Datsun 280ZX – The Sophisticated Second-Generation Z The Datsun 280ZX marked the second generation of Nissan’s famed Z sports car when it debuted in 1979. With an emphasis on style, luxury and grand touring abilities, the 280ZX represented a more refined take on the concept versus its predecessor, the Datsun 240Z. But a switch to…
Ferrari 308 GTB Michelotto conjures images of Miami Vice and the height of 1970s automotive excess. But the 308 GTB Michelotto revealed the sports car’s hidden rally potential. Developed by noted Italian tuner Michelotto, this modified 308 GTB became a surprise contender in the late 1970s rally scene. Let’s examine how Michelotto transformed the prancing…
The world of classic Japanese sports cars is a storied one, filled with iconic names like the Toyota Supra and the Mazda RX-7. Yet, nestled amongst these legends is another formidable machine – the Nissan 300ZX, particularly the often-overlooked 2+2 variant. More than just a fast car, the 300ZX 2+2 offered a unique blend of…
The world of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. Often, these vehicles boast innovative features and a distinct character unseen elsewhere. One such car is the Toyota Curren, a sport compact coupe produced from 1994 to 1998. While it shared its platform with the iconic Toyota Celica, the Curren…
When Hyundai rally car entered the World Rally Championship in 2014, few initially expected serious competition from the South Korean brand new to top-level rallying. But within a few short seasons, Hyundai proved doubters wrong by rapidly developing potent rally racers like the i20 WRC. Let’s look at Hyundai’s impressive growth into race-winning WRC competitors….
BMW 850CSI – The Peak of BMW’s 90s Grand Touring The BMW 850CSi arrived in 1996 as the ultimate evolution of BMW’s E31 8 Series coupe. With only 1,510 units built for global markets, the 850CSi showcased BMW’s performance and luxury credentials through limited production and an elevated price point. Its blend of styling presence,…
Alpine A110 Timeless Formula Blending French Flair with Raw Driver Engagement Among vintage sports cars and early rally enthusiasts, few automotive brands elicit the passion and devotion enjoyed by France’s fledgling mid-century maker Alpine. Though production spans barely a decade between 1961 and 1977, the plucky Alpine A110 carved out an oversized reputation relative to…
The Mercedes rally car German automaker has a little-known history in rally racing dating back to the 1950s. Long before rally became synonymous with brands like Subaru and Mitsubishi, Mercedes competed with big sedans in the World Rally Championship’s precursor. Let’s shine a light on Mercedes’ surprising rally pedigree and the motorsport accomplishments of models…