Archive for April, 2009
for sale: Hot Rodded 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
Giulias are great little cars that are legitimate sports sedans in the same way that we think of them today, which was pretty unusual in the early 60’s. This one one is available on Ebay and the Alfa Bulletin Board and has lots of potential but a few issues to be sorted as well, the most serious is two bum cylinders with lowish compression. The remaining issues are not too serious and are the kind of issues that are relatively easy and satisfying to sort out on a new acquisition.
(more…)
Picture with a story: classic Ferrari in the snow
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
Ferraris and other high value classics are so revered and idolized (not to mention fragile) that they don’t often get used in inclement weather, let alone in sub freezing conditions in the snow! These pictures are from when I had the opportunity to pass through the Sierra Nevada in January in a Ferrari 330 GTC, however, and it was an…ummm…interesting experience. The car suffered from a weak battery and only partially functioning idle jets, which made starting it in the 17 degree (Fahrenheit) weather nigh on impossible. A few other items associated with sit-itis also surfaced, but on the whole it was certainly an enjoyable and memorable experience. (more…)
Video: “Yes!” to 12 cylinders and straight pipes
Monday, April 20th, 2009
There are few sounds as glorious as racing 12 cylinder engines with straight pipes. This video is evidence of that and is well worth turning up the volume. The Jaguar XJ13 is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and the real one (yes only one was constructed) is worth into 9 figures. It’s a bit of a footnote since it never raced, and the it’s worth noting that this engine is a quad cam V12 and not the production SOHC V12 that was used in the Series III E-Type and XJ12. The video (guided by Alain de Cadenet) gets really good shortly after 3 minutes if you want to get right to the good stuff.
(more…)
for sale: Tastefully upgraded Jaguar E-type Coupe
Monday, April 20th, 2009
Jaguar E-Types are cars that respond superbly to tasteful upgrading and personalization. This one is at Northshore Imports for just shy of $70,000, which is a full but fair retail price for such a nicely done car. This one has been done very well, with 5-speed transmission, alloy wheels, and triple Webers. There are likely many other upgrades (such as brakes and suspension) that the car has, but that the seller does not mention. The only point to nitpick is the side mirrors, which would be nicer if they were Talbot or other period chromed items. Throw on some European amber front and rear turn signal lenses, and the exterior would be perfect.
(more…)
Another reason to like old cars: knock-off hammers
Sunday, April 19th, 2009
You could never get away with a regular procedure in a new car requiring you to hit it over and over with a hammer. The knock-off hammer is a delightfully archaic device today, and the principle of knock-offs is an ingenious if crude solution to a particular problem. It’s also typical of old cars and part of why we enjoy them. The crudeness, “involved-ness”, and simplicity of the process is (more…)
Video: Drifting the Nurburgring in the RUF Yellowbird
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
And you thought drifting was a recent and Japanese phenomenon. The deftness with which this driver handles this car is awe-inspiring. Couple an awesome driver with one of the coolest cars ever and one of the greatest tracks in the world and this is what you get. The driver isn’t even wearing a helmet!
(more…)