PONTIAC SOLSTICE

When Pontiac introduced the Fiero in 1984 there was disagreement within GM as to whether it should be a sports car or an economy commuter. The public expected it to be a affordable sports car but its underpinnings didn't deliver sports car handling. By the time things improved sales had fallen to the point where it was no longer viable to continue production.  In 2006, Pontiac tried again with the seductive Solstice. They got it pretty much right this time but then GM went bankrupt and had to appease their new masters by letting the sun set on the old Indian chief.

MUSTANG I

The original Ford Mustang was a 2-passenger concept car often referred to as the Mustang I. An almost purist sports/racing machine it had full 4-wheel independent suspension and a mid-mounted V-4 engine. Although it contributed little more than its name and the galloping horse emblem to the production Mustang it was a step in the path that led to the development of one of the most successful racing cars of all time, the Ford GT-40. Today the Mustang I is housed in the Henry Ford Museum located in Dearborn Michigan.

BMW 507

The Bayersiche Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) or BMW had its beginnings in aircraft engine production. In 1923 they produced their first motorcycle and in 1928 their first true car.After WWII the company lay in ruins and was ban from producing anything for three years. They began to regain some footing by the mid 1950s with the little Isetta 250. In 1956 they introduced the 507, although only 252 of these lightweight, 150hp, cars were made their timeless design remains one of the most memorable ever produced by the company. 

MG TC

Starting as Morris Garages Ltd. in 1924, the name M.G. and their model TC Midget would, more than any other marque, become synonymous with sports cars in America after the Second World War.The TC was built on a simple ladder frame, a body made from steel and Oak, with a semi-elliptic spring suspension, skinny 4.50" x 19" tires and an engine that only produced 54 horsepower. It was a wonderfully unsophisticated car with great style that wasn't at all suited to American needs but it found a market anyway and most of the 10,000 built came to the U.S.

FERRARI 275 GTB

FLY YELLOW LONGNOSE

The 275 GTB replaced the 250 GT. Powered by a V-12 engine of 200.49 cubic inches producing 280 bhp, this berlinetta was capable of speeds in excess of 160 miles per hour. It sold in the United States for under $14,000 when new.

 

RED SHORTNOSE

1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Much like the 1955 Ford T-Bird, the first Corvette could be more properly called a "sporty car" rather than a true sports car. It was little more than a Chevrolet with a shortened wheelbase and fiberglass body. GM built only 315 Corvettes that first year, 300 in Flint, Michigan and 15 in St. Louis. All were white with the "Blue Flame" 6-cylinder GMC truck engine and Powerglide automatic transmission. The evolution of the Corvette's engine and chassis has come a long way since 1953 and most would agree that it must now be ranked among today's elite sports cars.