History/driving impessions originally published AutoWeek September 27. 1999; republished by the author If there is a single icon for the automotive 1950s, it’s the tailfin. And although Cadillac in 1959 is usually cited for the ultimate fins, the case can be made for the 1960 Plymouth line. The Plymouth’s fins were just as tall as […]
Land Rover Defender 110: No doubt, the redoubtable Brit
Contemporary review originally published in Road & Track Sport-Utilities, Pickups & Vans Buyer’s Guide 1993; republished by the author No doubt, from the bottom of its 16-in. Michelin mud-and-snow tires to the top of its Paris-Moscow-Beijing Rally externally mounted rollbar, the Land Rover Defender 110 looks like a prop for a Banana Republic window display. […]
1969 AMC Javelin SST 290: American Motors fields pony car-era bruiser-cruiser
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek October 22, 1990; republished by the author Growing up in the ‘60s, you were a Ford guy, a Chevy guy, or maybe – if you are real free thinker – a Chrysler guy. But nobody was an American Motors guy – or at least would admit to it very […]
1968 Alfa Romeo T33 Stradale: Dancing-in-the-street version of a prototype
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek February 1, 1999; republished by the author Like a persistent back-seat driver, the 2.0-liter V8 yammers incessantly. Sucking air and high test spritzed into the velocity stacks I can see in the rear-view mirror, it nags “Faster, faster,” and my right foot is all too ready to comply. The […]
1975 Ferrari 308GT4: The new Ferrari designed for a new era
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek November 7, 1994; republished by the author I have a secret, but I’ll tell you because we’re old friends and I know I can trust you. Ready? O.K. The Ferrari 308GT4 is a great car. Really. Yeah, I know you’ve read otherwise, but bear with us and I’ll explain. […]
1985 Maserati Quattroporte: Italian definition of a four-door makes a statement
History/driving impression originally published in AutoWeek November 12, 1990; republished by the author English is an efficient and purposeful language, but Italian is more exquisite and elegant. Consider the descriptive and direct term “four-door.” Then consider the Italian equipment: “Quattroporte.” Say it Italian-style, pronouncing the final “e” (as a long “a”), and you can barely […]
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