Auto Factoids for the Week of 3/29/2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) to finish out March and kick off April 2015.

 

March 29, 1980 – Audi introduced their all wheel drive

1980 Quattro - Not a bad looking car at that!!!

1980 Quattro – Not a bad-looking car at that!!!

Here are some specs for the Quattro:

Engine     2.1 L I5 SOHC 10v

Transmission     5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase     99.4 in
Length     173.4 in
Width     67.8 in
Height     53.0 in
Curb weight  2,844 to 2,976 lb

 

April 1, 1970 AMC debuts the Gremlin.

 

1970 Gremlin.  Fastback or 'no back"

1970 Gremlin. Fastback or ‘no back

 

I bet AMC never envisioned this:

OH...MAN!!!!

OH…MAN!!!!

 

Or this:

BTW..this doesn't end well!!

BTW..this doesn’t end well for the suspension.

 

 

April 1, 1964 Plymouth shows off the Barracuda – There were 23,443 Barracuda produced (called Glassback) and was based on Plymouth’s Valiant platform.

1964 Barracuda - Glassback.

1964 Barracuda – Glassback.

 

April 1, 1961 the very collectable Amphicar debuted – I saw my first Amphicar when I was about 9 or 10.  Grew up on the Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondack of upstate New York. The car drove down the beach and right into the water.  Coolest thing I’d seen up to then!!

 

 

The Quandt Group made only 4000 between '61-'68

The Quandt Group made only 4000 between ’61-’68

 

April 2, 1879   Walter P. Chrysler was Born in Kansas.

Walter P with a Chrysler Six

Walter P with a Chrysler Six

 

 

April 2, 1889  Charles Hall patent Aluminum.  –  It was actually a process made extracting Aluminum less expensive.  It involved passing an electric current through a bath of alumina dissolved in cryolite, which results in a puddle of aluminum forming in the bottom of the retort. (Come on…tell me you didn’t want to know that!!!!)  Unfortunately a French guy – Paul Héroult was working on the same process. (No way?!!?!   Way!!!) so the named the process after both “Hall-Heroult process’.

From a puddle in the bottom of a retort to the Ford F150….that’s progress!!!  Thanks Mr. Hall and French guy!!!

Inexpensive method for producing aluminum

Inexpensive method for producing aluminum

 

 

Thanks for reading.  If you like #AutoFactoids – share them!!

 

Tim

 

Jeffrey Faber · Top Commenter

Put on the top of the list the Walter P. Chrysler museum in Auburn Hills, which houses three floors of classic and concept vehicles. Currently, it is open only to employees of Fiat-Chrysler, and occasional special events. The Piquette Plant in Detroit

walter p chrysler museum

 

Auto Factoids for the Weeks of March 15 and March 22 2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the week.   Actually, I’ve combined two weeks because I forgot last weeks and this week’s was limited.   So let’s start off with the week of the 15th (’cause going in chronological orders just seemed appropriate).

 

March 15, 1960 – Mercury/Ford/Edsel debuted the Comet.  The reality is that the Comet was to be a sub-model under Edsel.  With the Edsel’s demise the Comet was parent-less so to speak.  For the 1960-62 the car was simple badged as Comet.  The images below are those I took of a Comet I was interested in purchasing as a project car.

 

1961 - you can just see the Comet badge

1961 – you can just see the Comet badge

 

You can see the Edsel like instruments.  Only badge is  Comet.

You can see the Edsel like instruments. Only badge is Comet.

 

March 17, 1834 – Mr. Gottlieb Daimler was born in Germany.  He was an engineer and teamed up a guy named Karl Benz and together started a little car company.  I can’t recall the name!!!!

 

March 17, 1949 Porsche was debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.

 

1949 Publicity shot

1949 Publicity shot

 

March 18, 1858 Rudolph Diesel born in Paris, France.  In case you can’t guess he developed the diesel engine.

First Diesel Engine

First Diesel Engine

 

The first production diesel-powered car was created by Citroen called the Rosalie in 1933. (I always thought it was Mercedes-Benz but that didn’t happen until 1936!!)

Desiel engine

First production car diesel engine by Citroen.

 

 

1933 Citroen Rosalie - What a beautiful car!!!

1933 Citroen Rosalie – What a beautiful car!!!

March 18, 1923 Andy Granatelli 1923 Dallas, TX

Dude....It's Andy!!!   "nough said"

Dude….It’s Andy!!! “nough said”

 

March 21, 1961 Jaguar  E-type was deputed

One of the best styles of the 1960's

One of the best styles of the 1960’s

 

March 27, 1863 Mr. Henry Royce was born in Alwalton, England. From aircraft engines to ultimate in high-end luxury iconic cars. You know the name Royce (as in Rolls Royce).

1933 Merlin - used in the Hawker Hurricane, de Havilland Mosquito and the famous Supermarine Spitfire

1933 Merlin – used in the Hawker Hurricane, de Havilland Mosquito and the famous Supermarine Spitfire

 

1933 Hooper Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Coupe

1933 Hooper Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Coupe

 

Thank to all the followers of #AutoFactoids.   Special Twitter give-away so follow me @AGCarRestore.

Tim

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird …

Got a few huge debuts this week’s Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids), so lets get started. Feb 23, 1954 – Ford shows off the Thunderbird for the first.
Auto Factoids for Week of Feb 15, 2015 – SCCA, Nash-Healey

Here are your Auto Factoids (#autofactoids) for the middle of Feb, 2015!! Feb 15, 1944 – Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was formed. For those of you that don’t follow racing you need to check out what SCCA does.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/1/2015 – Kaiser Week

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the first week in Feb. 2015!!! I think we can call this Kaiser Week as 3 of our factoid are related to the Kaiser auto.

Good Guy’s Car Show – Scottsdale, Az – The Wagons

I thought I’d start off with one (one of many…mind you!!) favorite car classes, the Station Wagons!!   I am a big fan of the 1950’s, 1960’s wagons.  From the Nomads to the to the Falcon wagons the styling is varied, options many and with a little muscle added, they are fine machines!

If you’ve read my bio, you may recall my first car (given to me as a graduation gift back in the late 1970’s) was a restored 1966 Chevy Impala convertible.  Awesome car with the reliable 283 engine.  So it’s not hard to guess that I’d love seeing the wagon version of my Chevy. Well is just so happened that there were two 1966 wagons at the show. 

The first one had the 327 engine and the owner added nice rims to hold it up. I’d improve the stance a bit by getting wider rubber for the rear tires.  I think the roof rack is excellent.    (I guess I should mention the Pinto wagon next to it.  It was nicely done too.)

 

1966 Chevy Impala Wagon

1966 Chevy Impala Wagon

 

Another 1966 Chevy Wagon.

Another 1966 Chevy Wagon.  Same 327 engine and very nice wheels

 

 

Great lines. No roof rack

Great lines. No roof rack

 

DSC_0131

Interior was spectacular with the original horn which is impressive.

 

Crazy or not I love the wagon versions of my Impala.

 

There were a few others that I thought notable.

 

Beautiful Pontaic with a 326 engine

Beautiful Pontiac with a 326 engine

 

Here a great little Nash Rambler Super.

 

DSC_0121 DSC_0122 DSC_0123 DSC_0124

 

This one will floor ya!!

Mercury Colony-Park Monterey.

Mercury Colony-Park Monterey.

 

Not Real  Wood mind you, but still nicely done.

Not Real Wood mind you, but still nicely done.

DSC_0142

Love the wide white walls!!

 

Let's talk painted dash!!! My favorite!!!

Let’s talk painted dash!!!  One of my favorite features of ’50’s and ’60’s cars!  Who needs padding?

 

AW Dude....it's a STICK!!!!

AW Dude….it’s a STICK!!!!  Lots of Chrome!!!

 

 

Did you know that the Dodge Dart could be had in a wagon?

Yup!!!  Although I'm pretty sure it didn't have a V8 and Dual exhaust originally.

Yup!!! Although I’m pretty sure it didn’t have a V8 and dual exhaust originally.

 

But don’t think wagons are just show cars.    Here’s a shot from the autocross competition.

There wagon in staging!!

There wagon in staging!!

The wagon rolls up in a few frame and in case you thought it might be six cylinder…turn up you volume!!!!

 That’s a great sound.

Thanks for reading and if you have a wagon you are proud of, drop me a note.

 

Tim

 

Cars and Global Warming: Why Station Wagons Are Greener Than SUVs

Image: Cars and Global Warming: Why Station Wagons Are Greener Than SUVs The 2015 Honda Fit is pictured at the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the New York International Auto Show in New York April 17, 2014. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters/Landov).

best vintage station wagonsbest vintage station wagons

Good Guys Car Show 2015 Scottsdale, Az Videos

If you picked up my Twitter feed (@AGCarRestore) you would have seen a great cross-section of the cars and activities going on as they occurred in Scottsdale last weekend.  Below are the a few short videos that give you a feel of the activities and over the next few post, I’ll share some ‘most excellent’ cars.

 

 

 

Great sights and sounds.

 

 

 View of the Autocross pit.

Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

IF YOU LOVE CAR ART, CHECK OUT THE PRINTS FOR SALE BY LOCAL ARTISTS. CHASE THE LINK: CAR ART FOR SALE

 

 

good guys car showgood guys car show

Hot Rods on Display at Good Guys Car Show

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Hundreds of car enthusiasts put their favorite rides on display at the Kansas Speedway on Sunday. Randy Paxton says there’s almost nothing like a day spent in his fully rebuilt ’68 convertible Camero cruisin’ in a car show. “Looks

Fords on 4th Ave – Torino, Trucks and Fav’s

So I’m going to warp up the articles on the Fords on 4th Ave car show and getting ready for live tweets from Good Guys show in Scottsdale, Az tomorrow.

In a previous post I mentioned the lack of Mercury’s (other than Cougars) at the show, there were only a couple Thunderbirds and sadly only one Torino. I love  the Torino! I should have kept my 1974 GS with Cobra Jet engine!

1974 Grand Sport Torino

So as a warp up I thought I’d share my (non-Mustang) favorites from the show.

 

First up is the one and only Ford Torino.

DSC_0026

Very Nice 1973 Torino. Love the body style! This one didn’t have any of the badge and I couldn’t tell if it was a Grand Torino. It appeared to have a 351 engine.

 

DSC_0027

Can’t say I like the grill.

 

DSC_0028

Nicely done and mostly stock!!!

 

Here is the oldest Ford in the show:

DSC_0151

1915 Ford Model T.

 

DSC_0155

Doodlebug – defined as vehicle used for work around the farm. My Grandfather had one (1930’s Ford) and we called it the Doodlebug.

 

DSC_0088

This Falcon is amazing!! Nice V8 (351 I believe).

DSC_0085

Yes I know it’s a wagon!!! But check out the quad exhaust exiting in front of the rear wheels. Now that’s very cool!!

DSC_0087

Interior was so nicely done!!!

 

Fairlane 500 Retractable!!!!

Fairlane 500 Retractable!!!!

 

This Fairlane GTA was the bomb!!!

This Fairlane GTA was the bomb!!!

The Econoline had a V8 wedged between the seats!!!

The Econoline had a V8 wedged between the seats!!!

 

Hope you enjoyed this recap of Fords on 4th Ave, here in Tucson, AZ.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Fords on 4th Ave Continued III Galaxies

While there were an abundance of Mustang and other Ford products at Fords on 4th Ave, missing was the Ford sub-culture of Mercury’s. For the past few years you could find a small group of Montereys, Montclairs, Park Lanes …
It’s Car Show Season….YES!!! Fords on 4th Ave!

‘The most wonderful time of the year!!!’ No not Christmas – BETTER! It’s car show season!!! From March though Oct here in the southwest is prime car show.
Fords on 4th Ave Continued II

Although the newer Mustang are awesome, you still can’t be the those of the 60’s and early 70’s, you just can’t! Check out these fine specimens!! Nicely restored.

Fords on 4th Ave Continued III Galaxies

While there were an abundance of Mustang and other Ford products at Fords on 4th Ave, missing was the Ford sub-culture of Mercury’s.  For the past few years you could find a small group of Montereys, Montclairs, Park Lanes, Marquis, Turnpike Cruisers, and Montegos.   I think I saw first Park Lane and Turnpike Cruiser at that event a few years gone.   They were there this years.

That being the case there were some stunning examples Falcons and their spinoffs, as well as Cougars, trucks and everyone favorite Ford Fairlane/Galaxies 500’s.

 

On of the larger groups were the Ford Fairlanes/Galaxies, everything from the 500’s GTA’s and GT’s it was a great representation of what I think was one of Ford best designs. Check these out:

 

DSC_0061

Cobra Le Mans

DSC_0059

Check out the specs!!!

DSC_0062

One of my favorite wheel types.

DSC_0058

Here one more up close:

DSC_0157

This is a GT.

DSC_0158

That is the 390!!!

DSC_0160

Interior is well restored. Original steering wheel.

DSC_0161

Stacked Headlights and Stacked Tail lights

I do have to show you one custom version – lowered.

DSC_0098

Galaxie 500 Stacked Headlights – Single Tail lights

DSC_0100

Perfect Interior. Nice to see the steering wheel with horn rim.

DSC_0101

Lowered with lots of chrome in the engine bay.

DSC_0099

 

Here is the group shot.

An awesome sight

An awesome sight!!

 

Still more to come.  Drop me a note if you a favorite Ford!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

CLASH OF THE CLASSICS: Ford Galaxie versus Chevrolet Impala

Before there were muscle cars, there were big block racers. Designed to do battle on track in NASCAR, they had all the trappings of a big, luxurious car but with the beating heart of rampant V8. The two main proponents were Chevrolet’s Impala and Ford
Auto collection to be auctioned to benefit Baker Center

The six vehicles include a 1941 Lincoln Continental, a 1951 Hudson Hornet and a 1962 Ford Galaxie. They are scheduled to be auctioned at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy on the UT-Knoxville campus on Saturday. Baker, who died last year …
Red Cruze’s latest trip, to the “Dark Side of the Moon”

(I will never forget riding back from Pittsburgh in one of those 1970s blizzards with him driving his perfect 1966 Ford Galaxie. One tough winter driver, and he had no traction control computers aiding him, either.) Now, I await those new motor mounts

Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird, Thunderbird, AMX

Got a few huge debuts this week’s Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids), so lets get started.

 

Feb 23, 1954 – Ford shows off the Thunderbird for the first time.

Although the Thunderbird wasn’t available until 1955 it was in design.  Originally it was going to be called the Vega!!

1955 T-Bird

1955 T-Bird

 

Feb 23, 1967 – Pontiac debuts the Firebird

The brain child of John Delorean the Firebird started out as the Banshee in two versions (XP 833 convertible or Hard top coupe).  1966 it was a two seater referred to as XP-798.

 

Look some what familar? Corvette maybe?

Look some what familar? Corvette maybe?

Pontiac brass thought so too and these concepts were not approved.

Pontiac brass thought so too and these concepts were not approved.

The XP 798 Firebird concept.

The XP 798 Firebird concept.

1967 Firebird

1967 Firebird

 

 

Feb 24, 1968 – American Motors debuts the AMX

1969 Hurst version...NICE!!!

1969 Hurst version…NICE!!!

 

Feb 25, 1905 – Jose Piquero crossed the Andes in a Caddy!!

Had to dig for this one. Found it on http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org.   Back in 1905 a Cadillac was the first car to cross the Andes (the mountain range not Andes, New York) that happened on Feb 25th, but I don’t know why, nor does anyone else seem to know.  I can tell you  the Andes are in South American and average about 14,000 feet in altitude.  The ’05 (that’s 1905 not 2005) Caddy was, well, let’s say “airy”.   That ‘brave’ (pronounced ‘Crazy’) soul was Jose Piquero. But wait, some sources say it wasn’t a Caddy at all, but a Oldsmobile.

So I would imagine in either ride the trip was a tad bit chilly.

1905 Olds

1905 Olds

1905 Caddy

1905 Caddy

 

Feb 27, 1934 – Ralph “Corvair Killer” Nader was born in Conn.

You can celebrate that (anyone?  Bueller, Bueller…) if you absolutely can’t find another reason to have an adult beverage.  I wonder if he fell out of a car seat when he was young?

1962 Lakewood

1962 Lakewood

The last Corvair Vert.

The last Corvair Vert.

I'm seeing the Corvair but can't help notice the Nova's on the rail car.

I’m seeing the Corvair but can’t help notice the Nova’s on the rail car.

 

Feb 28,  1940  – Mario Andretti born in Montona, Italy

Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

1955 thunderbird specs1967 firebird specs

Auto Factoids for Week of Feb 15, 2015 – SCCA, Nash-Healey and More

Here are your Auto Factoids (#autofactoids) for the middle of Feb, 2015!!

 

Feb 15, 1944 – Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was formed.  For those of you that don’t follow racing you need to check out what SCCA does.  It’s a great organization for local racing, as well as state/regional and even national.  I’m a proud card-carrying member and attend the local chapter Arizona Border Region .  I can attest that this chapter is well run and enjoyable.

Me and  SCCA Solo instructor in my C7

Me and SCCA Solo instructor in my C7

 

Feb 16, 1951 – Nash-Healey debuts.     The Healey Nash mash-up produced one of the most beautiful cars of the early 1950’s. They originally met the Queen Mary.  Nash supplied the power train that consisted of the Ambassador’s straight six OHV 234.8 cu in (3.85 L) engine (minus the cast iron cylinder heads – they used their own design aluminum version) and three-speed manual transmission with Borg-Warner overdrive, plus torque tube and differential.  Healey supplied the carbs – two SU and the body.  Actually Healey designed the body to fit their frame, but aluminum body the supplied Panelcraft Sheet Metal.

 

Beautiful Aluminum bodied sport car!!!

Beautiful Aluminum bodied sport car!!!

2 SUtwin 1.75-inch (44 mm) and  lighter and higher compression cylinder head - boosting it from 112 to 125 hp.  That's a lot for a small car.

2 SU twin 1.75-inch (44 mm) and lighter and higher compression cylinder head – boosting hp from 112 to 125 hp.

 

Feb 17, 1934 – First Drivers Ed Class – in State College, Pa.

 

Feb 18, 1952 – Studebaker 100 years

Studebaker started out with an electric car in 1902 (before that they produced wagons)  and by 1904 began producing gas-powered.

Basically an electric wagon!!!

Basically an electric wagon!!!

1904 gas powered Studebaker.

1904 gas-powered Studebaker.

1952 Studebaker.   2 years later money issues forced a merger with  Packard.

1952 Studebaker. 2 years later money issues forced a merger with Packard.

 

1979       – Richard Petty wins Daytona 500 (Number 6 for him)

6th Daytona win 1979

6th Daytona win 1979

The #43 Car for 1979

The #43 Car for 1979

 

1898 –       Enzo Ferrari born in Modena, Italy     (Not sure what he is famous for!!!)

Of course you would!!!

OH!!!!

 

Feb 20, 1954 – Dodge displays it’s Firearrow at the Chicago Auto Show (go on now for 2015)

One of the coolest concept cars!!!   Agree?

Two convertible models

Two convertible models

Clock in the steering wheel center?  Crazy Cool!!

Clock in the steering wheel center? Crazy Cool!!

Awesome Interior

Awesome Interior

 

Thanks for reading!   Let us know how you like the Auto Factoid segment!!!

Tim

Auto Factoids for the Week of Feb 8, 2015 – N.Y. To Pairs …

As we run through the middle of the 2nd month of the year, here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids). A light week this week. Feb 10, 1942 – Pontiac.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/1/2015 – Kaiser Week

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the first week in Feb. 2015!!! I think we can call this Kaiser Week as 3 of our factoid are related to the Kaiser auto.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 1/25/2015

Wow it’s the end of January already. Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of January 2015. Jan 26th 1920 – Lincoln Motor Company.

 

BangShift.com 1936 Chevy Bus

 

This 1936 Chevy Bus Was Made Into A Hose Hauler By The Fire Dapartment – Could It Haul Hot Rods?

Feb 16, 2015Brian LohnesBangShift XL, XL Online Find0

1936 Chevy Bus

1936 Chevy Bus

 

 

So there will never be a day when we grow weary of seeing, scheming about, or dreaming of cool car haulers. This 1936 Chevy school bus was converted into a hauler of sorts many moons ago by a fire department to move hoses around. They simply lopped off the roof of the passenger compartment and left a big open flatbed for them to throw their heavy hoses on. We’re guessing that this rig was used in a town that wasn’t too large because a 1936 Chevy school bus laden with rolls of heavy hose would likely arrive to the scene of a fire in time to help save the basement after the rest of the structure was consumed. As cool as its history is, how neat might the future be?

Sparse interior...even when it was new.

Sparse interior…even when it was new.

It would take some doing and a lot of dough but we’re thinking that this truck has serious possibilities as a hot rod hauler. The cab area would need to be reworked and likely everything from the windshield back would need to be formed by a metal shaping house like Marcel’s or someone of that creative genius level of talent so that it didn’t look like a high school project. The entire drivetrain would need to be swapped out for something more powerful and modern, the chassis would need to be beefed, the suspension revamped, and the there’s the issue of the hauler area itself. Leave it as a flat bed and simply add some ramps? Make some sort of a wedge deal on the back of it? This is looking like a Donald Trump level budget project but it is pretty fun to mentally design the truck as we would want it. Your turn.

via BangShift.com 1936 Chevy Bus.

 

I’m think it would be a cool toy hauler or maybe an awesome why to get your trailer queen to a car show!!!

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

chevy bus

PPEP, Inc.

to southern Arizona farm labor camps. This was all done aboard a 1957 Chevy bus. PPEP was officially incorporated on December 10, 1969. PPEP TEC High

 

H.E.M.I. Show – Come, see, and hear, the largest all Mopar show in Arizona.

The H.E.M.I show is back, Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 8 AM -3 PM. Sponsored by Universal Technical Institute and Mopars Unlimited of Arizona. The biggest all Mopar car show in Arizona has a NEW LOCATION. This year the show will be at UTI, Universal Technical Institute, 10695 W. Pierce St, Avondale, AZ 85323.

The H.E.M.I show is back, Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 8 AM -3 PM. UTI, Universal Technical Institute, 10695 W. Pierce St, Avondale, AZ 85323

The H.E.M.I show is back, Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 8 AM -3 PM.
UTI, Universal Technical Institute, 10695 W. Pierce St, Avondale, AZ 85323

 
More space, more vendors, more swappers, food trucks, and over 50 professionally judged classes and all Mopar.

Vintage, Classic, Muscle, Truck, Jeep, FWD, Neon, Prowler/Viper, AMC, new Challenger, Charger, and Dart classes, survivor class, and a display only class plus many more. Stock and modified in most classes.

Personal Touch Dynamometer chassis dyno on site all day. See which Mopar will make the most power at the Dyno challenge. Special award for the highest horse power Mopar.

Come, see, and hear, the largest all Mopar show in Arizona.

Go to moparsaz.com for more info and to register show cars, swappers, and vendors, Just print and mail in the form by February 16th for reduced pre entry fee for show cars.

Entry is free to spectators. Show car $20 pre register by Feb 16th, $25 day of show, $15 Display only, Swap/Vendor space $20/$50, Dyno Challenge $30 2 pulls, enter as often as you like.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

mopar car show