Michael Thies's Blog – September 2015 Archive (1)

The 20 Best Cars That Still Offer a Manual Transmission For those who like to do the shifting themselves. by Ben Stewart

The manual transmission is on the endangered species list. Every year fewer and fewer cars are offered with a clutch and a shifter. Why? Americans just don't want to be bothered with the chore of working a clutch with their left foot and shifting with their right. And sports car manufacturers are the worst offenders when it comes to quitting on the stick shift.…

Continue

Added by Michael Thies on September 14, 2015 at 2:29am — No Comments

Monthly Archives

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Blog Posts

A Bite of History: Triumph TR8

A Bite of History: by MikeThies

Triumph TR8

The Triumph TR8, introduced in 1978, was often called the “English Corvette.” It was essentially a Triumph TR7 fitted with a Rover 3.5-liter aluminum V8, a powerplant with American Buick origins that had been adopted by British Leyland in the 1960s. With around 135 to 150 horsepower in…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on September 9, 2025 at 5:00pm

A Bite of History: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

Introduced in late 1966 for a short, single-year production run, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL holds a special place in the “Pagoda” lineage (W113 series) as the rarest variant, with only about 5,196 units built. Positioned between the earlier 230SL and the later 280SL, the 250SL…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on August 14, 2025 at 7:30pm

A Bite of History: American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon by Mike Thies

A Bite of History:  by Mike Thies

American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon

The American Bantam Car Company was a small but innovative automaker based in Butler, Pennsylvania. Originally established as American Austin in the 1920s to produce miniature cars under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the firm reorganized…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on August 2, 2025 at 8:00pm — 1 Comment

A Bite of History: 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster marks the swan song of one of Porsche’s most iconic and minimalist models. Originally introduced in 1954 at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed to be a low cost, lightweight, stripped-down entry sports car that could double as a weekend racer, especially for the California sports car scene. With its low windshield,…

Continue

Posted by Michael Thies on July 14, 2025 at 5:22pm

© 2025   Created by Global Wheels Events.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service