Triumph GT6+ : 1969

1969 Triumph GT6+

The rear window of the 1969 Triumph GT6+ was heated electronically. Big news then. A heating grid, fused on the inner surface, freed the glass of fog, ice and snow. All with a flip of a switch. Naturally, it was not as important as the new wishbone rear suspension, or that all four wheels had independent suspension. You also got comfort with increased headroom, contour seats with integral head restraints and the new flow-through ventilation and heating system with face and floor-directed vents. It even had a self-sealing magnetic gas cap along with the mag-style wheel covers and white wall tires. All standard. It had a six cylinder high torque engine with a four speed manual, all-synchomesh gearbox, disc brakes up front and rack-and-pinion steering.

 

1969 Triumph GT6+

Honda Civic : 1976

1976 Honda Civic

This 1976 Honda Civic, powered by a 1.4 liter inline four engine showcases the variety of options available at the time. Some of which included two kinds of roof racks. One for luggage and one for skis. For the bottom, there were color cordinated side protective molding, decal striping and mag style wheels. And for in-between, air cinditioning, custom FM 8-track or FM cassette stereo players, optional speakers, tachometer instrument grouping, outside sports style mirrors, bumper overriders, everything from rear deck tonneau covers to special gearshift knobs.

1976 Honda Civic

Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo : 1986

1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo

The 1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo had a “racer” look starting with its new machined-surface aluminum alloy wheels and larger high-performance low profile 195/60HR14 tires. Further enhancements included color keyed aerodynamic add-onsand new, more agrresive grill with aerodynamic halogen headlights. Refinements to this popular front wheel drive included a 1.8 liter turbocharged engine with automatic valve lash adjusters for reduced maintenance and greater convenience, automatic spark advance at higher altitudes for improved mountain driving performance and cold start spark advance for better cold start drivability, and producing 116 horsepower.

“Euro-Sport” interior had a new buckskin knit/tweed seat material with “TURBO” embossing on the seat backs and upgraded rear parcel shelf for enhanced look and feel. (image source: John Lloyd)

1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo

Daihatsu Charade DeTomaso : 1994

1994 Daihatsu Charade DeTomaso

This was the fourth generation (starting in 1993) of the Charade, which was initially introduced in 1977. The 1994 Daihatsu Charade DeTomaso was a Japanese tribute to Alessandro deTomaso and had 124 HP. It came with a special body kit, Recaro seats, Nardi Torino steering wheel, Pirelli tires and a host of other interior decorative bits. (image source: John Lloyd)

1994 Daihatsu Charade DeTomaso

Mitsubishi Celeste : 1976

1976 Mitsubishi Celeste

The Mitsubishi Celeste (sold in Japan) was almost an identical copy of the Plymouth Arrow. its square headlights and rear view mirrors on the hood were the quickest way to visually separate them. It came in four models, the 1400 ST, 1600 GT, 2000 GSR and the 2000 GSR-A/T. (image source: John Lloyd)

 

1976 Mitsubishi Celeste

Volkswagen Golf R : 2014

2014 Volkswagen Golf R.

The Volkswagen GTi usually takes the spotlight off the more powerful R, but this 2014 rocket will get you from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds powered by a newly designed 296-horsepower TSI® engine, which is 30 hp stronger but up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the engine in the previous model. The Golf R’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. The new model also transfers its turbocharged power to the road via a permanent all-wheel drive system; in this case, the latest version of the 4MOTION® system with a fifth-generation Haldex® coupling.

The market launch in Europe will start in the fourth quarter of 2013 with prices (in Germany) starting from €38,325.

2014 Volkswagen Golf R.

Mazda Familia cutaway : 1980

1980 Mazda Familia

Mazda launched the fifth-generation Familia (Mazda 323) 1300/1500 in 1980. The hatchback went on sale in June (followed by the sedan in September). Although employing a front-engine front-wheel-drive (FF) configuration for the first time in the Familia Series, Mazda wanted the fifth-generation model to attain the direct shift feel of a FR car.

The ingenious SS suspension assured exceptional handling stability, and the highly functional rear seats featured reclining angle adjustment, as well as a two-way split configuration that enabled either side to be folded forward.

With the hatchback, Mazda focused on the growing interest in outdoor pursuits amongst the younger generation, which was the Familia’s targeted customer base. Based on the sharp ride for which the Familia had built a reputation, Mazda used the catchphrase “Sporting heart” and signed actor Kinya Kitaouji to appear in its commercials.

This strategy definitely paid off. With a power sunroof fitted as standard equipment, the “Red XG” was well received by the market. Often pictured with a surfboard mounted on the roof rack, the Familia’s angular wedge-shaped design and sporty appearance proved to be extremely popular, and earned it the nickname “land surfer.” The “Red Familia” quickly became a symbol of the age.

The fifth-generation Familia was the first to be named Japan Car of the Year, and it won many more awards in the US and Australia. In Japan, the Familia often topped the monthly sales results over such formidable rivals as the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sunny, sometimes selling over 13,000 units per month.

In 1982, only 27 months after the start of production, cumulative sales of the Familia reached one million units. The achievement set a new record, beating the Chevrolet Citation (GM), which took 29 months to reach unit sales of one million, and the VW Golf, which took 31 months. (source: Mazda)

1980 Mazda Familia

1980 Mazda Familia cutaway

 

Volvo 480 Turbo : 1989

1989 Volvo 480 Turbo

This 1989 Volvo 480 Turbo is a very rare sight in the US and is currently on sale on eBay in San Luis Obispo, California. This car was imported from Europe from a Volvo dealer who used it as a display model in their showroom.  It is one of the only 480 Turbos known to be in the US.

1989 Volvo 480 Turbo

1989 Volvo 480 Turbo

1989 Volvo 480 Turbo interior

1989 Volvo 480 Turbo interior

 

 

 

Subaru GL : 1984

1984 Subaru GL

This 1984 Subaru GL is a very rare find, and is currently available for sale at Rover Classic. It has a 4-Cylinder 1.8L H4 SOHC Turbo mated to a manual transmission and only has 47,731 miles. A completely undisturbed example of a classic hatchback. (image source: Rover Classic)

1984 Subaru GL

1984 Subaru GL

1984 Subaru GL

1984 Subaru GL interior

 

 

 

Ford Fiesta Quartz : 1983

1983 Ford Fiesta Quartz

The 1983 Ford Fiesta Quartz had an MSRP of £4,089 and was marketed to “non-conformists” as part of Ford’s “special Editions” cars. The Quartz combined the nippy performance and economical maintenance of a Fiesta Popular Plus with a mass of equipment like special wheels and some very stylish color schemes, al for a very special price.

1983 Ford Fiesta Quartz

Peugeot 104 ZS : 1979

1979 Peugeot 104 ZS

The 1979 Peugeot 104 ZS 3-door hatchback had a 1124 cc engine that produced a top speed of 97 MPH with a 0-60 time of around 15 seconds. For smoother and more effortless braking, the dual circuit brakes were power assisted. Peugeot’s claimed luxurious interior included super-soft checked cloth upholstery, head restraints on the front seats, carpet in the front, comprehensive instruments, with electronic rev counter, padded sports steering wheel, heated rear window and an electric clock.

1979 Peugeot 104 ZS

Peugeot 104 ZL : 1979

1979 Peugeot 104 ZL

The 1979 Peugeot 104 ZL was just 11 feet long but was very versatile. Fold down the rear seats and you get 15.4 cubic feet of storage space. With the 954cc engine, there’s plenty of power with a top speed of 84 MPH and because the engine is mounted transversely driving the front wheels, there is alot of room inside. With all around independent suspension to keep the ride smooth and give roadholding to match the ZL was ideal for long distance motoring as well as being great for cruising around town.

1979 Peugeot 104 ZL

Honda City Turbo II with Motocompo : 1986

1986 Honda City Turbo II

1986 Honda City Turbo II with Motocompo. It could not be a more rare combination. Even if you removed the folding 50cc Motocompo scooter, (which was included and fit in the rear hatch) in this original Japanese-spec vehicle you would still have an impossible task ahead of you in trying to find one, in any condition. The Turbo II was the factory “hot rod” model of the Honda City. One of the first (and only) production Honda cars with a turbo-charger. It had a 1300cc Turbocharged 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed manual transmission.

The concept for the Motocompo scooter was that in crownded cities like Tokyo, where parking is at a premium, one could park as close as possible to work and ride the Motocompo in the rest of the way. The little bike is fully equipped with lights, mirrors and horn. It simply folds up tight in the back of the car. Seat and handlebars pop up…and you are ready to ride! If that’s not rare enough for you, the dash top storage is refrigerated for keeping drinks cold! It is currently for sale at California Car. (source: California Car)

1986 Honda City Turbo II

1986 Honda City Turbo II

1986 Honda City Turbo II

1986 Honda City Turbo II with Motocompo

1986 Honda City Turbo II with Motocompo

1986 Honda City Turbo II decal

 

 

 

 

Volkswagen Scirocco Million : 2013

2013 Volkswagen Scirocco Million

Volkswagen celebrates the fact that the Scirocco has broken through the magical sound barrier for a sports car of one million built vehicles in 2013 with the Scirocco Million, painted exclusively in “Deep Black Metallic ”. We are huge fans of this car and can’t understand why the brand has chosen, once again, to ignore the US market. It will be sold exclusively in Germany and China.

2013 Volkswagen Scirocco Million

Talbot Sunbeam Lotus : 1980

1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

The 1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus had a 2.2 liter Lotus engine linked to a 5-speed gearbox. It had an output of 150 BHP with acceleration of 0-60 in up to 8 seconds and a top speed of 122 MPH. It also offered room for four passengers and with the rear seats fully folded down, it had an amazing 42.7 cubic feet of luggage space.

1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus