German

The M121 4-cylinder engine produced a modest 105 hp and it desperately needed another 50-even 30 would have done the trick Available from May 1955, the 190SL convertible shared styling cues with its grander brother, the 300SL. It was a sports tourer, robustly built and designed for customers who preferred refinement over performance. Well-designed and…

It takes a while for enthusiasts to realize these cars are about craftsmanship and balance, rather than style {vsig}2008-3_2147{/vsig} Mercedes continued its tradition of quality in the mid-1950s with the 220S and 300 model range. The 220S was offered in saloon, coupe, and convertible form. The 220S Convertible (W128) was produced in limited numbers from…

Removing the issues of performance, reliability and dealer service-significant considerations in 1957-the 507’s charms rise to the surface {vsig}2008-2_2134{/vsig} In the early 1950s, BMW covered opposite ends of the automotive spectrum. On the one hand, R24 motorcycles and Isetta bubble cars provided inexpensive transportation for the average German citizen. On the other hand, the large…

BMW reckoned owners could swap body panels in hours for a color change, though people who have tried it say to allow two days {vsig}2008-1_2120{/vsig} Like its predecessor the 507, which bristled with trick technology but ultimately failed to go as well as it looked, the Z1 is a bit of a novelty. But it…

Cost-no-object restorations rarely make sense on production cars, even exciting ones in hot markets, like an early 911S {vsig}2007-11_2094{/vsig} Within two years of the original 911’s launch, Porsche introduced a new model that would satisfy even the most demanding drivers. The new S offered the same vault-like body and chassis, well-appointed 2+2 interior, and 2-liter…

What’s so special about the original 235 911s? Not much, and most of it is bad. But they are different and that was enough {vsig}2007-10_2080{/vsig} In the late 1950s, Porsche began working on what would be a new model to entirely replace the 356. The styling was based on a set of guidelines prepared by…

In the late 1950s, Porsche began working on what would be a new model to entirely replace the 356. The styling was based on a set of guidelines prepared by Ferry Porsche and developed by his son, “Butzi.” The new Porsche was intended to be an evolutionary design and continue in the established Porsche tradition…

The 914 changed the rules. For starters, you paid extra for chrome bumpers and vinyl-covered roof sections. Excuse me? Porsche introduced the 914 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969, and it became available in the U.S. in the spring of 1970. Priced at just under $3,500 (for the 4-cylinder car), an extra $200 bought…