Category Archives: Auto History

New Personal Project – 1973 Mustang

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With the near completion of a customer’s project (1975 Model 110 VW) and the beginning of another customer’s Jensen Interceptor, I’ve finally completed my search for my next personal project.

Having recently completed and sold my 1984 Corvette and my 1970 Mustang, I’ve found my next project.

IMG_20150808_113458040

Introducing “Project SR”.  It is a 1973 Mustang Sports Roof.   The VIN breakdown looks like this:

Born:  April 1973 in Dearborn, MI (Code F)

Body Series: 02 Sports Roof  Code:  63D

Engine F Code – 302 2V V8

Color Code 2B – Bright Red

Trim Code GA – Black All Vinyl, Mach 1 Luxury

Axle Code:  8 – 3.00:1 gearing

Transmission Code:  W – C4 Automatic

DSO – Originally delivered to dealership in Omaha, Ne. and then shipped to Arizona(??)

That’s how it left the factory, however, that is not how it’s sits today.  Here’s a little back ground.

Project “SR” is a rescue project for the second time.  The first ‘known’ attempt was by the immediate previous owner.  Pulled from a junk yard by father/son combo for salvation.  This team has spent some meaningful time on this project.  As the factory codes show the car was powered by 302 2V as built.   When the father/son team pulled it out of the desert sun, it had 351 cid engine that was seized.  That is how is end up with the current 351 2v from a 1972 Mustang.  Putting the power to the rear wheels as it drove off the assembly line was a C4 automatic transmission, after all these years it now has a C6 automatic. Front end was completed by the team and then a couple fateful fender benders (both front fender on different days) and a desire to build a rat-rod had led this ‘Stang to it’s new home – my drive way!

Why pick this particular car out of the thousands I’ve viewed online and 30 or so I’ve looked over?  Well, I have a thing for Mustangs (and Corvettes) and this one is significant.   It is the last year for the big Mustangs as the 1974 models were…..um…..different.   What’s more the Code 63D Sports Roof/Fastback has a limited production for the 3 years is was offered.   1971 shows a production number of for the 63D 23,956 units, 1972 end with 15,622 Sports Roof examples and 1973  bottoms out the list with only 10,820 units – that is less than production of convertibles.  So out of the total Mustang unit produced of just over 518,000 for 1971-1973 only 53,358 63D’s were produced.  So you have last year production for the big bodied Mustangs and for the 63D and the lowest production.

So we are going to have some fun restoring this one and my followers on WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and a couple more will be able to keep up.  Search on #ProjectSR.

Over the next few weeks I’ll do a project shake down that will uncover what it needs which will help me arrive and what I want to accomplish with this beauty.   Follow along and I’d love to hear your thoughts,  suggestions, hints and tips.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#ProjectSR

 

1973 mustang sportsroof1973 mustang sportsroof

Ford Mustang

A 1973 Mustang Sportsroof
Mach 1 Interior: 1973 Mustang SportsRoof – Barn Finds

1973 Mustang SportsRoof. If Mach 1 Mustangs have gotten a little too pricey for you, may I suggest a less flashy fastback like this? The 351 under the hood isn’t as powerful as the top-of-the-line Cobra Jet, but it’s the same …

AUTO FACTOIDS & C.N.N for Week of 7/26/2015 – Studebaker to Viper

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Kaiser-Fraser formed July 26, 1945 – The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation was the result of a partnership between automobile executive Joseph W. Frazer and business man Henry  J. Kaiser. In 1947, the company acquired the automotive assets of Graham-Paige.  Interesting enough, Kaiser had no automotive business experience.   In 1953 the company became just Kaiser and a few years later acquired Willy-Overland company.

This how Henry J's originally appeared

This how Henry J’s originally appeared

This often how you see them today!!

This often how you see them today!!

Studebaker-Packard and Curtis-Wright management agreement on  July 27,  1956 – Found this tidbit and wonder if maybe Studebaker/Packard in an attempt save a sinking ship wanted to use Curtis-Wright’s rotor engine.

Nash Motors incorporated on July 29, 1916 – Nash Motor Company as founded by Charles Nash when he purchased a company called Jeffery Company which made a car called the Rambler.  I bet you can guess what came eventually  American Motors and their Rambler.  Shots below are from ones I took at the Good Guys Regional here in AZ

Nash American Rambler

Nash American Rambler

Engine Bay

Engine Bay
GG15NashRam-2

Great looking interior

Great looking interior

The "N"

The “N”

Buick buys Caddy  on  July 29, 1909 – In what was the early formation of General Motors, Buick Motor Company purchased Cadillac.  Under the tutelage of  William C. Durant Cadillac was the only brand that allowed to carry GM’s luxury car title, the others would share platform and be given “economic class” designations.

Henry Ford Born on July 30, 1863 – He was born in Greenfield Township, Michigan.  His dad (William) was English, but born in Ireland and his mother (Mary)was born in Michigan. Commonly thought of as inventor of the assembly line, which in truth was Ransom Olds (Oldsmobile fame), but was the first to mass produce affordable cars for the public.  He didn’t start out as a car guy, but a farmer and ran a lumber mill.  After that he became an engineer for Edison Illumination Company.

henry ford

July 31, 1911 GM shares go on sale.

 

 CNN – Car News Now

The new 2016 Scion is news.  Looking a lot like a Ford the iA and iM are both under $20k.   The iA has a 1.5 liter engine with 106 hp and the iM has 1.8 liter power plant with 137 hp.  Both have 6 speed transmissions.  While under 3ooo lbs (iM just under at 2943lb curb weight) they but down 0-60 number you would expect – 10 seconds and 9.5 seconds respectively.

Scion iM

Scion iM

 

Have you seen the new Dodge Viper?   The ARC is going to top the pricing scale at near $120k. With that you’ll get the V10 power plant and a mere 645 hp.

The ACR

The ACR

Thanks for reading.

Tim

You can find all the Auto Factoids by search on #AutoFactoids.

Dodge’s most extreme Viper, the 2016 ACR, is here

Dodge isn’t sitting on its laurels with the two Hellcats in its stable. In fact, the brand is doubling down on speed with the 2016 Viper ACR. ACR stands for American Club Racing, and it means the most extreme Viper built for public roads is slithering …

Engine Line Up for 1964 Plymouth

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With such names as Fury and Barracuda and Valiant, you would expect the 1964 power plant offering for Plymouth to be some monsters, maybe even a Wedge tossed in.

But no, the Wedge 426 cid (Stock Max Wedge Stage III) was only available as a $500.00 racing option.  The standard fair was the straight 6’s (170 and the 225) and the 318.

Dubbed the Valiant Six the 175 was an inline (straight) 6 cylinder iron block.  It had overhead valves and a bore and stoke of 3.40 x 3.125.  Fair enough compression ratio of 8.2:1 with solid lifters and four-main bearings.  Top it with a Carter single barrel carb (BBS Model 3839S) and you’d squeeze  101 ponies out of it.

Valiant Six

Valiant Six

The Barracuda had a straight 6 in it as was well.  It was the 225 cid with 3.40 x 4.125 bore and stroke, same compression as the 175 (8.2:1), as well as solid lifters and overhead values.  Using the same carb as the 175, you could must up to 145 hps.

But don’t think the Valiant and the ‘Cuda were left to struggle with less than 150 hps – nope there was a V-8 available as well. That engine was the 273 cid and it ran a compression ratio of 8.8:1 with it’s cast iron block, overhead valves and bored to 3.62 and stroked of 3.312.  It sported 5 main bearings, solid lifters and was topped with a Carter 2 barrel carb (BBD 3767S).  As outfitted it produced 180 hp.

The other V8 of standard production was the 318. Having personal experience with this engine, I can say it was (is) versatile and solid. You could do a lot with this hunk of iron.   For 1964 it had overhead valves, cast iron block with standard bore and stroke of 3.906 and 3.312 inches.  9.0:1 compression ratio with five main bearings, solid lifters and 5 main bearings breathed though BBD two barrel Carter carb (Model 3682S) and produced a respectable 230 hp.

The 318

The 318

Yes...you can do that with a 318!!!

Yes…you can do that to 318!!!

As mentioned there were some competition engine available that year but you didn’t them in average street cars.  There was the Super Cammando 426cid Hemi (available in early Feb ’64) for competition use only.  There was the de-tuned street 426-S(street).  Also available were the Commando V8 383 in 305 hp and 330 hp versions as well as Commando 426 (Street Wedge) with 426 cid and 365hp.

According to my research there were 6,359 Dodge and Plymouth cars built with the 426 engine in 1964.  Of those only 271 were racing Hemi’s.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

hemi wedge engine

1964 plymouth barracuda1964 plymouth barracuda

#Hemi

 

 

IKA’s South American Shelby: the Lutteral Comahue | Hemmings Daily

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Here in the U.S. we tend to be a bit myopic when it comes to cars. Of course American muscle is what it’s all about and toss in some well deserving European and Asian models and maybe just maybe you think about the culture down-under (I do, anyway.  Love to get a hold of the a Holden!!!). Very little thought is given to the rest of the Globe – especially considering that a few U.S. car manufacturers’ last stands were south of the border – way south!!

Here is one example from Hemmings – chase the link below to see the entire article. Oh,  I just ordered Banovsky’s book Weird Cars.  It is in the mail from Amazon.

 

Source: IKA’s South American Shelby: the Lutteral Comahue | Hemmings Daily

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Shared by “Press This”

#AGCarRestore

AUTO FACTOIDS for the Week Of 7/12/15 – Karmann Ghia, CNN, Checker Cabs

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Welcome to the expanded version of #AutoFactoids!!!   Checkout the milestones in automotive history, CNN (Car News Now) and don’t for get the Trivia.

July 12, 1922 – First Checker built – 60 years later the same day the last Checker was built.

–   It was a merger of sorts between Commonwealth Motors (making bodies for cab companies as ‘Mogul’) and Morris Markin’s  Markin Autobody.

–  The engine is a 4 cylinder Buda Model Q with 27 hp.

–   1935 Checker used the Y-8 engine (Lycoming engine) and the Y-6 engine ( a Continental six-cylinder).

1922 Checker Cab

1922 Checker Cab

1982 Checker

1982 Checker

–   The last Checker autos were produced in 1982 with  a 229-cubic-inch (3.8 liter) V-6 engine and automatic 3-speed transmission.

July 14 – VW debuts the Karmann Ghia in 1955

–   360,000 coupes and about 80,000 convertibles we made between 1955 and 1974.

1958 Karmann Ghia

1958 Karmann Ghia

 

 

1600 Karmann Ghia

1600 Karmann Ghia

 

Car News Now  (CNN)

Speaking of VW, the company announced that they are developing a new brand specifically for the China market.

Ford let us know that we will soon see the Ford Focus RS here in the U.S. – that 315 hp stuffed in that little car.  It will sport a six-speed manual transmission and have all-wheel drive.

Restoration is becoming easier for your Porsche 911.  Porsche Classic is now reproduction dashboards for 1969 – 1975 911s. Chase the link:   www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/

Auto Factoid Trivia*

What was the first model to where the name Maserati?

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

*Trivia – Submit the correct answer via email, Facebook, Twitter or a comment to this post and you’ll be entered to win a monthly give away.  It’s that easy!!

 

checker cab for sale

1981 Chicago Checker Cab Taxi A11 Green 1:18 Diecast

… Revell AG Onyx NZG NorScot Norev-FIAT Nacoral Muscle Machines Checker Cab For Sale – Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at Nextag Checker Cab For Sale – 65 results like Checker Cab Nebulizer by Drive Medical, …

karmann ghia

Smith: How a sweet old Karmann Ghia will do good for homeless animals

It’s a cute-as-a-bug, 1967 VW Karmann Ghia. A loyal supporter of the nonprofit’s ambitious works on behalf of homeless animals donated it, hoping the Humane Society would find a way to convert the car to dollars for services. The agency now is selling …
Karmann Ghia: Mehr als ein VW im Sonntagskleid

Und sorgte für eine Überraschung: Vor den Journalisten stand ein eleganter Zweitürer in “Gazellenbeige” mit rot lackierten Felgen und hellbrauner Innenausstattung: der Karmann Ghia. Ein Auto, das italienische Eleganz mit deutscher Technik verband.

Auto Factoids for Week of July 5, 2015 – Hudson, Post WWII and New Expanded #AutoFactoids

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This is a light week for car history and perfect for introduction the new Expanded Auto Factoids!!!! #AutoFactoids

Same auto history factoids but with C.N.N (Car News Now) and the new Auto Factoids Trivia – (can’t win – if you don’t play).

Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids)

Jul 5 1946 – US resumes auto production after WWII -The first new car design after the war was the 1947 Packard, but cars were still being sold (even during the war) but were all warmed over 1942 models.   There are varied sources that have different dates for the first cars produced after the war.  For instance GM had cars/trucks ready by Aug 1945 (trucks) and new cars Oct of 1946 (really ’42 models with new grills).  Ford got the first postwar car into production, and the very first one — a white Super DeLuxe Tudor sedan assembled on July 3, 1945 — went to President Harry Truman.

1946 Gill

1946 Gill

1942 Grill

1942 Grill

Jul 8, 1909 – First Hudson built – The first car “Hudson Twenty” rolled off the assembly line on Jul 3, 1909.   Joseph Hudson was a department store owner and offered of financial backing and offered up his name for the car company to  a consortium of business men with two of those being Roy Chapin and his son Roy junior.  Hudson continued producing cars until 1954 when they merged with Nash-Kalvinator to form AMC.  Some models carried the Hudson name until 1957.

1909 Hudson Roadster

1909 Hudson Roadster

 

 C.N.N. – Car News Now!!

Audi – The car make has developed cars that run on synthetic natural gas (WHAT?) and synthetic diesel and now e-benzin or synthetic gas.

Android Auto and Apples CarPlay – Chevrolet is allowing cars in 2016 to use both apps!!!

Lambo Aventador SV – Now is available if you have a spare $500k laying around.   Sporting a 6.5 liter  V12 engine that knocks out 740 HP and gives excellent gas mileage of 10, 18 and 12 (City/Highway/Combined) – who cares when you can go from 0-60 in 2.7 seconds.2016-lamborghini-aventador-sv-photos-and-info-news-car-and-driver-photo-656905-s-original

Auto Factoid Trivia*

What was the first model to where the name Maserati?

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

*Trivia – Submit the correct answer via email, Facebook, Twitter or a comment to this post and you’ll be entered to win a monthly give away.  It’s that easy!!

 

Auto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789E – AACA …

Auto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789EAuto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789E Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing1957 – 1958 saw the use of the New 283 engine in Chevy’s including …
Auto Factoids for the Week of June 7, 2015 – Plymouth and …

Busy week this week this week for #AutoFactoids…. So here we go! June 7, 1928 – First Plymouth is produced. Some research suggest that it was actually built on.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 5/10/2015 – GM and Corvair

Here is this weeks AutoFactoids (#AutoFactoids). May 10, 1923 – GM names Alfred P. Sloan as president. They didn’t just pick from the streets. He was actually, a draftsman for a bearing company, Hyatt Roller Bearing.

 

 

Barn Find Aston Martin DB 2/4 To Be Restored By CMC

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A 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark III, which has lain dormant in storage for over 35 years, is to be restored by leading classic car restoration company Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC).The DB2/4 was recently purchased from the Bonham’s Newport Pagnell Aston Martin works sale on behalf of a client. The car was sold for £104,540, going over its estimate of £30-50k.“The car was an attractive restoration project in 1977 when it entered storage, despite the fact that it had lead a hard life,” said Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, “There were splits in the front suspension turrets which had been welded and crash damage to the offside body and rear chassis which were repaired at the time. But it would now appear that the chassis needs re-aligning.”

Source: Barn Find Aston Martin DB 2/4 To Be Restored By CMC

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

‘British Royalty’ car show set for July 11

Previous winners of the Brock Yates Trophy include a 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe, a 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 and a 1954 Corvette. All entered vehicles (judged and unjudged) are eligible for the People’s Choice (Marque of the Year), People’s …
Lot Watch: Aston Martin DB2/4

If there is one name that stands above all others in Aston Martin’s 100-year history, it is David Brown. The industrialist bought the company in 1947 and powered it forward for 25 years, the longest period of continuous ownership in Aston Martin’s …

Steve McQueen’s 1956 Jaguar XKSS – Jay Leno’s Garage

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The first time I understood Steve McQueen was a car guy was when I saw an image (poster I think) of him and a Jaguar with fantastic lines.

Steve McQueen’s Jaguar: Steve McQueen bought it twice – and twice had his license suspended for driving it! Jay gets an in-depth tour of the King of Cool’s “Green Rat.”

» Subscribe: http://bit.ly/JLGSubscribe
» Visit the Official Site: http://bit.ly/JLGOfficialSite

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Jaguar XKSS could be revived for limited production run

Last year, Jaguar brought one of its most legendary models back from the dead with a limited production run of the Lightweight E-Type. These were brand-new cars built to the exact specifications of the 1960s originals by Jaguar Land River’s Special …

jaguar xkss

Steve McQueen’s – 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

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Sticking with the Steve McQueen theme (his cars seem to be popping up all over the Internet) here is a video on his 275 GTB/4.  Great looking car!!!

This is one of Steve McQueen’s own personal cars which he bought during his time working on BULLITT. Steve absolutely loved his NART spyder until it was totaled only a couple days after purchase. So when there weren’t any more available he bought the hard top version.

 

The guy great taste in check out his 1956 Jag in the next posting.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

ferrari 275 gtb 4
Peter Klutt Collection at Gooding Pebble Beach 2015

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (Estimate Available Upon Request) will be offered without reserve. With an approximate 10,000 miles from new, this 275 GTB/4 is an original four-cam model. After being held by one family for more than 40 years, the four-cam …

Steve McQueen’s Last Special Order Porsche to be Auctioned at Mecum Auctions

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I admire the Porsche cars, but never felt a desire to own one.  However, if I were to pick one up to restore, I think one of these would do just fine!  Of course not the one below.

Porsche 930 Turbo Carrea

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

porsche 911 turbo 1976

Insolite : la Porsche 911 Turbo de Steve McQueen à vendre aux enchères

La Porsche 911 Turbo 1976 de Steve McQueen fera partie des lots proposés par la maison de vente aux enchères américaine Mecum Auctions, à Monterey, du 13 au 15 août. C’est dans la petite ville californienne de Monterey, aux Etats-Unis, que se …
【ビデオ】”ナロー”の超コレクター、ウォーカー氏が語る空冷「911ターボ」の魅力

ポルシェ「911」の初期型モデル、いわゆる”ナロー”のコレクターで、1964年型から73年型までの全てのモデルを最低でも1台は所有しているというマグナス・ウォーカー氏。今回は、ポルシェに目がないウォーカー氏が、最近のターゲットは「911ターボ」（930型）の初期型モデルだ、と …