How the Suez crisis gave birth to Issigonis’s Mini, why it has 10-inch wheels and how a little Cooper S won the Monte Carlo three times.
Citroën DS: The ‘Goddess’ That Fell From the Sky in 1955 Paris
The story of the Citroën DS: hydropneumatic suspension, 12,000 orders on day one, de Gaulle, and why it’s still called the ‘Goddess’.
Austin-Healey 3000: The “Big Healey” That Won Rallies and Cooked Its Driver’s Feet
The Austin-Healey 3000 (1959–1967): a 2.9-litre six, wins in tough rallies with Pat Moss, a hot cockpit and a sound you never forget.
Indian 101 Scout: The Best Indian Ever Built and the Legend of Burt Munro
The Indian 101 Scout (1928–1931) is considered the best Indian of all time. Charles Franklin, the “Wall of Death” and Burt Munro’s 1920 Scout with its Bonneville record.
Soichiro Honda: The Blacksmith’s Son Who Put the World on Two Wheels
Soichiro Honda: from a garage in Hamamatsu and engines on bicycles after the war to the 100-million Super Cub, wins at the Isle of Man TT and in Formula 1.
Renault 4: The “Blue Jeans” Car That Sold 8 Million
The 1961 Renault 4 was meant to be as simple as a pair of jeans. Over 8 million were sold, with a dashboard gear lever and a different wheelbase on each side.
Moto Guzzi V7 Sport: The Italian V-Twin Born for Army and Police That Became a Sports Bike
The 1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport: the transverse V-twin, Lino Tonti’s low frame, the red-framed “Telaio Rosso” bikes and the story of Mandello del Lario.
Juan Manuel Fangio: The “Maestro” with Five World Championships
Juan Manuel Fangio: the Argentine mechanic who became five-time Formula 1 world champion with four different teams. And his legendary 1957 race at the Nürburgring.
Volvo P1800: The Saint’s Swedish Coupé and the Car with 5 Million Kilometres
The Volvo P1800 was drawn by a 22-year-old Swede in Italy, starred with Roger Moore in “The Saint” and holds a record of over 3 million miles with one owner.
Vespa: The “Wasp” Designed by a Man Who Disliked Motorcycles
The 1946 Vespa was designed by an aircraft engineer who disliked motorcycles. The story of Piaggio, “Roman Holiday” and more than 19 million scooters.