Audi Quattro A1 holds a special place in rally history as the homologation basis for Audi’s Group B rally racers. Built in limited numbers in 1984 specifically to meet Group B rules, the road-going Quattro A1 provided the foundation for Audi’s rally dominance with its radical all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Only 200 A1…
While overshadowed by more famous contemporary Honda models like the Prelude and CRX, the Ballade Sports Coupe represented an appealing mix of performance, practicality, and value in 1980s Japan. Developed as a sportier variant of Honda’s Ballade sedan, the Ballade Sports impresses those in the know with its rev-happy engine, advanced suspension, and nimble handling….
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…