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1981 DeLorean DMC-12
{vsig}1996-2_1712{/vsig} It was in January 1974 that the John Z. DeLorean Corporation was established in Detroit, its eponymous founder having steadily climbed the ladder from engineer to general manager within the American motor industry and recently resigned from General Motors. He soon laid plans to produce his own limited production and technically advanced sports car:…
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1935 Alfa Romeo Tipo 8C Monoposto
{vsig}1996-1_1715{/vsig} This magnificent “time machine” is virtually unique in being a Grand Prix car which has lain completely unrestored and substantially unaltered since it was last raced in earnest over forty years ago. This illustrious car has an exceptional provenance. It is a most important survivor from the epic “Age of the Titans” era of…
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1959 Ferrari California Spyder LWB
{vsig}1996-1_1713{/vsig} While the exact origins of the 250 GT California Spyder are a little doubtful, there is no doubt that Luigi Chinetti, the American Ferrari importer, played a major role in its creation. He had certainly suggested on more than one occasion that a more sporting, performance-oriented car was needed to satisfy the American market.…
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Aston Martin DB5
{vsig}1996-1_1714{/vsig} To many observers the Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of the company’s models from the David Brown era, boasting both beauty and refined high performance. It is also the best-known Aston Martin in the world, having starred in the 1960s James Bond films “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball,” complete with machine guns and other gadgetry.…
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1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 Coupe
When Porsche introduced their first competition designed sports GT – the 904 – in 1964, it was the beginning of a planned policy to extol the virtues of their production cars by building similar engined competition versions that could be sold to customers {vsig}1995-12_1716{/vsig} When Porsche introduced their first competition designed sports GT – the…
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1951 Alfa Romeo 2500 SS Supergioello
Vittorio Jano’s immortal twin-overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2.3-liter engine, introduced in 1934, was later developed by Bruno Treviso to become the 2500 of 1939, and this continued in production in Super Sport guise until 1951. The Supergioelle (Super Jewel) was not an Alfa Romeo model, but a style of bodywork developed by Ghia, and mainly seen…
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1966 Ferrari 275 GTB
Perhaps no car better epitomizes classic Ferrari design than the 275 GTB. Penetrative nose, long bonnet, low cabin and a short, neat tail are the ingredients that make for a masterpiece of sports car design. The 275 GTB drew inspiration from the preceding 250 GTO, and along with its timeless appearance introduced a number of…
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1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Coupe
{vsig}1995-12_1717{/vsig} It was the Paris Salon of 1964 that Ferrari chose to launch his new Berlinetta Coupe, the 275 GTB. It was an evolutionary design from the preceding Coupe’s but considerably more sporting than the 250 GT ‘Lusso’ which it replaced. The recent developments of the Competition 275P and 250M were reflected in numerous areas…
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1926 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix
{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, chassis “4771,” was invoiced for…
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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, usually stuffing in a big…