I have a particular fondness for Pininfarina designs and happened upon this relative in a most unexpected place. Apparently very well regarded as a Taxi.
Cheers
Graham
Grahan
The green / white A55 lookalike isn't quite that is it? Is this an Argentinian DiTella 1500 - basically a RIley 4/68 with bits off other BMC types? They even made a pick-up version of those.
G'day
I was rather surprised to find the image of the Argentinian Siam DiTella 1500, which Magnette correctly points out is essentially a Riley 4/68. DiTella was a refrigerator manufacturer which had plant capacity and acquired the rights to make the Pininfarina derived 1500 from BMC.
As with pretty much everything established in the Argentinian planned economy, it descended into bankruptcy as foreign competition arrived. The manufacturing assets were sold to Kaiser who used the plant to run on the existing 1500 and a Morris Oxford derivative. Subsequently, it was acquired by Renault. From what I can find, I think Renault used the plant to make Renault 12s
That is indeed an FB Holden from 1960-61 and pretty much the last model to take direct inspiration from USA GM products. I was born in 1958 and these seemed the epitome of style to me as a very small boy. The standard model did without the two tone paintwork and the Special got the slightly prettier looks.
Holdens were comparatively light in this era, with a smaller and higher chassis than US models. They always were developed with outback Australian use in mind; gravel roads, long distances and rough bitumen at a time where the USA was largely paved with good concrete or bitumen surfaces.
The FB Holden is a design which still looks good at more than fifty years old.
Magnette mentioned the EH Holden which is my absolute favourite Holden
From that angle it is fairly hard to tell the exact year of a C1 but it can't be a '62 or '62, those had the Duck tail that was carried over to the C3.
This is a 1961 (duck tail, molding around cove-dropped for '62). >
Here's a still from the first episode of Route 66(aired Sept. 1960), showing a round-tailed 1960 model with oddball wire wheels (covers or factory option Kelsey-Hayes?)
According to posters at imcdb.com the '60 'Vette was replaced in the second episode by a '61, also equipped with wires >
So what are the Todd and Buzz doing with a round-tail '60 with factory covers? My guess is it's a pre-production publicity still done before any '61s were available.
By the end of the first season the boys were running a set of standard factory wheel covers on their '61>
Episode23-
Note whitewall tires on all these cars, generally seen on all high dollar sports cars of that era.
From that angle it is fairly hard to tell the exact year of a C1 but it can't be a '62 or '62, those had the Duck tail that was carried over to the C3.
This is a 1961 (duck tail, molding around cove-dropped for '62). >
Here's a still from the first episode of Route 66(aired Sept. 1960), showing a round-tailed 1960 model with oddball wire wheels (covers or factory option Kelsey-Hayes?)
According to posters at imcdb.com the '60 'Vette was replaced in the second episode by a '61, also equipped with wires >
So what are the Todd and Buzz doing with a round-tail '60 with factory covers? My guess is it's a pre-production publicity still done before any '61s were available.
By the end of the first season the boys were running a set of standard factory wheel covers on their '61>
Episode23-
Note whitewall tires on all these cars, generally seen on all high dollar sports cars of that era.
All this talk of the C2 reminds me of a friend (and co-worker) of my father who won a small jackpot in the CA Lottery - I want to say $350K before taxes.
He bought a '61 Corvette and immediately ordered CA vanity plates:
<<i class="Italic">All this talk of the C2 reminds me of a friend (and co-worker) of my father who won a small jackpot in the CA Lottery - I want to say $350K before taxes.
Actually we are talking about what are normally regarded as C1 Corvettes which includes all pre-63 StingRay 'Vettes including the '60-'61 and '62 models featured on the TV show.
Personally I've always thought it odd that the '53 and '54 6-cylinder cars are limped in with the V8 models starting in 1955 under the "C1 name". It seems to me that V8 power is a more essential Corvette characteristic than IRS (which debuted in'63). Imagine if Corvette had not adopted the V8 in '55--they might have been left in the dust by (gasp) the Thunderbird.
Imagine the screaming from the faithful if it were announced that they would revert to six cylinders for the C8!
Nice looking Matra Djet. Hard to believe that the underpinnings are a Renault 8 engine (admittedly tuned by Gordini) with a gearbox from a commercial van. Originally developed by Bonnet which went bust. However the fiberglass body was made by Matra who also assembled the car. Much later, Matra made early versions of the Renault Espace
Supposedly it was the world's first mid engine production road car, although not many were made.
This is not its best angle; the nose looks about a foot too long which might suggest it comes after Matra had a slight redesign. However the colour definitely suits it.
Matra has quite a history of making interesting cars, using pretty mundane basics. There is a good web site on the Djet http://www.matrasport.dk/Cars/DJet/history.html and it is worth looking around the other projects they developed over the years. The Espace, mentioned above, was outstanding. I recall being stunned at its handling when a colleague was driving a bunch of us through winding country lanes in England. It seemed implausible that a 7-seat van could handle that well.
Sorry Stever but Texases is correct, there's no "P"; it's a 1973 Volvo 1800E. I'm struck by how modern it looks.
The first of these cars was called the P1800, and were built by Jensen. When Volvo took over production they changed the name to 1800S, and then to 1800E when they went to fuel injection, and finally 1800ES for the Kammback.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Sorry Stever but Texases is correct, there's no "P"; it's a 1973 Volvo 1800E. I'm struck by how modern it looks.
No worries, I recognized the car so looked up "Volvo sports car" and looked at the images. Didn't drill down any further or go to Wiki for the variations. Surprised I even guessed the year right.
Apparently the original VIN #1 P1800 is still out there per one of the registries. And the million mile Volvo is one of the coupe variations I guess.
I really enjoyed seeing this car (a blue one) around town back in the day and thought it'd be a fun ride, but my paddles or skis would keep breaking the hatch glass out.
It's really not much fun to drive, but they are sturdy cars and quite handy. Nose heavy and noisy and very odd seating position.
G'day
No matter how you look at it, they are very, very cool. I still think the hatch, especially from rear angles, is one of the prettiest things made.
A friend was persuaded by her teenage son to acquire two coupes in the early 80's. I am not sure she actually enjoyed the driving experience, but she sure looked stylish.
IPD would help a LOT. What an 1800ES needs, aside from a different camshaft and timing gears, is NEW SEATS, so that you aren't sitting in a hole in the ground with your nose at window sill level. As for the truck-like steering, not sure what you could do about that. Oh, and you'll need a complete set of aftermarket gauges, as the original ones are worthless.
It looks like the car which came before the first Passat. I am having a brain freeze, but the glasshouse reminds me of the RO80 so I think it might have been the model developed by NSU before they went bust and VW took over; similar story to the Glass 2600 which then had a BMW badge stuck on it.
It is actually a bit bigger than it looks too. Length of 4,642mm or about 183" and width of 2,084mm or about 82". It is 1,627mm high which is 64"
I have never seen one in the metal, although I would love to. I am told that with the glass down (no B-pillar) and sunroof open, it is like an airy loungeroom.
Not a Vel Satis, but an Avantime. TG ruining one was kind of painful, as they were uncommon even then, and have to be getting rarer now. Pretty cool avant-garde design in the "the French copy nobody..." line of thought.
Not a Vel Satis, but an Avantime. TG ruining one was kind of painful, as they were uncommon even then, and have to be getting rarer now. Pretty cool avant-garde design in the "the French copy nobody..." line of thought.
Correct on the Avantime. A scan of UK prices suggests a good used 3.0l V6 can be picked up for less than GBP2,000, quite a reduction from the original list of about GBP 28,000.
Underneath the very pretty skin, it is basically a mk iii Renault Espace. Renault wanted to take production of the Espace in house and threw Matra the option of making this design by Patrick le Quement. Unfortunately, Renault also did a very similar large car. The Vel Satis and the Avantime sank with only about 8,500 made over three years. Matra lost a fortune and quit the whole car business.
It looks like the car which came before the first Passat. I am having a brain freeze, but the glasshouse reminds me of the RO80 so I think it might have been the model developed by NSU before they went bust and VW took over; similar story to the Glass 2600 which then had a BMW badge stuck on it.
Never sold in Australia.
Cheers
Graham
You are essentially correct Graham, it's the first front-engine Volkswagen, the K70. It was developed by NSU as a kind of baby brother to the Ro80. The K70 was sold with either the VW or the NSU badge.
Volkswagen's purchase of NSU in 1969 was a timely one. NSU was about to go under and VW had no credible successor to the Beetle, a 1930s design.
Hello, Could anyone help me identify this car? I really have n clue. It's just for a game.. Thanks!
G'day
I wonder whether it might be something from the Eastern Bloc. There are design element which suggest Tatra convertible, but I don;t think it is. It looks to be Right Hand Drive but image might be reversed.
The flat glass split screen suggests an earlier date or small production, but the curves and integration of the headlamps hint at late 1940's or early 1950s. The spats on the rear wheels suggest later 1950s. The depth of the draw on the bonnet is not excessive so still feasible on small scale production. The evenness of shadows does not suggest hand beaten panels so probably from a plant large enough to warrant unique tooling.
However, the spotlights where we would expect mirrors, seem more American and for some reason, I feel more Californian. At the back of my mind, I am thinking of the serials shown at the movies in the early 1960's (probably shot in the late forties/ early fifties - our small town movie theatre was really stingy on the serials before the main feature!). Not Batman, but something else like it.
It looks vaguely familiar but I can't quite place it. I think it's a one-off concept, probably American. The lack of grille opening says rear-engine and the wide WWs, skirts and split-flat glass windshield are typical US early 50s (not late 50s, Graham).
Hello, Could anyone help me identify this car? I really have n clue. It's just for a game.. Thanks!
That is a Muntz Jet. An American car sold in the early '50s by a guy (Earl Muntz) who had made his fortune selling TVs and such, and decided to try cars. It didn't work.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
If anyone is interested, here's a video about "Mad Man Muntz", about 4 minutes long. He was quite a character, and maybe the best car salesman of all times. The video features various celebrities who knew him. He was, in his own way, a visionary of sorts.
Comments
I was rather surprised to find the image of the Argentinian Siam DiTella 1500, which Magnette correctly points out is essentially a Riley 4/68. DiTella was a refrigerator manufacturer which had plant capacity and acquired the rights to make the Pininfarina derived 1500 from BMC.
As with pretty much everything established in the Argentinian planned economy, it descended into bankruptcy as foreign competition arrived. The manufacturing assets were sold to Kaiser who used the plant to run on the existing 1500 and a Morris Oxford derivative. Subsequently, it was acquired by Renault. From what I can find, I think Renault used the plant to make Renault 12s
Cheers
Graham
G'day
That is indeed an FB Holden from 1960-61 and pretty much the last model to take direct inspiration from USA GM products. I was born in 1958 and these seemed the epitome of style to me as a very small boy. The standard model did without the two tone paintwork and the Special got the slightly prettier looks.
Holdens were comparatively light in this era, with a smaller and higher chassis than US models. They always were developed with outback Australian use in mind; gravel roads, long distances and rough bitumen at a time where the USA was largely paved with good concrete or bitumen surfaces.
The FB Holden is a design which still looks good at more than fifty years old.
Magnette mentioned the EH Holden which is my absolute favourite Holden
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Beauty...
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This is a 1961 (duck tail, molding around cove-dropped for '62). >
Here's a still from the first episode of Route 66(aired Sept. 1960), showing a round-tailed 1960 model with oddball wire wheels (covers or factory option Kelsey-Hayes?)
According to posters at imcdb.com the '60 'Vette was replaced in the second episode by a '61, also equipped with wires >
So what are the Todd and Buzz doing with a round-tail '60 with factory covers? My guess is it's a pre-production publicity still done before any '61s were available.
By the end of the first season the boys were running a set of standard factory wheel covers on their '61>
Episode23-
Note whitewall tires on all these cars, generally seen on all high dollar sports cars of that era.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
He bought a '61 Corvette and immediately ordered CA vanity plates:
6T WON
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Actually we are talking about what are normally regarded as C1 Corvettes which includes all pre-63 StingRay 'Vettes including the '60-'61 and '62 models featured on the TV show.
Personally I've always thought it odd that the '53 and '54 6-cylinder cars are limped in with the V8 models starting in 1955 under the "C1 name". It seems to me that V8 power is a more essential Corvette characteristic than IRS (which debuted in'63). Imagine if Corvette had not adopted the V8 in '55--they might have been left in the dust by (gasp) the Thunderbird.
Imagine the screaming from the faithful if it were announced that they would revert to six cylinders for the C8!
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Is that a '63 Dart wagon?
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
"Vive le bleu!", indeed.
Nice looking Matra Djet. Hard to believe that the underpinnings are a Renault 8 engine (admittedly tuned by Gordini) with a gearbox from a commercial van. Originally developed by Bonnet which went bust. However the fiberglass body was made by Matra who also assembled the car. Much later, Matra made early versions of the Renault Espace
Supposedly it was the world's first mid engine production road car, although not many were made.
This is not its best angle; the nose looks about a foot too long which might suggest it comes after Matra had a slight redesign. However the colour definitely suits it.
Matra has quite a history of making interesting cars, using pretty mundane basics. There is a good web site on the Djet http://www.matrasport.dk/Cars/DJet/history.html and it is worth looking around the other projects they developed over the years. The Espace, mentioned above, was outstanding. I recall being stunned at its handling when a colleague was driving a bunch of us through winding country lanes in England. It seemed implausible that a 7-seat van could handle that well.
Cheers
Graham
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm struck by how modern it looks.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Apparently the original VIN #1 P1800 is still out there per one of the registries. And the million mile Volvo is one of the coupe variations I guess.
I really enjoyed seeing this car (a blue one) around town back in the day and thought it'd be a fun ride, but my paddles or skis would keep breaking the hatch glass out.
No matter how you look at it, they are very, very cool. I still think the hatch, especially from rear angles, is one of the prettiest things made.
A friend was persuaded by her teenage son to acquire two coupes in the early 80's. I am not sure she actually enjoyed the driving experience, but she sure looked stylish.
Cheers
Graham
though if I got one, I am sure IPD would get a fair chunk of my money in upgrades to improve the overall experience.
I wonder if you can shove a smallblock V8 in there?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
It looks like the car which came before the first Passat. I am having a brain freeze, but the glasshouse reminds me of the RO80 so I think it might have been the model developed by NSU before they went bust and VW took over; similar story to the Glass 2600 which then had a BMW badge stuck on it.
Never sold in Australia.
Cheers
Graham
Cheers
Graham
It is actually a bit bigger than it looks too. Length of 4,642mm or about 183" and width of 2,084mm or about 82". It is 1,627mm high which is 64"
I have never seen one in the metal, although I would love to. I am told that with the glass down (no B-pillar) and sunroof open, it is like an airy loungeroom.
Cheers
Graham
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The boys at Top Gear modded one up to achieve a specific lap time on their test track.
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Correct on the Avantime. A scan of UK prices suggests a good used 3.0l V6 can be picked up for less than GBP2,000, quite a reduction from the original list of about GBP 28,000.
Underneath the very pretty skin, it is basically a mk iii Renault Espace. Renault wanted to take production of the Espace in house and threw Matra the option of making this design by Patrick le Quement. Unfortunately, Renault also did a very similar large car. The Vel Satis and the Avantime sank with only about 8,500 made over three years. Matra lost a fortune and quit the whole car business.
Cheers
Graham
Volkswagen's purchase of NSU in 1969 was a timely one. NSU was about to go under and VW had no credible successor to the Beetle, a 1930s design.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Could anyone help me identify this car?
I really have n clue. It's just for a game..
Thanks!
I wonder whether it might be something from the Eastern Bloc. There are design element which suggest Tatra convertible, but I don;t think it is. It looks to be Right Hand Drive but image might be reversed.
The flat glass split screen suggests an earlier date or small production, but the curves and integration of the headlamps hint at late 1940's or early 1950s. The spats on the rear wheels suggest later 1950s. The depth of the draw on the bonnet is not excessive so still feasible on small scale production. The evenness of shadows does not suggest hand beaten panels so probably from a plant large enough to warrant unique tooling.
However, the spotlights where we would expect mirrors, seem more American and for some reason, I feel more Californian. At the back of my mind, I am thinking of the serials shown at the movies in the early 1960's (probably shot in the late forties/ early fifties - our small town movie theatre was really stingy on the serials before the main feature!). Not Batman, but something else like it.
Cheers
Graham
The other names which spring to mind are Tucker and Citroen, because of the bonnet shape ( I think you call it the hood)
Cheers
Graham
Nice looking car BTW. Could it be a Hudson?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
It was a though one. Thank you all for your replies!
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