The S15 versions of the Silvia boasted 247bhp from its inline-four engine, thanks to a turbocharger upgrade and engine management system while the non-turbo SR20DE produced 163bhp. The body dimensions were reduced from the previous generation so that it would comply with Japanese Government compact class. The model line-up was initially simplified ..
The Mercedes-Benz R129 models were produced from 1989 through to 2001 and were sold under the SL Class model names. The R129 replaced the R107 SL Class in 1989 and was subsequently replaced by the R230 in 2001. The R129 was based on the shortened floor pan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 saloon and featured many innovative details for the time, for examp..
The 560 SL convertible was the latest in Mercedes-Benz's long and much loved line of luxury sports cars. Launched in 1983 it could trace its lineage back to the 230 SL of 1963. The 560 SL was powered by a 5.5 litre, overhead camshaft V8 engine producing 227bhp, an output good enough for a top speed of 220kmh with 100kmh reachable in around eight se..
The first-generation Range Rover was produced between 1970 and 1996. The original car was not designed as a luxury-type 4x4; while certainly up-market compared to preceding Land Rover models, the early Range Rovers had fairly basic, utilitarian interiors with vinyl seats and plastic dashboards designed to be washed down with a hose. Features such a..
The iconic R107 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster and SLC Coupé became so successful in the 1970's and 80's that it became their second longest production run surpassed only by the G-Class 4x4. Originally introduced in 1971 in 350 SL guise with a 3.5 litre V8 engine, it spawned some eight further engine derivatives and numerous options to extend the custom..
Unveiled at the March 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the new Mercedes-Benz R129 Series SL range was beautifully engineered. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell, its sophisticated, all-round independent suspension (double-wishbone front/five-link rear) was augmented by a host of active and passive safety features including electronic stability cont..
Just like the Jaguar Mk. II had done in the 1960's, the BMW M5, newly introduced for 1998, effectively reinvented the popular notion of a sports saloon. Jaguar had just introduced an XJR with 365bhp, and Mercedes-Benz's latest E55 produced 350bhp so, after a three-year absence, BMW responded last with an automotive knock-out punch: the E39 M5. Its ..
In 1975, the Jaguar E-Type finally gave way to an all new and more efficient Jaguar, the Jaguar XJS. This new luxury grand tourer, although never quite having the same sporting image as the E-Type, was actually more aerodynamic with the final example leaving the production line on 4th April 1996; at that stage 115,413 units had been manufactured du..
The 4973cc, R129 Mercedes-Benz SL500 carried on the tradition of the fast and reliable grand touring convertible from Mercedes-Benz. Born out of the earlier 500 SL models, the new SL500 featured many new and innovative ideas for the time such as controlled electronic damping, automatically expanding roll-over bar and a more modern multi-link rear a..
The motoring press were truly wowed by Renault's advanced MPV Coupé Concept when unveiled at Paris Salon in 1998. Remarkably true to the original design, the 'Avantime', built by Matra, was a genuine mould-breaker that offered a luxurious glass cabin with ‘Theatre’ seating, pillarless side windows and a full panoramic sliding glass roof. The view o..