Mysterious Cars https://todaynews19.com/ Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:49:38 +0000 vi hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1959-cadillac-eldorado-biarritz-convertible/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1959-cadillac-eldorado-biarritz-convertible/#respond Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:49:38 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1895 As the undisputed icon of its time, the 1959 Cadillac epitomizes the 1950s ethos: embracing excess with the belief that more is better and too much is never enough. The well-known narrative unfolds with a glimpse of Chrysler’s radical 1957 lineup prompting a swift response from GM. Fearing their ’59 cars would be overshadowed, a […]

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]]> As the undisputed icon of its time, the 1959 Cadillac epitomizes the 1950s ethos: embracing excess with the belief that more is better and too much is never enough. The well-known narrative unfolds with a glimpse of Chrysler’s radical 1957 lineup prompting a swift response from GM. Fearing their ’59 cars would be overshadowed, a rapid corporate-wide revamp ensued, giving all five car lines new bodies, with Cadillac’s featuring fins over four feet tall, the most striking of all.

Beneath the surface, changes were more restrained. Cadillac’s trendsetting overhead valve V8, introduced in 1949, matured with a displacement increase to 390 cubic inches and 10.5 to 1 compression, yielding 325 bhp. The Eldorado engine, equipped with three carburetors, produced 20 more horsepower and was available as an option in other models. Standard luxury features included Hydra-Matic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and, for convertibles, power windows and two-way power seats. Despite the declining popularity of air suspension, few cars were so equipped.

By 1959’s end, unbridled optimism gave way to realism, leading to trimmed tailfins for the 1960 model. Sales for 1959 and 1960 held steady at around 142,000 units, a significant rise from the recession year of 1958 but not reaching the levels of the late sixties. Similar to the 1957 Chevy’s later collector fame, the 1959 Cadillac is now the preferred model, especially coveted are the convertibles, with the Biarritz standing at the pinnacle of desirability.

Source: Bonhams Cars

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1959-cadillac-eldorado-biarritz-convertible/feed/ 0 1930 Ford Model A Victoria https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1930-ford-model-a-victoria-2/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1930-ford-model-a-victoria-2/#respond Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:13:04 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1892 The Ford Model T, also known as the “Universal Car” for its widespread availability and simplicity, may have had its own appeal, but it wasn’t particularly stylish, especially towards the end of its production in 1927. Its successor, the Model A, was a significant improvement in terms of mechanics, thanks in large part to its […]

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]]> The Ford Model T, also known as the “Universal Car” for its widespread availability and simplicity, may have had its own appeal, but it wasn’t particularly stylish, especially towards the end of its production in 1927. Its successor, the Model A, was a significant improvement in terms of mechanics, thanks in large part to its 40-horsepower, 200.5-cubic-inch inline-four engine and sliding-gear three-speed transmission. The Model A also had a surprisingly varied range of available body styles, as Henry Ford acknowledged that aesthetics were important in selling cars.

For those on a budget, there were basic Model A Tudor or Fordor sedans and pickup trucks, but Ford also offered more luxurious options such as the rakish Phaeton and the elegant Town Car for those who preferred to be chauffeured. In 1930, the Model A Victoria was added to the lineup, distinguished by its slanted “bustle back” rear end and available in cloth-topped (by Briggs) or steel-topped (by Murray) forms.

Although the Victoria was an unusual body style at the time, with only 6,306 examples produced in 1930 and a total of 40,212 built, it represented only a small fraction of the over 4.8 million Model As produced in total.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1930-ford-model-a-victoria-2/feed/ 0 1933 Fiat 508S Balilla Coppa d’Oro https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1933-fiat-508s-balilla-coppa-doro-3/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1933-fiat-508s-balilla-coppa-doro-3/#respond Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:55:32 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1888 The 508S Balilla Sport competition version drew its inspiration from an original design by Carrozzeria Ghia, and it was based on the highly successful 508 Balilla saloon. This saloon was not only the first FIAT model of the inter-war years to receive a name along with a number, but it also served as the foundation […]

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]]> The 508S Balilla Sport competition version drew its inspiration from an original design by Carrozzeria Ghia, and it was based on the highly successful 508 Balilla saloon. This saloon was not only the first FIAT model of the inter-war years to receive a name along with a number, but it also served as the foundation for the sportier variant.

FIAT acquired the rights to the design and produced two versions: the Coppa d’Oro (Gold Cup) and the lightweight Mille Miglia, both named after the impressive achievements in these demanding long-distance races.

Sporting an elegant open two-seater body with a distinctive finned tail, the original Balilla Sport featured a modified version of the saloon’s 995cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine. This tuned powerplant propelled the rear wheels through a three-speed gearbox and was mounted on a sturdy cruciform braced chassis.

The car was equipped with Lockheed hydraulic brakes and rode on wire wheels. The second series, introduced in 1934, further enhanced the already successful formula. It incorporated a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and an overhead-valve engine capable of producing 46bhp.

Source: Bonhams

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1933-fiat-508s-balilla-coppa-doro-3/feed/ 0 1958 Buick Limited Convertible https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1958-buick-limited-convertible-2/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1958-buick-limited-convertible-2/#respond Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:17:21 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1884 The 1958 model year is revered for its extravagant and oversized cars with lavish trim. Among them, the standout is the 1958 Buick Limited, which revived the prestigious Limited name associated with Buick’s grandest and most expensive models. With its remarkable “Fashion Air Dynastar” styling, including a striking grille adorned with 160 chrome squares, the […]

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]]> The 1958 model year is revered for its extravagant and oversized cars with lavish trim. Among them, the standout is the 1958 Buick Limited, which revived the prestigious Limited name associated with Buick’s grandest and most expensive models.

With its remarkable “Fashion Air Dynastar” styling, including a striking grille adorned with 160 chrome squares, the Limited commanded attention. It featured distinctive rear fender “hash marks” and a luxurious interior. Powered by a robust 300-horsepower V-8 engine and advanced two-speed Flight Pitch Dynaflow transmission, the Limited delivered impressive performance.

Despite an unexpected recession affecting the automotive industry, the Limited endured as one of the rarest and sought-after Buick models. Only 839 Limited Convertibles were produced, making them highly coveted by collectors.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/11/1958-buick-limited-convertible-2/feed/ 0 1936 Mercedes-Benz 170 V https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1936-mercedes-benz-170-v/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1936-mercedes-benz-170-v/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:45:46 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1847 On 15 February 1936, Mercedes-Benz presented the 170 V (W 136) at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition (IAMA) in Berlin. This marked the beginning of a success story for the brand: fifty years after the invention of the car by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, the technically sophisticated and visually striking 170 V became a bestseller and secured […]

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]]> On 15 February 1936, Mercedes-Benz presented the 170 V (W 136) at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition (IAMA) in Berlin. This marked the beginning of a success story for the brand: fifty years after the invention of the car by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, the technically sophisticated and visually striking 170 V became a bestseller and secured Mercedes-Benz a top position in the medium-size car category. No less than 140,386 of the 170 V were produced.

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1936-mercedes-benz-170-v/feed/ 0 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1952-mercedes-benz-300s-roadster/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1952-mercedes-benz-300s-roadster/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:39:48 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1846 With the 300 series, Mercedes-Benz reclaimed its place as one of the top automotive manufacturers in the world. The all-new 300 series took its place as the company’s flagship. Initially offered only as a sedan, within months, the 300 S Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters debuted at the Paris Auto show and their distinct variations recalled […]

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]]> With the 300 series, Mercedes-Benz reclaimed its place as one of the top automotive manufacturers in the world. The all-new 300 series took its place as the company’s flagship. Initially offered only as a sedan, within months, the 300 S Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters debuted at the Paris Auto show and their distinct variations recalled the grandeur and elegance seen in the great 540Ks of the 1930s.

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1952-mercedes-benz-300s-roadster/feed/ 0 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1971-mercedes-benz-280se-3-5/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1971-mercedes-benz-280se-3-5/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:31:41 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1845 The 280SE 3.5 is one of the most desirable of all postwar Mercedes this side of the 300SL. They represent the end of the handbuilt era and are exceptionally fine cars to drive. Collectors have taken notice and values have risen dramatically in the past several years.

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]]> The 280SE 3.5 is one of the most desirable of all postwar Mercedes this side of the 300SL. They represent the end of the handbuilt era and are exceptionally fine cars to drive. Collectors have taken notice and values have risen dramatically in the past several years.

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1971-mercedes-benz-280se-3-5/feed/ 0 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1958-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1958-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:30:03 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1844 The 1950s was the era when the sports car truly came of age, as stunning aerodynamic design met performance forged in the white heat of competition. Few models exemplified that electrifying fusion quite as completely as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, a machine born of the first true supercar, yet endowed with a glorious open […]

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The 1950s was the era when the sports car truly came of age, as stunning aerodynamic design met performance forged in the white heat of competition. Few models exemplified that electrifying fusion quite as completely as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, a machine born of the first true supercar, yet endowed with a glorious open body that made it the envy of the motoring world.

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1958-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/feed/ 0 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1963-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1963-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:36:31 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1843 Both models of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL present a valuable case study in what makes a car collectible. To be a top choice, reliability and real-world functionality are key. Here, both 300 SL models are brilliantly engineered and among the best-made, highest-quality cars of its era. But the Roadster gains extra points for being so […]

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]]> Both models of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL present a valuable case study in what makes a car collectible. To be a top choice, reliability and real-world functionality are key. Here, both 300 SL models are brilliantly engineered and among the best-made, highest-quality cars of its era. But the Roadster gains extra points for being so comfortable and easy to drive.

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]]> https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1963-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/feed/ 0 1937 Mercedes-Benz 230 N Cabriolet A https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1937-mercedes-benz-230-n-cabriolet-a/ https://todaynews19.com/2023/11/02/1937-mercedes-benz-230-n-cabriolet-a/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:35:19 +0000 https://todaynews19.com/?p=1842 In 1937, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type 230 “N,” internally designated W143. As the successor to the previous Type 230 (W21), it used its predecessor’s chassis with four-wheel independent suspension and a 2,700-millimetre wheelbase. Rather oddly, the marque also produced a longer-wheelbase version of the same powertrain family, and as such, these smaller and more sporting […]

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]]> In 1937, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type 230 “N,” internally designated W143. As the successor to the previous Type 230 (W21), it used its predecessor’s chassis with four-wheel independent suspension and a 2,700-millimetre wheelbase. Rather oddly, the marque also produced a longer-wheelbase version of the same powertrain family, and as such, these smaller and more sporting 230-class chassis were retroactively designated “N,” or “normal.”

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