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Introduced in July 1957, the successor for the “Topolino,” the “Nuova (which means “new”) 500″ used a layout similar to that seen on the 600 with a rear mounted engine driving the rear wheels and independent suspension on all four wheels. A first for Fiat was the air-cooling of the engine, a two cylinder 479cc […]

The Bertone X1/9 is a two-seater sports car designed by Bertone and built by Fiat. Intended to be the first affordable mid-engined sports car, the X1/9 is notable for its sharp styling and impeccable handling. The targa top can be stored in the front luggage compartment. It was originally designed as a sports car for

The first appearance of the Georges Irat name was in 1914, but there is no record of car production until 1921. Having flirted with production of both large, powerful cars and smaller, less powerful roadsters, Irat was near financial ruin in the mid-30s. Building on the front-drive theme of their successful 6CV, Irat based the

This German company was producing cars as early as the 1920s but they struggled financially through that decade. In 1931, Hanomag had 25% of the small-car market in Germany, trailed by DKW (19%) and BMW (17%). The following year they gambled on concentrating on a single series–the 1.1 Liter (later re-named Garant). The gamble worked,

Few companies have offered electric vehicles, with only a handful being sold or leased. These cars typically suffer from heavy battery weight, short range, and long charging times. The Honda Insight was the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle sold in the U.S. Hybrids offer the best of both worlds–ultra- low emissions and no refueling or range

This tiny microcar, designed and built by airplane pilots Claude Cry and Cale Orcutt, was one of the most successful microcars. The first model was produced in 1947 and resembled a racing car. The example you see here is the more angular third series. It offers a practical 2-seater roadster body made of metal. This

In 1936 the MG (which stands for Morris Garage) Car Company began production of the T-series. They introduced the MGTA Midget with just over 3,000 being produced. Then came the MGTB, and only a few were produced before World War II broke out. During World War II production of MG’s ceased as the company was

In 1969, Matra was taken over by SIMCA, which in turn became fully Chrysler-owned one year later. Matra continued with their mission to produce an inexpensive, economical sports car, using off-the-shelf power units and running gear coupled with dramatic styling. In 1973, Matra introduced their newest concept, the M550—better known as the Bagheera and named

Servicemen returning from the European Theater after WWII had become infatuated with the sports car. One of the most popular and recognizable was the MG T-series. In 1949, the MG TC gave way to the MG TD; in 1953, the MG TD gave way to the MG TF. The TF was at the time a