Nissan Skyline GTS-T (R32)

 

This isn't a GT-R, but the GTS-T is the next best model in regards to the R32-gen Nissan Skyline. The R32 Skyline models were produced from 1989 to 1993. The GTS-T is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged RB20DET inline six-cylinder making 212 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Unlike the GT-R, the GTS-T is rear-wheel drive, making the GTS-T lighter and more pure than the GT-R. It is also available in both coupe and sedan body styles, and as you may be able to tell, I have seen one example of each body style up close. Compared to other Skyline R32 models, the GTS-T has a distinct front fascia. All Nissan Skyline models before the current R35 GT-R are right-hand drive since they were originally only offered in Japan and other right-hand drive markets such as the U.K. and Australia. However, since it falls under the federal 25-year import rule, the R32 Skyline GTS-T can be legally imported to the U.S. The R32 GTS-T is currently valued in the low to high $10,000s, which makes it a bargain compared to other imports and is expected to appreciate in the coming years.

I remember speaking to the owner of the first example, and he said that he was in the process of converting his Skyline GTS-T into a GT-R with basically all of the same parts and accessories as found on the GT-R. This was also my first time ever seeing any R32 Skyline up close, and I was in absolute awe when it finally happened. The second example, a red GTS-T sedan, was spotted at a later, more recent car meet that I attended and undoubtedly stood out to me more than any other vehicle on display at that specific car meet. I'm not a big Nissan guy, but classic Skyline models up to the R34 generation are some of the coolest, most amazing Japanese cars in existence.

Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV

 

The 5000 QV is one of the latest, most powerful, and best-performing versions of the original Lamborghini Countach. This specific model was produced from 1985 to 1988, with QV standing for Quattrovalvole, which translates to four valves per cylinder. The Countach 5000 QV's V12 was increased to 5.2 liters, 420 horsepower, and 369 lb-ft of torque. It makes the launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 185 mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the carburetors have been moved from the sides of the engine to the top of the engine for improved cooling. The U.S.-spec Countach was initially installed with larger bumpers to meet federal safety regulations at the time it was new. Most of the car community can agree that those larger bumpers looked ridiculous and out of place on the Countach, so most owners had those bumpers removed when it became legal and they were able to do so. As for the example above, the U.S.-spec rear bumper still remains on the vehicle, unlike the front bumper. 

In other news, the Countach was revived this year at Monterey Car Week back in August as a limited-edition model based on the Aventador with a hybrid powertrain known as the LPI 800-4. This latest iteration was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original Countach. Overall, the Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV is an absolutely amazing and incredible supercar with an iconic and eye-catching design, raw performance, and unbelievable prowess. It was also undoubtedly the coolest and most interesting vehicle I saw at a car and aviation show back in late June.

Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD

 

I have previously featured the all-wheel drive Lamborghini Huracan Evo on this site, but the focus of this post is on the entry-level rear-wheel drive model since I spotted two of them this past summer. The Huracan Evo RWD has the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 as its all-wheel drive counterpart, except de-tuned to 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 202 mph. Every Huracan Evo model is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Lamborghini has tweaked some of the features found on both Huracan Evo models specifically for the RWD model, such as the driving modes and launch control. In addition, the Huracan Evo RWD has the front driveshaft removed, saving 72 pounds from its AWD counterpart, and its front end revised to increase downforce. Both these elements help contribute to the RWD model having a more pure driving experience compared to the AWD model. Pricing for the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD starts at $214,366. It may be an entry-level model, but the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD is an incredibly amazing and exciting supercar.

Also included in this post below is the first iteration of the Lamborghini Huracan, the LP610-4. This one was on display at a car show back in April and spotted fairly recently as well.

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.