Columns


  • 2001 BMW M5

    2001 BMW M5

    Originally launched in 1984, the M5 was BMW’s first attempt to add its Motorsport ingredients to the already-sporty 5 Series. As the fastest sedan in the world, its future replacement, the E39 M5, would clearly have big shoes to fill. Unveiled at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, the M5 delivered exceptional performance in a stylish…

  • 2010 Pagani Zonda R “Revolución Specification”

    2010 Pagani Zonda R “Revolución Specification”

    In 2007, Pagani introduced its first track-focused model: the Zonda R. As the most fearsome and spartan distillation of the company’s technological capabilities, the Zonda R is truly the marque’s tour de force. Free from race and governmental regulations, the Zonda was designed to be the ultimate driver’s car, offering the ultimate uncompromised driving experience. The…

  • 1959 Lister-Chevrolet Sports Racer

    1959 Lister-Chevrolet Sports Racer

    Ranking firmly among the most successful and innovative post-war British constructors, Lister earned a brilliant victory tally during its brief original period of activity during the 1950s. Developed in 1958, the Frank Costin-designed, spaceframe-chassis Lister-Costin succeeded the legendary “Knobbly” and served as the final Lister model built. This Lister-Chevrolet, chassis BHL132, has a provenance documented…

  • Birds in the Hand

    Birds in the Hand

    1993 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon Exceed 4WD S/N P24W0400476. 176,100 kilometers (109,500 miles). “2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 145 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque, 4-speed automatic transmission and a 2-speed transfer case, 15-inch wheels, a brush guard, a sunroof, sliding, folding and swiveling second-row seats, folding third-row seats, an information display on the dashboard, and…

  • Wait and Pounce

    Wait and Pounce

    “If it’s not really the car you are looking for, pass on it and keep looking.” Those were Miles Collier’s words to me as I was engulfed by the red mist. I was at a Silver auction in Portland when I spotted a handsome 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. I recall calling Miles from the auction…

  • Fashionably Early

    Fashionably Early

    It’s nice to be first. Ask Jeff Bezos. Or Bill Gates. Or the Netflix guy. And, yes, even Mitsubishi. It didn’t nail it right out of the gate — that came later with the Lancer Evolution (see “Affordable Classic,” July 2021) — but the Eclipse GSX marked a lot of valid firsts for car enthusiasts.…

  • Stamp of Approval

    Stamp of Approval

    Last month, we looked at various factory-supported programs that provide certifications of originality, condition and provenance of collector cars. But those are not the only “stamps of approval” out there. There are also third-party services that provide inspections and documentation to help establish authenticity, although these vary in scope even more wildly than factory programs.…

  • Online Scam Dealers Multiply

    Online Scam Dealers Multiply

    Publisher Martin called and said, “You’ve got to talk to our friend ‘Mark.’ You won’t believe what he’s gotten into now!” Martin had made a huge impression on Mark, telling him how his Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG was the best thing since sliced bread. So Mark started digging around on the internet and located a great-looking…

  • 1952 Allard K2 Special Roadster

    1952 Allard K2 Special Roadster

    Allard built just 119 K2 sports tourers from 1950 to 1952 and — now as then — each K2 is appreciated for its impressive performance potential on both road and track, as well as its distinctive styling and exclusivity. This K2, chassis number 91K3019, is something more special yet. As Allard documentation on file confirms,…

  • 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

    2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

    This ultra-rare and ultra-low-mileage U.S.-specification Porsche 911 GT3 RS is believed to be one of only 26 delivered to the U.S. in the dazzling combination of Aqua Blue Metallic with contrasting Guards Red graphics and wheels. Delivered new to Porsche of Spokane, WA, this GT3 RS has been cherished its entire life, showing only 374…