Profiles
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1958 MGA Twin-Cam
For the debut of its new MGA in 1955, MG wisely chose that year’s LeMans 24-hour race; after a succession of open-wheeled models, there were fears of an adverse reaction to such a streamlined car and it was felt that by showing the MGA in competition first the aerodynamic shape would be accepted as a…
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1967 Lamborghini Islero 400 2+2
Occasionally a product is designed in such a subtle fashion that the general public is unaware that they are beholding a classic. The Lamborghini Islero is such a car. The Islero was publicly offered shortly before Lamborghini presented the stunning 2+2 Espada with Bertone coachwork, and all it did was attract a few ho-hums from…
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1990-93 Mazda Miata
During its introduction in 1989, the Mazda Miata was said to be a replacement for ’60s British sports cars. With its front-engine, rear-drive configuration, tiny 6-cubic-foot trunk, and reputation for great handling, it recalled British two-seaters like the MGB and Triumph TR-4 that were popular in the ’60s. Although similar in concept, the Miata differs…
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1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC
The Mercedes-Benz 450SLC is unusual in that a version was made as a homologation special to compete in the marathon rallies which were popular from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. Unlike modern rallies, where the leading cars are redesigned and rebuilt to Formula One standards, these marathons imposed strict regulations on the entrants…
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1986 Callaway Twin-Turbo Corvette Coupe
This car is one of 50 Malcolm Konner Special Edition Corvettes built by Chevrolet in honor of Malcolm Konner’s retirement from his New Jersey Chevrolet dealership. In 1985, Chevrolet sought a high-performance option to bridge the gap caused by delays in introducing the all-aluminum twin-cam ZR1 engine. Corvette chief engineer Dave McLellan had tried one…
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1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder
The Daytona was the most “macho” of all Ferraris, the last of the great front-engined Berlinettas. When announced, Ferrari claimed the new engine developed 355bhp at 7,500rpm and provided a top speed in excess of 180mph, making it the fastest production car in the world, a title it retained during the six years it was…
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1989 Mini Moke
he Mini has been the parent to an incredible number of ingenious offspring. None has a larger cult following than the Moke. In Britain it was introduced as a baby Land Rover, but it was perceived differently in more sunny climes. The Moke wasn’t a baby Land Rover, it was a fun car. It had…
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1958 Facel Vega Excellence
In 1950, the French Government imposed taxes which wiped out most of a magnificent tradition. Bugatti, Delahaye, Delage and Talbot Lago all disappeared together with the coachbuilders that clothed their chassis with sublime creations. It was a surprise therefore that Facel Vega appeared in 1954. This was a French company offering very expensive cars, yet…
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1965-1969 Corvair Corsa and Monza
The second-generation Corvair was one of the cleanest designs of its day. Although many predicted classic status because of its unusual rear-engine, six-cylinder boxer powerplants, 30 years later there is no shortage of decent cars around $5,000, with $9,000 buying a sharp turbocharged Corsa convertible.Corvairs are delightful to drive, with a light touch to the…
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1966 Porsche Carrera 906E
This superbly presented Porsche Carrera 6 began life as the Racing Team Holland car campaigned in World Championship of Makes-qualifying races by Ben Pon and fellow Dutchman Gijs van Lennep. The first time out at significant level in this 2-liter 6-cylinder air-cooled coupe, they finished seventh overall and first in class in the ADAC 1,000-kilometer…