Enrico Fumia of Pininfarina's low slung wedge design with high 'kammtail' was reminiscent of his earlier Audi-based Pininfarina Quartz prototype of 1981. The striking lines of the new Grand Turismo Veloce (GTV) and Spiders, revealed at Geneva Salon in 1995, earned countless prestigious design awards from most motoring quarters. Characteristically, ..
The Jaguar Mk. II perhaps needs very little introduction, especially to the Jaguar enthusiast or follower. Introduced in 1959 in 2.4 litre form, the Mk. II Saloon was somewhat underpowered and soon gained the larger 3.4 litre unit. As if this was not enough, the engine further gained capacity with growth to 3.8 litres that produced a healthy 220bhp..
Introduced to the UK in November 1958, Volvo's highly successful 120-series 'Amazon' was built around a steel-fabricated monocoque. Equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a Panhard rod located rear axle, it quickly acquired a reputation for toughness, longevity, and reliability. Powered by a choice of torquey four-cylinder..
The Volkswagen Type 2 was introduced in 1950 as a multi-variant utility vehicle, known as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus (depending on body type). The first generation of these versatile vehicles (named the T1) was produced with distinctive split-screens from 1950 until 1967. Only two models were originally offered, the Kombi and the Commercial..
The Jaguar XK150 was manufactured between 1957 and 1961 and despite having a family resemblance to the XK120 and XK140, the XK150 was radically modernised. A one-piece windscreen replaced the split screen and the wing line no longer dropped as much over the doors. The bonnet was widened, opened down to the wings and on the roadster, the bulkhead wa..
Founded by Jean Daninos in 1939, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) originally specialised in the production of aircraft materials. After World War II, Facel distributed car bodies to Panhard, Simca and Ford France. It would not be until 1954 that Facel began to manufacture its own vehicle, the Facel Vega FV, unveiled at the ..
The Mercedes-Benz W113 SL was developed under the auspices of Mercedes-Benz Technical Director Fritz Nallinger, Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and Head of Styling, Friedrich Geiger. The lead designers were Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi who created its distinctive, patented, slightly concave hardtop which inspired the 'Pagoda' nickname. The model was..
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE entered production in saloon, coupé and cabriolet form and was one of four models to share the new ‘Fintail’ body style first seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1959. It became the flagship model at the time of its introduction in 1961, superseding the 300 ‘Adenauer’ and would remain so until the arrival of the 600 ‘Grosser..
This impressive Jaguar left the world famous Coventry factory in April 1967. Originally finished in Opalescent Golden Sand with a contrasting red leather interior trim this stylish Jaguar was supplied new to Stapleton Tyre Services of Watford from the franchised dealer Henlys of London.
The car remained in the UK until 1990 when it found a new hom..
The Alfa Rome Type 33 was a leviathan in the Mille Miglia, Spa and other high-octane road-racing events in the 1960s. At its heart was the 2½ litre, V8 engine pushing this classic racer to multiple victories and it is this self-same unit, although de-tuned for obvious reasons, that can be found in the Montreal. Still, 200bhp through the ZF gearbox ..