Retro Roadster: Panther Lima Turbo
Before researching this tip sent over by T.J., I had never heard of Panther Westwinds and its predilection for creating retro-classic fiberglass roadsters. The company was founded in Britain in 1972 by Robert Jankel, who trained as an engineer…. more»
Rare British Coupe: 1976 TVR 2500M
Are you looking for an alternative to an MGB or a TR6 – something you won’t see at every car show? A rare car with common mechanical components that will put its peers to shame on a track? Perhaps… more»
One Family Owner, Original Paint: 1985 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Coupe
The Mondial 8 was initially scorned when it was introduced in 1980 as a follow on to the 308 GT4 – itself a lukewarm seller. Ferraristi always had a difficult time absorbing the notion of a four-seater from Ferrari… more»
Driving Project: 1978 Lotus Éclat
It’s an irony that cars resulting from Lotus’ efforts to move upscale should be found in consistently derelict condition. No one seemed to care about the Elite and Éclat four-seat models once they had racked up enough miles to… more»
Are We There Yet? 1964 Pontiac Catalina Safari
Pontiac adopted the term “Safari” to denote its wagon line starting in 1955. Originally a counterpoint to Chevrolet’s Nomad, it was introduced in a two-door body style. Comparing base models across Pontiac’s range, the Safari was the division’s most… more»
Irrational Exuberance: 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America
How should we value a rare but derelict car? It’s an enduring question, and the answer lies not just with the market but also with the buyer. As we consider this very rare 1955 Lancia Aurelia Spider America, listed… more»
Alligator Upholstery! 1951 Henry J Sedan
Like Powel Crosley, Henry Kaiser was a successful industrialist with a long list of accomplishments to his name – but one abiding objective that neither achieved until late in his career: each man yearned to make cars. For Kaiser,… more»
Fin-tastic: 1960 Plymouth Fury Convertible
Virgil Exner’s excess verged on tiresome by the early 1960s. Fins were fading and automotive design was about to become more conservative. But we’re not the customers of yore, bombarded with over-styled cars everywhere we turn. Against the landscape… more»
Last of the Breed: 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Landau Coupe
If you’re a fan of the largest cars American had to offer, you want to shop the 1970s. This 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Landau coupe was one of the longest cars Chevy ever produced at 222.9″, and the Landau… more»
Estate Sale, Already Restored! 1952 MG TD
Although prices for running-board MGs have declined in the past few years, I’m still surprised this 1952 MG TD hasn’t found a new garage. It’s advertised here on facebook Marketplace for $12,000, and though it hasn’t run in about… more»
For the Brave: 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider
Alfa Romeo was famous for making specialty versions of its production cars. These were not always responsive to performance demands in the market – sometimes folks just wanted a roomy berlina to haul the family. But in the spider… more»
Unrestored 1967 Sunbeam Alpine Series V
In 1959, when Sunbeam produced the second generation Alpine, the best a frugal buyer could do if he wanted a roadster with weather protection was to suffer with side curtains. But the Alpine offered customers roll-up windows, outside door… more»
Rare Project: 1937 Singer Nine Le Mans Coupe
I wish I had a nickel for every British car maker that began by making bicycles – ok, maybe that pile of nickels is only worth a cup of coffee these days. George Singer left Coventry Sewing Machine Company… more»
Glorified Shopping Cart! 1959 Bond Mark F Three-Wheeler Convertible
Some guys just wanna make cars. That included Lawrie Bond, who began his career in England at a steam wagon shop, progressing to aircraft and later, engine work. Just before WWII, he opened an engineering company specializing in aircraft… more»
German GT Project: 1979 Porsche 928
Not only does this formerly brilliant grand tourer look sad, the seller’s tale is sad as well. He is beset with a serious health issue and has been liquidating his collection – never a story we want to hear…. more»
One Owner: 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Chrysler and Mitsubishi nurtured a relationship that stretched back to the 1970s, collaborating on everything from designs and sales to parts. The Starion, for instance, was Mitsubishi’s boy-racer entry in the sports car niche, while Chrysler sold the nearly… more»
