Author: Chaydon Ford
When does a automobile’s original design and construction change into a hindrance? For lots of us (myself included), the urge to change a automobile will often occur before the keys are in hand. The Toyota AE86 is an ideal example of this; it’s many things to many individuals and, with the suitable changes, can change into an incredibly capable machine despite its inherent shortcomings. While some owners stay true to the purist approach, preserving the unique 4A-GE engine and associated running gear (guilty again), what if you happen to never had those parts to begin with? Case-in-point: the AE86 you…
Beauty was once defined as: “The adjustment of all parts proportionately in order that one cannot add or subtract or change without impairing the harmony of the entire.” These words, penned by Leon Battista Alberti, a Renaissance poet who lived 400 years before the invention of the motorcar, perfectly describe the essence of the Ferrari 206 S Dino Spyder. During Pistonheads’ annual event at Bicester Heritage, I finally had the prospect to see this automotive in person. Set against the backdrop of what was once the Royal Air Force Guard House, the 206 S was elegantly displayed amongst other iconic…
To broaden its market appeal and supply more cost-effective sports cars without upsetting its existing clientele, in 1957, Ferrari began producing models with lower than 12 cylinders under the ‘Dino’ sub-brand. The brand was named after Enzo Ferrari’s son Alfredo (nicknamed Dino), who was instrumental in influencing the introduction of smaller capability motors inside Ferrari before passing away at a young age. The intention was to fabricate road cars and go racing. A variety of Dinos were entered into Formula 2 and lower-capacity sports automotive classes over the many years, and for the road, there have been models just like the 1969 to…
The Sixties were a major time for Lotus. Success on the race track trickled all the way down to the road cars, and Colin Chapman’s company rose up the ranks from a specialist to a serious British manufacturer. Chapman was well-known and infrequently quoted for his “Simplify, then add lightness” approach to automotive constructing. On the track, his cars were considered fast but fragile. On the road, they were revered for his or her delicate handling characteristics. Two cars that were key in supporting Lotus’s success were the Elan and Cortina. They were different cars built for distinct purposes but shared a…
Twin-turbo conversions and outlandish bodykits are commonplace nowadays, with tuners like Liberty Walk each inspiring and upsetting purists in equal measure with their supercar reimaginations. But this isn’t a brand new thing. In truth, it’s greater than a couple of a long time old. One name on the forefront of the unique charge was German tuner Koenig Specials. Koenig Specials was founded by Willy König, whose fortunes made in publishing allowed him to pursue his true passion – racing. Competing under the pseudonym ‘Robert Frank’, König won the German Hillclimb Championship in his Ferrari 250 GT SWB, before racing other iconic vehicles through the Nineteen Sixties, ’70s and…
Introduction If I asked you who essentially the most successful manufacturer within the World Rally Championship was, what would your guess be? Toyota? Incorrect. Audi? Not even close. By the point Lancia had withdrawn from the World Rally Championship, the Italian automaker had amassed 11 manufacturer titles and 4 drivers titles from 46 WRC event wins. While the 037 and Delta S4 which predate the Delta Integrale were more outrageous, this creative freedom got here about because of the relaxed ruleset on the time. Group A got here into effect to attempt to quell the ever-increasing speeds and half-hearted approaches to safety,…
Imp, (noun), a mischievous child or little devil. That word description is hardly something a standard Hillman Imp could embody, but James Williams‘ 1976 Imp – seen here on the Lancaster Pride of Ownership stand on the recent NEC Classic Motor Show – well and truly lives as much as its name. While you consider compact classic British cars from the Sixties and ’70s, the Mini is probably going the primary and, for some, only guess. The Suez fuel crisis within the late-Fifties spurred other manufacturers to offer practical city cars for the masses, and Hillman got here up with the Imp. Hillman’s entry into the foray…
