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In 1953, Reliant Engineering Co. brought out their first passenger car–the Regal. Reliant chose this name in recognition of the Coronation of Elizabeth II, also in that year. All models had a very small “bonnet,” intended to allow only a coolant and oil check, while further engine maintenance had to be done by accessing the […]

The 4 cylinder Renault Alpine 310 was launched in 1972. Some consider the Alpine one of France’s best kept secrets–it was a more practical and cheaper alternative to the Porsche 911. The V6 engine, introduced in 1976, allowed the A310 to rival the best sports cars in Europe. With a mid-engine layout and fiberglass monocoque

The Saab 96 was presented at a Stockholm press conference on February 17, 1960. It was well received and proved popular. In 1967, Saab considered making the 96 model as a convertible. The factory had six cars made by a special body maker and then decided the demand might not warrant the extra tooling costs.

This company began under the name “Sicam” in 1912 and produced a small cyclecar. In the early 1920s they began making 98cc engines for attaching to bicycles. By 1924, the company was reformed under the new name for the purpose of making the Sima-Violet. They used the same Marcel Violet-designed 496cc flat-twin engine as its

The history of Steyr dates back to 1820 and the manufacturing of sporting and military rifles. Hence, the concentric circle of the Steyr badge represents a target. The terms of the Versailles Treaty after WWI took away all of Steyr’s business except for bicycles. They soon decided to enter the car business. Their first car

The Haflinger was replaced by the larger Pinzgauer. It came in 6×6 or 4×4 forms–which you see here. The ground clearance is 13 inches when loaded. It will carry ten soldiers or the rear seats fold down flat for cargo. The cloth top, roll bars, and stays remove quickly to turn the vehicle into a

Fuji, one of Japan’s industrial giants, began to make Rabbit motor scooters in 1956. (Be sure to look for one in the motorcycle wing.) Two years later they launched their first car–the Subaru 360. While the 360 sold well in its home country, it was not so well received abroad. This car was imported into

The name “Subaru” is Japanese for the Pleiades which are the six stars in the Taurus constellation. The six stars of the Subaru logo represent the six companies which make up Fuji Industries. The Subaru van has the same chassis and engine as the Subaru 360 sedan. This vehicle is a true “mini” van. The

In 1966, Subaru introduced Japan’s first kei-class truck, a variation of the second generation Sambar Van. The two passenger truck came equipped with a low truck deck (just under 14 inches off the ground) and approx. 38 sq. foot bed. Detachable side gates allow easier loading/ unloading and foldable flaps on three sides aid in