Cars you've never seen before

[Barry]

How about the Rootes Sunbeam Stiletto, coupe version of the rear engine Hillman Imp

 

[desertdude]

Man UK made some seriously crappy cars during the 60s 70s. No wonder all those companies are dead today.The only thing cool I can thnk of from that era is tge Jensen Interceptor 

[Barry]

The stiletto wasn’t bad compared to some of the crap BL were putting out at the same time. Infinintly more interesting too with it’s rear engine setup to make more passenger room. Check how the engine is almost tilted on it’s side to get it into the small space,

Was also the first British production car with all aluminium head and block. 

Now that we’re on the subject, here’s a car built in Ireland on the same chassis, the Clan Crusader. Wouldn’t really be known to many outside the rally and hill climb world. Tiny little car but Lotus levels of handling on tight lanes. 

 

Here’s another I’m sure most of you won’t have heard of, again it primarily only runs on local level rallies but it’s running a Millington Diamond engine which any good car enthusiast will know about. The Darrian T90 GTR. Always reminded me of a baby RS200. If you have a good sense of humour the sun strip will make you laugh.

[shadow79]

the tilted engine setup is also used in previa, estima older models as that car didn't have a proper bonnet its engine sit under the driver and passenger

Edited September 27, 2018 by shadow79
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[Barry]

Mid mounted? That makes it a sports van!

I was doing an engine conversion on one of my Subaru’s and borrowed my uncles Nissan Serena to go to work for a few days. It was a 2.3 diesel. No turbo or anything. 75 BHP trying to pull 2 tonnes of van. I complained to my uncle that it was too slow. He said, shut up, the engine is in the middle, it’s a sports van!

[Barry]

Honda Beat. On the border between Kei and full size car. Holds the honour as the last ever car signed off by Soichiro Honda before his death in 1991. 

 

[Barry]

Mazda Cosmo. Like a S14 Nissan 200SX with bigger balls. 

 

[Barry]

Some of the European members may remember this one. Renault Fuego Turbo. Very cool car to own back in the day. Extremely rare now due to the rust factor. 

Even the GTX model is hard to find now and commands a premium price.