Classic and Collector Car News, Features and Interviews.
The BMW 502 was launched in 1954 and was an upgraded version of the previous BMW 501. They were famously nicknamed the “Barockengel” or “Baroque Angel” by the German public for their swooping lines and elegant detailing. An attempt by BMW to re-enter the luxury car market after the war, the 501 and 502 had an advanced live rear axle arrangement that offered unparalleled levels of comfort. It also had…
The Sprinzel Sebring Sprite was one of the most successful Austin Healey Sprite conversions ever. Starting in 1959, BMC debuted three modified Austin Healey Sprites at Sebring in Florida. Utilising the skills of British Rally Car Champion John Sprinzel, who owned Speedwell Conversions, these Sprites utilised prototype Dunlop disc brakes, larger twin SU carbs and special twin plate clutches. They proved a potent package finishing first, second and third in…
Launched in 1958 by BMC, the Austin Healey Sprite was a small two seater sports convertible that was aimed at the cheaper market below the MGA. Designed by Donald Healey, the Mk1 Sprite was based on the Austin A35, utilising its 43BHP 948cc A-series engine, four speed gearbox and much of its suspension components as well. The body was a monocoque design with the one piece bonnet hinging forwards and…
Launched in 1969, the Maserati Indy was a replacement for the ageing six cylinder Sebring. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti while at Vignale, it was named to honour Maserati’s victories at Indianapolis in 1939 and 1940. The aerodynamic 2+2 Indy debuted with a 4.2ltr V8 which produced 290BHP (later model Indy’s were offered with the 4.9ltr V8 which produced 320BHP) which was mated to a ZF 5-speed gearbox or the optional…
The Ford Galaxie first made its appearance in 1959 and was a series badge applied to Fords top of the line sedans, hardtops and convertibles. Designed to compete with the Chevrolet Impala, Galaxies were offered with a wide variety of engines from straight sixes to V8s, ranging from 135BHP up to 360BHP. Its design was atypical of the time with lots of chrome and large fins giving the car a…
When launched in 1955 the MG MGA was a brave departure from its predecessor, the pre-war designed MG TF. The new streamlined body was first hinted at in 1951 with the Syd Enever designed TD Le Mans car. This car was based on the original TF chassis but due to problems with the drivers seating position, a brand new chassis was designed for the new MGA. Launched in 1955, the…
Our latest Auction Watch takes a look at some of the interesting cars coming up for sale at SWVA Auctions sale in Poole Dorset on the 21st April 2015. Out of all the lots currently consigned for the sale, we’ve chosen a cool 1952 Tatra T600 Tatraplan as the stand out car. In 1946 the Czech car maker Tatra, now nationalised and under the control of the Communist Government, launched the…
The Fiat 500 is one the all time great classics and one of Fiats most successful cars of all time. Launched in 1957, the Fiat 500 Nouva was the perfect small car for city dwellers. It was cheap to own and easy to maintain and like the VW Beetle, it introduced motoring freedom to the masses. Powered by a tiny two cylinder 479cc engine producing just 13BHP, the Fiat 500…
Based around the less successful and generally disliked 924, the Porsche 944 turned out to be a hit for the German outfit. Launched in 1982, it looked like a beefed up 924 but delivered so much more than its predecessor. Its front mounted 2.5ltr four cylinder engine was derived from the 928 V8 and initially produced 150BHP. Handling proved to be excellent and the 944s engine had lots of torque…
While there was no mention of an inquiry into petrol prices fluctuations at the pumps, yesterdays Budget did have some good news for UK classic car owners. Starting from 1st April 2016, vehicles manufactured before 1st January 1976 will be tax exempt, all thanks to the current governments 40 year rolling system. This is great news and means that a whole raft of cars will soon be cheaper to run….