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 […]
Archives: Profiles
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 […]
1959 Ferrari 250 GT TdF Replica
The introduction of the 250 GT in 1954 is seen by many as the company’s first serious attempt at making a rational production car and it started a line of some of the most successful GT cars ever built. Of all the 250 derivatives, the “Tour de France” long-wheelbase berlinetta […]
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet
The 300 series, introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951, was designed specifically for the export market. Germany’s postwar economy was desperate for hard currency and at the same time, the U.S. economy was booming. It was only natural for Mercedes to design a car to meet the needs […]
1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special
mericans in the ’50s were fascinated by the future. Newspapers and magazines were full of stories about futuristic technology-rocket ships, jet airplanes, and even television. Car companies were quick to capitalize on the trend, offering a dizzying variety of fantastic show cars. They were shipped from one city to another, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]