Jaguar is a brand long known for sporty, luxurious British automobiles, but their attempt two decades ago to bring out a fully-fledged supercar did not quite pan out as expected. For the reason, the XJ220 is notable in its development and how it changed when the finished product hit the market. It’s still one of the prettiest cars of the early 1990s, and carries with it a particularly intriguing automotive story. Continue reading Obscure Auto: Jaguar XJ220→
This past Sunday, Nick and I attended the Scarsdale Concours, just a stone’s throw away from New York City. Started in 2003 by a pair of high-school students, this show has grown to a respectable size. This year, the Best of Show winner was this drop-dead gorgeous 1950 Abarth 205 berlinetta, one of only three ever built. This particular one was the last one produced, and the only one with a two-tone paint scheme. It was shown at the Turin Motor show as well, in this color scheme. Hit the jump for more pictures. This car, thanks to its absolute rarity, classy lines, and race car breeding, definitely deserved its award, and we hope to see it at other Concours in the future. Continue reading 1950 Abarth 205 at the Scarsdale Concours→
This is a mythical machine known to many enthusiasts. Anyone who has played Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport will recognize it as the most insane car that british manufacturer, TVR, ever built. It is the Cerbera Speed 12. People who know it, know of it’s insanity, but few know it’s actual story. We will try and set the record straight. Continue reading Obscure Auto: TVR Cerbera Speed 12→
In BBC Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson was amazed at what the Fiat 500 Abarth felt like with 160hp. Well Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris thought that that was still a bit weak, so they upped the ante to 300hp… in that same car the size of a shoe. All of that turbocharged power sent to the front wheel will surely make this thing quite a handful to drive, and it is outfitted as such. The interior looks to be quite racy but somehow they decided a touch of luxury alcantara would be necessary as well. Romeo Ferraris (yes, a name bordering on infringing the rights of two Italian automakers) seems to be a force to be reckoned with. If they are crazy enough to make a Fiat 500 like this, then I can only imagine what they would do with other cars. Be sure to keep an eye on them. More pics below. Continue reading Fiat 500 Abarth Cinquone Stradale, a small beast with a massive bite→
Back when Toyota made really fun cars, the MR2 was their answer to the Mazda Miata. Low-slung, small, and mid-engined, the MR2 Spyder represented a true sports car configuration for the price of a milquetoast Corolla sedan. While it never enjoyed the success of the MX-5, they’re a great way to get a little mini-Boxster for a fraction of the price. Continue reading Secondhand Saint: Toyota MR2 Spyder (2000-2005)→
Everything was indeed accounted for on this immaculate Volkswagen Bus.
Anyone who grew up in the 1960s or 1970s knows what the VW MicroBus is. It won’t win any drag races or autocross events, but its timeless styling and endlessly cool image have kept it relevant since its inception. The Type 2 is considered by some to be one of the first mass-production minivans, predating the venerable Dodge Caravan and its family by over 2 decades. This particular example was present at the 2011 Radnor Hunt Concours in eastern Pennsylvania, and stood out in the best of ways. The blue Mark 1 21-window version was optioned to the roof and one of the best (if not THE best) example I’ve ever seen in my life. More pictures after the jump. Continue reading Volkswagen Type 2 at Radnor Hunt→