1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster

Datsun introduced its first sport roadster in 1959 with the Datsun 1000, and began importing them to the United States with the 1960 Datsun 1200. The Datsun 1500 was introduced in 1963, and in 1966 an increase in engine displacement also led to a name change and the model became the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 was powered by a 96-horsepower dual-carburetor 1.6-liter overhead-valve inline 4-cylinder engine with a four-speed manual transmission.

All Datsun 1600s were sold as softtop roadsters. This well-kept and seemingly all-original example features an aftermarket removeable hardtop, turning this 1600 into an attractive two-toned coupe. I spotted it at the Amtrak depot in Vancouver, Washington, in February 2001.

2002 Lincoln Blackwood

The 2002 Lincoln Blackwood, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, went on sale in the spring of 2001. Based on the rear-wheel drive Ford F-150 SuperCrew and powered by a 300-horsepower 5.4-liter 32-valve V8, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, the Blackwood was a limited-production “Luxury Utility Vehicle” with four full-size doors and a stylish carpet and stainless steel trimmed bed which Lincoln called a “Cargo Trunk,” which was capped by an electrically-operated rigid clamshell tonneau cover and featured integrated storage bins, flush-mounted tie-down hooks, a 12-volt power point and cool-to-the-touch LED lighting. On the outside, the “Cargo Trunk” featured imitation blackwood trim, and in place of a traditional truck tailgate, the Blackwood featured dual side-opening rear doors with integrated storage compartments. Additional standard featured included a power moonroof, Connolly leather seating surfaces, climate-controlled power front seats, wood- & leather-trimmed steering wheel with duplicate audio & climate controls, overhead console with On-Board Trip Computer displaying distance-to-empty, average fuel economy and digital compass and an Alpine® Audiophile Sound System with a 6-disc CD changer.

2001 Mercury California Cougar Concept

The 2001 Mercury Cougar was powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Duratec V6 engine and came standard with a AM/FM Stereo/single CD player, a 50/50 rear seatback, front independent MacPherson compact strut and Quadralink rear suspension systems, a SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system, a trip computer and wraparound projector and reflector headlamps. Available options included leather seating surfaces, Anti-lock Brake System, aluminum footrest, clutch brake and accelerator pedal pads, and limited edition Cougar XR and Cougar C2 trims. This particular Mercury Cougar, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was a concept called the California Cougar, featuring a custom body kit by Wings West.

Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept

Ford first introduced the high-performance SVT Lightning version of the F-150 pickup in 1993 and produced it until 1995, then revived it in 1999 on the next generation of Ford F-150 with a 380-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was based on that same generation of SVT Lightning, with smooth modified bodywork including a roof that was chopped by one inch, shorter overhangs, filled panels, and polished aluminum trim. Flame patterns based on Maori tattoos decorated the tonneau cover and dashboard, embossed into the headliner and leather-wrapped bucket seats, and carved into the treads of the 20-inch tires.

Ford Forty-Nine Concept

Influenced by the classic 1949-1951 Ford, the Forty-Nine coupe concept also had the chopped and channeled look on customized cars from that era. Displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show the Forty-Nine featured rounded high intensity discharge and projector beam front lighting, sleek narrow wrap-around LED tail lights, and a roof with an all-glass upper structure. Inside, a raised console ran down the middle between the four bucket seats, and in front of the driver was a classic single-dial gauge cluster. A “Powered by Thunderbird” badge on the side announced that a Thunderbird 3.9-liter DOHC V8 in the engine bay was tuned to fit the car’s appearance and refined muscle.

2001 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

The Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was introduced in 1998 and was powered by a BMW-designed 322-horsepower single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V12 engine. With a base curb weight of 5,075 pounds, the Silver Seraph could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 7 seconds.

2001 Bentley Azure

The Bentley Azure, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was introduced in 1995 and was powered by a 385-horsepower overhead-valve 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine. With a base curb weight of 5,075 pounds, the Bentley Azure could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 miles per hour. 

2001 Qvale Mangusta

The Qvale Mangusta, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, is an Italian sports car that was developed jointly by Qvale and De Tomaso and was originally introduced in 2000 as the De Tomaso Mangusta, however De Tomaso and Qvale promptly parted ways, and the car was sold under the Qvale name. Powered by a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter Ford Modular Cobra SVT V8 engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the rear-wheel-drive Mangusta could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 miles per hour with the manual transmission. The Mangusta featured plastic body panels and a unique convertible top called a “roto-top,” with a manually removable center section as with a targa top, with the rear section able to electrically rotate into a cavity behind the rear seats to make the car a full convertible. This example is painted pearlescent Corallo Red with a Cappuccino interior.

1956 GMC Suburban Town & Country Pickup

Introduced in 1955, the Suburban Town & Country was GMC’s version of Chevrolet’s Cameo pickup. Like the Cameo, the Suburban Town & Country featured a more luxurious interior and fiberglass rear fender covers to create the first smooth-side box. This 1956 model, one of only about 200 built that year, is powered by an optional 155-horsepower 317-cubic-inch Pontiac V8 engine with a 2-barrel carburetor and a 7.4 to 1 compression ratio. Other options include a Hydramatic automatic transmission, two-tone cab, large rear window, tinted glass and whitewall tires. It was displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show by the Volo Auto Museum.

1913 Cadillac Phaeton

This 1913 Cadillac Phaeton was based on the Cadillac Model G that was introduced in 1909. It is powered by a 365-cubic-inch L-head inline 4-cylinder engine with a 3-speed manual transmission, with increased stroke and displacement over the previous year’s model. 1913 was also only the second year for Cadillac’s electric starter. This design would continued essentially unchanged through 1914. The 1915 Cadillac Model 51 would introduce Cadillac’s first V8 engine. This example was displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show by the Volo Auto Museum.

1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon

The Buick Super was redesigned for 1949, sharing a body with the also-new Roadmaster, which was 5-inches longer. The Buick Super Estate Wagon was powered by a 115-horsepower 248-cubic-inch Fireball inline 8-cylinder engine, with the optional Dynaflow automatic transmission bringing an increase to 120 horsepower. Station wagons at the time featured extensive wood trim, and the Buick Super Estate Wagon is no exception, featuring seasoned maple and northern elm on the exterior, though the structure was now largely steel, with all-steel center pillars, steel doors, and a full-length solid steel Turret Top. The interior featured fine-grained Mahogany-veneer wood paneling, carpeted floors, and a rear seat that folds flat and was displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show by the Volo Auto Museum.

1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet

The Cord L-29 was introduced in 1929 and was the first American front-wheel-drive car to be offered to the public. Powered by a 115-horsepower 299-cubic-inch Lycoming L-head inline 8-cylinder engine with a 3-speed manual transmission, the Cord L-29 could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 24 seconds and reach a top speed of 78 miles per hour. Front-wheel drive gave the Cord L-29 a number of advantages. The lack of a central driveshaft or a live rear axle allowed it to have a lower ride height than any comparable luxury car, and mounting the transmission and front differential ahead of the engine resulted in nearly perfect weight distribution. Other unique features of the Cord L-29 included a dashboard-mounted shifter, inboard front brakes, and a Bijur chassis lubrication system that feeds oil to the water pump, fan, brake pedal linkage, clutch release bearing and rear springs from a central reservoir at the press of a pedal. Unfortunately, the L-29 was released shortly before the stock market crash of 1929, which would have a dramatic effect on luxury car sales. This 1931 Cabriolet represents the final year of production for the Cord L-29 and was displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show by the Volo Auto Museum.

2001 Lotus Esprit V8

The Lotus Esprit was first introduced in 1976, with a fiberglass body and a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, and was restyled in 1987. The Lotus Esprit saw few external changes from year to year; one major internal change was the introduction of the V8 engine in 1996. Displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, this 2001 Lotus Esprit V8, with its 350-horsepower mid-mounted dual overhead cam twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V8 engine, will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of nearly 180 miles per hour. The Lotus Esprit would continue in production until 2004 for a total of 28 years.

2000 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

The Lamborghini Diablo was introduced in 1990, originally powered by a longitudinally-mounted 485-horsepower 5.7-liter dual-overhead-cam 48-valve V-12 engine with 428 foot-pounds of torque. The original Lamborghini Diablo could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 miles per hour. The all-wheel-drive Diablo VT first appeared in 1993, featuring a carbon-fiber driveshaft and a viscous center differential. The traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system of the Diablo VT could direct up to 25% of the power to the front wheels if the rear wheels started spinning faster than the front wheels. The Diablo received a facelift in 1999, with the most obvious change being the replacement of the original pop-up headlights with fixed composite headlights and an increase in power to 529 horsepower. Following Lamborghini’s 1998 sale to Audi, the Diablo VT 6.0 was introduced in 2000, featuring the 575-horsepower 6.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 48-valve V12 engine with 457 foot-pounds of torque from the limited production Diablo GT, along with the increased use of carbon-fiber in the bodywork and the interior. Displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, the Diablo VT 6.0 could now accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds, with a price starting at $230,000. The Lamborghini Diablo’s last year would be 2001, when it would be replaced by the new Murciélago.

2001 Avanti

The Studebaker Avanti was introduced in 1963. Failing Studebaker discontinued it in 1964, but sold the rights to the design to the new Avanti Motor Corporation, which revived the sports car in 1965 as the Avanti II. The company maintained limited but profitable production into the 1980s. A new generation of Avanti was introduced, and the original Studebaker chassis was eventually abandoned for a newer, more modern Chevrolet chassis. Production continued until 1991, when the company went bankrupt. In the late 1990s, a new Avanti design based on the chassis of the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird was developed, and this new design was introduced to the public in 2001.

This was an entirely new design, with little in common with the previous Avanti except the basic styling. Shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, the new Avanti was available as either a T-Top Coupe or as a Convertible. With General Motors discontinuing the Camaro and the Firebird after 2002, few of this generation of Avanti were ultimately built, and a new design based on the Ford Mustang was introduced in 2004.

1989 Batmobile

This example of the Batmobile as it appeared in the motion pictures Batman from 1989 and Batman Returns from 1992 is almost certainly a replica. At the time, General Motors was licensing Batman and the Batmobile to promote its OnStar service in a series of television commercials, and this appearance at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show was part of that promotion.

2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible

This generation of the Porsche 911 was introduced in 1998 as the first completely-redesigned 911 since the original debuted in 1963. The 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was essentially unchanged, aside from a slight increase from 296 horsepower to 300 horsepower for its rear-mounted water-cooled 3.4-liter dual-overhead-cam horizontally-opposed "flat" 6-cylinder "boxer" engine. The Porsche 911 Carrera was available with either a six-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. 2001 was the last year for this generation’s original styling; in 2002 the 911 Carrera would receive the same headlights as the Porsche 911 Turbo.

2001 Porsche 911 Turbo

The 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was released in the United States in the Summer of 2000. Powered by a 420-horsepower 3.6-liter dual-overhead-cam, twin-turbocharged horizontally-opposed "flat" 6-cylinder "boxer" engine with 413 foot-pounds of torque at 2,700 rpm, with either a six-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the all-wheel drive 911 Turbo could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 miles per hour. 

Externally, the 911 Turbo differed from the 911 Carrera with a unique front end with three large air intakes and differently-shaped headlights, wider rear fenders with intercooler ducting, and a retractable rear spoiler.

Bobby Labonte NASCAR Pontiac Grand Prix

Bobby Labonte was the winner of the 2000 Winston Cup championship, driving the #18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac Grand Prix, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. Labonte switched from Chevrolet to Pontiac in 1997, and would switch back to Chevrolet in 2003, which would be Pontiac’s last year with NASCAR.

2000 Cadillac Northstar LMP

Cadillac built the LMP (LeMans Prototype) in 2000 to communicate a new world image and to challenge European luxury brand racing cars. Under Cadillac’s supervision, domestic builder Riley & Scott constructed the LMP with a carbon fiber monocoque design. A 650-horsepower twin-turbocharged Northstar 4.0-liter V8 engine powered the vehicle, and a functional Cadillac-type grille was built into the aerodynamic front section. Seven LMP monocoques were built in 2000, with five used in competition, this example used as a show car, as seen here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, and one spare.

2001 Honda S2000

The Honda S2000, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year. The Spa Yellow color was new for 2001. The S2000’s 240-horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve dual overhead cam VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine produced more power per liter than any naturally-aspirated production engine in the world. With a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the rear-wheel drive S2000 could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour and 5.8 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 14.7 seconds at 95 miles per hour. Featuring optimum 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, rigid body construction, and double-wishbone front and rear suspension, the S2000 could achieve 70 mile per hour slalom speeds. Standard features included a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, 4-channel anti-lock braking system, 16-inch alloy wheels, high-intensity discharge headlights, electrically-powered soft top, power windows, mirrors, and door locks, cruise control, AM/FM Stereo CD Player, digital instrument panel, engine start button, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats & door panels, dual front airbags, Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System and Remote Entry System.

2001 Acura NSX

The mid-engined 2001 Acura NSX, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, with its all-aluminum architecture was powered by a 290-horsepower 3.2-liter dual overhead cam V6 with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 252-horsepower 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V6 with a fingertip-controlled SportShift automatic transmission. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes were standard. 2001 would be the last year for the NSX’s original body before receiving a facelift for 2002.

Nissan Z Concept

The Nissan Z Concept from 2001, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was described in the Nissan brochure as “…revolutionary, inside and out. Innovative, yet with a nod to heritage.” Scheduled for release in the summer of 2002, it would become the 2003 Nissan 350Z, built in Oppama, Japan, with few changes, featuring a 3.5-leter aluminum-alloy 24-valve dual overhead cam V6 engine with molybdenum-coated pistons and a close-ratio six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Other significant standard features included a 160-watt 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and 17-inch 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels (as opposed to the 20-inch 7-spoke flangeless rims on the coppertone-painted Z concept). In addition to the base model, the 350Z would be available in Enthusiast, Touring, Performance, and Track models as well.

2001 Aston Martin DB7 V12 Vantage

The Aston Martin DB7 V12 Vantage, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was introduced in 2000, with a 420-horsepower 6.0-liter dual overhead cam V12 replacing the previous 335-horsepower 35-liter supercharged inline six-cylinder engine of the standard DB7, increasing top speed from 163 miles per hour to 185 miles per hour. With the manual transmission, the Vantage could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds; an automatic transmission was also available. The DB7 V12 Vantage was available as a coupe or a convertible, with features including Brembo brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.

Volvo Safety Concept Car

The Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC), shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, featured innovative passive safety ideas. The driver could see through the A-posts, which used see-through Plexiglass in a steel box construction, and the B-posts curved inwards at the top for unobstructed field of vision to the offset rear. Embedded in the door mirrors and rear bumper were sensors that alerted the driver of approaching traffic in the “blind spot” to the offset rear.

Hyundai HCD6 Roadster Concept

The Hyundai HCD6 Roadster Concept, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was a prototype for a mid-engine two-seat roadster powered by a high-performance version of the 2.7-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine from the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, with a six-speed manual transmission. The HCD6 featured an aggressive nose, floating carbon fiber bumpers, projector beam lights that turn with the front wheels, and a deeply sculpted side air intake flowing into the rear wheel wells.

2002 Ford Thunderbird

The new Ford Thunderbird, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model, with retro styling like roof portholes, front-fender grilles and afterburner taillights to recall the Thunderbirds of the 1950s and 1960s. Based on the same chassis as the Lincoln LS and the Jaguar S-Type, the new Thunderbird was powered by a 3.9-liter, 32-valve aluminum dual overhead cam V8 engine that produced 252 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 261 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. With a 5-speed automotive transmission with overdrive, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 6.8 seconds. The Thunderbird was offered with five exterior colors: Whisper White, Midnight Black, Thunderbird Blue, Torch Red and Inspiration Yellow. Standard features include a power retractable convertible top, power 4-wheel ventilated 4-channel anti-lock disc brakes, dual exhaust, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, dual power mirrors, power windows, and door locks, Securilock™ passive anti-theft system, perimeter alarm, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed control and power tilt/telescoping steering column, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlights with on/off delay, illuminated entry with theater dimming feature, NUDO® leather-trimmed seats with recliners, power 6-way driver’s seat & 2-way passenger seat, front and side-impact airbags for driver and passenger, air conditioning with dual automatic temperature control, AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, clock and Audiophile sound system, and brushed aluminum interior highlights. Available options include supplemental parking lamps, 17-inch chrome wheels, all-speed traction control, interior color accent packages, and a removable hardtop with a heated glass rear window, storage cart, and cover.