BEFORE THE 500
1957 Fiat 600
The Seicento was Fiat’s first rear-engined car, though still water-cooled. The 633cc motor pumped out a measly 21 hp, but managed a somewhat respectable 95 kph. Dante Giacosa’s master-stroke, it was also the basis for the Multipla, possibly the world’s first MPV. This example was entered by Dr Pushkar Mangeshkar.
AIR,THERE, EVERYWHERE
1959 Chevrolet Bel Air
lThe year 1959 was very significant for the US. Buddy Holly died in a plane crash, the Twilight Zone premiered on television, Barbie made her first appearance and the Big Three went all guns blazing with their ‘59 lineup, showcasing the wildest tail-fins ever seen. While Cadillac had their trademark vertical fins, Chevrolet decided to do things differently with dorsal fins spreading out giving birth to the super cool cats-eye taillights. This immaculate example is part of Hormusji Cama’s fantastic collection.
JUST FOR A LARK
1965 BUICK
General Motors decided to celebrate 50 years of Buick in 1953 by launching a limited run of the Skylark, a luxurious
top-of-the-line cabriolet. Encouraged by its success, they proceeded with full-scale production in ‘61. Come ‘65 and Buick launched the Gran Sport option, which went on to become the Buick GS – a legend in its own right. The car featured here, belonging to Pravin Choksey, dates to 1966, when the engine lineup included a 5600cc V8, belting out 220 horses.
|
