Columns
-
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad
The Chevrolet Nomad is by far the rarest of Chevrolet’s so-called “Tri-Five” Bel Air models, produced from 1955 through 1957. The nameplate, which would live into the early ’70s, carries a level of cachet unique to the model. Marketed as a halo model of the Tri-Five station-wagon line, the Bel Air Nomad shared its long…
-
1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
In 1978, Aston Martin thoroughly updated its V8 grand-tourer model and gave it the curious “Oscar India” moniker, a pronunciation of the internal designation “OI” — for “October Introduction” — using the phonetic alphabet. Numerous revisions brought significant improvements in luxury, refinement and performance across the range. Higher-specification V8 Vantage models featured a blanked front…
-
1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop
Following Anthony Lago’s assumption of control at Automobiles Talbot in 1935, the company, now rebranded as Talbot-Lago, shifted its focus to a fresh lineup of sports cars. With engineer Walter Brecchia’s innovative designs, Talbot-Lago introduced a new 4.0-liter engine and modern chassis concepts, alongside a racing team led by René Dreyfus. In June 1936, at…
-
1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa
The 166 Spyder Corsa was aimed at the most sporting crowd — those interested in both circuit racing their new Ferrari while maintaining the ability to drive it in road races and on the street. The Besana brothers (Soave and Gabriele) of Lombardy were perhaps the ideal first Ferrari customers. Both aristocratic, with means from…
-
1966 Fiat Abarth OT 1300
The Fiat Abarth OT 1300 needs no introduction as the embodiment of a GT racer that combines a high-revving small-displacement engine, lightweight construction and inherent agility. To combat excessive cockpit heat from racing, a roof-mounted “periscope” air intake became a distinctive feature, earning it the nickname “Periscopio.” According to Pubblico Registro Automobilistico (PRA) documentation, this…
-
One Too Many Times to the Well?
This coming September, I will be sending my precious and rare unrestored 1964 Abarth-Simca 2 Mila Corsa Short Nose to the Duke of Richmond’s motorsports soirée, the Goodwood Revival. Alert readers will immediately recognize that this is the self-same Goodwood Revival defined by “racing, red in tooth and claw.” There may be old cars there,…
-
Two Porsches, One Serial Number
One of the most exciting Bring a Trailer auctions ever went live on May 7, when a 1967 Porsche 910 (Lot 191750) was offered by a new seller, PSAutomobile. The listing was accompanied by over 600 photographs, and the auction would go on to rack up over 450 comments over the next two weeks. From…
-
Driven to Dance
“Dad, is there any way we can see you dance?” My kids have asked me that many times. Sadly, my short-lived but meteoric career in dance occurred in the era before even VHS camcorders were around. I have no visual records. But here is the written version of the tale. In September of 1971, I…
-
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…
-
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…