High-performance closed cars

ABARTH Stand 146

To be seen for the first time anywhere in the World is the new Abarth 1000, while the 2200 model will be exhibited at Earls Court for the first time. Also on the stand will be one of the 850 rear-engined coupes. Anthony Crook Motors are the U.K. concessionaires for Abarth and will also show a representative selection of Abarth exhaust systems on stand 327 in the gallery, while examples of Zagato coachwork can be seen on Stand 80.

Prices : Not yet available.

A.C. ACECA AND GREYHOUND Stand 135

The handsome Aceca coupe carries on with no modifications, but the Greyhound saloon introduced last year has modified nose treatment, while rectangular chassis tubes are now used. The price has been increased quite considerably.

Prices : Aceca, £2,201; Aceca-Bristol, £2,561; Greyhound, £2,999.

ALFA-ROMEO GIULIETTA SPRINT COUPE, SPRINT VELOCE AND ZAGATO SPECIALE Stand 152

The Bertone-Styled Sprint Coupe has several improvements in body comfort and remains a tantalising prospect for British enthusiasts, as does the Sprint Veloce which has 104 b.h.p. against the 92 of the coupe model. The Zagato Speciale on display is the special competition version which is somewhat lighter than the Bertone-bodied car exhibited last year.

Prices : Sprint coupe, £2.197: Sprint Veloce, £2,587; Zagato Speeiale. £3,394.

ASTON MARTIN D84 AND DB4GT Stand 129

Another name which still manages to evade the clutches of our staff, the Aston Martin continues unchanged for another year. The G.T. is one of the most powerful closed cars to be offered for sale to the general public, with a claimed power output of 331 b.h.p. from its 3.7 litres. It has still to beat the 3-litre Ferrari in open competition.

Prices : DB4, £3,968; DB4GT. £3,534.

BRISTOL 406 Stand 136

Although Bristol Cars Ltd. has recently been acquired by Anthony Crook and George White, no changes are to be made for the Motor Show. Drivers desiring a hand-built car with moderately high performance would do well to consider the 406 or the more expensive model with body by Zagato which can be seen on stand 80.

Prices : 406, £4.244; Zagato 406, £4,792.

FACEL VEGA Stand 161

Powered by the Chrysler V8 engine developing well over 300 b.h.p., the Facel Vega can be classed as a real high-performance car. Previous criticism of brake fade is now void as Dunlop disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, while Richmond safety harness holds the occupants in position under deceleration, intended or otherwise. Examples of both the HK500 and the Excellence models are on display.

Prices : HK500, £4,740: Excellence, £6,376.

FERRARI 250GT BERLINETTA AND PININFARINA 2+2  Stand 159

Absent front the Motor Show last year owing to the untimely death of Mike Hawthorn, Ferraris are now handled in this country by Marenello Concessionaires Ltd., who are exhibiting both the well-known 250GT Berlinetta and the new Pininfarina-designed 2/4-seater. In order to gain space for the extra rear seats the 240-b.b.p. V12 engine has been moved forward in the chassis without disturbing the wheelbase length. Theoretical speeds for this car are 61 m.p.h., 85 m.p.h., 115 m.p.h. and 144 m.p.h.

Prices : 250GT, £6,326; Pininfarina 2+2, £6,326.

JAGUAR 2.4, 3.4 MK. II, AND MK. IX Stand 127

Rumours of a Jaguar small car will not be realised at the Motor Show as the whole range continues unchanged except that new metallic colours are available and Burman power-assisted steering, previously only available in North America, will now become optional equipment on Mk. II models. The 3.8 model can justifiably claim to be the fastest five-seater saloon in the world as well as being one of the most attractively priced.

Prices : 2.4 Mk. II, £1,534: 3.4 MK II, £1,669; 3.8 Mk. II £1,779: Mk. IX £1,881.

JENSEN Stand 134

Although a new model, the 541S, is to be introduced at the Show, technical details had not reached us at the time of going to press with this feature. The present 541R is a handsome vehicle with glass-fibre coachwork which uses the 4-litre Austin engine.

Price : 514R: £2.707 

LANCIA APPIA AND FLAMINIA Stand 153

Now in the proress of a good deal of expansion, the Lancia factory is planning to increase production as well as introduce a new model. The 3rd series Appia has increased power, improved brakes, and it is claimed that road-holding is improved due to smaller tyres being fitted. Of the many variations of the technically advanced Flaminia chassis the standard saloon, the Farina coupe and the Touring convertible are displayed at Earls Court.

Prices : Appia : Saloon. £1.588; Farina coupe, £2.183; Zagato coupe, £2,261. Flaminia : saloon, £3,713; Farina coupe, £3,869; Zagato coupe. £3.781.

LOTUS ELITE Stand 148

The Lotus Elite continues with a few alterations to the specification, including the fitting of twin S.U. carburetters and four-branch exhaust System as standard, ZF gearbox, 4.22-to-1 rear axle ratio, heater unit and the new rear suspension described in our September issue. With this specification the Elite will be known as the Series Two Special Equipment model. Power output on this version will be 83 b.h.p. at 6,500 r.p.rn.

Price : Not yet announced.

MASERATI Stand 132

Exhibited for the first time in this country, the Maserati 3500GT is powered by the 230-b.h.p. six-cylinder engine and is available with 2/4-seater coupe bodywork by Touring of Milan or open two-seater body by Vignale, and is said to be capable of speeds in excess of 140 m.p.h. A good number have already been sold in this country by the concessionaires, Colin Murray Ltd., of Fleetwood.

Price : 3500GT, £5,852.

PORSCHE Stand 122

A number of sperilication changes were made last year to the Porsche range and they remain unaltered for 1961. Those who are on intimate terms with the various Porsche models say that the latest models have an inferior ride and poorer road-holding than earlier models. Whether this is true or not we would not know as we are unable to obtain road test cars, but they still offer performance and all-round handling which it would be diflicult to beat.

Prires.: Standard Roadster, £1,990: fixed-head coupe. £2,050: Super 75 coupe. £2,215; Super 90 coupe. £2,109.

SUNBEAM RAPIER Stand 125

Still notching up successes in International rallies, the Rapier is now driven quite successfally in races, and is the present class reeord holder at Silverstone with a lap of 81.08 m.p.h. No changes will be made for the Motor Show except that such colours as moonstone, velvet green and ash grey will now be. available.

Prices : Rapier Series Ill, £986; convertible. £1,042.