Autoblog Classics http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Classics http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

XCAR Supra Retrospective - video screencap

Our friends at XCAR have taken the time to train their lenses on the iconic Toyota Supra. With Toyota finally back into the performance car game, it seems only logical to remember one of the brand's most legendary sports cars. While we're all busy ladling praise onto the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins, it's important to remember that Toyota used to produce all manner of fun-to-drive machinery. The Supra once sat at the top of that list, its most recent iteration giving buyers the option of a ludicrous forced-induction inline six, gorgeous styling and plenty of presence.

Of course, the legend didn't stop once the Supra fell off American order sheets in 1998. Always an aftermarket darling, the Supra has gone on to become a tuner favorite in nearly every corner of grassroots motorsport. From drag racing to road racing and everywhere in between, the Supra is remains a force to be reckoned with nearly 15 years after it last prowled the US auto market. You can catch the tribute from XCAR below.

Continue reading Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup

Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> toyotatoyota supravideoxcar Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/20576180/article-detail.xml 20576180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra.jpg <![CDATA[Malaise Era All-Stars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

1976-1979 Porsche 930 - front three-quarter view, blue

A few weeks ago, we bid a fond happy 40th anniversary to the automotive dark ages of 1973-84 that have come to be known as "The Malaise Era" - the performance ice-age when 160 horsepower was a lot and a 0-60 time of under 10 seconds was remarkable. Like music in the 1980s, everything in automobiledom didn't suck, however. There were a few bright spots. Here are five of our favorites:

1976-79 Porsche 930, aka 911 Turbo Carrera (above)
Photo Credit: Dorotheum

While Chevrolet beat them by a decade with the turbocharged Corvair Corsa, the Germans more fully developed turbocharging through racing where General Motors couldn't. Early Porsche 930s (known technically as 911 Turbo Carreras) were a bit crude, with turbo lag that could be measured with an egg timer. They lacked an intercooler as well as brakes that were up to the task, but performance was sensational, with the buff books reporting 0-60 times of anywhere from 4.9 to 5.8 seconds and quarter-mile times of under 14 seconds. This was '60s muscle car performance at the height of the Malaise Era. Sadly, the 930 cost about six times as much as your average muscle car did.

Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."

Continue reading Malaise Era All-Stars

Malaise Era All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi quattroaudi ur-quattrocar collectorchevychevy corvettecollector carsdatsundatsun 280zxmalaise eramercedesporscheporsche 930 Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569813/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/20569813/article-detail.xml 20569813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1979-porsche-911-turbo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1979-porsche-911-turbo.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Now With More EcoBoost



There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

For the second time in my life, I'm staring at an engine in the back of a truck with no concept of how to get it safely into the garage by my lonesome. The first time this happened, I dragged home a $300 International 345 V8 in the back of my Scout Terra only to discover that the bounds of my manliness terminated well before my ability to muscle that 800-pound cast iron block out of the pickup bed.

Now you know the story of how and why I bought my first engine puller.

Some six years later I'm playing out the same dance, though a Ford F-250 has stolen the Scout's starring role, and there's a towering pallet of thick cardboard boxes in place of the old International mill. It's not that the boxes are particularly heavy. They're just stacked too high to get in the garage. Each one is emblazoned with a massive Ford Racing Performance Parts logo and wrapped in enough plastic to keep both prying fingers and the persistent rain at bay. Good thing, too. There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

Project Ugly Horse is an ongoing series. Need to catch up? You can find the previous articles here.

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1989 ford mustangecoboostecoboost fox body mustangecoboost mustangfeaturedfocusfocus stfordford focus stford mustangproject ugly horseugly horse Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/20570764/article-detail.xml 20570764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Max Reisbock

It's hard to imagine, but once upon a time, there were only two BMW 3 Series variants: the coupe and sedan. Back before gran coupes, convertibles and yes, even touring models were available, buyers could only get their 3 Series fix if it came with two or four doors and a fixed roof. Back in the mid '80s, BMW engineer Max Reisbock was having some trouble fitting his whole family into his four door. Rather than suck it up and buy a van, he picked up a wrecked 3 Series and got to cutting in a buddy's garage. Months later, he had the very first 3 Series Touring ever built.

At first, he kept the the car to himself, using it to haul friends and family around, but he eventually showed it off to his friends at work. When the BMW executives found out about his project, they called him up to take a closer look. After putting an eyeball on the car, they took it, copied his design, made a few tweaks and quickly rolled out the first production 3 Series Touring. How's that for validation? Check out the video below for Reisbock's story.

Continue reading Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon

Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 3 series3 series touringbmwbmw 3 series touringmax reisbockvideo Sat, 11 May 2013 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563826/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563826/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/20563826/article-detail.xml 20563826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/max-reisbock-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/max-reisbock-628.jpg <![CDATA[1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/#comments Filed under: , ,



Toyota's agelessly beautiful 2000GT has been sold by RM Auctions for $1.16 million, making it the new record holder for the most expensive Asian car ever sold. As always, rarity played a big factory in driving up the price; just 351 2000GT models were built, and only 62 left-hand-drive cars (like this one). The classic Toyota, standout member of Texas car-collector Don Davies' paddock, was originally a US-delivery car that spent time in a collection back in a Japan before returning to Texas just a short time ago. The car last sold in March of 2011, for just $650,000.

Enthusiasts will recognize the 2000GT as perhaps the most heralded Japanese classic of all time. The Toyota was a contemporary of the Jaguar E-Type - though one that obviously sold in a fraction of the English car's numbers - that was well reviewed by the motoring press of the day. Sometimes referred to as Japan's first supercar, the 2000GT boasted a 150-horsepower, dual overhead cam, 2.0-liter straight-six engine; a five-speed manual transmission; and a reported top speed of over 135 miles per hour.

RM described this record-setting example as, "the finest and most authentic 2000GT to come to market in recent years," equating it with blue chip classic exotics like the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini Miura.

1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1967 toyota 2000 gt1967 toyota 2000gtauctionstoyotatoyota 2000 gttoyota 2000gt Fri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565140/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565140/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/1967-toyota-2000gt-most-expensive-asian-car-ever-sol/20565140/article-detail.xml 20565140 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1967-toyota-2000gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1967-toyota-2000gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[John Lennon's first car being sold at auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



This is what you get as your first car after you've just passed your driver's test at the age of 25: a 1965 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupe. Of course, that's assuming your name also happens to be John Lennon and you've just helped record Ticket to Ride with the rest of your Beatles cronies.

When news of Lennon getting a driver's license made the newspapers in England, luxury car makers parked outside his mansion with offerings and this is the one he chose, painted Azzuro Blue with a blue interior. He paid 6,500 pounds, said to be equivalent to 110,000 pounds today ($170K US).

Bonhams will be auctioning the blue Italian at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12. It was just one of 500 built, has been restored to its original condition, has matching numbers and its original license plate number. The pre-auction estimate is between 180,000 and 220,000 pounds ($278K - $340K US).

Have a read of the press release below for more on the history of Lennon's Ferrari and a few of the other big-money classics that will go under the hammer.

Continue reading John Lennon's first car being sold at auction

John Lennon's first car being sold at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auctionbonhamsferrariferrari 330 gtgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedjohn lennonthe beatles Thu, 09 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564112/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564112/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/john-lennons-first-car-being-sold-at-auction/20564112/article-detail.xml 20564112 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/john-lennons-ferrari_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/john-lennons-ferrari.jpg <![CDATA[What does a world-class downhill skateboarder drive? Something very cool]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/world-class-downhill-skateboarder-car-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/world-class-downhill-skateboarder-car-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/world-class-downhill-skateboarder-car-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Kevin Reimer has an interesting career and a fascinating car. The resident of Vancouver, BC is a professional downhill skateboarder - which we now know is a thing you can be - who sees a lot of commonality between his extreme occupation and his cherry 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R.

The subjects of the latest Petrolicious joint, Racing Champions, Reimer waxes philosophical about skateboarding and driving down some of the same routes. You'll not be surprised to hear that riding the curves of a mountain slope, be it on a deck or in a bucket seat, both rely on grip and nerve in various measure. Scroll down to see for yourself, and don't miss the rest of our Petrolicious library when you're done.

Continue reading What does a world-class downhill skateboarder drive? Something very cool

What does a world-class downhill skateboarder drive? Something very cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1991 nissan skyline gt-rnissannissan skylinenissan skyline gt-rpetroliciousr32video Thu, 09 May 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563842/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563842/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/world-class-downhill-skateboarder-car-video/20563842/article-detail.xml 20563842 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/petrolicious-skyline-gt-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/petrolicious-skyline-gt-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster... in Arkansas?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was built as a race car for the FIA GT Championship series in 1997. To meet homologation requirements, a total of 26 road-going vehicles were built in the following years. The rarest were the open-roof roadster models, of which only six were made. While 24 of the street-legal cars were fitted with a 6.9-liter V12, good for more than 600 horsepower, two were upgraded to "CLK GTR Super Sport" configuration with a 7.3-liter V12 rated at 655 horsepower. Performance was spectacular, with a 0-60 sprint of about 3.7 seconds and a top speed of just over 200 miles per hour.

The original sticker price for the CLK GTR Super Sport, more than a decade ago, was $1,547,620 - dissuading most of us from buying one. But if you missed out last time, we just found a clean example that has apparently been sitting inside a showroom in Arkansas waiting for a new owner. It is reportedly the only roadster currently in the United States. Federalized and street legal, its odometer shows only 70 delivery miles (are we the only ones who consider it a shame nobody has ever enjoyed wringing it out?). Fresh off an extensive factory service, this museum piece boasts a Buy it Now price of $1,995,980. So much for depreciation, eh?

[Update: One of our readers correctly pointed out that the car has depreciated... as its original selling price of $1.547 million is $2.2 million in today's money!]

eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster... in Arkansas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ebay motorsmercedesmercedes clk gtrmercedes clk gtr roadster super sport Thu, 09 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560865/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/20560865/article-detail.xml 20560865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/glk-gtr-lead-26_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/glk-gtr-lead-26.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Over the last decade or so, competition in NASCAR has led to some pretty funky looking racecars. And when the sport was still up and coming, the tight competition actually led to some interesting production cars. The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird are perhaps the most well-known cars of the sport's "aero wars" era but the Ford Torino King Cobra might have been the most memorable of all, if not for some different homologation rules established in 1970. The Torino King Cobra never made it to production and never competed in NASCAR, but three examples exist including this one now for sale on eBay.

Designed as a successor for the aero-tuned Torino Talladega, the Torino King Cobra has a sleeker front end with hidden headlights and a sloped nose. As the story goes, NASCAR made a rule change in 1970 requiring 3,000 of the vehicles to be produced, which was substantially more than the 500 units required by the previous rule. One of the three prototypes ever built - and the only one built with the Boss 429 engine - is now for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $500,000. With a little more than three days left on the auction there are still no bids, but in the grand scheme of things this seems like a relatively fair price for a rare piece of automobile and racing history.

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1970 ford torino king cobrafordford torinoford torino king cobraking cobranascar Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560442/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/20560442/article-detail.xml 20560442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra.png <![CDATA[Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Morgan Plus 8 Hot Rod in Jay Leno's Garage

We love Morgan for its quintessentially British approach to motoring charm, and while the automaker has recently ventured into more modern machinery with the launch and development of its Aero line, it's the classic Plus 8 and Roadster that have stood the test of time, having first been released back in 1968.

Of course, classic cars are all well and good for those who covet the joy of driving, just so long as it's kept to weekends and sunny days, but there's always room for tinkering and improvement to bring things up to modern levels of performance and reliability. With that in mind, we suggest you scroll down below to watch Jay Leno put a hot-rod Morgan Plus 8 through its paces with its builder, Jason Len of XKs Unlimited, along for the ride.

Continue reading Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod

Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jay lenojay lenos garagemorganmorgan plus 8videoxks unlimited Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562259/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562259/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/20562259/article-detail.xml 20562259 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/morgan-plus-8-jay-leno_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/morgan-plus-8-jay-leno.png <![CDATA[Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/#comments Filed under: ,



Vehicle customization has played a huge role in car culture in the US, and Dean Jeffries was perhaps one of the most well-known builders, painters and customizers of his time.

Hemmings is reporting that Jeffries died on Sunday at the age of 80. He leaves behind a legacy in the automotive world that includes a paint job on the very first Shelby Cobra ever made, the Ford used on the cover of the 1963 Beach Boys Little Deuce Coupe album, a custom GTO for The Monkees called The Monkeemobile and even some paint work on James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder. A signature Jeffries' custom car called the Mantaray was on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in LA for a time.

Outside of customization, Jeffries also worked as a stunt driver in films like The Blues Brothers, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Die Hard With a Vengeance. Scroll down for a couple videos showing some of the cars that will ensure that Jeffries' name will forever be enshrined in the automotive community.

Continue reading Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80

Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dean jeffriesobituaryvehicle customization Wed, 08 May 2013 09:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561844/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/20561844/article-detail.xml 20561844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-monkeemobile-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-monkeemobile-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #332 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/autoblog-podcast-332-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/autoblog-podcast-332-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/autoblog-podcast-332-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/#comments Filed under: ,

Autoblog Podcast Live

We're almost ready to record Episode #332 of the Autoblog Podcast, joined tonight by Rob Sass, Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. Check out the topics below, add your own to the Q&A and join us live via UStream, as well. Keep reading for our embedded UStream player, and thanks for listening!

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #331

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #332 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern!

Autoblog Podcast #332 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcast 332autoblog podcast liveautoblog podcast topics Mon, 06 May 2013 21:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559917/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/autoblog-podcast-332-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/20559917/article-detail.xml 20559917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA['Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Durant Dort Factory One

General Motors has signed a purchase agreement for the Durant-Dort Carriage Company factory in Flint, Michigan for an undisclosed sum. Calling the location "Factory One," GM President of North America Mark Reuss said he isn't sure what will be done with the site yet, but when it's "reborn" it will "be great and it's going to be something we can all be proud of - GM and Flint."

According to Wikipedia, William Durant co-founded the Durant-Dort Carriage Co. with Josiah Dallas Dort in 1886. They leased a factory to build carriages from the Flint Woolen Mills, and the office building across the street is where Durant dreamed up the idea for General Motors - coincidentally, both David Dunbar Buick and Charles Nash, who would open their own respective car companies, worked for the carriage company.

GM will also take over the upkeep of the carriage company's office building. It has been suggested that the boardroom there could become a museum, but publicly all we know is that Reuss says, "We're going to make that area a really special area." Scroll down to watch a video offering a bit of history on the venture, as well as an announcement message from GM's Reuss.

Continue reading 'Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]

'Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dortdurant-dort carriage coflintgeneral motorsgmmark reussmichiganwilliam durant Sun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/20557141/article-detail.xml 20557141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one.jpg <![CDATA[The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/#comments Filed under: , ,



Annetta Calisi and her husband have restored their Fiat 500D to the same specification with which it left the factory in 1964. The result is a cheeky yellow cinquecento that looks the part of a 1960's movie star car. For that matter, so does Annetta, who dresses appropriately mod for this latest Petrolicious video, The Speed of Sunshine.

At one point in the video, the lucky owner mentions, "I keep saying 'fun' don't I?" which does a fine job of summing up what it must be like to own this little rascal. Watch below, and smile.

Have you seen the rest of the really well-made Petrolicious video series? If you like classic metal, well shot and well recorded, you should check out our tag page, here (we think you've earned a little video break).

Continue reading The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500

The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1964 fiat 500dfiatfiat 500fiat 500dpetroliciousvideo Sat, 04 May 2013 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557611/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/20557611/article-detail.xml 20557611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628.jpg <![CDATA['Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance has more clout every year and is getting a reputation as Pebble Beach minus the madness. Held in March this year, it celebrated Ducati and the 50-year anniversaries of Lamborghini, the Corvette Sting Ray, Porsche 911 and the Ford GT40.

Justin Lapriore was there, and seemingly everywhere, getting footage of the various wares on display on the lawns and the sand and the runway. The resulting video, Born of a Blue Sky, is a 16-minute survey of some of the finer sights and plenty of engine sounds. Check it out below.

Continue reading 'Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you

'Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> amelia islandborn of a blue skyducatifordford gt40lamborghiniporscheporsche 911videovimeo Fri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557121/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/20557121/article-detail.xml 20557121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/amelia-island-concours-overview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/amelia-island-concours-overview.jpg <![CDATA[Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged.

The Jeep Wagoneer was introduced 50 years ago, and it's that vehicle we have to thank for the herds of excellent crossovers and SUVs that make up our current automotive landscape. On a personal level, I have always loved the full-size Jeeps and their crisp Brooks Stevens styling, which aged well over their long tenure on the market. The SJs, as they're known among enthusiasts, were the Wagoneer and its two-door counterpart, the original Cherokee. The Wagoneers had become true luxury vehicles by the end of their run, which stretched form late 1962 as a '63 model all the way to 1991, when they were offered exclusively under the Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

At the end of the line in 1991, The New York Times called the Grand Wagoneer "one of the last true gas guzzlers" as it eulogized the vehicle. It deserves more respect than that; the Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged. People who could afford such luxuries seemed to understand its purpose. At the end of production, the average Grand Wagoneer buyer pulled in over $100,000 a year, and the Jeep often served as a second or third car. There is no denying that the Wagoneer invented the luxury SUV, years before the Range Rover was ever offered for sale.

Continue reading Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer

Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep cherokeejeep grand wagoneerjeep wagoneersj Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/20554916/article-detail.xml 20554916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer.jpg <![CDATA[1966 Volga GAZ-21 pops into Jay Leno's Garage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno in Russian Volga - video screencap

One of the many reasons we love Jay Leno's Garage is the depth of the comedian's collection and his appreciation for the unappreciated. Most men of his financial and social standing with even a passing interest in automobiles would occupy their driveways with six- and seven-figure high performance and luxury cars - they wouldn't even know what something like this 1966 Volga GAZ-21 is, let alone offer it a spot in their garage mahal.

Yet here is Leno, pouring over this ex-KGB staff car in detail and trying on his best labored Russian accent, genuinely fascinated by this small sedan. With a three-on-the-tree, primitive leaf-spring suspension and 95 horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder, this unrestored sedan - still riding on made-in-USSR tires - doesn't sound terribly exciting on paper, but Jay does a good job of outlining its features and putting it into historical context. He even tells a brief-but-amusing yarn about driving the car through Russian immigrant neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. Learn more about this Cold War curiosity by scrolling below to watch the video.

Continue reading 1966 Volga GAZ-21 pops into Jay Leno's Garage

1966 Volga GAZ-21 pops into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1966 volga gaz-21jay lenojay lenos garagekgblenovideovolgavolga gaz-21 Thu, 02 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556083/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/20556083/article-detail.xml 20556083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jay-leno-in-1966-volga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jay-leno-in-1966-volga.jpg <![CDATA[Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

1956 Le Mans footage

Mike Hawthorne and Ivor Bueb won The 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955 driving a Jaguar D-Type. The following year, a few days before the race, a British broadcaster put cameras on Hawthorne's car, hung a mic from a plate on his race suit and had him narrate a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

It is compelling viewing. A new pit complex was built after the massive accident on the front straight in 1955, but this was still a time when crews prepped for the race on roads that were open to the public. Hawthorne's lap includes maneuvers to avoid bicyclists and cars, and gems like letting us know that doing 185 miles per hour down the Mulsanne Straight was where you could "relax a little, recover your energy." Watch him work it like the men of old in the video below.

Continue reading Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam

Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> d-typedash camjaguarjaguar d-typele mansmike hawthornevideovimeo Wed, 01 May 2013 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552160/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552160/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/20552160/article-detail.xml 20552160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jaguar-hawthorne-le-mans-lap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jaguar-hawthorne-le-mans-lap.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

McLaren P1 undergoing winter testing - video screencap

Even though McLaren will only be building 375 examples of its new P1 hybrid supercar, it has to make sure the high-performance coupes are ready for just about any weather conditions. For its cold-weather testing, McLaren headed to the Arctic Circle to put the P1 through its paces, which also provided a perfect opportunity for some good photos and video. We've seen the P1 in person now in full production trim, but this artfully camouflaged prototype proves that the 903-horsepower supercar looks good in just about any color.

Incidentally, McLaren has also announced that as a part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the new P1 will be a featured car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, along with some of the firm's vintage Can-Am racers. The video and press release are both posted below.

Continue reading Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing

Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mclaren p1goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmclarenmclaren p1video Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553034/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/20553034/article-detail.xml 20553034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-p1-winter-testing-drift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-p1-winter-testing-drift.jpg <![CDATA[Police using 43-year-old Plymouth Satellite to patrol Seattle streets [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/police-using-43-year-old-plymouth-satellite-to-patrol-seattle-st/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/police-using-43-year-old-plymouth-satellite-to-patrol-seattle-st/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/police-using-43-year-old-plymouth-satellite-to-patrol-seattle-st/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



It's like throwback uniform days at the ballpark, only this happens every day and it's at the police station. A story and video by the Associated Press takes a look at Seattle police officer Jim Ritter and his 1970 Plymouth Satellite police cruiser (the Satellite was renamed Fury in 1975) - and yes, that's him above with the car, Ritter in his period-correct police uniform. As you might guess, this is one of those community relations efforts, but it's no show pony - the Satellite is Ritter's daily driver and he'll ride in convey with Crown Victorias to answer any kind of police call.

Ritter started the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum 15 years ago, and there are 14 cars in its collection of automobiles. This one was offered by a retired Seattle city worker living in Nebraska, and after it was determined that it was indeed part of the King County Police Department in 1970, the museum restored it with the help of local businesses. It hasn't been made modern, though - it's got no air conditioning, no computer, and 43-year-old ride quality.

Nonetheless, as a woman remarks in the video below, it's "filthy," which means "awesome." You can read even more about it over on KOMO News.

Continue reading Police using 43-year-old Plymouth Satellite to patrol Seattle streets [w/video]

Police using 43-year-old Plymouth Satellite to patrol Seattle streets [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1970 plymouth satellitejim ritterplymouthplymouth satellitepoliceseattleseattle police departmentvideoyoutube Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552124/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552124/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/police-using-43-year-old-plymouth-satellite-to-patrol-seattle-st/20552124/article-detail.xml 20552124 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1970-plymouth-satellite-police-cruiser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1970-plymouth-satellite-police-cruiser-628.jpg -1 2