History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek May 5, 1986; republished by the author. When the final history of the Nurburgring is written, when the last word have been spent on that asphalt serpent writhing 14 miles through the tall dark evergreens, its great story told once and for all, no grander chapter will there be […]
1978 Dodge Li’l Red Truck: A red-hot hauler
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek March 2, 1987 Overlap, overlap, overlap, the V-8 whispers, telling secrets about its camshaft, gently rocking the truck with the merest suggestion of motion. The column shift lever is at D, forward movement prevented by my right foot on the brake pedal. As light turns green I release the […]
1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega: Great Expectations never realized
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek January 19, 1987 Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where it most promises. –William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well How odd that the Bard of Avon, writing at the beginning of the 17th century, should so aptly describe the 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega. Expectations great and otherwise […]
Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder: The Spyder inside the Daytona
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek December 29, 1986 It shouldn’t have existed, the Daytona Spyder. At least it shouldn’t have been what it was. By tradition, Ferrari had usually differentiated between coupe and spyder versions of his cars. Spyders weren’t just topless versions of roofed models. They were completely different cars, sharing engine and […]
1979-1980 Plymouth Fire Arrow: On target
History originally published in Sport Compact Car May 1998 The 1970s were difficult, bringing us not only John Travolta and disco but also diminishing expectations in automobiles. Every fall brought anxiety. Do I buy this year’s model before they’re all gone, or wait and buy next year’s model which will more than likely be worse. […]
Lamborghini Urraco: Flawed but not forgotten
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek August 11, 1986 I was told to look for the Urraco. The airport at Savannah, Ga., is small and, sure enough, Don White’s little Lamborghini, a ‘74 P250, was the only one at the curb. Don was standing nearby, and, after introducing ourselves and loading my gear into the […]
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