Designing an Icon muscle car concepts art show coming to Detroit

Roger Hughet rendering We gearheads who constantly examine the whole muscle car phenomenon like to thump our chests and declare our manliness by extolling the virtues of Hemis, rockcrushers and Positraction units. But we’d also be lying to you if we ever said we don’t appreciate the more artistic side of the muscle car; the aesthetic pleasures these cars give us are just as powerful as the olfactory pleasures of burnt racing gas and the tactile pleasures of a wrench on a...

20/11/2008

Driving the Jan ‘09 HCC ‘79 Cadillac Eldorado

Note: I write up driving impressions of virtually every car I photograph, within a couple of days of the drive, so everything is fresh in my memory. Occasionally, because of the constraints of format (ie, buyers’ guide) the prepared text doesn’t run. Now, thanks to the joys of the blogosphere, it can. The new-for-’79 Eldorado is within an inch or two of GM’s A-bodies in the mid-’60s—considered intermediates, mind—though when these cars were new, the fuel-gunshy motoring...

18/11/2008

diary of a Mercer mechanic - the first 3,000 miles

Since the maiden voyage of the Mercer late last winter, the thoroughbred has remained with our friend David Greenlees in Brattleboro, Vermont, not for additional work (though he did add fenders and headlamps), but simply for its break-in period, which David describes: After the trip back from Florida last winter the Mercer sat for a while I took care of little things on it and waited for spring to arrive here. After the mud on the dirt roads around here had dried up and it got up to about 65...

31/10/2008

did not run when parked - we bid farewell to the Crosley body

Thought I’d get one last shot of the Crosley body before I send it on its merry way. In the couple years since I brought it home, I’ve done exactly nothing with it, save for stack boxes of parts for the HMX on top of it and dream about some far-flung day when I finish the HMX. So I tossed it on to the Crosley mailing list, seeing if anybody needs a ‘47 sedan body, slightly rusty floors. Within about a minute, I had a call asking if I’d donate it to the Crosley...

13/09/2008

dwarf van, blame Canada

After running this blog for a while, the more dedicated fans have picked up on a couple of my fetishes. For example, Reeves knows full well my AMC Spirit fetish; Myron shares in my Brooks Stevens fetish; and Barry Wolk sends me every shortened vehicle he spots, especially vans. After all, he once tried to build a shorty Corvair. Unfortunately, no details to go along with this shorty Caravan (other than the Alberta license plate. Silly Canuckians), though it looks to be a rather clean...

21/08/2008

Divcos, chinos and clamshells: New England Concours d’Elegance 2008

This past weekend marked our second annual New England Concours d’Elegance, held once again at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, one of the nicest ski resorts in southern Vermont. Look for full coverage in an upcoming issue of Hemmings Motor News, but for now, I’ve pulled a few photos from the weekend to give you a taste of the excellent time we had. From Bethlehem, Connecticut, came George and Barb Parmelee in their Hercules-powered 1956 Divco Model 15 delivery truck, finished in the...

24/07/2008

dump the minivan, bring me a Boonie Bug

I shouldn’t have mentioned the Brubaker Box yesterday. I had to go searching for a link, and in the process, I discovered several equally awesome box-type VW-based proto-mini-vans. For example, the Boonie Bug, pictured above, for which one can apparently still buy plans for $65. A modified version also allegedly had some screen time in Total Recall, though the Internet Movie Car Database doesn’t have a listing for that wonderful piece of early 1990s cinema. Also still available in...

11/06/2008

Dirt track distinction

This is a restored Modified out of the Northeast with a tie, albeit indirect, to one of American racing’s most esteemed families. It was built by a famous car owner and racing engine builder from Sewell, New Jersey, named Sonny Dornberger. He’d owned Modifieds, once put together from pre-war castoffs, since the 1960s, including one in which the famous Otto Harwi lost his life, in 1964. In 1974, Dornberger built one of the dozen or so Modifieds that were designed and built by the...

07/06/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 25: 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS

Coachwork by Pininfarina Specifications: 255bhp 2,927cc, quad OHC transverse V-8 Five-speed transmission Four-wheel independent suspension via unequal length control arms, coil springs and telescopic dampers Four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,340mm (92.1in.) The new Pininfarina-designed 308 GTB was hailed by the tifosi as one of the best Ferraris of modern times. Following on the heels of the mechanically inspired but curiously styled 308 GT4, the new 308 was downright gorgeous. As Sergio...

04/06/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 24: 1976 Ferrari 512 BB

Design by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Specifications: 360bhp 4,942cc, horizontally opposed OHC alloy block and head V-12 with four three-barrel Weber 40IF3C downdraught carburetors Five-speed manual transmission Four-wheel independent suspension Four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,500mm (98.4in.) The ‘BB’ designation of the Ferrari 512 BB was for “Berlinetta Boxer,” referring to the car’s body style and engine layout. Long and low, Pininfarina penned the lines and Scaglietti executed...

03/06/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 23: 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB

Designed by Pininfarina Photos courtesy RM Auctions Specifications: 380bhp, 4,390cc, horizontally opposed quad OHC V-12 Five-speed manual transmission Four-wheel independent suspension Four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,500mm (98.4in.) When the 365 GT4/BB made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, it stood the world on its ear. Its factory-rated 380bhp horizontally opposed “boxer” 12-cylinder engine was mounted amidships; delivering blistering performance that surpassed its...

02/06/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 22: 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe

Designed by Pininfarina Chassis no. 16941 Specifications: 352 bhp, 4,390 cc, DOHC 60° V-12 engine, six Weber 40DCN 20 carburetors five-speed manual transmission independent front and rear suspension via A-arms, coil springs and telescopic shocks four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,400 mm. (94.5 in.) In 1965, with an unchanged stroke but an increase in bore size to 81 mm, 4.4-liter overhead camshaft Ferrari engines became 365s. In the racing 365P, the engines were developed to...

30/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 21: 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

Design by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Chassis No. 06924 Specifications: 195bhp, 2,419cc quad OHC V-6 with triple Weber 40DCNF/7 carburetors Five-speed manual transaxle Four-wheel independent suspension Four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,340 mm (92.1 in.) The Dino 206 GT was Ferrari’s first mid-engine production car. Despite the lack of definitive Ferrari badges and its largely Fiat-built engine, the attractive Pininfarina bodywork, exhilarating driving experience, and aggressive...

29/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 20: 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Design: Pininfarina Coachwork: Scaglietti Specifications: 195bhp, 2,419cc quad OHC V-6 with triple Weber 40DCNF/7 carburetors Five-speed manual transaxle Four-wheel independent suspension Four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,340 mm (92.1 in.) Dinos 246s changed little from year to year, and you’ll find much in common here with yesterday’s ’72 example. Really, this is just an excuse to show you more photos of a car that never gets old, and maybe fill in a couple more details on the history....

28/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 19: 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Design: Pininfarina Coachwork: Scaglietti Specifications 195bhp, 2,419cc quad OHC V-6 Five-speed manual transaxle Four-wheel independent suspension Four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,340mm (92.1 in.) The use of the Dino name on the original 206 GT represented the Italian automaker’s first venture into mid-engine technology for production cars – and the platform for the introduction of the production V-6 engine, a concept championed by the Commendatore’s late son, Alfredo. The car was...

27/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 18: Interlude

I’ll be taking a brief break from DOF 2008; not only is it deadline week, but I’ve been spending time with the NE1000, working on a behind-the-scenes story on the Herculean efforts of Steve Markowski and Karl Holzschuh from RPM to keep the cars on the road. That doesn’t mean we’re going cold turkey on the Ferraris, though, so here are a few snapshots from the rally. Besides, aren’t you tired of all those perfect beauty shots? These things belong on the road. 1960 250 GT PininFarina cabriolet....

22/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 17: 1971 Ferrari 512M

Chassis No. 1024 Engine No. 1024 Photos by Don Heiny Specifications 620bhp, 4,993cc DOHC light alloy V-12, Lucas fuel injection five-speed transmission double wishbones and coil springs front and rear suspension four wheel hydraulic vented disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in.) 512S: The Legend In 1968 the rules for sports car racing were changed, limiting Group 6 prototypes to a maximum engine capacity of 3.0 liters. For 1970, Ferrari decided to do what Porsche had done earlier with...

21/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 16: 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder

Designed by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Chassis no. 14415 Engine no. B1242 Ferrari 251 Photos by Shooters.biz Specifications 352 bhp, 4,380 cc DOHC V-12 with six Weber 40DCN20 carburetors five-speed manual transmission four-wheel independent suspension four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) Beginning with the 166 Inter, the success of Ferrari’s road-going cars has been closely intertwined with the Scuderia’s achievements on the track. Racing not...

20/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 15: 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

Design by Pininfarina Photos courtesy RM Auctions Specifications: 352 bhp, 4,390cc, DOHC alloy block and head V-12 with six Weber 40DCN20 carburetors five-speed manual transmission independent front and rear suspension via A-arms, coil springs and telescopic shocks four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in.) The pedigree of Ferrari berlinettas is a long and highly successful one. The Colombo front-engine cars, starting with the 166 and progressing through the 195 and 212,...

19/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 14: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

Design by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Engine No. 10017 Photos courtesy RM Auctions Specifications 300 bhp at 8,000 rpm, 3,286cc quad OHC 60° V-12 six Weber 40DCN17 carburetors five-speed manual transaxle four-wheel independent suspension with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs and tubular shocks four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in.) Nineteen-sixty-four was an important year for Ferrari. John Surtees became Formula 1 World Champion and the team won the F1...

16/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 13: 1967 Ferrari 206 Dino

Design by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Specifications 180 bhp, 1,987cc DOHC V-6 five-speed manual transaxle four-wheel independent suspension with upper and lower A-arms and coil springs four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,280mm (90 inches) Groomed and educated to eventually assume the reins of his father’s company, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari was an early proponent of small displacement six-cylinder technology. After earning his engineering degree, Dino began the development of a new V-6...

15/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 12: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS

Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis no. 07655 Engine no. 07655 Photos by Aaron Summerfield Specifications 260 bhp, 3,285 cc SOHC Colombo V-12 five-speed synchromesh manual gearbox four-wheel independent suspension four-wheel disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,400 mm. (94.5 in.) Designed and built by Pininfarina, the 275 GTS replaced the 250 GT PF Series II Cabriolet and shared its engine, chassis and suspension with Ferrari’s berlinetta, the 275 GTB. Despite being introduced simultaneously at the 1964...

14/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 11: 1963 Ferrari 330 America

Chassis No. 5121GT Engine No. 5121GT Photos by Michael Gross Specifications: 300 bhp, 3,967cc SOHC V-12 engine with triple Weber carburetors four-speed gearbox with overdrive independent front suspension with A-arms, coil springs and telescopic shocks live rear axle, semi-elliptical springs and telescopic shocks four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes Wheelbase: 2,600mm (102.4 in.) The first true four-seat series production Ferrari was the 250 GTE 2-plus-2. This gorgeous, Pininfarina designed car...

13/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 10: 1963 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta Scaglietti

Designed by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Chassis No. 5143GT Engine No. 5143GT Photos by Pieter E. Kamp Specifications 240 bhp, 2,953 cc all-alloy SOHC V-12, triple Weber 36DCS carburetors four-speed with overdrive front double wishbone solid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs four-wheel disc brakes wheelbase: 2,400mm (94.5in.) The gorgeous Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso is generally regarded as having been one of the most exquisitely proportioned and most...

12/05/2008

DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 9: 1962 250 GT/L Berlinetta Competizione

Design by Pininfarina Coachwork by Scaglietti Chassis No. 4213 GT Photos by Mathieu Heurtault Specifications 240 bhp, 2,953 cc all-alloy SOHC V-12 four-speed with overdrive front double wishbone solid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs four-wheel disc brakes wheelbase: 2,400mm (94.5in.) Introduced in 1962 at the Paris Auto Show, the new 250 GT/L—“L” for Lusso, Luxury—was designed by Pininfarina with construction to be executed by Scaglietti. Many consider it to be a landmark design,...

09/05/2008

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