History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek December 2, 1985 The little car growls over the upgrade, barking at the up shifts, snapping at the down, its odd syncopated exhaust blatting in 4/4 time, echoing off walls built by Italian stonemasons almost 100 years ago, ringing off tree trunks that were there when the walls were […]
1984 Lamborghini Jalpa P350: Mimran had a little Lambo
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek August 12, 1996 Ain’t no substitute for cubic inches. No matter how many camshafts you have, adding cubes is almost always a cure for lack of power – even in Italian exotic cars, which should never be lacking in the engine compartment. While it got rave reviews overall, the […]
Maserati 3500GTI: Six for the road
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek April 1, 1985 I really had no alternative. The only reasonable thing to do was to down shift to second gear, moving the lever through the notchy pattern that felt like it should be gated but really wasn’t, and hit the buttons to lower both the passenger and driver […]
Alfa Giulia Spider: Simpatico never was more Italian
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek March 11, 1985 There is something there that loves an Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider. There is an aura, a certain magic, even in the words, that arouses emotion, a definable affection that can be spoken only in Italian: Simpatico. One not need speak Italian to know the meaning of […]
Lancia Lambda: Sometimes one head is better than two
History originally published in AutoWeek February 28, 1985 Idling on the gravel drive, it’s utterly Palladian radiator reflecting the lowering rays the autumn sun, the Lancia Lambda hides surprisingly modern ideas and innovative concepts beneath its classic form. Independent front suspension was rare enough in the ‘20s, but unit body construction – almost universal today […]
1973 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe: What’s not to like
Feature originally published in European Car July 1994 Double overhead cams, tidy handling, Italian style: what’s not to like? Well, how about emissions controls as clumsy and power sapping any on earth? Federal bumpers aesthetic as a double-knit leisure suit on Michelangelo’s David? U.S. smog and safety laws did horrible things to Fiat 124 Sport […]
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