Profiles
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…