Originally published in AutoWeek, January 3, 1983 There was a time after World War II when it looked as if BMW would not survive. The entire automotive factory, tooling and plans had fallen into the Eastern Sector at Eisenach, and…
Originally published in AutoWeek 1July 19, 1982 The engine has nicknames. The Blue Racer. The Semi-Hemi. The Blue Crescent. Ford’s Porcupine. But one seem to fit more than others. Shotgun. Ford can call it the Boss 429 if it wants,…
Originally published in AutoWeek on February 27, 1984. Wayne Conover bought the car for parts. As the proprietor of Conover’s Cobra Ranch, a restoration shop specializing in Shelby automobiles, he was always on the lookout for Shelby performance pieces, and…
Originally published in AutoWeek, August 7, 1989 If longevity has anything to say about virtue, as it does with, say, the VW Beetle or Citroen 2CV, then the De Tomaso Pantera is pure as the Vestal Virgin’s dormitory and more…
History originally published in AutoWeek, December 27, 1982 For some, a Rolls is to ostentatious. For some, a jaguar is too common and flashy. Mercedes or BMW, too, well, German. Italian cars are simply too exotic. Even a Bentley is…
Originally published in AutoWeek October 18, 1982 Maserati Ghibli Spider, photos by John Matras. Summer nights are special magic, a sorcery that suspends time and makes déjà vu the common experience. A web of warmth and darkness and fantasy. The…
Originally published in Road & Track’s Exotic Car Quarterly, Fall 1990 Evans Series 1; John Matras photos Is this how Colin Chapman started out? Did Ferry Porsche spend most of his time meeting government regulations? Whould Enzo Ferrari have succeeded…
Originally published in AutoWeek, July 11, 1983 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi ‘Cuda; Photos by John Matras Paranoid. That’s what a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi’ Cuda makes you. Paranoid. You carefully scan the road ahead, alert for the telltale roof-mounted light…
Originally published in AutoWeek May 17, 1982 Iso Grifo; photos by John Matras The Eagle. Symbol of flight and airborne grace. Bent, curved, hammered on an anvil of air. Daughter of the wind. The Lion. Symbol of strength and mastery….