For Japanese car enthusiasts on a budget in the early 1970s, the Datsun 1800 SSS delivered legitimate sports car thrills without the often unreachable price tag. Produced from 1970-1972, the rear-wheel drive 1800 SSS disproved the notion that sports cars had to be expensive and impractical. With its rev-happy 1.8 liter engine, finely tuned suspension,…
The Volvo 142 is one of the most iconic models in Volvo’s long automotive history. Produced from 1966 to 1974, the 142 pioneered Volvo’s foray into a sporting sedan class beyond its traditional focus on safety and reliability. With a more powerful B18 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive styling, the Volvo 142 delivered excitement while…
The Nissan March hatchback became a Japanese rally icon after Nissan transformed it into the surprise Super Turbo model. This micro machine packed big power and giant-slaying performance belying its economical roots. Let’s explore the legend of Japan’s mighty mighty March ST. Humble Nissan March Origins Nissan introduced the March as their entry-level econobox in…
Ferrari 288 GTO Rally Car into the dangerous Group B rally championship. This radical mid-engine twin-turbo V8 coupe succeeded against expectations, proving Ferrari’s rally capabilities and cementing the 288 as an icon. Ferrari 288 GTO Rally Car Shocking Move From Ferrari Eyebrows raised when Ferrari announced its intention to campaign the brand new 288 GTO…
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Rally Car hatchback became a shockingly capable and successful rally car during the 1980s and 90s. Custom built Group A and Group N GTI rally cars pinch hit for VW’s WRC team and frequently outpaced formidable opponents. Volkswagen Golf GTI Rally Car Humble Hot Hatch Origins When initially launched in 1976,…
The mid-engine Lancia Stratos HF fundamentally changed rally racing with its radical body, nimble handling, and powerful V6 engine. Despite limited production, the Stratos became a legend by dominating events worldwide thanks to an innovative purpose-built design unmatched in the 1970s. Lancia Stratos HF Revolutionary Concept Origins The Stratos project began life as a styling…
The Porsche 356 Rally Car proved a shockingly adept rally car during the 1950s and early 1960s. With its rear-engine traction, the little German coupe could embarrass much larger machinery in tough stage rally events worldwide thanks to durability and agility. Humble Production Car Origins When introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 was conceived as…
Mitsubishi Eclipse JDM sports coupe gained fame worldwide as an attainable performance car thanks to turbocharged power and all-wheel drive traction. But JDM models took the formula even further with unique engines and handling upgrades cementing the Eclipse’s tuner cred. Mitsubishi Eclipse JDM AWD Turbo Power Arrives Mitsubishi launched the first-generation Eclipse in 1989 as…