01/05/2026
A variety of inspirational, benchmark vehicles through our hands this week.
The GS 1220 Pallas: a revolution in the Vauxhall Viva/Ford Escort/Hilman Avenger sector, featuring the iconic self levelling nitrogen-sprung suspension, centre-point steering geometry, high-powered inboard disc brakes and a revvy, unburstable, turbine-like twin OHC boxer engine.
The SM, a flawed but inspired space-ship supercar with elegance that has grown more beautiful than ever with age, and a combination of the finest suspension and the most perfect power steering ever fitted to a car. First car to have rain sensitive wipers. Maserati V(8 becomes) 6 growling menacingly and threatening potential bankruptcy if not treated respectfully… an awesome car that you wouldn’t necessarily want to pay for…!
The CX 25 DTR Turbo 2 - until the purchase of my latest Subaru Outback, my best car ever owned was one of these. (The last Outback nearly pipped it, but harsh suspension foiled its chances. The new one improves vastly on this.)
The CX DTR Turbo offers steering and suspension almost as perfect as the SM but couples this with a bulletproof and characterful old-school diesel engine, relative ease of maintenance and great economy. It might just be one of the greatest ever cars for me.
It’s a privilege to deal with these wonderful vehicles. It is particularly lovely to have this CX hanging around, reminding me of some great motoring past.
