I discovered that a lot of people were still visiting this page in September 2008
so I reprocessed a number of images, recompiled, and recreated this page from
the ground up. There are quite a number of images here that were not on the earlier
version of this page, and a lot of information on the cars, all of it new to this page.
I have put the images up in portfolio sizes, and prepared several Composites.
I hope you enjoy this new and improved visit through automotive history.

click an image to open a larger version
Use your back button to return to this page

Composites will open in a second window.

Alfa Romeo 1921 G1 Sports X4490
The last surviving example of the first Alfa Romeo

The first Alfa Romeo created after Alfa joined the Romeo group (it was actually a takeover).
Guiseppe Merosi designed both a luxury G1 and a version for motorsports. It had a new 6.3 liter
straight 6 cylinder engine (70hp). Due to the rising cost of gasoline, it was hard to sell a car with a
large engine, and all 52 production versions were shipped to Australia (where this car is from).

This car has an interesting history: imported into Australia in 1921 and sold to a businessman
who soon afterwards was declared bankrupt. He had foreseen his bankruptcy, and hid the car
from his creditors. He died three years later, and the car remained hidden in the outback for 25
years, holding up a corner of a shed. It was discovered by two young men who thought it would
be perfect to use for chasing kangaroos. They eventually hit a tree, and the car was towed back
to their farm where it was used to power a water pump. This kept the engine in perfect condition,
but the rest of the car was trashed. It was rescued from pump duty in 1964 by some Alfa Romeo
enthusiasts who later sold it to a man who undertook restoration against the advice of experts.
The restored car won the 1977 Queensland Vintage Car Concours, and also the 1978 Australian
Mille Miglia. It was later black flagged at a race at Lakeside because it was too fast (86mph).

The car was then sold to Julian Sterling, who undertook restoration to his standards, regardless
of cost. This required specially made components to replace all worn parts, including tires made
from the original molds at $6000 for the set. The restoration has been described as breathtaking.

The 1921 G1 Sports, the last surviving example of the first Alfa Romeo, won 3rd in its class.
 

Alfa Romeo 1930 Testa Fissa X4723

The Alfa Romeo 1930 6C 1500 Testa Fissa Zagato-bodied Spyder.

This is an example of the car that replaced the large and heavy RL of the early 1920s (the successor
to the discontinued G1), five years into its production. This example has the original (1500cc) engine
designed for the car. This style made Alfa Romeo successful, and was continued into the mid-1950s.

This 1930 Testa Fissa won its class.

Alfa Romeo 1931 X4719
 

Alfa Romeo 1931 interior X4487
 

1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Touring Flying Star Spyder
This beautiful car received the Elegance in Motion trophy.

Alfa Romeo 1932 X4725

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Touring-bodied Spyder.

8C is the 8 cylinder engine, 2300cc in this car.

Alfa Romeo 1932 X4483

Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Zagato-bodied Spyder.

6C is the 6 cylinder, 1750cc in this example.

Alfa Romeo 1932 Zagato Monza X4510

One of four Monza produced in 1932, this is
the short chassis racing version of the 8C 2300.

This car was winner of the Mille Miglia Trophy.

Alfa Romeo 1934 X4496

This is a 1934 8C 2300 Brianza Torpedo.

Alfa Romeo was the featured marque, and more
than 60 significant examples were displayed.

The Touring Superlegerra

Alfa Romeo MilleMiglia X4512

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia (only five were built)

Carrozeria Touring created the Superleggera (Super-Light) body and frame design, which consists
of very small frame tubes closely following the shape of the car, with aluminum body panels over it.
This frame is over the main chassis, as suspension components are too heavy to mount on the tubes.
The construction method comes from 1930s aircraft designs, and allowed great flexibility in shaping
as well as the very light weight. A number of Alfa Romeo 8C 2300/2900 cars were built by Touring.

Below are detail shots of other Alfa Romeo 8C Superleggera.

Alfa Romeo Superleggera X4507

This shot and the next two are all from an exquisite 8C 2900B Touring Spyder.

Only 20 Touring 2900B Spyders were made, along with 10 Coupes.

Alfa Romeo Superleggera Interior X4505

Alfa Romeo Superleggera detail X4504

Alfa Romeo 1934 8C2300 X4502

This Spyder is another Touring design.

Alfa Romeo 1934 8C2300 X4501

Note the extensive engine ventilation louvers.

Alfa Romeo 1953 Disco Volante Coupe X4515

A Touring Studio concept design, only a few spyders and coupes were built between 1952 and 1953
to study aerodynamics. The cars were set up for racing, and were to be raced by Fangio and his team
at LeMans, but the team never showed up and the cars were never raced. Why is still a mystery.

Disco Volante means Flying Saucer.

Alfa Romeo 1967 Spyder X4498

The Alfa Romeo 1967 Tipo 33/2 Spyder.
This example (the “Periscopa” Spyder) is one
of the first four built and raced the 1967 season.

Alfa Romeo 1970 Tasman Coupe X4499

The 1970 Tipo 33/4 Tasman Coupe was
the only 3 liter coupe built as a monocoque. It
competed in the Australian Tasman Cup series.

Auburn 1932 Salon Phaeton X4744

The 1932 Auburn 1250 Salon Phaeton was built
after E.L. Cord took over the company. It had a
a V12 engine with 160hp and several innovative
engineering features to go along with its styling.

Auburn 1932 detail X4747

Cord produced many interesting cars, including
the Auburn Speedster, the Cord L-29 with its
distinctive styling, and also bought Duesenberg
in 1926 and produced the famous model J.

Bizzarini 1966 P538
Spyder Prototype X4438

Giotto Bizzarini was an engineer for Alfa, Ferrari
and Iso. He designed the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO,
a major innovation in aerodynamics and weight
distribution that dominated the GT racing class.

Bizzarini 1966 P538
Spyder Prototype X4440

Bugatti Veyron X4477

Cadillac 1939-40 Ornament X4667

Cadillac 1930 452 X4673

The “Madame X Coupe”

V16 Engine

Cadillac 1930 452 Ornament X4670

Cadillac 1931 452A Pininfarina X4516

Cadillac 1931 452A Pininfarina X4518

The earliest known existing Pininfarina design,
this roadster created on a Cadillac V16 chassis
was commissioned by the Maharajah of Orccha
to celebrate his accession to the throne in 1930.

Cadillac 1931 452A Pininfarina X4520

At the time this car was commissioned, Battista (Pinin) Farina was just getting his own firm going in
Turin, Italy (his first client was Vincenzo Lancia), and Cadillac had just unveiled its new V16 engine.
The Maharajah’s tiger-hunting car was one of Pinin Farina’s first masterworks. The boat-tailed body
was very fashionable at the time (possibly inspired by the boat-tailed 1928 Hispano-Suiza by Galle).

Small doors behind the driving compartment (where the driver and footman sat) open into a throne
compartment raised 12 inches above the front seat, giving the Maharajah a free field of fire.

Chrysler 1933 LeBaron X4754

The CL Custom Imperial, one of the eras most beautiful cars, styled by the designer of the Cord L29.

Columbia 1906 X4683

The Pope Mfg Co. made electric cars between 1897 and 1907 under the Columbia brand.
These were finely-appointed, large, expensive cars for the period. In 1906 they also made
gasoline cars under the Columbia brand. The Mk XLVII was the 4-cylinder, 40-45hp model
with double chain drive, the top of the line, and sold for $4500-$5500 depending on body.

Further down, you’ll see more of Pope’s automobiles (the Hartford and Toledo models).

Columbia 1906 detail X4684

Columbia 1906 Interior X4686

Corvette 1961 Vignale X4596

One-of-a-kind, created for the
1961 Salon d’Automobile in Paris.

Cord 1930 L29 X4752

E.L. Cord’s L29 was designed to bridge the gap
between his Auburn and Duesenberg cars. Its front
wheel drive reduced the height and extended hood
length as the transmission and differential were
mounted in front of the engine. The Depression
caused production to cease in 1931 after 5000
were produced, but 157 were labeled 1932.

Delage 1937 D8-120S X4567

Delage D8 120 S Pourtout Aero Coupe
This Art-Deco masterpiece won Best in Show.

Designed by Georges Paulin, chief stylist at Pourtout, it was completed
in seven months, in time to be displayed at the Paris Auto Salon in October.

Louis Delage liked this car so much that he kept it for his own use.

Delage 1924 X4630

The Delage 1924 Labourdette Skiff Torpedo

Delage 1924 interior X4623

Details on Labourdette Skiff-type bodies
below in the text block from the Composite

Delage 1924 Ornament X4628

Labourdette Skiffs Text Block

A 750 pixel wide reduction of the
text block from the composite below,
which tells the story of Labourdette Skiffs.

Peugeot 1913 X4638

The 1913 Peugeot Type 150 Labourdette Skiff

Peugeot 1913 Skiff X4639

Peugeot 1913 Skiff detail X4642

Labourdette Skiffs SXXL

click for 1500 x 906 version

Available as an SXXL Signed Composite (9460 x 5716)

Also available as a Framed Composite (see below)

Labourdette Skiffs XXXL

click for 1606 x 1084 version

Available as an XXXL Framed Composite (11518 x 7779)

Delahaye 1947 175S X4534

Charles Bronson’s Delahaye 1947 175S Racer

Duesenberg 1931J X4842

At it’s time, quite simply the finest motorcar
in the world, and priced to match its reputation.
The Duesenberg J was released on the eve of
the Stock Market Crash, and all 480 Js were
built in 1929, sat around the dealers for years,
 and were dated for the year they were sold.

Duesenberg 1931J Ornament X4622

Lalique Crystal from a different J.

Duesenberg 1931J X4838

The magnificent model J (Judkins) had a base price of 13,500 in 1928, and the top model was $25K.
The price was astounding at the time, but with its incredible 265hp straight 8 (without supercharger)
and the ability to go 94 mph in 2nd gear, and a top speed of 119 mph, the performance of the J
was just as astounding as the price. The supercharged version reached 104 mph in 2nd gear,
topped out at 135-140 mph in 3rd, and did 0-60 in 8 seconds. In 1930 this was unbelievable.

Deusenberg 1931J Ornament X4615

Another view of the Lalique Crystal radiator cap headpiece seen above.

Cisitalia 1949 Pininfarina X4522

The Cistalia model 202 GT was designed and handcrafted by Pininfarina. The aluminum panels were
shaped over wooden forms. The time this took meant that only 170 were made between 1947 and 1952
This two seater transformed postwar automobile design. Based on aerodynamic studies for race cars,
the hood, body, fenders and headlights form a continuously flowing surface. This was revolutionary.

When the New York Museum of Modern Art created their first exhibit on automotive design:
“Eight Automobiles”, the Cistalia was displayed with seven other cars.
It is still part of the permanent collection at the MoMA.

Ferrari 1956 410SA SuperAmerica X4585

The Pininfarina-bodied 410SA Ferrari Superamerica was their top-line road car from 1955-59.
The 360hp 5 liter V12 engine was the highest displacement motor Ferrari had produced to date.
The SuperAmerica was the fastest (165mph) and most expensive Ferrari road car of the time.

Only 36 SuperAmericas were produced. This was one of the first (the car debuted in 1956).

Ferrari 1956 410SA Superfast X4555

Note the fins, typical of the period.
These two 410SA Ferraris were part of the
75th Anniversary Pininfarina exhibition.

Ferrari 1957 410SA Superfast X4558

The 1957 Spyder has drastically reduced fins
and a much more modern line. I really like this car.

Ferrari 2000 Rossa Pininfarina X4793

Designed for the Turin Auto Show to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Carrozeria Pininfarina,
this concept car was based on the chassis and mechanics of the Ferrari 550 Maranello. The body
design is reminiscent of the Barchettas of the 1950s, with the top of the doors folded into the cabin.

Ferrari 1970 512S Modulo Pininfarina X4797

Built on the 512S racing chassis, this radical concept car is very low and flat. It was designed by
Paolo Martin of Pininfarina and shown originally at the Geneva Auto Show in 1970, painted black.
It was repainted in white for display at the 1970 Turin Auto Show and the 1970 Osaka World Fair.
It earned 22 International design awards. The entire canopy lifts and slides forward for entry.

Ferrari 1970 512S Modulo Pininfarina X4547

The Modulo is only 36 inches tall (!). The front wheels are severely restricted by the covers, so they
are impossible to turn, but this is just a show/concept car. Many of the innovations found their way
into later production models (e.g. the headlights were used in the 365 GT4 Boxer Berlinetta).
 

The 1912 Gobron-Brillie la 12 Chevaux Rothschild Skiff

In 1904, the French Gobron-Brillie was the first car to exceed 100mph. The Gobron-Brillie used
two opposed pistons per cylinder (the pistons came together to compress the mixture and were
forced apart by the explosion). This car has a 35hp six-liter four cylinder version of the engine
and a body by the Rothschild coachworks. It was first exhibited at the 1913 Paris Salon.

The Pebble Beach 2005 Concours d’Elegance was the first public showing of this car in 75 years.

It won its class.

Gobron-Brillie 1912 X4659

Gobron-Brillie 1912 Ornament X4655

Gobron-Brillie 1912 detail X4657

Gobron-Brillie 1912 Interior X4656

Hispano-Suiza 1923 skiff X4651

The Hispano-Suiza company built superb cars, the best after the introduction of the H6 in 1919
(which earned a reputation beyond Rolls-Royce). They built aircraft engines for both World Wars,
and invented the most widely-used autocannon in the war. They were an aerospace firm after WWII.

Hispano-Suiza 1923 X4650

1923 Hispano-Suiza H6B Mühlbacher Skiff

One of the most expensive cars in the world,
the H6B had servo-assisted braking (a 1st) and
a 135hp 6 cylinder engine derived from the V12
aircraft engine. H6Bs were custom-bodied. This
car has a Mühlbacher skiff and wood cowl. The
H6B offered speed, quality and craftsmanship.

Hispano-Suiza 23 Ornament X4648

The Stork of Alsace, used as the Mascot after
World War I, taken from the squadron emblem
of the renowned French Ace Guynemer, who flew
a Hispano-Suiza powered aircraft. The badge is
the Swiss and Spanish flags connected by wings.

Kissell Kar 1912 X4780

1912 Kissell Kar Model 4-40 Semi-Racer

This 40hp jewel is the only known unit documented
as a racer from day one. It is totally original, and it
has a truly amazing ostrich-upholstered interior.

Kissell Kar 12 X4778

Kissel pioneered the use of the electric starter,
introduced a six cylinder engine in 1907, and in
1917 introduced a double-six V12 engine.

Kissell Kar 1912 Ostrich Interior X4677

A closer look at the Ostrich interior of the 1912 Kissel Kar Semi-Racer.

Kissell Kar 1912 XL

click for 1011 x 1200 version

Available as an XL Signed Composite (3791 x 4500)

Lancia Aurelia 1954 Pininfarina PF200 X4531

Lamborghini Concept X4816

Maserati 1961 Tipo 63 Birdcage X4799

One of two cars built in 1961 (one had long wheelbase and the other a short), these cars had a
difficult racing career, having carburetion problems for the most part. The SWB car did finish 4th at
LeMans, but never raced again for the factory (it is used for vintage racing by its current owner).

The car was given the name “Birdcage” because of the triangulated,
tubular chassis construction (partially visible through the windshield).

Maserati Pininfarina X4529

The 1954 Maserati A6GSC Pininfarina Berlinetta, Winner of the Art Center College of Design Award.

One of four berlinetta (fastback) cars produced by Pininfarina, this car made a major name for itself at
the 1954 Paris Auto Show. The racing version took 1st and 2nd in class at the 1953 Mille Miglia, and
took 2nd and 3rd at Targa Florio. This car has the same chassis and engine as the racing version.

Mercedes 1906 X4586

1906 Mercedes 70hp J. Rothschild Tourer,
Winner of the Ansel Adams Trophy.
This early Mercedes had a huge 10 liter engine.

Mercedes 1912 X4601

1912 Mercedes 37/95 Holbrook Touring car.
The Paul Daimler-designed 9.5 liter four cylinder
engine (huge motor!) produced enormous torque
to an oil-bathed chain drive system.

Mercedes 1924 skiff X4661

One of the last models produced before the 1926
merger with Daimler-Benz, the 28/95 Skiff Tourer
had a 6 cylinder engine derived from the aircraft
engine used during WWI. It had drum brakes on all
four wheels. This car has a Sindelfingen skiff body
and has been completely restored and refinished.

Mercedes 1924 skiff Interior X4662

Note the carburetion and ignition
controls on the steering wheel.

Napier 1902 X4710

Model D50 Gordon Bennett. This car was entered
to race for the Gordon Bennett Trophy, driven by
Mr. Napier and Selwyn Edge (Vienna to Paris). It
was the first British winner of an international race.

Napier 1902 detail X4709

Due to the furor over the Gordon Bennett race win,
this color henceforth became known as
British Racing Green.

Winner of the Charles C. Chayne Trophy.

Nash Healey 1953 Pininfarina X4527

Designed by Donald Healey in England for Nash Motors, with coachwork by Pininfarina.
With its 140hp 4.1 liter 6 cylinder Nash engine, it won its class at LeMans, 3rd overall.

National 1904 X4687

1904 National Model C Touring Car

The only surviving car by National, who built
cars from 1900 to 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(originally they were powered by electric motors)

National 1904 X4688

The company president (Arthur Newby) was one of
the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where National won the 1912 500-mile race.

Packard 1934 Sport Phaeton X4736

Very few of the 1934 Packards sold were
Phaetons, so this car is especially rare.
This Sport Phaeton won it’s class.

Packard 1937 X4742

1937 Packard 1502 Convertible Sedan
Coachwork by Deitrich

Packard 1934 X4757

1934 Packard Deitrich Convertible Sedan

One of the 960 V12s built in 1934, sporting
Deitrich coachwork. The 445 cu. inch side-valve
engine was designed to be smooth and quiet while
developing 160hp. The custom bodies made by
Packard were considered among the finest
creations during this period in history.

Packard 1934 Ornament X4763

The Lalique Crystal radiator cap headpiece
of this superb 1934 Packard. Several of the
most prestigious cars of the 1930s sported
custom Lalique Crystal headpieces like this.

Another image of this superb piece
of artwork in crystal can be seen below.

Packard 1934 Ornament X4758

Pierce Arrow 1903 X4704

John Hovey’s exquisite 1903 Pierce Arrow 15hp.

This car, the first “Arrow” (the previous Pierce was
called the “Motorette”, is the car that made Pierce
famous. It was larger with the engine mounted in
front rather than under the car, carried 4 adults,
and was powered by the 15hp deDion engine.

Pierce Arrow Ornament X4573

The mascot from a 1930s Pierce Arrow.

Pierce Arrows became some of the most
desirable cars of their period, and they still are
today. Pierce cars won the Glidden Endurance
Trophy 1905-1909 and cemented their reputation.
From the teens to the 1930s they made great cars.

Pierce Arrow 1903 John Hovey XXL

click for 1500 x 901 version

Available as an XXL Signed Composite (5079 x 3050)

Pope Hartford 1913 Roadster X4695

The 1913 Pope Hartford model 31 Portola Roadster was a fast car for its day. One of four still in
existence, this car has a 6 cylinder engine cast in pairs, an advanced 4-bearing aluminum crankcase,
and other innovative features such as chrome-nickel steel valves and camshaft. It developed 60hp.

Pope Hartford 1913 Roadster X4694

This car would be very hard to miss on the road.

It is painted Blinding Yellow.

Pope Hartford 1913
Roadster Interior X4693