While the niche was mostly kickstarted by American Motors Corporation (AMC) with the Rambler in 1956, midsize cars didn’t become a thing until the Big Three automakers jumped on the bandwagon in the early-to-mid-1960s. Ford was first to the intermediate party with the Fairlane in 1962, while Chevrolet joined in with the Chevelle in 1963. Plymouth had also downsized the Belvedere in 1962.
By 1965, Oldsmobile had the Cutlass, Buick released the Special, and Dodge introduced the Coronet. To catch up with its rivals, Pontiac enlarged the LeMans and the Tempest for the 1964 model year. But the GM division took it up a notch by introducing the GTO package for the two-door versions of the Le Mans.
The bundle included a larger V8 engine, a stiffer suspension, and a long list of other performance-enhancing parts and turned the GTO into the hottest midsize available at the time. Transformed into a stand-alone model in 1966, the Pontiac GTO kickstarted the muscle car wars that followed.
The arrival of the beefed-up Poncho prompted both Mopar and Ford to come up with their own high-performance intermediates. Powered by a 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8 in range-topping trim, the fourth-generation Fairlane was no match for the GTO, but that changed when Ford redesigned the midsize for the 1966 model year.
Photo: Muscle Car Campy/YouTube
Once a top-of-the-line mill, the 289 was relegated to entry-level V8 status as the Fairlane got the 390-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) Thunderbird V8 on the…
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Also known as the Flachbau, the story of this special 911 begins in 1976 with the introduction of the race-spec 935. The latter became so popular and successful that customers began to request 935-style bodywork for the road-legal 930. Porsche initially refused, so 911 owners turned to companies that began offering conversion kits.
Porsche eventually caved in and established the Sonderwunsch program to handle special customer requests. Set up in the same shop where Porsche previously built customer race cars like the 911 RSR, 934, and 935, the Sonderwunsch crew began fitting 930 Turbos with smooth front fenders and flat noses. Porsche also offered optional 935-style side skirts and rear-fender intakes.
The German company put together about 950 units, which makes the Slantnose the rarest iteration of the 930. For reference, Porsche sold 21,589 930 Turbos from 1975 to 1989. However, not all Slantnose cars are equally rare. Porsche also built a Series 1 version that a lot of people don’t know about. What sets it apart from the second series? Well, just like 935 that inspired it, it did not get pop-up headlamps.
The first sports car to leave the Sonderwunsch shop, the Slantnose Series 1 saw daylight in only… wait for it… 58 units. And yes, most of them are still around, but they rarely pop up at car events or public auctions. If you haven’t seen one yet, this pristine example was recently showcased at the 2023 Werks Reunion Amelia Island held by the Porsche Club of…
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If you’re feeling nostalgic for the cars of your youth, take a look at the way they’ve evolved. Vehicles that may play a prominent role in some of your favorite memories have gotten a reboot, with high-tech electric versions that boast plenty of get-up-and-go. Unlike the old-school automobiles, these updated EVs don’t need to make pit stops at the gas station, and they’re exceptionally quiet. Check out these new EV takes on your favorite classics.
VW Bus
In their ’50s and ’60s heyday, these were utilitarian and painfully slow, with an anemic rear-mounted air-cooled engine. And the flat front was like driving a brick. But, hey, they were groovy.
VW ID. Buzz
This electric vehicle will feel positively racy…
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THE TECHNOLOGY: BASED ON THE SPORTY 911 TARGA 4 GTS
Since the launch of the 992 two and a half years ago, the GTS models have been an attractive addition to the 911 range. The turbocharged three-litre, flat-six engine delivers 353 kW (480 PS), while maximum torque is 570 Nm. As an alternative to the eight-speed Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK), a seven-speed manual gearbox with a shorter gear lever and very short shift action is also available. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is a feature of the 911 Targa 4 GTS, while the high-performance brakes are the same as in the 911 Turbo. The standard sports exhaust system ensures an even more emotive sound experience thanks to special GTS tuning and the omission of some of the interior insulation.
THE WATCH: THE CHRONOGRAPH 1 – 911 TARGA 4 GTS EDITION 50 YEARS PORSCHE DESIGN
As the first completely matt black wristwatch with a stopwatch function, the Chronograph I revolutionised the world of watches in 1972. With its black dial, red second hand, luminescent hour markers and anti-reflective glass for optimal readability, F.A. Porsche modelled the watch on the low-reflection cockpit of a racing car.
As part of its anniversary, Porsche Design is relaunching this special piece of contemporary history. Buyers of the limited-edition car can purchase an equally exclusive timepiece to match. The limited edition number is engraved on the back of the case, inextricably linking the watch and the sports car.
Porsche Design has remained true to the overall appearance of the Chronograph I – from the bilingual date display to the original red second hand. It is another reminder of the cockpit of the 911 from that time. The changes to the original design all serve to bring it visually up-to-date and to emphasise the connection to the limited-edition Porsche. The current Porsche Design logo makes a modern statement. The rehaut features a tachymeter scale, which is a reference to measuring speed in races. The pointed shape of the minute hand makes it easier to read, while the case and strap with folding clasp and integrated fine adjustment are made of high-performance titanium.
The sapphire glass on the back, meanwhile, reveals the winding rotor. The design is based on the wheels of the limited-edition model and is also painted in Platinum (silk finish). The rotor cap with the Porsche crest is a reference to the centre lock of the exclusive wheel…
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