10 Sexy and Durable Cars

Interesting facts about 10 sexy and durable cars.

What will be your criteria in rating a car? Will you go for its beauty and speed, simple design and affordable price or will you go for its sexiness and durability. If you would ask me, then I’ll go for cars that are sexy and durable, one that will stick in one’s mind after a long time. Below are my choices:

1. Ford Mustang

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The Mustang is generally considered the first “pony car”— sports car-like coupes with long hoods and short rear decks. Manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, the car made its public debut on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. Originally named for the P-51 Mustang, a fighter plane, the Mustang is the only original pony car that has remained in production without interruption after four decades of development and revision. Early versions of the Ford Mustang are highly collectible today. Here are added facts about one of America’s favorite classic cars:

* On the day it was launched, more than 22,000 units were sold and one million sales in its first two years. It was Ford’s most successful launch since the Model A.A total of 559,451 Mustangs were made in 1965.
* Did you know that there is a so-called “1964½” model-year Mustangs, 121,538 units of six-cylinder Mustangs fitted with the 101 hp., 170 cu. in. Falcon engine.

2.Chevy Corvette Stingray

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The second generation C2, or mid-year, started in 1963 and ended in 1967. Carrying a new name, Corvette Sting Ray, the car was designed by Larry Shinoda and under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell. Other interesting facts about Corvette Sting Ray includes:

* The 1963 Corvette was built on a redesigned frame and with full independent rear suspension. The combination of the frame/suspension became effective that it lasted until 1984.
* Corvette’s1963 modeloffers, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and leather seats were made available to some colors. It was only in 1963 that the split window coupe was offered. Furthermore, the Grand Sport Corvettes were first produced in this year.
* In 1964, the roof vents became a reality with the blower motor located below the driver side rear fender.
* Nassau Blue was the most popular exterior color in 1965 and the 396 Turbo-Jet side emblem was only used in 1965.

3. Chevrolet Camaro

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The Chevrolet division of General Motors manufactured the first-generation Camaro. It was launched in September 1966. Just as the first Mustang was based on Ford’s compact Falcon, so the first 1967 Camaro was based on Chevy’s compact Nova. Therefore, the Camaro was hyped as having the same conventional rear-drive, front-engine configuration as Mustang and Chevy II. In addition, the Camaro was designed to fit a variety of power plants in the engine bay. Four distinct generations of the car were produced before production ended in 2002. The production of the new fifth-generation Camaro has rolled off of the production lines starting March 16, 2009.Here’s some more interesting facts about this pony car.

* Chevrolet bigwigs was originally going to name the Camaro, the “Panther”. They even had the molds made for the emblems, but at the last minute they changed their minds!
* Did you know that nearly 75% of 1967-69 Camaros were built at the Norwood, Ohio factory (near Cincinnati).
* First-generation Camaros came in two basic models, hardtop and convertible. All cars had two doors with 2+2 style seating.
* Official Chevrolet production records show a total of 220,906 Camaros built in 1967; 235,147 Camaros built in 1968; and 243,085 Camaros built in the last year of the first generation, 1969.
* Believe it or not, 1967 Camaros were to run on 13″ tires !
* The first 50 ZL1 Camaros were delivered with a carburetor that was too small. This made the car slower than its originally intended mid 11 second quarter mile time !
* Chevrolet designers had four body styles – coupe, convertible, fastback and station wagon planned for production instead of just two !
* The 350 cubic inch engines in the 1967 Super Sport cars were a Camaro exclusive !
* 1972 almost marked the end of the line for the F-Body cars, since they did not meet the new bumper safety laws !
* Though having the same body designs the 1969 Camaro differs from the 1968 model by the new features added such as: door skin, new fenders, rear quarter-panels, taillights and grille that gave the car a wider, lower appearance.

4. Ferrari 246 Dino

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The Ferrari 246 Dino was produced from 1968 to 1976. From its launch in 1969, the “baby Ferrari” was created to market a lower priced, “affordable” sports car. The Dino was an attempt by Ferrari to produce a relatively low cost sports car by using components from more common vehicles. The Dino 246 is powered by a 2.4-liter (2418cc) 65-degree, dual overhead camshaft V6 engine, with a 195bhp@7600rpm and a top speed of 151 mph. The car was named after Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, the founder’s late son, who was credited with the design of the V6 engine.

Here’s some more facts about the baby Ferrari.

* The Dino 246 was the first Ferrari model produced in high numbers. Here’s some more facts about the baby Ferrari.
* In the popular TV Series “The Persuaders”, Danny Wilde, portrayed by Tony Curtis drove a Dino 246.
* The Dino 246GT is the best-known V6-powered Ferrari, but no script on the car indicated that. If you see a 246 Dino and it does say Ferrari on the back, the script has been added.
* A Dino 246 GTS, which featured a one-piece removable targa top panel was introduced at the Geneva Auto show on March 1972.
* Almost 4,000 units of Ferrari Dino 246 GT and GTS, including the 206 GT were produced when the production was stopped ended in 1974. * ’s first mid-engine road car had become its best-selling series up to that time.
* Ferrari’s own 206GT, 246GT and 246GTS were all marketed simply as “Dino” with no prancing horse emblems, attempting to separate these entry-level cars from more expensive Ferraris.
* In 1970, Ferrari’s Dino 246 improved its design by the arrival of Series II / Tipo M versions. This model used newly designed five-bolt items featuring distinctive Dino wheel centers. Also, Ate disc brakes were fitted in favor of the Girling items used in previous models.

5. Jaguar E-type

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The British automobile giant Jaguar, manufactured the Jaguar E-Type by between 1961 and 1974. The Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961. For months later, domestic production started. The first 500 cars built had flat floors and external hood (bonnet) latches. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the twin hood latches moved to inside the car. More than 70,000 E-Types were sold over its lifespan and it is due to the car’s good looks, high performance, and affordable price. Read on to learn Jaguar’s E-Type interesting facts.

* Series I and II were E-types equipped with triple HD.8 SU carburetors.
* All Jaguar E-types featured four wheel disc brakes.
* Automatic transmissions were not available on the Series I and Series II E-type roadsters.
* The last year for the Jaguar E-type was in 1975.
* The Series III Jaguar E-type featured a V12 engine.
* Engine displacement on the Series I was increased from 3.8 to 4.2 liters in 1964.
* The E-type was equipped with gauges manufactured by Smiths.
* Jaguar produced a Series of racing E-types known as “lightweights.”
* Jaguar cars are also featured in the following films: 52 Pick-up (1986), Austin Powers – International Man of Mystery (1997), Blues Brothers (1980), Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), Brannigan (1975), Casino Royale (1967), Convoy (1978), Father’s Day (1997), Terms of Endearment (1997) among others.
* In 2004, Sports Car International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.
* In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in Daily Telegraph list of the “100 most beautiful cars” of all time.

6. MGB

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The MGB was a sports car launched by MG Cars in May 1962 to replace the MGA and manufactured until 22 October 1980. The MGB is a lightweight fast car, owing to its 1798 cc B-Series engine, which produced 95 hp (71 kW) at 5400 rpm. The MGB’s basic toughness, reliability and spare supply makes it the logical choice for those looking for a classic they can actually drive.Here’s some interesting facts about this beautiful car:

* Early roadsters are the most popular, with hoods that can be removed completely from the car and stowed unseen in the boot.
* The roadster was the first of the MGB range to be produced. The body was a pure two-seater but a small rear seat was a rare optional extra at one point.
* By making better use of space the MGB was able to offer more passenger and luggage accommodation than the earlier MGA while being 3 inches (75 mm) shorter overall.
* The MGB was one of the first cars to feature controlled crumple zones designed to protect the driver and passenger in a 30 mph (48 km/h) impact with an immovable barrier (200 ton).
* The car was featured in the film “The Monkees” Monkees Mind Their Manor (1968).

7. VW type 2

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The Volkswagen Type 2 (also known as Transporter or Bus) was a van introduced in 1950, initially based on Volkswagen’s first model, the Type 1, also known as the “Beetle”. It is the forerunner of modern cargo and passenger vans. There are two types of VW campers: the split-screen “split”, early versions which was manufactured up to 1967. The second type, “bays”, which has a large one-piece curved windscreen, are cheaper, easier to drive and cheaper and is mass produced. The VW bus is a fun and practical vehicle that has plenty of storage space. Other interesting facts includes:

* The Type 2 was along with the 1947 Citroën H Van, among the first ‘forward control’ vans in which the driver was placed above the front wheels.
* The Volkswagen Type 2 was the second automotive line introduced by German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. It was a van introduced in 1950.
* From the beginning, the Type 2 has earned many nicknames. Among the most popular, at least in Germany, are VW-Bus and Bulli (or Bully).
* The official German-language model names Transporter and Kombi (Kombinationskraftwagen, “combined-use vehicle”) have been incorporated into English and refer to delivery van.
* Early models of the VW Transporter (a.k.a. the Microbus) are known as “Barndoors”.
* The VW Type 2 is still in production in Brazil, where it’s called the VW Kombi.
* In 2006, a Microbus with a ‘hippie’ demeanor was featured in the Disney Pixar movie Cars, and in 2009.

8. Ford F Series Pickup Trucks

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Ford Motor Company had found a gem in its Ford F Series, a classic pickup truck. Since its release in 1948, the F-Series, was the best selling vehicle in the United States for more than two decades and was the best-selling truck for 31 years. The F-150 is most popular variant and is America’s favorite pickup truck for 30 years. Now on its eleventh generation, the pickup continues to stay popular enough to warrant the release of the super duty pickups introduced in 1999. Other interesting facts about ford F-series Pickup trucks.

* 1953: F-100 pickup is introduced, replacing F-1.
* 1959: Ford’s 4×4s are introduced, primarily for commercial use.
* 1965: Twin I-Beam front suspension is introduced, allowing F-Series to “drive like a car – work like a truck.”
* 1975: F-150 pickup debuts.
* 1977: F-Series becomes best selling Full Size Pickup Truck.
* 1978: Ford sells 864,000 F-Series trucks, a record.
* 1980: Ford’s first diesel pickups debut with 6.9-liter V-8.
* 1982: F-Series becomes best-selling vehicle in America.
* 1987: F-Series becomes first truck with rear-wheel, anti-lock brakes.
* 1994: Driver’s-side air bags introduced.
* 1995: F-Series surpasses Volkswagen Beetle as world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate.
* 1998: AutoWeek names F-150 ‘America’s Best Pickup Truck’ in a reader determined award grant. F-150 continues to win this honor the next eight consecutive years.

9. Jeep

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When someone talks about “Jeep,” there’s no doubt what vehicle he is mentioning. That’s how popular and how distinctive the name is. Jeep is an automobile trademark of Chrysler. First built in 1945, the CJ-2A is the father of all Jeeps and is the oldest off-road vehicle. The original vehicle was the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the US Army and allies during the World War II and postwar period. Jeeps were also used by the U.S. Postal Service in the 20th century for mail services. Here’s some more interesting facts:

* When was the first Civilian Jeep produced was first produced in 1944 by Willys-Overland. Designated as a CJ (civilian jeep), they retained the basic form and design of the Army Jeep until 1986, when it was revamped and became the Jeep Wrangler.
* Jeeps have been produced and assembled worldwide over the years. Locations include: Canada, Italy, Australia, Argentina, Japan, Belgium, Brazil, Korea, China, France, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Israel, Egypt, India, Portugal, Netherlands, Philippines and Turkey
* The CJ-5 came about in 1954 as a civilian version of the military’s M-38A1 which came out in 1952. The CJ-5 stayed in production for almost 30 years, longer than any other Jeep model, and was taken out of production in 1983.
* Ford tried to sue Willys for the Jeep naming rights, and lost. When Willys was sold to other companies, the name Jeep went with it. Therefore, Chrysler is now in possession of the Jeep name.
* From 1948 to 1950 Willys produced a 2-door “car” version of the Jeep, called the Willys “VJ” Jeepster.
* The CJ-7, one of the most popular of the Jeeps, started its 10 year run in 1976. The CJ-7 has a longer wheelbase than the CJ-5 to accommodate an optional automatic transmission.
* The “Cherokee” line began in 1962 when Jeep introduced the Wagoneer as a ‘63 model
* In 1965 the DJ-5, which is the postal Jeep most people are familiar with today, was introduced.
* In 1983 the current Cherokee (XJ series) was debuted as an ‘84 model to compete in the growing market for “compact” SUV’s. 2004 saw the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ). The LJ is based off the TJ platform, but features a 104″ wheelbase for increased cargo room.
* 2004 saw the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ). The LJ is based off the TJ platform, but features a 104″ wheelbase for increased cargo room.

10. VW Beetle

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The German auto maker Volkswagen, produced The Volkswagen Type 1 (VW) from 1938 until 1967. It was originally known as Käfer, the German word for “beetle,” and only on August 1967 that the name Beetle was used. It used an air cooled rear engine and a rear wheel drive RR layout.From 1967 up to 1996. The T1 still was made in Brazil from 1967 up to 1996. Here’s other facts about the Beetle:

8 The original Beetles have no radiator.
* Germany and Brazil are the only countries that still manufacture Beetles up to now.
* The 1951 beetle have a split rear window.
* In 1968, Volkswagen introduced the Karmann Ghia to spice up its product line, at that time having only the Beetle and the Bus.
* VW produced 3 models of Type 3 series of cars namely: the Squareback, Notchback, Fastback.
* Wilt Chamberlain once appeared in a Volkswagen advertising campaigns in an ad captioned “They said it couldn’t be done…it couldn’t.”?
* On May 24, 2005 Volkswagen presented its 100,000,000th vehichle, a VW Touran, to Eva Louise Köhler, the wife of the German president.
* Herbie The Love Bug was a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle deluxe ragtop sedan painted in Volkswagen L87 pearl white. Herbie’s license plate is OFP-857; his number is 53.