Saturday 21 November 2009

Escort Mk2 RS1800 1975, 1976, 1977

Escort Mk2 RS1800


What is your favourite Ford Escort?


Escort Mk2 RS1800 1975-1977


Replacing the RS 1600 and using a bored-out BDA engine, the RS 1800 was built along with the MkII RS2000 and Mexico at Saarlouis. It shared the same two-door reinforced bodyshell as the 2000, stronger suspension and a hefty front cross-member. A deep front air-dam, 5 ½ inch sports road wheels and a soft boot-lid spoiler set it apart from the Sport and derivatives. Ford's most successful rally car, the RS1800 won more rallies than any other British car.


If you would like to find out more about the classic Ford Escort Mk2& art featured in this guide please click here.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

1960's Rootes Cars Humber Hawk, Hillman Husky, Singer Gazelle, Sunbeam Alpine, Hillman Minx 3

1960's Rootes Cars


What is your favourite classic car?


This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Rootes car art featured in this guide please click here.


This guide features several classic Rootes cars from the 1960s.


Humber Hawk 1, 2, 3, 4 (1957-1967)


Humber Hawk 1, 2, 3, 4 (1957-1967)


For the first time since 1948, Rootes introduced an all-new Humber, this being the unit-construction Hawk saloon. Although it retained the existing Hawk's 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine and related transmissions, the structure and suspensions were new. Body-shells were pressed and assembled at the BLSP works in Acton, West London. An estate car derivative of the new Hawk followed in the autumn.


Hillman Husky 2, 3 (1958-1966)


Hillman Husky 2, 3 (1958-1966)


A new-generation Husky estate car took over from the original type at the beginning of the year. Though still a short-wheelbase three-door estate car, the latest Husky was based on the bodyshell of the modern-generation Hillman Minx and initially had a 40bhp version of the 1.4-litre overhead-valve engine. The change-over from old-type to new-type Minx-family production at Rootes was now complete.


Singer Gazelle 1, 2 (1958-1961)


Singer Gazelle 1, 2 (1958-1961)


Soon after Rootes had taken control of Singer, the Gazelle was announced. This new model was effectively a new-type Hillman Minx, with an overhead camshaft Singer Hunter engine and a restyled nose. Priced slightly higher than the comparable Hillman Minx, the Gazelle gained the Hillman engine from 1958 -tailfins arrived in 1959. A marketing coup for Rootes, the Gazelle sold in reasonable numbers: 83,061.


Sunbeam Alpine S2 (1960-1963)


Sunbeam Alpine S2 (1960-1963)


The new-generation Alpine appeared during the summer of 1959, this new sportscar being a subtle amalgam of available Minx / Rapier / Husky hardware, all clothed in a smart, befinned, two-seater sports style with wind-up door windows. As with all Rootes medium-sized cars of this period, the platform was based on that of the Hillman Minx. Though there were extra cruciform members under the floor, and stiffening tubes in the engine bay. Series II models from 1960 used the bigger 1,592cc engine.


Hillman Minx 3 (1960-1963)


Hillman Minx 3 (1960-1963)


The first cars with an entirely monocoque body left the factory in May 1956. This new Minx was instantly recognisable by its panoramic rear window. The car had also grown in size with a wheelbase of 96 inches (2,440mm). Most of the extra 3 ¼ in (80mm) was for the benefit of rear seat passengers. There were also some mechanical improvements to the car. The new Minx had the front wheel suspension from the Sunbeam Rapier.


Singer Vogue 1, 2 (1961-1964)


Singer Vogue 1, 2 (1961-1964)


The Vogue was the first of a new generation of medium-sized Rootes cars to be launched (the future Hillman Super Minx and Humber Sceptre models would be built on same base). Like the existing Minx/Gazelle ranges, which continued, the Vogue had a conventional four-dour saloon monocoque structure, this time being powered by a 62bhp/1,592cc version of the familiar Rootes engine.


Hillman Super Minx (1961-1967)


Hillman Super Minx (1961-1967)


The Singer Vogue came first, in July, but the Hillman Super Minx, announced in October, was the lower-priced basic version of the design from which that car was developed. Compared with the Vogue, which looked similar except for its nose and the interior trim, the Super Minx was less well equipped, though it shared the same 62bhp/1.6-litre engine and choice of manual or Easidrive transmissions. Drum rather than disc front brakes were standard.


Sunbeam Tiger 1 (1964-1966)


Sunbeam Tiger 1 (1964-1966)


The Tiger made its debut in April 1964, with all the style changes already phased in for the Alpine Series IV, but with a 4.2-litre Ford-USA gearbox and a Salisbury back axle. Rack-and-pinion steering with very strange geometry was fitted, while the rear-axle movement was kept partly in check by a Panhard rod. Initially, all Tiger deliveries were aimed at the USA - British sales would begin in spring of 1965.


Hillman Imp Californian (1967-1970)


Hillman Imp Californian (1967-1970)


The Imp Californian was a smart, lowered-roof, fastback coupe version of the Hillman Imp, still with two doors and the same single-carburettor engine. For the Californian, the rear window was fixed, not hinged, and there was less head-room in the rear seats. This was an interesting little niche model, which sold well. A much more powerful version of it, the Sunbeam Stiletto, would be announced later in the year.


Hillman Hunter (1966-1970)


Hillman Hunter (1966-1970)


As a replacement for the Super Minx, the new Hunter was the first of a comprehensive family of "Arrow"-designated cars to be launched by the Rootes Group, with a Singer Vogue version soon joining in and estate cars, Minx and Singer Gazelle types all set to follow in 1967. In many ways lighter and more obviously cost-conscious than previous Minx/Super Minx cars had ever been. The style was simple, but neat, hiding a conventional Rootes Group engine/transmission driveline.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Friday 20 November 2009

Porsche 911 Part 2 911SC, 911 Slant-nosed Turbo, 959

Porsche 911 - Part 2


What is your favorite Porsche?


Classic Porsche 911 - Part 2


This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche 911 sports car art featured in this guide please click here.


The 911 series is one of the world's quintessential sports cars. Thoroughly fresh and modern when introduced in 1963, Porsche has carefully massaged its shape over the last four decades so it remains the most identifiable profile in the sports car world. This guide covers classic 911 models produced between 1978 and 1998.


911SC (1978-1983)


Classic 911SC (1978-1983)


By the mid-to late seventies Porsche were in the position of needing to build a "world car", to meet different governments' requirements, and therefore rationalised the 911 series into the Turbo and the SC. The normally aspirated 3.0-litre engine meant it was good for 141mph/227kmh and 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds in European form (it was much slower in US spec). Servo-assisted brakes were standardised in 1979, and the list of luxury options grew in a deliberate move to make the 911 more attractive to the non-enthusiast. 1982 saw the first genuine cabriolet since the 356 series and in 1984, the sohc flat-six engine was enlarged to 3.2-litres, and the SC became known as the Carrera.


911 Slant-nosed Turbo (1982-1987)


911 Slant-nosed Turbo (1982-1987)


Inspired by the racing 935s of the late 1970s, the "flatnose" 911 conversions were built by Porsche's Zuffenhausen repair department as a special order from 1981, although they were only ever officially listed as an option in 1987 (option code M506 also known as the 930S in the USA). Small numbers were produced, the early ones having headlights mounted in the front wing, while later models were equipped with folding headlights. Behind the bumper an additional oil cooler was placed. A total of 236 were built between 1982 and 1987, and these genuine factory cars are now highly sought after as unique 911 variants.


959 (1987-1988)


Classic 959 (1987-1988)


This is the ultimate 911. Beneath the familiar body lines are a mind-blowing array of equipment which made the 959, for a time, the world's fastest production road car with a top speed of 197mph/317kmh.In many ways, with the 959 Porsche were reaffirming the spirit of the 911, with its unorthodox rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-six engine. The 911 had taken a back seat between 1972-1980, when Dr Ernst Fuhrmann was Porsche's chief executive and he decreed to switch to conventional front-engined cars such as the 928. However, with the arrival of his successor, Peter Schultz, the 911 once again moved centre stage and it has remained there ever since.


911 Carrera 2


Classic 911 Carrera 2


In 1989 a heavily revised 911 (codenamed 964) was launched as the Carrera 4, which had permanent four wheel drive (31/69% split) and a 3.6-litre version of the flat-six engine. Power increased to 247bhp, which meant a top speed of 156mph/251kmh (0-60mph in 5.2secs). A two wheel drive version, the Carrera 2 arrived late in 1989, which was a fraction quicker than the Carrera 4. Both two and four wheel drive ranges were offered in fixed head, cabriolet and targa-top versions. With the Carrera 4, Porsche managed to establish a new generation of cars with enhanced aerodynamics, handling and performance, while at the same time retaining the spirit of the 911.


993 Turbo (1993-1997)


Classic 993 Turbo (1993-1997)


The 993-bodied car was introduced in December 1993 as the fourth generation of the 911, and it made striking improvements in three most important areas - looks, power and handling. Fitted with a 272bhp, 3.6-litre engine and multi-link rear suspension, top speed rose by 6mph over the 964 to 168mph/270kmh with 0-60mph/0-96kmh at 5.6secs. The styling of the 993 was stunning and for many observers this was the most beautiful of all 911s. With its flared wheel arches, large diameter 17-in (or larger) alloy road wheels and flush headlamp lenses, the Porsche design team had created a car that equalled, and surpassed, the most evocative designs from the Italian styling houses. The 400bhp 993 Turbo was the ultimate extension of the 911 design.


996 Coupe


Classic 996 Coupe


In 1998 the 996 arrived representing the fifth generation of the remarkable 911 series. It was equally stunning and exciting as the cars from which it was derived, although for the first time the famous flat-six (now 3.4-litres) was water-cooled. This made the car much smother and quieter than its predecessors. There was also clear family resemblance to the Porsche Boxster, which had been introduced for the 1996 model year, since the 996 used the same distinctive headlamps with polycarbonate lenses and a similar front bumper. Bristling with innovative digital technology, the 996 probably represented the world's most idiot-proof driving machine and clearly Porsche had not produced a more competent road car.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic Ford Capri Mk3 280 Brooklands 1986 MkIII

Capri 280 Brooklands


What is your favourite Capri?


Capri 280 Brooklands 1986


A final run of 2.8-litre injected models badged as the Capri 280, were introduced in March 1987. Painted in Brooklands dark green, with red and white coachlines, they were tastefully trimmed in leather and fitted with 7J X 15-in alloy wheels. Costing £11,999 each, just 1,038 280s were built making them instant classics. It represented a dignified end for Ford's sport coupe, which had seen continuous production for the 18 years from November 1968 until December 1986 and notched up a total of nearly 1.9 million copies.


If you would like to find out more about the classic Ford Capri Mk3 car art featured in this guide please click here.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Classic Capri 2.8 Injection Special 1984, 1985, 1986

Capri 2.8 Injection Special


What is your favourite Ford Capri?


Capri 2.8 Injection Special 1984, 1985, 1986


In October 1984 the Capri range was rationalised to just 2 models, the limited edition Laser and the Injection Special. The Capri 2.8 Injection Special was launched to coincide with the London Motor Show, its main features over and above the standard 2.8i being leather trim, spoked RS wheels, rear seat belts and a limited-slip differential. Minor colour coding was also applied - the grille, the bonnet lip extension and the headlamp bezels now finished in body colour, although the rear spoilers and mirrors remained matt black.


If you would like to find out more about the classic Ford Capri Mk3 car art featured in this guide please click here.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic Porsche 911 Cars 1963-1977 912 Targa, 911S, 911 Carrera RS

Porsche 911 1963-1977


What is your favourite Porsche?


Porsche 911 1963-1977


This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche 911 car art featured in this guide please click here.


Launched in 1963 as a replacement for the 356, the 911 is probably the most successful sports car of all time. Despite continuous development, which has enhanced its refinement and performance, the 911 has managed to retain its distinctive character and become both an icon of style and automotive engineering. This series guide covers classic 911 models produced between 1963 and 1977.


911 (1963-1968)


Porsche 911 (1963-1968)


Introduced as a replacement for the 356 in 1963, the 911 followed a broadly similar layout to its predecessor, with the gearbox ahead of the rear wheels, the engine behind them, and springing by torsion bars. MacPherson struts were fitted to the front and the old swing axle rear suspension was replaced by a trailing arm system. Construction however was now fully integral. The new 130bhp 1,991cc flat-six engine was air-cooled, and drove through a five-speed transmission. Despite the fact it had only single overhead camshafts, the 911 was as quick as the quad-cam Carrera 2. Weber carburettors replaced Solexes in 1966, a Targa-top model came in 1967, and Sportomatic transmission in 1968. 911L (emission control) models were produced in 1967/8 for the US market.


912 Targa (1965-1969)


Porsche 912 Targa (1965-1969)


Basically a 911 fitted with the old VW-derived 90bhp 1,582cc flat-four, which drove through the old-four-speed gearbox, although the new five-speed transmission was an option. Levels of interior trim were lower than on the now-luxurious 911, and were more in line with the 356C. Less powerful than the 911, the 912's lighter engine made for better weight distribution, the model's top speed of 119mph/191kmh, and 0-60mph in 11.3 seconds, was very respectable for 2 litres in 1965. Over the years, the 912 received most of the up-dates of the 911, but not Sportomatic transmission. The model was dropped in 1969 but it was revived in 1976 for America as the fuel-injected, but slightly slower, 912E.


911S (1966-1973)


Porsche 911S (1966-1973)


By 1967 Porsche offered three versions of the road-going 911, and badged them as the 911T, 911L and 911S. Outwardly the cars were the same, but the 2-litre engine common to each model was available in different stages of tune, the S version being equivalent of the hot Carrera models of the 356 era. The 911S featured larger diameter valves, a compression ratio of 9:8:1 and developed a healthy 160bhp @ 6,600rpm. Top speed was close to 140mph (225kmh). Anti roll bars and Koni shock absorbers were fitted as standard to the S and these made a significant difference to the handling. A 2.2-litre version of the engine arrived for the S model in 1969, increasing again in 1971 to 2.4-litres.


911 Carrera RS (1972-1973)


Porsche 911 Carrera RS (1972-1973)


Considered by many to be the definitive 911, production of the Carrera RS 2.7 began in October 1972. With lighter body panels and stripped out interior trim, the Sport or lightweight 911 RS (code M471) used the classic flat-six engine, now bored out to 2.7 litres and boasted uprated fuel injection and forged flat top pistons - modifications that helped push out a sparkling 210bhp. A Touring version of the Carrera RS 2.7 was also available (M472), which was essentially a 911S interior with the 2.7-litre engine, suspension and body.


911 Carrera 3.0 (1975-1977)


Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 (1975-1977)


Under Porsche's policy of constant development and revision, August 1973 saw the 911 (150bhp), 911S (175bhp) and 911 Carrera (210bhp) replace previous T, E, S and RS models. There were ever wider wheels, and wheel arches, more controllable handling and new bumpers (from late 1973), which met US impact laws. A revival of the famous Carrera name the model used an aerofoil on the engine lid, which had been developed for the 911 Turbo, which was now in preparation. Three-litre engines began to be introduced in 1975, with the Carrera 3.0 and were standard in 1977. The American market received strangulated emission-controlled models.


911 Turbo (1975-1977)


Porsche 911 Turbo (1975-1977)


When Porsche introduced the now legendary 911 in 1963, it was capable of a respectable 130mph/209kmh top speed. This figure improved steadily over the years, but performance increased to new levels with the arrival of the 260bhp 911 Turbo in 1974 - now 153mph/246kmh and 0-60/0-96kmh in 6.1 sec was possible. Developed under the 930 destination, the Turbo was instantly recognisable by its wider wheels and accompanying flared arches, while there was a large tea-tray spoiler at the rear, which helped keep the wheels firmly on the road. For 1978 engine capacity rose to 3.3-litres, with revised Carrera 2 Turbo models arriving in 1990.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Classic Porsche 356: Number One, Gmund Coupe, America Roadster

Classic Porsche 356


What is your favourite Porsche?


Classic Porsche 356


This is one of many illustrated classic Porsche guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche 356 car art featured in this guide please click here.


For Porsche purists, the Porsche 356 is the classic model from this distinguished marque and the progenitor of a remarkable bloodline that survives to the present day in the form of the Porsche 911. Through four distinct model phases - "Pre-A", A, B and C, the 356 evolved in a smooth progression, with numerous specification improvements that improved the car without changing its personality. The shape received subtle refinements, while engine power rose from the earliest 1100 version's 40bhp to the 130bhp of the Carrera 2s 2-litre four-cam unit. Always produced in coupe and cabriolet the glamorous Speedster and high-performance Carrera were desirable variations on a theme.


356 "Number One" (1950-1965)


356


This was the very first Porsche sports car, chassis number 356-001. Produced in temporary premises in Gmund, Austria, in what was once a sawmill, it had a tubular frame chassis, a smooth, slippery open-top body and a 1,131cc Volkswagen Beetle engine, which was mounted amidships with the gearbox slung out to the tail. Completed by June 1948 and given the registration number K 45286, it was presented to the motoring press at the Swiss Grand Prix.


356 Gmund Coupe (1950-1965)


356 Gmund Coupe (1950-1965)


Following the VW-based roadster, which became 356 Number One, Porsche finally became an actual car builder turning out an initial 49 aluminium-bodied 356s between mid-1948 and March 1951. The first batch of light-alloy bodied 356 models (23 cabriolets and 23 "limousines") were produced at Gmund, Austria and were made almost entirely by hand. Fitted with an air-cooled, rear-mounted, 1,086cc, twin-carburettor engine developing just 40bhp, 80mph was easily attainable due to the lightweight construction.


356 America Roadster (1950-1965)


356 America Roadster (1950-1965)


One of the rarest and most mysterious of all Porsches was the America Roadster (Type 540). Hand-built by Heuer in 1952 and intended primarily for the American market, these open-top cars had distinctive "hump-back" styling and, devoid of any superfluous trim and equipment, were intended for competition purposes. Sadly, Heuer closed its doors in late 1952 and Roadster production was halted after just 16 cars had been produced.


356A Speedster (1950-1965)


356A Speedster (1950-1965)


Making its public debut in 1954, the Speedster was basically a stripped, low-cost 356, its humpy body was a cross between the America and the Cabriolet. Fitted with a skimpy hood, barchetta-style windscreen and sidescreens, in place of "wind-up windows to save weight, it became especially popular in California both on and off the track.


356A (1963-1977)


356A (1963-1977)


Following the 7627 356s built between 1949 and 1955 (Pre-A models) the main changes on the second version the 356A, the model which really established the marque, were softer suspension, a steering damper, a new dashboard and smaller wheels. A hardop Coupe version was added to the range. The 1290cc models (1300 and 44bhp, dropped in 1957; 1300 Super with 60bhp) tended to stay in Germany. The bread and butter models were 1600 (60bhp) and 1600 Super (75bhp) with a speedster for competition work.


356C Carrera 2 (1963-1977)


356C Carrera 2 (1963-1977)


The 356B gave way to the 356C in 1963. There were few changes at casual glance, but in reality there were several upgrades including disc brakes all round plus improved ZF steering. Model names were changed too: the Super became the 1600C, the Super 75, the 1600S and the Super 90 the 1600SC, with and extra 5bhp.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic Ford Capri Mk3 2.8T Tickford 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 (MkIII)

Capri Mk3 2.8T Tickford


What is your favourite Capri?


Capri Mk3 2.8T Tickford 1983-1986


Ford backed limited production of what probably rates as the most dramatic of converted Capris, the 2.8T Tickford. A conversion based on the 2.8i, but with a 205bhp turbocharged 2.8-litre engine, the model was easily recognised by its extrovert body kit, which included spoilers and side skirts, together with its distinctive blanked-off front grille. Tickford reckoned on producing around 250-400 cars, but with prices starting at £14,985 it was hardly surprising that only 83 cars entered production, the last in 1987.


If you would like to find out more about the classic Ford Capri Mk3 car art featured in this guide please click here.

Sunday 15 November 2009

Pontiac GTO 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974

Pontiac GTO 1964 - 1974


What is your favorite Pontiac?


Pontiac GTO 1964 - 1974


This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Pontiac GTO car art featured in this guide please click here.


The Pontiac GTO was the first '60s muscle-car to be merchandised as a high-performance machine for the masses and its blend of style and performance captured the imagination of America's youth. The GTO was created by shoehorning the division's biggest V-8 into the timid little Tempest compact, and the results were electrifying.


With shrewd marketing, Pontiac tapped into a wave of enthusiasm for factory-built high performance models that were run for the rest of the decade. A total of over half-a-million examples were built in a ten year production run, making Pontiac's "Goat" the most popular musclecar ever.


1964


Pontiac GTO 1964 & 1965


In 1964 Pontiac defined the first modern muscle car by putting a high-power V8 into their midsize Tempest/Le Mans body to create the GTO. In a move that sidestepped GM's prohibition on intermediate-sized cars having engines over 330-cid, Pontiac made its 389-cid V-8part of a $269 option package for the new Tempest. The name Gran Turismo Omologato was borrowed from the Ferrari 250GTO. It stands for a production grand touring machine.


1965


Though still technically an option for Tempest hardtops, pillared coupes and convertibles, the GTO had already forged its own identity as America's premier performance car. '65 models had fresh front and rear styling, grilles were recessed, headlamps were now stacked. The 389-cid V-8 remained the only engine but improvements in breathing and cam design boosted power. GTO production more than doubled, to 75,352.


1966


Pontiac GTO 1966 1967


Pontiac's was the shapeliest restyled '66 GM intermediate, and the GTO became its own model, although still Tempest-based. Fluted lamps dressed up its tail, and a few cards got red plastic front fender liners. GTO's four-barrel 389 again made 335-bhp, Tri-Power cost $112.51 extra. Car and Driver's Tri-Power with a 3.55:1 gear, took 6.5 seconds 0-60 mph and turned the quarter in a quick 14.05 at 105 mph. Total production for 1966 was 96,946 units, the highest one-year total ever attained by a true muscle car.


1967


Pontiac GTO 1967 1968


GTO for '67 was as stylish as ever, but the 389 had become the newly standard 400-cid V-8. Three versions were offered, all with 10.75:1 compression. In base trim, the 400 had 335-bhap via a Quadrajet carb; the High Output had a long-duration cam, improved exhaust manifolds and 360-bhp @ 5,100 rpm. Ram Air with a functional hood scoop rated at the same 360 horses, but at 5,400 rpm. GTO production totalled 81,722 for the year.


The front end of the '67 GTO changed little from the previous year, with the same twin-grille layout. The parking lights were still located in the grilled openings, but the grille inserts were now a simple, but hugely effective polished "chain-link" style. From the side it was difficult to discern much difference between a '66 and the '67. The side sheet metal though, was cleaned up with the Pontiac emblem lowered to the chrome strip.


1968


The second-generation GTO's curvaceous styling made it a winner. A huge design innovation was the new Endura bumper. The moulded appearance of the front end blending so well that it was difficult to determine where the sheet metal ended and the bumper began. Inside, the Goat's bucket-seat interior remained a study in the art of muscle-car cabins. Sales were definitely healthy: 87,684, of which 9,337 hardtops and 1,227 convertibles got the new 360-bhp 400-cid HO engine option.


1969


Pontiac GTO 1968 1969


Considering the dramatic changes for 1968, it came as no surprise that the 1969 GTO received only minor refinements. The grille pattern was changed to an egg crate style and the lower front valance received crosshair lenses covering rectangular parking lamps. Taillights and rear treatment were revised with wide horizontal taillights set between the bumper and deck lid. Body styles were hardtop or convertible. Four power-plants were available for this year: the standard 400 four-barrel, a 400 two-barrel, the Ram Air III, and Ram Air IV engines. Total production: 72,287.


1970


Pontiac changed the GTOs styling for 1970, giving it a new Endura nose with exposed headlamps, body-side creases, and a revised rump. Under the hood, a newly optional 360-bhap 455-cid V-8 provided 500lb-ft of torque @ just 3,100 rpm, perfect for the option-laden, luxury tourers many Goats had become. Including the Judge versions, sales totalled 40,149 cars during this model year.


1971


Pontiac GTO 1971 1972


The GTO changed very little save front-end styling but compression ratios were dropped to enable regular fuel to be burned in the combustion chambers without detonation. The highlight of the year seemed to be the 455 HO round-port engine, but rated at only 335-horsepower it still looked like a slug when compared to the 400s and the 455 HO D-port engines of the previous year. Convertibles were a dying breed, with only 661 examples being built in '71.


1972


GTO reverted back to option status in 1972, and changes were minimal. Sales plummeted to just 5,807 units and a look at competing muscle car sales figures quickly leads to the conclusion that they had become modern day dinosaurs and extinction was imminent. The only body-styles this year were the hardtop or pillared coupe, the standard 400-powered hardtop being the overwhelming favourite with almost 4,800 sold. A total of only 635 selected the 455 HO for the hardtop versions. Just 134 coupes were ordered, 10 with the 455 engine.


1973


Pontiac GTO 1973 1974


For many GTO fans, it was a travesty to call the final two versions, '73 and '74 models, GTOs. They certainly didn't deserve the performance name that had become a legend in the 1960s, but changing times meant that performance was becoming a bad word. Available in Coupe and Sport Coupe form, engines were 400- 455-cid. The downgraded 455 now produced only 250-horsepower.


1974


The final GTO didn't really look much like a Goat, and that was due to the fact that it was an option of the Ventura model. This X-body-based Goat could not hide its economy car origins. Fitted with a 350-ci, 200-horsepower engine, performance was lacklustre, posting high-15-second to low-16-second quarter-mile times in published road tests. When the final '74 rolled off the production line it marked the completion of one of the most successful runs of a special-edition performance model, with a total of 514,793 cars produced.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Ford Capri Mk3 Zakspeed Turbo 1981-1982 (Mark 3)

Capri Mk3 Zakspeed Turbo


What is your favourite Ford Capri?


Capri Mk3 Zakspeed Turbo 1981-1982


From July 1981 the German market took another step forward with the launch of the Zakspeed-engineered Capri Turbo. It was a strange mixture of 2.8-litre carburettor-fed Granada engine with a KKK turbocharger, 2.8 injection running gear and X-Pack body panels, and was clearly designed to cash in on the success of the fabulous Zakspeed racers. Only around 200 were built and officially it was only ever available in Germany, through RS dealerships.


If you would like to find out more about the classic Ford Capri Mk3 car art featured in this guide please click here.

Friday 13 November 2009

Ford Mustang Cars 1964½ Convertible, 1965 Coupe, Fastback, 1966 GT Convertible

Ford Mustang Cars


What is your favorite Mustang?


Classic Ford Mustang Cars


This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Mustang car art featured in this guide please click here.


The Mustang is undoubtedly one of the all-time classic motor cars and has earned a special place in automobile history standing alone for the influence and impact it has had on the marketplace. Made available with a wide array of "options", it could be an economical six-cylinder runabout, or a highly competitive performer on the track, it could be a luxury compact or a high specification mile-eater in the true GT tradition. Today the most famous of all ponycars, the Mustang has become highly prized by collectors and its long-term survival looks assured. This guide celebrates nine Mustangs from 1964 - 1968.


1964½ Mustang Convertible


1964½ Mustang Convertible


From the moment of its April 17 1964 introduction at the New York Worlds fair, the Mustang became a standard by which American cars would be judged forever. In the years that followed, sales records were broken and awards for design were given, the Mustang changing the face of the entire automobile industry. By tradition 1964 models normally appeared in September 1963 but as the Mustang was launched mid-year in April, the early cars are referred to as '64 1/2s. Total 1964 Mustang production was 121,538 vehicles.


1965 Mustang Coupe


1965 Mustang Coupe


Whichever way you look at it, the '65 Coupe looks more expensive than its original stocker price would have us believe and perhaps this is why it was the hottest selling model of the entire range. When the sixteen moth 1965 model year ended, the Mustang had sold just shy of 681,000 units and the pony-car phenomenon was well and truly underway.


1965 Mustang Fastback


1965 Mustang Fastback


Badged the 2+2, the '65 Fastback hit the market with a base sticker price of $2,589, although there were enough options to push the price up to nearly $4,000. The 200cid six engine was made standard at the time and cranking out 120 horsepower it gave the 2589lb Mustang a respectable level of performance. Most buyers however chose the optional 289cid V8. In standard form, with two-barrel carburettor, 200bhp was offered, but 225bhp (four barrel) and 271bhp (Hi-Performance) were also available.


1966 Mustang GT Convertible


1966 Mustang GT Convertible


Reluctant to tamper with success, Ford altered the '66 Mustangs only slightly. Exterior changes were limited to a new horizontal-bar grille and a restyled gas cap, while all but the GT, 2+2 and luxury models got a new side scallop with three wind splits. The GT equipment group required a V8 and included fog lamps, front disc brakes, dual exhausts, handling package and GT racing stripes on the sides.


1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350


1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350


Having created a car with mass appeal, Ford wanted a performance option for the Mustang and for that they turned to the creator of the AC Cobra, Carroll Shelby, who turned the fastback V8 variant of the first Mustang into the fast and rugged Shelby GT-350.


1966 Mustang Coupe


1966 Mustang Coupe


Sales for 1966 could not match 1965 because of the longer 1965 model year, but taking a comparable 12-month period, 1966 sales were actually 50,000 higher. For 1966 Ford picked up close to half a million hardtop sales along with 70,000 convertibles and 35,000 fastbacks.


1967 Mustang GT Fastback


1967 Mustang GT Fastback


Ford knew Chevrolet were developing its own ponycar for '67, so the Mustang received more extensive changes than it might otherwise have. Styling alterations were obvious yet the flavour of the original was retained. Most noticeable was the larger and more prominent grille and taller separate-element taillights. Setting the headlines though, was the new 390cid four-barrel Thunderbird Special V8 engine option. Rated at 320bhp it offered outstanding acceleration with 0-60mph figures around 7.5 seconds and the standing quarter in 15.5 seconds.


1968 Shelby Mustang GT-500KR


1968 Shelby Mustang GT-500KR


The '68 Shelby GT-500KR replaced the GT-500 at mid-year, KR of course stood for "King of the Road". The difference was that a more powerful 428cid Cobra Jet V8 replaced the standard 428. Conservatively rated at 335 horsepower, it actually pumped out about 400 horses. The GT-500KR was considerably quicker than the GT-500 despite the fact that transmissions and rear end ratios were the same. Tested at the time by a leading car magazine the "King of the Road" turned in the quarter-mile in 14 seconds at 102.7mph (Fastback with manual shift).


1968 ½ Mustang GT/CS


1968 ½ Mustang GT/CS


One of the more interesting Mustang offerings in 1968 was the GT/CS. The CS stood for Californian Special and this limited edition model borrowed much of its looks from the mean Shelby GT-350/500s. Features included unique side-striping and side air vents, rear spolier and Shelby-style taillights. A'68 GT/CS could have any engine available in '68 Mustangs, including the six-cylinder. An estimated 5,000 Californian Specials were produced, and these are avidly sought by collectors today.


Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!