Mark S Hales

Pictures, information, writings about Old Cars and other interests.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

There were many aero engine specials produced post WW1, few however were as professionally finished as that made by Harry Hawker, he created a very quick road car named the Sunbeam Mercedes. Here you read more about Harry.
https://t.co/toW54p1Vug

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

The NSU RO80 was launched in 1967 and lasted until 1977. It has timeless styling and was a fairly common sight, but problems with the Wankel Rotary engine gave it a poor reputation.
https://t.co/LAqLVcscpn

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

The K70 from Volkswagen was the companies first foray into front engine wheel drive cars, although the model only lasted 4 years it marked the future path of the brand.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

https://t.co/k5qMLP69XI

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

In 1952 having started out on New Years Even 1951 a Hillman Minx arrived in Cape Town, the journey took 21 days 19 hours and 45 minutes.
https://t.co/9BFpO0Q1vf

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

Cavallo Cars based in Old Lane, Leeds, offered the Estivo a very stylish kit car from 1984, it was designed to use parts from the 1100/1300 range, the basic kit cost £1999 + VAT. Future plans included using Allegro/Maxi and Front WD Escort power units.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

The Emery GT was sportscar available with either a Ford or Hillman Imp engine from Paul Emery Cars Fulham, the cars had several class racing successes, the total height of the GRP bodywork was 3 foot 4 inches
https://t.co/mzewvHTMUX

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

In 1949 you could buy a MG YA and the newly launched Jowett Javelin, design wise they were poles apart, but they were both from the same pen, that of Gerald Palmer. Gerald was born in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, he returned to England in 1927.
https://t.co/PFtu1mRY26

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

The TX Tripper £4243 in deluxe in 1980
https://t.co/3BaXTiUn3m

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

https://t.co/PypFvrv3zz

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

The Austin Sheerline was Herbert Austin's attempt to produce a Bentley type vehicle. Post-war along with many other manufacturers Austin experimented with Gas Turbine technology, for this they used an Austin Sheerline Registered TUR 1.

https://t.co/dQPv4A1JY3

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

Launched in 1972 the Avenger Tiger and was proclaimed by the brochure to be "It's the hottest Avenger yet", 0 - 50 in 6.7 sec, standing quarter mile just over 17 secs top speed 105mph, this car was aimed at the Ford Mexico market.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

In the Stop Press section of the book British Motor Cars 1950/51 the Marauder is announced. This car was based on the then new Rover P4 75, offered three abreast seating and a top speed of 90mph. The prototype was completed in late July 1950.
https://t.co/DolC2vzZtA

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

RIP Sabine Schmitz.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

The book World Cars from 1980 listed 48 electric vehicles either available to buy or under development. The WITKOFF Henney Kilowatt was available in the USA based on the Renault Dauphine top speed 50 MPH and a range of 60 miles at cruising speed.

https://t.co/UDjYKjMIBh

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

In 1973 the Enfield 8000 was introduced, this electric car had a claimed range of 40 miles, although The Autocar found the useable range to be 25 miles. In the Bubble Car Museum there is a much modified version, this car was/is the fastest street legal electric car.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

Antique and Classic Automotive in the USA produced replica's on VW Beetle chassis. The SS100 and Bugatti Type 35 were imported/sold by Replicar, first in Faversham and then Dunkirk Kent. Classic car in Germany offered the Blower Phaeton at 25,500 DM also an ACA product.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

In 1949 in addition to the new Jaguar XK120 there was an XK100 listed, this featured a 2 litre (1995cc) producing 105 bhp @ 5400 rpm. This never actually entered production due to problems with the engine, but I hope it is of interest.

[Mark S Hales @OldMotors]

https://t.co/bxFVGDBPEh