THE S-CLASS SERIES

The foundations for the success of the S-Class were laid back in the early 1950's when Mercedes introduced the 220 Model (W180). This is one of the four fathers  to the S-Class we all know and love today. This Model had a body style known as the 'Ponton' and it had 6 cylinder engine with a top speed of 140km/hr, which was impressive in its day. One belief that Mercedes has always kept at its heart since then is that "Safety is Paramount" and this has been reflected in every vehicle they have produced. However this model was not the First Generation S-Class nor was it called the S-Class.

220 Model(W180)

To be continued..

'The Hilux that we do not know'

1st Generation Hilux

The first generation Toyota Hilux was a transformed Hino Briska (1964) designed and developed by Hino Motors. The first gen Hilux came into existence around 1969. This truck is was identified to be dependable, reliable and durable thus being marked a "Powerful Workhorse". 

This Hilux was powered by a four cylinder 1.5L Rseries petrol engine that was later upgraded to a 1.6L engine. Due to the increase in demand the first four wheel drive Hilux was introduced in 1979 and thus further improved the capabilities.

 

 The vehicle's ability and strong reliability as a commercial car allowed it to turn into a popular day-to-day vehicle, as such a double cab body configuration of the  Hilux was developed in 1983 to cater  for the family and comfort requirements. Today we are now faced with the Eighth Generation Model of the Hilux, a vehicle with top of the range commercial capabilities yet so comfortable as a 90's Presidential car. This vehicle boasts in the Sub-Saharan African truck market as it is designed to endure all types of roads even off-road tracks.

8th Generation Hilux

The eighth generation Toyota Hilux was released  in 2015 in  Thailand and Australia. The Hilux  adopted a face that was designed for Toyota Corolla (E170)  center fascia design. This generation features Toyota's first autonomous emergency braking (AEB). New ESTEC GD 2.4-litre, 2.8-litre and KD 2.5-litre, 3.0 litre diesel engines,  combined with a five- or six-speed manual transmission or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission. "Talk about Cars of the 21st Century".

"ROLLS ROYCE SILVER WRAITH"

THE EPITOME OF LUXURY

Here is a car model that has existed for more than 50 years and has been dubbed one of the most luxurious vehicles to date. The 50's wraith was developed with a 4.6L engine having rear wheel drive and a 4-speed manual gearbox. Today it is owned by those of high status (The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe) showing how much it reflects British Grandiosity. 

'1952 Wraith: Zimbabwe'

 

However the Rolls Royce's evolution has seen it transforming from a 'Prestigious luxury Vehicle' to more of a 'Sporty luxurious Car'(1950' Wraith Vs 2016. The 21st Century Wraith now holds an amazing 6.6L V12 Twin-turbo engine and an 8-speed Automatic Gearbox, producing about 624 Horse power. Though it is now a sporty looking car, it a fact that it hasn't lost its ancestry taste for luxury.

'1952 Wraith'

'2016 Wraith'

"The 2016 Wraith is the car that has broken the stereotype that chauffeurs are the only people who drive Rolls-Royces"

"VOLVO AMAZON 1956 - 1970"

Volvo Amazon

This is a classic Volvo from the 120 Series family generally known as the 'Amazon'. Half a million of these were built by Volvo between 1956-1970 and gained a well-earned reputation for toughness and longevity. This series is were Volvo made its name in world markets. When introduced the car caused some surprises for a relatively small-engined (1580cc-1990cc) car with a performance matching and in some cases exceeding some sports cars. It is noted that this car had a straightforward engine which was ideal for the home mechanic as compared to the engines being built today. Though this revolutionary car series  has ceased production, this is where the Volvo we know and love today got its qualities from. (Pic taken in Harare Zimbabwe 09/04/2016)

Volvo S90

'AUSTIN MORRIS MINI 1959 - 2000'

Here is a car that is of sentimental value to me as it was the first car my father got me. I'm sure most people may recognize this car as a pickup version of Mr Bean's mini,  and that is somehow true as all these mini models were made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in the period ranging from 1956 to 2000.

This car is a very small pick-up truck , 11 ft (3.4 m) in total length was built on the longer Mini Van platform, with an open-top rear cargo area and a tailgate. The weight ranges from (650kg to 680kg). This was one of the simplest pick-ups ever made, one would not think of anything else other than getting from point A-B. It being a simple car it had a 1275cc  motor.

It is estimated that a total of 58,179 Mini Pick-up models were built and today most of them have been left to crumble, however some with a passion for cars have been able to restore these rusty bits of metal making them even more beautiful than they were.

"1961 CHEVROLET BISCAYNE"

'Chevrolet Biscayne'

This is a Chevrolet Biscayne from a series of automobiles produced by the American manufacturer Chevrolet between 1958 until 1972. Back in 1961 this car was one of the fastest on the strip carrying a 4-5L V8 engine!! There are only a few of these cars left and fewer left in such a shape, yet i had the privilege to come across one. 

(Pic taken in Mutare.Zimbabwe  10/04/2014)