Best of Intermediate Class - 1960
Earl Eagle Custom Wagon
Thanks in no small part to the recent boom in highway construction, as well as the burgeoning sizes of suburban families, there has been another kind of boom. Intermediate cars. Less expensive than the battleships that take up the road, yet more spacious than previously available entry-levels, these models set new standards for life behind the wheel. And the foremost standard setter this year is a station wagon, the Earl Eagle Custom.
The smooth, reliable Black Smoke Six puts 185 cubic inches under the hood, standard. Paired with Earl’s 2-speed automatic transmission, the Eagle Custom gives drivers a sense of confidence, even if performance is much less than thrilling. Modern unibody construction helps keep body rattles to a minimum, and a coil suspension setup allows for an unusually low loading floor for the cargo area.
The Earl Eagle Custom comes standard with an AM radio, and the heater is quite powerful and effective for the package. It is also consumes much less fuel than the average for the class, and is both reliable and inexpensive to repair.
We have a couple minor quarrels with the design of our test unit. First, the split bench front seat is only wide enough for two, giving the Earl room for only 5 occupants. And while we enjoyed the overall distance the Eagle could go on a tank of gas, we’d be perfectly okay with slightly shorter range if it meant a boost to power. This is the biggest detractor from the Eagle; it is near the bottom of the pack in power.
Bogliq Burchell Deluxe
“…a pretty close second to the Earl. The Burchell is a dream to drive, and easy on the wallet…”
Pros: Great drivability, low purchase price, good fuel economy, good reliability
Cons: Mediocre comfort
Valence 350 Sedan
“…very comfortable model that can be had for a surprisingly low price. Early projections show it to be a reliable choice as well…”
Pros: Good comfort, good reliability, good fuel economy
Cons: Poor drivability
Katsuro Princess
“…very inexpensive to buy and maintain, and reliable to boot. For a long trip, this one would probably be best left at home…”
Pros: Lowest in round purchase price, best in round reliability, low maintenance cost
Cons: Worst in class comfort
Courageux Croisiere berline
“…wonderfully comfortable interior, with excellent projected fuel economy. But under the veneer there are some pretty horrible problems…”
Pros: Best in class comfort, best in class fuel economy
Cons: Subpar drivability, poor reliability
Deer and Hunt Goonie
“…competent road machine well suited to a large modern family. It is on the pricier side, however…”
Pros: Good drivability, good practicality
Cons: High purchase price, high maintenance cost
Anhultz Dione IV Comfort
FIXTURE VIOLATION: Missing antenna for radio. First violation, no penalty
“…easy to handle sedan with a very comfortable interior. We think this might be best suited to the gentleman who is also a home mechanic…”
Pros: Good comfort, good drivability
Cons: Below average reliability, high purchase price
Hampton Valiant 3.2 Deluxe
Car equipped with radial tires. Designer accepted the associated penalties.
“…perhaps the most luxurious of the lot, designed for those who would buy a flagship if they weren’t so massive…”
Pros: Great comfort, good drivability, good fuel economy
Cons: Highest in class purchase price, highest in class maintenance cost, worst in class reliability
Ardent 420 Deluxe Estate
“…intermediate sized wagon with big-car power. This translates to big-car thirst, as well as making spark plug changes a challenge…”
Pros: Best in class practicality, good reliability
Cons: Poor fuel economy, high maintenance cost, somewhat high purchase price
Charge Grand Rapier 60
FIXTURE VIOLATION: Has 1 reverse light. 1 pair is the requirement. First violation, no penalty
“…inexpensive way to get into the class. Unfortunately, too many compromises were made along the way…”
Pros: Low purchase price
Cons: Poor comfort, poor reliability, poor practicality, subpar fuel economy
Rocha Madison Luxo 430
“…while inexpensive Rochas have gotten better over the years, they still haven’t found a magic formula to compete on even footing…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good practicality
Cons: Poor comfort, poor reliability, high maintenance cost, mediocre fuel economy
Dominion Laurier 210
“…has been classed in this group due to its price, not its size. Dominion markets the Laurier 210 as an entry level to size and luxury…”
Pros: Good reliability, reasonable purchase price
Cons: Worst in class drivability, worst in class fuel economy, worst in class practicality, subpar comfort
Watson Aquila Sedan
“…Though inexpensive, it fails to gain traction anywhere else, including on the road…”
Pros: Low purchase price
Cons: Poor drivability, poor practicality, poor fuel economy, mediocre otherwise
Best of Full Size Class - 1960
Katsuro King
The King of the Road this year is, well, the King. Katsuro King, that is. Of all the full-sized cars that we tested this year, covering a wide range of budgets, tastes, and engines, this Japanese import came out on top. The seeming antithesis of the Model A-2-X from four years ago, this beast is big, fast… and expensive!
Yes, it’s probably something that will catch the eye of bankers, stars, and powerful business leaders. It’s also something for those of us who are a little more mundane in our station in life to pine for.
At 305 cubic inch displacement, the V12 under the hood is smaller than a number of V8’s offered by competitors. But its exceptional balance, exquisite smoothness, and whisper quiet emissions make for a motoring experience like no other.
Styling of the King is very conservative, yet its classic nature keeps it from seeming all that dated. The interior is a class of its own, and might well be something straight from a monarch’s personal limousine. Katsuro has even gone to the lengths of installing a phonograph player in the cabin.
Is it practical for most families? Absolutely not. Does it give thrilling, pulse-pounding performance? No. Will it make you feel like the King? Without a doubt.
Hampton Vanguard 3.5
Note: Car equipped with radial tires. Creator accepted the associated penalties.
“…nearly as wonderful of road manners as the King, nearly as comfortable, holds more people, and does it all for less than half the cost…”
Pros: Great drivability, great practicality, good comfort
Cons: Somewhat high purchase price, subpar prestige
Courageux l’Americain
“…very comfortable, and surprisingly easy to handle. Some recent problems have tarnished the Courageux name, however…”
Pros: Good drivability, good comfort, low purchase price
Cons: Poor prestige
Silverhare Cavallaro
“…sleek, chic, and eminently comfortable. It gets top marks for safety too…”
Pros: Best in round safety, good comfort, good prestige
Cons: High purchase price, subpar practicality
Bogliq Bison Exceed Mk II
“… a good choice for families looking for a good balance on a reasonable budget. Like the Courageux, Bogliq doesn’t have the best image…”
Pros: Good drivability, good practicality, reasonable purchase price, good comfort
Cons: Poor prestige, poor safety
Silver-York Sovereign 4 Window Sedan
“…has aspirations of dethroning the King. While it ticks most of the check boxes, it’s just too much of a handful…”
Pros: Great comfort, best in round prestige, good safety
Cons: Poor drivability, poor practicality, high purchase price
Anhultz Superkroon III Base*
“…a relatively balanced way in to the full-size segment without huge cash outlay…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good practicality, good drivability
Cons: Poor prestige, poor safety, mediocre comfort
Valence 200 Sedan LX
“…projects a strong image for its owner. Don’t pick too hard at the strings, or they will unravel…”
Pros: Good practicality, good comfort, decent prestige
Cons: Worst in class safety, worst in class drivability
Watson Ariesa (TIE)
“…rather glitzy model with good history of safety. But for the money, it’s just doesn’t project value…”
Pros: Good prestige, good safety
Cons: Poor practicality, high purchase price, otherwise mediocre
Rocha Dallas Imperial 650 (TIE)
“…actually not a bad attempt at a high-end model from Brazilian manufacturer Rocha…”
Pros: Good drivability, good practicality
Cons: Otherwise mediocre
Ardent Manhattan L
“…rather harsh suspension and poor interior fit and finish ruins what could have been a solid entry…”
Pros: Good prestige, low purchase price
Cons: Worst in class comfort, subpar drivability
Deer and Hunt Hawg Deluxe
FIXTURE VIOLATION: Vehicle has 1 reverse light. Requirement is 1 pair. Second violation, 1 point RR penalty
“…the least expensive amongst the group of competitors. Surprisingly good road manners, given it’s tall, boxy stature…”
Pros: Lowest in class purchase price, decent drivability
Cons: Poor comfort, poor prestige, poor safety
Dominion Laurier Starliner
“…low entry price thanks to cost sharing on the platform. Unfortunately, the Laurier Starliner falls flat in several areas…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good prestige
Cons: Poor comfort, poor practicality, poor drivability
Charge Champion 300A
“…direct competition to the Dominion. While they are similar in so many aspects, we have to just barely give the edge to the Laurier over the Champion…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good prestige
COns: Poor comfort, worst in class practicality, poor drivability
Best of Sports Class - 1960
Bogliq Bazooka AE
What to do when it’s time to go for a drive? Not to work, or with the family, but a real drive? Perhaps just yourself and your sweetheart, on a curving canyon road? If you didn’t know anything about cars, you’d probably be horrified by the answer “Pull out a Bazooka.” No, no… we’re not talking about Army weaponry or crude references to your nether regions. We’re talking about a Bogliq Bazooka.
Now, it was a close battle, and it very easily could have gone another way. But hear us out.
The Bogliq Bazooka is a driver’s machine. It doesn’t utilize a giant, firebreathing V8. But a 225 cubic inch straight-six that puts down 168 horsepower in a small two-seat model is very respectable. But suspension tuning is, for such a car, just as important a choice as the engine. Here the Bogliq shines. Its uncanny ability to attack curves and dart in and out of traffic makes for a formula that is the very embodiment of “fun.”
And, in true Bogliq fashion, it delivers all of this with a reasonable price tag. When compared to our number two selection, it’s just barely over half the price. Which leaves more in your pocket for theater tickets. In the next city over.
Platinum Panamerica 1
“…the sheer thrill factor is beyond the Bogliq thanks to its screaming V8. But being beyond the financial means of the average man doesn’t help when faced with such strong competition…”
Pros: Very high sportiness, very prestigious model
Cons: Very high purchase price
Hampton Peregrine 3.5 Sport
Car equipped with radial tires. Designer has accepted the accompanying penalties.
“…a good happy medium between the top two competitors. Definitely for those with both money and sense…”
Pros: Good sportiness, good drivability
Cons: High purchase price
Charge Cisco 1
“…can be a bit of a handful on the road, but the value return for the price is hard to beat…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good sportiness, decent prestige
Cons: Poor drivability
Watson Arcadia
“…glamorous model that still performs like greased lightning…”
Pros: Prestigious model, good sportiness
Cons: Somewhat mediocre otherwise
Valence Durene Sport Coupe SE
“…don’t let the poor image of the Valence fool you, it can provide plenty of thrills…”
Pros: Good sportiness, good drivability
Cons: Poor prestige, somewhat high purchase price
Katsuro Vatina GT-R
“…great attention has been paid to how the Vatina handles. This is unfortunately reflected in the price tag…”
Pros: Great drivability, good sportiness
Cons: High purchase price
Rocha Rocket 670
FIXTURE VIOLATION: Not enough brake/turn signal lights. If turn lights and brake lights are in the same fixture, fixture must contain 2 bulbs minimum. Fixture provided contained only 1 bulb. First violation, no penalty
“…easy to handle, and an attractive price. It’s just not quite up to snuff when it comes to throwing its weight around…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good drivability
Cons: Poor sportiness, poor prestige
Ardent Midnight Custom 310 V8
“…a skilled driver can have a lot of fun with this, and a poor man can even buy one. This isn’t your father’s Ardent, but no one will really care either…”
Pros: Lowest in class purchase price, decent sportiness
Cons: Poor prestige, worst in class drivability
Earl Banshee
“…all glamor and no substance…”
Pros: Prestigious model
Cons: Otherwise very mediocre
Silver-York Basilinna
“…hands down the most beautiful sports car available, a favorite of Hollywood darlings…”
Pros: Best in class prestige, best in class drivability
Cons: Poor sportiness, highest in class purchase price
Deer and Hunt Fallow Rut
“…surprisingly desirable model, at least from the standpoint of attention seeking…”
Pros: Low purchase cost, good drivability
Cons: Worst in class sportiness (tie), mediocre prestige
Dominion Raven
“…a definite looker that sadly doesn’t make our hearts sing…”
Pros: Prestigious model
Cons: Poor sportiness, otherwise mediocre
Courageux Ambronay B Spider 1700
“…a poor man’s sports car that takes a very different philosophical approach to the Ardent, and comes out on the short end…”
Pros: Low purchase price
Cons: Worst in class prestige, poor sportiness
Anhultz Superkroon III Luxe
“…a big engine in a big car does not a sports car make…”
Pros: Prestigious model
Cons: Absolutely everything else
Best Engine - 1960
Silver-York Big Block
+5 Point Relative Rating bonus
Our staff took little time to deliberate this year when determining which motor would be our Best Engine this year. The hands-down favorite is the Silver-York Big Block, used in their Sovereign sedan. Although outclassed in both power (Platinum Stardust 351) and torque (Rocha 670 Rocket), the Silver-York puts down big power in ways that other competitors can’t. That is to say, quietly, and reliably. Power application is also very smooth throughout the band, giving the big V8 a confident feel, but with a sense of gentlemanly restraint.
While it is a bit of a premium engine, it is undoubtedly the right application for an upscale model such as the Sovereign.
SPECIAL ENGINE ADVISORY
This year we have to take a step back from our normal protocols for one moment. Normally, we like to give pros and cons to our readers, and let them decide for themselves. While we may recommend certain models or engines, we have never explicitly advised against a specific purchases. But for the sake of acting in good conscience, we have to brush that aside for the moment.
During our testing this year, we came across an engine that we, frankly, must label as one to avoid if at all possible. We refer to the Courageux “A4 AL/AL” 102 cubic inch engine. This peculiar all-aluminum mill we found to be very anemic, but more concerning, to be very coarse and poorly fitted. Our test vehicle, a Croisiere, suffered a catastrophic engine failure on a highway trip, after about total 700 miles of testing. It had to be towed over a hundred miles back to the dealer. We were given another test vehicle, but the replacement made the exact same disconcerting noises as the first. For the safety of our test team, we returned that vehicle prematurely, and did not request another.
Visual Design Honorable Mentions
Silver-York Basilinna
Dominion Laurier Starliner
Earl Banshee
1960 Reliability Rankings
Ardent - 54.57
Dominion - 54.5
Earl - 54.07
Valence - 53.2
Watson - 53.07
Bogliq - 52.83
Charge - 52.6 (TIE)
Deer and Hunt - 52.6 (TIE)
Hampton -52.37
Anhultz - 52.33
Silver-York - 51.85
Katsuro - 51.37
Rocha - 50.67
Courageux - 50.13
Platinum - 34.9
1960 Relative Ratings
Katsuro - 100
Earl/Silverhare/Hirondelle - 96.77
Bogliq - 95.01
Hampton - 82.18
Courageux - 80.14
Valence - 78.51
Anhultz - 67.38
Deer and Hunt - 62.39
Silver-York - 62.12
Rocha - 61.70
Ardent - 60.57
Watson - 58.22
Charge - 53.76
Dominion - 49.62
Platinum - 46.49