History originally published in AutoWeek August 3, 1992 Who would have believed that Toyota, maker of the 1959 Toyopet Crown, would have become the international automotive juggernaut of today? Toyota products have been almost immovable from the upper reaches of customer satisfaction studies. In 1959 America, they were often simply immovable–except by tow truck. Toyota’s […]
1956 Chrysler New Yorker: Styled in a flight of fancy, but the power was very real
History originally published in AutoWeek October 31, 1988 Chrysler called it “Flightswept” and although 1956 didn’t bring the ultimate in befinned automotive extravaganzas from Chrysler styling chief Virgil Exner – memories of the Chrysler Airflow were still too recent to rush into things – the trend was definitely set. Advertisements showed the cars not very […]
1989-1991 Peugeot 405 Mi16: Last date
History originally published in Sport Compact Car January 2001 If looks could kill, the Peugeot 405 Mi 16 could be the love of your life. The Peugeot (say poo-joe and you’re close) 405 Mi 16 is as taut, lean and sexy as a four-door, three-box sedan could be. It debuted in 1988 as Europe’s Car […]
Renault 8 Gordini: Semi-rhapsody in blue
History originally published in AutoWeek April 16, 1984 Saying “Gordini” in France is like saying “Shelby” in America. Not only do both names mean automotive performance, but if you don’t stretch the analogy too far, there are similarities between the careers of the men behind the names, Amedee Gordini and Carroll Shelby. Each had begun […]
Cord 810 Westchester: Wurlitzer on wheels
History originally published September 7, 1984 America was a different place in the Thirties. It was a land of coal and coke, iron and steel. It was a time when motor oil was judged by where it came out of the ground. Man was muscle and sweat was honest. The throb of the foundry was […]
BMW 2000Tilux: A sports car for sharing
History originally published in AutoWeek April 11, 1983 Find the roughest road you know: 40-year-old concrete, cracked, broken and rudely patched. Knife-edge ridges and holes. A road that rattles and shakes the torque out of every nut and bolt of a normal car. Loctite and all. Drive the BMW 2000 Tilux there first. The ride […]
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