On this day in 1953: the ultra-secretive USSR, covers off for the Sunbeam Alpine and the future of parking in London
GAZ’s M20 ‘Pobeda’ was the first original post-war design, which we defended from accusations of copying. The neatly styled saloon boasted unitised construction, a 49bhp water-cooled 2.1-litre four, independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes all round.
An undeniable copy, though, was Moscow’s ZIS 110, its body and 137bhp 6.0-litre straight eight being very Packard. It was for top communists only, such as Stalin, Mao, Kim, Hoxha... a lovely lot. The newest of the four was the ZIM 12. For lesser officials, it had a modern body but a vintage spec, including a 94bhp 3.8-litre six.
“The general picture is steady expansion,” we concluded, “but there is no sign that the Soviet citizen will be given any choice of cars. He will take what he can get, according to his value to the state and his position in society.”British car makers had for some time been doing well out of small and big roadsters in the US. Of course some firms after a while saw a space for medium-size models, giving rise to the Austin-Healey 100, Triumph TR2 and Sunbeam Alpine.
The Rootes Group’s entrant used a stiffened 90 saloon chassis with 53% firmer front springs, quicker steering and a higher compression ratio and other small mods for the 2.3-litre four. Stirling Moss took it to an excellent 120mph on the Jabbeke highway, but it didn’t become a hit, with just 1582 built over two years.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Marin Updates Alpine Trail E-MTB With Bigger Battery For 2023Marin has updated its electric mountain bike, the Alpine Trail E, with a larger 630-watt-hour battery pack for 2023.
Read more »
Alpine School District inching closer to closing 5 elementary schools due to seismic concernsThe doors of five elementary schools in Alpine School District may be closing for good at the end of the school year due to seismic concerns.
Read more »
UK's National Motor Museum To Restore 'The Slug', The First Car To Exceed 200 MPH In 1927 | CarscoopsUK's National Motor Museum To Restore 'The Slug', The First Car To Exceed 200 MPH In 1927 | Carscoops carscoops
Read more »
D.C. house where JFK and Jackie lived as newlyweds hits the marketMonths after their 1953 marriage, John and Jackie Kennedy signed a lease on this Georgetown townhouse. Now it's going up for sale for the first time.
Read more »
Home on estate where JFK grew up asking $5.75MPresident John F. Kennedy grew up in beautiful Bronxville, New York, on a 6-acre family estate known as Crownlands. Sadly, his childhood home was demolished in 1953, and the property was subdivide…
Read more »
Alix Earle Decks Herself Out in a Glitter Bikini and Headpiece for Ultra MiamiShe's always doing the most.
Read more »