Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Mini 1275 GT. 1969–80 (prod. 110,673). 2-door saloon, 1275 cm³ (I4 OHV). Sporting Mini, replacing the Cooper Mk IIIs, but never had the cachet of its predecessor. Despite Clubman nose, never officially a Clubman (with the exception of Australian Morris Mini Clubman GT model, 1971–2). Only 59 bhp from A-series engine. Close-ratio gearbox and additional rev counter compared with regular Minis. Twelve-inch wheels from 1974; minor changes throughout decade. New Zealand-assembled models had bigger 1275 GT stripes on rear wings. Unloved compared with Coopers, but it has its fans. Spanish 1275 GT model made by Authi featured traditional Mini front end, offered 1973 to 1975. British model deleted in 1980 when Austin Mini Metro launched.
Manufacturing locations: Longbridge, England; Pamplona, Spain
Marque: Mini | Predecessor: Austin Mini Mk II (Cooper model)
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Lucid Air. 2022 to date (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan. R/R, F/R/A, 88, 113, 118 kWh electric. Luxury EV challenging the Porsche Taycan and Mercedes-Benz EQS, with high-capacity, fast-charging batteries promising up to an 840 km range, the most of any US-made electric car at time of launch. Built around a 900 V architecture. Drag coefficient at 0,21, a record low. More luxurious than Tesla Model S, against which comparisons were made in the press. Double wishbones at front, multi-link at rear. Excellent grip. Heavy, though with good handling. Named Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2022, the first time a new model from a start-up won the accolade.
Manufacturing location: Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
Marque: Lucid
Prince Gloria (BLSI P-1/BLSI P-2/BLSI P-3/S30/LSI). 1959–62 (prod. 70,000 approx.). 4-door sedan. F/R, 1862 cm³ (I4 OHV). More upscale version of Skyline, sharing the same body, but featuring only the largest 1·9-litre engine, developing 80 PS. Originally shown as the Skyline 1900 at the All Japan Auto Show, the forerunner of the Tokyo Motor Show, in 1958; series production began soon after. Facelift in 1960 to four-headlamp front end (BLSI P-2), and four-light rear end. Improvements to carburettor in 1961 saw increase in power to 94 PS; marked externally with front grille change and relocation of badges.
Manufacturing location: Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
Marque: Prince | Model: Prince Gloria | Successor: Prince Gloria (S40)
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