1961 Autocar Lancia Flavia 1500cc Road test

[Carparticus]

I've recently unearthed a load of 1950's and 1960's magazines, in amongst which were some early Autocar editions.

Below I show a typical 1961 road test.

The magazine is full of period adverts and notices which are reminiscent of a bygone era ... and highlight just how things have changed in 50 years.

If folks are interested in this material, I can post up loads more...

[Mighty Flex]

I love the far more detailed quantitative testing! Far more scientific than modern stuff. I like that.
Seeing as you have picked out the Flavia, If you come across a Flavia Vignale convertible, that could be of interest for me.

[2slo]

Very interested to read old road tests. Much appreciated if you could post more please.

[lowdrag]

Blimey! I've every issue her from 1955 to 1975. Can't scan them though because if I try and properly open the magazine flat it breaks the spin because the glue is so old. Can scan Motor Sport which I have from 1953 to 1979, but loads missing in that series.

[2slo]

Some of the older tests make for very interesting reading. One I recall being the Jaguar v12 (can't recall whether it was an e type s3 or an xj12) but it was tested (by either Autocar or Motor) from rest to maximum speed in top gear to show just how flexible the engine was. I doubt many current production cars could achieve that now and remember the above test was done in the early 1970's!

Mark

[Carparticus]

lowdrag said:

Blimey! I've every issue her from 1955 to 1975. Can't scan them though because if I try and properly open the magazine flat it breaks the spin because the glue is so old. Can scan Motor Sport which I have from 1953 to 1979, but loads missing in that series.

This is true. For those that dont know, some of these older mags seem to be stapled through the left edge rather than having a glued spine, and theres no straightforward way to avoid blurring on the inner part of the page without breaking the spine or putting a finger through the delicate 50yr paper as you hold it on the scanner !


Heres some 1961 car prices ... If only I had bought that Aston Martin Zagato for £3,750...

[Carparticus]

2slo said:

Some of the older tests make for very interesting reading. One I recall being the Jaguar v12 (can't recall whether it was an e type s3 or an xj12) but it was tested (by either Autocar or Motor) from rest to maximum speed in top gear to show just how flexible the engine was. I doubt many current production cars could achieve that now and remember the above test was done in the early 1970's!

Mark

Interesting 50 yr old article on improving the performance of engines of the day ... And 'radical' engine evolution from Detroit !

[2slo]

Thank you. It's your fault I spend too much time reading this forum.

Mark.