Touring of Milan Archives - A Career of Great Car Articles by John Matras

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…

2006 Pontiac Solstice: A solstice-tested Pontiac Solstice

Contemporary review in CarBuzzard on December 23, 2005 We indulged ourselves one afternoon. We put the top down on a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. That’s not…

1959 Toyopet Crown Custom: Toyota’s initial U.S. failure a lesson for later success

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…

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…

1965 Matra-Bonnet Djet: The first mid-engine production car

Originally published in AutoWeek, April 25, 1988. 1965 Matra-Bonnet Djet, photos by John Matras. Europa. Miura. Manguta. Dino. Stratos. Pantera. Countach. Boxer. Bora. Esprit. M1.…

Volkswagen Corrado G60 and SLC: The short run of a German sprinter

History/driving impressions originally published in Sport Compact Car, August 1999 Volkswagen called it the Corrado, allegedly from the Spanish correr, to sprint or run. And…

Dodge Diamante: “Chrysler Corvette” never got beyond Mopar show car

History originally published in AutoWeek September 11, 1989 To have worked for Dodge in the ‘60s and to have the Hemi, and then look at…

1984 Audi Sport Quattro: Ingolstad’s civilized rally car proves a “Thriller B”

History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek April 26, 1993; republished by the author Audi excised 12.6 inches from the wheelbase of the standard Quattro coupe…

1991-’92 Dodge Spirit R/T: Delightfully Wicked

Originally published in Examiner.com January 5, 2010 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T; Dodge photo There's something delightfully wicked about a mundane four-door family sedan being muscled…

Trouble Afoot

Feature about how I lost my driver's license (and more) due to epilepsy, originally published in AutoWeek June 26, 1995 Can I go home now?…

1988-89 Chevrolet Beretta GTU: One hit racetrack wonder

Originally published in Sport Compact Car March 2001 In 1988 Chevrolet went racing in the IMSA GTU class and that, simply, is the reason for…

Cobra 289: Born to run

History/driving report originally published in Special Interest Autos August 1990 Timing is everything, or at least as important as talent or skill. Being there at…

1982 Lancia Zagato: A car we should have loved more

History originally published in AutoWeek June 26, 2000 You should have regrets, America. But Italy, it’s partly your fault as well. A car with pretty,…

Review: 1994 Toyota Supra

Review originally published in Road and Track Specials 1994 Buyers Guide You can see it in their eyes, from the round-eyed wonder of little boys,…

America’s first rotary: Curtis-Wright Mustang

History originally published in AutoWeek June 4, 1984 A little-known chapter in American automotive history began in 1958 in a small white building on the…

1976 Lancia Scorpion: In Search of a Stinger

Originally published in European Car, August 1994 1976 Lancia Beta Scorpion, photos by John Matras What a concept. The country that gave us the Fiat…

Subaru Streega: Could this be the next stage in car-based SUVs?

Concept drive originally published in Open Road, Summer 1996 As a matter of history, the first Subaru with four-wheel drive was based on the company’s…

The De Tomaso Mangusta: The best car in the world, the worst car in the world

History/driving impressions originally published AutoWeek October 26, 1988; republished by the author The De Tomaso Mangusta. All the visual impact of the wrong end of…

1978 Dodge Warlock: Playing with Adult Toys

History originally published in AutoWeek October 29, 1978 Dodge advertised “Adult Toys” in the late 70s. To Dodge dealers, this meant trucks: 4x4 Ramcharger SUVs…

Saab Sonett I: The open sports car the Swedes should have produced

Originally published in VW & Porsche, June 1990 The winter nights around Trollhattan are cold and long and snow is always on the ground. But,…

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