Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and Classics (Page 4)

Forgetting Its Past, Aston Plans Brash New Lagonda

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, October 13th, 2008

Aston Martin teased a select audience at the recent Paris Auto Show with its latest concept, the "one 77." With a carbon-fiber chassis, a handcrafted aluminum body, and a 7.0-liter V-12, the one 77 will "deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning [read: mega-rich] customers." It's a busy time at Aston, since it was sawed off last year from the Ford empire. The exclusive British marque will also be introducing the high-end four-door Rapide sports sedan next year. But it's CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez's choice of words surrounding a third proposed vehicle, a revival of the Lagonda sedan nameplate, that has us worried.... Aston Martin teased a select audience at the recent Paris Auto Show with its latest concept, the "one 77." With a carbon-fiber chassis, a handcrafted aluminum body, and a 7.0-liter V-12, the one 77 will "deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning [read: mega-rich] customers." It's a busy time at Aston, since it was sawed off last year from the Ford empire. The exclusive British marque will also be introducing the high-end four-door Rapide sports sedan next year. But it's CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez's choice of words surrounding a third proposed vehicle, a revival of the Lagonda sedan nameplate, that has us worried.... Read More

Tags: Enthusiasts, Rumor Mill, Styling

Posted in: 2008, Lincoln, Aston Martin, Sedans, Luxury, Classics, Concept Cars, Town Car

Awkward Designs: GEM Peapod vs. Isetta vs. BMW 600

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, September 29th, 2008

This isn't the first year that pinched pocketbooks and a faltering economy have forced automakers to re-invent and downsize. After WWII, according to Wikipedia, short-distance, economically minded transportation was a huge need in Europe. Enter the Isetta, designed originally in Italy, and subsequently produced all over Europe, including in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, and Britain. The vehicle even saw successful production in Brazil. Its popularity made the Isetta microcar one of the most successful ever, speaking in post-WWII terms. Think the new Chrysler/GEM Peapod looks strange? Legions of Jalopnik viewers apparently do, having... This isn't the first year that pinched pocketbooks and a faltering economy have forced automakers to re-invent and downsize. After WWII, according to Wikipedia, short-distance, economically minded transportation was a huge need in Europe. Enter the Isetta, designed originally in Italy, and subsequently produced all over Europe, including in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, and Britain. The vehicle even saw successful production in Brazil. Its popularity made the Isetta microcar one of the most successful ever, speaking in post-WWII terms. Think the new Chrysler/GEM Peapod looks strange? Legions of Jalopnik viewers apparently do, having... Read More

Tags: Fun, Europe, Styling

Posted in: BMW, Sedans, Classics

GM Names Its Top 10 Production Cars

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, August 27th, 2008

As it preps for its 100th anniversary celebration in a few weeks, General Motors has been digging through its archives to name its top 10 production cars built in its history. There are some familiar names on the list--maybe you've heard of the Corvette or the Chevy Bel Air? Other choices are a little more esoteric, like the 1927 LaSalle, and some seem like kudos thrown to various parts of the General Motors empire for political reasons--we're talking about the influential-but-maybe-not-earth-shattering Saab 92 here. It's one way to kick off an anniversary celebration--and another way to trigger endless rounds of bar trivia and free drinks,... As it preps for its 100th anniversary celebration in a few weeks, General Motors has been digging through its archives to name its top 10 production cars built in its history. There are some familiar names on the list--maybe you've heard of the Corvette or the Chevy Bel Air? Other choices are a little more esoteric, like the 1927 LaSalle, and some seem like kudos thrown to various parts of the General Motors empire for political reasons--we're talking about the influential-but-maybe-not-earth-shattering Saab 92 here. It's one way to kick off an anniversary celebration--and another way to trigger endless rounds of bar trivia and free drinks,... Read More

Tags: General Motors

Posted in: 2008, 2009, Chevrolet, Classics, Corvette