Volkswagen Vintage Cars Collection

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (Germany) - 1977

The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the Volkswagen Type1, was an economy car produced from 1938 until 2003 with over 21 million manufactured in its air-cooled, rear-engined, rear wheel drive configuration. In the 1950s, it was more comfortable and powerful than most European small cars, having been designed for sustained high speed, and ultimately became the longest-running and most-produced automobile of a single design. Originally known as Kafer, German for "beetle", the car ultimately took the same nickname in English. Several engine variants were produced with designated displacement in cubic centimeters from 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500 or 1600. In 1998, many years after the original model had been dropped from the lineup in most of the world (production continued in Mexico until 30 July 2003), VW introduced the "New Beetle" which bore a visual resemblance to the original.

Porsche 356 A Convertible (Germany) - 1959

Ferrari Dino GTS (Italy) - 1974

Named for Enzo Ferrari's son Alfredino, the Dino is a design triumph and is one of the most beautiful, rare and expensive cars of all time. Designed by Pininfarina, the body is stell although all three deck lids are aluminum. The six cylinder midship engine is transversely mounted, has a five-speed gearbox and puts out about 195 hp which propels the Dino up to 240 kph. There are four ventilated, servo-assisted disc brakes, rack and pinion steering. independent double wishbone suspension and coil springs. There are 2 valves/cylinder, 2 overhead cams and 3 Weber 40 DCNF/7 carbs. Its agile handling and unmistakable Ferrari exhaust note make for an exhilarating driving experience.

Porsche 356 A Coupe (Germany) - 1959

The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2 door sports car available in hardtop and convertible configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture from 1948 until 1965, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Today, the Porsche 356 is a highly regarded collector car, whether close to stock or highly modified, it has enjoyed much success in rallying, the 24 hours of Le Mans, the 1000 km Buenos Aires, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana, as well as many other important car racing events.

Triumph TR2 (UK) - 1952

If ever there was a sports car that epitomized the British building spirit it must be the Triumph TR2. If is as true Brit as a car can be, born in the golden age of British motoring. It was a brave attempt to create an inexpensive sports car from a company with no track record of building sports cars. Legend says that the engine came from a tractor. The design of the chassis was a simple ladder with X-shaped bracing, and a twin-carb engine had a displacement of just under 2.01 giving a top speed of 169 km/h. The low door accommodated "elbows out" driving style and the seating position was so low that you could reach out over the doors and touch the road.

Mercedes Benz 190SL (Germany) - 1966

The Mercedez-Benz 190SL was two door grand touring convertible with an removable hardtop. It was produced by Mercedez-Benz between May 1955 and February 1963. The 190SL was sold alongside the faster, more expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which it closely resembled both in its styling and its fully independent suspension, with both cars having double wishbone suspensions at the front and swing axles at the rear. The 190SL was powered by a completely new, slightly oversquare 1.9L straight-four SOHC engine, that developed 120 gross hp. It earned a reputation for its difficulty in properly synchronizing the twin-choke dual Solex carburetors. The 190SL is considered one of the most collectible Mercedes Benzes today because of its time less beauty and form.

Mercedes Benz 280SL (Germany) - 1968

The Mercedes Benz 280SL is considered by many to be the perfect usable classic car with power steering, air-conditioning and bullet-proof mechanical. Christened "pagoda top" after the distinctive shape of their removable hardtop, these SL models were among the best-loved sport tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors. Its classic lines and proportion make it timeless. Its overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine had a horsepower rating of 180. Top speed was 189 kph, and its 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time was 10 seconds.

Shelby Cobra 1965 (USA)

The formula for the success of the Cobra came through a man named Carroll Shelby, a Chicken farmer from Iowa, who put a powerful Ford engine into a nimble, British sports car. AC Cars of England had been producing the tubular frame body taking styling cues from Ferrari. In 1961 when its production ceased, Carroll Shelby put a 221 cubic-in. In 1962, a 260 hp engine was fitted in and orders came faster than Shelby could build. Two Cobras were entered into the grueling 24-Hours of Le Mans endurance race. One of the Cobras captured a 7th place finish, a major accomplishment. In 1964, it finished fourth overall and first in the GT class. At the end of 1964, the new Cobra 427 was unveiled featuring a new tubular aluminum body, coil spring chassis, a 427 cubic-inch 425 hp engine. The Cobra could go from 0-100 mph and back to 0 in less than 14 seconds.

Porsche 912 (Germany)-1968

The Porsche 912 was manufactured between 1965 and 1969 as their entry-level model. The 912 is a nimble-handling compact performance four-seat vehicle. Built on the 911's chassis and sharing its bodyshell, Porsche was able to offer the 912 for much less than a base-model 911 by using the four-cylinder engine from the 356 rather than the 911's "flat" six-cylinder powerplant. The proven reliability of the 356's engine combined with the 911 bodywork and low price made the 912 a very attractive buy to both new and old customers, and it substantially outsold the 911, one of the most famous and successful sports cars of all time.

Porsche 914 (Germany)-1973

The Porsche 914 was created when Porsche needed an entry level sports car and automotive giant VW wanted to look for a successor to its sporty car, Karmann Ghia.
The 914 was first shown in 1969 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and immediately made an impact. It quickly won Motor Trend's Import Car of the year in 1970 and participated in and won its class in Le Mans. The mid-engine design and excellent chassis was praised but, for some reason, the majority of the motoring press could not see the attributes of the collaboration between VW and Porsche. Today, the 914 has aged very well. It is a constant presence in my classic car races and in many instances, with the right improvements dominates the equivalent 911. It owes its amazing agility and balance due to mid-engined configuration, and often befuddles its older sibling.