Oren, Author at Classic Cars

Apr102009 by OrenNo Comments

Carroll Shelby’s Mustangs

Ford Shelby

Ford Division chief Lee Iacocca suspected his new creation, the 1965 Ford Mustang would be popular, but believed a true "Total Performance" aura would cinch its success. What better than a racing Mustang capable of trouncing Chevy Corvettes in big-league sports-car competition? (more…)

Apr62009 by OrenNo Comments

1965-1974 Fiat 850 Coupe and Spider

850

The 1965-1974 Fiat 850 Coupe & Spyder were two more special-bodied Fiat sports cars based on mundane sedan components. In this case, the basis was the rear-engine 850, which donated its floorpan, drivetrain, and all-independent suspension to a neat little Fiat-designed four-seat fastback coupe and a Bertone-bodied two-seat roadster. (more…)

Apr62009 by OrenNo Comments

Ferrari 250 GTO

Ferrari 250

In its development and refinement of the long-running 250 series, Ferrari saved the best for last with the immortal Ferrari 250 GTO. (more…)

Apr22009 by OrenNo Comments

BMW 507 history

BMW 507

The BMW 507 was the first sports car from BMW that could compete with the Jaguars and Ferraris. Born in 1916 as an aircraft-engine manufacturer, Bavarian Motor Works had branched out into motorcycles by the late Twenties and was looking to expand into the auto business. It got the chance when the Dixi company in Eisenach proposed that BMW take it over, thus giving the Bavarian firm a license-built version of the British Austin Seven. (more…)

Mar312009 by OrenNo Comments

1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible

Dodge Coronet

The 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible was the collectible soft-top model in the series that ushered in Dodge's first V-8. The famous Red Ram was essentially a scaled-down version of the Chrysler Hemi, with smooth manifolding and porting, jumbo valves set well apart, excellent thermal efficiency, and considerable high-performance potential. (more…)

Mar252009 by OrenNo Comments

1969 Dodge Charger

Dodge Charger

The 1969 Dodge Charger was a design high point for muscle cars of the day, with its attractive, curvy styling and a roomy, functional interior. A complete set of round gauges faced the driver -- including an optional combined tachometer and clock. (more…)

Mar182009 by OrenNo Comments

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396

Camaro

On occasion, Detroit comes up with a one-year wonder that strikes a chord with its audience. Chevy's first facelift of its pony car was one of those chords, and the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 provided the rockin' muscle car backbeat. (more…)

Mar182009 by OrenNo Comments

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Camaro

First. Most powerful. Quickest. Only one Chevy combines it all: the 1969 Chevrolet ZL1 Camaro. It went a step beyond the 427 Yenko and even the mighty L88 Corvette, to where few production muscle cars tread. (more…)

Mar172009 by OrenNo Comments

Aston Martin DB4GT and DB4GT Zagato

DB4

Aston Martin reached the pinnacle of sports-car racing in 1959. Helped by victory in that year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, it won the World Manufacturer’s Championship with the very special DBR 1/2. Of course, ordinary folk couldn’t buy a DBR 1/2, but they continually asked for faster and more specialized DB4s. Aston Martin responded between 1959 and 1963 with two distinctly different cars: the DB4GT and the DB4GT Zagato. (more…)

Mar162009 by OrenNo Comments

1960 Buick Electra Specifications

Buick Electra

The 1960 Buick Electra was softer and more subdued than its 1959 predecessor. But with tailfins, VentiPorts, and a "Wildcat 445" engine, the sedan was still a highly stylized -- not to mention, powerful -- luxury tourer. (more…)