Tag: Pininfarina

Four of a Kind: The Alfa Romeo 164 and the “Type Four” Cars

Luxury Cars, Model Histories
18 Comments

Fast, luxurious, and stylish, with a thoroughly modern platform shared with Saab, Fiat, and Lancia, the 1988–1997 Alfa Romeo 164 could have been the hit to resuscitate Alfa’s flailing business and put the company on the map in the German-dominated executive car market. Unfortunately, it was the last model Alfa developed before falling into the arms of Fiat and it had the dubious distinction of being the last Alfa sold in the U.S. for decades. This week, we look at the 164 and its “Type Four” siblings: the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000.
1991 Alfa Romeo 164S grille
Continue Reading Four of a Kind: The Alfa Romeo 164 and the “Type Four” Cars

All Fall Down: The Cadillac Allante, The Buick Reatta, and How GM Lost Its Styling Mojo

Model Histories, Sports Cars and Muscle Cars
34 Comments

The short-lived Buick Reatta two-seater may seem like the most innocuous of cars (indeed, that was part of its problem). Behind the Reatta’s placid exterior, however, lay a ferocious internal battle that also gave birth to the Cadillac Allanté, ended the four-decade dominance of the once-mighty GM Design Staff — and set the stage for the decline of GM itself.

1990 Buick Reatta badge
Continue Reading All Fall Down: The Cadillac Allante, The Buick Reatta, and How GM Lost Its Styling Mojo

The Forgotten Ferrari: The Dino 308GT4

Model Histories, Sports Cars and Muscle Cars
39 Comments

This week’s subject may be the most obscure of all Ferrari road cars. In fact, a fair number of histories of the marque omit it entirely — which is odd, because it was one of the best-selling cars Ferrari S.p.A. ever built. On the other hand, for the first few years of its existence, it was not officially a Ferrari at all. We’re talking about the often-overlooked Dino 308 GT4.
1975 Dino 308 GT4 badge
Continue Reading The Forgotten Ferrari: The Dino 308GT4