History originally published in Automobile Quarterly Volume 36, Number 2; February 1997 Carmakers usually keep a shroud of secrecy over future products, as it’s unwise to tip your hand in the poker game of the automobile market. Why let the other guy know what you have in hand? Whether smashingly bold or more of the […]
1967 Dodge Dart GT convertible: Piece of Americana goes grand touring and topless
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek February 9, 1989 Certainly “turbo” was the most overused automotive term of the 1980s, misapplied to everything from computers to washing machines. But at least when it came to automobiles, if it said “turbo” on the outside, there was probably a turbocharger on the inside. Unfortunately there was no […]
Ford Probe: Sporty econocar or Thunderbird stand-in?
Review originally published in Road & Track Car Buyer’s Guide 1997 Once destined to replace the Mustang as a properly down-sized, front-drive import-pretender, the Ford Probe instead became an in-house alternative to the rear-drive ponycar. Where the Mustang is bold, the Probe exhibits finesse. Where the Mustang is raucous, the Probe is harmonious. Where the […]
Kaiser Darrin: In the wrong place at the wrong time
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek August 10, 1986 “Henry, this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” gushed Henry Kaiser’s new bride. She was speaking to the Hoover-Dam-building, Liberty-ship-making, self-made millionaire who, with Joe Frazer of Maxwell-Chalmers/Chrysler/Willys-Overland/Graham-Paige fame, went automobile manufacturing after the war. What she was speaking about was Howard “Dutch” […]
1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS-6: Heavy breathing in the aviary
Cars 1996 Contemporary review originally published in Road & Track Sports & GT 1996 We know, as you do, that the pony car concept is 30 years old. The layout, front engine with live rear axle, is primitive and has more technical shortcomings than D.C. Has lobbyists. GM’s small-block V-8 is – ready for this? […]
1912 Simplex 50 HP Tourabout: Quality construction, sporting luxury powered by 10 liters
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek July 20, 1987 Rolling down the highway at 50 mph, the only sounds come from the wind as it whistles around the windshield and the gentle shushing of the drive chains, that and good conversation. Ahead, under the doghouse -shaped hood, four 5 ¼ inch pistons glide through a […]
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