SubStack – VintagEuro

Dispatch #016 – When AMG Built Wild Cars in America

Once upon a time, genuine AMG cars were built in a strip mall in the western suburbs of Chicago. Before you could buy an AMG at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, you had to go through AMG North America.

Dispatch #015 – I’ve Got a Guy For That

Owning and maintaining older European vehicles isn’t without its challenges. Perhaps one of the most difficult obstacles is finding a reliable shop you can trust to work on them.

Dispatch #014 – Until You’ve Owned an Italian Car

There may be a certain elevated gearhead status that comes from having owned something Italian. Car, motorcycle, scooter. That’s because the Italians truly do things their own way. For better or for worse.

Dispatch #013 – When Turbos Changed the Game

From the mid-1970s through the 1990s, “turbo” became shorthand for maximum performance. Many European brands adopted turbocharging early on to make their small-displacement models more competitive.

Dispatch #012 – Italian Scooters Are The Essence of Classic European Motoring

As Americans, we often see the classic Italian scooter as a symbol of fun and leisure.

Dispatch #011 – Cabriolets, Roadsters, and Spiders

Spring is officially convertible season around here. To kick things off, we examine all the variations on topless motoring.

Dispatch #010 – Happy St. Paddy (Hopkirk) Day

One of the earliest underdogs on the global rally stage was the original Mini Cooper. And Irishman Paddy Hopkirk is the reason so many of us often associate Mini with rallying.

Dispatch #009 – It’s Officially Concours Season Again

I know knot everyone is a fan of concours d’elegance events. They’re stuffy, they feel pretentious, and everyone dresses in over-the-top outfits for no apparent reason.

Dispatch #008 – Everyone Should Own a GTI

Part of the enduring appeal of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is its acceptability across social and generational boundaries. I've owned several myself, and each one has been a sheer delight to drive.