The Crossfire Spirit
I'd like to start a thread on cars that embody the spirit of the Crossfire: Close-coupled two-seat coupes (and roadster variants) that are stylish (or outrageous), sporting but neither the fastest nor the swervyest. These are often lower production variations on existing chassis and mechanicals, but not simply coupe variants of sedans like the BMW 6 series, Mercedes CLK, Alfa Romeo GTV or Jaguar XJ-S.
Here are some photos of the mid-90s Alfa Romeo SZ. Based on the Alfa 75 sedan -- the Milano in the US -- using a front engined 3 liter V6 and coachbuilt by Zagato. Production was quite limited, just a few thousand total over about a 4-5 year period. It pioneered the use of carbon fiber in productions cars, limited here to the rear wing and a few other bits. The controversial styling -- it got nicknamed "The Monster" -- and high prices hindered demand, even thought all reports rated it one of the best handling road cars of its time. Like the Crossfire, this was coachbuilt by another company, and all of the expense went into the body, leaving little for interior detailing or finishes. After the first couple of years -- almost all of which were red with black roofs -- they came out with a roadster version and expanded color palette.
Other cars I imagine making this "in the spirit of the Crossfire" list would include:
-- MGB-GT V8
-- Various TVRs
-- VW Karmann-Ghia
-- Marcos (especially w/V6 Ford or straight 6 Volvo 3 liter engines)
-- Lotus Plus 2 (upsized coupe version of Lotus Elan)
-- Peugeot 504 Coupe/Cabriolet
-- The latest Ford Thunderbird
The Shelby Mustangs might fit, but these are too obviously just tarted-up Mustangs. The American "personal luxury coupe" theme -- Monte Carlo, Thunderbird, the original Toronados and Rivieras, etc. -- were mass production models that all seem too big to qualify, and the on-road results are only sporting in a straight line.
I leave out the larger-sized near-supercars with Detroit V8s from small makers like the Iso Grifo, Jensen Interceptor, Intermeccanica, Bristol, etc., and the wagon/"shooting brake" variations of the Volvo P1800, Jensen-Healy and Lancia Beta GTE. I also avoid mid-engine cars based on production mechanicals -- too different a feel and focus than the Crossfire's "stylish GT with legs."
Discussion, plus additions and subtractions to my list, please!
Rob Gold