BORN IN PARIS in 1878, André Citroën’s interest in engineering was sparked by a visit in 1901 to an uncle in Poland, who had patented a gear mechanism with double-helical teeth-the same shape that would later lend itself to Citroën’s famous logo. On his return, Citroën set up a small factory in the French capital […]

Preston T. Tucker’s character was something between dreamer and opportunist. He’d been an office boy at Cadillac, a car salesman, and partner in an Indianapolis racing car business before deciding to revolutionize car design in post-war America with an all-new model that was fast, stylish, and safe. Tucker 48 Torpedo 1947 Early ideas in 1945

MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS William Lyons and William Walmsley started the Swallow Sidecar Company in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1922. Swallow sidecars quickly became known for their high quality and stylish looks. In 1927 Swallow began making coachbuilt bodywork for the Austin Seven. Swallow’s bodywork, designed by Lyons, gave the Seven a touch of flair and individuality that appealed

Tasco is an acronym for The American Sportscar Company, and the car pictured here shows the only example it ever managed to produce. The basis of the machine was a shortened 1948 Mercury chassis with a souped-up V8 engine. The Tasco featured an enclosed cockpit like that of a light aircraft. Tasco 1948 Above the heads of

Faced with a devastating drop in orders for its aircraft in 1945, Svenska Aeroplan AB (Swedish Aeroplane Limited) needed to diversify; it chose car manufacture. Inspiration came from the popularity of Germany’s DKW cars in Sweden in the 1930s, where their surefooted roadholding suited the country’s treacherous winter roads. Saab 92 1949 But improving performance

The Dynavia is a fascinating example of futuristic car design from over 60 years ago. But it was also meant to offer big benefits in everyday use, by increasing both performance and fuel consumption. The impetus for the teardrop-shaped fourseater came from Panhard designer Louis Bionier, who set out, in 1944, to prove that such a

In the grim environment of post-war Britain, raw steel had been rationed by the government. The biggest supplies went to manufacturers who could turn it into exportable goods. Land Rover Series 1 1948 Brothers Maurice and Spencer Wilks, who controlled Rover, found a way around this. Maurice had bought a war-surplus Willys Jeep to use on

Although the XK120 was the fastest, most exotic car that Britain offered in 1948, it came about almost by accident. In 1945, Jaguar Cars offered a range of stylish sedans and tourers, but used bought-in engines. Jaguar XK120 1948 Company founder William Lyons planned a new sedan with a brand new Jaguar-made engine, designed in secret

Hudson, founded in 1909, was among the last of the American “independents”-carmakers who struggled and ultimately failed in the face of the mighty Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Although its cars during the 1920–30s were mostly unremarkable, Hudson shocked the burghers of Detroit in 1948 with its range of “Step Down” cars. Hudson Commodore 1948

With gas strictly rationed, and most new cars earmarked for export, motoring was difficult in 1940s Britain. So when news broke that Donald Healey’s sporty new 146ci (2,400cc) had recorded a best speed of 111mph (179kph) on the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium in 1947, it was especially uplifting news. Healey 2,4 liter 1946 Here was