This range of cars was called the ‘New class’ and, introduced in 1962, was the start of the succession of cars that created the niche for BMW in the UK that it now occupies. There was a whole stable of cars all of similar design but with a variety of engines designed to suit a variety of tastes and pockets.
The most popular pre-1966 cars were the 2000 and the 1800 TI while after 1966, BMW produced the 1602 and 2002 series which, I think, became of the most popular BMWs of the whole decade.
The series ran from 1962 until the mid 1970s and produced a host of different models and types with a variety of engines but all of which, thankfully, look similar.
Humber have been making vehicles since Thomas Humber’s bicycle company was founded as long ago as 1868 and for many years before have produced large, luxurious cars that were a delight to both see and ride in. However, in the 60s it was decided to give the marque to the masses and produce a car that was affordable but which still retained some of the class and luxury of the older models.
Believe it or not the Hillman Minx model, both as itself and in the shape of various clones, have been on the British roads since 1932, before production ended in 1970.
The Ford Corsair, produced 1964 to 1971 was a striking car and one of the four models in the extended Consul family sharing many parts with the innovative Cortina, the great Ford Classic and, of course, the unforgettable Ford Capri.
The Marcos story started in Luton, in the UK just before the 1960s began when Jeremy (Jem) Marsh got together with Frank Costin. Not only did they merge the first three letters of their last names but they worked closely together to produce a car that would be at home both on the track and on the road.
The Chevrolet Corvette String Ray is one of a generation of Corvette variants made from 1953 all the way through to the present day. This particular one is the second generation made from 1963 to 1967. The next generation, also called Sting Ray, was made all the way from 1968 to 1982 and is, perhaps, the car people normally think of as the Sting Ray or Stingray as it seems to be called in America.
I remember seeing the Volvo P1800 used in The Saint TV series shown on the TV in the 60s and wondering just what sort of car that was. It was a rare sight on British roads and those that did appear usually attracted a lot of interest.
The ‘big Healey’, as these models are always known, began as a development of the Austin Healey 100 introduced as far back as 1952.