How often do you come across a car that is already considered a must-have classic without even being more than ten years old?
Well, when you chance upon this 2002 Porsche 993 GT3 Supercup Race Car, be advised that you’re looking at one.
Despite being similar to thousands of other 996 models, this particular GT3 race car holds a special place in the hearts of collectors for its stirring performance during the 2002 Porshce Supercup series. Driven by no less than Stephane Ortelli, one of the three drivers of the victorious Porsche GT1 that raced during the 1998 24 hours Le Mans, this particular Porsche was able to accomplish what no other Porsche has ever done, winning its series in its very first year with Ortelli, one of the best drivers of that period, sitting behind the wheel.
The car, by most accounts, is pretty similar to most other 996 models that carry the same 3.6 liter displacement of the 996’s horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine. With the added element of water-cooling to the first 996 production car, the GT3’s engine is closer to that of the 962 racing engine, which was completely water-cooled. However, unlike the 962, which used 6 individual cylinder heads, the GT1 and GT3 used 2 cylinder heads like the 959.
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It’s not too often where you see a vehicle that grabs everybody’s attention at the mere sight of it. But that’s what this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette V7 Twin Turbo commands: your unbridled attention.
Combining the true heritage of America’s sports car with modern-day super car technology, this original Corvette Stingray coupe was reinvented to become an attraction everywhere it goes.
Created by Phil Somers and Art Johnson, with the help of Mark Harlan of the fabled Harlan Design Limited, the ’63 Corvette was given a twin-turbo 1,000 hp Chevrolet LS motor, a monster engine that can run roughshod over even the fastest of sports cars. In addition to that, the car was also built around a GT-inspired architecture that assimilates a mid-engine race-inspired tube chassis and a Mendeola sequential paddle-shifted transaxle.
Despite having built a reputation as a tried-and-tested sports car, this ’63 Corvette takes the boundaries of unbridled speed and power and, as a result, has been transformed to an authentic super car.
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Facel may be a brand that not a lot of today’s generation can recognize, but back in the 50’s and 60’s, it was one of the most successful enterprises in the world, responsible for making almost anything that’s under the sun. From scooters, office furniture, military vehicle bodies and combustion chambers for deHavilland and Rolls-Royce jet engines, it seemed like Facel had a hand in building everything his ingeniously creative mind could think of.
One of Jean Daninos’ biggest goals, however, was to build a car that would re-establish his native country of France’s foothold as one forefront GT markets in Europe. With an unyielding vision to succeed, not to mention a few breaks and good fortunes here and there, Daninos was able to use his company to make his goal a reality.
As with any other starting venture, Daninos initially had to weather a number of storms before getting his project off the ground and as soon as the clouds had dissipated, Daninos immediately went to work.
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John Greenwood’s contributions in cementing the legacy of the Corvette as America’s Sports Car should never go unnoticed. As one of America’s most feared race-car drivers at that time, Greenwood took his Corvette racing operation nationwide and proceeded to win two consecutive Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) A/Production National Championships in 1970-71. This, of course, comes after he made a name for himself as a legend in Detroit with his street-racing exploits in an Impala and a Corvette.
Greenwood’s reputation as an ace driver landed him a sponsorship deal with B.F. Goodrich, which turned out to be the first of many sponsors who would come knocking at his door. With his tire sponsorship in tow, Greenwood set out to make his very first full-modified Corvette racers, which he aptly called his ‘Swing-Arm Cars’. Greenwood once again proved that he had the Midas Touch with Corvette’s when he raced in IMSA’s Camel GT Challenge and subsequently took home 3 wins in the SCCA’s Trans-Am Series in 1972 and 1973.
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We’ve all seen the inordinate number of convertibles cruising along America’s highways these days, but how often do you see a fully-restored 1955 Mercury Montclair Convertible out on the streets? Not a lot, right?
Anybody who’s willing to spend for an American classic would be wise to use it on this one and only classic from 1955. Predominantly white with some red trimmings and a soft, black rooftop, the ’55 Montclair’s enduring legacy is a testament to its classy look and superior drivability.
The car retains most of its original stylistics while also adding a few technologically advanced features, infusing the car with a combination of old-school ‘feel’ with new-school technology. This particular Montclair convertible comes with automatic C4 transmission, front sway bars, tilt steering, power windows, CD player.
Moreover, the car has undergone a full off-frame restoration, complete with originally modified front disk brakes, converted to 12 volt, A/C, intake and carburetor. The cars’ frame has also been powder coated, giving it extra protection from unnecessary wear and tear. Likewise, the car’s original nuts and bolts have been upgraded to stainless steel, thereby reducing the amount of rust these parts could accumulate.
While this ’55 Mercury Montclair Convertible has had its fair share of restorations, the enduring image of driving on the roads with this one-of-a-kind vehicle is still something we all secretly dream of doing someday.
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When you look back at the history of Ferrari, it seems that every car they roll out has been met with widespread acclaim and adoration. It’s a standard that only a few other car manufacturers can claim because at the heart of each and every one that has laid their eyes on a Pransing Horse, deep down, they wish they had one.
In the 60’s, one of the more popular Ferrari models to come out was the 365 GT 2+2. Taking its cues from previous Ferrari models – most notably the 250 GT and the 330 GT – the 365 infused the features of the prior models to make a car that is both mouth-watering and awe-inspiring at the same time.
The 365 was first unveiled at the 1967 Paris Salon and was instantly befitted the title of ‘must-have’ among car enthusiasts all over the world. The 365 improved on the stylish aesthetics of the 330 and the limited edition 500 Superfast. What added to the appeal of the 365 was its exclusivity, with only 800 units being made – half of Ferrari’s total production of 12-cylinder cars made that year. The 365 GT also comes with the distinction of being only the second-ever 4-seater Ferrari the company has made.
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Back in the 70’s when America was in the middle of a love affair with the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, the other member of the Detroit 3 – Dodge – had to come up with their own muscle car or risk becoming just an afterthought to what has become a ‘vehicular arms race’ between Ford and Chevy.
Dodge did release its own muscle car – the Dodge Challenger – and to this day, it is universally recognized as one of America’s true muscle cars.
The Challenger’s design was done by Carl Cameron, the same man who was responsible for the design of the 1966 Dodge Charger. Although the Challenger took off in the eyes of the public at the start – 76,935 cars were produced for the 1970 model year – the changing times and the waning interest in the pony car segment meant that the Challenger didn’t live a long life and was out of production in 1974. Ironically, as a result of its short shelf-lif,e not a lot of Challenger models lived to see the turn of the millennium – especially the 440 R/T version, which only had 163 models built. As a result, those who did have the specific-modeled car ended up owning a priceless piece of American muscle-car history.
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Built like a bottle rocket, the 1959 Front Engine Sadler Formula Junior Monoposto small frame belies the monstrous speed it houses inside. Built by no less than legendary car savant, Bill Sadler, this car has an unparalleled racing history that dates all the way back to the 60’s.
The ’59 Sadler Formula Junior Monoposto on display is an original and authentic version of the car that Bill Sadler created way back when race cars looked like capsules. This particular car even comes with all the race documents, photos, and logbooks it has accumulated throughout its racing history.
The car has also been restored perfectly without a sign of wear and tear other less fortunate models have become subjected to. This Sadler still comes with the same Sprite 1098 engine with Corrilo rods that it had back in 1959. Built by Prather Racing, the particular engine was built to give the Sadler the legs to take on all other race cars back then. In addition to the engine, the car also still has a 4-speed close ratio Sprite transmission, Venolla pistons, 516 Isky push rods, and camshaft Comptune 253/250. Meanwhile, the car’s sleek and slender body consists of fine grades of both aluminum and fiberglass, making it as light as a feather compared to the other race cars of its generation.
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Over 50 years after it hit the streets of America, this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Wagon looks like it just rolled out of the plant two weeks ago. That’s what happens when people go to great lengths in preserving priceless vehicles like this one. Not only do they look better than most cars out on the streets these days, but the ride is equally – if not better – than its contemporaries.
This ’55 Nomad has been around for half a century yet is still considered by many as one of the finely restored Nomads in existence. Even before it was restored, the car was deemed as spotless: no scratches, no benders, and no rust. Such was the care for this car that only a few reproduction items were ever used on it, meaning that most of its parts – including the original 265ci V8 and power glide transmission – remain intact and, better yet, fully operational. The car’s underside remains coated with the same brown/red oxide primer it has had since 1955 with no undercoating and the rear cargo area still has its original linoleum – which if you know your cars, has been obsolete for the longest time.
One of the few things done to this car was repainting it with its original Gypsy Red and Polo White colors, and even after doing so, you’d be remiss to think that it actually had a paint job. This Nomad is as near to flawless as any other restored car you can ever find in the world today.
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The origin of Bentley goes back to just after the armistice that followed after the Great War of 1919. The man behind the machine, W.O. Bentley, had a vision of creating sport-touring vehicles for competition in a number of European racing circuits. After a hamming out all the details of his new company W.O. Bentley officially introduced Bentley Motors Ltd. in 1919. For the next 12 years, Bentleys dominated the racing scene in Europe , winning a number of prestigious races with the most memorable coming in 1929, when Bentley completely dominated the LeMans, finishing in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the race.
After more than a decade of unparalleled racing success, Bentley shifted their focus on producing passenger cars and in 1931, the company – together with the consultancy of its founder, W.O. Bentley – sold their rights to Rolls-Royce, marking a turning point in both company’s history.
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