1965 Topic Hub

1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Type 1 Concept – Amelia Concours 2019

It was delightful to have the classic VW class this year at the Amelia Island Concours. Among the notable Vee-Dubs was this rarely-seen 1965 concept for the second-generation Karmann Ghia. Ghia styling studio assigned the project to an up-and-comer named Giorgetto Giugiaro — and the resulting design was decades ahead of its time. From the curvi-linear surfaces to the flush-mounted lighting, this Karmann Ghia must have looked positively bizarre versus the teacup shape of the original. But there was genius in this design, albeit perhaps too futuristic to be viable. Favorite elements include the sleek roofline, targa top and very …

Mar 12, 2019 Read more

Concept Flashback – 1965 GT40 Roadster Prototype

The GT40 was actually a pretty derivative design – with a chassis and overall structure partially borrowed from Lola. But the GT40 as it came from Lola was not a winner right away. While the Mark I GT40 is a bit more pure, and a lot more beautiful by many eyes — it was not a race-winner. The GT40 started winning races with the Mark II GT40 with its huge air scoops, front sill spats, and other aero mutations to the overall design. But still – it is hard to argue with the clean beauty of these initial concept prototypes. …

Aug 30, 2017 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec

A full rally special has been made out of this A110 road car, and it is all the better for it! The stretched fenders front and rear, unique airdam, custom intakes and whale tail out back are all stunning. We hope this Alpine earns some big bucks when it goes up for sale next month in Monaco. 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 in Group 4 Rally Spec RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1965 Alpine-Renault A110 Chassis no. 3336 Engine no. 4350 Photo Credit: Remi Dargegen ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Est. 160 bhp, 1,798 cc inline four-cylinder engine with Lucas …

Apr 11, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1965 Porsche 911 Art Car 007 By Peter Klasen

Vivid airbrushing, wild colors and a vaguely sexualized — yet also high-tech and militaristic — themes pop from every side of this 1965 Porsche 911. The one-off art car will cross the block in Monaco, celebrating Peter Klasen’s remarkable career as an artist since his birth in 1935. The 007 911 will not be to everyone’s taste, and has a strong late-80s vibe to some of its imagery. The importance and originality of this piece as rolling artwork, however, should still see at least a $300k premium over a similar 911 from this era. The race-prep seats, bodywork and roll …

Apr 07, 2016 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Maybach PULLMAN Limo – Noblesse Oblige

Updated 2.2.16 with 30 new photos from Dubai Royals have it so tough. Every step? An exhausting endeavor. Even waving to their subjects when en route between photo-ops can be emotionally and physically draining for this sensitive group. They are constantly pulled one way or another, with no time to just relax and mellow out. I mean, it is Gstaad skiing this week and then RIGHT to St. Barts for some beach thing. No break. Double vacations can be so tiring, right? Just getting from private chalet to private jet can be a taxing experience. These poor, pampered beings are never …

Feb 02, 2016 Read more

Pebble Beach 2015 – Concours Best in Show Winners & Highlights in 77 Photos

What a fantastic group of machines! Scrolling through the photos takes you to another place and time, with each more delightful than the last. We’ve gathered the full list of winners by category, as well as some gorgeous photos of many winners. And smartly, this year created a key with each photo’s details! You’ll be lost in pleasure seeing them all basking in classic-car nirvana. Pebble Beach 2015 Concours Winners Pebble Beach 2015 Concours Winners Isotta Fraschini Named Best of Show at 65th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2015 Charitable Donations Top $1.8 Million PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August …

Aug 19, 2015 Read more

Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1965 Maserati Sebring in Red Brings $300k

Can’t get enough of the very-rare and very chic Maserati Sebring? How about another in bright red? This Gooding & Co. auction car brought upwards of $300,000 – making it a well-priced entry into the club of 1960s Italian exotica. ORIGINAL Tastemaker? With headlamps that look straight off of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 facelift in 1960? Not so much, guy! But look past the twin chrome-rimmed circles on light on this Maserati Sebring and you have the basis for some seriously futuristic sports coupes. The long hood and sunken grille and delicious, while the flat surfacing and boxy glasshouse …

Mar 25, 2015 Read more

Amelia Island 2015 – 1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Was Avant-Garde Luxury Tastemaker

Tastemaker!? With headlamps that look straight off of the Chevrolet Corvette C1 facelift in 1960? Not so much, guy! But look past the twin chrome-rimmed circles on light on this Maserati Sebring and you have the basis for some seriously futuristic sports coupes. The long hood and sunken grille and delicious, while the flat surfacing and boxy glasshouse would become mainstream and popular a full 20 years later in the 1980s. Beating a trend by two decades definitely counts as innovative, taste-making design in our book! 1965 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I

Mar 25, 2015 Read more

2015 Mercedes-Maybach PULLMAN Limousine Previewed With Quad Rear Thrones + HUGE Sense of Entitlement

Royal families have it so tough. Every step is seemingly an exhausting endeavor. Even waving to their subjects when en route between photo-ops can be emotionally and physically exhausting for this sensitive group. They are constantly pulled one way or another, with no time to just relax and mellow out. I mean, it is Gstaad skiing this week and then RIGHT to St. Barts for some beach thing. No break. Double vacations can be so tiring, right? Just getting from private chalet to private jet can be a taxing experience. These poor, pampered beings are never happy. But they …

Feb 23, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2015 Supercars – 1965 Iso Grifo A3C Stradale in Riveted Green-Apple Bodywork

The A3/C Iso Grifo Stradale was such a trend-setting design that it directly inspired the Lamborghini Miura. As one of the lowest front-engine supercars ever built, the A3/C version here was the upgraded Corsa specification with very-rare riveted bodywork. This Stradale variant of the Corsa was the road-legal variant — but still benefitted from all the racing tech of the era to make it fast, stable and reliable at high speeds. 1965 Iso Grifo A3C Stradale RM Auctions 4 February 2015 Lot 157 1965 Iso Grifo A3/C Stradale To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €1.000.000 – €1.500.000 …

Dec 31, 2014 Read more

Supercars Now and Then – 2010 Zagato TZ3 Corsa vs. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ

Celebrating 100 years means looking far back into a company’s roots and foundation. Zagato chose to honor the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ. This fastback racer homage is built on the chassis of the Alfa 8C, itself a reskinned Maserati GranTurismo. Even as a third-hand rehash of another car — the TZ3 is quite compelling. Most surprising element? There are strong AMG GT flavors in the front three-quarter angle of the TZ3 — a full four years before Mercedes adopted these ultra-flowing and curved panel surfaces. NOSE PROFILE TAIL 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 2010 Zagato …

Dec 27, 2014 Read more

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible

So easy to forget how quickly the Mustang evolved between 1965 and 1972. The style of this 1969 is cool but a bit polarizing in some places – where it tends to look less pure than the 1965-1966 cars but less well-resolved than the wider and lower 1970 and onward. Even so, this car is a clear trendsetter and there are awesome details like the milled dual-chamber center exhaust element, or the NACA ducts in the hood, to delight the eye. The one catch with this particular car is the transmission: it is an automatic. 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible …

Dec 05, 2014 Read more

Update2 – Best of Awards – Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

We did not know what to think of the first teaser images of the Chevy Chaparral Gran Turismo prototype. Sure, the idea of leveraging Chaparral’s Chevy engines connection was fascinating, but would the vision of GM Design really capture the innovative spirit of these amazing namesakes? After the official reveal in LA last night – we can only say Yes. In many ways, the Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo is the best-yet of the 20-strong fleet of racing prototypes developed for the legendary GT6 racing game. It is one of the only to actually throw out all conventional limitations …

Nov 20, 2014 Read more

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Is Exciting Next-Chapter Concept Racer

Thrilling news from Chevrolet! The GM Design entry to the Vision Gran Turismo series will be a Chaparral-inspired racer called the 2X VGT. Set to debut in LA on Wednesday of this week — we are thrilled to see how Chevy has evolved the Chaparral racers’ world-beating aerodynamics for the 21st century! Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Previews CHEVROLET TO SHOW CHAPARRAL VISION GRAN TURISMO CONCEPT 13/11/14 Boundary-pushing, Chevy-powered race cars changed motorsports design DETROIT – When racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp founded Chaparral Cars in 1962, few could have guessed how they would shake up the …

Nov 16, 2014 Read more

Best of SEMA 2014 – 825HP 1965 Ford Mustang HOONICORN By RTR and Autosport Dynamics

Who would argue against this beast winning a Best of Award! This drift special shows amazing workmanship and bonkers performance focus. 1965 Ford Mustang HOONICORN By RTR and Autosport Dynamics Ken Block’s Hoonicorn RTR (4 photos) Mustang RTR and Vaughn Gittin Jr. teamed up with Ken Block and Hoonigan to create a completely unique, one-off, world’s first performance all-wheel drive 1965 Ford Mustang notchback. The retro-modern AWD “Hoonicorn RTR”, was revealed for the first time publicly in the Ford Motor Company booth at SEMA This jaw-dropping vehicle shares the spotlight with Block in his upcoming Gymkhana SEVEN video project. …

Nov 05, 2014 Read more

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ by Zagato Crosses Million Mark At Gooding PB 2014

Great results for this little “Julia” rally special from Alfa Romeo. The Zagato provenance, racing livery and fantastic interior all certainly contributed to the final price, as performance will be pretty mellow by modern supercar standards. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ GOODING & Co. 2014 PEBBLE BEACH Estimate: $1,250,000 – $1,500,000 SOLD: $1,023,000 Chassis: 10511AR750099 CAR HIGHLIGHTS Among the Most Successful Competition Cars of the 1960s A Wonderfully Presented Example of an Italian Masterpiece An Incredibly Capable Touring or Vintage Racing Car One of 112 TZs Built Between 1963 and 1967 Well-Documented History of Caring Stewardship TECHNICAL SPECS …

Aug 29, 2014 Read more

Goodwood 2014 – Renault 5 Maxi, 1926 40CV Type NM, 1965 Alpine M65, 2014 Megane RS + Clio RS

Renault… has been making cars for a long time. Very unique cars! I usually crop off the UK press release info from photos, but will leave it on for a few of these for information purposes. The 1926 40CV Type NM de recordes is a speed racer, believe it or not. Looks like the steering wheel is about 40-inches across – helping leverage when steering the very heavy-looking nose of this machine. So cool. The Alpine M65 is simply amazing. This Renault 5 is definitely not being pushed by someone… despite what it looks like here…. The new Megane …

Jul 02, 2014 Read more

Meet the Original 1964 Ford GT40 Concept and 1965 GT40 Roadster Prototype

The GT40 was actually a pretty derivative design – with a chassis and overall structure partially borrowed from Lola. But the GT40 as it came from Lola was not a winner right away. While the Mark I GT40 is a bit more pure, and a lot more beautiful by many eyes — it was not a race-winner. The GT40 started winning races with the Mark II GT40 with its huge air scoops, front sill spats, and other aero mutations to the overall design. But still – it is hard to argue with the clean beauty of these initial concept prototypes. …

Jun 29, 2014 Read more

Iconic Classic Supercars: 1965 Bizzarrini Strada Alloy 5300GT One of Most Influential Cars, Ever

Ever the tornado of creativity and speed, Ferrari was quite volatile in the early 1960s. For every race they won, it seems like a failed buyout from Ford and the epic ‘palace revolution’resulted in a big brain drain for Maranello. Competing hot-shot engineers would form nearly a dozen competing supercar marques, including Lamborghini, De Tomaso, Iso, ATS, ASA and Bizzarrini. Each led by a mastermind engineer, stylist, machinist or visionary, only Lamborghini’s brand was strong enough to make it to the 1970s and beyond. The Ferrari exodus left all these talented men with huge ideas, but less of a real …

Jun 29, 2014 Read more

The Evolution of the Nissan and Datsun Badges Since 1951

The Evolution of the Nissan and Datsun Badges Since 1951 Logos tell stories – they are the emblems we become so familiar with that seeing them becomes a mental shortcut to knowing a product is high-quality and something we recognize. Alternatively, they can become tarnished by mis-steps or changing market preferences — when a badge can be caught in a past world that does not reflect current brand aspirations. Most of all, however, they aim for consistency. Put a Nissan badge on a refrigerator — and your brain will like that fridge if you are a Nissan fan. Or if …

Jun 26, 2014 Read more

Iconic Classic – 1959 JAGUAR Mark IX Is Blue-Blood Royalty With Most Lux Cabin of the 1950s

A lofty statement? The best cabin in all the 1950s? Really? Perhaps this Jaguar Mark IX would be outdone by a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley from that wonderful decade – but we highly doubt it. Of course, the modern gauges and CD player spoil the period mood – but only slightly. This car has AC, after all, which is a mod worth adding! This Jaguar Mark IX preceded the 1965 Jaguar Mark X featured in a previous ‘Fatcat Chic’ article, comparing it with today’s XJL in matching photo angles. http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/04/27/1965-jaguar-mark-10-and-e-type-coupe/ 1965 JAGUAR Mark X All three cars are flagship …

Jun 23, 2014 Read more

See The Authentic Chaparral 2H and 2J Racecars at the Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas

Not just these two icons: the Petroleum Museum in Texas has seven amazing Chaparral racecars in their collection. These are the Chevrolet-powered racecars that changed the face of racing forever: the ideas and innovations represented by Chaparral in its relatively short run at the top of pro racing are still extremely influential today. The ideas seem simple – but are near-impossible to deliver in full race-winning form. Jim Hall’s Ideal Chaparral Racecar: Light weight + High downforce – with wings attached directly to the suspension versus to the bodywork + Huge power via reliable engine + Massive grip on long-lasting …

Jun 19, 2014 Read more

RM Monterey 2014 Preview – 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype

Ahh, the joy of discovery. Discovery? Is that the right word for ‘finding’ something that many knew about before, and which has existed for the last 50 years? Hm… Nevertheless, imagine my surprise and delight upon seeing this GT40 Roadster Prototype on the RM Auctions website today. Less than a month ago we asked ourselves a hypothetical question: what if there had been a GT40 Can-Am Spyder? It is great to see that not only is there one, there were 12 made in all. This one has an all-star owner and driver list that includes none other than Carroll Shelby …

May 25, 2014 Read more

Affordable Rewards – All-Original 1965 Porsche 356C in Togo Brown

It is hard to believe the 356 was still rumbling around in 1965, one year after the first 911 models started arriving to the United States. The 356 was carried into 1965 primarily to serve as a more-affordable entry into the Porsche brand versus the 911 and its six-cylinder layout. The 356C was also a hedge against the chance – albeit a very rare one – that buyers would not like the new Butzi-penned shape of the 911. Togo Brown is a period color that still screams vintage today. This paint is so thick and pure, it looks like it …

Apr 30, 2014 Read more

HD GoPro Video + Track Action Photography: Top 3 Mustang GT350s of Charlotte Motor Speedway

In the 1960s, almost all American cars came equipped with an 85-mph speedometer. Only the wildest exotics of the time dared go to 100-mph on the speedo – which was usually the ‘hoped for’ rather than ‘verified’ top speed…. So for this 65 GT350 to be so, so fast (and loud!) when howling around Charlotte Motor Speedway was really something to see, hear and feel resonating in your lungs — and brain — long after it has gone past. Days later, I was still feeling the high-def bellow of these race-prepped GT350 Mustangs – in a good way. Every …

Apr 27, 2014 Read more

Fatcat Chic – Design Comparison ~1965 JAGUAR Mark 10 vs. 2014 XJL 3.0 AWD

The Jaguar Mark 10, or Mark X in Roman numerals, was such an odd sight that I honestly had no idea what it was until just researching it now. Not only have I not seen one, I have never even read about one. In photos, it might be easy to mistake the Mark 10 car for a 1950s Jaguar saloon car. But not in real life. This Jag is quite enormous – with the upright and tall bodywork of Rolls-Royce and Bentley fame. This (estimated) 1965 car is huge and outrageous in person. It looks like a meld of the …

Apr 27, 2014 Read more

2014 BMW 750Li Definitely Not Beautiful or Focused (Yet) — But Less Adrift as 750i M Sport + Squared-Off LED Lights Option

The BMW 7 series was long my favorite executive sedan — until 2003. Along with everyone on Earth, I was appalled by the redesign of this crisp and solid-handling machine into a lardy boat of Avalon-ian proportions. Things have barely improved in the ten years since this disaster of a redesign ruined every shred of ethos or cred this car had going for it versus the S-Class. Various steps have been taken to improve the tactile responsiveness of this giant barge, but the exterior style is still well past its PSI inflation rating. Regretfully, even the 2014 model looks so …

Apr 09, 2014 Read more

My Ford #INAMUSTANG Contest Entry — GT350R Goes Flat-Out Around LeMans, Fuji and Monaco

This is a draft for what we hope will be a very memorable entry into the #INAMUSTANG challenge — where-in the best ideas will be made into short films. For me, the prize might even be a media invite to some upcoming Mustang events. April 17th is the big anniversary of the original launch at the 1964 New York Auto Show, so things are likely pretty near on the horizon. Ideally, these ideas would utilize a 2015 Mustang as the basis instead of the NeedForSpeed car shown here. The inspiration, of course, is Charlie Webb’s $984,000 1965 Mustang GT350R. Even …

Mar 16, 2014 Read more

180MPH, Million-Dollar Ford Mustang! 1965 SHELBY GT350R — Video Walkaround, Insights and 35 All-New Photos

This Mustang is so amazingly hot in person, one finds it hard not to paw up and down its panels. RM Auctions Amelia Island really aced this huge sale — earning $984,000 for its original driver and owner, Charlie Kemp. Mr. Kemp and his top mechanic were on hand with some fascinating insights about the racecar, shared in the below video around the three-minute mark. The most exciting things I learned from him were regarding the extremely low suspension setup to limit aero drag, the paint job, and the top speed at redline. — Aero and structural stiffness enhancements: …

Mar 14, 2014 Read more

1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R Set to Cross Block in Amelia Island 2014

Update: Met Charlie Kemp and learned all about the car while down for the auctions. New article coming soon. =] This car. Oh man, this car! Forgive me for two RM Auctions articles in row, but have you ever seen such a gorgeous racing Shelby? The orange lip and splitter brings some Aston Martin Racing flair to the car – even though this Shelby-signed racecar came decades before. The Aston Martin Vantage from the 1970s-1990s actually shared much of the Mustang’s hood-grille style, in fact. So good sharing across the pond. This Ford GT350R is scheduled for Amelia Island’s RM …

Mar 10, 2014 Read more

Iconic Classic Supercars: 1965 Bizzarrini Strada Alloy 5300GT One of Most Influential Cars, Ever

Ever the tornado of creativity and speed, Ferrari was quite volatile in the early 1960s. For every race they won, it seems like a failed buyout from Ford and the epic ‘palace revolution’resulted in a big brain drain for Maranello. Competing hot-shot engineers would form nearly a dozen competing supercar marques, including Lamborghini, De Tomaso, Iso, ATS, ASA and Bizzarrini. Each led by a mastermind engineer, stylist, machinist or visionary, only Lamborghini’s brand was strong enough to make it to the 1970s and beyond. The Ferrari exodus left all these talented men with huge ideas, but less of a real …

Jan 06, 2014 Read more

Nissan Taps Skyline Bloodlines for Future IDx Rear-Drive Compact Range

All hail, the IDx NISMO Concept. Along with its Freeflow sibling, these twins reclaim some of Nissan’s proudest – and most stylish – historical moments. Just a brief thumb through the Nissan Heritage archives shows the huge strides made by Nissan between 1965 and 1975. The cars went from down-sized, durable and cute bubbles into sedan shapes with much blockier lines. The BMW M Division, AMG or NISMO strategy is long-established with the Skyline range, which has come in all flavors: from luke-warm four-doors all the way to extreme fastback coupes. But in the Nissan back catalog, there is a …

Dec 02, 2013 Read more

Update1 Lexus Rocks SEMA – Wild IS350 Widebodies Showcase

Lexus Rocks SEMA – Wild IS350 Widebodies Showcase Lexus is also getting very clever. Showroom experiences have broadened from just a warm dealer with leather chairs and dough-nuts. The brand is fully immersed in the art, media, fashion and culture segments. One stunning piece of this Lexus culture mission is the below “Swarm” Video links from Lexus International. Lexus – ‘Swarm – Coding Motion’ from Rogue Films on Vimeo. Director: Mark Jenkinson Lexus Design Award-Winners Showcase 2014 IS350 AWD F Sport

Dec 01, 2013 Read more