Category: Classic Cars

No comments

CHRYSLER AIRFLOW

  By ,

After World War I the automobile soon became a dominant part of people’s lifestyles and with its increasing importance the automobile itself was undergoing rapid change. The 1930s began with flared mudguards, wide, vertical grilles and running boards but by the end of the decade, mudguards began to merge integrally into the bodies of most cars, and grilles began to narrow, while windscreens began to attain a backward slope previously only seen on sportscars. In 1934 when Chrysler introduced the Airflow it soon became known as one of the ugliest… Read more

No comments

FERRARI 212 BARCHETTA

  By ,

Enzo Ferrari, the son of an Italian metalworker, was born in Modena in northern Italy in 1898. Because his name has been associated with motor racing since he became a works driver for Alfa Romeo in the 1920s many people assume he has been involved in car manufacture for many years but that is not the case. Even his insignia of the prancing horse is a carryover from Scuderia Ferrari, the name of his racing team formed in 1929 to run the Alfa Romeo entries. Ferrari didn’t start his own… Read more

No comments

CHEVROLET CORVETTE GRAND SPORT

  By ,

In 1957 Detroit’s Big Three agreed to honour a resolution by the US Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) which was in effect a complete ban on manufacturer’s involvement in motor sport. Over the following years both Ford and GM failed to strictly adhere to the ruling and in 1963 Ford abandoned their agreement completely whilst GM continued at least to show a token acceptance of it. However, when news of the Shelby Cobra became common knowledge at least some of the GM people became anxious to give it a run for… Read more

No comments

PEGASO Z102

  By ,

For those not around at the time, perhaps a short history lesson may help to set the scene for background to the Pegaso, a Spanish marque whose name is probably unfamiliar to many. In the early 1950s after World War II Spain was ruled by a dictator, General Franco. The country, which was desperately poor, had at the time only a very small motor vehicle industry whilst other European countries used their wartime production experience to develop automobile production, especially for export, to earn valuable currency. Franco wanted to convey… Read more

No comments

MERCEDES BENZ 190SL

  By ,

In the immediate post-World War II period Mercedes was struggling to get back on its feet. With almost three-quarters of its factories being destroyed it was not until 1948 that the company was able to start making cars again. Initially these were pre-WWII carry over models which continued until 1953 when the company released the 180 Ponton saloon. It was this car that formed the basis of the 190SL. The first prototype was built early in 1954 but underwent considerable reworking before the production model appeared in March of that… Read more

No comments

GORGEOUS JAG GOES TO AUCTION AFTER 77 YEARS

  By , ,

Gotta love an old Jag. Kevin Taylor must have really liked his because he hung on to it for 55 years and it has been in the same family for 77 years. The gorgeous 1935 Swallow (Jaguar) SS1 ‘Airline’ Coupe is thought to be one of just a handful in Australia. Kevin passed away a few years ago, but it must stand as something of a record. To put the car in perspective, the company was originally named the Swallow Sidecar Company and built sidecars for motorcycles. It was founded… Read more

No comments

HUDSON ITALIA

  By ,

It seemed that in the early 1950s whenever American car manufacturers felt that their sales were slipping away they turned to Italy for some fresh ideas. In 1954, not only did Chrysler look to Ghia for some fresh design ideas with their GS 1 Ghia Coupe but Hudson’s chief stylist Frank Spring also used the Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Touring, for a short run of special cars. The Italia was really identical to the 1953 Hudson Jet in its mechanicals but had its own unique body and interior fit-out. It has… Read more

No comments

MG Y-TYPE

  By ,

This sports saloon version of the MG, first released in 1947, was known affectionately as the ‘Y’ by MG afficionados. The model YA stayed in production until 1951 and 6158 cars were produced and then it was replaced by the YB in 1952. The YB was only produced for a couple of years and it was discontinued in 1953 with a production run of 1201 cars. Little external changes were made to the YB but it did get twin leading-shoe brakes and hypoid rear axles. The Y-type was powered by… Read more

No comments

ALFA ROMEO P3

  By ,

Vittorio Jano designed a number of classic Grand Prix cars for Alfa and produced the dual- purpose sports and Grand Prix 2.3-litre Tipo 8C in 1931. In its sportscar form this car was particularly successful winning four Le Mans 24-hour races over the period 1931-1934. Following the 8C, a version with higher supercharger boost was produced which initially was to be named Monza after its first Grand Prix victory at that circuit in May 1931. However, Maserati and Bugatti had cars which proved they were capable of beating the Alfa… Read more

No comments

CHRYSLER VALIANT VH

  By ,

With the VH series, released in June 1971, Chrysler at last gave Valiant buyers a uniquely Australian design. The new model was wider than the previous (VG) model and with its extended wheelbase it looked enormous, despite the fact that, at 4900 mm, it was only a fraction longer than before. The VH Valiant’s cleaner and more rounded lines were enhanced by a reduction in body decoration. The front parking lights and turning indicator lights were moulded to fit flushly above a curved front bumper bar. A hatch-type bonnet was… Read more