Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![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/#commentsFiled 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 departmentvideoyoutubeMon, 29 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552124/article-comments.xml 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 <![CDATA[Getting to know the cars of <i>Fast & Furious 6</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/getting-to-know-the-cars-of-fast-and-furious-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/getting-to-know-the-cars-of-fast-and-furious-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/getting-to-know-the-cars-of-fast-and-furious-6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The team at Universal Pictures recently invited us check out the real stars - the machinery - of its upcoming action thriller Fast & Furious 6, due in theaters on May 24. On hand at the studio special effects facility were more than a dozen vehicles, each with its own unique story to tell.

Giving us special insight to the logistical nightmare of coordinating the 300-400 vehicles consumed during filming (sadly, nearly all were destroyed) was Dennis McCarthy, the film's Picture Car Coordinator. McCarthy, a true car guy, explained the difficulty of turning a street car into a Fast & Furious celebrity. Aside from the obvious safety upgrades to keep the stunt crews secure, engines are often upgraded (the small-block LS3 from General Motors is the team's jack-of-all-trades), differentials welded and slide brakes fitted (allowing precise control of the rear calipers to induce drift). The cars are mostly all modified in the States, and then shipped to shooting locations around the globe.

Eye candy such as the heavily customized 1969 Dodge Daytona (pictured above) is even more impressive up close, when you realize that its side pipes required the entire exhaust system to be packaged within the confines of the passenger compartment. The team purchased seven Euro Mark I Ford Escorts, a celebrated 1970s-era rally car complete with stock fender flares, but only one made it through filming. We were drawn to the LS7-powered Lister, with with its bright livery and 1,800-pound curb weight, but our favorite turned out to be the new three-passenger Flip Car. The one-off handcrafted vehicle features a 500-horsepower LS3 running through a V-drive from a boat with the rear steering mechanism of a monster truck. Simply badass, even if it's not even remotely street legal.

If you have specific questions about any of the vehicles after clicking through the gallery (all of the images have been labeled to ease identification), post them in Comments.

Getting to know the cars of Fast & Furious 6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1969 dodge daytona1970 plymouth barracudabarracudacars of fast and furiouscudadaytonafast furiousfast furious 6fast and furiousfast and furious 6fast and the furiousmovie carsplymouthuniversal picturesSun, 17 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/getting-to-know-the-cars-of-fast-and-furious-6/20502641/article-detail.xml 20502641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/furious6lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/furious6lead.jpg <![CDATA[Parents get their first car all over again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/parents-get-their-first-car-all-over-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/parents-get-their-first-car-all-over-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/parents-get-their-first-car-all-over-again/#commentsFiled under: ,



There's nothing quite like memories of ones first car to rev up the engine to the old wayback machine. No matter what your age, it seems, thinking of that car you had when you were young tends to stir reminiscence of happy days and simpler times.

Such was the case with Joe and Beverly Smith, we're told, who always pined for the 1948 Plymouth Convertible that they had when they were first married, and were forced to sell when Joe was shipped out to Korea. Knowing that this was the case, son Joel Smith worked to effect a very special surprise for his parents' 60th wedding anniversary. Clearly, Joel was raised right.

Scroll on down to hear the Smith's tell their touching tale, and to see a pretty great old Plymouth droptop.

Continue reading Parents get their first car all over again

Parents get their first car all over again originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1948 plymouth convertiblefirst carplymouthvideoyoutubeSun, 10 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20495225/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/10/parents-get-their-first-car-all-over-again/20495225/article-detail.xml 20495225 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/1948-plymouth-convertible-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/1948-plymouth-convertible-628.jpg <![CDATA[Official USPS Muscle Cars stamps coming to a mailbox near you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/official-usps-muscle-cars-stamps-coming-to-a-mailbox-near-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/official-usps-muscle-cars-stamps-coming-to-a-mailbox-near-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/official-usps-muscle-cars-stamps-coming-to-a-mailbox-near-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



As much as our digital lives have cut down on our trips to the post office, there are still times that sending "snail mail" is necessary. With us car lovers in mind and philately in their hearts, the good folks at the United States Postal Service will introduce a new stamp design called "Muscle Cars" starting on February 22.

Designed by artist Tom Fritz, the new collection of stamps consist of five classic muscle cars: 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, 1967 Shelby GT-500, 1966 Pontiac GTO and 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda. In addition to just the stamps, the USPS is also commemorating the new series with plenty of collectable memorabilia. Previous car-related stamps include 50s Sporty Cars from 2005 and 50s Fins and Chrome from 2008.

Official USPS Muscle Cars stamps coming to a mailbox near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baracudacharger daytonachevelle sschevroletdodgefordgtomuscle carsPlymouthpontiacpostage stampsshelby gt-500united states postal serviceuspsThu, 21 Feb 2013 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20470023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/21/official-usps-muscle-cars-stamps-coming-to-a-mailbox-near-you/20470023/article-detail.xml 20470023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/usps-muscle-cars-stamps-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/usps-muscle-cars-stamps-628.jpg <![CDATA[SRT belatedly claims Plymouth Prowler as one of its own]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/srt-belatedly-claims-plymouth-prowler-as-one-of-its-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/srt-belatedly-claims-plymouth-prowler-as-one-of-its-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/srt-belatedly-claims-plymouth-prowler-as-one-of-its-own/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Plymouth Prowler - front three-quarter view

Before Chrysler had Street and Racing Technology, it had Performance Vehicle Operations. What the two entities have in common, before SRT became its own brand, of course, is that each was created to take Chrysler and Dodge (and Plymouth, before it was unceremoniously killed off) vehicles to the next level of style and performance.

We'll leave the question of whether or not the old Plymouth (and later Chrysler) Prowler was ultimately a stylish, performance-oriented car to you, but the boys and girls currently leading the SRT charge at the Pentastar headquarters are keen to accept the retro-rod into the fold.

According to the automaker, all of SRT's current high-performance models owe a debt of gratitude to the old Prowler, due mostly to that car's use of lightweight bits and pieces and innovative construction techniques. If nothing else, the fact that the Prowler's frame is "the largest machined automotive part in history" is pretty cool. Read all the details here.

SRT belatedly claims Plymouth Prowler as one of its own originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler prowlerperformance vehicle operationsplymouthplymouth prowlerprowlersrtstreet and racing technologyWed, 19 Dec 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20407270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/srt-belatedly-claims-plymouth-prowler-as-one-of-its-own/20407270/article-detail.xml 20407270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/prowler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/prowler.jpg <![CDATA[Further speculation about radical new SRT Barracuda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/further-speculation-about-radical-new-srt-barracuda/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/further-speculation-about-radical-new-srt-barracuda/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/further-speculation-about-radical-new-srt-barracuda/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2015 SRT Barracuda rendering by Jon Sibal - chopped front 3/4 viewAlmost as soon as Chrysler showed us the new Dodge Challenger, Mopar fans began wondering when the Pentastar brand would put together a Barracuda. Some financially sound fans even created their own retro 'Cudas, some to much praise. But if Car and Driver is to be believed, those visions of a modern, rejuvenated 'Cuda are not nearly modern enough.

The magazine commissioned artist Jon Sibal to combine all the rumors it has collected into a speculative vision of what the look of a 2015 SRT Barracuda might be.

Instead of making a retro-modern version of the beloved, iconic Barracuda shape, it looks like the artist chose to imagine a far different approach for the speculated Pony Car. The original's long hood and short deck are replaced by a short hood and short deck. The split grille tries to evoke earlier 'Cudas, but we think it might actually be more appropriate as a Pontiac than a Plymouth (err..SRT, you know what we mean).

C/D says its sources point to a 2015 SRT Barracuda replacing the current Challenger, but with a smaller vehicle that's more of a sports car than muscle car. Engine choices could be as varied as a turbocharged Targershark inline-four, a 3.6-liter V6 and one of two Hemis: either the 5.7 or 6.4-liter.

Overall size is expected to be closer to the Ford Mustang than the Charger, with a weight loss of as much as 300 pounds.

Check out the complete renderings at over at C/D and let us know in Comments what you think of them.

Further speculation about radical new SRT Barracuda originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 srt barracudabarracudachryslercudadodgemoparnew+barracudanew+barracuda+carnewbarracudanewbarracudacarplymouthsrtsrt+barracudasrt+barracuda+newssrtbarracudasrtbarracudanewstiger sharktigersharkTue, 25 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331500/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/further-speculation-about-radical-new-srt-barracuda/20331500/article-detail.xml 20331500 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/srt-cuda-sibal-rendering-crop_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/srt-cuda-sibal-rendering-crop.jpg <![CDATA[Plymouth XNR concept parks on the auction block [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/28/plymouth-xnr-concept-parks-on-the-auction-block-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/28/plymouth-xnr-concept-parks-on-the-auction-block-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/28/plymouth-xnr-concept-parks-on-the-auction-block-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Plymouth XNR

The 1960 Plymouth XNR will cross the block next month at the RM Auction in Monterey, Calif.

The one-of-a-kind sports car was penned by Chrysler design guru Virgil Exner, who always hoped Chrysler would include a roadster in its lineup. The XNR featured a powerful six-cylinder engine that pumped out 250 horses and gave the XNR a top of speed of 150 mph.

Ultimately, the project never got the green light, and the XNR was shipped back to Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy, where it was built.

From there, the car's story gets more interesting. A series of owners bought it in the '60s, and it wound up in the Shah of Iran's garage. It was sold again before it disappeared. In the early 1980s, car collector Karim Edde discovered the XNR in Beirut, Lebanon, hidden away in an underground garage. He bought the car and shuffled it around safe houses as the civil war erupted around him.

Twenty years later, Edde had the XNR fully restored. Since it's a concept, there were no spare parts and whatever could not be repaired was fabricated. RM Auctions has not suggested a price the XNR will go for, but we hope its next owner continues the car's legacy.

You can watch Chrysler engineers test the XNR at the company's proving grounds in the video below.

Continue reading Plymouth XNR concept parks on the auction block [w/video]

Plymouth XNR concept parks on the auction block [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionchryslerconcept caridea carplymouthplymouth xnrrm auctionsrm auctions monterey auctionSat, 28 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287357/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/28/plymouth-xnr-concept-parks-on-the-auction-block-w-video/20287357/article-detail.xml 20287357 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/plymouth-1960-xnr-001-1343336697_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/plymouth-1960-xnr-001-1343336697.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Dodge Dart production kicks off in Belvidere [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-dodge-dart-production-kicks-off-in-belvidere-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-dodge-dart-production-kicks-off-in-belvidere-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-dodge-dart-production-kicks-off-in-belvidere-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Dodge Dart production kicks off in Belvidere

The 2013 Dodge Dart's trajectory towards dealer lots has officially begun. The first Dart rolled of the line at Chrysler's Belvidere Assembly yesterday, en route to a late June appearance at your local Dodge showroom.

Belvidere's future was uncertain after the poor reception given its previous product line, the Dodge Caliber and its Jeep platform mates, the Compass and Patriot. The Dart launches with more promise than any product since the original Neon, which began production at the Illinois plant in 1995.

While Belvidere has been open since 1965, it has had a long history of building inexpensive Mopar models since the Dodge Monaco and Plymouth Fury went out of production in the late 1970s. Belvidere built Dodge Omnis and Plymouth Horizons through the 1980s, and the K-car-based Chrysler New Yorker and Dodge Dynasty before retooling for the Neon.

Belvidere was also home to several of Chrysler's awesome budget performance models, the Shelby GLHS, Neon ACR and Dodge SRT4. Here's to hoping that it can soon add a hot-rodded Dart to that resume.

Scroll down to see video of the event and read the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Dodge Dart production kicks off in Belvidere [w/video]

2013 Dodge Dart production kicks off in Belvidere [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dartbelviderebelvidere assemblybelvidere chryslerchryslerdartdodgeglhsneonplymouthshelbyvideoTue, 08 May 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/2013-dodge-dart-production-kicks-off-in-belvidere-w-video/20233683/article-detail.xml 20233683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/first-2013-dodge-dart-built-at-belvidere-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/first-2013-dodge-dart-built-at-belvidere-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno has a very tender moment with a decidedly tough 1975 Plymouth Duster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/jay-leno-has-a-very-tender-moment-with-a-decidedly-tough-1975-pl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/jay-leno-has-a-very-tender-moment-with-a-decidedly-tough-1975-pl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/jay-leno-has-a-very-tender-moment-with-a-decidedly-tough-1975-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno Plymouth Duster

Long before Jay Leno became an international celebrity, he was spinning wrenches at a local car dealership. While there, he crossed paths with Paul Annunziata, a brilliant mechanic with a penchant for Mopar muscle. While Leno was busy doing stand-up comedy and working his way toward network television, Annunziata was doing something really interesting: building a street-legal pro-stock drag car out of a 1975 Duster. After winning $10,000 in the lottery, he started with a body-in-white chassis before snapping up a 426 Hemi V8 from a Super Bee. Not satisfied with wedging an impossibly huge engine into the confines of the Duster's engine bay, Annunziata bolted on a massive Roots blower.

The rear of the body had to be tubbed to keep the tires under the factory sheetmetal, and the Duster also underwent extensive engine bay modification to house its new powerplant. Even so, everything on the machine is fully functional as it would have been from the factory.

Unfortunately, Annunziata was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Rather than sell his pride and joy, he offered it to Leno for free under the stipulation that he never sell the machine. Leno agreed, but only if he could actually pay Annunziata for his creation. The two compromised by setting up a scholarship for those who are interested in pursuing a four-year degree in auto mechanics or restoration. We call that a win on every front. Scroll down to see Leno take the 1,000 horsepower Duster out for a run.

Continue reading Jay Leno has a very tender moment with a decidedly tough 1975 Plymouth Duster

Jay Leno has a very tender moment with a decidedly tough 1975 Plymouth Duster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1975 plymouth dusterdusterjay lenojay lenos garagepaul annunziataplymouthplymouth dustersuper beevideoThu, 03 May 2012 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/03/jay-leno-has-a-very-tender-moment-with-a-decidedly-tough-1975-pl/20229878/article-detail.xml 20229878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jay-leno-duster-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jay-leno-duster-628.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: ViperCuda combines classic muscle car with modern V10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-vipercuda-combines-classic-muscle-car-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-vipercuda-combines-classic-muscle-car-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-vipercuda-combines-classic-muscle-car-with/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ViperCuda

Ever wish your 1971 Plymouth Barracuda had just a wee bit more power and the ability to negotiate curves? Got an extra $180,000 laying around? That's what this Vipercuda will cost you on eBay.

Don't think it's just an expensive engine transplant, though. Beneath that 40-year-old, long hood, short deck 'Cuda body is all snake. The Viper's 450-hp engine, 18-inch front, 19-inch rear wheels, suspension and even the two-seat interior were modified, customized and rearrangeified to attractively fit into what was a four-seat '70s muscle car.

The transmission is a six-speed manual Tremec mated to a heavy duty 3.07 rear. Exhaust is a custom setup with dual pipes, glasspacks and resonators exiting the rear instead of the side. Dual Aldan coilovers assist the stock Viper suspension.

The hood is electrically operated to open and tilt forward for easy viewing of that massive V10. Topping off the package are the tastefully-done, flat black snakes on the rear quarter panels. It's an impressive build, to be sure, but is it worth its asking price?

eBay Find of the Day: ViperCuda combines classic muscle car with modern V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barracudacudadodgeplymouthv10vipervipercudaThu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214247/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-vipercuda-combines-classic-muscle-car-with/20214247/article-detail.xml 20214247 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vipercuda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vipercuda.jpg <![CDATA[EPA's classic 1970 Plymouth Superbird a no-sale in Atlantic City auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/03/epas-classic-1970-plymouth-superbird-a-no-sale-in-atlantic-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/03/epas-classic-1970-plymouth-superbird-a-no-sale-in-atlantic-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/03/epas-classic-1970-plymouth-superbird-a-no-sale-in-atlantic-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1970 EPA Plymouth Superbird

If there's one thing we've learned from the Barrett-Jackson hype machine, it's that if you want to sell an old car for ungodly sums of money, it helps to have a good yarn to tell about it. Which is why we're somewhat shocked to see this Superbird fail to attract enough interest from bidders at the Atlantic City Classic Car Auction this past weekend.

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird you see above was formerly the property of the Environmental Protection Agency, which used it in some seminal air pollution tests, racing the car down a runway against a jet to measure emissions. The story is a fascinating piece of history, in that this particular Superbird was a product of NASCAR legend Ray Nichels, the chief race car builder for Chrysler during the company's prolific late 1960's period.

Yet that wasn't enough to push bidding past $175,000, so the car will go home to its current owner, Brian Chaffee of E-Muscle in Middlefield, CT. Chaffee spent three and a half years restoring the unique muscle car after acquiring it in 2006, missing the tail end of the historic run-up in muscle car prices in the process.

While the collector market has corrected itself during the past few years of economic uncertainty, the Hagerty Price Guide still lists #1 condition '70 Superbirds packing 440 power as $182,000 cars. So the top bid in Atlantic City was a few thousand light even for a car without such provenance.

EPA's classic 1970 Plymouth Superbird a no-sale in Atlantic City auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 epa plymouth superbird1970 plymouth superbirdauctionenvironmental protection agencyepaepa plymouth superbirdepa superbirdepa superbird auctionplymouthray nichelssuperbirdSat, 03 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/03/epas-classic-1970-plymouth-superbird-a-no-sale-in-atlantic-city/20181702/article-detail.xml 20181702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1970-plymouth-superbird-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1970-plymouth-superbird-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler to replace Dodge Challenger with Barracuda?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-to-replace-dodge-challenger-with-barracuda/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-to-replace-dodge-challenger-with-barracuda/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-to-replace-dodge-challenger-with-barracuda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Plymouth Barracuda

Motor Trend reports that Chrysler may forsake the Dodge Challenger for a resurrected Barracuda. The magazine cites two unnamed sources as saying the nameplate will surface in time to celebrate the vehicle's 50th anniversary in 2014. If true, the Barracuda will ride on a new smaller and lighter platform that's more fit to compete with the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The vehicle's bones will likely be shared with Alfa Romeo, which means a turbo four-cylinder may show up behind the Barracuda headlights as well as a fire-breathing V8. MT suggests the design may pull from the original fastback Barracuda, though a notch-back version would allow Chrysler to more effectively compete against the drop-top hardware from Ford and Chevrolet.

We have no doubt Chrysler and Fiat are currently investigating ways to breathe new life into the Challenger. The vehicle has been content to plod along as a distant third to its muscle-car rivals, but pulling the Barracuda name back into play seems unlikely. For starters, the Barracuda sailed under the long-dead Plymouth banner, and both Dodge and Chrysler have a long list of hallowed names from which to choose. Stay tuned.

Chrysler to replace Dodge Challenger with Barracuda? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeobarracudachallengerchevrolechryslerdodgedodge barracudamotor trendplymouthplymouth barracudaMon, 09 Jan 2012 08:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20143627/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/chrysler-to-replace-dodge-challenger-with-barracuda/20143627/article-detail.xml 20143627 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/barracuda-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/barracuda-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler registers Cuda nameplate, Hemi engine perks up in interest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/chrysler-registers-cuda-nameplate-hemi-engine-perks-up-in-inter/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/chrysler-registers-cuda-nameplate-hemi-engine-perks-up-in-inter/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/chrysler-registers-cuda-nameplate-hemi-engine-perks-up-in-inter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sox and Martin Cuda
Sox and Martin Collector Series Hemi Cuda - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fewer nameplates resonate with the muscle-obsessed Mopar crowd more than the Cuda. Packing a 426 Hemi engine under the long, shaker-equipped hood, the classic 'Cuda was potent enough to strike fear into the hearts and souls of more plebeian hardware... which was pretty much everything else on the road.

Now that the muscle car wars are officially back in full swing - and, perhaps most importantly, the latest Mustang, Camaro and Challenger have all proven to be hits with the American population - Chrysler has hinted that the 'Cuda could once again terrorize the dealership lot.

According to Allpar.com, Chrysler has even registered the name Cuda as a trademark. As we've said in the past (and our readers seem to agree), we'd be more than happy to welcome back the Barracuda to the muscle car fold... just so long as it's significantly different from the Dodge Challenger with which it will surely share its underpinnings.

Now would be a good time to point out that the 'Cuda was historically a bit smaller than the Challenger, with a two-inch reduction in wheelbase when compared to its sibling. What we can say for certain is that a reborn 'Cuda, should it ever see the light of day, won't be wearing its old Plymouth name badge. Our best guess is that it would be sold as a Chrysler. In any case, consider our interest piqued.


Gallery: Sox and Martin Collector Series Hemi Cuda


Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Allpar.com]

Chrysler registers Cuda nameplate, Hemi engine perks up in interest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chrysler barracuda2012 chrysler cudabarracudachryslercudadodge barracudadodge cudaplymouthplymouth barracudaTue, 21 Dec 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19772695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/21/chrysler-registers-cuda-nameplate-hemi-engine-perks-up-in-inter/19772695/article-detail.xml 19772695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/sox-martin-cuda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/sox-martin-cuda.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Chrysler seriously considering new Barracuda [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/report-chrysler-seriously-considering-new-barracuda-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/report-chrysler-seriously-considering-new-barracuda-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/report-chrysler-seriously-considering-new-barracuda-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mr. Norm's Super Cuda
Mr. Norm's Super Cuda - Click above for high-res image gallery

Might a fishy new muscle car be bound for U.S. market consumption? According to USA Today, Ralph Gilles, the man who ably heads Chrysler's Dodge brand, indicated to a crowd of Mopar-obsessed fans at the 2010 SEMA Show that a resurrection of the classic Barracuda is indeed a possibility.

Keep in mind that Dodge has already re-released the Challenger, which was the Barracuda's fellow pony car sibling from 1970 through 1974, so the car's platform is seemingly already there. That raises an interesting conundrum, though: how would The Pentastar differentiate the two models if they shared a platform and featured similar styling?

Another question that would need answering is where the model would fall into the current Chrysler portfolio. Remember, the Barracuda wore a Plymouth badge way back when, and that brand got sent to the great scrapheap in the sky several years ago. As such, if it were ever to happen - which is a very, very big 'if' - we may be in store for a Chrysler Barracuda.

Would the purists object? Probably, but certainly no more than they did when Dodge brought back the Charger nameplate for a four-door sedan... With that in mind, we want to know what you think. Should Chrysler reintroduce the Barracuda?

View Poll



Gallery: Quick Spin: 2009 Mr. Norm's Super Cuda


[Source: USA Today]

Report: Chrysler seriously considering new Barracuda [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barracudachryslerchrysler barracudachrysler cudacudanew barracudanew cudaplymouthplymouth barracudaplymouth cudaFri, 05 Nov 2010 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19705506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/05/report-chrysler-seriously-considering-new-barracuda-w-poll/19705506/article-detail.xml 19705506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/mr-norms-cuda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/mr-norms-cuda.jpg <![CDATA[Barrett-Jackson OC '10: 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner "Hammer" has fame, nets fortune]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/27/barrett-jackson-oc-10-1970-plymouth-roadrunner-hammer-has-fa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/27/barrett-jackson-oc-10-1970-plymouth-roadrunner-hammer-has-fa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/27/barrett-jackson-oc-10-1970-plymouth-roadrunner-hammer-has-fa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


1970 Plymouth Road Runner "Hammer" - Click above for high-res image gallery

This big-block '70 Plymouth Roadrunner was at SEMA last year, but many readers may better remember it from its appearance as a feature car in Hot Rod magazine, a spot on the television show RIDES, and its big-screen debut in The Fast and the Furious franchise. Vin Diesel's character, Dom Toretto, showed up in the closing minutes of Tokyo Drift behind the wheel of this malevolent Mopar, and it made enough of an impact that it returned in the 2009 follow-up as well.

Underhood, there's a supercharged 500-cubic-inch Mopar wedge pumping out 750 horsepower. To those familiar with the car, it's known simply as Hammer. The bidder who brought home this Plymouth also got a GMP limited edition 1:18-scale die-cast model of the car. Its closing bid of $175,000 made Hammer one of the top sellers at the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Orange County auction. Check out our mini-gallery below.


Gallery: Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Hammer '70 Plymouth Roadrunner


Barrett-Jackson OC '10: 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner "Hammer" has fame, nets fortune originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barrett JacksonBarrett Jackson OCBarrett Jackson Orange Countybarrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2010Barrett-Jackson OCBarrett-Jackson Orange CountyBarrett-jackson2010Barrett-jacksonOcBarrett-jacksonOrangeCountyBarrettJacksonBarrettJacksonOcBarrettJacksonOrangeCountyfast and furiousfast and the furiousFastAndFuriousFastAndTheFuriousPlymouthplymouth road runnerPlymouth RoadrunnerPlymouthRoadRunnerRoad RunnerRoadRunnerthe fast and the furiousThe HammerTheFastAndTheFuriousTheHammerVin DieselVinDieselSun, 27 Jun 2010 09:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19532405/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/27/barrett-jackson-oc-10-1970-plymouth-roadrunner-hammer-has-fa/19532405/article-detail.xml 19532405 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bjochammer---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bjochammer---0.jpg <![CDATA[The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed

This week's bag of news is all about cars, cars and cars. Was anyone else aware that the Canadians know a thing or two about tuning Lamborghinis? That's a new one on us. Peugeot and Dodge have new logos, and the Pugs have a new, Ratatouille-esque commercial that involves a blender, a bicycle and a three-wheeled car. The as-yet-unveiled Nissan Patrol Safari gets caught with its doors open, and a bespoke Ferrari, the P450 Superfast Aperta, gets introduced in Florida. It's a little odd. And when some Mercedes engineers get a prototype SL Coupe stuck in the snow and it takes two other Mercedes' to rescue it, let's just say a good time was had by all. Except the Mercedes engineers. Finally, back to those Canadians, while those first lads will get crazy money for their wares, another Canuck wants crazy money for a 1975 Pontiac. Must be the weather. Follow the jump for the feast.

Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition

The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mlmodelsoldsmobilep450 superfast apertaP450SuperfastApertaplymouths-class coupeS-classCoupesuperfast apertaSuperfastApertaweekenderFri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19337989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/19337989/article-detail.xml 19337989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/wkndr12910_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/wkndr12910.jpg <![CDATA[Beach Boys' Hemi Cuda seized, released at Barrett Jackson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/21/beach-boys-hemi-cuda-seized-released-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/21/beach-boys-hemi-cuda-seized-released-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/21/beach-boys-hemi-cuda-seized-released-at-barrett-jackson/#commentsFiled under: ,

Former Beach Boy Al Jardine's Hemi 'Cuda - Click above for high-res image gallery

Al Jardine, a founding member of the Beach Boys, was definitely not feeling good vibrations with this one. His restored Hemi Cuda recreation was stolen in St. Louis in 1975. It was returned that same year, but the authorities never removed the convertible from the stolen vehicle database.

The car was slated for auction at this year's Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, but when a Motor Vehicle Department official noticed that the numbers on the car didn't match those on the title, the Phoenix police impounded the classic. Turns out the car wears remakes of its original VIN, but the 'Cuda was given a new VIN when it was re-registered after being stolen.

The St. Louis police gave the all-clear, though, so the Plymouth has been released and will make it to the auction dais. It will probably be playing, softly, "Don't worry baby, everything will be all right..."


Gallery: Beach Boy Al Jardine's Hemi 'Cuda


[Source: ABC15]

Beach Boys' Hemi Cuda seized, released at Barrett Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al jardineAlJardinebarracudabarrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2010Barrett-jackson2010hemihemi cudaHemiCudaPlymouthplymouth barracudaPlymouthBarracudaThu, 21 Jan 2010 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19324542/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/21/beach-boys-hemi-cuda-seized-released-at-barrett-jackson/19324542/article-detail.xml 19324542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/cudabeachboys_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/cudabeachboys.jpg <![CDATA[Active Aerodynamics: Coolest LeMons technology EVAR?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video

Our official coverage of the 24 Hours of LeMons Arse-Freeze-Apalooza at Thunderhill has started, but we couldn't wait to show you what could be the absolute coolest bit of low-cost technology that will be showcased at the event: the hillbilly wing. This stunning bit of kit will be vying for the coveted "Most Dangerous Banned F1 Technology" trophy, and we think they're a shoe-in. Actuated by a bowling ball, the hillbilly wing is made from an abandoned ironing board, some electrical conduit and a bit of rope. Genius. Now, how long will it last?

The Faster Farms Chickens' 1966-7 Plymouth Belvedere was made to resemble the car used in the Foster Imposters skits, and they have done a pretty good job emulating their target. When Foster Farms found out about the car, they issued a press release detailing the effort -- something that warms our cockles in our ridiculously litigious society. See the PR and the video after the break.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue reading Active Aerodynamics: Coolest LeMons technology EVAR?

Active Aerodynamics: Coolest LeMons technology EVAR? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemons24HoursOfLemonsBelvedereBowlingfaster farmsFasterFarmsfoster farmsfoster impostersFosterFarmsFosterImposterslemonslemons thunderhillLemonsThunderhillPlymouthSat, 27 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1412417/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/1412417/article-detail.xml 1412417 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/lemons_actuated_wing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/lemons_actuated_wing.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/video-chrysler-airbag-blows-up-refrigerator-passes-spit-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/video-chrysler-airbag-blows-up-refrigerator-passes-spit-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/video-chrysler-airbag-blows-up-refrigerator-passes-spit-test/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

Last week we showed you what happens when old Ford and GM airbags are set off in an enclosed place, and now it's time to see what kind of damage an old Chrysler airbag can inflict on a mini fridge. To keep the fridge grounded, Farmer Dave slapped a Reagan era microwave on top of it, wired up the airbag to the battery, and let her rip. The door went flying, the little refrigerator's side walls were compromised, and, well, follow the jump to see it for yourself. It wasn't as explosive as the Ford door, but we love how Farmer Dave employs the saliva test on the back plate of the airbag to see if it's still hot. Sizzling spit is acceptable behavior in YouTube land.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test

VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagairbag explosionAirbagExplosionchryslerdodgefarmer daveFarmerDaveplymouthvoyager minivanVoyagerMinivanWed, 01 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1330130/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/01/video-chrysler-airbag-blows-up-refrigerator-passes-spit-test/1330130/article-detail.xml 1330130 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/fridgeblowup_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/fridgeblowup_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Woodward 2008: Chrysler Booth Tour at 13 Mile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/woodward-2008-chrysler-booth-tour-at-13-mile/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/woodward-2008-chrysler-booth-tour-at-13-mile/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/woodward-2008-chrysler-booth-tour-at-13-mile/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Chrysler's booth on Woodward Ave.

The Chrysler booth at the Woodward Dream Cruise is all about two things: muscle cars and Mopar. The Pentastar filled up the massive mall parking lot at 13 mile and Woodward with dozens of classic rides from the '60s, '70s, and today. Among the best examples of Motown Metal were old-school Chrysler 300s, a brilliant orange Dodge Charger equipped with the Super Bird wing, and quite a few vintage Challengers. For some reason the Nassau concept from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show keeps creeping up at all Chrysler events, and it made it's way to Woodward, too. Chrysler also had plenty of chances for Mopar fans to kick back and have some fun, including a massive slot car track, a rock climbing wall and Rock Band. Click on the gallery below to check out the pics in full resolution glory.

Gallery: Woodward 2008 Chrysler Booth at 13 Mile

Woodward 2008: Chrysler Booth Tour at 13 Mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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