Classic and Collector Car News, Features and Interviews.
Designed to succeed the Fiat 500, the Fiat 126 continued the rear engine format when it was launched in 1973. Fiat, always keen to keep their costs down, carried over much of the 500 mechanicals to the 126, with the body resembling a smaller Fiat 127. Power was supplied by a tiny two cylinder 594cc single carb engine which produced a mighty 23BHP. A four speed transmission was offered with…
Launched in 1985, the Ferrari 328 GTS was the successor to the well received Ferrari 308 GTS. It shared much with the outgoing 308 model, sharing the same body and mechanicals. The 328 was essentially an evolution of the 308 line, the distinctive Pininfarina wedge design was softened with the addition of colour coded and more rounded front and rear bumpers. The popup headlights were moved higher up the wings…
The VW Beetle is such an iconic car. Its shape and silhouette is unique and it is one of the most characterful cars ever built. We’ve all watched Herbie Goes Bananas of course which helped reinforce the character and personality of these cars. And we have often seen them portrayed on tv as that car on the side of the road with the boot lid up, its tiny little boxer…
The Opel GT was launched in 1968 and was the German manufacturers first attempt at making a modern sports car. Designed by Erhard Schnell, the Opel GTs body was made by French coach builder Brissonneau & Lotz which fitted with Opel Kadett B chassis mechanicals. Power was supplied by a 1078cc over head valve four cylinder engine which produced 67BHP. A much larger 1897cc engine was also offered which produced…
The Fiat 850 Spider was the open top companion to the Fiat 850 Sport Coupe and was launched in 1965 at the Geneva Motorshow. While the Sport Coupe was styled by Boano, the 850 Spider was penned by Bertone. The elegant lines were matched to a rear mounted water cooled 843cc engine which produced 52BHP. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four speed transmission and thanks to…
First shown at the London Motor Show in 1953, the Jensen 541 heralded a new era of glass fibre production cars for Jensen Motors. Designed by Eric Neale and Richard Jensen, the new luxury GT/sports saloon had its body mounted on a steel chassis which had a live rear axle and independent wishbone suspension at the front. While the body was glass fibre, the doors were aluminium with the windows…
Welcome to Part 2 of Take to the Roads adventure on the London to Brighton Classic Car Run. At the end of Part 1 we had made it to the midway point at Chiddingstone Castle. After a short break and some refreshments it was time to set off again and head for Brighton. So did we make it to Brighton without incident? Take a look and see how we got…
Launched in 1974, the Datsun 260Z replaced the very successful and well received Datsun 240Z. It featured an enlarged 2.6L straight six engine which produced 165BHP, though US bound cars were detuned to 140BHP thanks to emissions regulations. A four speed manual and three speed automatic was also offered along with improvements to the suspension which improved the cars overall handling. Other changes included the addition of a 2+2 model…
On Sunday 31st May Take to the Road took part in the 27th London to Brighton Classic Car Run. The event is run by GE Classic Motor Events and they’ve been hosting the London to Brighton run since 1988. The event takes inspiration from the long running London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. However this event is strictly for vintage and veteran cars of a certain age. Which means younger…
Following on from the success of the Fiat 600, the Fiat 850 series was launched in 1964. Fiat successfully employed the same floorpan and suspension setup in the 850 series, carrying over many components from the 600 series. This helped reduce costs and allowed Fiat to offer a Berlina (saloon), Coupe, Spider, Familiare (estate) and a Furgonata (van). The flexible body styles continued the water cooled rear engined format, utilising…