Profiles
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1967 MGB-GT Coupe
The MGB was introduced in 1962 as an answer to the growing knowledge and desire of economically minded enthusiasts for a more powerful and also more comfortable sports car. Although stronger and larger than the MGA, from which it is derived, the MGB actually weighed 40 pounds less and its performance was substantially improved over…
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1959 Maserati 5000 GT
When the Shah of Persia came to Maserati in 1958 looking for a unique and distinctive gran turismo, Maserati included a two-page description of the sports-racer 450S in the information he received. The 3500 GT, then entering production, was not exclusive enough for Shah Reza Pahlavi, whose garages housed some of the world’s finest cars,…
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1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB Limousine
The Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine made its premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in the fall of 1963. The previous “Grand” Mercedes-Benz were the pre-war 770 models (1930-43), built during a time in automobile history when luxury, power and elegance were at their pinnacle. They were the Daimler-Benz premier product, portraying state of the art…
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1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition Coupe
Last of the “Big ‘Vette” series, the 1982 Corvette lineup included a built-to-order-only Collector Edition model. Distinguished by more than just special paintwork, though of course it had that too, the Collector Edition featured an opening hatchback rear window in place of the previous fixed backlight. As well as a unique silver-beige metallic, “fading shadow”…
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1967-74 Triumph GT6
A “poor-man’s XKE” is what some call the Triumph GT6. They share a six-cylinder engine and fastback styling, both rarities in English cars of their era. And they both boast independent rear suspensions and relatively luxurious interiors. The fact that the GT6 can be bought for less than one-fifth the price of an E-type coupe…
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1998 Ferrari 456 GTA
When Ferrari released the 456 GT it changed the perception of a high-performance 2+2. Refined and elegant comfort and performance were the orders of the day, and the Pininfarina-designed body is as intensely beautiful as the car is luxurious and fast. Powered by a sporty 436-hp V12 engine, with a four-speed automatic (456 GTA), its…
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1931 MG Montlhery Supercharged C-Type Midget
Keen to increase car sales, MG decided to attempt to set the Class “H” 750-cc World Speed Record at over 100 mph. A prototype racing car, called the C-Type, was prepared for the 1931 season and George Eyston promptly took the Class “H” record over 5 kms at Montlhéry in January 1931 at 103 mph.…
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1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III
In the early 1970s, Bertone’s brilliant chief designer Marcello Gandini was developing a new show car for one of Italy’s wealthiest men-and its newest automaker-Ferrucio Lamborghini. Lamborghini’s intent was to create superlative grand touring cars for the world’s richest and most powerful men. Having started with the graceful 350 GT and 400 GT 2+2, he…
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1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
The third-series Mercedes-Benz roadster, the 230SL, was introduced in March 1963 at the Geneva Show, succeeding the highly regarded 1950s-designed 300SL and 190SL. This new SL (type 113), nicknamed the “pagoda” after the silhouette of its distinctive detachable hardtop, ushered in what Mercedes-Benz felt the automobile market desired and required: a “civilized” sports car. A…
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1970 Plymouth Superbird Hemi Coupe
This is a very rare, very original 426-cid/425-hp Hemi Superbird, one of only 74 Torqueflite Hemi Superbirds built. A Chrysler/Plymouth dealer used this car to increase showroom traffic, and to participate in parades and local Mopar events. This vehicle has just over 9,600 miles on it, and the spare has never been on the ground.…