The Mercedes-Benz SL class of sports roadsters from the 1960s were known for their supremely elegant styling. Also referred to as W113 within the company, they were manufactured from 1963 to 1971. The “pagoda roof” 230SL of 1963 offered good performance and exceptional handling, together...
Despite a wide choice of attractive, often extremely potent models, the open sports car was in decline in the 1960s as the popularity of civilized, closed-top Grand Touring cars grew: Most of these sports cars were launched in the first half of the decade; many...
In terms of performance, the most powerful GT cars of the 1960s were on a par with their equivalents today, so efficient were their aerodynamics and engineering. Modern supercar drivers might notice differences in electronic gadgetry, soundproofing, and driver aids—but not in performance. The 1960s...
Small, specialist manufacturers created many GT cars in Europe in the 1960s, which, owing to their ingenuity and inventiveness, rivaled those of the big car makers. Hardtop coupes became increasingly popular, and trends toward front-wheel drive or even mid-engine layouts were appearing Aerodynamic testing produced...
Until its demise in 1988, Austin was a mainstay of the British automotive industry. Austin introduced millions of ordinary people to the joys of driving with models such as the Seven, A30, Mini, and Metro. Other highlights of the marque’s history included Austin-Healey sports cars...
The 1960s saw the final flowering of the separate chassis luxury car. These huge, heavy, traditional, and opulent cars were gradually replaced by fighter, more efficient, modern, monocoque luxury models, with significantly higher performance and sleeker, lower lines. The decade also saw the appearance of...
When Lotus founder Colin Chapman-dissatisfied with the engines available to him-asked Ford to commission a new power plant for Formula 1, Ford turned to Cosworth’s Keith Duckworth. The resulting engine was legendary, winning 12 driver’s titles between 1968 and 1982....
Clean, smooth lines and hot-rod performance options were the big trends in 1960s America, as car stylists reacted against the excessive fins and chrome of the previous decade. American carmakers finally found their sports-car niche with the Ford-inspired, compact, and affordable “pony cars.” “Coke bottle”...
World-renowned for prestige and driving excitement-and as the maker of James Bond’s favorite cars-Aston Martin is a prime example of a small British marque: building sports cars against the commercial odds, yet surviving decade after decade thanks to the support of devoted owners and dogged...
In the 1960s, many racing-car makers realized the benefits of moving the engine from its traditional position at the front of the car to the middle or rear. Improved weight distribution was just one of the advantages of this configuration. Marques that adopted the new...