Ten cool cars we don't get here
Automotive journalists love to point out the myriad of enthusiast dream machines that do not show up on American shores. Car Connection did a similar article a couple months ago, and now Motor Trend is doing the same. We probably wouldn't have posted about this, but two particular cars showed up that had to be discussed. I have been waiting for an excuse to post on them, because I frequently dream up ways I could bring these two vehicles to the U.S.
Dream car #1: The Ariel Atom 2
Now, there is a way to bring these over to the U.S. I have seen them for sale as used vehicles on Ariels website. Unfortunately, their is not much of a dealer network here in
the U.S. This is probably the best synthesis of high performance motoring and motorcycling. BMW did a concept not to
long ago that had a similar feel. I am a sucker for this best. With performance that would absolutely shame most pricey
exotics, it is like a modern day Lotus 7. It is a British creation, so there is plenty of national flavor in a light
weight, nimble, and quick driving tool like this.
Dream car #2: The Elfin MS8
Again, this is another vehicle you could bring to the U.S. The Elfin MS8 comes in two variants. Both come equipped with a 330-hp 5.7-liter LS1 V8,
and both have a retro aura about them. While MotorTrend pegs the MS8 Clubman as a Lotus 7 copy, I see a little American
hot rod thrown in for good measure. The Streamliner version certainly has a 1960s racer look to it, but with a modern
twist. These Australian sports have that wonderful mix of European style and American muscle that weve seen from other
Australian imports, like the Pontiac GTO.
MotorTrend did list a lot of other vehicles, and we encourage you to check them out. Perhaps you will find a few that
you lust for as well.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
One of the TVR's was used in the incredible chase scene at the end of the movie "Swordfish" with John Travolta. It is one of the best movie chase scenes ever. All of the TVR's are great looking cars. I particularly like the Tuscan.
The funny thing I remember about the scene was he was being chased by Lincoln Navigators, but if you look closely you can tell they were Ford Excursions with the Navigator emblems on them. Good was to save money, I guess?
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poutinemaster 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
That list contains a lot of expensive cars; I would add to the list some more accessible cars:
The entire Alfa Romeo lineup
Mercedes B-class
Peugeot 407 & 607
Some Japanese sub-compact, compact & sport cars
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md 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
i would also like to add to the list pretty much the entire holden and ford lines in australia.
what has happened to the american automotive marketplace? it seems as if most car buyers no longer desire stylish, fun, good performing cars. sure there are some available, but the average car buyer seems to go for the most boring cars out there.
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james 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Those "boring" cars are also the most practical.
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evox 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I was at a car show (concours de elegance!) and a pagini zonda arrived. They just let it in during the show and the guy drove it to some open grass (in front of the mercedes display- they didnt like that!). But wow, what an amazing sounding car!
Great article. Atoms are amazing cars, but ugly imo, and I'd rather have a lotus 7. And I am a huge fan of TVRs.
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evox 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
oh and I frogot to add, the Subaru Forrester STI (Jap) should be on there :]
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Andrew Tanasescu 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34?
Maybe?
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WolfgangNC 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Ford had two cars in the line up. Just shows me that Ford has the design ideas; but for some reason won't sell them at home. I understand the Falcon engineering issues...Ford just remember this in the next platform.
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Cool cars 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Great looking cars!
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