Originally published in AutoWeek, November 22, 1982 I look in the tiny dash-mounted rear view mirror and all I see is a grill-mounted Chevy bow-tie. To my right is a Karmann Ghia, and I’m looking up at it. In the passenger seat to my left is Allan Modney, president of Automarque in Arlington, Virginia. We’re […]
Fulfilling Francophiles: Peugeot’s gone, but French eccentricity lives on in a Citroen XM gray market
Originally published in AutoWeek, October 26, 1992 Citroen XM; photos by John Matras Unique is an overworked and often improperly used word, so we won’t use it to describe the Citroen XM. The XM is, however, the only French automobile currently being imported into the United States and it is, well, different. As you’d expect […]
1991-’92 Dodge Spirit R/T: Delightfully Wicked
Originally published in Examiner.com January 5, 2010 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T; Dodge photo There’s something delightfully wicked about a mundane four-door family sedan being muscled out and loaded for bear. It’s the automotive concealed weapon, the shoulder holster under a three-piece suit. It’s Ward Cleaver learns Tai Kwon Do. It’s the 1991-’92 Dodge Spirit R/T. […]
MGA Twin Cam: Perfect for the Perfectionist
Originally published in AutoWeek December 13, 1982 1959 MGA Twin Cam; photos by John Matras Pity the poor MGA Twin Cam. Imagine: four years, count ‘em, four years in development, and on the market for less than two. And despite a successful record in amateur racing and even several scores in the big time, the […]
1976 Lancia Scorpion: In Search of a Stinger
Originally published in European Car, August 1994 1976 Lancia Beta Scorpion, photos by John Matras What a concept. The country that gave us the Fiat X1/9 – which Road & Track magazine called “the best handling car in the world” – a big brother, a mid-engined sports car with real beans. More power! In fact, […]
1965 Matra-Bonnet Djet: The first mid-engine production car
Originally published in AutoWeek, April 25, 1988. 1965 Matra-Bonnet Djet, photos by John Matras. Europa. Miura. Manguta. Dino. Stratos. Pantera. Countach. Boxer. Bora. Esprit. M1. 308. Mondial. Testarossa. GTO. Compile a list of favorite enthusiast cars and often as not you’ll find the engine is in the middle. Excuses are low polar moment, front-to-rear balance, […]
What They’re Saying