History originally published in Sport Compact Car January 2000 In the early 70s, carmakers were staring at impending emissions regulations and the OPEC fuel embargo like they would the business end of a double barreled shotgun. The tough 1975 California emissions standards threatened entire car lines, and the only manufacturer with a proven ability to […]
Matra-Simca Bagheera: Matra à trois
History originally published in AutoWeek March 19,1984 In the lexicon of animal names written upon the fenders and flanks of automobiles, rarely is there a creature overlooked. Those omitted – the slug, the sloth, and the bandicoot – have been done so purposely. That which the human eye finds ugly and obnoxious will not, with […]
Volvo P1900 1956-1957: Volvo’s first sports car
History originally published is Illustrated Volvo Buyer’s Guide (1993) by John Matras It left as quickly as it had, leaving hardly a ripple to mark its passing. Yet for an exotic Volvo, one would be hard-pressed to find a better example than the 1900. The short story of the P1900 began in 1953 when Assar […]
Yugo GV and GVC: Yugo, he gone
History originally published in Examiner.com 7/17/2010 and news item November 16, 2008 What a deal it was! Look, Ma, a new car–they call it a Yugo–for only $3,990. A Chevrolet Chevette, in comparison, sold for about $5650. Even used cars with dubious priors and suspicious sellers could set you back more, and that’s not considering […]
Boom Box or Sports Car: Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak
Contemporary review originally published in Corridor Today February 12, 1988 Okay, Nissan, we’re on to you. This isn’t a car. It is really the world’s largest boombox. You know, one of those huge radios kids carry around, some of them in electric colors and pop styling (both the kids and radios). Otherwise how you explain […]
1977 Porsche 924: New appreciation for the Porsche they loved to hate
History originally published in AutoWeek August 19, 1991 It’s the Porsche everyone loves to hate. By what’s been said and written about the original Porsche 924, one would think it had square wheels, power by Vegematic and styling only a Kommissar could love. Even with the enthusiastic cooperation of the Porsche Club of America, it […]
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