Originally published in Sport Compact Car, September, 1996 1972 Plymouth Cricket; Chrysler Corp. photos The Plymouth Cricket is largely forgotten today, but in 1971, it was Chrysler’s temporary future. In 1970, Chrysler Corporation had been rolling in the present. With the 426 Hemi and the 440 Wedge and some of the best styled and engineered […]
Jaguar Mk IX: Great Britain’s Grandest Cat
Originally published in AutoWeek, November 1, 1982 1961 Jaguar Mk IX; John Matras photo. It seems rudely out of place. There, surrounded by the Edwardian library excesses in leather and walnut, is the flat-black steering wheel. It’s a huge one-piece affair made a Bakelite-like material, with four flat spokes radiating from the hub in an […]
AC Aceca Bristol: Predecessor of the “Snake”
Originally published in AutoWeek November 15, 1982 AC Aceca Bristol; photos by John Matras AC was on a roll. Its roadster, the AC Ace, had taken the 1953 London Motor Show by storm, and was having a similar effect on race track competition during the 1954 season. What better way to keep the magic happening […]
Iso Grifo: The Lion and the Eagle
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. Graceful only in the most brutish sense, beautiful only in the expression of power. Son […]
BMW 1600-2 Cabriolet: Blue-sky Never
Originally published in AutoWeek April 5, 1983 BMW 1600-2 Cabriolet; Photo by John Matras It drives BMW owners wild. It makes ‘em crazy. To be sure, others notice the BMW 1600-2 Cabriolet. Some, slant six Valiant drivers for example, ask what kind of car it is. Others, more astute, point it out to their friends. […]
1903 Winton Bullet #2: Alexander Winton’s Great Red Hope
Originally published in AutoWeek February 1, 1982 Alexander Winton in the Winton Bullet No. 2; Contemporary photograph, public domain It was…unexpected. The hood is broad and flat behind the wedge-shaped nose. Low and clean lined, it looks almost modern. Such appearances, though, are betrayed by the tall wheels, narrow tread and the exposed driving position. […]
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