Profiles

1953 Chrisman Bonneville Coupe

While this car was created to race, it combines a high level of technical competence in construction with the highest standard of finish {vsig}2008-10_2231{/vsig} Hot rodders Art and Lloyd Chrisman were early and successful pioneers of drag racing with their famous #25 dragster, which was the first to achieve trap […]

1965 McLaren-Elva M1A “Cro-Sal Special”

The Elva-built McLarens, called M1A to distinguish them from the original McLaren prototype, were campaigned by some of the most famous and successful drivers and teams with a variety of powerplants. Their characteristics reflect the McLaren team’s emphasis on simple, straightforward design and rugged construction, traits which had been inculcated […]

1996 Ferrari 456 GT Coupe

I’ve often told people trying to squeak into a Ferrari that if they can’t afford the best example, they really can’t afford an edgy one Not since the 412’s demise in 1989 had Ferrari offered a 2+2, and when the 456 GT debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1992, […]

1955 Jaguar XKD-type Sports Racer

This is the first production D-type, out of long and dedicated ownership, unspoiled and still in its original form {vsig}2008-10_2233{/vsig} XKD 509, the first “production” D off the line in 1955, has a long and interesting history. It was supplied new to New York distributor Chuck Hornburg, who sold it […]

The Unaffordable Classic

A dead DS that has settled to the bottom of the suspension travel is likely to become part of the fossil record at precisely the spot where it died {vsig}2008-10_2230{/vsig} The introduction of the Citroën DS19 at the Paris Motor Show in 1955 had all the drama of Klaatu’s flying […]

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

At its launch, the 300SL cost more than twice the price of a Jaguar XK 140. Today, it’s worth about four times as much Mercedes-Benz returned to postwar competition in 1952, fielding two of its new 300SL (W194) sports cars in the Mille Miglia. The pair finished a creditable 2nd […]

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

Mercedes-Benz returned to postwar competition in 1952, fielding two of its new 300SL (W194) sports cars in the Mille Miglia. The pair finished a creditable 2nd and 4th overall in this most difficult of events, and the promising start was followed up by a win in the challenging La Carrera […]

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

The aluminum heads had intakes that could swallow a tennis ball, which was great for 200-mph laps around Daytona {vsig}2008-9_2218{/vsig} In 1969, Ford introduced a limited-production model to the Mustang line. This addition was the Boss 429. It was the most powerful Mustang, and the name referred to its 429-ci […]

1923 Miller 122 Supercharged

Estate sales can recirculate heretofore unobtainable cars, which-absent their owners’ passing-would have remained tucked away indefinitely {vsig}2008-9_2227{/vsig} Harry Miller’s name may not ring a bell as loudly as Ettore Bugatti’s, but Bugatti acquired Miller race cars to study before producing his first dual overhead camshaft engine in the Type 50 […]

1951 Ferrari 340 America Coupe

“Prime Motoring Fool” Bob Sutherland took a savage pleasure in driving anything, but said his 340 Mexico was just too awful {vsig}2008-9_2223{/vsig} Intended primarily as a competition car for wealthy privateers, the 340 was directed specifically at a new and increasingly profitable market-the United States. Aptly named “America,” the 340 […]