Sometimes, old American cars creep into a supercar show. Sometimes, one of them is a Cotillion White Cadillac Eldorado with massive whitewalls, color-key hubcaps, and a vinyl roof. Other times, it’s an old Delta 88, or maybe a Mercury Custom. This time, it was all three of those classy rides, plus a prewar Ford Model A to round out things before we hit the healthy array of supercars steps behind the other riff-raff. Enjoy the photos of these American machines. Continue reading Classic American Iron at the CF Charities Supercar Show→
Jonny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa come up with a set of very strong points about the BMW 7 Series and the king of the hill (aka the Mercedes S-Class) in this new Head to Head. Funny thing is, it doesn’t take long for the viewer to figure out which is the better luxury cruiser. BMW seems intent on gizmos, gadgets, and whiz-bang features. Mercedes, however, does what they usually do–make the smoothest and most honest to God luxury automobile that (slightly) silly money can buy. As usual, M-B wins–and I agree with the verdict. Gimmicks are nice, but once you hit the back seat and relax, how often will you use them all? And are they going to make up for a less-comfortable riding experience? My take is “no”. And it would seem that the good folk at MT agree.
As time has gone on, early Japanese sports cars have received more recognition for their groundbreaking design and engineering. The original Mazda rotary sports car, the Cosmo (which would be known eventually as the RX-7), is most definitely no exception. Quite expensive when new (over $4,000 in 1968), they were not that popular Stateside, but that would change by the subsequent decade. This white example shined brightly at the Hershey Concours this year, and grabbed my attention rather quickly. I believe it has grabbed your attention as well. Enjoy the photos. Continue reading Mazda Cosmo Series II at the 2016 d’Elegance at Hershey→
The Shelby Cobra was a truly legendary car, which took the standard muscle car formula of “big engine in a small car” and took it to its logical extreme, thanks to a puny British roadster infused with the beating heart of a Ford big-block V8 (or small block for the weak). The story has continued today, with various companies offering kit cars. My brother Matt was out and about on Sunday morning and came across this Cobra kit car sitting on the side of the street. He’s become quite a reliable car spotter out in L.A.–and he’s clearly not afraid of the egg-fryingly hot temperatures out there (unlike me, who is happy to sit in air conditioning the entire day). Thanks for the pickup, Matt!
Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend is one fantastic entertainer. And while not a whole lot of people buy the top-of-the-line Lexus SUV, he shows us all why more people should enjoy it. Not too long after this, he shows us some shortcomings–specifically, by doing a decent amount of damage to the underside of the front and rear bumpers. Unconventional? Yes. Worth watching? Of course it is. Go take your lunch break, watch this video, and then tell your boss it’s time to trade in his Mercedes. He’ll thank you later.
When it comes to Cadillac and the Fifties, everyone thinks of the crazy 1959 model, with its gargantuan chrome bumpers, oversized hulking body lines, and sky-high fins. That’s a shame, because it means that the cleaner styling of the mid-Fifties models often gets overlooked. This red Biarritz convertible featured some fantastic cues, such as the lashings of chrome everywhere, and a great license plate. For those of you who don’t know what it means, “GOOMAH” is a colloquial spelling of the Italian “comare”, which is a term used for a mistress. According to the owner’s wife, she asked for this plate because the owner spends more time with the car than with her. Enjoy the photos. Continue reading 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz at the 2015 Radnor Hunt Concours→
Engine Masters is, just like Roadkill, becoming a bit of a favorite show of mine. David Freiburger and his partner in crime, Steve Dulcich, are great at explaining how changing out headers on an engine without changing anything else in regards to airflow can have either positive effects, or detrimental effects. In this case, going to a larger header does have a benefit when performing at peak RPM, but going too high can mess with the power curve and even reduce peak power. Watch above, and learn a few things. It’s worth it.
Seen on Woodward Avenue during the meet we attended, this orange Maverick was a well-modified example of a car that some would occasionally write off as just another compact commuter-mobile of the early Seventies. With a set of traction bars, Centerline-style wheels, and big rear tires, this was a small Ford that packed a spicy punch.
When Buick hit 1949, they were still using the smooth-running, classy straight-8 engines for which they’d become known over time. The big Roadmaster was their flagship ride, with acres of style, chrome, and good cheer. Even though the Fifties hadn’t quite hit yet, the lines of the 1949 model would be somewhat of a preview of what was to come from GM’s near-luxury brand. Continue reading 1949 Buick Roadmaster at the 2016 Amelia Island Concours→
used to love dune buggies as a kid. Their carefree looks, futuristic styling, and feel-good ideas were ideal for anyone stuck in the late Sixties who wanted to go surfing or to the beach but wanted to look glamorous along the way. Well, when Fred Williams tries to do it, he fails spectacularly, and it’s to our benefit. Watch what happens when him and a friend drag one out of mothballs and desperately make it run, then fail, then run, then fail again. Will they ever make it to the beach?
Compact cars were new in the 1960s, but hot rodding had been around for at least a few generations. Of course, once people figured out how light the compact car they owned was, it was only a matter of time before they got rid of whatever economy engine was occupying the valuble real estate under the hood, and squeezed into said real estate a fire-breathing monster of an engine. This Pro-Street-esque Nova has all the right credentials–shined up paint, slicks and skinnies, chrome everywhere, a custom interior, and a shined-up engine topped off with a massive supercharger and dual quads. Enjoy the photos of this genuine mean machine. Continue reading Pro Street Chevy Nova at the CF Charities Show, 2016→
For anyone who is a fan of Vin Diesel, fast cars, or the Fast and the Furious franchise, I have a special treat for you. This year, at the Festivals of Speed in Amelia Island, someone brought along the hero car from FF4 and FF5. This Dodge Charger, although set up for movie stunts and lacking a proper Chrysler V8, is the sole surviving car from the film shoots and was used for the beauty shots and promotional material. It has no interior, unless a roll cage, racing seat, and nominal dashboard counts. It’s packing a 350 under the hood with a simulated supercharger (not real), for reliability reasons–and so that parts are easier to come by. Despite these shortcomings, it’s hard not to gawk at this superb looking ride. Enjoy the photos. Continue reading Fast and Furious 4/5 Dodge Charger at the 2016 Amelia Island Festivals of Speed→
Mind Over Motor 