Cars

With wheels literally at each corner, AMC’s mini-wedge afforded passengers just as much interior space as many of the doorstop-shaped concepts of the era, despite being 350mm shorter than today’s Smart car. The wide track that formed part of the Amitron’s near-square footprint allowed three occupants to sit side-by-side in adequate comfort – and the seats were filled with air so they could be deflated when vacant, increasing loading space.

Like its contemporaries, the Ferrari 308 GT4 ‘Dino’ and Lamborghini Urraco, the Maserati Merak has remained a bit of an underdog in the collectors’ market, while nevertheless being one of the strongest design statements of the 1970s. If you find one for sale on the European market, it usually goes for less than 50,000 euros. Even in period, the Merak’s comparatively small three-litre V6, the same as used on its sister car

First thousands, then hundreds of thousands, then millions

The movie car for Miami Vice

A leopard can’t change its spots, but a Mini can sprout them

The new engine strategy at Porsche has helped to identify the naturally aspirated models as an endangered species – and hence suggests their investment potential. But then again, the death of the classic brand-new Carrera might have no effect on the value of the true, collectors’ models. While enthusiasts might be pretty annoyed that every Porsche 911 is likely, soon, to carry the symbol ‘Turbo’, does this account for the rocketing values of air-cooled specimens of this genus? A look at the catalogues for the upcoming

Sir Stirling Moss

Bonhams on 12 March at Fernandina Beach Golf Club