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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 51m

Factoid: Rootes focused on the H120’s ‘spoiler’ in ads even though as here it wasn’t easy to show it in photos. As ‘the vintage car of tomorrow’ comment, it’s ‘the rare car of today’ as 23 are licensed in the UK (tks to the always helpful @howmanyleft.bsky.social website…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 3h

Factoid: While the Minor 1000’s added ‘zip’ meant it was far faster (top speed up by 11mph), it also had new gear ratios that made it easier to sustain faster cruising - vital for the car’s appeal in export markets like the US…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 4h

Factoid: The Riley One-Point-Five debuted at the Scottish Motor Show in Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall though why it wasn’t shown at the earlier London Motor Show was never explained. Btw, the 1st 150 cars were built in Abingdon before production moved to Longbridge alongside the Wolseley. (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 6h

Factoid: The Wolseley 1500 & Riley One-Point-Five need no introduction & proved remarkably long-lived cars with a production run from 1957-65 but they weren’t introduced simultaneously as the Wolseley was launched in Apr, the Riley arrived nearly 7mths later & not at London Motor Show either…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 6h

Factoid: Never mind the RX-7 appearing in this 1980 UK Mazda ad, that’s a Mazda 929 Estate (or 2000 as it was called in the UK), a car that would outlive the other cars here & stay in production until 1988…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 8h

Factoid: I like a best sellers table & this 1977 Top 30 is particularly interesting not just for the surprising entries here - would you guess the GS & Lada outsold the Golf, but also the impact of price rises… (📸: Motor)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 9h

Factoid: A gd example of Lada’s late ‘70s UK ads (this is from Sept 1978), this followed the tried & testing approach where the car’s value (its cheap price in other words) was seemingly its main attribute. Of course, the terrible ‘cliff-face’ depreciation was left for the owners to find out…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 10h

Factoid: Saloon versions of small hatchbacks were always positioned above their stablemates in the ‘80s, a point demonstrated here in the lavish 1986 launch campaign for the MkII gen Ford Orion…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Factoid: The TV ad for the Hustler suggested a car that was a lot hotter (& thus faster) than the car itself. Still, props to the agency for creating a memorable ad… youtu.be/ckMbZVZzt_4?...

youtu.be

Nobody Outhustles The 1970 Chrysler Hillman Hunter Hustler

YouTube video by SOUTHERN HEMI Australia

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Factoid: When the Standard Eight originally appeared in 1953, the basic model lacked a passenger wiper, winding windows & hubcaps but both it & the de luxe model (which all those features & more) lacked an opening rear boot. In April 1957, that ‘luxury’ was finally offered… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Factoid: Selling a car as an ideal one for caravanning or towing boats is a novel concept though possibly a gd reflection of the lifestyle these potential Six-Ninety owners had. This was the Series III, the last of the traditional-looking large Wolseleys before the Farina-era cars arrived in 1959…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Factoid: The Fiat 127 & its various versions sold in the UK from 1971-83, a market where 150-200k were imported. In the UK, the 127 was replaced when the Uno arrived in June 1983 but it continued in some European markets until 1987 using the Brazilian-built 127 Unificata. (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Factoid: Replacing the 127 de luxe in late 1974, the Fiat 127 Special was a fancier model with upgraded trim & identifiable outside by a different grille & bumpers among other things. All that makes perfect sense, unlike the ‘car parked on a golf course’ press pic. (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Factoid: As everyone knows, less is more when it comes to some classic ads & this 1973 campaign for the Mk1 Granada with a well-chosen backdrop & equally well-chosen magazine quote, is as good an example as any…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Jaguar S3 XJ12 or a Mercedes W126 500 SEL? Regardless of what you’d ultimately pick what a choice to have to make. Forget Ferrari or Lamborghini, that’s the kind of automotive quandary I’d love to ponder over… (📸: CAR Magazine)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Factoid: The 100 A Cherry was Datsun’s 1st FWD car though geeks will note this is not the original 1970 model as this car has larger taillights (unlike the slimline affair it had at launch) which was part of refresh the car got in June 1972. (📸: IG a/c finecarbrochures)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Factoid: Not just an early Renault 4 L at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, but one on a special turntable to demonstrate the effectiveness of its suspension & one that was also shown at the slightly later Paris Salon… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Factoid: In 1972, the Simca 1100 was France’s best selling car. It was also the same year the 1100 Special’s engine was installed into the smaller 1000 model for its Special & Rallye 1 variants…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Never underestimate how seeing a stunningly beautiful car can lift you when you’re feeling down… (📸:IG a/c plankhond)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Factoid: What a league table from a 1978 issue of Motor - would you have guessed Renault in France built more cars than VW in Germany in 1977? Btw, they might be down the list, but BL would never exceed this figure again. (📸: Motor)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Friday Commitment: The Rangie’s body roll was always notable & not terribly surprising either but here’s proof if you really pushed it the 4x4 became a 4x3… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: By 1985 even Lada was becoming aware of styling trends as noted by the flush plastic wheel trims though their aerodynamic efficiency was possibly offset by the brick-like styling of the rest of the car… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: In 1964 the Riley Elf Mark II was actually dearer than a Mini Cooper though I would’ve gone for the latter as it was faster, had disc brakes, looked better & lacked the Elf’s sometimes mismatched wooden dashboard… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: Vauxhall’s launch ad for the MkII Carlton had a great car making an anonymous appearance to demonstrate the car’s braking stability (though it should be noted Audi’s was promoting a similar feature in 1972)… youtu.be/Yp_v_5vMYEY?...

youtu.be

Vauxhall Carlton (Opel / GM) - 1987 UK Advert

YouTube video by DrDejvu

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: Some great authentic details in this early Mk1 Capri as those covers for the auxiliary lamps are exactly what you got with your XLR-specified Capri GT back in 1969… Btw, that attractive metallic shade is, I think, Light Orchard, but I’m sure someone will confirm that… (📸:IG a/c jagalfa)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: 1986 & the Vauxhall Carlton MkII launch ad & a good indication of how executive cars were promoted back in the mid-‘80s with a full-colour, four page ad…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: Late 1999 saw a facelift for the Omega B (known as the B2). The B2 would prove the last of the long line of big Opels/Vauxhalls which for Opel could be traced back to 1953.

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: Yep, the Jaguar XJ40 is now 40yrs old this month, let that sink in… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Factoid: I’m not too familiar with C-Matic, Citroën’s semi-automatic fitted to the CX & GS/GSA, but it was replaced by a traditional auto box in the CX in 1980 while the GSA was only available henceforth as a manual.

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: If great designs like the Citroën CX are timeless, then some take time to mature. While the Allegro isn’t to everyone’s taste (true when it was new judging by its sales figures), the design seems to have mellowed over the years It’s not perfect, but then what is? (📸: IG a/c jagalfa)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: Vauxhall’s actual 1957 Paris Salon stand included both their new cars for the crowds to admire - the Cresta & the smaller Victor though the decision to debut the former at the show was interesting given the firm’s tiny French sales. (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: Great designs don’t need a fancy version to show it at its best, they’re good no matter what. Take this example - a Series 1 Citroën CX & the 2-litre Douvrin-engined Athena version. Beautiful & that’s before you consider that amazing hydropneumatic suspension ride… (📸: IG a/c jagalfa)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: With Jaguar looking to make a fresh start maybe it’s time to look back at some of their best-ever ads as inspiration when it happens. Here’s one to consider…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: VW’s ‘Type 3’ had its debut at Frankfurt in Sept 1961 (though the Variant estate version started full production in Feb 1962) but though take a look at the car on the left - it’s a convertible based on the saloon but aside from 12 prototypes it never entered full production… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: Carpets feature a fair bit in car advertising though mostly it’s confined to suspension (magic carpets for Hydrolastic for example) though this 1979 R30 TX ad extends it to the entire car…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Factoid: Two French cars, two hatchbacks, both FWD & both subject to criticism for their engines (in the R20’s case for the TL). The Alpine always struggled in the UK - a pity as it was a credible family car.

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: Two British cars, launched in Oct 1980 & in very different market sectors, but they used the same brand of glass… It’s also a reminder these cars are 46, yes 46, years ago next month. And on that sobering thought bye for now 👋

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: The Tatra 603 needs no introduction to car nerds but did you know it was exhibited at the 1957 Paris Salon? And it wasn’t the only surprising exhibit at the show either… (📸: Autocar)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: Apparently the Triumph Vitesse was the 1st car with extruded aluminium bumpers - no, I didn’t know that & possibly neither did you…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: An early Austin Allegro Super (hence the grille) & looking great in BL’s period Blaze shade (one of ten colours offered at launch). If you click ‘ALT’ you’ll see the rest. (📸: IG a/c jagalfa)

Damask Red with Spanish Rose trim

Blaze with Navy trim

Teal Blue with Ochre trim

Harvest Gold with Olive trim

Limeflower with Navy or Limeflower trim

Green Mallard with Ochre trim

Black Tulip with Spanish Rose trim

Rheingold Metallic with Ochre or Olive trim

Lagoon Metallic with Ochre or Olive trim

Glacier White with Ochre or Olive trim

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: I like BMC’s indicator telltale stalk light - a simple & clever bit of design. When the R50 MINI was being developed back in the late ‘90s, they thought of bringing it back. (📸: IG a/c classicsbychance)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: Looking at this 1981 SD1 ad reminds me why it’s the perfect BL car as it typifies the firm’s qualities along with its flaws. The SD1 wasn’t perfect, but it looked sensational & what’s more, it still does…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Factoid: Ford of Britain’s Lincoln Cars promotion of the P3 Taunus was one of a series of German Fords offered by them during the ‘60s to the early ‘70s though sales were always limited (even this ad noted that) as the cars were expensive - pricier than the bigger & more powerful Zodiac for example…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: To be honest, 104 mph wasn’t all that impressive in 1982 which might explain @carmagazine.bsky.social’s ‘The Good, The Bad And The Ugly’ later succinct verdict of it - BL Barge…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: 2026 is the centenary of Britain’s 1st Grand Prix which was held at Brooklands on Aug 7, 1926 which begs the Q whether this MG RV8 in its 1993 brochure was photographed there? Anyway, time to remind you the car also used the same headlights as the Porsche 911… (📸: IG a/c finecarbrochures)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: With Oct almost upon us it means an excuse to look at ads from motor shows past like this 1957 BMC one that covered their various brands & noted their cars’ attributes. Note mention of safety glass & steering wheels but of course no seat belts (which wouldn’t be required until 1967)…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: 1957 saw Vauxhall replace their model range with two radically different cars - Feb was the F-Series Victor while Oct saw the arrival of the PA Velox & Cresta that debuted at the year’s Paris Salon - an event which Vauxhall marked with this artistic ad which let the design do the ‘talking’…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: MG Maestro & a tale of three alloys: ‘badge-less’ for the 1600, the ‘octagon’ version for the 2-litre EFi & finally the ‘cross spoke’ for the 2.0i model. Thinking they left the best to last. (📸:IG a/c classicsbychance/jagalfa)

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: Yes, a nice demonstration of the GS Estate’s easy loading ability but that stylish set of matching luggage is a close second here…

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The Car Factoids @thecarfactoids.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Factoid: The Vitesse wasn’t Standard-Triumph’s only new car as there was the Ensign which used the Vanguard Six’s 2.1-litre 6-cyl engine. The Ensign was a cheaper alternative to the Vanguard & proved not only a short-lived car but the last Standard-badged car to be introduced in the UK…

Other changes included a revised dashboard & the availability for the 1st time of an estate model.

Both the Vanguard Six & the Ensign de luxe were replaced by the Triumph 2000 in October 1963.

Just 2,318 Ensigns were built…

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