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Finding Middle Ground
It’s possible that the only thing worth complaining about in Acura’s third-generation Integra is a steering wheel so bloated with a ’90s-era airbag that it dominates an otherwise inoffensive and durable interior. Truly, that’s it. Produced for eight glorious model years, the Integra’s combination of a screaming VTEC powerplant, low cost, capable handling and livability…
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1964 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
A largely original example, this 1964 Cadillac Eldorado convertible was sold new on May 7, 1964, at Smith Motors Company — Cadillac Motor Cars in Elizabeth, NJ. This example would reside with the original family until 1998, when a collector of Cadillacs purchased it. The car was rarely driven by Mrs. Valiant, the original owner, and…
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1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
This exceptional 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster is one of just 823 examples produced for the U.S. market, finished in Paint-to-Sample non-metallic Light Yellow (L117) — a heritage color introduced in 1970 and famously popular on the Carrera 2.7 RS. The original Warranty & Maintenance booklet records delivery on August 14, 1989. According to the clean…
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1968 Iso Rivolta IR 300 GT
Named after Iso company boss Renzo Rivolta, the IR 300 GT was brought to fruition by two of the most influential Italians to ply their trade in the automotive industry. Engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini (of Ferrari and Lamborghini V12 fame) and penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his stint at Bertone, the svelte 2+2 coupe boasted…
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2001 Porsche 911 Turbo
The fifth generation of the iconic 911 Turbo arrived as not only the fastest street-legal 911 of its time but also the most refined. The all-wheel-drive sports car heralded the arrival of water cooling in the 911, with its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-6 engine. Enthusiasts and industry publications alike were enamored with its performance, with Car and…
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1959 Cooper-Climax T51
In 1959, the T51 was introduced as a development of the earlier T43 and T45. Built using a spaceframe chassis, the new 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder Coventry Climax engine sat behind the driver, with the transmission mounted at the rear. Suspension remained the same as before, with independent coil springs at the front and a transverse leaf…
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The Everyman Italian Exotic
It doesn’t seem like all that long ago when 20 grand was enough to own an honest-to-goodness exotic Italian sports car. Driver-quality Ferrari 308 GT4s, Lamborghini Urracos and Maserati Meraks were all within reach for a middle-class wage earner with some diligent saving and a bit of patience. Today, however, exotics from manufacturers ending in…
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Warranted Action
It’s gotten to the point where I get so many robocalls on my cell phone that I don’t answer it when I don’t recognize the caller. Most often, it’s someone trying to sell me a Medicare supplement plan. Next most common is someone pushing an extended warranty on my car. Thankfully, the Federal Trade Commission…
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Adventure Time
Seaside, OR, is just 78 miles from Portland. The route there, out Highway 26, is a relaxing mix of 60-mph roads traversing the Coast Range and 80-mph straightaways through Tillamook Forest. It is one of my favorite “Sunday drives” and I like to make it as often as I can — although it’s even better…
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2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Jailbreak
This 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is one of a limited number of cars built under the Demon 170 Jailbreak program, which offered a list of 40 exclusive paint colors for a select group of customers invited to participate. This car is the sole example finished in Panther Pink and is powered by a…