1951

Pegaso 1951-1958

The Pegaso was manufactured in Spain in the former Hispano-Suiza factory. The type Z.102 initially had a 2.5 litre V8 engine. Later on, larger engined were fitted. The final model, the Z.103 (of which only three or four were made) had 4.0-, 4.5- or 4.7-litre engines. In 1958 production of these expensive and exclusive sports cars ceased, and the company continued to concentrate on manufacturing trucks. Only 125 Pegasos were built, most of them to special order.

Simca Sports models 1951-1960

Simca produced a number of coupés and convertibles, starting with the Simca Huit Sport in 1949. Bodywork was by Facel Metallon (who later built cars of their own under the Facel Vega name).

Aronde 9 (1951-1955)

Opel Kapitän 1951-1953

In 1951 the Kapitän was modernised and given both front and rear end treatment. Technically it remained pretty much the same as the previous model.

Fregate 1951-1960

300 (W186, W189)

The 300 (1951 - 1962) was fitted with a modern 6-cylinder 2996 cc engine. The elegant bodywork rested upon what was essentially a pre-war chassis, although suitably modified. The headlamps were integrated into the wings giving the car a modern look. One of the most remarkable features was the rear suspension that could be modified by a switch on the dashboard to accomodate heavier loads.

The Lancia Aurelia GT is regarded as one of the best GTs in the world. The six-cylinder 2 litre engine was replaced by 2500 cc unit in 1953.

Ford Taunus 10M 1951

The Mark VII was launched in 1950 as a replacement for the Mark V (there being no Mk VI). It was powered by the new twin-cam 3.4 litre straight six engine designed specially for it. This model sold particularly well on the US market, for which an automatic gearbox was designed. The VII M appeared in 1955. The "M" developed 190 hp. The model was replaced in 1957 by the Mark VIII.

Kaiser-Frazer

The Kaiser-Frazer corporation was named after Joseph Frazer and Henry J. Kaiser. The Frazer was the up-market car to compete with Oldsmobile, et. Al. and the Kaiser was intended for the lower end of the market - that is until the partnership fell apart and Frazer left the company. With his departure, 1951 was the last year for the Frazer and in 1952 the Manhattan model name was added to the Kaiser line-up (information supplied by Randy Knox).