Autoblog

Sacre Bleu! Paris set to ban classic cars?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Europe, Government/Legal

Bertrand Delanoê, the socialist mayor of Paris, has submitted a proposal to the French capital's city council that aims to ban all cars and utility vehicles 17 years of age or older from use inside the A86 motorway. Buses and trucks 18 years old or older would also be prohibited from inside the city proper. The proposed ban is largely aimed at reducing emissions, though it also includes a stipulation barring motorcycles built before 2004. According to The Telegraph, Delanoê argues that such machines are "the most polluting and noisiest." But opponents of the measure say the proposal would only serve to exclude less wealthy individuals from driving in Paris.

In response, the socialist party has said it would introduce programs to help individuals update their vehicles through a program to swap old machines for new ones. Unfortunately, that seems unlikely given the strict austerity measures sweeping the European Union.

Delanoê's critics, meanwhile, have said the proposal is more likely political posturing than any real attempt at changing policy.

Sacre Bleu! Paris set to ban classic cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Brass Era American LaFrance firetruck speedster is a prehistoric Blastolene

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

American LaFrance firetruck speedster - click above for high-res gallery

One of our favorite cars from 2009 is the Blastolene Peterbilt hot rod. You know the one with two (count 'em, two) superchargers bolted to its Detroit Diesel V12. Hubba hubba,. And if we had access to a time machine, our very favorite car from say 1933 might just be this firetruck speedster, that's quite possibly a direct ancestor of Blastolene. For certain the two are related in the chutzpah department. As the owner states, "You don't know what 'awesome' is until you drive this car."

Where to even start? First of all, brass era cars rule. Even if this particular American LaFrance bucket isn't exactly 100 percent of the period. The chassis is from 1921 type 14-6 short wheelbase firetruck. The motor is out of a 1918 type 31-6-75 front drive aerial ladder, while the aluminum cowl comes from another American LaFrance firetruck built between 1927 and 1930. The speedster just looks like it hails from 1915 (the year which it's coincidently registered). Pretty amazing, no?

Let's talk motor for just one moment. The six-cylinder powering this particular rat rod is a 14.5-liter inline-six (that's 820 cubic inches) good for 105 horsepower. Not oodles of power, but with twelve spark plugs (six off the distributor, six off the magneto) and all that displacement, you can bet this guy is torquey enough to pull stumps. Need more convincing? The differential takes 600 weight oil. Currently, the speedster's sitting at $50,000 (reserve not met) with a buy it now price of $149,000. Serious bidders only, and good luck!

Gallery: LaFrance Firetruck Speedster

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Brass Era American LaFrance firetruck speedster is a prehistoric Blastolene originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009's most collectible vehicle is... the Ford Flex?!

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Design/Style

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) has named the 2010 Ford Flex its most collectible vehicle of 2009, beating out seven other vehicles shortlisted for the award. The Flex is the 11th vehicle to receive the award, given by members overseeing the "world-famous" automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library. Members say the Flex won because it was the most likely vehicle to turn heads at the 2034 Woodward Dream Cruise.

The Flex does have some interesting styling cues and the EcoBoost model is sold in relatively low volumes which could make it the Woody of its generation, but even still, we're not entirely sold on its collectibility. We're actually quite fond of the Flex but we just don't see anyone collecting Ford's boxy crossover any time soon (or in the future, either). For starters, this author hopes crossovers don't become collectibles. Something about a people hauler being put on display for all to see and admire seems wrong - just don't tell Chevrolet Nomad collectors.

Then there is the fact that most of the early models that were named "Most Collectible" are now considered to be very average transportation at best and flat out junk at worst. For example, the Oldsmobile Aurora and the Buick Riviera were co-winners in 1995 followed by the Chrysler Sebring Convertible in 1996. Yuck. The award then went on hiatus until 2002 when the retro-riffic but short-lived Ford Thunderbird was predictably chosen. More recent winners have been a bit more respectable though, with the Dodge Challenger and Viper making the list along with the 2005 Ford Mustang. The Chrysler 300 and Pontiac Solstice have also made it to the podium. We get that this is a reward given out in Detroit with virtually no chance of a foreign nameplate ever winning, but we can think of plenty of domestics that seem more deserving. How about the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V or Shelby GT500? Or the 2010 Camaro? Hit the jump for Ford's official press release, and then feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in Comments.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Flex

Photos by Dan Roth / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2009's most collectible vehicle is... the Ford Flex?!

2009's most collectible vehicle is... the Ford Flex?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Videos, Audi

The search for the last Horch -- Click above to watch video

You have August Horch to thank for Audi. A former engineer for Karl Benz, Horch started the second oldest company of the original four companies that merged to form Auto Union (the first was Wanderer). But it was Horch whose name, translated into Latin, became "Audi."

The last Horch was built in Ingolstadt in 1953, and Audi wanted to find it. They put their vintage car locator, Ralph Hornung, on the case and he ended up in a field in West Texas. Follow the jump to view a video explaining the search and how the once mighty V8 found its way to a lonely Lone Star pasture. And on a side note, Hornung has a most awesome job... Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Audi TV via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?

VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Specialty, Luxury

27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis, Dana Point - Click above for high-res image gallery

For its 27th iteration, Orange County's most prestigious classic car show returned to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, and finally dropped the "Newport Beach" from its name. No longer would it be known as the Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance, instead adopting the Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis moniker. The title may have changed, but the quality of the entrants hasn't. Still benefiting the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital and the CSP Assessment and Treatment Services Center, the field of classic cars at this concours was once again stunning.

This year's featured marque was Mercedes-Benz, and the automaker was represented by some truly spectacular models, aided in no small part by the show's proximity to the Mercedes Classic Car Center, the factory-backed restoration shop for vintage Mercedes vehicles. Besides the beautiful Benzes, the roughly 3,000 attendees got to see about 300 other classic and exotic vehicles spread out around the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and the adjacent Dana Point Sea Terrace Park. Read on to learn what else we found during our day in Dana Point and don't forget to check out the huge gallery below.

Gallery: 27th Annual Concours d'Elegance at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Continue reading AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog spends a day at the 22nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for huge high-res gallery from Seal Beach

We love spring for a multitude of reasons, but mainly for the car shows that start popping up around the country. The sun comes out and so do the classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars. This weekend we stopped by the 22nd Annual Classic Car Show in Seal Beach, California along with about 25,000 other folks. The show features around 500 cars, stretching from PCH to the pier right down the heart of Main Street.

The day includes a pancake breakfast, a running of the local pinewood derby, and a whole lotta' fun. Besides the bands that show up to play everything from swing to rock-and-roll, there were also the sounds of the cars themselves during the periodic cacklefest moments of the day. That's when the show participants are encouraged to start 'em up and stomp the loud pedal. It's quite an earful, especially if you happen to be standing next to one of the dozen or so race cars in attendance, like we did when a vintage Yeakel dragster once piloted by Tom "Mongoose" McEwen dropped the throttle.

Although muscle cars are generally king at these types of gatherings, there are also a number of other classes. Everything from the aforementioned race cars to European classics; from hot rods to Woodies; from customs to boats, bikes and even buses. A great event that puts a big emphasis on wholesome family fun in a quintessentially American way and you can check it out in our massive gallery below.

Gallery: 22nd Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Autoblog spends a day at the 22nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It was bound to happen: K Car Club springs up

Dan Roth — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Lifestyle

Unloved as they are, let's give Chrysler's K Car its due. Thirty years ago, the K represented a sea change in the Pentastar lineup. Not only did the K and its derivatives return Chrysler to the black, the architecture proved versatile enough to underpin basically the entire lineup, from minivans to LeBarons to turbocharged Daytonas. Southern California now has an official K Car club - fitting, as that's likely the only place you could find an early '80s Chrysler without lots of rust. Club membership is open to the entire swath of cars that share this similar architecture, known as the "EEK" models, so you won't get kicked out for showing up in a Caravelle instead of an Aries. Now's the time to hunt one of these cars down if you're looking for a cheap, enjoyable way to get into the hobby. They're available for a song, don't yet command any respect (perhaps they never will), yet the K Car is edging its way toward official classic status regardless of what some traditionalists might argue. The K Cars are nearly classic, they're historic and significant and worth saving. The hobby must live on after all the boomers are buried in their Tri-Fives, and a Reliant would be a great way to show an interested kid the basics.

[Hemmings Classic Car - sub req]

It was bound to happen: K Car Club springs up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thunderbird Ranch out to pasture?

Dan Roth — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Ford

John Draxler has loved Ford's personal-luxury coupe for decades, and he's been a tremendous resource for the Thunderbird community for nearly as long with his Thunderbird Ranch operation. Located in Wisconsin, the Ranch could be over-simplified as a yard full of Thunderbirds, and the Badger State thinks it's a lot more complicated than that. Wisconsin has determined that the Thunderbird Ranch is really a salvage operation, and called for all sorts of permits and fees. Rather than deal with the hassle and the expense, Mr. Drexler is razing the ranch. Now would be a good time to get those parts for your '57-'88 'Bird, or possibly even pick up that entire project car. Act fast, or the offer from the scrap metal yard will likely win out.

[Source: Hemmings]

Thunderbird Ranch out to pasture? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Detroit iron outpaces Dow Jones and the S&P 500

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Trends, Auctions, Earnings/Financials

Click above for a high resolution gallery Shelby's personal '69 GT500

Those who follow the classic car market are probably not surprised to hear that prices of vintage Detroit iron, especially those cars from the muscle-car era of the mid-'60s to early '70s, have shot up in the last several years, outperforming both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index, according to NADA Guides. Classic cars valued at over $125,000 performed the best, on average, by appreciating 47 percent between February 2004 and February 2008. By way of comparison, collectible cars in general increased in value at an average rate of 36 percent. Sounds like a good rate of return to us!

For those interested in the collector car market but who don't have deep enough pockets to afford some of these high prices, NADA Guides' research shows that the market has begun slowing in the last year and that even the lower-priced cars of $25,000 or less are increasing in value at a good clip.

Of course, Autoblog is not making any suggestions on how you should manage your money. If you are truly interested in getting in on the auction action, you may want to contact a professional. We imagine, though, that as time goes by, classic vehicles are only going to become rarer. Although new classics seem to sprout up all the time.

[Source: NADA Guides]

Continue reading Classic Detroit iron outpaces Dow Jones and the S&P 500

Classic Detroit iron outpaces Dow Jones and the S&P 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warehouse Wonders: Lyon's pride and joys

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc.

Click above image for huge high-res gallery of our visit to the Lyon collection.

A little while back, a very special invitation was dropped in our laps. As part of a celebration for one of our friends, the doors to the Lyon private collection were being swung wide open. The name might not be familiar to all of you, but here in Southern California, General William Lyon is a name that commands respect. General Lyon, as his title might imply, had a very distinguished military career that spanned more than 30 years from the onset of WWII through the Vietnam era. Fifty years ago, he also started building homes (originally for returning military personnel) in SoCal with his father and brother. William Lyon Homes, Inc. has gone on to be one of the largest builders in the area with nearly 100,000 homes built.

But all of that pales in comparison to the reason why we know him here at AB. The General owns one of the finest private collections of award-winning classics in the country. Some 60 of those vehicles are on display to the lucky few who get to visit his private estate and tour the small museum he had built to show them off. Perhaps calling this a "Warehouse" is a stretch, but it is a surprising find, and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have been allowed inside.

Follow the jump for more details about the collection, and don't forget to check out the huge gallery, as well.

Gallery: General Lyon's classic car collection

Continue reading Warehouse Wonders: Lyon's pride and joys

Warehouse Wonders: Lyon's pride and joys originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EC vs WC: 2007 Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Aston Martin, Bentley, Cadillac, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

click above for a HUGE gallery of concours entrants

For the second year in a row, the Assistance League of Southern California (ALSC) presented a pretty exceptional Concours d'Elegance for the greater Los Angeles area right in the shadow of the historic Rose Bowl. While Greenwich needed two days to present all of its automotive gems, LA managed to pack its 300 or so cars onto a golf course adjacent to the Bowl and made it a one day affair. Last year's featured marque, Ferrari, was again well-represented with an alloy 275 GTB/4, a trio of 330 GTCs, Dinos, Daytonas, a Lusso, Boxer, 308, and a familiar 375 MM to name a few. Rolls and Bentley had a strong showing that included a jaw-dropping custom Hobbit-door Roller that is owned by the nearby Petersen Museum.

Sports and GT cars from Porsche, Jaguar, Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Morgan, Austin Healey, Jenson, Facel, Mercedes, Renault, Lancia, Fiat, Maserati, AC, and Lamborghini lined the fairways and greens. There were plenty of Woodies and other American and European classics from the '40s, '50s and '60s with their full figures and exaggerated fins. Even a few dream cars from Desoto and Hudson showed up. American muscle also had a decent turnout that included the mandatory Corvettes and Mustangs, as well as an AMX, Chevelle, and whole flock of Cobras among others. A stellar display of race cars really makes this show a standout. A fleet of go-karts, tons of midgets and sprint cars, an LSR motorcycle, Keke Rosberg's F1 car, a March GTP car, a Trans-Am Benz, and something from just about every other form of racing was on display.

But the concours circuit really thrives on the classic and vintage cars. Packards, Delahayes, Bentleys, Duesenbergs, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Model Ts, Auburns and the like were particularly well-represented with examples plucked from some local private collections and museums, many of which have appeared at Pebble Beach over the years. Although not quite on par (despite the golf course setting) with top-tier shows like Pebble, Meadowbrook and Amelia Island, for such a young show, the cars and people they have managed to attract are first-rate. The show's official site is available by clicking here.

Gallery: 2007 LA Concours d'Elegance

EC vs WC: 2007 Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400

Erin Mays — Tue, 22 May 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Supercars

If we needed any more convincing that you can find more delicious things on eBay than old movies and great deals on ecco golf spikes, this auction would have done the trick. AutoHaus in Los Gatos, Calif. is auctioning off this flippin' fanTAStic restored 1968 Ferrari Miura P400 (for Posteriore 4 litre) with apparent SV upgrades done by a retired pilot who owned the vehicle. The eBay summary says the vehicle has a mere 44,000 miles on the odometer, but a magazine article included in the listing pegs it at 66K.

The Miura is powered by Lamborghini's 3.9L V12, which was also used in the 400GT. Unlike the latter, the engine is mounted transversely in the Miura and produces 350 HP. Frank Sinatra, who owned a 1970 Miura P400SV, remarked, "If you want to be famous, drive a Ferrari! If you are famous, drive a Miura."

At the time this was written, the current bid was $135,100.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

eBay Find of the Day: 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile Driving Museum takes visitors for a ride

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 May 2007 07:04:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., First Drives

Billed as the only automobile museum that "takes you for a ride," the Automobile Driving Museum recently found a new home in El Segundo, CA. Visitors to the free museum (donations encouraged) get to see some of the greatest vehicles in automotive history on display, and even better, get to go for a ride in one. More than 70 restored antique, classic and special interest cars are on display, ranging from a 1904 2-cylinder Schacht to a 1982 Delorean. Names like Cadillac, Packard, Stutz, Pierce-Arrow, Frazier, and Lincoln dominate the list, but visitors will also find cars from Austin Healy, Mercedes, Porsche and MG. There are even a few muscle and pony cars in there.

Most museums are strictly hands-off, but here they encourage people to sit in the cars. Interacting with the vehicles gives visitors a chance to really relive automotive history. And on Sundays, anybody who shows up between 10 and 4 can stand in line for a ride in one of the select driving vehicles. Passengers must be at least 10 years old, and there are a couple of other rules (no food), but basically anybody who wants to see what classic motoring was all about, can hop in for a spin.

The museum was first opened in another location in 2002, and plans to make itself available for school trips, car clubs, business meetings and other interest groups in the future. There are also memberships that allow private visits and more extensive access to the vehicles. Check it out for yourself by following the read link.

[Source: Automobile Driving Museum]

Automobile Driving Museum takes visitors for a ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey Historic Races to feature Toyota/Lexus

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc., Toyota

As the presenting sponsor of this year's Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, Toyota Motor is going all out to bring its motorsports efforts in front of U.S. fans, with the centerpiece of its involvement demonstration runs and paddock displays featuring this year's TF106 Formula 1 car. (Although Toyota isn't talking about it, fans expect the car to set a new lap record for Laguna Seca. Could be challenging on the notoriously dusty track - we'll have to wait and see.)

For the first year of its three-year stint as presenting sponsor of the event, Toyota F1's TF106 racecar will be in attendance with full team support, including team driver Ricardo Zonta, giving fans unprecedented access to a state of the art F1 car as part of Toyota's "Working Paddock Display." Also in attendance will be a full array of Toyota racing machinery, past and present, including the GTO Toyota Celicas developed by Dan Gurney's All American Racers that dominated U.S. sports car racing in the late '80s. More modern machinery will include Rod Millen's Pikes Peak hillclimb Celica, a Lexus Daytona Prototype, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck, and a Nextel Cup Camry.

Lexus is sponsoring an exhibit of motorsports artist Hector Luis Bergandi, well-known for his frequent contributions to Road & Track magazine.

The Monterey Historic is often described as an "automotive museum brought to life," and it's the largest event, with over 40,000 visitors, of the renowned classic car weekend in Monterey, California. The 33rd Rolex Monterey Historic will be held August 18-20, 2006 at the historic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Full info on the event is here.

[Source: Toyota Motor]

Monterey Historic Races to feature Toyota/Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic car lover's dream come true: 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe

Erin Mays — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

We've all heard the stories. Some mid-century family stows their gorgeous car, which they used minimally and of which they took excellent care, in some old barn, where it was forgotten until fifty years later. Half a century later, some lucky sot happens on (or tracks down) the sleepy classic, at which point it emerges dry, still relatively beautiful, and turns over like day it was put away. But that's just an automotive fairy tale, right?

Not for a 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe that was recently uncovered in a dry barn, ready for restoration. The vehicle, which sports original equipment ranging from the radio and brown leather upholstery to the headlamps, will be auctioned off at H&H's upcoming Buxton, Derbyshire, UK (July 25/26) sale. It's expected to fetch between about $65,000 and $78,000.

Ever encountered any 'barn finds' of your own? Any great 'The one that got away' stories to share? Assuage your conscience in 'Comments.'

[Source: Gizmag]

Classic car lover's dream come true: 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jun 2006 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Generation Y continues to flummox automakers

Joel Arellano — Thu, 18 May 2006 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends

Will the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and the upcoming Nissan Versa join the Buick Le Sabre and even the Toyota Camry as "Grandparent's Most Favorite Ride?" That's what analysts think about the new wave of subcompacts arriving in America. According to John Wolkonowicz, automakers are once again making the mistake that younger buyers' primary concern is cost. "This is not a meek generation. They (Generation Y) want you to see them arrive," says the Global Insight analyst. "A car is like clothing."

Other analysts agree with Wolkonowicz's statement, saying while some Gen Y buyers will purchase vehicles based on cost, they'll abandon them as soon as they can afford something more "interesting" like a Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, or Hummer H2. The analysts are a bit perplexed, since sales of MINIs and Scions illustrate Gen Y's priority: good-looking, "cool" cars that evoke emotions. Of course, those brands have a fair percentage of elderly buyers themselves. Automakers can be forgiven, though, since it takes three to five years for them to bring a new vehicle to production, during which Gen Y likely changes its mind about a dozen times. Damn video game generation.

There is a trend of younger drivers coveting more classic vehicles, and it would be interesting to read analysts' views on that phenomenon, as well. Perhaps there are some readers out there who were born in the '80s that can testify to the allure of a good classic.

Related:
Will the American market's new small cars resonate with young buyers?
Gen Y gets automakers' attention

[Source: Chicago Tribune via South Coast Today]

Generation Y continues to flummox automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vintage American iron thriving in Cuba

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 May 2006 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Government/Legal, South America

At least one of Autoblog's staffers is a sucker for the monthly 'Discovered' and 'Lost & Found' features British rags Thoroughbred & Classic Cars and Classic and Sports Car. Great 'barn finds' make our hairs stand up on end and constantly have us peering into farmyards whenever we drive through the countryside.

In this regard, at least, Cubans have it easy. Their streets fairly team with vintage iron, particularly American classics from the 1940's and 1950's. While this isn't exactly 'news,' Reuters has put a big number to the phenomenon: 60,000. That's how many of the buggers it believes are navigating the communist nation's roads, most of which are in states of tune that would make the cars' original engineers scratch their heads in wonder.

Given a 40+ year trade embargo with the U.S., modern vehicles are essentially unavailable, so many American classics have been pressed into service as cabs and private transports. With the availability of quality, affordable replacement parts being similarly non-existent, locals have taken to jury-rigging their rides with whatever bits they can muster- ancient Russian diesel engines, tatty Kia bits, baling wire, used cigar wrappers, anything. From the sounds of it, they're raising a generation of MacGyvers over there.

Cuban grand pooh-bah, Fidel Castro has announced plans to supplant privateer hacks out of business by buying some 8,000 Chinese cabs and busses. If El Presidente grinds the vintage iron to dust, it'd be a real shame. As it is, there are apparently some genuinely important classics lurking in Cuba, though efforts by American restorers and collectors have largely proven fruitless in getting around trade barriers.

[Sources: Reuters via CNN.com; HavanaJournal.com]

(Top tip, Evan!)

Vintage American iron thriving in Cuba originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 May 2006 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1953 Muntz Jet

Chris Paukert — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Auctions, Etc., Cadillac, Lincoln

Our hunt through eBay's automotive treasure trove for rare 1950's cars continues with this 1953 Muntz Jet. Created by Earl Muntz, entrepreuer extraordinaire who earned his fortune plying consumer electronics and used cars. But selling yesterday's iron wasn't enough for the "Madman," so he embarked on creating his dream car-- a process that resulted in the vehicle shown here. Not a one-off 'special' like the other cars we've seen recently, the Jet was actually a serialized production car, though less than 400 units are thought to have been manufactured between 1952 and 1953.

Unusually, all Muntz Jets are in fact removable hardtop convertibles. Designed by Frank Kurtis of Indianapolis and dirt oval motorsports fame, the Jet made use of both Lincoln and Cadillac V8 drivetrains, depending on when the model was built. This particular example is powered by the former, and has been restored in plum metallic and white leather.

Estimated to be perhaps one of 50 surviving Jets, this rare bird has been bid to more than $58,000 as this is written, but has yet to crack its reserve.

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1953 Muntz Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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