Porsche 911 Targa (992)

 

The 992 is the latest generation of the Porsche 911 Targa. Like its previous generation, the 911 Targa is available in only 4, 4S, and 4 GTS trims, making the newest Targas AWD-only. A 4 GTS trim will also be offered with the current Targa, but won't hit dealers until early next year. The Targa has the same rear-engine 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six as the standard 992-gen 911 coupe and convertible. This engine produces 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque in the Targa 4 and 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque in the Targa 4S, with 0-60 mph times of 4.2 and 3.6 seconds respectively. Like other 992 Porsche 911s, the 992 Targa is available with an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Pricing for the 992-gen Porsche 911 Targa starts at $121,300 for the Targa 4, while the Targa 4S starts at $136,550. Overall, the Porsche 911 Targa is a stunning and impressive sports car. It may not be my favorite Porsche 911 model, but I am always fascinated by the Targa due to its distinct B-pillar and greater exclusivity than the standard 911 coupe and convertible.

Bentley S3 Continental by James Young

 

This isn't a typical Bentley S3 Continental, but one that is coachbuilt by James Young. It was produced from 1962 to 1965, and like the standard S3, it is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 but upgraded to 200 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the James Young Bentley S3 Continental has a top speed of 115 mph, which is an increase from the standard S3 Continental. Its standard gearbox is a four-speed automatic. Other than performance upgrades, The James Young S3 Continental has sleeker styling compared to the standard S3 Continental. Only 20 examples of the Bentley S3 Continental by James Young were ever built and are all basically right-hand drive, which I find mind-boggling. On a side note, the Bentley S3 Continental is visually and mechanically similar to the 1960s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, in which Rolls-Royce and Bentley had the same parent company until the early 2000s. Overall, the Bentley S3 Continental by James Young is an absolutely stunning and classy ultra-luxury sedan. I also see it as more special than the average classic ultra-luxury sedan mainly due to how few of them were made.

Corvette C2 Stingray

 

The Corvette Stingray from 1963 to 1967 is the second generation of the iconic American sports car and the first Corvette to bear the Stingray nameplate. The C2 was also the first Corvette to introduce a coupe body style and an independent rear suspension. The 1963 model, which is three of the four examples featured in this post, is powered by a 327 cu Small-Block V8 ranging from 250 to 360 horsepower. Later C2 model years also offered the 396 and 427 cu Big-Block V8s making anywhere from 390 horsepower up to 435 horsepower. 1963 was the only model year of the Corvette Stingray coupe to have the signature split rear window. The split rear window didn't carry over for the 1964-67 model years because of safety concerns. Three gearbox options were available on the C2 Corvette: a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, a 3-speed manual, or a 4-speed manual. Like many classics of its era, the C2 Corvette Stingray contains a body made of fiberglass. It started out with drum brakes but switched to standard four-wheel disc brakes beginning for the 1965 model year. Its aerodynamic design set the standard for later Corvette generations to come. 

Overall, the second-gen Corvette Stingray is my favorite classic Corvette model and one of my favorite classic American cars due to its beautiful design, solid performance, and all-around coolness. Whenever I attend classic car shows, the Corvette C2 Stingray is usually one of the cars on display that stands out to me and I enjoy seeing the most.

Jaguar E-Type Roadster

 

The E-Type, also known as the XKE, is Jaguar’s most iconic sports car and one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. It first made its debut for the 1961 model year and ended production in 1975. The above model is a Series 2 E-Type from 1968 to 1971, which will be the main focus of this post. Powering the Series 2 E-Type is a 4.2-liter six-cylinder producing 246 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both the horsepower and torque figures of the Series 2 are downgrades from the Series 1 models. Compared to the Series 1, the E-Type Series 2 loses the glass headlight covers and gains a wraparound rear bumper, a larger grille, twin electric fans near the engine, and bigger front turn signals. In addition, the taillights have been re-positioned below the bumpers on the Series 2 models compared to being above the bumpers on the original E-Type models. Its interior is typical of that of a classic British sports car, consisting of a large wooden and aluminum three-spoke steering wheel, leather bucket seats, and several analog gauges, buttons, and switches. Power steering and air conditioning were optional on the E-Type, which were often seen as premium features on vehicles back in the day. In general, the Jaguar E-Type is an incredible classic sports car, and I am in awe of its beauty and sophistication no matter what series model it is.