The Car Factoids
@thecarfactoids.bsky.social
Important/unimportant facts about older cars plus plenty of old ads thrown in…
He/Him.
He/Him.
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Just a short note to say I’m concluding activity on ‘that other place’ from tonight.
I just wanted to thank everyone who made me feel welcome on there & enjoyed my occasionally interesting, usually useless facts about the cars.
Rest assured that you’re stuck with me on here…
I just wanted to thank everyone who made me feel welcome on there & enjoyed my occasionally interesting, usually useless facts about the cars.
Rest assured that you’re stuck with me on here…
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:4 Krooklok
Yes, nothing says Christmas quite like a Krooklok for your R-reg Chevette (just be careful not to drop the present on your foot)…
Btw, it seems to make ad festive you just added some holly (& hopefully remove it before using it)…
No:4 Krooklok
Yes, nothing says Christmas quite like a Krooklok for your R-reg Chevette (just be careful not to drop the present on your foot)…
Btw, it seems to make ad festive you just added some holly (& hopefully remove it before using it)…
December 5, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:4 Krooklok
Yes, nothing says Christmas quite like a Krooklok for your R-reg Chevette (just be careful not to drop the present on your foot)…
Btw, it seems to make ad festive you just added some holly (& hopefully remove it before using it)…
No:4 Krooklok
Yes, nothing says Christmas quite like a Krooklok for your R-reg Chevette (just be careful not to drop the present on your foot)…
Btw, it seems to make ad festive you just added some holly (& hopefully remove it before using it)…
Factoid: Trouble was, for slightly less money you could get a BMW E21 323i which obviously wasn’t as well equipped, but so much better as a driver’s car (no matter how intriguing ‘glow paint’ was)…
December 5, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Factoid: Trouble was, for slightly less money you could get a BMW E21 323i which obviously wasn’t as well equipped, but so much better as a driver’s car (no matter how intriguing ‘glow paint’ was)…
Friday Commitment: Skinny tyres + limpet-like grip + generous body roll = cornering in a French car from the late ‘60’s…
(📸: Autocar)
(📸: Autocar)
December 5, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Friday Commitment: Skinny tyres + limpet-like grip + generous body roll = cornering in a French car from the late ‘60’s…
(📸: Autocar)
(📸: Autocar)
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:3 Windscreen Squeegee
Never let it be said Trico didn’t go to a lot of effort in promoting of effort in promoting their squeegee as a potential Christmas gift.
(That said, you’d hope ‘the motorist’ received some better gifts in 1980)…
No:3 Windscreen Squeegee
Never let it be said Trico didn’t go to a lot of effort in promoting of effort in promoting their squeegee as a potential Christmas gift.
(That said, you’d hope ‘the motorist’ received some better gifts in 1980)…
December 4, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:3 Windscreen Squeegee
Never let it be said Trico didn’t go to a lot of effort in promoting of effort in promoting their squeegee as a potential Christmas gift.
(That said, you’d hope ‘the motorist’ received some better gifts in 1980)…
No:3 Windscreen Squeegee
Never let it be said Trico didn’t go to a lot of effort in promoting of effort in promoting their squeegee as a potential Christmas gift.
(That said, you’d hope ‘the motorist’ received some better gifts in 1980)…
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:2 The Lister Car Washing Kit
Save your just-launched Anglia from the perils of ‘mud-caked steering’ which clearly was a problem back in 1959 in those nascent days of the motorway age…
No:2 The Lister Car Washing Kit
Save your just-launched Anglia from the perils of ‘mud-caked steering’ which clearly was a problem back in 1959 in those nascent days of the motorway age…
December 4, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:2 The Lister Car Washing Kit
Save your just-launched Anglia from the perils of ‘mud-caked steering’ which clearly was a problem back in 1959 in those nascent days of the motorway age…
No:2 The Lister Car Washing Kit
Save your just-launched Anglia from the perils of ‘mud-caked steering’ which clearly was a problem back in 1959 in those nascent days of the motorway age…
Factoid: In many ways Riley’s demise in July 1969 was inevitable not just due to cars like the 4/Sixty Eight & 4/Seventy Two but in BMC’s failure to create an identity for the brand buyers appreciated…
December 4, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Factoid: In many ways Riley’s demise in July 1969 was inevitable not just due to cars like the 4/Sixty Eight & 4/Seventy Two but in BMC’s failure to create an identity for the brand buyers appreciated…
Factoid: The dashboard of the MG Magnette Mark III though it could also be a Mark IV as it remained the same with the only obvious change btwn the two cars from the driver’s seat being repositioned windscreen wipers…
(Btw, no rev counter, only the Riley 4/68 & 4/72 got that ‘luxury’…
(📸: Autocar)
(Btw, no rev counter, only the Riley 4/68 & 4/72 got that ‘luxury’…
(📸: Autocar)
December 4, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Factoid: The dashboard of the MG Magnette Mark III though it could also be a Mark IV as it remained the same with the only obvious change btwn the two cars from the driver’s seat being repositioned windscreen wipers…
(Btw, no rev counter, only the Riley 4/68 & 4/72 got that ‘luxury’…
(📸: Autocar)
(Btw, no rev counter, only the Riley 4/68 & 4/72 got that ‘luxury’…
(📸: Autocar)
Factoid: Yes, a 1978 Supercover ad, but BL geeks will also note this might be the 1st example of the firm’s rebrand from the ill-advised Leyland Cars era…
Austin Morris & Jaguar Rover Triumph (JRT) divisions soon followed…
Austin Morris & Jaguar Rover Triumph (JRT) divisions soon followed…
December 4, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Factoid: Yes, a 1978 Supercover ad, but BL geeks will also note this might be the 1st example of the firm’s rebrand from the ill-advised Leyland Cars era…
Austin Morris & Jaguar Rover Triumph (JRT) divisions soon followed…
Austin Morris & Jaguar Rover Triumph (JRT) divisions soon followed…
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:1 Binoculars
Never mind this potential gift idea have a look at the reasons they offer for why…
No:1 Binoculars
Never mind this potential gift idea have a look at the reasons they offer for why…
December 4, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Christmas Motoring Gifts of Times Past
No:1 Binoculars
Never mind this potential gift idea have a look at the reasons they offer for why…
No:1 Binoculars
Never mind this potential gift idea have a look at the reasons they offer for why…
Factoid: It was quite a stretch to suggest the badge-engineered Magnette MkIV owed anything to a TT-winning, Nuvolari-driven ‘30s race car but then the same could be said of it having an ‘advanced design’…
December 3, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Factoid: It was quite a stretch to suggest the badge-engineered Magnette MkIV owed anything to a TT-winning, Nuvolari-driven ‘30s race car but then the same could be said of it having an ‘advanced design’…
Factoid: The announcement of the 1.3-litre Fiesta, a road test of Chrysler Sunbeam plus a report from the Frankfurt Show - that’s what I call an issue.
Oh & a Maserati, but I think I know what’ll interest you guys…
Oh & a Maserati, but I think I know what’ll interest you guys…
December 3, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Factoid: The announcement of the 1.3-litre Fiesta, a road test of Chrysler Sunbeam plus a report from the Frankfurt Show - that’s what I call an issue.
Oh & a Maserati, but I think I know what’ll interest you guys…
Oh & a Maserati, but I think I know what’ll interest you guys…
Factoid: The Mk1 Scirocco proved remarkably popular in the UK & an example was a couple of yrs after this 1977 ad when not only was it one of the UK’s best selling coupés, it also outsold all of BL’s sports cars…
(Click ‘ALT’ for Grade A geekery)
(Click ‘ALT’ for Grade A geekery)
December 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Factoid: The Mk1 Scirocco proved remarkably popular in the UK & an example was a couple of yrs after this 1977 ad when not only was it one of the UK’s best selling coupés, it also outsold all of BL’s sports cars…
(Click ‘ALT’ for Grade A geekery)
(Click ‘ALT’ for Grade A geekery)
Factoid: This ‘reflective glory’ 1969 supplier ad when the Maxi arrived reminds us how commonplace front disc brakes had become for family cars by the late ‘60’s though given the lacklustre performance from its disappointing 1485cc, E-Series engine, ‘taming it’ was a relatively straightforward task…
December 3, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Factoid: This ‘reflective glory’ 1969 supplier ad when the Maxi arrived reminds us how commonplace front disc brakes had become for family cars by the late ‘60’s though given the lacklustre performance from its disappointing 1485cc, E-Series engine, ‘taming it’ was a relatively straightforward task…
Factoid: Manufacturers made much in the ‘80s having multi-valve engines in their cars but here’s your quick reminder the trio here had them installed in three ways: MR2, mid-engined RWD, Celica, FWD & Supra, RWD.
December 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Factoid: Manufacturers made much in the ‘80s having multi-valve engines in their cars but here’s your quick reminder the trio here had them installed in three ways: MR2, mid-engined RWD, Celica, FWD & Supra, RWD.
Factoid: Yes, It’s that time of year again & while you ponder presents, a reminder in 1981 Motor used this cover to launch their guide with the help of some Corgi models (including the just-launched Triumph Acclaim)…
(📸: Motor)
(📸: Motor)
December 3, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Factoid: Yes, It’s that time of year again & while you ponder presents, a reminder in 1981 Motor used this cover to launch their guide with the help of some Corgi models (including the just-launched Triumph Acclaim)…
(📸: Motor)
(📸: Motor)
Factoid: It’s open to Q what was the worst example of BMC badge engineering but the MkIV Magnette would certainly be in the mix.
Perhaps those who could only afford the vastly superior MG 1100 had a lucky escape?
Perhaps those who could only afford the vastly superior MG 1100 had a lucky escape?
December 2, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Factoid: It’s open to Q what was the worst example of BMC badge engineering but the MkIV Magnette would certainly be in the mix.
Perhaps those who could only afford the vastly superior MG 1100 had a lucky escape?
Perhaps those who could only afford the vastly superior MG 1100 had a lucky escape?
Factoid: By 1986, a 5dr supermini had become the norm (though the Mk2 Fiesta & Mk2 Polo were notable exception) & so a 5dr Ibiza wasn’t unusual though the copywriters’ take in promoting it was humorously novel…
December 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Factoid: By 1986, a 5dr supermini had become the norm (though the Mk2 Fiesta & Mk2 Polo were notable exception) & so a 5dr Ibiza wasn’t unusual though the copywriters’ take in promoting it was humorously novel…
Factoid: 50 yrs old this month, the SEAT 1200 Sports was possibly prettier than the Fiat 128 3P but interestingly the former’s original design was based on a concept car called the NSU Nergal which was based on the Prinz (1)…
(📸: Motor)
(📸: Motor)
December 2, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Factoid: 50 yrs old this month, the SEAT 1200 Sports was possibly prettier than the Fiat 128 3P but interestingly the former’s original design was based on a concept car called the NSU Nergal which was based on the Prinz (1)…
(📸: Motor)
(📸: Motor)
Factoid: Volvo’s ‘80s ad themes came up again & again (like the life expectancy of the cars) but as with all the best car advertisers it was the creativity of how that message was conveyed that kept them ‘fresh’…
December 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Factoid: Volvo’s ‘80s ad themes came up again & again (like the life expectancy of the cars) but as with all the best car advertisers it was the creativity of how that message was conveyed that kept them ‘fresh’…
Factoid: Compared to the 964, the 993-gen 911 was a decided visual improvement bringing back the grace of previous generations (the work of Yorkshireman Tony Hatter which is something I’d forgotten about).
Of course more important were the substantial rear suspension changes….
Of course more important were the substantial rear suspension changes….
December 2, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Factoid: Compared to the 964, the 993-gen 911 was a decided visual improvement bringing back the grace of previous generations (the work of Yorkshireman Tony Hatter which is something I’d forgotten about).
Of course more important were the substantial rear suspension changes….
Of course more important were the substantial rear suspension changes….
Factoid: A Granada Estate with a 2-litre & in fancier LX form for less than this 240 DL Estate (£288 less in fact), but then again it wasn’t a Volvo…
Still, in 1985 Ford dropped the Granada Estate when the Mk3-gen arrived & saving Volvo a lot of money in advertising while gaining a lot of sales…
Still, in 1985 Ford dropped the Granada Estate when the Mk3-gen arrived & saving Volvo a lot of money in advertising while gaining a lot of sales…
December 2, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Factoid: A Granada Estate with a 2-litre & in fancier LX form for less than this 240 DL Estate (£288 less in fact), but then again it wasn’t a Volvo…
Still, in 1985 Ford dropped the Granada Estate when the Mk3-gen arrived & saving Volvo a lot of money in advertising while gaining a lot of sales…
Still, in 1985 Ford dropped the Granada Estate when the Mk3-gen arrived & saving Volvo a lot of money in advertising while gaining a lot of sales…
Factoid: With no 605 estate, the 406 fulfilled the role that the 404, 504 & 505 had had in Peugeot’s range for a conventional large estate (though there was also the 806 for those who wanted an MPV).
December 1, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Factoid: With no 605 estate, the 406 fulfilled the role that the 404, 504 & 505 had had in Peugeot’s range for a conventional large estate (though there was also the 806 for those who wanted an MPV).
Factoid: The Sunbeam Lotus might’ve won the 1981 WRC Constructors title for Talbot but it was the Quattro that was victorious at that year’s RAC.
The following year Audi would be the champs & win a then-record 7 rallies to achieve it…
The following year Audi would be the champs & win a then-record 7 rallies to achieve it…
December 1, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Factoid: The Sunbeam Lotus might’ve won the 1981 WRC Constructors title for Talbot but it was the Quattro that was victorious at that year’s RAC.
The following year Audi would be the champs & win a then-record 7 rallies to achieve it…
The following year Audi would be the champs & win a then-record 7 rallies to achieve it…
Factoid: Sprint was the name used for the ultimate Elan & 4yrs after production ended the name returned for this version of the Éclat.
Btw, it’s also your quick reminder the name was used for the Éclat in the US…
Btw, it’s also your quick reminder the name was used for the Éclat in the US…
December 1, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Factoid: Sprint was the name used for the ultimate Elan & 4yrs after production ended the name returned for this version of the Éclat.
Btw, it’s also your quick reminder the name was used for the Éclat in the US…
Btw, it’s also your quick reminder the name was used for the Éclat in the US…
Factoid: The Elan +2 was marketed as suitable for children (as was the E-Type 2+2).
This is the later +2S 130 from 1971 though there was another version called the +2S 130/5 with a gearbox based on the Austin Maxi’s…
This is the later +2S 130 from 1971 though there was another version called the +2S 130/5 with a gearbox based on the Austin Maxi’s…
December 1, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Factoid: The Elan +2 was marketed as suitable for children (as was the E-Type 2+2).
This is the later +2S 130 from 1971 though there was another version called the +2S 130/5 with a gearbox based on the Austin Maxi’s…
This is the later +2S 130 from 1971 though there was another version called the +2S 130/5 with a gearbox based on the Austin Maxi’s…