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Texan CeeGar smokes the Germans.

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In September 1956, Johnny Allen shot across the Bonneville Salt Flats in a Triumph-engined streamliner to set a world speed record of 214.40mph. He was one of a small group of Texans from Pete Dallio’s Triumph dealership in Dallas, who, with a shoestring budget and a basically stock engine to beat the exotic machinery of BMW and NSU, then the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer. That record was recognized by the AMA as a national speed record, but world record status still was not recognized by FIM in 1956. No matter, Triumph touted it as a new world record and, for that matter, so did most of the rest of the world. The tiff over Allen’s record went so far as to lead Triumph to take legal action against the FIM in 1957 in order to force it to recognize Allen’s achievement—but they lost. Things got so bad that in 1960 the FIM banned Triumph from FIM sanctioned competition for two years. Ironically, Bill Johnson’s 1962 speed of 224.57 mph was recognized by the FIM even though that re...
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Who did it better? The cult cars for the people.

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  Issigonis's brilliantly packaged Mini, sets out the stall for the FWD revolution. The Renault 4, built to outsell Citroens 2CV, which it did, and that alone puts it in this little comparison. The People's car, a madman dictating a car for everyone in his third realm, or Fiat's cute, quaint and enduring 500 from the pen of Dante Giacosa. They've all been resurrected, their new cousins clearly displaying the family dna, although the market position, perhaps bar the 500 did shift. Manufactured from Britain to Australia, from France to Argentina, from Germany to Brazil and from Italy to New Zealand. 5.38 million Mini's left the plants between 1959 and 2000. From 1961 to 1992 Renault churned out over 8 million 4's. The Beetle, at 21.5 million was by far the best selling single platform car ever produced, and, the Fiat 500, the italians shifting just under 4 million models. So, judged on popularity, with 5 million alone stateside, thanks to the british army, hands d...
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1965 Monte Carlo Rally in colour

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  From the  Rootes Archive  the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. Rootes centric, so plenty of film for the pair of Sunbeam Tigers and two Hillman Imps, but still plenty of action from the likes Bohringer's Porsche 904, Roger Clark in a Rover 2000, Marine and Hopkirks Mini's and the odd Citroen DS.
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Ferrari Amalfi Spider.

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  You won't see many offerings of new entries into the automotive world here, the vast majority could have their emblems swapped around and you'd probably none the wiser as to what you're looking at, but this, this is truly gorgeous.  Ferrari has introduced the Amalfi Spider, the open-top version of its new Amalfi grand tourer and successor to the Roma Spider. The 2+ convertible pairs elegant Italian styling with a retractable five-layer fabric roof that opens in about 13.5 seconds, offering open-air driving while maintaining the comfort and practicality expected from a luxury GT. Power comes from a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing around 640 horsepower, allowing the Amalfi Spider to deliver strong performance alongside its touring character.  Ferrari designed the convertible with aerodynamic refinements and comfort features like a wind deflector to ensure the driving experience remains comparable to the coupe, blending performance, elegance, and open-air excitement. Rea...
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1952 Allard J2X Le Mans

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The Classic Motor Hub  are currently inviting enquiries for this rather beautiful 1952 Allard J2X. As you would trust, their research into the history of this Allard J2X is reassuringly extensive. Allard was one of many British marques that punched above their weight in the years following World War Two. Founded by Sydney Allard and based in south-west London, its cars were powered by robust American V8 engines, and not only did Allard finish third overall at Le Mans in 1950, it won the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally – not to mention picking up numerous victories in races around the world. This well-known and hugely significant Allard J2X – chassis number 3055 – was built in January 1952. Introduced late the previous year, the J2X was based on the chassis of the J2 that preceded it, and which had enjoyed great competition success using a variety of engines. This latest model featured redesigned front suspension in an attempt to improve the handling, and the engine was mounted further forwa...
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1932 MG J2 Midget

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  Before the outbreak of the Second World War, from 1932 to 1934, the British marque MG produced a lightweight two-seater roadster known as the J2. Over its three-year production run, only 2,083 units were built. Equipped with an 847cc inline-four OHV engine, the J2 earned a reputation for its lively handling and approachable price, making it a beloved entry point into sports car ownership at the time. Where better than the  MG Owners Club  to read a brief history and the technical specifications.  Announced in August 1932 the J2 Midget was outstanding value for just £199 10s. and was within the reach of many enthusiasts of the era. It was based on the successful design of the C type or Montlhery Midget as it was better known, a direct derivative of the M type. From the outset the car represented everything that was right in basic sports car design incorporating such things as a large rear mounted slab type petrol tank with a huge fast fill1 petrol cap, fold flat win...
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