Evolution of an automotive icon Only about 10,000 Minis made it to U.S. soil during its 41-year, 5.3 million production run. Nevertheless, it isn’t hard to find die-hard American enthusiasts who worship the bold little statement. Now comes news that those smashing little Mini Coopers—based in part on the John Cooper inspired Minis of old…
MG re-enters motorsports with the MG Lola EX257 MG has always enjoyed certain measures of racing success. It all began in 1922 when a 12 horsepower Cowley with lowered suspension won a gold medal in the Motor Cycling Club’s (MCC) Land’s End Trial. A variety of MGs have set motorsport milestones since then, including the…
A three-day festival of vintage cars, airplanes, and yachts By Harry Newton In only its sixth year, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance has become recognized by those whose opinions count as one of the major events of its type. All the ingredients were abundantly present, providing entrants, sponsors, and officials with a whirl of on- and…
TVR: An intriguing example of Britain’s automotive cottage industry By Harry Newton A few years ago, while we were cruising along on the Autobahn at a brisk 160 clicks toward Stuttgart, a low-slung coupe flew by us as if we were at anchor. Journeymen automotive journalists pride themselves on their encyclopedic ability to identify just about…
By Paul Richardson The era of the great road races in Europe where the high pitched song of racing engines could be heard resounding through the streets of cities, towns, and sleepy mountain villages is long gone. Races like the Targa Florio around the island of Sicily and the Mugello Grand Prix near Florence have…
The MG that should have been By John Sprinzel Just over 30 years ago, British car enthusiasts banded together in an attempt to save the MG factory from closure. This group was combating a bunch of bean counters and amateur motor manufacturers who comprised most of the board of “management” of British Leyland. One of…
By Alan Paradise As the ignition key is inserted into its designated position, the anticipation builds. The ignition is activated and the gas pedal is gently depressed. The starter spins the heavy flywheel, which, in turn, begins the process for internal combustion. The pistons pump volatile vapor and burned gases. Then, it happens—the wonderful sound…
To read earlier parts of this series, click the following links: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 By Marcham Rhoade Sam Bennett concludes his story of life and times at Abingdon. At the end of each September, when the competition season was finished, I was sent over to the service department to work on cars…
By Alan Paradise Triumph: just saying the name denotes a regal and victorious image. A car line that gained prominence in America by delivering small, nimble, intimate sports cars. A brand that over the past 50 years has gone from popular to abandoned, and, most recently, is quickly being elevated to cult-car status. When first…
The basics of show readiness By Geoff Wheatley What do judges look for at auto shows? At almost every car show that I attend, this is one of the most asked questions by classic car owners. For some unknown reason, many show participants believe the answer or answers are as difficult to obtain as the…
