The idea was simple enough, place a supercharger in a small popular car. When VW released the G40 Polo, it was one of seven distinctively different VWs gifted a G-Lader Supercharger option. When the G40 Polo was rolled out in 1991, there wasn’t anything like it in the European Supermini sector market, and the car […]
1991 Volkswagen Polo G40 Read More »
Picture yourself in 1985 and you’re lucky enough to afford a brand new sporting Volkswagen. As you stroll into the VW dealership after meticulously studying the sales brochures and copies of Autocar, you’ve narrowed it down to a runabout with a bit of style and enough presence to twitch the neighbour curtains. Your attention is
1985 Volkswagen Scirocco GTI Read More »
A selection of early ‘90s estate cars, which were noted for their qualities beyond load-lugging. The era represented the extra development that had gone into the design, rather than an afterthought to the saloon versions. The Alfa Romeo 33 was aimed at the leisure market, rather than hauling grandfather clocks. It had a tuneful engine
Early ’90s mid-sized estate cars Read More »
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 »
By the late ‘80s, the coupe sector had moved upmarket, catering for those looking for a bit more substance than a pretty frock. However, it was still possible to buy a new coupe for less than 10K. Let’s wind back time, and review the ever-decreasing options. The cheapest by some margin was the Skoda 130
1980’s compact coupes Read More »
I was recently asked how have I managed to stay sane during the past year? I simply said I’ve submerged myself in classic cars. It almost certainly a psychological disorder, but it’s become a very welcome distraction this year, where I have focused even more energy than usual on car-related activities. There’s something hugely addictive
Owner Profile – Minesh Pattni Read More »
1980 Volkswagen Golf GLD. VW Golf fans might be interested to know that this could be unique in the UK for several reasons. Firstly the Diesel version of the Golf was not imported in GL trim, first versions were in L spec, followed by C spec cars in 1981. However, that is just half the
1980 Volkswagen Golf GLD Read More »
In terms of new car sales sectors, the budget estate car has become a rarity today. This may be partly due to the styling of the modern hatchback being considered good enough to cope with most scenarios where a small load-lugger is required, with the boxy utilitarian nature of a no thrills estate car being
Early ’80s budget estate cars Read More »
For this sort of money, the appeal tended to revolve around value for money rather than performance. Technically we could throw in some small 2 door saloons, such as the Alfasud or Avenger but the following were specifically marketed as coupes. At the time the option of a coupe version was justified as the segment
Budget ’70s coupes Read More »
1990 was a good year for foreign imports, for the first time 8 cars from France, Germany, Japan and Holland appeared in the top 20 best selling cars. Technically if you included the GMs and Fords, then you’re only left with just 5 cars that were actually assembled in the UK. Semantics asides, we’ll focus
Best selling imports of 1990 Read More »
