- Home
- Vintage Auto Fleet
Vintage Auto Fleet
Porsche 911 Carrera S (993)
The Porsche 993 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between January 1994 and early 1998, replacing the 964. Its discontinuation marked the end of air-cooled 911 models.
The 993 was much improved over and different from its predecessor. According to Porsche, every part of the car was designed from the ground up, including the engine and only 20% of its parts were carried over from the previous generation. Porsche’s engineers devised a new light-alloy sub frame with coil and wishbone suspension (an all new multi-link system, Weissach axle).
The 993 was also the first 911 to receive a six speed transmission and power was increased by the addition of the VarioRam system, particularly in the midranges, and also resulted in more throttle noise at higher revolutions; as a consequence, it resulted in a 15% increase in power over its predecessor.
The external design of the Porsche 993 retained the basic body shell architecture of the 964 and other earlier 911 models, but with revised exterior panels, with much more flared wheel arches, a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing, and teardrop mirrors.
The Carrera S shared the Turbo model’s body shell, but housed the naturally aspirated engine in the rear with a slightly lowered suspension as compared to standard Carrera models. The wide bodywork is widely acclaimed for its rear looks; it creates more aerodynamic drag, leading to slightly lower top speeds compared to the narrower siblings, but the wider tyres result in excellent road holding.
Mercedes Benz 280SL (R107)
The Mercedes-Benz R107 is a sports car which were produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1971 until 1989, being the second longest single series ever produced by the automaker after the G-Class.
The SL variant was a 2-seat convertible/roadster with standard soft-top, with optional winter hardtop and only rarely ordered bench for the tiny rear cabin.
The R107 took the chassis components of the midsize 1968 Mercedes-Benz W114 model and mated them initially to the M116 and M117 V8 engines used in the W108, W109 and W111 series. The body style for R107 did not change materially from introduction in 1971 to the end of production in 1989.
Mercedes Benz 280SE (W116) – RESTORATION IN PROGRESS
The Mercedes-Benz W116 is a series of flagship luxury sedans produced from September 1972 until 1980. The W116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called S-Class, although earlier sedan models had already unofficially been designated with the letter ‘S’ – for Sonderklasse or “special class.” The W116 was selected European Car of the Year in 1974
The W116 received the ridged lamp covers which kept dirt accumulation at bay; this was to remain a Mercedes-Benz design theme into the 21st century. The W116 had independent suspension and disk brakes on all four wheels.
The car was presented in September 1972 with the M110 engine (straight-six with 2746 cc displacement using Bosch D-Jetronic injection).
BMW M3 (E46)
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E46, which was produced from 1997 to 2006, and was the successor to the E36 3 Series.
The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 3.2-litre straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission and was available in coupé and convertible body styles.
The M3’s S54 engine has redlines at 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 has 6 individual throttle bodies, in this case electronically operated (drive-by-wire throttle).
Suzuki Jimny (SJ410)
The Suzuki Jimny (Japanese: スズキ・ジムニー, Suzuki Jimunī) is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini SUVs, manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970.
Suzuki SJ410 in most export markets, used the F10A – a larger 1-litre version of the LJ’s 0.8-litre four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) and it had a top speed of 68 mph (109 km/h). The Japanese market models claimed 52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp) at 5,000 rpm.
A four-speed manual transmission was standard, as were non-power assisted drum brakes front and rear. The SJ410 came as a half-door convertible, long-wheelbase pickup truck, two-door hardtop (called “Van” in Japan), raised-roof hardtop, and no-glass hardtop (panel van).
Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK6) – RESTORATION IN PROGRESS
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974.
The GTI version is equipped with a 157 kW (211 hp; 213 PS) turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine. Volkswagen based the Golf Mk6 on the existing PQ35 platform from the Golf Mk5.
The Mk6 Golf was designed by Volkswagen’s chief designer Walter de’Silva. The design is said to be more aerodynamic, helping fuel efficiency, and is quieter than its predecessor. Following criticism of the downgraded interior trim quality of the Mk5 Golf in comparison to the Mk4, Volkswagen opted to overhaul the interior to match the quality of the Mk4 Golf, while maintaining the same user friendliness from the Mk5.
Honda Supercup (C50) – RESTORATION IN PROGRESS
The Honda Super Cub or Honda Cub is a Honda under bone motorcycle with a four-stroke single-cylinder engine ranging in displacement from 49 to 124 cc (3.0 to 7.6 cu in).
In 1966 the C50 appeared and remained in production through the mid 80s, becoming one of the most widespread and familiar versions of the Super Cub.
