Retrospective

The 700: the car that saved BMW

Things did not look good. Indeed, BMW was rapidly approaching the final collapse and demise of the company in the 1950s. But then came the 700 of which journalists wrote: “You have the feeling that you’re sitting in a car with genuine sporting values, but without the rather harsh ride and limited space so typical of most sports cars.”

Ape: A success story Italian style

Sixty years of success and charm; Ape is recognised worldwide thanks to its unique style and unbeatable versatility. No other commercial vehicle in the world can tell a story like the Ape. This three-wheeler has always kept in step with the times putting the work force of Italy on the road.

THE GOLF GTI – A VERY BRIEF HISTORY

A high-revving, responsive four cylinder engine installed in a hatchback body with the emphasis on driving fun came as a revelation at the time.

MINI – A MAJOR FASHION ITEM

Sir Alec Issigonis, designer of the Mini, first arrived in London from Turkey in 1922 where he continued his education in engineering and in 1936 began his career working for Morris Motors in Cowley.