Voitures Anciennes

[RobertArthur]

A few weeks ago I briefly ventured into the world of top-of-the-range – in terms of price – highly exclusive classic cars. For more than one reason I have always preferred diesel cars equipped with a tow bar that simply took me from A to B and where you could still do a lot of the maintenance work yourself. That does not detract from the fact that the technology and comfort of those luxury models for the elite have always fascinated me. A few weeks ago, we came across what may or may not be an original Mercedes 300 SL roadster. The most iconic version remains, of course, the earlier Gullwing version.

I still have the timeline of Mercedes diesel cars somewhat in mind, but what exactly is the situation with the more sporty petrol cars of that brand? I came across a nice overview here. Experts may differ in their opinions about the various years mentioned in it, but then again, such a summary is not scientific research.

We already knew that those 300 SL models were quite pricey to buy and still are. The same goes for maintenance. What about comfort and several technical design issues? This is where the promises in shiny brochures only looked at the sunny side of the street. On the German side of the internet an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing design. To follow the line of arguing the many pictures already tell their own stories.

[RobertArthur]

A 1972 Scimitar GTE, 3 litre 6 cylinder engine (140 PS/103 kW), maximum speed claimed is 195 km/h.

[RobertArthur]

A modern showroom. With personal attention for every customer. Because, after all, they are king or queen.

[Hotrodder]

I was happy with my 1941 Packard 110 sedan with the smaller 6-cylinder engine. Judging by the standard equipment on this entry level model, Packard was certainly a cut above the rest.

[RobertArthur]

Not the inline-six engine of the 110, but almost the same, the Packard One-Twenty. A new car for about $ 1000....

[RobertArthur]

A modern classic sports car made by Toyota, not in British Racing Green. Near these beaches.
Engine: 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder Boxer (FA24). Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive (FR).
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shift.

Price level of the Toyota G86 and GR86: affordable compared with many others.

[curtis]

That looks quite useful and probably not that expensive.

[Hotrodder]

Can anyone tell me why 99% of the alloy wheels fitted to new cars are black? Super ugly from my point of view. They turn a potentially important design opportunity into a boring almost invisible dirt trap.

[RobertArthur]

A visual summary of the Toyota GR86 family.

[RobertArthur]

@ Hotrodder, the shiny alu alloy wheels of my Mitsubishi Outlander (2010 model, 4-cylinder 2.4 l engine) show dirt, brake dust and tiny little scratches almost immediately, I should clean them more frequently, other things to do. Black wheels are much better at concealing this. And for some black looks more modern, aggressive, nice contrast with body paint.