Tag Archives: AutoBlog

Saleen Unveils its 730HP 302 Black Label Mustang via reddit.com

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We have always known that we wanted to create the most powerful production Mustang we have ever built,” explained Sven Etzelsberger, the Vice President of Saleen engineering. “I can happily say that we have accomplished this goal with great success.” And how do we measure success with the 2015 Black Label Mustang? Let us count the ways.

Black Label

Black Label

 

One, the Saleen Black Label will capable of 730 horsepower through its 5.0 Coyote engine by utilizing a twin-screw supercharger. This is a good bit more than the 640 horsepower we were expecting. Two, it will also come with 600 lb-ft of torque that will be eloquently put down to the tarmac with a set of staggered 20-inch tires. Three, as with anything this capable of speed, it must also slow down just as quick, which is taken care of with a set of 15-inch rotors and multi-piston brakes.

 

Finish the count don’t at:  Saleen Unveils its 730HP 302 Black Label Mustang via reddit.com.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

saleen black label mustang

 

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

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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

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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

Sodium Sweetness. — WordPress.com

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With the likes of Industry Legends like Bruce Meyers, Speed demon Don Garlits, incredible machines since its inception in the early 1900’s, manic machines like the 270+mph 288 GT0, the Bonneville Salt Flats is the mecca for nature/car enthusiasts with an incredible backdrop showcasing the fastest pieces of metal on wheels in the world once a year in quiet Wendover, Utah.

Check out the some of these sweet Sodium rides!!!  Chase the link: Sodium Sweetness. — WordPress.com.

 

 

Farrari 288 GTO

Farrari 288 GTO

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

farrari gto

New Zealander builds 1962 Ferrari GTO replica in chicken …

A man in New Zealand and his team are crafting exacting replicas of vintage racers, like this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, from scratch in a chicken shed.

 

Good Guys Car Show 2015 Scottsdale, Az Videos

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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 …

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – StumbleUpon

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The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is an extremely rare and cool road car built by Alfa Romeo. Only 18 are reported to have been made, plus three design studies based on the 33 Stradale the 33.2, Iguana and Carabo.

Chase the link to read more:

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – StumbleUpon.

 

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

 

The race-bred engine bore no relation to the mass-produced units in Alfa’s more mainstream vehicles. Race engineer Carlo Chiti designed an oversquare (78 mm bore x 52,2 mm stroke) dry-sump lubricated 1,995 cc (121.7 cu in) V8 that featured SPICA fuel injection, four ignition coils and 16 spark plugs. The engine used four chain-driven camshafts to operate the valve train and had a rev-limit of 10000 rpm. The engine produced 230 bhp (172 kW) at 8800 rpm in road trim and 270 bhp (200 kW) in race trim.

 

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Driven: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe

And speaking of that composite bodywork, it is a gorgeously Italian (designed by Alfa Romeo and assembled by Maserati in Modena, no less) exotic design that Alfa says was inspired by the famed Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale racing car penned by Franco …

alfa romeo 33 stradalealfa romeo 33 stradale

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

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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.

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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.

 

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Can’t say I like the grill.

 

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Nicely done and mostly stock!!!

 

Here is the oldest Ford in the show:

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1915 Ford Model T.

 

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

 

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

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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!!

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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

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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:

 

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Cobra Le Mans

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Check out the specs!!!

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One of my favorite wheel types.

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Here one more up close:

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This is a GT.

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That is the 390!!!

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Interior is well restored. Original steering wheel.

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Stacked Headlights and Stacked Tail lights

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

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Galaxie 500 Stacked Headlights – Single Tail lights

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

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Lowered with lots of chrome in the engine bay.

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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 …

If it Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another!!

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If you are wondering what’s been happening with Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing.com, all I can say is, “It’s a long story.” Technology is a wonderful thing (I’ve been in the field for 20 years) but when it goes awry, it get can be as hard as regaining control of Formula 1 car in a 200 mph spin!!!!

Needless to say we are back and minus a few pics and a couple of posts (Ford on 4th Ave series and a couple of Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) – which I’ll reproduce) things are normal. (Damn, probably shouldn’t have typed that!!)

My apologies to my 13k registered users and those just stopping by for the interruption. Nothing worse the getting 404 errors.

Thanks for reading. Drop me a note.

Tim

2105 corvette z06

2105 corvette z06

Fahrenheit Z06: The Max Operating Temps for the Corvette Z06 Are Insane – Feature – Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog

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From the March 2015 issue of Car and Driver

via Fahrenheit Z06: The Max Operating Temps for the Corvette Z06 Are Insane – Feature – Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog.

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 posts some impressive performance numbers thanks to its 650-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. It also posts some impressive BTUs. A byproduct of that flame-breathing engine is heat, and lots of it, generated ­primarily by combustion, friction, and intake-air compression. These and other factors, such as the low hoodline and pinched frontal openings demanded by stylists and aero engineers, contribute to the complex thermal-management task faced by engineers working on nearly all of this car’s varied subsystems. To assure that the Z06’s maximum performance is attended by minimal risk of failure, GM p­erformed heat-related stress analysis and modeling, as well as conventional hot-weather testing in Arizona. Here’s a look at the maximum operating temperatures of Z06 components:

Fahrenheit-Z06-inline3

These are some extreme temp and they will be higher during an Arizona summer

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Tim

 

2015 z06

Chicago Auto Show: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

With an MSRP of about $79,000, but with trim levels that’ll take up much closer to $100K, the 2015 Z06 doesn’t mess around with measly six cylinder engines that pretend to be powerful with aid of umpteen turbochargers. It offers a massive, supercharged …
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: Top 10 Reasons it Shatters the Supercar Category

Racing Tires for the Street: Michelin engineered two tire options for the 2015 Z06. The standard Pilot Super Sport ZPs are sized 285/30ZR19 in front and 335/25ZR20 in back. A Z06 with the Z07 performance option gets Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP tires in the …

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

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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