History originally published in Sport Compact Car, December 1997 Of all the “could’ve beens,” perhaps the saddest ever is the Volvo 480 Turbo. Volvo hadn’t built a sports car since the demise of the 1800ES after the 1973 model year. The five mph bumper rule that came into full effect in 1974 would have required […]
Ferrari Mondial t Cabriolet Valeo: Now available with the Valeo electronic clutch
Originally published in the 1991 Road & Track Ferrari Special. Suspicion in Maranello is that, with no automatic transmission in the Ferrari line, the market for Ferraris may be limited. Not that it should matter, some say. Those who can’t use three pedals and a shift lever aren’t Ferrari people anyway. Nevertheless, the solution proposed, […]
Citroen 2CV long-term test: Zero to 60 in a new, pre-‘ 68 Deux Chevaux
New-car review originally published an AutoWeek June 10, 1985 I know why celebrities wear dark glasses: Being noticed has its advantages, but after a while all the attention becomes annoying. I know. I’ve driven a Citroen 2CV. I had the 2CV, alternately called Deux Chervaux and “The Duck” by Citroen freaks, on loan from importer […]
Alfa Romeo GTA: Less is more
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek April 14, 1986 There is not much to the interior of an Alfa Romeo GTA. Memory fails all but the most important details, things like highly legible gauges, the Alfa-typical dogleg shifter, the Connelly-leather covered bucket that holds the occupant like a miser holds his ledger. There is the […]
1959 Talbot Lago America: Last of a proud race
History/driving imressions originally published in AutoWeek October 20, 1986 Grand routier. It has that certain sound even on paper, without even being spoken. There can be no doubt that it is French, nor of its meaning, even for someone who doesn’t know the language and even if there is no direct translation into English. This […]
Triumph 2000 roadster: It was anything but a Triumph
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek June 17, 1985 If ever there was an automobile company with a death wish, it was Triumph. Seldom has a manufacturer so eagerly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, run headlong into blunders, or persevered in an incorrect course and survived to fumble yet again. But this is […]
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