The Magazine

Tough to Crack Puzzle # 36

We are telling you no secrets that this is not the dashboard of a jukebox-like luxurious American Automobile. Instead this one comes from a country that doesn't exist anymore. It is based on a model that had been in production since 1950, but was given a whole new body in 1956. From then on they also named it after a nearby castle. It was the only four-door saloon in its price-range, more expensive than a VW Beetle and with a higher top-speed, but that was never to change during the model's entire life-span. We have thought of removing the logo on the steering wheel, but then thought 'what the heck'. It may be difficult enough as it is. What we want to hear from you is at least the make and if possible the model and year. To earn the collectable PostWar T-shirt send us your answer before Monday, May 21, mention Postwar Puzzle # 36 and please use no more than 100 words. Have a great weekend!
(photo source to be disclosed next week)

Saturday, 19 May 2012

So you want to be a princess?

If you are female and want to be treated as a princess, there's only one option for you: take part in the Rallye des Princesses! This is a rally in which only ladies driving classic cars can take part. But you will have to be the kind of girl that likes Life with a capital F, not just the kind who's a mere fashion victim! The thirteenth edition of the Rallye des Princesses starts on Sunday June 27 and will take you in six days from Paris to Monaco and back. Just like last year Peugeot will be main sponsor and promised to enter at least three automobiles, the 202 shown above, a 203 cabriolet and a convertible 204. One last remark: the men can come along too, but just to watch and admire the ladies' driving skills.

Friday, 18 May 2012

A 1961 Brandshatch Lotus Bentley Mystery ( Lagonda LG 45!)

A photo sent by Mark Cox: "I was hoping you would be able to help me, I have a photo which shows a Lotus 17 with its bodywork removed. It was taken at brands Hatch circa 1961 and I am trying to establish what the car behind is. The registration number I think ends in E588. Is it a Bentley?" 

Editor: it very well could be a Bentley, but judging the rather forward positon of the radiator one tends to think it is a special based on a postwar Mk VI. Another option is that it is a Mallalieu Special, but according to our information those came only in the seventies. Any of the readers may be able to help?

Update by Peter Graham: most correct he comes up with Lagonda LG 45

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Largest gathering of mice ever?

Last weekend the Dutch Fiat Topolino Club celebrated that their club was established 45 years ago. They had invited other clubs from Germany, Italy and Switzerland for a three-day meeting in the Dutch province of Zeeland. More than ninety Topolino's (Italian for little mouse) attended, most of them the Type C, made from 1949 until 1955, several types B, 1948-1949) and the pre-war Type A. Yet there were also some special body variations, for instance the Giardiniera Belvédère station wagons; the Furgoncino delivery van and last but not least the French made Simca, built under licence from Fiat. Judging by the photos it must have been a great weekend and asa former Topolino owner, your editor would have loved to be there.
(photos courtesy Fiat Netherlands)

Wednesday, 16 May 2012