We open the smallish front doors, typical of open cars of the 1920s, and climb in. Chris Kidd pulls down the spark lever on the big Lincoln open tourer’s steering wheel hub and then eases out the choke, flicks the key, and steps on the starter pedal. The starter spools up, kicks the engine over,...
More than half a century ago, Turkey’s first passenger vehicles went into mass production—Anadol. Manufactured by Istanbul-based Otosan Otomobil Sanayii (“Otosan Automotive Industry”), Anadol produced seven different models from 1966 to 1991. Behind all of this industriousness was Ankara-born philanthropist and entrepreneur Vehbi Koç (1901–1996), who did an astonishing amount to energize Turkey’s economy in the...
Pontiac had built a well-deserved reputation as General Motors performance division by 1967. Innovative performance enhancing engineering, matched with attractive but aggressive styling, set the division apart from the pack. The legendary Wide-Track chassis introduced in 1959 captured the public’s imagination and the automotive media’s praise. Motor Trend magazine named Pontiac Motor Division Car of the...
For a moment, let us explore the children’s section of Vintage Road & Racecar. What children’s section you ask? In the background, I can hear a quiet chorus of, “We have a children’s section? Who knew?” Yes, cars and car stories are not the exclusive experiences of adults. Ask any adult about their first car...
Mark Hyman is the proprietor of Hyman Ltd in St. Louis, Missouri (https://hymanltd.com/). Founded in a rented garage, in 1989, the company has become a premier buyer and seller of antique, classic, and special interest automobiles. They currently occupy a 67,000 square foot facility that houses their sales department, restoration and repair facilities, as well as their showroom...
“Bella figura” is Italian for “beautiful figure.” Winston Goodfellow uses the phrase in the title of the section of his book, “Ferrari – Road and Racing,” on the 250 GT/L, aka Berlinetta Lusso. Preston Lerner, in his book “Speed Read – Ferrari,” says about the 250 GT/L, “The reason it’s remembered so fondly is because...
What are the ingredients for a good rally? Breathtaking scenic roads, unique cars and great people, but also some surprises and the “Wow”effect! The Indochina Road Classic had it all. The variety of vehicles made it a real cruising museum, with 21 cars and two motorcycles. From the oldest, the 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, we...
The Studebaker Corporation built some significant and beautiful vehicles during its more than a century in business. Their horse drawn vehicles, from Conestogas to hearses, were known for their quality and durability. The automobiles built with the Studebaker name on them ranged from buggy-like electrics to some of the prettiest American cars ever built. There...
On May 23, 1945, the British wartime government came to an end and on July 5 voting took place to elect a new government. The result of the election surprised, but did not altogether shock, Winston Churchill, who had campaigned for a re-election. There were, however, more than a few hints in the run-up to...
China has contributed many great things to the world throughout the ages. Gunpowder, paper, printing, the umbrella and the compass are among their many contributions to society, however Chinese luxury automobile manufacturing is not on most historian’s lists. Most people, including many car enthusiasts, are unaware of the fact that China produced hand-made, luxury limousines,...
When you think of classic British cars made in East Anglia, surely the first marque that springs to mind is Lotus, which since 1966 has been based in Hethel, Norfolk. But any enthusiast of exotic sports cars of the mid-’60s to early ’70s should be aware—or be made aware—of another legendary East Anglian automobile name:...