[Llarry]

While I've posted that the 2+2 model Ferraris are the least collectible models, the class 3-liter V-12 Ferraris are now worth fortunes.

But there is one that is probably the bargain Ferrari 250GT and that is the 1958 to 1961 250GT Pininfarina coupe. The PF was more luxury-oriented that other Ferraris of the era. For instance it introduced the luxury of a synchromesh gearbox. No power steering or disc brakes, of course: those enhancements were in the future. The price of a new one was still in the five digits -- actually the price of all the 250GTs was around the same at $12,000ish.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by Llarry

While I've posted that the 2+2 model Ferraris are the least collectible models, the class 3-liter V-12 Ferraris are now worth fortunes.

To me, cars like this are best presented with the average car in those days to show real context. It was a masterpiece at the time, given the field it was playing on.

[Boomer 2019]

[QUOTE=Lady Jane;31062586]1980 Bristol Beaufighter with a 5.9-liter turbocharged Chrysler engine good for over 150mph.

The fender doors gave you access to the spare on one side and the battery on the other. The targa roof could be stored in the trunk.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Beaufighter_(Auto)

This is not a good looking car. I much prefer its namesake. You know.. the one with wings.

[Llarry]

The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette introduced the four-headlight face that would last until the 1963 Stingray. The base engine was up to 283 cubic inches and 230 horsepower.

The photos show both hard- and soft-tops.

[Bimmerfun82]

Maybe blue wheels can make a comeback

[Murf the Surf]

Originally Posted by Llarry

The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette introduced the four-headlight face that would last until the 1963 Stingray. The base engine was up to 283 cubic inches and 230 horsepower.

The photos show both hard- and soft-tops.

I might give up my 993 for a vintage vette, very different car but there is something just kool about these old girls.

[GarySL]

Although I too love the C1, I'm not given up my 997...

[Llarry]

While the Ferrari 250GT Pininfarina coupe is probably the least valuable of the 1950s-60s Ferrari 3-liter cars, among the most valuable is the 250GT SWB. What a beauty! An 8 inch shorter wheelbase minimized weight and improved handling and the 3 liter V-12 offered more power. Only the uber-rare 250GTO is more valuable, but SWBs change hands only rarely and at a cost of millions. 168 were built from 1960-1963.

[Pauly Wauly]

Ferrari 288 GTO

[Llarry]

Here's an idea: Take a Volkswagen Kafer (Beetle) and use it as the basis for a racing car!

The pictured car, a 1956 Denzel 1500 International roadster, had a 1488 cc engine with an output of 84 hp. And very light weight.

Denzel did just that from 1953 to 1960, sourcing engines from both VW and Porsche. The company's total production was 65 cars.

[Llarry]

1903 Stanley BX Tourer steam-powered car.

Steering by tiller rather than wheel if I'm not mistaken.

[Llarry]

In 1935, Packard modernized their styling -- laid-back grille, bullet headlights, etc.

Here's a 1936 Packard Twelve 1407 coupe roadster powered by a 385 cubic inch V-12 of 175 hp.

[Llarry]

The introduction of big-block V-8s in the Mustang was really something else.

Here's a 1968 Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) convertible. The GT500 was powerful but the KR took it to the next level: a 428 block with 427 heads and upgraded internals. For "insurance purposes" it was rated at 335 hp. Actual output exceeded 400 hp with 440 ft-lbs of torque.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Maybe blue wheels can make a comeback

Oh hell I hope not. Silver FTW!

[floridaorange]

…

[Llarry]

Auto manufacturer Auburn was in trouble on and off through the 1920s and 1930s. They decided to up the ante with a supercharged straight eight of 4.6 liters (280 cubic inches) giving 150 hp (up from 115 hp). Auburn models 851 also had a two-speed rear axle (one for acceleration, the other for cruising and top speed).

This is a 1935 851 Speedster.

[Llarry]

1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S roadster with body by Fleetwood. This car was built for star Rudolph Valentino but he died (at age 31) before taking possession. Straight eight of 5.9 liters with 135 hp. Rumble seat.

The Tipo 8 was in production from 1924 to 1933.

[Llarry]

Another Duesenberg -- this one is a 1932 J torpedo (dual-cowl) phaeton with body by Weymann. 6.9 liter straight eight with DOHC and 32 valves of 265 hp. Handling in close quarters might have been problematic -- the wheelbase is 142 inches.

[Llarry]

1926 Franklin IIA opera coupe with an air-cooled inline-six of 4.5 liters (274 cubic inches) and 32 hp. How do you effectively cool an inline six? New price in 1926 was $2,600.

[3798j]

Dragon-Snake...

[Llarry]

floridaorange's posting on the Ferrari 275GTS (#1669 above) reminds me that a 275GTB coupe was introduced at the same time (1964), finally taking the mainstream Ferraris above 3 liters displacement -- to 3.3 liters -- for the first time. The open GTS was rated by Ferrari at 260 hp, whereas the 275GTB was rated at 280 hp. The cars shared the same 2400mm (94.5 inch) wheelbase and much of the mechanicals but were styled differently. The GTB had alloy wheels instead of the traditional Borrani wire wheels -- the latter could be fitted on request. The GTB also had independent rear suspension. A few GTBs were equipped with six dual-choke carburetors.

The 275GTS did not last very long in the lineup as it was replaced by a 4-liter 330GTS. The 275GTB, on the other hand, was given a dual overhead camshaft setup, six carbs and a power bump to an even 300 hp, being designated 275GTB/4. The body was almost identical with the 4-cam having a slight hood bulge.

Which leads me to a very rare and sought-after Ferrari, the 275GTS/4 NART Spider. The American importer convinced the factory to make an open version of the 4-cam coupe: 10 were built -- and all sold in the USA -- and, as you might imagine, they are collectibles of the first degree. Road & Track magazine got their hands on one -- see attached road test summary.

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Which leads me to a very rare and sought-after Ferrari, the 275GTS/4 NART Spider.

It looks like it was shod with Michelin XWX which were the de facto performance tires at the time before it was de-throned by the Pirelli P7 and the start of the low-profile tires. Yes?