Autoblog

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Luxury

George Barris's 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X - clic above for high-res image gallery

If you've never seen Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66, stop reading and watch it. Why? Because otherwise the next part of this post isn't going to make any sense to you. Anyhow, remember the scene when his Billy Brown character kidnaps/carjacks Christina Ricci's Layla and forces her to drive because he can't work a manual?

"Would you like to know why I can't drive this kinda car? I'm used to luxury cars. Have you ever heard of a luxury car? Ever heard of Cadillac, Cadillac Eldorado? That's what I drive. I drive cars that shift themselves. My cars shift themselves. The luxury cars, they shift themselves."

We quote this scene because we think this here particular Oldsmobile Toronado would appeal to Mr. Brown's predilection for luxury cars. We mean, just look at that back seat. Incredible, right? Wrap around leather benches are totally (and sadly) missing from our everyday automotive experience. And we're pretty sure you could use the fold-out cocaine shelf to write on, so it's practical, too. Curiously, we've seen a Barris Toro before - though that one was dubbed 67X - and although it was in much worse shape, it failed to meet its reserve at $7,701.

Now, this particular custom Toronado (the story goes that Barris built four of these for the 1967 Canadian Expo -- only two are known to survive) is much better shape, having undergone a "complete frame-up restoration at an astronomical cost." However, $7,701 won't even get you into that amazing ~~drug den~~ back seat. In fact, the starting bid is $227,770 and the reserve isn't met. Sure, that's a lot of scratch, but you can really put a price on luxury like this? We're saying no. Happy bidding!

Gallery: 1967 Oldsmobile Barris 70-X Toronado

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 67X

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Celebrities, Canada, Specialty

George Barris' Esso Tornado - Click above for a gallery of images

As the story goes, Esso Oil asked custom car guru George Barris (he of Batmobile, Munster Koach and Drag-u-la fame) to create four custom Oldsmobile Toronado coupes for the 1967 Canadian Expo. The car you see above is dubbed Toronado 67X, and according to the seller on eBay, it is one of the only two cars remaining. The big coupe was originally gold, but time and poor treatment have turned it a lovely shade of something other than gold (well, several lovely shades, actually).

Although the auction has just ended, we thought you'd still enjoy a glimpse of what the seller calls the "Project car find of a lifetime" (which might be how long it would take to get it back together). Structurally, the Olds appears to be sound enough, but you can forget about the floorboards and the interior (which includes a wraparound rear couch!). Despite its obvious shortcomings, the car's provenance has helped it gain an appraisal value of $21,500 (which is about $15,000 more than a brand new Toronado listed for in 1966). On the auction itself, there's even a video of the engine running but you hear a lot more wind than engine.

The car was bid to $7,701 but ultimately failed to meet reserve, so we expect to see it back up on the ol' eBay block sooner rather than later. In the meantime, click the link below to learn more about this unique piece of Barris history, and check out the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Jay!

Gallery: George Barris Tornado

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 67X originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

Chris Paukert — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s. The recall affects various Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models equipped with normally aspirated versions of GM's much-utilized 3800 3.8-liter V6.

Apparently, some of these engines can drop oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil dribbles below the heat shield, it can start a small fire. The flames can then engulf the plastic spark plug wire channel, potentially resulting in a full-on engine compartment fire.

The fix? Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Models Affected:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May. Official NHTSA Release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DiMora Scattare gives the Olds Aurora some junk in its trunk, makes us fear the $2M version

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Etc., GM

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the DiMora Scattare

We like big butts, but we cannot lie - there is a limit a to our love. And the vehicle above has crossed over said limit, knocking a few things over with its ghetto booty while it was at it. Right about now, you should be scratching your head (or other parts) and wondering what the heck it is you're looking at, so we'll tell you. It's a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora modified into a sort of coupe-pickup-thing, to be specific. Strictly speaking, behind the driver and passenger it's all trunk, but while we don't generally geek over pickup-car conversions like some other sites on the net (who shall remain nameless), we wonder what the point is here.

The Scattare (Italian for "jump", as in "jump out of the way") is the unfortunate work of DiMora Designs, a division of same company that's been working on the DiMora Motors Natalia SLS 2, a luxury sedan with little more than its $2 million target price tag to show for itself thus far. And while we appreciate the creativity and the apparent craftsmanship on display with the Scattare, please understand if it doesn't exactly fill us with hope for dear Natalia.

DiMora Designs recently began work on modifying another Olds Aurora, this one from 1996. Project Manager Jim Willis says he doesn't plan to change it much, just little tweaks like converting this front-engine car into a mid-engine car. Yikes! Stay tuned - but in the meantime, click on the thumbnails below to jump to the gallery... and don't say we didn't warn you.

Gallery: DiMora Scattare

[Source: DiMora]

DiMora Scattare gives the Olds Aurora some junk in its trunk, makes us fear the $2M version originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1906 RE Olds Model A mini finally returns to Lansing, Michigan

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Etc., Toys/Games

At Pebble Beach this year, the descendants of R.E. Olds - founder of Oldsmobile and the REO Motor Company - bought a 1906 REO Model A. The car is over 100 years old and doubtless cost them a pretty penny or two. But it wasn't even the car they were interested in. Bundled in the lot was a 1/8-scale replica known as the Baby REO. That's what Debbie Stephens, Olds' great granddaughter, wanted to get her hands on.

The Baby REO was initially made as a marketing tool for the motor company, traveling around the country before being loaned to the Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Brothers Circus in 1911. Along the way, the Baby REO would make occasional stops at the company headquarters and family estate in Lansing, Michigan, where the children would have their portraits taken. The miniature Olds made its way back to Lansing in 2004 for the company's 100th anniversary, but the family has been trying to acquire it for decades, frustrated when its various owners would sell it without offering the family the opportunity to bid. But the car - along with its full-size counterpart - has finally returned home, where it will be on display for public viewing at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Just make sure there isn't a family picnic going on if you're planning on stopping by or the Baby REO may be out on a field trip.

[Source: The Detroit News, Photo by Rod Sanford/AP]

1906 RE Olds Model A mini finally returns to Lansing, Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks can deceive: 6.6L Duramax-powered Buick GNX clone

Alex Nunez — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Buick, GM

The car you see here is not a GNX. Hell, it's not even a Buick. You'd be forgiven if you thought it was, though, and it does sport a turbocharger underhood. David Morad was so enamored with the 6.6L LB7 Duramax diesel in his truck that he wanted to put it into something lighter and more fun. He decided to build a Grand National around the engine, and started buying up whatever applicable Buick body parts he could find -- right down to legit GNX dash plates. Next, he bought an '82 Buick Regal diesel that was to be the subject of the transformation. Unfortunately, that car literally self-immolated as he drove it home, sending Morad straight back to square one.

He subsequently found and bought an '81 Olds diesel and got to work. The car was cut in half so that a Regal rear end could be welded on, and then a laundry list of major modifications followed. To retain the stock Buick exterior appearance while incorporating the new powertrain, everything under the skin is is either extensively modified or custom fabricated in order to allow for the deception. Sure, it looks like a GNX, but this is really a scratch-built machine. Wilwood brakes lurk behind some absolutely wicked deep-dish Budnik wheels (dig those steamrollers in back), which nicely compliment the menacing black bodywork. Diesel Power magazine covers all the build's specifics in detail, and it's well worth a read.

If you're gonna masquerade as a GNX, you'd better bring some punch to the costume party, and Morad's car does. As of Diesel Power's publication, it ran an 8.25-second eighth of a mile, which they figure works out to somewhere in the 12s for the quarter. He'll be gunning for the 11s next, and additional performance upgrades are in store. Best of all? This is Morad's daily driver! He reports that it gets around 28 mpg in regular use and in the mid-30s on the highway. Not a bad combination: the looks of a GNX, the grunt of a big turbodiesel, and the fuel economy of cars that are a lot more boring. This thing had to cost a fortune to make, but Morad's clearly getting his money's worth on the fun scale.

[Source: Diesel Power via Next Autos]

Looks can deceive: 6.6L Duramax-powered Buick GNX clone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog visits The All GM Car Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Buick, Cadillac, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a ghres gallery from The All GM Car Show

On sunny 90-degree day that felt like a lot more than 90 degrees, Autoblog made the trek to a park in Van Nuys, California for The All GM Car Show. Old mingled with new, with a 1911 Buick sitting across the aisle from a Cadillac Allante, and a 1950 Oldsmobile next to a Shelby Series 1 supercar. And age didn't stop anyone from winning prizes: in fact, a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT took home one of the day's awards.

The show also featured concept cars, customizations, and some absolutely superb hood ornaments and detailing. Follow the jump to get the scoop on The All GM Car Show, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: California All GM Car Show

Continue reading Autoblog visits The All GM Car Show

Autoblog visits The All GM Car Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Five of Oldsmobile's Final 500

John Neff — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, GM

click above for gallery of the entire Final 500 Collection

The death of the Oldsmobile brand in 2004 was certainly a sad moment in the annals of automotive history. At 107 years old, the brand had seen its share of ups and downs, and most would agree that it ended on a down note with a lineup of cars that weren't competitive at all in their respective classes. Regardless, a dealership in Indiana managed to collect an example of each vehicle in Oldsmobile's parting lineup, all of which feature the brand's Final 500 Collector's Edition Package. They include a 2004 Silhouette minivan, 2003 Aurora, 2002 Intrigue, 2004 Bravada SUV and, my personal fave, a 2004 Alero. With my own 1999 Alero Coupe suffering from a determined pull to the right, I am looking for a suitable replacement and a perfectly preserved 2004 model would be perfect. Unfortunately, these vehicles were being sold as a set (the auction is not live anymore) with a starting bid of $149,995. If I bought the whole lot of them, I'd be paying an average of $29,999 per vehicle. We're not sure any post-Y2K Oldsmobiles will ever be worth that much on their own, and I've got too many Bentleys and Ferraris in my imaginary temperature-controlled garage to fit five reminders of why GM sucked not too long ago. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

Gallery: Final 500 Oldsmobile Collection

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Five of Oldsmobile's Final 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oldsmobile Redux: The rest of the story...

Alex Nunez — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

Earlier this week, in an example of cross-magazine synergy, both Automobile and Car and Driver ran April Fool's gags trumpeting the return of a rejuvenated, Toyota-owned Oldsmobile. The pubs even shared the same images, which depicted Oldsmofied versions of the Toyota Sequoia (Oldsmobile Super 88) and 4Runner (Oldsmobile Intrigue). It was goofy fun, and we all had a laugh and moved on. It would appear that not everyone caught the joke, however, and this is where things get substantially more amusing.

Continue reading Oldsmobile Redux: The rest of the story...

Oldsmobile Redux: The rest of the story... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Survey: Bring back Oldsmobile, Studebaker

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Marketing/Advertising

Brand revival has become a hot trend in the automotive industry, but while European marques like MINI, Maybach, Bugatti and Spyker have returned to the limelight, American automakers have yet to climb on board. According to this Brandjunkie survey conducted by Interbrand's website brandchannel.com, the public most wants to see the retired American auto marques Oldsmobile and Studebaker revived. The gone-but-not-forgotten car brands follow names like Pan Am and Atari on the list, which also happened to include the retired Chrysler division Plymouth.

Elsewhere in the survey, respondents answered that BMW would make a great dinner party guest; Ford and Toyota have made a significant impact on the course of history; GM and Ford deserve a good tongue lashing in an argument; BMW, Toyota, Mercedes or Volkswagen would be good brands to be if one could be a brand; BMW, Mercedes and Toyota inspire people; GM, BMW and Mercedes need to be rebranded; and Toyota, Honda, GM and BMW are truly "green" brands. Outside the auto industry, Apple is apparently the best brand ever created, as it nabbed the No. 1 survey spot in most questions.

[Source: brandchannel.com via NYTimes Wheels]

Survey: Bring back Oldsmobile, Studebaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 AB Gift Guide: Oldsmobile Neon Sign

Chris Tutor — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:48:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

Just because the General decided not to invest any more in the Oldsmobile brand doesn't mean you can't. This reproduction of a decades-old dealership sign is custom-built and limited to only 100 editions. Other signs available are Pontiac, Chevy, Cadillac and Buick.

Classic GM neon signs - $4,000

Next up: For the Mustang-loving ladies!

Gallery: 2008 AB Gift Guide

2007 AB Gift Guide: Oldsmobile Neon Sign originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Great Gotham! It's the Milwaukee Batmobile

Alex Nunez — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:56:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc.

Click image for gallery

Today's eBay finds have been vehicles that prove the adage, "just because you can doesn't mean you should." First there was the Muskrat, a rolling Star Trek transporter accident involving a Mustang and a Ranger, and now we have the Milwaukee Batmobile. So named, we assume, because that's where this erstwhile 1970 Oldsmobile 98 resides. The "Batmobile" here is allegedly modeled after the design shown on a 1960s coloring book cover. In reality, it looks more like something the Dark Knight would perhaps drive if he were starring in Gordon Parks Jr's 1972 classic, Super Fly, instead of fighting crime. Added bonus: it's autographed by George Barris (his only connection to the vehicle, in case you were wondering). Really, it must be seen to be believed, so click on the gallery below. The current bid's at over $11,000, and the reserve hasn't been met. Fanboys, you still have a chance!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: The Milwaukee Batmobile

Great Gotham! It's the Milwaukee Batmobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating GM supercharged offerings

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Buick, GM, Pontiac

The NHTSA has commenced an "engineering analysis" of GM's supercharged 3800 Series II V6 engine. Fitted to certain 1999-2002 models, such as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Buick Park Avenue, and Oldsmobile LSS, they are apparently catching fire at a rate thirteen times greater than the naturally aspirated engine. Specifically, the agency has 180 complaints of "non-crash-related fires originating in the engine compartment while driving or after the vehicle is parked and the ignition switched off." An engineering analysis isn't a recall, it is a possible precursor to a recall. If you have that particular engine in your ride, you can find out more about the NHTSA's investigation here.

[Source: Inside Line]

NHTSA investigating GM supercharged offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Twin-Engine Toronado

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions

Most people that want to have prodigious amounts of torque and horsepower simply slap on a supercharger or a turbocharger or two and call it a day. Back in the 60's, a guy by the name of Grant McCoon, who owned the Grant Piston Ring Company, decided the best way to add might to his car was to throw a second engine in the trunk.

The car in question, a 1966 Olds Toronado, actually has two engines and four wheel drive, since each engine operates the closest two wheels. The two combined engines total 760 horsepower, and the car's owner claims the vehicle hit 100 mph in only 11 seconds. The rear engine doesn't take up any room from the back seat, and it has it's own tachometer on the dash.

The 41 year old vehicle still looks great, with virtually no rust, and no dents to mention. The owner claims the vehicle hasn't been driven in 31 years, and it still carries its 1976 license plates. Dozens of people have already bid on this rare commodity, and the price is around $25,000. If you're looking for something truly unique and a blown engine just won't do, this 760 HP classic is waiting for you.

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Twin-Engine Toronado originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2007 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fortune writer calls for death of Buick, Pontiac, HUMMER, GMC and Saab

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, GM, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab

Now that GM is officially Number Two, many Monday morning quarterbacks are popping up to "help" the general right the ship. Count Alex Taylor III, Fortune's senior writer, among them. In an interesting article, Taylor outlines reasons why GM should cut loose the anchors of Buick, Pontiac, HUMMER, GMC and Saab in order to move forward and prosper. Reckoning that GM is too bloated with brands and capacity that were fine 50 years ago, Fortune says it's time to move on.

Where GM has 7 brands, new Number One, Toyota, has just three. Toyota, Lexus and Scion seem to be good enough to cover most buyers' needs, argues Taylor. But GM maintains that cutting brands would be cutting buyers since there are too many loyalists in the fold. The argument is that people want choice and more brands allows more specific targeting of the audience. But Fortune argues that the cost of that level of specification is too high. Taylor proposes keeping Chevy as the Toyota-equivalent volume brand, expanding Cadillac's offerings to go head-to-head with Lexus, and keeping Saturn to compete with Scion in the import-minded segment.

GMC can go completely commercial, but the author sees no redeeming qualities in HUMMER, Pontiac, Buick, or Saab (he might want to check out Buick's prospects in other regions like China before he shrugs it off so easily). It seems like a pretty logical plan that just makes too much sense in an industry fueled by passion and huge egos. It miight make good business sense on the surface, but these are emotional decisions, too. Nobody likes seeing a brand die, especially ones with such heritage. Chrysler has had to do it a lot over the years and GM has had to do it recently with Oldsmobile, but killing off a brand does come with considerable expense, as well. Buying out dealers, losing brand loyalists, and shuffling/reducing your workforce will hit the bottom line hard, too. .

Click through the Read link for Taylor's argument in full.

[Source: Fortune]

Fortune writer calls for death of Buick, Pontiac, HUMMER, GMC and Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog RR of the Day: Final 500 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

John Neff — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 11:09:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, RR of the Day

While in Paris, Eric Bryant and I spent a lot of time pounding the pavement on the streets of Paris and talking all things autos. Invariably we touched upon Oldsmobile's demise, the reliving of which inspired today's RR of the Day. Owned by a 20-something Flickr member who goes by the handle madeindetroit_2006, this 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora is one of the Final 500, the last half-thou of Auroras built at GM's Orion, Michigan plant. It features the 4.0-liter L47 V8 that was a special version of Cadillac's Northstar V8 producing 250 horsepower and 260 ft-lbs. of torque made only for Oldsmobile. This particular model is No. 252 out of 500.

The Aurora was part of a strong car lineup abandoned when Oldsmobile was put down like a sick puppy in 2004. Together with the Silhouette, Bravado, Intrigue and the Alero, of which I happen to own a 1999 example of the latter, the Aurora ushered out of existence a company that had been selling cars since 1897. The least we could do is feature one of the brand's bright spots before its star faded.

If you'd like to see your own ride featured here, simply upload photos of your ride into our Flickr group. We select one image to highlight each week day, and on the weekend let you vote for the RR of the Week. Detailed instructions can be found after the jump.

Continue reading Autoblog RR of the Day: Final 500 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

Autoblog RR of the Day: Final 500 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNN reports Top 10 Muscle Car Stars

Alex Nunez — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM

CNN Money has published a list of the "Top 10 Muscle Car Stars" as compiled by Kelley Blue Book. Some of the picks are obvious, such as the Hemi 'Cuda convertible, GTO Judge convertible, and the venerable Plymouth Superbird. More of a surprise is the presence of the Ford Torino Talladega, which is labeled as an up-and-comer in the muscle car marketplace. With values currently in the $30,000 range, the Torino is still attainable by those who don't have six-figure budgets to work with.

Also, despite lists like this one, it's always good to remember that one doesn't need a paddle at Barrett-Jackson to get into the game. Local newspapers and weeklies are always a great place to start. Sure, you may not find a concours-level, numbers-matching, rare-engined stunner, but you can find great bargains that are as much or more fun to work on and to drive.

All that said, here's the top 10 list as reported by CNN:

1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible - $2,000,000
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454/LS-6 convertible - $369,000
1969 Pontiac GTO "Judge" convertible - $205,200
1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster - $329,100
1969 Dodge Charger R/T-440 hardtop - $170,000
1968 Shelby GT-500-KR convertible - $191,000
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28/SS coupe - $91,700
1970 Oldsmobile 442/W-30 hardtop -$85,960
1970 Plymouth Superbird-440 hardtop - $107,500
1969 Ford Torino-Talladega hardtop - $37,100

Read the whole story for photos and expanded descriptions of the cars listed.

Agree? Disagree? Let's hear what your favorites are in the comments section.

Photo: Alex Nunez

[Source: CNN Money]

CNN reports Top 10 Muscle Car Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM slapped with gasket class-action lawsuit in Canada, claims could hit $1.2 billion

Chris Paukert — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Recalls

Earlier this month, Autoblog informed you about General Motors electing to handle a widespread intake manifold gasket defect on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. But if Toronto-based law firm Stevensons LLP has any say in the matter, the automaker won't have the option to be choosy with some 400,000 Canadian vehicles.

The firm announced Tuesday that it is filing a class-action lawsuit against General Motors of Canada Ltd., as well as parent company General Motors Corp. The suit is predicated on the premature failure of intake manifold gaskets used in a wide range of the company's vehicles from 1995-2003. Given the 400,000 vehicle estimate by Stevensons and an average claim of $3,000 per vehicle, the class-action tab could balloon to $1.2 billion dollars.

A similar lawsuit in the U.S. was granted class-action status in January.

Click on the link to see further details, including a list of affected vehicles.

[Sources: The Canadian Press via Canada.com; Canadianally.com]

GM slapped with gasket class-action lawsuit in Canada, claims could hit $1.2 billion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to go Oldsmobile on Jaguar?

Joel Arellano — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertible, Coupe

Jaguar must "find a way to fund its own future or face the consequences."

That's what Ford Motor Co. Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, Jr. told journalists in Detroit about Ford's "Big Cat." And the consequences? While the article didn't state if Ford, Jr. was asked that question, a high level director did answer and said Blue Oval may put the luxury marque into "exit mode," either shutting it down or selling it.

Ford purchased Jaguar in 1989, and the brand is part of Ford's Premier Auto Group (PAG) which includes Aston Martin and Volvo. But Jaguar's S-Type, X-Type, and XJ sedans are among the lowest selling vehicles in PAG. Ford hasn't given up on the band just yet, having infused $2.1 billion last year after the brand lost $745 million in 2004.

Newly appointed Ford of Europe chairman Lewis Booth has thus embarked on an ambitious plan to preserve the Big Cat's remaining lives. Besides touting the new XK coupe (pictured) and convertible, Jaguar is planning to sell fewer but well-equipped vehicles, making Jags more exclusive. This is similar to Porsche, whose vehicles make the highest profit per each one sold.

Other changes include updating Jaguar's manufacturing facilities and modernizing its models' sheet-metal.

With Jaguar's rich heritage and evocative design language, it's been frustrating for company officials and marque afficianados to see the Big Cat falter so badly for so many years. It is hard to see the Blue Oval shuttering the brand, but we wouldn't rule out Dearborn eventually seeking out a suitor if the latest capital infusion fails.

[Source: The Sydney Morning Herald]

Ford to go Oldsmobile on Jaguar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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