Honda Civic : 1974

1974 Honda Civic

A 1974 Honda Civic is a rare bird these days, but to see one with what Honda called “Vinyl Roof Decor” is almost unheard of. This vehicle has and assortment of exclusive accessories only available thru a dealership. Two different styles of the Vinyl Roof Decor where available. A full vinyl roof with decorative moving (shown below) or a vinyl halo for a simple rooftop accent. Both were constructed of heavy duty cloth-backed vinyl. It also includes a rear window defroster controlled from the dashboard, Special decal stripping available in black or white, for that racy look, body side moulding made of vinyl mounted on extruded aluminum, a chrome plated luggage rack permanently affixed to the roof and Mag-Style wheels constructed of heat treated aluminum for extra strength. (image source: John Lloyd)

1974 Honda Civic

Oltcit Club : 1981

1981 Oltcit Club

The Oltcit Club was produced from 1981 to 1995. It was produced via a joint venture with Citroën. It had front wheel drive, and was promoted as having a self-supporting body made of steel sheet processed by electropriming to resist corrosion. Its air cooled four cylinder engine had an output of 41 hp and claimed to reach a maximum speed of 146.9 MPH with 5 people in it. The front suspension was independent, with torsion bars and transverse flexion blades and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.It had front and rear disk brakes.  (image source: John Lloyd)

1981 Oltcit Club

Lada Taiga LKW : 2012

2012 Lada Taiga LKW

This vehicle has been around for a long time, so we would fault for not believing that this is a 2012 Lada Taiga LKW. It looks old, but has its own personality and is probably fun to run around in.

2012 Lada Taiga LKW

2012 Lada Taiga LKW

Lada Taiga : 1977

1977 Lada Taiga

The Lada Taiga, which was also known as the Niva and Sport (just to name a few) was sold in Austria and built by Soviet/Russian automaker AvtoVAZ. It is still in production today. (image source: John Lloyd)

1977 Lada Taiga

1977 Lada Taiga

Taiga logo

Chevrolet Nomad : 2004

2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept.

In 2004, GM considered and explored the possibility of bringing back the classic Chevrolet Nomad. This time, it was via a 2+2 seating hatchback concept. A 250-horsepower 2.2-liter turbocharged Ecotec inline four sits under the Nomad’s long hood, driving the rear wheels.

2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept.

2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept

Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i : 1980

1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i

What a joy it would be to be driving around today in the gorgeous 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i. The lines are so classic and simple. It’s held up quite well and is just dripping with personality and grace. Nice color too.

1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i

Alfa Romeo logo

BMW i3 : 2012

BMW i3 concept

BMW has not only thrown in a few new ideas this year, but they’ve also done it via a new brand. The i Division offers us this beautiful and futuristic hatchback called the i3. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

BMW i3 concept

BMW i3 concept

Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept : 1984

1984 Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept

The rear wheel drive Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept was conceived and executed by Franco Sbarro. Powered by a 3-liter 260hp V8 with a five-speed manual, it was unveiled at the 1984 Geneva auto show. Sbarro started with a Ferrari 308 GTB, with a shortened frame and custom bodywork. Only one example was said to have been built.

1984 Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept

MG MG5 : 2012

2012 MG MG5 concept

The MG5 Concept represents an exciting new chapter in MG’s history. This five-door hatchback was developed at MG Birmingham under the UK Design Director, Tony Williams-Kenny. The new model was recently unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, where it received much critical acclaim. The main features of the car include LED head cluster lights, rear spoiler stance and an aerodynamic shape, all of which offer a look that’s both sporty and sophisticated. (source: MG)

2012 MG MG5 concept

Vauxhall Viva : 1970

1970 Vauxhall Wagon

This 1970 Vauxhall Viva Estate left the factory with a 4-cylinder but currently has a Buick 3.8 liter V6. (source: BAT)

1970 Vauxhall Wagon

Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback : 1974

1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback

The 1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback wasn’t too different than the previous year. Just a few trim and interior changes.

1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback

Fiat Ritmo : 1978

1978 Fiat Ritmo

There seems to be a “circle” theme implemented into the front-wheel drive Fiat Ritmo, from the cool round door handles to the the round headlights, all the way down to the round-tipped bars on the wheels. It was launched in 1978 and styled by Bertone of Italy. This 65 CL had a 1.3 Liter engine that produced 64 bhp.

1978 Fiat Ritmo

Vauxhall Magnum Sporthatch : 1976

1976 Vauxhall Magnum Sporthatch

A special variant of the Vauxhall Magnum estate, known as the Sportshatch, was produced in limited numbers (197) in 1976. This model used the “droopsnoot” nose cone, which had been designed by Wayne Cherry, Vauxhall’s Chief Design Engineer to be used in the HP Firenza Droop Snoot model. In Trevor Alder’s book “Vauxhall – The Post War Years” mention is made of a HP Firenza Sport Hatch prototype which was a one-off and was painted in silver starfire, with a six light version of the droop snoot nose and also sharing the Viva/Magnum estate body shell. (source: Wikipedia)

1976 Vauxhall Magnum Sporthatch

Hyundai i-oniq : 2012

2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.

The 2012, 14-foot long i-oniq hatchback concept is an unexpected and pleasant surprise from Hyundai. It is an electric sport hatchback with a range-extending gasoline engine. The 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generates a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.

2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.

BMW M 135i : 2012

2012 BMW M 135i

Its great to see BMW bring this to the US, a market where most think hatchbacks do not sell. This M 135i is the highlight of the 1-series second body variant, although, in my view, I think the headlights seem a bit too big. Its 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine achives 235 kW/320 hp and is even available as a five-door hatch.

2012 BMW M 135i