Latest Posts Under: History
The Lotus Elise Series Two (2001-2010) was like the cool kid in school who got a makeover. Teaming up with General Motors, the Elise strutted in with a revamped Series 1 chassis and engines courtesy of Toyota. By 2005, it made its U.S. debut, despite a few hiccups with headlights and bumpers. Each model year brought upgrades, from power boosts to a fresh set of LED tail lights and even a “drive by wire” feature. The Elise became heavier over time, but hey, so did we all!
The Chevy II, born to rival Ford’s Falcon, sprinted from design to dealership with the agility of a caffeinated squirrel. This compact car, showcasing semi-unibody flair, rolled out in various styles, from sedans to convertibles. Initially powered by engines as thrilling as a lukewarm latte, it eventually embraced V8 power, revving up to 300 hp by 1965. With six engine options, a facelift featuring a snazzy grille and dazzling tail lights, the Chevy II was a hit among families and speed enthusiasts alike.
The Chevrolet Corvair, America’s quirky answer to the VW Beetle, wowed with its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine from 1960 to 1969. It was a hit with budget-conscious buyers, offering style in various body types, including a convertible and even a pick-up truck! The Corvair revved up the sports car scene with the turbocharged Monza Spyder. Yet, Ralph Nader’s “Unsafe at Any Speed” in 1965 pulled the brakes on its popularity, proving that sometimes bad press trumps good engineering.
