tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71181534756684042152024-02-19T05:02:55.434-08:00Americas Road Test Video MagazineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-89659411933801395742013-04-02T17:21:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:22:28.883-07:00Capitol Punishment A Situation Comedy<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Capitol Punishment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Created by<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Robert Sarda & Miguel Caparros<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We are looking for Producers or
Interested Production Company<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:bobsarda@comcast.net">bobsarda@comcast.net</a>
</span></b><a href="mailto:migcaparros@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">migcaparros@gmail.com</span></a>
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678 873 9412 678 409 1668<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A situation
comedy for television <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>The Premise</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">4
congressional members are convicted of fraud, bribery, misappropriation of
public funds, tampering with votes, conduct unbecoming a Congressman and theft.
Judge Randolph Burnhardt the III, has received a request and will be fully
supported by the President and the Attorney General to be creative and
humiliating in his sentence, that there will not be any wiggling out by serving
time at a Federal country club prison or resigning. They will complete their
elected term in their monitored incarceration. The point is to send the message
to all government officials that there are tough enforcement's from now on. All
government employees will be scrutinized <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Judge “Burnhardt
the third” is imposing some tough love. Since the fraud was diverting money
destined for the poor to their own pockets. The Judge has ordered seizure of
all property, monies, and all personal automobiles, bank accounts and credit
cards. They will begin by maintaining their Congressional jobs but working and
living off minimum wage. You heard right
they will be the poor congressmen and women. Additionally they must work 1 day
each week at a minimum wage job unrelated to their skills. Office cleaner, bicycle messenger, pizza or
restaurant kitchen help, these are the jobs they may accept. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In the
federal inventory are some very rundown buildings that have been seized. All of
them are 4 floor walk ups with questionable water, electricity services and
toilets that may or may not flush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Character Development</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Virginia Lee Cheney</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Early 40’s in age, the Junior Senator
from Nebraska. A Hardline Republican with strong Tea Party leanings. Born in Virginia to the manor and wealth from
Tabaco and coal she used her vast wealth to become an important citizen of
Nebraska. After 2 years of greasing the right palms, and with virtually unlimited
money, she deposed a Senior Democrat with a relentless smear campaign character
assignation including a made up homosexual affair with fabricated photos and
video of the senator trolling schools for young boys. In her opinion, the world is here to serve
her. Her staff with her direction, connections and coercions was the architect
of the diverting of the millions from the charities to her and her cohorts
pockets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mohammed
Akheim Jones</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> 50+ years old (developed specifically for JJ
Walker or like character).</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A Congressman from the
state of Illinois, he grew up in the ghettos of Chicago. While doing a 10 year
stretch for armed robbery and pistol whipping the guard, he went to law school
while in the slammer. The only reason he went to law school was to beat his
conviction. As he puts it, "If Claus von Bulow can beat the rap
for murdering his wife; I should be able to beat my own conviction." He
was able to get a retrial and since several of the key witnesses refused to
testify, Mohammed Jones walked out of Jolliet State Prison a free man and his
conviction was overturned. He used the proceeds from the bank job to run for
Congress. Seems he learned in prison where the real thieves in this country
are. Apparently learning to steal like a congressman was not taught at Jolliet.
He was caught putting votes in the Ballot box from elderly voters that “could not
make their way to the voting booths”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">William
Robert Poteet</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> 28 years old. Congressman (R) from the State of Georgia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">From Valdosta Georgia, an agricultural area known for its Onions,
High School educated, and backed by the Tea Party. Tall and thin, he carries a
gun, a Bible, King James Version and a copy of the Constitution. Dresses like a
typical used car salesman from the 60’s with plaid polyester jacket and pants
that do not match. His Bible is hollowed out for his 9mm Berretta. Not the
smartest man but able to sway the rural vote with his old time skit that plays
to the ultra-conservative that do not live in Atlanta. He calls the Mayor of
Atlanta a white man in a Black suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Chosen by Virginia Lee Chaney as a way to “sell the goods” to
the country Bible belt folk who are charitable and not interested in paper work
or where the money is really going. They know that the “Minister” Congressman (
he is not, just called that by his constituents) will get it to where it will
do the most good. Billy Bob can easily be swayed by the thoughts of a big pay
day. He offered his services to Senator Cheney as a runner. The “pick up man” as
he put it ", I didn't break no laws picking up the money drops. This is
bogus. I was set up!" Billy Bob does not have a clue as to how the
law works, and yet he quotes the Constitution all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Guillermo
(Jerry) Gonzalez de La Hoya. </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> 38 years old, (D) Senator California. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He is a
western blue blood, </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">descendant</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> of the Mexican/Spanish aristocracy, of old money,
a Spanish silver Baron. Maintains his Senate office on his 150 foot yacht “The
Libertad” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jerry was arrested for smuggling cocaine from Mexico on his
election tour bus. Swears he was set up by his brother-in-law, who, according
to the senator, is having an affair with his wife and they are trying to get
him out of the way and get his money. A Harvard law school grad. Facing 20
years for trafficking, he readily takes the Judge up on the offer to repent in
this half way house for the ruling class. He is classically handsome and very
fit. He always look fresh even after a full day at the pizzeria his shirt and
pants are not stained and the creases are perfect all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Deputy Lee Roy Brown.
30 years old,</span></b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> 6'8''/375 going to night school to become a
lawyer. </span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">He is the 9 to 5 enforcer of rules and ensures that the inmates are not
cheating with money and acquiring things they cannot afford on minimum wage.
Anything found by the deputy is confiscated and is allowed to take it home and
do what he sees fit with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Julio Rivera Building Superintendent. </span></b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Born in the
Bronx NY in 1957.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">His father was the Super before Julio inherited the job when
his father died. Julio is medium height stocky man who is constantly visited by
the ghost of his father. Julio continues his conversations with his father even
when others are present. He will constantly be reminding the tenants that they
are behind on their rent. He grudgingly comes to attempt to fix things </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The building </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">is a left over property that was
seized by the Feds. All the tenant characters in the building are damaged;
physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. We will disclosed and
continue to develop more of these characters for the production of the program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The apartment
is in the top floor of a walk up that has somehow avoided gentrification in
Washington DC. Two of the top floor apartments have been combined as a way to
provide a central living and working areas for the Congressmen and woman alongside
the Senators, this will also permit the Deputy Brown to keep an eye on them and
offer interaction opportunities. The Common area of the apartment is where the
Lobbyists and constituents can interact with their representatives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com4Washington, DC, USA38.8951118 -77.036365838.6973758 -77.3590893 39.0928478 -76.7136423tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-70342890977350272822012-12-23T20:09:00.001-08:002012-12-23T20:13:36.663-08:001968 Citroen Mehari<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RfUBMU9ZkFE" width="480"></iframe>
One of the most fun things I did as part of my apprenticeship was to island hop the French Caribbean Islands repairing Citroen's that belonged to the resorts and the government. Among the DS19, DS21's and some 2CV sedans and delivery trucks was the French version of the dune buggy the Mehari. The Mehari is a type of fast running Dromedary camel. The Citroen Mehari may be faster on some terrains than the camel, in the Sahara the camel may have a slight advantage.
Built on the of the 2CV platform, the steel body was replaced by a very toy like flexible polyester body. The soft long travel of the 2CV suspension, served well to absorb bumps, ruts and rocks that were the off road expectations for the cars use. These cars were replacing WW II surrey topped Jeeps and some Minimokes that went into service in the Islands.
Built from 1968 to 1998 the basic vehicle did not change at all. Part of my job for Citroen was to go down to the Docks and unpack the cars from their 4 high stack get them running and drive them back to the Distributor where we would finish putting them together. It also meant driving them with windshield folded and no doors or seat belts through Miami.
My whole 4 years of apprenticeship presented a different scope of what I was expected to do. In 1968 armed with a drivers license I was given responsibility by all my teachers to operate on my own in Guadeloupe (including surrounding islands), Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy, A tough job for a 16 year old to balance hormonal needs with the responsibility of operating a business. It was great experience flying, and sometimes sailing from island to island staying at resorts and staying out of trouble.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-72191138806128599332012-12-12T08:41:00.001-08:002012-12-12T08:46:53.204-08:00Americas Road Test Video Magazine: 1961 Alfa Romeo 2000<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6CEVU4KpGGs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<a href="http://americasroadtestvideomagazine.blogspot.com/2012/12/1961-alfa-romeo-2000.html">1961 Alfa Romeo 2000</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-34809949150956059392012-12-06T15:35:00.001-08:002012-12-10T16:49:56.225-08:001963 Studebaker Avanti R3.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gj02M2L5hMI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
In the late 50's Studebaker had been doing everything they could to stay in the Big Four Sales Club. GM, Ford, Chrysler and Studebaker were the American power house world wide, the automotive Giants. By the late 50's Studebaker was looking for a miracle. They hoped that would come in Raymond Lowery's next revolutionary design. His last design the, 1954 President Speedster was evolutionary and way ahead of its time, with its low profile and and low drag shape. So in 1960 Studebaker turned once again to the genius of Raymond Lowery to set the world on fire. In one short year the Avanti went from concept to prototype and then production for 1962.<br />
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The Studebaker V8 was initially was introduced in 1951 as a 232 cubic inch displacement with 120 horse power, It eventually displaced 304 cid and in the R3 Supercharged configuration it eventually exceeded 330 hp as installed in the Hawk GT and the Avanti. The R3 was fr all intents and purpose a factory race car. very few R3's made it to public hands, this seems to be one of them. The Andy Granatelli Land speed record Avanti was a modified R3 and with a special Supercharger was referred as the R5. That car was clocked at Bonneville just short of its 200 mile per hour goal due to poor traction not lack of power But 197 MPH in a "production" car was rather impressive in the early 60's.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-40524092814786618232012-10-17T10:02:00.001-07:002012-10-17T10:02:30.060-07:001963 Ford Falcon Sprint V8 Convertible<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-N-oralcQ64?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>
Before there was a Mustang, if you wanted a sporty small car there was a great choice in the Falcon Sprint. With Fords legendary 260 V8 and later the 289 available in either a Coupe or a Convertible. There were the usual option choices and it shows you how people though of this car by the number of 4 speed cars sold. In case you do not know the 64 Mustangs underpinnings came from the Falcon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-47339362810881220422012-10-16T17:47:00.001-07:002012-10-16T17:53:39.049-07:002013 Hyundai Sonata In Detail<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kCrSWFvrnNM?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>
Published on Jul 25, 2012 by Miguel Caparros
Many of you are not aware that Hyundai first came to the US market in 1986 with a model named the Exel. It was not. The only car worse was the Yugo. Both the Yugo and the Hyundai were aimed at the bottom of the market, first time buyers, people with little or no credit, buyers that for the first time wanted to buy a new car instead of a 7 year old used car. Some think that they would have been better off with the used car. With a price of $4,995 and not looking cheap while on the showroom floor, the cars were flying out the door, The closest Made In the USA car was the Chevrolet Chevette at $5,645. The unfortunate thing was that the brand became synonymous as a poor persons car. Lets face it, no matter how inexpensive the labor was then in Korea, to build a product and send it 1/2 way around the globe and sell it for $600.00 less than the least expensive North American car, something has to give.
That is enough on the history. In 2009 Hyundai opened up the wallet and hired key European BMW people to turn the image of reliable but boring, to the cars that are now at the top of style and reliability.
What should make the competition even more nervous is the fact that with Hyundai's growth, they are attracting top designers such as Chris Chapman. Chris has been in the industry for 22 years and after leaving BMW, now stands to lead Hyundai's design center in Irvine, California to bold new heights.
The Sonata was the first product of the reformatted Hyundai line up. The new Sonata SE $23,345 MSRP does not have to make any apologies. This is now a world class car, the direction that Hyundai is taking has served notice that even Mercedes better pay attention.
We had the Sonata for a 5 day weekend that found us driving to Florida to visit friends and family. The 198 HP engine felt a little soft on take off but it came alive the higher it revved. The 6-speed automatic transmission gives you the option of manual shifting when you are enjoying your favorite twisty road, The SE Sonata comes with everything you need.
Here is the equipment list for the SE
198-hp 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine
6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)
Daytime running lights
Power door locks, windows and outside mirrors
Remote keyless entry and alarm
Six airbags - includes driver and front passenger, front seat side-mounted and front and rear curtain airbags
Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise control functions
Blue Link® telematics system
Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
Pod® / USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
Advanced trip computer with custom settings
On the highway the tall 6th gear gave relaxed cruising by providing relaxed engine RPM's. The slippery shape contributed to low wind noise and fantastic gas mileage. One leg of I 75 for 200 miles we averaged 40 mpg! The 1500 mile trip including cruising South Beach and dealing with Atlanta traffic returned and average of 33 mpg
Category:
Autos & Vehicles
License:
Standard YouTube License
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-62670302025184871622012-10-16T09:29:00.001-07:002012-10-16T09:35:39.593-07:001956 Studebaker SkyHawk<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Cap34qn3AgA?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Studebaker buyers were different. Early on to appease their customers Studebaker added features such as the over head valve V8 in 1947, padded dash, seat belts, at the same time they took a very aero look to their cars including a very spacy bullet nose. In 1953 they stunned the automotive world with Studebaker Commander Coupe. Maybe too shocking for the average buyer. The low and wide cars were a generation ahead of the rest of the industry The low swooping nose with twin snorkels was unlike anything else, the roof line was a good 8 inches lower than everyone else. The performance abilities of the Lowey designed car was amazing for a, first 239 CID engine and got more so when they opened it up to 289 cid..The big cast iron block was wide and heavy but extremely durable As they found out when they made the Paxton Supercharger an option.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The Hawk series was an interesting departure of the ultimate coupe the 1955 President Coupe ( See the Video http://youtu.be/2bmdoiMY7uI ). The stand up Mercedes grill of the Hawk is due to Studebakers marketing partnership with Mercedes Benz, with the hope that they could sell more cars. The Hawk line was almost a complete separate brand. Starting with Golden Hawk - Sky Hawk - Power Hawk - Flight Hawk - Silver Hawk - Hawk - GT Hawk and the Packard Hawk that was powered by a completely different 352 CID V8.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The Studebaker Sky Hawk was a pillarless two-door hardtop coupe for the 1956 model year only. The Sky Hawk was considered part of the Studebaker President series. One of four models of Hawks available that year, the Sky Hawk was positioned between the flagship Golden Hawk and Power Hawk pillared coupe. Sky Hawks differed from Golden Hawks in that they had less chrome trim and lacked the Golden Hawk's fins. They also had slightly less luxurious interiors, and were powered by the President's 289 cubic inch V-8 with 210 HP standard and 225 horsepower optional instead of the Packard 352 of the Golden Hawk. Only 3,050 were produced that year. The Sky Hawk was discontinued for the 1957 model year. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-47807420780639013472012-10-15T15:08:00.001-07:002012-10-15T15:23:44.428-07:001958 Corvette, Chevrolets 56 T bird That Hauled Ass.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Miguel Caparros</div>
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Before you send me a nasty note please read this. I was never much of a TBird fan. I was much more of a Corvette kind of guy.. I bought a basket case 58 Corvette, much like the one in this video. I hot rodded it with factory parts, Duntov cam and lifters ported fuelly heads,M22 tans etc. I replaced every bushing and bearing, Put in big sway bars front and rear, New hand rubbed paint polished all the stainless steel parts and rechromed all the rest of the shiny bits. All new proper interior. Those of you that know the cars I build understand it was with out compromise to quality. The interior was the last thing done and when the car came back from the upholstery shop I reached in to push the seat back and found that was as far as it went. I wormed my way in and I was miserable.The steering was to close even with it all the way forward the back of the seats was bolt upright and my size 12 EE's were not happy either. I could drive it but I could not live with it. Fast forward to 7 years ago when my friend Rick asked me to help him with a 1956 T Bird survivor with 54,000 original miles. We spent 2 years doing a preservation to keep as much of the original car but still make it so it could serve as a standard and win shows.<br />
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The first time I got in to drive it I flashed back to the 58 Corvette, another car I do not fit in. When I stopped and thought about it, the things that it had in common were the styling touches even thought they are completely different, The 58 Corvette had more chrome and polished stainless that any Corvette before or after. The 56 Tbird was the same it had more than the 55 or the 57. Hopefully this will give you some insight into my twisted mind. If you want to see the video of the 56 Tbird here is the link. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zrzYP3z4oM&feature=plcp" target="_blank">The 1956 T bird</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-24634587119157683962012-10-02T13:25:00.000-07:002012-10-15T15:42:21.722-07:00The Morgan Three WheelerStory Photos and Video by Miguel Caparros<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">The company was founded in 1910 by </span>Harry Frederick Stanley Morgan<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">, generally known as "HFS" and was run by him until he died in 1959. Then </span>Peter Morgan<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">, son of H.F.S., ran the company until a few years before his death in 2003. The company is currently run by </span>Charles Morgan<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">, the son of Peter Morgan.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.4;">The Three-Wheeler. One of the first mass market vehicles at the start of the 20th Century, this Morgan Three-wheeler was by far the best and most successful of what was a separate category of motor vehicle, the "Cyclecar". Morgan's simple and well designed and brilliantly engineered vehicle was the one to have. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">This was a car that is completely , and screams British! Who needs weather protection in </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Europe's</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> wettest climate. At first there was not much in the way of a transmission, the three speed </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">transmission</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> driving the one rear wheel of this 1932 example was known as the "Cats Whiskers".</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-61156231581793277042012-08-30T05:45:00.000-07:002012-08-30T05:55:40.987-07:00TRANS-AM LEGENDS STAR ON THE AVENUES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA.<br />
For Immediate Release<br />
Contact:<br />
Douglas Freedman<br />
Founder and Chairman<br />
404-237-2633<br />
info@motorclubevents.com<br />
www.motorclubevents.com<br />
<br />
TRANS-AM LEGENDS STAR ON THE AVENUES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA.<br />
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, August 27, 2012.<br />
On Tuesday, August 14, 2012, the avenues of the picturesque seaside town of Carmel-by-theSea reverberated with the roar of powerful engines, as an unparalleled group of historic racing cars from the legendary Trans-Am Series drove into the display area of the 2012 Carmel-by-theSea Concours on the Avenue. The sixteen cars, accompanied by a California Highway Patrol escort, represented most of the teams and brands that competed in the classic era of the series from 1966 to 1972.<br />
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The Trans-Am cars were just one of the highlights of the 6th edition of the Concours on the Avenue, which has quickly established itself as a must-do event in the crowded “Monterey Week” calendar, noted for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and extraordinary vehicles. Thousands of spectator guests and local residents enjoyed almost 200 entries this year, arrayed on the tree-lined avenues of the charming village. The Concours on the Avenue marked the passing of Carroll Shelby with a brilliant class of thirteen genuine Cobras, spanning the full range of models from the 289’s to the 427’s.<br />
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Michael G. Tillson, Chief Judge at the event, stated “2012 has been, without a doubt, the best year ever for the Concours on the Avenue- the Trans Am class was over the top.” He went on to praise the talents of the more than 50 judges who serve at the Concours. “Their knowledge is astonishing, and they get it right and do it on time, with very tough choices in the class awards.”<br />
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There was, however, apparently no challenge for the judges in their unanimous choice for Best in Show; Larry and Juana Carter’s stunning dark blue 1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 ‘NART’ Spyder. It was the epitome of the guiding principle of the Concours on the Avenue- ‘Authenticity and Originality Matter’. While the Ferrari was judged best of the best, it was emblematic of the depth of quality in the display. Fifteen major awards, provided by sponsor Tiffany & Co and presented by the announcing team of Ed Justice, Jr., Michael T. Lynch and Donald Osborne, went to cars as varied as a rare Lloyd 2-cylinder van done in period PanAm airlines livery, to a beautiful Ferrari 250 GTL Lusso and the Duesenberg-powered ‘Wonder Bread Special’ 1934 Indy Car.<br />
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The show is especially appealing to family audiences, thanks to its location in the heart of vibrant Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is an event in which the entire town shares, with many of the shops, galleries and restaurants also participating in the show with imaginative automotive-related window displays. Some of the vignettes also competed for prizes in the ‘Concours in the Windows’ contest. Tillson summed up his experience at this year’s event by saying, “The directors and volunteers do a heroic job to put this magical show on each year and I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this event.”<br />
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With the spectacular background of the historic village, The Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue delivers ‘Sophistication with a dash of fun’ to both the hard core motoring enthusiast as well as the rest of the family. Guided by the principle ‘Authenticity and Originality Matter’, it gathers together the finest examples of a wide variety of vintage and historic sports, GT, racing, luxury and family vehicles, and displays them on the avenues of Carmel-by-the-Sea in a unique show which is open at no cost to spectator guests. A major beneficiary of the Concours on the Avenue is The Carmel Foundation, in support of the work the Foundation does for the senior<br />
community of the Monterey Peninsula.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-33811332310679644352012-08-13T08:10:00.000-07:002012-08-13T08:10:05.324-07:00Triumph TR6<br />
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Story Photos And Videos By Miguel Caparros<br />
<br />
British stylist had two possibilities when designing the exterior of a car, absolutely gorgeous, like the Jaguar XKE of 1962, or at the other extreme is the Bristol 403, one ugly mother . It seemed that they rarely hit in between from the 1950's to the 70's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildEooj8ZcodbUyaisd2l1av7WozjJHWbzHRmo7uO_zTkl9Pww5OBSEgyPUkPoEykxINZE37hPlFk2XKTCluhgJdmXApLF5cPIALEn1FBfCY9EH2w6wucsVc-UKr2nU2-B0zDjEvdizJ2d/s1600/uvs120813-005.BMP" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildEooj8ZcodbUyaisd2l1av7WozjJHWbzHRmo7uO_zTkl9Pww5OBSEgyPUkPoEykxINZE37hPlFk2XKTCluhgJdmXApLF5cPIALEn1FBfCY9EH2w6wucsVc-UKr2nU2-B0zDjEvdizJ2d/s320/uvs120813-005.BMP" width="320" /></a>The Triumph TR2 & 3 of the early 50's were not beauties yet they sold well and had a good following. When Triumph was getting ready to replace the TR3 they decided to go to one of the Italian Houses for a body design (the Italians seem incapable of designing an ugly car). For 1961 They made some mechanical updates but kept most of the mechanical's from the TR3. Micheloti designed for the TR4, a stunning body that still looks good today.<br />
Included in the design was a state of the art soft top and the first iconic 2 piece removable hard top that looked like a coupe when on, the rear section could stay attached and the section over the seats removed for open air driving. The TR4 went through gradual upgrades over the 7 years to the mechanics. These included an Independent rear suspension, and an upgrade from the 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine to the the more modern 2.5 liter 6 that is silky smooth and has a wonderful sound. That final incarnation was known as the TR 250 in the US and the TR5 in the rest of the world.<br />
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Not wanting to mess with success, British Leyland, who now owned Triumph, Contracted Micheloti for a refresh of the original 1961 design, working with Triumphs stylist. A more radical transformation with simple sheet metal changes has never been so successful, The result is the car you see here. The TR6 continued until 1976 when it was replaced by a completely new car that eventually outsold the 90,0000 units of the TR6 but history has not been so kind to the TR7.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-59195203619456826072012-08-02T20:16:00.002-07:002012-08-14T08:59:33.003-07:00SIX DECADES OF FERRARI AT MECUM'S DAYTIME AUCTION<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">SIX DECADES OF FERRARI AT MECUM'S DAYTIME AUCTION</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1954 Ferrari 750 Monza Headlines Select Offering of Italian Illuminati</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Walworth, Wis., Aug. 2, 2012 - Mecum Auctions will present its 4th annual Monterey Daytime Auction, Aug. 16-18, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf course, featuring some of finest machines Ferrari has ever produced headlined by a 1954 750 Monza Spyder Scaglietti. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VRwR9krh9W8RbsfOnQiL1aUR5Oc76k71OzR-pmAS0VEWGiCdrW8z337W6PkFJw7tbujEercJ-ts8UUSxBfox_z45wNDucW2o9XBC84rgzipYScTeXFGe3-cgHQcDWBg2HtnRMHhyphenhyphenfuQ9/s1600/1.+1954+Monza+Spyder+Scaglietti,+Lot+S97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VRwR9krh9W8RbsfOnQiL1aUR5Oc76k71OzR-pmAS0VEWGiCdrW8z337W6PkFJw7tbujEercJ-ts8UUSxBfox_z45wNDucW2o9XBC84rgzipYScTeXFGe3-cgHQcDWBg2HtnRMHhyphenhyphenfuQ9/s320/1.+1954+Monza+Spyder+Scaglietti,+Lot+S97.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134290" target="_blank"> M</a></span><a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134290" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">ore Photos</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">By turns part of the Engelbert Stieger, Brando Wang, Walter Burani and Roberto Crippa collections,S/N 0462MD (Lot S97) has been campaigned extensively for many years at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the Ferrari Maserati Historic Challenge, the Monterey Historic Races and the Mille Miglia rally. This great Ferrari sports racer has been maintained for years by GTO Engineering in the UK and displays a charming patina that serves as testament to its extensive racing career. It is always welcome at prestigious events around the world and remains very competitive in its vintage class.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKIll7XXA7FDAlJ0XWT4OI_akbTC5VsFxG7gM2cJpdbNsCwbaCWHoq5YVWfsMYeDNhEHmeCjLfxNxHTwXCJjyvaq_3F9EBy9IArAhc_leRvVMahyphenhyphenWNewfKaTnzDOSkrQjTUKtn2ERRfuA/s1600/2.+1966+575+GTB,+Lot+S95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKIll7XXA7FDAlJ0XWT4OI_akbTC5VsFxG7gM2cJpdbNsCwbaCWHoq5YVWfsMYeDNhEHmeCjLfxNxHTwXCJjyvaq_3F9EBy9IArAhc_leRvVMahyphenhyphenWNewfKaTnzDOSkrQjTUKtn2ERRfuA/s320/2.+1966+575+GTB,+Lot+S95.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A fully-documented factory alloy Longnose version retaining its original matching-numbers three-carburetor V-12 engine and drivetrain, the 1966 275 GTB Alloy Berlinetta S/N 08143 (Lot S95) was sold new in Rome, Italy. Reconditioned and detailed in 2011, its original V-12 engine was completely rebuilt by Ferrari expert John Hajduk, with final sorting and chassis detailing by Chris Campbell of Vintage Connection in Oklahoma City. Their combined talents were rewarded with Best in Class in the Sports Cars 1960-1973 category at the Concours d'Elegance of Texas.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134288" target="_blank">More Photos</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BB6g1xWTqltun4EAX1zb0gLpgxGnjL85_WMCEv7LmTzrYpPFOjoLITR49KKaKo1Fzf_T0jcQ4hV4uzqQfcDAfAZOckoy3MushWBxmQhv-9ubPVGLryyLYe6q4mtyL7rEq7t-l0fuVyn_/s1600/3.+1972+Daytona+Spyder,+Lot+S151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BB6g1xWTqltun4EAX1zb0gLpgxGnjL85_WMCEv7LmTzrYpPFOjoLITR49KKaKo1Fzf_T0jcQ4hV4uzqQfcDAfAZOckoy3MushWBxmQhv-9ubPVGLryyLYe6q4mtyL7rEq7t-l0fuVyn_/s320/3.+1972+Daytona+Spyder,+Lot+S151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A premium example of the exceptionally rare 1972 Daytona Spyder S/N 14857 (Lot S151) was previously owned by noted Ferrari Daytona expert Steve Hill. Wrapped in a gorgeous Pininfarina-styled body and bestowed with 4-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel Dunlop vented disc brakes and a race-bred four-cam V-12 engine, this brilliantly detailed Daytona Spyder is perfectly completed with chromed Borrani wire wheels fitted with correct high speed Michelin radials.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The lithe and athletic Ferrari 512BBi Berlinetta Boxer, S/N 046117 was the pre-eminent supercar of its time, combining a race-proven Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injected flat-12 engine with purposeful Pininfarina styling and 4-wheel independent suspension. Finished in beautiful Rosso Corsa with a gleaming Tan interior, the low-mileage (35,370) example offered as Lot F121 is one of only 1,007 very desirable fuel-injected Boxers produced.<a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134029" target="_blank"> More Photos</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_0ABnO7XnaSAhyphenhyphennudtgxmH0Zl6rgFuvNZpCmIrfl7l1qTKwhAnQBHk_T7PgrB4DWaD4cyHc552iNCsp_CfM15WoIMefA1KSNk5vJFUu4ZR_bZMnT2lJ_tVk6n9AH5swIKXccKokyHaCx/s1600/5.+1990+Testarossa,+Lot+S175+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_0ABnO7XnaSAhyphenhyphennudtgxmH0Zl6rgFuvNZpCmIrfl7l1qTKwhAnQBHk_T7PgrB4DWaD4cyHc552iNCsp_CfM15WoIMefA1KSNk5vJFUu4ZR_bZMnT2lJ_tVk6n9AH5swIKXccKokyHaCx/s320/5.+1990+Testarossa,+Lot+S175+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Mecum’s Daytime Monterey Auction will also offer pristine low-mileage examples of more contemporary Prancing Horse classics. Lot S175 is a premium all-matching-numbers 1990 Testarosa S/N 082987 retaining its original 5.0 liter flat-12 engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Finished in its original White with Tan leather interior, it received a fresh major service, including an engine-out belt replacement, in June 2012. <a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?CFGRIDKEY=CA0812-134368" target="_blank">More Photos</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ttahy9BaLwahUJV-XtXghs_lXXy6sBUcSCf7HH9vmOwaITSyz4CfkpMnpH1QRsVWYv7EQHe4lu9zvpAGiFj__gCBEAVFeE_AheX6-7JEjNE3KV3MS6G7tW89-47f-6sfIHqQxvnqFqsD/s1600/6.+2007+F430+Spider,+Lot+S154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ttahy9BaLwahUJV-XtXghs_lXXy6sBUcSCf7HH9vmOwaITSyz4CfkpMnpH1QRsVWYv7EQHe4lu9zvpAGiFj__gCBEAVFeE_AheX6-7JEjNE3KV3MS6G7tW89-47f-6sfIHqQxvnqFqsD/s320/6.+2007+F430+Spider,+Lot+S154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoCyYtsXIPpeCFRk1bzLnFz9Nz6jszOxrTa7wbVlecvwh8dblBdXrjwLqNJq_gPBQW8gzLJ-gShRX6hAWpthEstMOXmIpkDOMZz03Ns3v7ci9mERtNrcQEbf3i9yfI0LEGK7g5KLJjZVp/s1600/CA0812-134282_1+F40+spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoCyYtsXIPpeCFRk1bzLnFz9Nz6jszOxrTa7wbVlecvwh8dblBdXrjwLqNJq_gPBQW8gzLJ-gShRX6hAWpthEstMOXmIpkDOMZz03Ns3v7ci9mERtNrcQEbf3i9yfI0LEGK7g5KLJjZVp/s320/CA0812-134282_1+F40+spider.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There is no mistaking the Ferrari F430 Spider’s Formula 1 pedigree, which is evident in every aspect from its howling 4.3 L V-8 and electronically-controlled F1 gearbox, awe-inspiring handling and power to its aerodynamic shape and Sharknose-inspired elliptical front air intakes. Lot S89 is a highly optioned 2007 Ferrari F430 Spider S/N 154061 showing just 1,788 original miles, a fact reflected in its excellent overall condition. <a href="http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?CFGRIDKEY=CA0812-134282" target="_blank">More Photos</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Lot S154, a 4,600-mile 1999 Ferrari 355 spider </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">S/N 115352, is powered by the original 3.5 L/375 HP V-8 driving a 6-speed transaxle. Well equipped with factory air conditioning, power steering and brakes, power windows, locks, seats and top and the original Ferrari sound system with CD player, it has just had a $9,000 engine-out belt service completed in June 2012.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Mecum will offer a total of twelve outstanding collector Ferraris over the course of the three-day Monterey Daytime Auction, during which 750 specialty and collector vehicles will cross the block</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Mecum Monterey Daytime Auction is open to the public with complimentary general admission. Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Discovery’s Velocity Network will broadcast 18 hours of live coverage from the Del Monte Golf Course. For more information, and to learn how to become a registered bidder go to <u><span style="color: #0000ee;"><a href="http://www.mecum.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.MECUM.com</a></span></u> or call <a href="tel:262.275.5050" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+12622755050">262.275.5050</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">August 16-18, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">on Del Monte Golf Course</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1 Old Golf Course Road</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Monterey, CA 93940<br /><br />Preview: Gates open at 8 a.m. Thursday through Saturday<br />Auction: Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.<br />Live TV Times: Thursday thru Saturday 12-6 PM</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-28355223702687388822012-08-02T07:38:00.000-07:002012-08-04T11:42:18.424-07:00INTERMOUNTAIN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROcffCklrqcoOzIECmzJcyR4YayhdGFhQe0z3pvHNpjzDoA8miB7cWoNs4HqHlqWq02h22fzpkZKiIekS2jZZP71c7NUD3OW2WbpE3L5mPPEtkMQTyjwbiYlrg-ZDbJwuDW5S-VEyotKY/s1600/Small+IC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROcffCklrqcoOzIECmzJcyR4YayhdGFhQe0z3pvHNpjzDoA8miB7cWoNs4HqHlqWq02h22fzpkZKiIekS2jZZP71c7NUD3OW2WbpE3L5mPPEtkMQTyjwbiYlrg-ZDbJwuDW5S-VEyotKY/s200/Small+IC+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="background: #ffffff;">2012
INTERMOUNTAIN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE TO FEATURE EXHIBIT HONORING
CARROLL SHELBY</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="background: #ffffff;">Posted Bi Miguel Caparros</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="background: #ffffff;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background: #ffffff;">Eight
Cars from Larry H. Miller Total Performance Museum at Miller
Motorsports Park Highlight Display</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">SALT
LAKE CITY, Utah (August 01, 2012) – Eight historically significant
cars from the </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Larry
H. Miller Total Performance Museum at Miller Motorsports Park</span></span><span style="background: #ffffff;">
will be on display at the 2012 Intermountain Concours d’Elegance
September 22, 2012. These special cars comprise the centerpiece for a
display honoring legendary automotive designer and racecar driver
Carroll Shelby. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“We’re
overwhelmed by the incredible cars being brought to our event by the
Miller family, and see this as an outstanding way to not only pay
tribute to Carroll Shelby, but to also carry forward Larry Miller’s
passion for the cars Shelby built, raced and influenced,” said
Chris Purdhum, Concours Chairman.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Carroll
Shelby created the iconic Shelby Cobra sports car, and he developed
the Shelby Mustang and the Ford GT40. He managed racing teams for
Ford Motor Company that won championships on both sides of the
Atlantic. He inspired thousands of people through his long career,
and one of those people was the late Larry H. Miller.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reflecting
on the loss of his friend, Shelby said in a 2011 interview, “It was
a sad day when we lost Larry, especially the way we had to lose him.
He was my friend for many years. He was one of the first early
collectors of my Cobras. He recognized before anybody that they were
going to be worth something someday. You can’t say enough
superlatives about Larry. He was a very giving man, and he was an
absolute workaholic: he’s the only guy I ever knew besides Roger
Penske who worked 36 hours a day. I loved Larry.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“This
display will not only be incredible to witness up close and personal,
it will serve to educate event visitors about the magnificent vision
and creative genius of Carroll Shelby. From the first Cobra that
raced, to the Cobra one can spot in the movie “Viva Las Vegas”,
this is something everyone needs to experience,” said Purdum. Early
Concours entries value well over $15,000,000 and the event is
attracting collectors from as far away as Florida.
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Tickets:
<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://intermountainconcours.com/tickets">http://intermountainconcours.com/tickets</a></u></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Facebook:
<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/IntermountainConcours">https://www.facebook.com/IntermountainConcours</a></u></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Twitter:
<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/Intermountain12">https://twitter.com/Intermountain12</a></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 100%;">About
Miller Motorsports Park and the Larry H. Miller Total Performance
Automobile Museum
</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; line-height: 100%;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Once
he had achieved some success as an auto dealer, Larry Miller finally
found an opportunity to purchase a Shelby Cobra. One Cobra led to
another, and another, and another, and the result is the Larry H.
Miller Total Performance Automobile Museum. A few of Larry’s cars
are on loan to the Shelby American Collection in Colorado, but the
majority of his collection resides at his state-of-art motorsports
complex, Miller Motorsports Park, located just outside Salt Lake City
in Tooele, Utah. Almost every car on display is capable of being
driven, and until Larry’s death in February 2009, a number of them
competed in vintage racing events on both sides of the
Atlantic. More: </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; line-height: 100%;"><u><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.millermotorsportspark.com/">http://www.millermotorsportspark.com</a></span></u></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Following
is a list of historically significant cars <span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">from
the Larry H. Miller Total Performance Museum </span></span>that
will be on display Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Intermountain
Concours d’Elegance at The Gardens of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi,
Utah.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sportscardigest.com/wp-content/uploads/Daytona-Coupe-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.sportscardigest.com/wp-content/uploads/Daytona-Coupe-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1964
Shelby Cobra CSX-2299:</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> This
is one of six specially-built coupes built to compete on European
tracks that were longer and faster than American tracks. They were
nicknamed “Daytona Coupes” after they made their debut in the
1964 24 Hours of Daytona. This was the second built, and has the best
racing record of them all, finishing first in the GT class and fourth
overall in its debut race at Le Mans with Dan Gurney and Bob
Bondurant (handing Ferrari its first defeat in the GT class at Le
Mans since the class was established in 1959), and took the same
result in the season-ending Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in England
with Gurney. It also took first in GT and second overall in the 1965
24 Hours of Daytona (Jo Schlesser/Hal Keck) and first in GT/fourth
overall in the 1965 12 Hours of Sebring (Bondurant/Schlesser),
helping Shelby become the first (and, to date, only) American
manufacturer to win the FIA GT World Manufacturers Championship.
CSX-2299 is considered the most valuable Cobra in existence, and
perhaps the most valuable car in America.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_iWqWdWtkUcisd8wSsdXe4JFhzj17fG9eUcW_HuMxQFDyEt7ayweMD774MG3dJR2Blu82fNLK8ncZesa0bjo7JsNM_W2wpl6a4a4v2xqKKjdlH3qRUvENhQFTnYR1hPKMamPztFV2Ls6/s1600/Ford+GT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_iWqWdWtkUcisd8wSsdXe4JFhzj17fG9eUcW_HuMxQFDyEt7ayweMD774MG3dJR2Blu82fNLK8ncZesa0bjo7JsNM_W2wpl6a4a4v2xqKKjdlH3qRUvENhQFTnYR1hPKMamPztFV2Ls6/s320/Ford+GT1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1966
Ford GT40 Mk II P-1015:</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> One
of the most significant Ford GT40s ever, this Mk II finished second
in what was arguably the most controversial finish in the history of
the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. This car, co-driven by Ken Miles
and Denis Hulme, was leading in the final hour, with another GT40
(Jacky Ickx/Chris Amon) in second on the same lap. Ford executives
called for a “photo finish” and the Ickx/Amon car actually took
the checkered flag first, robbing Shelby development driver Miles,
who had already won at Daytona and Sebring that year, the chance to
be the first man to win the “Big 3” of endurance races
(Daytona/Sebring/Le Mans).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCosMTfl9B-7GvA4BsKwfOAgqQd4da2JQC5YjGT6ZUSzo1QhFmMX8GxAXWY7NvbiwmDxcvd4Ck0yz5FOxmb0eQiMNvJzwOOBk8Hwqkk6g9ECQXJQohmrat7jid6zZGttxtfsGP_udmwkI7/s1600/Cobra+CSX+2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCosMTfl9B-7GvA4BsKwfOAgqQd4da2JQC5YjGT6ZUSzo1QhFmMX8GxAXWY7NvbiwmDxcvd4Ck0yz5FOxmb0eQiMNvJzwOOBk8Hwqkk6g9ECQXJQohmrat7jid6zZGttxtfsGP_udmwkI7/s320/Cobra+CSX+2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1962
Shelby Cobra CSX-2002:</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> This
was the third Cobra ever built, and the first built in Carroll
Shelby’s shop in Venice, California. It was also the first Cobra
ever to race, driven by Billy Krause in the </span><span style="color: #222222;"><i>Los
Angeles Times</i></span><span style="color: #222222;"> Grand
Prix at California’s Riverside International Raceway in October
1962.</span></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1967
Ford GT Mk IV J4:</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> The
final iteration of the Ford GT, only four J-Car prototypes were built
before Mk lV production was finalized. This is the final prototype
chassis and the car utilized in testing to determine the final body
shape of the Mk lV. It raced only once, in the 1967 12 Hours of
Sebring with Mario Andretti and Bruce McLaren, but it qualified on
pole and won the race, bringing the first victory for a Mk IV.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ifHD-1PwfquH6A1rvvTSqDBjI-7qgr7MigUvNkp2T-rz_JPAFV39rpANg-nxzpLehkMEmLnzwt8Y_ZAR4s3lX80Ytt1ygvKkp-i_4Z9coXiBwiNKjwBT4zLLifNcwMV88qPiylkzQFa/s1600/Cobra+CSX2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ifHD-1PwfquH6A1rvvTSqDBjI-7qgr7MigUvNkp2T-rz_JPAFV39rpANg-nxzpLehkMEmLnzwt8Y_ZAR4s3lX80Ytt1ygvKkp-i_4Z9coXiBwiNKjwBT4zLLifNcwMV88qPiylkzQFa/s320/Cobra+CSX2128.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1963
Shelby Cobra CSX-2128: </b></span><span style="color: #222222;">This
was one of two Cobras built for the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring with
rack-and-pinion steering. In its original color scheme, it was
photographed to appear on the cover of “Hey Little Cobra,” a
record album recorded by The Rip Chords. This was the car that caused
Larry Miller to fall in love with Cobras. In January 2005, Larry
purchased this car after placing highest bid at auction against none
other than George Lucas, who had been on the crew when the car was
subsequently owned by San Francisco-based Allan Grant and designed
the livery used on the car at that time, which was reversed from the
original black-with-yellow scheme.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shelbyamericancollection.org/collection/images/csx2019amed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://shelbyamericancollection.org/collection/images/csx2019amed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1962
Shelby Cobra CSX-2019:</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> This
unrestored Cobra was originally a “PR car” for Shelby, used in
promotional pieces and magazine articles. It was painted different
colors for different magazine features, to appear as though there
were many cars. In the summer of 1963, it was rented to MGM Studios
for use in the Elvis Presley movie “Viva Las Vegas” (red Cobra
No. 98). In late 1963, it became the “Dragonsnake,” or drag
racing-equipped Cobra, with which employees from Shelby’s
production-car facility won a national championship and spurred a
line of drag-racing parts offered by Shelby.</span></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0.17in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1964
Shelby Cobra CSX-2488:</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> This
Cobra was</span><span style="color: #222222;"> built
as a USRRC team car. It was raced by team drivers Dan Gerber (scion
of the Gerber Baby Food family), Bob Johnson and Ed Leslie from
1964-66. It won overall at Mosport (FIA) and Grattan (SCCA) in 1965,
and was first in class at Mid-Ohio (USRRC) and second in class at
Nassau (FIA). After the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona, it was loaned to
Universal Studios for the movie “Redline 7000”. Gerber bought the
car himself in 2000. Legend has it that he changed the Gerber Baby
Food can on the doors to read “Prune Mush” in deference to his
advancing age.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sport-cars.org/site_img/large/1965-Shelby-GT350-R-Model-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.sport-cars.org/site_img/large/1965-Shelby-GT350-R-Model-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><b>1965
Shelby Mustang GT-350R SFM5R535</b></span><span style="color: #222222;">:
Shelby Mustangs are among the most collectible cars in the world, but
the most desirable of them all are the 36 GT-350Rs built in 1965 as
pure racing cars. This car is number 35 of only 36 purpose-built race
cars assembled in Carroll Shelby’s first shop in Venice,
California.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Media Contact</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cindy A. Meitle/CAR PR USA</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
(480) 277-1864</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="mailto:cindy@carprusa.com">cindy@carprusa.com</a></u></span><span style="color: blue;"><u> </u></span><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"># # #</span></span></div>
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.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-54864554093438601292012-08-01T09:48:00.000-07:002012-08-02T21:12:53.351-07:001966 Ghia 450SS<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6oVTJ7dIQFrykNIohp12vxeUtOndzrCsaiwOjn6f_f-CHQvjdisEsJyHDc9MjTF__5T3JRvY-oSbEg5GWr6flMF1-SlOABUhriaFfo-Hhd_moEhxtUNON2iyVHQAGmYyjR4bjaORMTBL/s1600/Ghia+450SS2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6oVTJ7dIQFrykNIohp12vxeUtOndzrCsaiwOjn6f_f-CHQvjdisEsJyHDc9MjTF__5T3JRvY-oSbEg5GWr6flMF1-SlOABUhriaFfo-Hhd_moEhxtUNON2iyVHQAGmYyjR4bjaORMTBL/s320/Ghia+450SS2.JPG" width="320" /></a>In the 1960s, a few of the remaining custom coach builders continued to demonstrate their ideas and skill with a number of one-off concepts, using a production-based chassis on the speculation that they could sell the design. These cars were displayed at the major auto shows in Turin, Geneva and Paris, hoping to attract lucrative commissions from a manufacturers, as well as sales from the wealthiest private clients. Ghia displayed the Fiat G230S Coupe, based on Fiat's 2100 sedan chassis at the 1960 Turin show.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCtd7PxZk_FG13JlShOXMt-u9RhqUCn3M8BdiHH_nt8Bc0ahDxq36Lt98yacCYkZhQZnDjLspB2zJeKKnaNbJ0pH_dvXDsXMJED3jI03iZBZsw6bN9TzghUpZk-km_kSyGtRbkLpkmX-j/s1600/Ghia+450SS4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCtd7PxZk_FG13JlShOXMt-u9RhqUCn3M8BdiHH_nt8Bc0ahDxq36Lt98yacCYkZhQZnDjLspB2zJeKKnaNbJ0pH_dvXDsXMJED3jI03iZBZsw6bN9TzghUpZk-km_kSyGtRbkLpkmX-j/s320/Ghia+450SS4.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Burt Sugarman working as a salesman at a Beverly Hills Import car dealership, owned by Johnny Carson and some other heavy weight producers (before Burt himself became a major producer) saw the Ghia-bodied Fiat G230S Coupe on the cover of the latest Road & Track and was so enthralled with the modern lines by the then young designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. He contacted Ghia in Turin. Sugarman convince Ghia to build a limited-production convertible based on the Fiat design. Sugarman wanted a car with American mechanicals with a powerful V8 engine. The complete drive-train of the Plymouth Barracuda Formula S was chosen. He then formed a new company, Ghia of America. This resulted in the 450 SS and the car was branded as a Ghia. Only 52 cars were built. This is one of the alleged surviving 26.<br />
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Driving the Ghia 450SS.<br />
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I first drove one in 1972, I too had loved its looks, although at this point and time designs were moving in the short trunk long nose direction. You can not argue with the room and comfort provided by this car in comparison to some of its other contemporaries. There was secure feeling knowing that mechanical parts could be found at every gas station in North America. Mechanical parts for some exotics in those days could cripple the car for months. That out of the way I shrugged it of my list due to the automatic transmission. The great sound from the engine was not backed up by great acceleration. It was not what I expected of an Italian built car. I reminded my self it is a Barracuda in a real nice Italian suit. I can appreciated now much more than my speed crazed 20 year old version.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-16280636039652872312012-08-01T08:48:00.000-07:002012-08-01T09:06:17.651-07:001964 Ferrari Lusso<br />
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By Miguel Caparros<br />
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I look at the Pininfarina designed Ferrari Lusso 250 GT as not only the most beautiful Ferrari but the end of an era, the last great race cars that could be driven to the race and then home. Available as a GT/L, sold as a road-going car and directly benefited from the successful line of Ferrari 250 GTs. It was developed from the dual-purpose 250 GT Short Wheel Base (SWB) which was delivered as both as a full-on competition or a steel-bodied grand touring car. When the SWB's time was up, its road-going version was replaced in 1962 with the smoother more shapely 250 GT Lusso.<br />
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Introduced at the Paris Salon in October of 1962 and created a stir of interest with its flowing proportions. Think of how other cars of 1962 looked, the Lusso became instantly recognizable. Slim, almost dainty roof pillars, a cropped tail and the unique three piece integrated bumper that foretold of things to come.<br />
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If you are a fan of the 250 GTO the Lusso shared many chassis and mechanics. By moving the engine forward they provided for a comfortable cabin with out compromise to the dynamics of the handling. When the GTO was no longer available many racers did like the owner of the car in this video, bought a Lusso and went racing.<br />
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Ferrari has always offered customers personalized building services of their production car and with the Lusso some 350 cars were built with the same steel body designed by Pininfarina and made by Scaglietti with aluminum doors, trunk and hoods. A few cars received custom rear end ratios, 5-speed gearboxes and competition spec carburetion and many more were modified after delivery. Custom body and interior alterations were available by Pininfarina, including faired-in headlights, extra vents and air conditioning, these factory modifications were rare.<br />
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We were fortunate enough to have both a 250 GTO and a Lusso at our store at the same time. For me two related cars could not have been more different. The GTO a retired race car that hat been slightly civilized for street duty where the Lusso had been outfitted with equipment for club racing. <br />
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The 250 GTO is a racing legend and it was built to race, Driving it on the street you are constantly reminded of that fact. The engine was finely tuned to give maximum performance and was not happy at much below 3500 rpm. But once on the cam and heading towards 7000 rpm everything starts to work as it was meant to.<br />
The Lusso on the other hand, even in race prepared tune never lost its primary purpose, to transport two in relative comfort very quickly.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-67981984591494124642012-07-27T05:47:00.001-07:002012-07-27T15:52:23.841-07:001970 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31<br />
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The W-31 was a Cutlass with a 350 CID Performance Option, not a 442 Option and was only built for 2 seasons, in 1969 and 1970. Engine upgrades included the use of what's become known as the 308 camshaft, which was actually the unit's duration; the camshaft also touted .474-inch lift and an intake/exhaust valve overlap of 82 degrees. The engines were factory blue printed units by picking components off the production line that were matched in weight. The Connecting rods for the W-31 engine were particular to the engine The Cylinder heads were also specific to the W-31 Completing the fuel/air induction system was an aluminum intake manifold with a "performance calibrated" 750-CFM Rochester Quadrajet as well as the W25 low-restriction air cleaner assembly. Above that was a new-for-1970 air induction system: twin scoops on top of a fiberglass hood with chrome hold-downs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdi9hbsFCF_jIa3B05Eg8Y7upL02tWsjvabP_x1EOUihHaKCPGQMCCwPzTCVm-DS5DYMatswPfWQgk2J2YIvw-HF5cz5fFzUL3GDxOsKn-3o21VynD1diTGtzvhcUJpxSO2gtNLUDZNWr/s1600/Oldsw-31front34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdi9hbsFCF_jIa3B05Eg8Y7upL02tWsjvabP_x1EOUihHaKCPGQMCCwPzTCVm-DS5DYMatswPfWQgk2J2YIvw-HF5cz5fFzUL3GDxOsKn-3o21VynD1diTGtzvhcUJpxSO2gtNLUDZNWr/s400/Oldsw-31front34.JPG" width="400" /></a>Only 1029 of these made. The rarest of the high performance Oldsmobile made.<br />
Behind the engine is a Muncie M21 4 Speed Trans w/ Hurst Shifter. Dual Exhaust, RLimited Slip Rear-End. Manual Brakes, HD 4 core Radiator. the W-31 package automatically upgraded the front and rear coil-sprung suspension to the FE2 heavy-duty components, including special springs and tubular hydraulic shocks.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-73584418241791199152012-07-17T14:25:00.001-07:002012-07-27T15:55:24.235-07:00Drifting At Turner Field Up Close Video And Sound<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Bhyh2rIQja0?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-19925351686505592472012-06-26T21:38:00.000-07:002012-07-06T06:45:57.475-07:00The Nissan Versa Shines We Love It! Road Test<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-AMed3lUd-VSy1NVb__8tS1uuBCq4DwK7tZosefiOO1QUr8tzxCDmglB9bVIyaMKtlMALoiVqw-0YKRnQFj-uH0FdPB30weN2B6Fy7mu6btBAi1n9lgwunmPwKWQ-VE-UuMQ-gaELlhp/s1600/P1030172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-AMed3lUd-VSy1NVb__8tS1uuBCq4DwK7tZosefiOO1QUr8tzxCDmglB9bVIyaMKtlMALoiVqw-0YKRnQFj-uH0FdPB30weN2B6Fy7mu6btBAi1n9lgwunmPwKWQ-VE-UuMQ-gaELlhp/s320/P1030172.JPG" width="320" /></a>By Miguel Caparros, Bob Sarda With Mike Thies<br />
First Look<br />
Expectations of testing the least expensive new car in America were running cold just coming out of the Infiniti M37. The retail price of the base model is $10,990, the black SV model we tested looked good. Black cars can show every defect in the paint and body.<span style="background-color: white;"> Our example on close inspection revealed a flawless finish and all body panels lined up properly. It did not look cheap, to the contrary we have seen some high end models that (<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><a href="http://youtu.be/5JGyz84J7J8" target="_blank">Click Here For The Intro Video</a>)</b></i></span> would be shamed by the exterior finish of this car. At $14,990 it is still very affordable and a good value. Although it is listed as a subcompact there is nothing compact about the inside room. even with the seat adjusted for our tallest driver, 6'7" Mike Thies, I could still sit comfortably behind him. No magic mirrors or trickery just sound engineering and planning. Most small cars and even some large ones have a very upright rear seat that pushes you forward. The Versa rear seat is slightly reclined and the tall height of the seat cushion to the floor make it a comfortable place to sit even for long periods of time. </span><br />
<b><i>( <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://youtu.be/1xQm3XYcxsg" target="_blank">Click Here For The Close Ups Videos</a></span>)</i></b><br />
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The trunk does not scrimp at all on space either, taking our full mixture of suitcases, garment bag and a small duffle bag. enough for a family of 4 for a vacation. This car also has the largest glove box I have ever seen. You could put the baby in there (not recommended) a better use would be to carry a roasted chicken meal with all the fixings for four!<br />
<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://youtu.be/aLvXhLdUkbw" target="_blank">Click Here For The Road Test Part 1</a></span></i></b><br />
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The Engine is a 1.6 liter of 109 horsepower and it moves this car rather acceptably with a 0 to 60 time just under 10 seconds, our tester was equipped with the automatic CVT transmission that works great but does take a little getting used to. For those those drivers that enjoy the experience of shifting their own, a 5 speed transmission is standard equipment. Either way the fuel mileage is rated at 30 city 38 highway. <br />
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Click Here For Road Test Part 2 </span></i></b><br />
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Driving<br />
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Al four of us liked the driving and feel of this car. Doreen loved the way it felt, it reminded her of the first gen Scirroco she had in high school, peppy, agile and did exactly what you asked of it. She wished it was a 5 speed. Mike though it was to firm and jiggly, he did like the steering and how the brakes felt. I liked it! I was pleasantly surprised at how flat it cornered and how well it accelerated.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Bob Sarda who had volunteered his 2007 Honda Aaccord to show just how big the Versa is, he wrote a whole chapter. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here it is in his own word</span><br />
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It was a stormy, rainy night, the night before I was tasked
to drive the Versa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the day of my test run, the sky was Carolina Blue, the
humidity was mid to late 60 ‘s percentile and the roads were clear, clean and
freshly washed. One could not ask for better weather-a cool morning, temp in
the upper 60’s. Near perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I did a thoughtful
walk around the car. Not too big, not too small, and yet it just bearly made
the cut in the sub-compact class.</div>
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As I settled into the
driver’s seat, I began to realize that this little car was very big inside. My
co-captain who is not a small man by any stretch of the imagination, and yet, he
is sitting in the suicide seat with plenty of leg and head room. And for him to
have plenty of head room is saying a lot. ( I thing Bob Is calling me a fat head)<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the drive we checked out the trunk and the back seat
room. There is plenty of room in the
trunk for 2 dead bodies and the back seat has more room and more comfortable seating than my V6 Honda Accord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Test Drive:</div>
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The car is quick and smooth. The ride is excellent for a
sub-compact car. Heck! It is very good for a mid-size car. <span style="background-color: white;">It carried us down the road at speeds that required you
to double check the speedometer. You did not feel like you were merging onto
the highway at 90 miles per hour. I had stomped the gas pedal on the on ramp to
watch the tachometer and feel the constant velocity transmission work its
magic.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was smooth as glass and high revving as one would expect
of a 4 banger. It never approached the
red line and before I merged into traffic, there I was, staring down at an impressive 90 mph. There
was some pedal left and yet, I did not need any more. I backed off the throttle. Mission
accomplished. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I felt a little hollow. There is something empty about
getting up to 90 and not feeling the rush of acceleration. The feeling of
power, raw, hoary, stick- it- to- the- man HORSE POWER.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We need to accelerate
to make a proper merge and the machine simply responded-“Compliance”. Just a walk in the park to go 90 miles per
hour. As if the machine responded back
to my wishes, “Should you require anything else, just press the accelerator or
the brakes. This is what I do.” (Bob Just finished watching a Sci-Fi marathon) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCdOFsHuzoh4-Hluy-95d2A0CPmXByasOYOUaApP9i5i-lr4XaR7ADmDTFH9hj1KOgDqCw6a4FjM8gpQoMGl5LdNgce-zIKewh_QtgNxh2d2_pvYt7PgNeogySR4Ip6_Zh0n37FgN1l-e/s1600/1947+mercury.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCdOFsHuzoh4-Hluy-95d2A0CPmXByasOYOUaApP9i5i-lr4XaR7ADmDTFH9hj1KOgDqCw6a4FjM8gpQoMGl5LdNgce-zIKewh_QtgNxh2d2_pvYt7PgNeogySR4Ip6_Zh0n37FgN1l-e/s320/1947+mercury.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first car was a 1947 Mercury, business coupe, flat head
8- 88 HP on a good day. When I got the car with 54,000 plus miles on it, it
used a quart of oil every 9 gallons of gas or every 108 miles. I was 16 at the
time and that car never saw 90 MPH. I
tried. Lord knows I tried. 60 MPH was an accomplishment and you felt like you
were flying, cheating death, living on the edge, bare knuckle riding the wind,
flirting with disaster. And heaven help
you if you came near a curve. Better get those horses under control and whoa
back down to 45. Thanks Bob.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So to sum it up it gets 4 thumbs up from all of us. We like to get blind opinions we get random people for a quick look and ride and get their impressions, this is where we find out what people think of the car. </div>
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We snatch random people at the mall. </div>
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Beth a late 20s secretary having launch, loved the room in the car and she noticed that in this car she could face the baby seat to the rear without interfering with the front seat, something she cannot do in her Honda Civic. When asked what she would pay for this car, her answer was, giving that her 3 year old civic cost her $ 17,000 she would expect to pay 18,000 for the larger Versa. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEu5WJSjqvalh7iExheET_2J-QclOxR8unPlX2egLp6Xtru1HCwS5KbFiSkP_AdgGYEQ2hSoe0Iys0QRUHfvlmfW5FWSt15A8uoZ_aO7YByf5IQg0WKKK2KGjH1hgfmEBSY2cGMqLZ2cO/s1600/P1030218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEu5WJSjqvalh7iExheET_2J-QclOxR8unPlX2egLp6Xtru1HCwS5KbFiSkP_AdgGYEQ2hSoe0Iys0QRUHfvlmfW5FWSt15A8uoZ_aO7YByf5IQg0WKKK2KGjH1hgfmEBSY2cGMqLZ2cO/s320/P1030218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bill an options broker in his late 40's has a new Acura SUV. He has an Au Pair that he has currently in a 4 year old Camry. He was impressed with the ruggedness of all the materials and the fact that it has all the latest safety gear to keep his kids safe as they are driven to the various soccer practice and ballet rehearsals that are part of their daily life. He was awe struck with the size of the trunk as the Camry is always jammed with all the gear that has to be moved around. Bill did a quick calculation in his mind when we told him the fuel mileage, he said that the savings in 3 years would permit him to get the BMW 5 series that he wants! He made us an on the spot offer of $16,500 plus fees right now. We told him to head to his closest Nissan dealer as this one is not for sale. This is the first time we encounter people willing to pay more than the MSRP. They were all speechless when we told them the base price of $10,990 and the price of our second level SV model of $15,490. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-63508101040956884542012-06-26T11:16:00.000-07:002012-06-26T12:26:15.672-07:00Italian Motor Cycles As ArtStory, Photos And Video By Miguel Caparros <a href="http://youtu.be/IwJSC5J1_FE" target="_blank">Click Here For The Video</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkChZVjV5sVxUduK7b5hOiODWNu9y9PzILBsaVoIE1nIxE2N2Q7UNPZ7UXNjJ4QpEyqrXXkCnP4gvQMq9G5iK4jjNrNfsR79n38zzoceputVw9rk5BPx-j6s1nmNi4IpedVjmFPLUAzP3/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkChZVjV5sVxUduK7b5hOiODWNu9y9PzILBsaVoIE1nIxE2N2Q7UNPZ7UXNjJ4QpEyqrXXkCnP4gvQMq9G5iK4jjNrNfsR79n38zzoceputVw9rk5BPx-j6s1nmNi4IpedVjmFPLUAzP3/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In August of 2011 the Museum Of Design Atlanta, MODA Chose for its Grand Opening to feature the art of the Italian motorcycles. Italians just have the design gene as part of their DNA. It has always been there and always very present in their industrial designs. It was not enough to just build great machinery but every nut, bolt and fin was seen as an opportunity to not just male a part useful but beautiful as well. Vittorio Jano at Alfa Romeo in the early 1930s, treated every part as a separate work<span style="background-color: white;"> of art. From the Emblems to the cooling fins, every part is styled not only to enhance the function but also to please the eye. His influence even translated to the designs of Motorcycles. Though many in the past looked at Italian Motorcycles as too dainty and fragile when you study them up close and get to feel the precision on their ultra light parts you begin to understand part of the art follows function was taken to the extreme. I have tried to convey that up close feeling of many of the individual parts on the Motorcycles in the video, and these stills taken from the video. Pause and take a close look, hope you enjoy it. We had the opportunity to come in the day before the public and take some up close video and photos with no one in the back ground..</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgflKX1ITYvHBJaPWzx7HpXwlgEKwDh-l8D80_aKZnVvCFKU7ZFCEFqWNgpyNGZG7cpUTQw9qPGWWOLRZdTbiwRYazXyazDyld2lwmlt8-1y2Ut3K2Hp8-NvZZIIfqJ_9oMX0ysuCnPY-I/s1600/MODA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgflKX1ITYvHBJaPWzx7HpXwlgEKwDh-l8D80_aKZnVvCFKU7ZFCEFqWNgpyNGZG7cpUTQw9qPGWWOLRZdTbiwRYazXyazDyld2lwmlt8-1y2Ut3K2Hp8-NvZZIIfqJ_9oMX0ysuCnPY-I/s320/MODA.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bimota was Created </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">1973 in </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rimini" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" title="Rimini">Rimini</a> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Italy by</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bianchi_(bicycle_manufacturer)" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" title="Bianchi (bicycle manufacturer)">Bianchi</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">, Morri and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_Tamburini" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" title="Massimo Tamburini">Tamburini</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">. The company name is a combination</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> from the first two letters of each of the three founders' surnames, i.e. </span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b>Bi</b>anchi <b>Mo</b>rri <b>Ta</b>mburini</i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">. All of them established in the Motorcycle industry. Initially Bimota was for formed to supply a superior chassis for the wonderful inline 4 cylinder motors made by the Japanese, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Powerful smooth engines supported by mediocre chassis and handling. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">By the time this 1997 500 Due was built Bimota was having thoughts of leaving the Japan made motors and built a revolutionary 2 cylinder 2 stroke engine that was powerful, lighter and clean enough to pass emission regulations. They also were hoping to go F 1 racing against the worlds Motorcycles best. By 2001 Bimota went into bankruptcy and the end of the dreams of racing for a world championship were a reality. In 2003 a run of 120, 500 Due were assembled as street bikes using carburetors instead of fuel injection, also running with reduced power. Today all the Due Bikes are considered very valuable collectors items.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaWuKVkHFFLQumBIBt9pgpk1TzMaBBB-wDdFpMIAM8GE1mOj0Mkfusnk1IfMtRRrnvxrWWbzz_gbyAY0W11AXvZrVM4QAxud5WlHrOSe7FCpNkJwLPKzfc_aikgxo6wg6L9-fm1Uek_ET/s1600/Moto+Morini+Carburator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaWuKVkHFFLQumBIBt9pgpk1TzMaBBB-wDdFpMIAM8GE1mOj0Mkfusnk1IfMtRRrnvxrWWbzz_gbyAY0W11AXvZrVM4QAxud5WlHrOSe7FCpNkJwLPKzfc_aikgxo6wg6L9-fm1Uek_ET/s320/Moto+Morini+Carburator.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Moto Morini Is a survivor, that is the company. Founded in 1937 by Alfonso Marini in Bologna Italy, they went through WWII, the departure of the Germans, the Allies Occupation, the internal revolution, hostile take overs, bankruptcy, financial collapse and some how they are still there. In my eyes Moto Morini is the Champion of minimalism, There is not a part on these bikes that is not doing something. From the beautiful aluminum head and cylinder castings to the dainty rods that support the fairing. Even the carburetor velocity stack is perfectly proportioned. In the small displacement classes they led and everyone else followed. They were racing, winning and selling 150 cc to 250cc motorcycles from 1948- the 1970's.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxJRQZmdujKlZvudwusTLv-l2w6zQhGYP2MaIbe7qjCHWpeNZMCn_TCMD1v_3DeaF5PERqZHVLZ33rNdBwcv0zJc2pF3tx53f7oDyBwGfqN0K6PVq0R3V0vefObFcoqvXOfo27a_1oKxq/s1600/Moto+Morini+Tank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxJRQZmdujKlZvudwusTLv-l2w6zQhGYP2MaIbe7qjCHWpeNZMCn_TCMD1v_3DeaF5PERqZHVLZ33rNdBwcv0zJc2pF3tx53f7oDyBwGfqN0K6PVq0R3V0vefObFcoqvXOfo27a_1oKxq/s320/Moto+Morini+Tank.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I hope you can enjoy the works of art as much as I do. Stop the video and study the smallest of details.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-19981970126237160182012-06-25T11:32:00.001-07:002012-06-26T07:57:22.360-07:00Racing From Havana To Miami<br />
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By Miguel Caparros </div>
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Originally written June 30th 2011</div>
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Photos By Rogelio Caparros from the book "Grand Prix From Havana To Miami"</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It is interesting how certain events can trigger memories and the angst of how to put them down on paper. The recent passing of Peter Faulk and the memories lately of Columbo and of his side kick, the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_403" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Peugeot 403</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Cabriolet has stirred nostalgia for what may be Karyn's and my favorite car brand of all time. </span></div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/NXjYOap244xZS-QmVJjkjFCXT2P-Dlrvyr3txe4Z-oaOAbkrusNtVVDkqkc1ZMkRvUJakgAaukHUs7eQIdfuW*PQr7n6Z1lO/ClaudeMederatthestartline.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #3c78a7; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/NXjYOap244xZS-QmVJjkjFCXT2P-Dlrvyr3txe4Z-oaOAbkrusNtVVDkqkc1ZMkRvUJakgAaukHUs7eQIdfuW*PQr7n6Z1lO/ClaudeMederatthestartline.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: left !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a>My history with Peugeot goes back to my old mentor Claude Meder and Cuba when I was a boy. My father would take me everywhere with him. From the symphony to the chess club then to the shop that he was a partner in where all the exotic cars were sold and serviced. Then onto the errands to drop off a starter at the re-builders and always a stop at Claude Meder's shop where French was the first language. The shop was surrounded by every kind of French car you could imagine and some that were complete mysteries. </div>
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Claude came to Cuba as a young man, a political refuge when the Germans occupied France during world war II. A master mechanic that apprenticed with Panhard and Renault in Paris. His knowledge of French cars was second to non. Among the Renault 4CV's the Citroen Traction Avant, a couple of Bugatti's, assorted Simca's and other French makes were the race cars. Claude was also a very accomplished race car driver and his successes in the most car crazy culture in the Americas permitted him to be the representative for Panhard, Renault and Peugeot. Race prepared versions of each of the manufacturers cars were present. A tiny 750 cc <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_4CV" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Renault 4CV</a>, a not much larger Panhard Dyna, and the big dog of the bunch, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_203" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Peugeot 203</a>, still small by American car standards. </div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/36SDLWiIiK50T8BMZRZHfxbAuxwkYnZqb05QB3kx8LJw189x*nCgpGxpidpqcUl-6fc*JQ*i1HuDkp8y-gimSdgbBy2tmOWG/FlyingFerrari.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #3c78a7; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/36SDLWiIiK50T8BMZRZHfxbAuxwkYnZqb05QB3kx8LJw189x*nCgpGxpidpqcUl-6fc*JQ*i1HuDkp8y-gimSdgbBy2tmOWG/FlyingFerrari.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a>This was the time of over the road races all thru out Cuba, Mexico, Central America and Argentina. Cuba Was centrally located and was the home base for many of the manufactures team that actually raced what hey sold. Cuba had a very active series of over the road races as did Argentina and Mexico. To put it into perspective, these were full blown over the road rallies with mountain passes, paved roads, secondary dirt roads and high speed 2 lane highways where the fastest cars could reach over 180 miles per hour. Roads through the desserts that could barely be called roads. This is in the era of bias ply tires, drum brakes and no power steering. Seat belts, roll over protection and helmets were optional. My father told me of the Mexican leg of the Carrera Pan Americana road race of 1954, he shared a DC3 chase plane with Chris Economaki and some other journalist. They were using it as a camera platform and crossing a desert in the high plains. The DC3 was maintaining a cruise speed of 180 mph and the Mercedes SL's, Ferraris, Maseratis some of the Buicks and one Studebaker were going faster than the plane. </div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/fFEtM4Q5xBSnBtGSgKJY01-xIO-WcssUOSh3aEsVsNZOlyZ9TL-g15TECR4mfq0ZffXc-i-50aix1RwvyVldfnYXGdinDKyj/MiguelGordini.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #3c78a7; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/fFEtM4Q5xBSnBtGSgKJY01-xIO-WcssUOSh3aEsVsNZOlyZ9TL-g15TECR4mfq0ZffXc-i-50aix1RwvyVldfnYXGdinDKyj/MiguelGordini.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a>Claude was a wizard of blue printing engines. He got the most out of the tiny engines the European cars had. What the Panhard and the Peugeot had over the big cars was handling, better brakes, lighter weight, and much less need to stop for fuel. But the secret weapon that no one took into consideration were the Michelin X radial tires. There was no such thing as a sprint race in over the road races. The short ones were 200 miles, the long ones a 1,000 or more. All these reasons where why the small displacement cars of 70 horsepower or less were sometimes threatening the over all winners. I actually got to see Claude driving the Panhard Dyna , another time the Peugeot 203 where he placed 5<sup style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">th </sup>overall, two places ahead of my fathers Austin Healy 100 LM. </div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/8*4a2uYelMmtISOFbcP79xC33qi9cp54bbk39dknODM1QLlEA-cdK1nL6hWo7syy39q1HQeb30PPwoCsHkndzG3H*sLbd4y-/KarynDeeand404.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #3c78a7; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/8*4a2uYelMmtISOFbcP79xC33qi9cp54bbk39dknODM1QLlEA-cdK1nL6hWo7syy39q1HQeb30PPwoCsHkndzG3H*sLbd4y-/KarynDeeand404.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: left !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a>Now we can fast forward to the 1960's. I was working part of my summers as Claude's apprentice at his shop in Miami, I was also my fathers crew running the <a href="http://www.g-forum.net/" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Renault R8 Gordini</a> in road races and I served as navigator in rallies. When I turned 16, Claude used his influence for me to become a development driver for Renault. <a href="http://southeastwheelsevents.com/profiles/blogs/volume-1-number-17-april-7-1" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self">My first car</a> at 16 was a Peugeot 403. Fathers 1966 Gordini was replace by a new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_404" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Peugeot 404</a> in 1968. Then a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_504" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">504 in 1970</a>. The 68 404 was handed down to Karyn and I in 1973. That was the car she learned to drive a standard transmission on. Our first children were protected by the armor of the 404. In 1982 we sold the 404 with 250,000 miles and still driving and looking like new to a young couple that needed reliable transportation to get married in Texas. Although I drove for Renault I truly enjoyed racing in dad's 404, it was a very forgiving car that only had a top speed of 105 mph but could maintain 90+ no mater the terrain or weather. It felt as safe as a brick house. </div>
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Although people always associated us with our businesses of exotic cars, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Porsche, in the back ground was an ex rally car that served the family for 14 years when we wanted fun performance and inconspicuous transportation we had our trusty Peugeot 404.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-19318329697940655542012-06-24T22:20:00.000-07:002012-06-24T22:20:31.239-07:00We drive the new Fiat 500 at Road Atlanta.<br />
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By Miguel Caparros With John Montgomery</div>
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Just like the new Beatle and the Mini Cooper there is nothing in common with the old and the new except a similar shape and profile. This is a completely modern car in every way and has some very advanced engine management technology directly developed for Ferrari's Formula 1 racing team. Many comparisons are being made with the Mini, although similar in size they are not in the same price category, the Fiat ranges in price from $15,500 for the base model and $19,000 for a fully loaded model like the one we drove. </div>
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This car belongs to John Montgomery President of the Fiat Lancia Unlimited Club <a href="http://www.fiatclubamerica.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">FLU</a>, and a big<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/R*vSAkIYgTD9gAtjUfbWjvp2viMDuGRffeDPx3L3sAMG1vmBpoKCl91havQNzsg-CN6YlUQWiXrbNC9Ec8GAKYm8CaNXexS9/Fiat500RoadAtlanata2.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/R*vSAkIYgTD9gAtjUfbWjvp2viMDuGRffeDPx3L3sAMG1vmBpoKCl91havQNzsg-CN6YlUQWiXrbNC9Ec8GAKYm8CaNXexS9/Fiat500RoadAtlanata2.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; font-size: 1em; height: auto; margin: 5px 0px 10px 25px !important; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a> thanks to Cynthia Meitle of <a href="http://www.carprusa.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">CAR PR USA</a> for Introducing me to John. He was on our radio show last week and since he was coming to The Mitty at Road Atlanta where I would be, we got together and he let me drive his car. </div>
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John said it best "if you are a fugitive or in the witness protection program, don't buy this car". Every time we stopped, a crowd would gather around the car. They asked to sit in it and if John would let them drive it. John accommodated just about every one. If he had come to the Mitty with ten new cars to sell, they would have been all gone in the first hour. That is just how positive everyone, including me, feel about this little car. This car is cute, men like it and women adore it. I am not easily impressed but I must admit that the Fiat 500 exceeded my expectations by a very wide margin. At first glance I look at the fit of the panels and the smoothness and shine of the paint, it is better than most, and on par with cars that cost much more, like the MINI and the VW, much more expensive cars. Opening the wide door you are greeted by a very nice bucket seat with height and back adjustments and seat cushions wider than the European version to accommodate our larger butts and shoulders.(copy-write that as a possible brand for something) Once in the seat the room is very ample for my 6 foot 225lbs size 12 shoes. The ample width and height makes the car feel bigger, and that can be attributed to the large airy cabin. Instead of stretching out you sit as in a minivan, seats at a comfortable height like a dining room chair. That height transfers to the rear seat also. I initially sat in the backseat, behind my six foot tall assistant Jenifer, the space was adequate for medium distance for some one my size that says a lot! The truly incredible part is that it also has a usable trunk and when you fold down the rear seats you could carry some serious cargo! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Getting into the drivers seat. First thing you notice is the complete integration of all the instruments,gauges, and control indicators in to the round digital display in front of the driver the washer wiper stalk on the right side of the column ha a button to page through the menu options from trip meters to fuel mileage monitors. The model we drove also had Cirrus satellite and blue tooth pairing and will completely integrate your phone and call list onto the vehicles hard drive. It is also voice activated and will read your text and email messages for you. All in a very unassuming clean look. The steering wheel is also trick, with controls for radio, climate controls, and phone functions.</span></div>
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So how does it drive. To say I am a believer puts it into perspective. The power with 3 adults and Johns luggage and literature in the trunk was very acceptable. The 1.4 litter engine puts out 101 horsepower and has a pleasing growl and is very smooth. The shifter for the 5 speed feels very, dare I say it, Ferrari like. The spring load on the shift gate was a little stiffer than I like and it may soften up as the car breaks in. Johns car is so fresh that it barely had 300 miles on it. The adjustable suspension has a normal and sport mode, normal is firm and not jarring at all, switch to the sport mode it also changes the engine mapping and firms the suspension up a little bit more, still comfortable. The handling on the roads was really pleasing and very sure footed.</div>
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There is so much more and so many details but this is a Digest. I like it, and with a starting price of $15,500 and fuel mileage in the high 30's to low 40's it is an economical drivers car that does not make you feel that you compromised in any way. It even has features such as the hill holder and an optional 6 speed automatic, standard 5 star crash rating with seven air bags. When Fiat gets more cars out we will do a longer term test and take it out and get the performance numbers on the track. Yes an Abarth Performance model is supposed to come in to the market with 170 horsepower. Check back on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtDD77vKF8" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Teaser Link</a> as I post more of the video we shot while driving John's car. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-10790209399240892042012-06-24T21:09:00.001-07:002012-06-24T21:25:21.312-07:00Driving Bill Harrah's Personal Ferrari Powered Grand Wagoneer<br />
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Intro and Photos by Steve Natale Story by Miguel Caparros</strong>.
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While visiting the National Automobile Museum (Harrah Collection) recently, I saw many amazing historic and classic cars on display, but could not help with being infatuated with Bill Harrah’s personal “driver”. A 1977 Jeep Wagoneer, fitted with a 12 cylinder Ferrari engine. The “Jerrari” reflects the personality and creativity of the man who owned it, Bill Harrah. I mentioned the car to Miguel Caparros, and he shared his personal experience of driving this very special car years ago…….</div>
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<span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The first time I read about the Jerrari was in Road & Track's Ron Wakefield's article August of 1971 issue. </span></span><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/mJe5x*qMe669vtPn3iBb5qOZxt7RIKw0oAv5ZTYttEzObON*0Du3nvMNA6nCDUCqDkNY4zvMgNPEvtu-zk3-s*tGPueSS*qw/RenoAutomobileMuseum108.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/mJe5x*qMe669vtPn3iBb5qOZxt7RIKw0oAv5ZTYttEzObON*0Du3nvMNA6nCDUCqDkNY4zvMgNPEvtu-zk3-s*tGPueSS*qw/RenoAutomobileMuseum108.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: left !important; font-size: 1em; height: auto; margin: 5px 25px 10px 0px !important; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> I just had gotten back home to Plymouth New Hampshire from an all expences paid vacation by my former employer, the US Army. I had a lot of reading to catch up on so I startred with the latest issue of Road & Track Magzine. I saw something that seemed so wrong. There was a photo of this Jeep Wagoneer with a Ferrariesque nose and grill. Now at the time I thought what a waste of a perfectly good Ferrari in retrospect, If I had Bill Harrah's finnacial depth I would have created outrageous </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">stuff</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"> too</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">. When we moved to California I had a list of things to do #3 was the Harrah collection in Sparks Nevada. In 1983 my friend Bill Duryea and I drove up to Reno from San Francisco, I wanted to see the collection before it was broken up. After Bill Harrah's death there was wrangling about the collection going on with the Holiday Inn who bought the Harrah hotels and the car collection. It was just business, They saw the sale of the collection as a way to recuperate money. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I seem to have a talent for worming my way into places and meet the people that actually get things done. On this day I ran into one of Mr Harrha's son who was working on something of his own. I started to talk about the Jerrari, referring to the original 1968 Jeep Wagoneer with the Ferrari nose grafted on to the front that I had read about in 1971. He told me that car was gone and Mr Harrah had the work shop crew built another with a 1977 Grand Wagoneer. Bill and I were led over to where this very normal looking Wagoneer stood.</span></div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/IfHP7WKluR4lnUcyEquzd2jGbyNemtztZr3hwqIGT12zzDocCde3dmUxUlDM56rIh5rD20DLL*h552WQWTaF7yAtsc6xHbcQ/RenoAutomobileMuseum104.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/IfHP7WKluR4lnUcyEquzd2jGbyNemtztZr3hwqIGT12zzDocCde3dmUxUlDM56rIh5rD20DLL*h552WQWTaF7yAtsc6xHbcQ/RenoAutomobileMuseum104.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; font-size: 1em; height: auto; margin: 5px 0px 10px 25px !important; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a> At that point we were picked up by one of the shop mechanics and Mr Harah's son left us in some very capeable hands, as this was one of the original fabricators for Bill Harrah. He went into detail as to the problems and fabrication that had to be done to attach the Ferrari engine to the Jeep 4 wheel drive, and the unconventional dual radiators needed as the engine was much longer that the AMC V8 that was originally fitted. After chatting for a while I just had to ask, “Can we go for a ride?” The answer was sure "if you drive and buy lunch". Done! We headed out of the shop and besides the usual Ferrari noises from the engine compartment and a dash full of Stewart Warner gauges, it just felt like any other Jeep. We caught I 80 east bound towards Fernly, ant it climbed up the like no jeep I ever drove. I was able to hold 90 during the climb with out effort. We passed Fernly in no time and were now in the Plateu that leads to Bonniville, No speed limit from here, foot to the floor and I let the Jerrari strech its legs. At 140 you can cover ground like a private plane, Elko was cumming up fast. My new <a href="http://api.ning.com/files/1AGQaHeOmOfpNGKi91JUaWUjwDwrCVlXmAC6-gaF8kVeRSN06mJ-fbansFxe8CBQcN2s87HVaGPJjyGAoLSjQegLgqZKpQqK/RenoAutomobileMuseum106.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/1AGQaHeOmOfpNGKi91JUaWUjwDwrCVlXmAC6-gaF8kVeRSN06mJ-fbansFxe8CBQcN2s87HVaGPJjyGAoLSjQegLgqZKpQqK/RenoAutomobileMuseum106.jpg?width=350" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: left !important; font-size: 1em; height: auto; margin: 5px 25px 10px 0px !important; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" width="350" /></a> found friend knew of a restaurant in Elko he wanted to eat at. The food and the altitude were taking a toll on my clarity so Bill drove back to Fernly foot plastered to the floor and hitting 150 on some down hill streches. We did go by a Nevada Trooper that turned on his lights and just as quickly turned them off, he either knew who's Jeep this was or figured by the time he got the cruiser up to speed he would never be able to catch the Wagoneer that had set off his radar at 150 +.</div>
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<a href="http://www.harrahsautomobilecollection.com/jerrari.html" target="_blank">Follow this link to see the original Road & Track Photos and write up.</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.automuseum.org/exhibits.html" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Go to The National Auto Museum in Reno Nevada.</a></div>
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<a href="http://southeastwheelsevents.com/profiles/blogs/national-automobile-museum-in" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self">Steve Natale's Blog</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-45911147507450041992012-06-21T12:08:00.000-07:002012-06-21T12:08:29.213-07:00The Mustang Sports wagon.<br />
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<br />by Miguel Caparros </div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/XmhYbtTywoQR0sevaYhK730uUc0Sm1fOvs1Fr4Pg-QdbCAfrP*-bETQUUEr8chyRzZ89yPmpF9Gu7y3GY4-7ICgsjEEc-rYM/MustangWagon2.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/XmhYbtTywoQR0sevaYhK730uUc0Sm1fOvs1Fr4Pg-QdbCAfrP*-bETQUUEr8chyRzZ89yPmpF9Gu7y3GY4-7ICgsjEEc-rYM/MustangWagon2.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>This article was prompted by a posting from Sam Fiorani, another automotive historical journalist on his website, <a href="http://www.automotivetraveler.com/magazine/viewer.php?path=2011/06/1965_Ford_Mustang_Station_Wagon" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Automotive Travel</a> about the sale of a recently built 1965 Ford Mustang Station Wagon. I remember my initial fascination with the cover and article from Car and Driver magazine 1966 October issue. The car was never officially connected to Ford, but it was commissioned by the account executive Barney Clark of J.Walter Thompson, Ford's advertising agency. The conversion from a GT coupe was done in Italy by the coach works of Intermechanica. Originally sports wagons were know as shooting brakes in England. Wealthy sportsmen would commission local coach builder to build a two door sporty wagon with tailgate from which they could load hunting dogs and guns for some game shooting. Later Volvo actually was the first to take the concept of the sports wagon into major production in 1971 with the P1800 ES.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/fkgCP4rW6igjgxaZkI9jmKmsF7l*bVHIEhUmTEug1m-ECcOmUFmS5hyFDr3G*SZmmvW91o7ZHgUIVgFdDfRch0tgCyzykQbu/MustangWagon5.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/fkgCP4rW6igjgxaZkI9jmKmsF7l*bVHIEhUmTEug1m-ECcOmUFmS5hyFDr3G*SZmmvW91o7ZHgUIVgFdDfRch0tgCyzykQbu/MustangWagon5.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>When JWT was done with the car, it was locally sold in New York, where it became a very special daily driver. It was last seen and photographed in a Levittown neighborhood on Long Island.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/pnWaAxlaKB9PXeNLEhEehGpdx3EYMFmmkop9FAly2ftFaAKtylJ04Nb9LV5QKN4OJTWTIvys9y*B4kMfzFnu60Blqi8wOroy/MustangWagon7.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/pnWaAxlaKB9PXeNLEhEehGpdx3EYMFmmkop9FAly2ftFaAKtylJ04Nb9LV5QKN4OJTWTIvys9y*B4kMfzFnu60Blqi8wOroy/MustangWagon7.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>The Red car with the Gold Shelby Stripes is the one in Sam's story. This car had a no expenses job done to it and a modern drive train to make it as useable as any new car.</div>
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It is surprising how many individuals have taken it upon themselves to make Mustang wagon conversions. With out really digging to deep, I found 7. </div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/CcZD28Gc32hS2V5*5sNUTS3MIYefLOdXkODKPnpdHybh8QwgViW32YQpRwirwu6W33S37HqY-X7MsdvOd*TffrJ0a*XEhowH/MustangWagon3.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/CcZD28Gc32hS2V5*5sNUTS3MIYefLOdXkODKPnpdHybh8QwgViW32YQpRwirwu6W33S37HqY-X7MsdvOd*TffrJ0a*XEhowH/MustangWagon3.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>The Blue 65 has a very pleasing look due to the the slender B and C pillars and the well cut and fitted rear side windows. A white Shelby GT350 sparks the thought, if you are going to build a wagon version might as well make it something truly remarkable. </div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/CbivHZEpG8nZKNt3n7*PtcNbx2NBxPjcwRo5xmHc4sgrd5JftH0tYdPqEX-u8QLgEk4no73u9MSijcsi6mslpjZb0fmQTS7m/MustangWagon1.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/CbivHZEpG8nZKNt3n7*PtcNbx2NBxPjcwRo5xmHc4sgrd5JftH0tYdPqEX-u8QLgEk4no73u9MSijcsi6mslpjZb0fmQTS7m/MustangWagon1.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>A pewter 67 looks real good and classy.</div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/HaHOdVCSqV2FaMonf7XvhvFs2qVOohF22i8JcSU2amv4DqQzkBHhR*hOi7-bgA0HKpKFjXa1aVFjEf0Aj9kA8ZCqYNEuwd8m/MustangWagon8.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/HaHOdVCSqV2FaMonf7XvhvFs2qVOohF22i8JcSU2amv4DqQzkBHhR*hOi7-bgA0HKpKFjXa1aVFjEf0Aj9kA8ZCqYNEuwd8m/MustangWagon8.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>Here is another rendition of a second generation Mustang, this one looks like a 68. Take a close look at this red conversion. The amount of work that it took to graft the top and tailgate from what looks from the photo to be the rear pillars from a 1965 Ford Country Squire. In 65 Ford came up with a system of scooping air from the pillar and directing it across the rear glass to help keep the rear window cleaner.</div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/KMaqqtufup32Q7NnIVHNfGlcwdRTr8MtEVtrvYMdJ81KxZgcXeZvww5p8HkPc-gUqmJacVFzy9uuSt9ZNSQ3AcqQzLQO7a5B/MustangWagon9.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/KMaqqtufup32Q7NnIVHNfGlcwdRTr8MtEVtrvYMdJ81KxZgcXeZvww5p8HkPc-gUqmJacVFzy9uuSt9ZNSQ3AcqQzLQO7a5B/MustangWagon9.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>Here is another red one that seems to have taken its roof, side windows and hatch from the AMC Hornet wagon.</div>
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I am certain with the exception of the Intermechanica build, the others used existing production car parts. The rear fender kick up of the Mustang adds complication for using sheet metal and glass from existing cars. If I was asked to do such a conversion I would look at several different donors for the rear would be; the Ford Fairmont Wagon, Pinto Wagon, AMC Hornet wagon, and the Chevy Vega wagon.</div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/o4ODab7bVxfqKxzOJ1fkcLO7rRMY0HrWWlqtaeDl9RLA3*MGX8dCi1Ibw2FTqEammXIf9PgYgpfzb*FkQUPHK68PHwtTrbEv/MustangWagon9a.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/o4ODab7bVxfqKxzOJ1fkcLO7rRMY0HrWWlqtaeDl9RLA3*MGX8dCi1Ibw2FTqEammXIf9PgYgpfzb*FkQUPHK68PHwtTrbEv/MustangWagon9a.JPG?width=470" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline !important; float: right !important; height: auto; margin: 4px 0px; max-width: 737px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;" width="470" /></a>If some one offers to sell you their original Prototype 65 Mustang wagon, walk away, Ford never ever made a prototype wagon. The closest they came to it was this mock up from 1966 but the front looks like the 67 and the rear looks like a Gremlin.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-73393989065791228872012-06-15T15:37:00.001-07:002012-06-28T19:56:22.352-07:00Austin Healey 100/6 Modified<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fYE9bTt9Ygc?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>
So! I got this thing about the big Healey
This write up is about this other Healey <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uonIr_E2euU&feature=relmfu" target="_blank">Click here to see it.</a> If you compare
you the hood on this Healey you will notice that it has a crease in the hood. The crease was put in by the Jensen workers to stiffen the hood from flexing. eventually a 3rd under hood brace was installed that negated the crease. These creased hoods were installed in the 100 6 and the early 3000, until the supply was exhausted. Personally I like it!<br />
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The 100/6 replaced the 100/4 in 1957. The six was a better car in every way. A smoother, beautiful sounding six replacing the tractor derived four. A much better shifting transmission, disc brakes as standard, the 2 inches of additional wheel base to accommodate the longer engine mad for a more comfortable car all around. Also the additional length made the car look more powerful. The car still retained the side curtains and 2 seats with a 4 seat version being added to the line up. Later the 3000 would eventually become a Gentleman's Express tourer. One thing I truly loved about the 100/4 was the fold down windscreen, from the six on they were conventional fixed windshields. In 1956 my father came home with a stray that followed him from Sebring Florida. It was a Austin Healey BN2 100 S factory race car, alloy body, Reno red in color. For all intents and purpose a race car on the street. The S was by far the rarest of all Healey's, 50 made and an additional 5 were made with the aluminum head, no overdrive and disc brakes. This one was one of the 5. From mid 1956 to 1958 this was my fathers primary race car.<br />
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In 1958 my sister turned 15, old enough to drive. Rosa thought it would be real cool to drive to school in the very unique sports car.
I do not remember Rosa at least getting familiar with driving in the family car, at that point, a 1957 Chevrolet Belair 4 door hardtop. No, she confirmed that dad wanted her to learn on the Healey. I was taken along with dad and Rosa, I sat in the area behind the seats. We drove out into the country where there was a lovely 2 lane road, no trees or utility poles to hit, grassy expanses with cows and bulls grazing. Straight in both directions not a soul was in sight. Rosa and dad exchange seats and dad started to explain the procedure for pushing down the clutch, selecting first gear, then gently pushing down on the gas pedal while letting up the clutch. In reality the way it happened was, she pushed on the gas not realizing how quickly the engine would respond, my father was warning her to let up on the accelerator she slid her foot off the clutch. The momentum created by the action caused her foot to push the accelerator al the way to the floor. Both my father and I were shoved back, he pinned against the seat and I smacked my head against the rear cowl. Rosa was frozen into inaction. The spinning tires were forcing the car forward under full throttle and it started to veer onto the grassy shoulder heading towards the pasture fence and a bull. Dad was able to overcome the g forces and was able to reach the ignition switch just in time before our collision with the fence and the curious bull. She eventually did learn that day, but the reality of driving a race car to school quickly got to be too much. Dad let Rosa drive the 57 Chevy to School!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ac4sSYOTA0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05440171530482990056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118153475668404215.post-20222780257372285642012-06-12T16:55:00.000-07:002012-06-21T09:09:20.306-07:00Road Test. Infiniti M37By Miguel Caparros with Bob Sarda, Doreen Caparros, and Mike Thies<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/105488670950238498053/albums/5753212111407600449?authkey=CMqh-6iE7cvpGQ" target="_blank">For all the stills from this shoot Click Here</a> Subscribe to my blog and get notified of new postings.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Our
family is not like most because of how I have made my living for most of my
life. With the exception of a couple of short departures, I have been very
involved in the Auto Industry. That said, like most we have needed family cars
to take the kids to school, Scouting events, food shopping all the normal
things everyone else does. Our first family car was a 1968 Peugeot 404, it that
was a hand me down from my father, we loved that car. As our fortunes rose and
fell it affected what we had for a family car. We eventually settled with what
can be best described as sports sedans. From a modified (turbo) 1979
Bentley to Jetta GLI We have had them all. Mostly we had Audi Turbos, 5 series
BMW’s, big 450 Mercedes and currently a Chrysler 300M. So you would figure that
we would be perfect candidates for the Infiniti M37</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Southeastwheelsevent?feature=mhee" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">We are still Editing the videos from this test.</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0eowhgV43g/T80I_plNtgI/AAAAAAAABIw/r8PCQM2G_yg/s1600/M37+rear+CC+P6020245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0eowhgV43g/T80I_plNtgI/AAAAAAAABIw/r8PCQM2G_yg/s320/M37+rear+CC+P6020245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At first glance.<o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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I had a looked at this car before and had not considered it my
kind of car. I like low and wide and the M37 struck me as tall and
narrow. The fit and finish are on par with other cars in its price range and
the list of equipment and options is impressive. More impressive are some
innovative safety related features that we will look at later in detail. The
pewter exterior color is complimented by some very nicely finished off white
leather, flowing lines throughout with sculptured metal and wood accents top
off the look of the interior.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
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Driving it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a push button start car with a proximity sensor built
into the remote control. I constantly lived with the fear of leaving the remote control sensor on the roof and having to try and find where it fell after I drove off. As a test of my paranoia, Bob stayed in the car with the engine running while I walked away with the sensor. At about 100 feet I was thinking this could be a problem, I went back when Bob honked at me. Apparently there is<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQbyzCUVThwDxnWjBWMPpVklkKYr9Yg6LggxlIkhObB6Ryc5RsqEU6N1tgwUZCXFeH3RxsxQblaRYezttgtHaQqd4ZcHR0MQtHm7IGztYdt4CFmhPe72MzwHo_2g4w-hGCXfrQ_GadtCo/s1600/P1030133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQbyzCUVThwDxnWjBWMPpVklkKYr9Yg6LggxlIkhObB6Ryc5RsqEU6N1tgwUZCXFeH3RxsxQblaRYezttgtHaQqd4ZcHR0MQtHm7IGztYdt4CFmhPe72MzwHo_2g4w-hGCXfrQ_GadtCo/s200/P1030133.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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a flashing warning light in the panel that came on when I
was 30 feet away. My key fob fear has not been satisfied. With the key fob
safely on your person, step on the brake pedal, press the start button once. On the center
console is a knob marked snow, Eco, dot (standard mode) and sport, trust me
just leave it on sport, unless you have snow. After a short delay the engine
will start and you are ready to go. Not quite, we have all learned to adjust
our seats and mirrors before we go and then make minor adjustments as needed.
If you have above average size hands for a man, there is no way you can adjust
the seat once the door is closed. Two possibilities here are, first that
the manufacturer put in wider seat for the larger Americans. My English friend
told me he has the same problem with the right hand drive car there. The other
is as I first suspected the car is narrower than most on the inside.
Doreen who has long slender hands found it uncomfortable to reach the
switches, at least she could, but the contortions while driving could distract
her from the task at hand (pun intended).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The engine has the Nissan 370 Z howl and with good reason it
shares most of the drive train with the Z so it has a pedigree of sporty
character. The ride is firm but not jarring, as a matter of fact we all love
the ride and handling of this car. Unless you want one of these as your track
toy, do not get the sport package. It is much too harsh and stiff for every day
driving and your passengers will not like you. The standard suspension and
Michelin tires are the perfect combination for spirited driving and comfort.
The 7 speed auto/manual shift transmission has the perfect combination of
refinement and bad boy, as it blips the throttle on down shifts. There is a very noticeable lag in action when using the transmission in manual mode The car is certainly
a Jekyll and Hyde and the driver’s controls which one comes out to play, sometimes.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The dash is dominated by a very large screen that is the center for all of the controls and adjustments for most of the electronics. The premium sound system is fantastic, but the controls are not intuitive. You can resort to the two traditional knobs on the radio fascia. Directly in front of the driver is the gauge and
information pod that is easy to read and understand. The steering wheel pad
bristles with switches to control the sound system, intelligent cruise controls
(more on this later), Bluethooth hands free phone system and the menu control for
the navigation system. Staying within reach of the heated steering wheel, on
the right stalk are the wiper washer controls with rain sensing, on the left the headlight, turn
signal and fog lamp stalk. Jutting out just below that is the joy stick to
control the steering wheel position. The seats are heated and cooled. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We do not mean to overwhelm you, but this and other cars in
its class do bristle with technology and one of the choices as the driver you
need to make is what to turn on and turn off.
The driveway is the place to become familiar with all of this equipment, not
while you are driving. Infiniti has
included 6 books in a very nice leather pouch and it is strapped in the right
side of the trunk. Do read quick reference guide, for more details the owners manual and the navigation systems manual. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Performance</div>
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Many want to compare this car to a BMW, Lexus and even
the Mercedes, it is not a direct competitor to those cars in my opinion. This car is more attractive to an insurance company executive in his late 50's than a 35 year old dot "commer" that cashed in his first stock split and wanted something flashy and fast. Fast it is we got a 0-60 of 5.3 seconds, as my wife Karyn phrased it, " its quick but not Holy Crap quick". We just broke into 13.9 in the 1/4 mile just hit 100 mph. In normal fast street driving the car has good balance but the tall height and tall driving position makes it feel very "tippy". We did not do the performance testing on this car, about 3 months ago we had a rental and took it out to our secret airport runway where we pushed the limits. The limits is where this car really falls down. All the electronics that are there to help you in daily life just get in the way of going fast and having fun. It pushes going into the turn, the stability management tries to pull you, by applying the brakes on the opposite side and it is just overwhelmed. Even with the traction control in the off position I could feel the intrusions of the electronics while trying to hold a drift. If you want a track car, this is not it.<br />
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Styling<br />
When it comes to styling this car is a success or a failure depending on your point of view. Mike Thies, our Senior tester (also our tallest at 6'7") found the soft flowing lines pleasing and the interior both calming and a little busy. Mike likes white cars, Vanilla ice cream with Chocolate chips can sometimes be too exciting for him. Doreen Caparros, our Technical Editor and by far the youngest member of the team, felt "there is nothing to set this car apart from so many mainly Asian mid size sedans. Her first impression, "is it a cross over?". I personally have never found the Humps and Curves school of styling very attractive or pleasing to my eyes. Bob Sarda our resident comic likes his wife's Honda Accord better, ouch !<br />
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Interior<br />
The interior was a mixed bag, "Mikey likes it!" The truth be told, he fits better in this car than any other he has driven, The seat rearward movement and the tall roof affords him comfort that he never thought he would ever have. His position negates the use of the left rear seat. The fact that Mike had to push the seat all the way back away from the door panel. did allow him to reach the seat controls. Doreen initially liked the contrast of the chrome wood and leather, that, slowly eroded during the week we had the car. As soon as she got in she could not find enough lumbar support from the seat back. Little things can pick away at you, in this instance it was the hinge from the floor accelerator pedal. It interferes with her heals forcing her to either remove the shoe or or twist her leg, that gets tiring fast. She liked the size of the central video screen but was not convinced that having three different ways to access the functions is the way to go. She also feels in this price range it should have the connectivity of the Ford Microsoft system and this interface is very limiting. ( I think she has a Microsoft tattoo somewhere on her person.) Another thing that bothered her was the lack of the estimate arrival time of arrival on the navigation screen. The only place we could find it was in map view and no where else. I was able to find a comfortable position thanks to all the adjustments in the seat and the electrically controlled tilt and telescopic steering column. But my mental comfort zone found me driving very slowly. I can not explain it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ8le-S6pnk/T9eGbQ916zI/AAAAAAAABQc/YCHbjDJvYSM/s1600/P1030114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ8le-S6pnk/T9eGbQ916zI/AAAAAAAABQc/YCHbjDJvYSM/s320/P1030114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Special Features<br />
As I mentioned this car has the usual list of safety equipment that you would expect in this price class. These systems are there for the average driver to keep them safer. Adaptive Cruise Control. In layman's terms It has forward facing sonar and vision to help Inform you if you stray out of lane, If you catch up to another car while on cruise control it will automatically adjust the speed and keep behind the leading car at a safe distance. The ability to see ahead and the computer figuring trajectories super fast, allows the system to automatically stop the car in the event the driver is distracted or incapacitated. The front sensor array can see when you cross over the lines on the left or right of the car and provides an audible warning. If the lane intrusion happens when another car is in imminent position of hitting you It will apply the brakes on the opposite side to guide your car out of harms way. Mike thought the line sensors were to sensitive, as there is no way he could have crossed the lines that often. Bob was the only one brave enough to test the automatic braking. If you approach eminent contact with a car stopped in front of you, after giving you warning it will stop the car for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOEaZJCMjCatFV-GEqPxf-9DOcQjqBlUgRsT1DAqgr3fR9G9_CT4TSO8zV4CnEk0xK39KF3RHD6DTEpVeBg_4KIp6SKzi7mgab8sjgBbO_I_Id0O5snf2JXE0hM-R3SlSpvGD6gzaQN6X/s1600/P1030108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOEaZJCMjCatFV-GEqPxf-9DOcQjqBlUgRsT1DAqgr3fR9G9_CT4TSO8zV4CnEk0xK39KF3RHD6DTEpVeBg_4KIp6SKzi7mgab8sjgBbO_I_Id0O5snf2JXE0hM-R3SlSpvGD6gzaQN6X/s320/P1030108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In Conclusion<br />
I kept the MSRP away from the staff on this car, they all had a vague idea of the price ranging from the mid 40's to mid 50's. After a week of living with the car and disclosing its near $60,000 price tag the results were not that surprising. Not one of us would buy this car. Although price was an issue it was not the only one. Exterior styling was one of the major complains. It does not have the presence or the identity of a car in this price range. That is the Cross Inifiniti has to carry. I thought the 2004 M Infiniti had better presence for a luxury car although the grill is not to my liking. The 2005 infiniti was beginning to appeal to the younger set with its BMW like performance. I am sorry to say the latest incarnation of the M car has lost the momentum in attracting a wide cross section of buyers. We are all in agreement that if we were after a performance luxury sedan we would consider a BMW 5 series or even the new 3 series. The Lexus would also be at the top of our list along with the Audi and Mercedes. Add on to that list the SRT brothers from Dodge and Chrysler, Cadillac would also have to be considered as well, and dare I say it Hyundai! There are many flavors to choose from in this ice cream store, The fun is in the tasting.<br />
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