Car design in 1986 was notable for the use of technology for both manufacturing and product, but from a styling point of view, the development in aerodynamics had many advantages too. Along with improved fuel economy, the improved airflow suppressed noise, made cars more stable and therefore improve traction and speed. Handy points for the […]
1980s Car aerodynamics Read More »
1977 Coupe cars. A genre that has become virtually extinct today is the compact coupe. There was no rhyme or reason, other than pose value for these cars to have existed but bought by those who liked a little extra style by sacrificing the extra rear doors. A measure of status, rather than performance, it
The ‘80s was a period where safety legislation which almost made the open-top car obsolete. Fortunately for those with an appreciation for the wind in the hair experience, a handful of cars were officially listed for sale. Lancia launched the spyder version of the Beta coupe in the UK in 1975 and retained for 7
1980’s production cabriolets Read More »
Like many others, I’ve been catching up on old films over the last year, and it’s always a bit of fun to ‘car spot’. In no particular order, I’ve collated 10 cars that have made appears in 10 well-acclaimed British films. First up is Jack Carter’s MK2 Cortina featured in ‘Get Carter’. Registered in Newcastle,
10 Classic cars in UK films Read More »
The ‘80s was a significant period for quick family cars, it’s not too hard to find a 4/5 door family car that reaches 0-60 in less than 8 seconds today. But in 1988, it was considered a benchmark. Many upper-level models from the prestigious European car companies were keen to get involved, as it was
Brisk 80’s saloons under 20K Read More »
An excuse to doodle more than anything but car connections have always fascinated me and how certain models develop from a single idea. I started doodling a Fiat 128 and decided to connect it to four other cars. Fiat used Autobianchi as a technical base for many of their models, and the favour was reciprocated
The Lancia Beta was a significant car brand, as it was the first Fiat influenced Lancia and their first all-new design car of the ‘70s. It was to provide a basic platform for four basic designs to replace the Fulvia, which was still flourishing as the companies works rally car. It was to accommodate 8
There were plenty of option if you were in a position to buy a large saloon car in 1982. We’ll set a budget of 8.5K to 10K for this review. There is a real motley crew of prestigious brands, value-oriented cars loaded with everything, FWD load carriers and cars designed to go on forever. We’ll
Early ’80s Executive cars Read More »
With the very best restored classic VW vans now reaching 50K in value, this could be the perfect opportunity to explore the alternatives from the ‘50s and ‘60s. The criteria are something that will host 6 people (as currently recommended for these Covid times) a dog or two and several picnics. One of the prettier
Classic alternatives to the VW Type 2 Read More »
This is Chassis 408 of Lancia Group B car, seen at the recent Classic Drive-in Day at Bicester Heritage. This version is one of 20 ‘Evo 2’ cars built by Abarth for use at the 1000 Lakes rally. It was only used for that event by Finnish star Henri Toivonen before was sold on to
