2008 Tesla Signature Series # 22 Roadster History:In 2005, Tesla was creating “test mules” by working with ACPropulsion to make drivetrains that they could put into Lotus Elise chassis. A couple of these mules were used internally to validate the technology and then retired. In 2006, Tesla made about ten engineering/evalation prototype Roadsters. These were […]
1967 Jaguar XKE 4.2 Roadster Jaguar’s revolutionary E-Type first appeared to a stunned public at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon. Jaguar boss Sir William Lyons and his chief aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer paired up to design the new sports car, meant to replace the ageing XK150. The new car employed a semi-monocoque tub that utilized ingenious bolt-on front subframes to support the engine and […]
1927 American LaFrance Triple Combination Pumper Model 93 The very beginnings of American LaFrance go all the way back to 1832 when hand operated and horse drawn fire fighting equipment was manufactured. This type of fire equipment building in the early 1800’s typically was performed at blacksmith shops. Prior to Truckson LaFrance and partners forming their company, LaFrance Manufacturing Company […]
1931 STUDEBAKER PRESIDENT FOUR SEASONS ROADSTER One of the oldest names in the automobile industry, the Studebaker Company was formed in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer. By the late twenties, Studebaker was a successful manufacturer of mid-market cars that offered luxury, comfort and stylish designs at an affordable price. In 1928, Studebaker made a bid […]
History of Pulse/ Litestar There were about 347 of these made between 1985 and 1990 in Owosso Michigan by the Owosso Motor Car Company. The first 21 were called Litestars and then the name changed to Pulse. A Pulse is a motorcycle. It rides on 2 main wheels and has 2 outrigger wheels (one on […]
History of 1970 Dodge Charger RT/SE 440 6-pack The 1970 Charger was changed yet again and gone was the split grille that was introduced the previous year. New front fenders and a new lower-priced version with bench seats and a more modest trim package were added to the mix. The 500 returned as an intermediate […]
History of the 1981-1983 Delorean DMC-12 Conceived by John Z. DeLorean, engineered in part by Lotus, and styled by Giorgio Guigiaro, the DeLorean DMC-12 debuted in 1981. The car quickly piqued the interest of governments hither and yon, who were eager to attract the new car manufacturer and its jobs. The British government ultimately lured […]
History of the 1973 Chevrolet Corvette As the door slammed on the muscle car era, new regulations for 5-mph front bumpers led to a color-keyed urethane front end treatment for the 1973 Chevrolet Corvette, replacing the chrome bumper. It added only 35 pounds, and tail stayed the same as 1972 for another year. Corvette production increased to […]
History of the 1973 Citroen DS23 Introduced in 1965, the Citroen DS1 is the 2,175cc, 109-hp variant of the famous Citroen DS. Its predecessor was the DS19 and it was replaced by the DS23 in 1973. The DS21 was offered in four-door sedan, two-door convertible, wagon and “Pallas” luxury configurations. As before, the engine was […]
1967 Omega/ ITALIA Spyder (1 of 2 built. This one for Sonny & Cher) The story of Intermeccanica is a long and slightly convoluted tale of good ideas, roadblocks, hiccups, missteps and successes. Intermeccanica was founded in Turin, Italy in 1959 by Frank and Paula Reisner; a pair of Canadians who happened to fall in […]
