The 560 SL convertible was the latest in Mercedes-Benz's long and much loved line of luxury sports cars. Launched in 1983 it could trace its lineage back to the 230 SL of 1963. The 560 SL was powered by a 5.5 litre, overhead camshaft V8 engine producing 227bhp, an output good enough for a top speed of 220kmh with 100kmh reachable in around eight se..
In 1975, the Jaguar E-Type finally gave way to an all new and more efficient Jaguar, the Jaguar XJS. This new luxury grand tourer, although never quite having the same sporting image as the E-Type, was actually more aerodynamic with the final example leaving the production line on 4th April 1996; at that stage 115,413 units had been manufactured du..
Just like the Jaguar Mk. II had done in the 1960's, the BMW M5, newly introduced for 1998, effectively reinvented the popular notion of a sports saloon. Jaguar had just introduced an XJR with 365bhp, and Mercedes-Benz's latest E55 produced 350bhp so, after a three-year absence, BMW responded last with an automotive knock-out punch: the E39 M5. Its ..
Unveiled at the March 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the new Mercedes-Benz R129 Series SL range was beautifully engineered. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell, its sophisticated, all-round independent suspension (double-wishbone front/five-link rear) was augmented by a host of active and passive safety features including electronic stability cont..
The iconic R107 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster and SLC Coupé became so successful in the 1970's and 80's that it became their second longest production run surpassed only by the G-Class 4x4. Originally introduced in 1971 in 350 SL guise with a 3.5 litre V8 engine, it spawned some eight further engine derivatives and numerous options to extend the custom..
The 4973cc, R129 Mercedes-Benz SL500 carried on the tradition of the fast and reliable grand touring convertible from Mercedes-Benz. Born out of the earlier 500 SL models, the new SL500 featured many new and innovative ideas for the time such as controlled electronic damping, automatically expanding roll-over bar and a more modern multi-link rear a..
The motoring press were truly wowed by Renault's advanced MPV Coupé Concept when unveiled at Paris Salon in 1998. Remarkably true to the original design, the 'Avantime', built by Matra, was a genuine mould-breaker that offered a luxurious glass cabin with ‘Theatre’ seating, pillarless side windows and a full panoramic sliding glass roof. The view o..
Karmann manufactured the early 6-Series BMWs from launch in 1976 before BMW took production in-house. The most significant technological upgrade on the E24 range took place in 1982 after which all models were constructed upon the more advanced E28 chassis through until production ceased in 1989. Despite offering high horse-power and a top speed of ..
The Arnage T can lay claim to the title of world's fastest saloon, needing all but the last two spots on its 170mph speedometer. It is powered by another version of the 6.75 litre Rolls-Royce, V8 engine but treated to what Bentley described as 'the most thorough re-engineering of its life'. Other changes included the adoption of a 'drive-by-wire' t..
The Ferrari 360 was manufactured from 1999 to 2005 and succeeded the F355. It is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, V8 powered coupé and Ferrari partnered with Alcoa to produce an entirely new, all aluminium space-frame chassis that was 40% stiffer than the F355. Along with a lightweight frame, the new Pininfarina body styling deviated from traditions..