The underrated Imp lived under the shadow of the Mini, but it had far more going for it than its sales suggested. Arriving four years after the Mini, it was powered by an advanced rear-mounted all-aluminium water-cooled 875cc engine. At the time, the VW Beetle, Fiat 600, Renault 8 and Simca 1000 were still all […]
Asides from BL, Rootes were best known for their badge engineering. Another brand from Coventry, with connections with the bicycle industry, the Singer brand became successful very quickly but the brand’s heyday was mainly during the pre-war era. Taken over by Rootes in 1956, they simply became plusher versions of Hillmans. The first of four
1962 Singer Vogue I Read More »
Developed in an astonishingly quick time of 18 months, the Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeam could have been either seen as clever use of the Rootes parts bin or a hastily hashed up product to fill in the gap where the Imp once sat. Well known for its shortened Avenger chassis, it was produced as the result of
Chrysler Talbot Lotus Sunbeam 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 »
Choice is a wonderful thing. The start of ‘70s was great for the consumer but it was the long-drawn demise of the homegrown manufacturers. Complacencies and a lack of finance, combined with industrial unrest and infighting cemented the fate of the British car industry. However, things were still looking relatively positive in 1971 as we
Early-70’s family cars Read More »
Estate cars still had a bit of utilitarian image in the ‘60s and seen as load luggers used for manual tasks. However, the period saw a change in the habits of the lifestyle consumer thanks to the increasing availability of cheap oversea ferry travel, allowing the average family man to consider a trip abroad. It
Big 1960’s estate cars Read More »
