 engine, with a four-speed automatic (456 GTA), its…

  • 1931 MG Montlhery Supercharged C-Type Midget

    Keen to increase car sales, MG decided to attempt to set the Class “H” 750-cc World Speed Record at over 100 mph. A prototype racing car, called the C-Type, was prepared for the 1931 season and George Eyston promptly took the Class “H” record over 5 kms at Montlhéry in January 1931 at 103 mph.…

  • 1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III

    In the early 1970s, Bertone’s brilliant chief designer Marcello Gandini was developing a new show car for one of Italy’s wealthiest men-and its newest automaker-Ferrucio Lamborghini. Lamborghini’s intent was to create superlative grand touring cars for the world’s richest and most powerful men. Having started with the graceful 350 GT and 400 GT 2+2, he…

  • Puttin’ On The Ritz

    Amelia Island, FloridaRain is the natural enemy of car shows. Carefully manicured golf courses quickly turn to muddy quagmires and cars that have been meticulously cleaned for judging get spattered with grime. Spectators, rather than trying to snap memorable photos, vie to see who can carry the largest umbrella. All of which makes what happened…

  • 1967-74 Triumph GT6

    A “poor-man’s XKE” is what some call the Triumph GT6. They share a six-cylinder engine and fastback styling, both rarities in English cars of their era. And they both boast independent rear suspensions and relatively luxurious interiors. The fact that the GT6 can be bought for less than one-fifth the price of an E-type coupe…

  • 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Dual Cowl Phaeton

    The remarkable styling of the CG series Imperials was the work of LeBaron, one of the greatest design firms of the classic era. Founded by Thomas L. Hibbard and Ray Dietrich, and later joined by Ralph Roberts, the company established itself as innovative, creative and responsive. Although Hibbard and Dietrich later left the firm to…

  • 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina

    To mark the world-renowned carrozzeria’s 70th anniversary in 2000, Ferrari invited Sergio Pininfarina to submit designs for a front-engined roadster that would capture the spirit of past Maranello classics, such as the 166 Mille Miglia, 250 GT California Spyder and 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder. In its manufacturer’s own words: “Ferrari has always created very special…