Contemporary comparison review originally published in CarBuzzard Sept 24, 2011 No matter what anyone says, you can compare apples to oranges. And you can also compare a 2012 Lotus Evora S to a 2012 Porsche Cayman R to a 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 to a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8. At least we will after […]
NSU Ro80: A Car Ahead of its Time
History originally published in AutoWeek March 12, 1984 How very frustrating, how maddeningly, fist-clinching frustrating it must have been to the men who were NSU to look back upon the Ro 80 and realize how close the car and the company came to forming a successful vanguard of automotive technology. To be sure, the company […]
1970 Opel Kadett Rallye 1.9: Imported Sizzle
History originally published in AutoWeek August 5, 2002 The Opel Kadett was advertised as the “Mini-Brute,” and one could hardly argue with the first half of the nickname. The Kadett, built by GM’s German subsidiary and imported for sale in Buick dealerships, rode on a 95.1-inch wheelbase and its front track didn’t even break 50 […]
1939 BMW 321: From bureaucrat to burgher, the war changed many things
History originally published in AutoWeek, February 28, 1983 It was a fitting motorcar for the professional, this new BMW 321, a good choice for the man of accomplishment. It was August, 1939, and to be able to afford such an impressive automobile was a sign of having arrived at that certain station in life – […]
BMW 502: Delicate Sparkle of a Bavarian Princess
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 what was left in the West was scattered to the four corners of the earth […]
BMW Isetta 300: A Perfect Pick for the Pygmies
Originally published in Autoweek, June 20, 1983 BMW Isetta 300; Photos by John Matras The first problem is getting in. Sure, the door opens with a twist of the handle, but it’s on the front of the car. I can’t just slide in from the side like I’ve practiced for years. It’s a learned skill, […]
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