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Ford GT '06
Ford GT '06.jpg
The Ford GT40 became an instant icon in the GT racing world by dominating the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance, taking the top three spots of the podium in 1966, and winning the next four in a row. In celebration of Ford's 100th anniversary in 2002, the company elected to recreate the legend by producing the spiritual successor to the classic race car of the Sixties, called the Ford GT.

The concept model was presented at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, followed by the unveiling of the production car at the same show in 2004. Its beautiful styling closely resembled that of the original GT40, but the new machine came armed with the latest technological features around. The car measured 17.9 inches longer and 4.0 inches taller than the original, but its larger size was effectively veiled by the stunning exterior styling.

Placed amidships, immediately behind the cabin, was a longitudinally-mounted supercharged 5.4 liter DOHC V-8 that pumped out 550 HP/6500 rpm with 500.1 ft·lb or torque at 3750 rpm. It came mated to a manual 6-speed gearbox. The new GT boasted remarkable performance, running from zero to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 330 km/h.

A total of 4,038 GTs were unleashed onto the streets during its three-year production run, and, by all accounts, this revived version of the GT40 will be just as collectable as the original.

Specs:
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sw3gameboy
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Oldsmobile Toronado '66
Oldsmobile Toronado '66.jpg
Once in a while a landmark car is launched, announcing a change in design direction for years to come. One of the best examples is the Oldsmobile Toronado of 1966, which re-introduced front wheel drive in the United States. Although the first production car to feature front wheel drive, the 1929 Cord L29 was American, it was not used since the Cord 812 was terminated in 1937. In Europe the layout was quickly becoming popular on small cars, because it offered more cabin space than comparable rear wheel drive cars, with either the engine up front or in the back. In North America the need for small and space efficient cars was not very big, which might explain why the front wheel drive layout popularity had not blown over.

After GM had already launched the groundbreaking rear engined Corvair, it was not surprising that they were the first the explore the front wheel drive route. Although it was more space efficient, a vehicle using the 'new layout' would require much more development time and money, which would make it unsuitable for a small car. So GM set out to design the biggest and most powerful front wheel drive the world had ever seen. To make sure the launch did went by unnoticed, the Toronado featured a very distinctive shape with a large front overhang and a chopped off tail. Among the most striking features were the recessed and concealed pop-up headlights.

Under the bonnet, which was large enough to play a ping-pong match on, a 385 bhp V8 was fitted, which gave the Toronado muscle car like performance. The drive went through a torque converter and a three speed automatic gearbox to the front wheels. This freed up a lot of interior space, with no room needing to be reserved for the driveshaft and differential. Although the Toronado's handling received much praise in the press, there were also a lot of complaints about the drum brakes fitted all around; they were simply not up to the job of stopping the huge and heavy 'Olds'.

A year after the Toronado launch, the same 'E-body' body/chassis design was used for the new Cadillac Eldorado. The first generation Toronado remained in production until 1970, albeit with a completely restyled body. In the following decade the American automotive industry steadily reverted to the front wheel drive layout 'pioneered' by the Toronado. Although the Toronado is historically very important, its high price and unique looks did not make it a best seller in its day.

Specs:
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Jensen FF Mk I '66
Jensen FF Mk I '66.jpg
The Jensen FF is a four-wheel drive grand tourer produced by British car manufacturer Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1971. It was the first non all-terrain production car equipped with four-wheel drive and an anti-lock braking system.

The use of four-wheel drive in a passenger car preceded the successful Audi Quattro by fourteen years, and the Subaru Leone by five years. The Dunlop Maxaret mechanical anti-lock braking system had previously been used only on aircraft, lorries, and racing cars. An experimental version was first fitted to the earlier Jensen C-V8, but this did not go into production.

The letters FF stand for Ferguson Formula, after Ferguson Research Ltd., who invented the car's four-wheel drive system. The FF is related to the similar-looking, rear-wheel drive Jensen Interceptor, but is 127 mm (5.0 in) longer, and mechanically very different. Standard FF features included front seat belts, a tachometer, and map pockets.

Although it was a highly innovative vehicle in a technical sense, the FF was not commercially successful. Its price was high — about 30% higher than the Jensen Interceptor, and more than that of luxury GTs from much more prestigious makers.

The FF also suffered from a design problem, and not one easily cured: the system was set up for a driver in the right hand seat, and no considerations had been made to making it left-hand drive. In particular, the central transfer case and both propeller shafts protruded into the left-hand seat space. The steering gear and brake servo were fitted on the right-hand side, and there was no space for them on the left. By the early 1970s, Jensen's primary markets were in overseas markets where cars were driven on the right hand side of the road (particularly the United States), and the FF could not be sold there.

Specs:
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Peugeot Hoggar Concept '03
Peugeot Hoggar Concept '03.jpg
Resembling an imposing 2-seater buggy, the Peugeot Hoggar looks avant-garde and unreal at first sight. Vast open spaces spring to mind, easily accessible to judge from the car's robustness and latent power. Getting there would be an even more pleasing and relaxing prospect in the knowledge that this concept car relies on unique and proven HDi engineering solutions, enhanced by original technology, such as the adoption of two power trains and appropriate wheels and suspension.

In elevation, the Hoggar has no overhang, thereby offering a highly compact volume with condensed proportions. The front wing rises over the tyre and falls back gently, before rising again abruptly at the rear wheel. This creates a general profile that is both elegant and dynamic and which, combined with the rear projection, expresses the strength and robustness of a crouching animal ready to pounce.

The Hoggar is a sports car for extreme conditions, with two seats and two up to the minute power trains deployed transversally, one at the front, the other at the rear, giving it the attributes of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. At the front of the carbon structure, as at the rear, there is a tubular sub-frame designed to support each power train. Attached to the carbon shell at six points at the front and four at the rear, these tubular frames also accommodate all suspension fittings, including the double wishbones. Both radiators are set well back at windscreen level to reduce the length of the front overhang. While the radiators are common to both engines, the one on the right features a low temperature loop to cool the intake air. Air from outside is captured at the front of the vehicle and is supplied to the radiators through a conduit incorporated in the bonnet lining.

Each ML 6C gearbox is driven by electrically-controlled hydraulic actuators. The sequential gear change operates by means of control plates under the steering wheel or a lever on the central console. A fully automatic mode is also available. The Hoggar can of course be driven with only one of its two power trains. The suspension of this concept car features double wishbones at the front and rear. Each axle is equipped with an anti-roll bar.

On board this ultra high-tech open-air vehicle, natural leather and aluminium feature strongly. Two people can sit in the one-piece, cast light-alloy seats, which have leather upholstery. Each occupant is secured by a safety belt, a true four-point harness connected to four small inertia reels. The fascia panel features two central rev counters, the left-hand one for the front engine and the right-hand one for the rear engine.

Specs:
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Jeep Hurricane '05
Jeep Hurricane '05.jpg
Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the Chrysler Group brands aren't new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep Hurricane blew onto the 2005 North American International Auto Show stage, it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.

Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI-equipped, but HEMI squared. There are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque - a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.

Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, we equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver's needs, the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders. All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 in less than five seconds. The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

The vehicle has 14.3 inches of ground clearance, and incredible approach/departure angles of 64.0 /86.7 degrees. These are nearly vertical angles - combined with 37-inch tall tires, so the Hurricane won't meet much that it can't climb. The Jeep Hurricane is the only vehicle on the auto-show circuit that provides its own turnable feature. The vehicle features a turn radius of absolutely zero, thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer: the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. In addition, the vehicle features two modes of automated four-wheel steering. The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is an innovation targeted to off-road drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels in the same direction for nimble crab steering. This allows the vehicle to move sideways without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing.

The one-piece body is shaped of structural carbon fiber, and forms the chassis that would be offered through a traditional frame. The suspension and powertrain are mounted directly to the body. An aluminium spine runs under the body to both connect the underside and to function as a complete skid plate system. The design is lightweight with high strength, and it boasts functional appearance. Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On the inside, occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished aluminium with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents.

Specs:
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Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde '10
Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde '10.jpg
The world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi took place at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years had appeared on some of Alfa Romeo's sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the "Quadrifoglio Verde" (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.

Bearing the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde is the car with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.

This engine's best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo's success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the standard MiTo.

This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.

On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17" satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.

It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, which involves a dynamic suspension. This system allows the MiTo to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car's movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the car.

Specs:
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Audi S4 Cabriolet '04
Audi S4 Cabriolet '04.jpg
The 2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet expresses its supremacy by adopting a deliberately restrained appearance. A closer look, however, reveals that this stylish, sporty body is indeed subtly different in its basic form and proportions from the remaining Audi A4 Cabriolets: the bumper has large air inlets, the xenon headlights have a titanium-coloured surround behind the glass and the outside mirror housings have been given an aluminium finish. At the rear, one sees the powerful exhaust tailpipes on both sides that are typical of the Audi S models. The Audi S4 Cabriolet runs on 18-inch cast aluminium wheels of S design with 235/40 R 18 tyres.

Inside this Cabriolet too, it is immediately identifiable as an S4. The instrument cluster has characteristic grey S dials and special dial needles. For the inlays, customers can choose between carbon fibre, piano finish, brushed aluminium and birch. The car's sporty character is emphasised by the three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel with S emblem. There are shift paddles behind the steering wheel on cars with the six-speed tiptronic transmission. For firm lateral location and excellent comfort on long journeys, the standard sports seats have a wide range of electrical position adjustments; combined Alcantara and leather upholstery is used, and there is a lumbar support and an adjustable thigh support.

The Audi S4 Cabriolet's eight-cylinder engine develops 344 PS (339 hp, 253 kW) at 7000 rpm, and delivers a massive 410 Nm (302 ft-lbs) of torque to the crankshaft at 3500 rpm. Such impressive figures are a sure sign of the superiority of this large-capacity, naturally-aspirated engine with its five valves per cylinder. Possibly even more impressive than its peak power output is the immediacy with which it responds to every movement of the accelerator pedal, and its remarkable willingness to run freely up to high revs. The exhaust system produces a deep, sporty note, always present but never obtrusive.

Driving a convertible is definitely one of the most emotionally satisfying forms of automobile transport - particularly in a car with such a timelessly elegant body and wonderfully responsive engine. But elegance and power need to be accompanied by a body of no-compromise high quality before one can be certain that every journey will be pure pleasure. The soft top of the Audi S4 Cabriolet retracts fully into the body when open. Nothing disturbs the characteristic shoulder line that extends smoothly along the top of the body. But even with the soft top closed, the silhouette retains its dynamic, harmonious effect. The gentle curve of the soft top emphasises the car's low-slung proportions and the mild wedge-shaped outline of the body.

Specs:
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Last edited by sw3gameboy on Sun Dec 27, 2015 1:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition '14
BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition '14.jpg
To mark the 30-year anniversary of the BMW M5 - the founder member of the high-performance business sedan segment - BMW has come up with an exclusive, special-edition version of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates. The BMW M5 "30 Jahre M5" (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of 300 examples vehicles worldwide. Developing 600 PS (592 hp, 441 kW) and peak torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), the new special-edition model (fuel consumption combined: 9.9 l/100 km [28.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231 g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M GmbH, but also the most powerful car in the history of the brand. The "30 Jahre M5" sprints from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in a lightning 3.9 seconds. Its strikingly exclusive, BMW Individual-inspired looks and numerous dynamics and comfort-enhancing equipment details make this special edition a highly desirable collector's item.

Under the bonnet of the BMW M5 "30 Jahre M5" is a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology whose output of 600 PS (592 hp, 441 kW) exceeds that of the standard model by 29 kW/40 hp. This power boost has been achieved through carefully calculated tweaks to the engine management and an increase in charge pressure. The foundation for these upgrades was provided by the Competition Package. Conceived to appreciably enrich the handling characteristics of the BMW M5, it can be ordered as an option for the regular model and is part of the special edition's standard specification. The Competition Package comprises modifications including a revised chassis set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and a 10-millimetre drop in ride height. Added to which, the Active M Differential on the final drive gains its own control unit to further improve traction. Elsewhere, the steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping. And the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is focused even more keenly on delivering sporty handling. The singular dynamic potency generated by these performance-enhancing measures makes the special-edition model a smile-inducing proposition, a point hammered home by its stunning 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 3.9 seconds.

In keeping with the anniversary celebrations which have inspired its creation, the special-edition model has been given the BMW Individual treatment. As a result, it cuts an even more dynamic, head-turning figure than its standard-specification siblings. Much of the credit here goes to the use of the striking BMW Individual paint shade Frozen Dark Silver metallic. This softly shimmering matt finish accentuates the elegantly muscular forms of the BMW M5 in particularly impressive fashion. The kidney grille surround, gills with "30 Jahre M5" badge on the front wing, door handle inserts and twin exhaust tailpipes all come in black chrome, adding subtle yet effective accents to the car's appearance. The same is true of the 20-inch bi-colour M light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres (front: 265/35 ZR 20, rear: 295/30 ZR 20).

The interior of the BMW M5 "30 Jahre M5" is also focused squarely on celebrating the model's 30th anniversary. For example, the driver and front passenger will be greeted by "30 Jahre M5" lettering on the front door sill finishers, while a plaque bearing "30 Jahre M5" and "1/300" inscriptions in reference to the special edition's limited 300-unit global production run is integrated into the Aluminium Trace trim strip on the front passenger side of the cabin. The "30 Jahre M5" logo is also embroidered into the backrests of all four of the high-performance sedan's seats.

Both the driver and front passenger in the "30 Jahre M5" special edition can settle into M multifunction seats, whose wide range of electrical adjustment gives them unimpeachable standards of ergonomics and comfort. The black Alcantara/leather combination helps to ensure excellent seat comfort and a refined interior ambience, as does the Alcantara Anthracite trim of the centre console and door panels. The M sports steering wheel is likewise trimmed in Alcantara Anthracite. Among the other equipment highlights of the "30 Jahre M5" special edition is a high-end surround-sound system with a total of 16 speakers. Customers can choose between a Harman Kardon unit with output of 600 watts and a 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen high-end surround-sound system.

In its visual impact, equipment and performance, the "30 Jahre M5" is much more than merely a stylish anniversary version of the segment-founding high-performance sedan - it represents a new high point in 30 years of success. And the story that began at BMW Motorsport GmbH in Munich in 1984 continues to raise the pulses of car fans around the world today.

Specs:
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Mercedes-Benz 710 SSK Trossi Roadster '31
Mercedes-Benz 710 SSK Trossi Roadster '31.jpg
One of the most revered sports cars in the world is the Mercedes-Benz SSK and this one features the most dramatic body of them all. It's nicknamed after Carlo Trossi who was it's first owner and had close connections to the industry. In fact, he had the foresight to be an initial investor of Scuderia Ferrari and later became the team's president.

Trossi knew where to get the best cars in the world and he purchased an SSK when it was a sports car of choice. They were designed by Ferdinand Porsche and became known as White Elephants for their brute force. The series started with the 1927 Type 680 S and matured with the shortened 720 SSK. They had a brilliant racing career and were praised for their famous history. Only five original SSKs survive today and each is a 'holy grail' among car collectors.

While most of the SSKs featured purposeful bodywork and cycle fenders for competition, a few were sent to the premier design houses to be fitted with an elegant body. Our feature car was purchased by Trossi after its competition career was over and he sent it, chassis number 36038, to Willie White who fashioned a body of steel. White was a relatively unknown coachbuilder and he formed the body to Trossi's design which probably explains why the car is simply known as the Trossi Roadster.

The most noticeable feature of the body is its teardrop profile which is emphasized extended fenders that have accent lines along their highest edge. The split wind shield is well integrated and mimics the front radiator's angle. The hood's trailing edge is also shaped to match the rake of windscreen and meet up to its base. Whether these features were designed by Willie White or Carlo Trossi, they were trend setting and later adopted by French design houses.

The cabin has no doors, but once inside the occupants are treated to custom dash board complemented by a huge Mercedes-Benz steering wheel. Most of the dials are standard Mercedes-Benz fare, except for a Jaeger ammeter. The speedometer still contains the same markings used by Count Trossi to keep track of engine rpm.

Behind 18 inch wheels sit huge copper brake drums that were originally designed to aid brake cooling. These wheels may have been originally red, but were changed to better match the elegance of the design. This is also true of the upholstery color which was green, but is now black.

Underneath the hood is an engine that completely fills the bay. Displacing nearly seven liters, the inline-six provides a full 300bhp thanks to an 'elephant' supercharger that came straight from the special SSKL. Like them, the forced induction is stepped and only engages when the accelerator is fully pressed. It translates into 300bhp at 3,400rpm and 508 ft-lbs at only 2,000 rpm! It's a wonder that any brakes, yet alone pre-war drums would be able to cope with the forces of such power and two tons of weight.

Specs:
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Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II Touring Spyder '56
Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark II Touring Spyder '56.jpg
At the New York Auto Show in April of 1950 the DB2 was launched. It featured a 2.6 litre Lagonda six cylinder engine and sported an attractive two-door coupe body penned by Frank Feeley. The new Aston Martin was an immediate hit and the small factory could hardly cope with the orders. On track there were plenty of successes as well with the Works DB2s scoring first and second in their class at Le Mans in 1950. The win in the Index of Performance was possibly an even better indication of the DB2's excellent design. The first fifty cars off the production line featured very prominent external grilles, which were fortunately removed. A more powerful Vantage model was offered from 1951.

From 1951 onwards, the Works used the specifically built DB3 for racing purposes and the DB2 served as a road car only. The first major revision to the successful two-seater was the addition of two rear seats in 1953, which resulted in the aptly named DB2/4. Like the DB2, the four-seater was available as a fixed and drop head. The hard top model was the first car to ever feature a 'hatch-back', used to access the rear luggage compartment. Privateers continued to race the DB2/4 and the success in Rallies inspired the Works to prepare three examples for the 1955 Rallye Monte Carlo. One example finished first in class and the other cars' results were sufficient to win the Team Prize. Several chassis were delivered to coachbuilders to have custom bodies fitted with the 'Wacky' Arnolt commissioned Bertone Spiders as the most famous.

There was a major revision for 1956 with the introduction of the three litre version of the six cylinder engine to form the DB2/4 Mk II. It came standard with a 140 bhp engine, but there was a more powerful 165 bhp version available, which featured larger valves and a high-lift camshaft. The hatch-back was retained, but a second fixed-head model was offered with a more conventional tapered roof. Aston Martin again made the chassis available to coach builders to have them fitted with custom bodies. The most striking of these was a Spyder debuted at the 1956 Earls Cours show in London and was the work of Touring. Three cars were constructed, but sadly the anticipated orders did not come through. This first contact between the two companies was no doubt instrumental for the partnership that would start in 1958 with the DB4 and would last well into the 1960s.

Specs:
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