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[Petrolicious focuses on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/petrolicious-focuses-on-the-ubiquitous-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/petrolicious-focuses-on-the-ubiquitous-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/petrolicious-focuses-on-the-ubiquitous-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Petrolicious Beetle

No matter what your feelings toward the Volkswagen Beetle, you should respect the little runabout. With 75 years of production under its belt and some 21 million units unleashed on the world, odds are everyone knows someone with a Beetle. The crew at Petrolicious has finally gotten around to paying homage to the ubiquitous rear-engine German machine in its latest video, Kindred Spirits. The clip puts a close eye on Stephan Ruiz's über-clean 1967 Beetle. Tastefully modified and mechanically sorted, the Bug is exactly what we think of when we think "Beetle."

This is the latest in a long line of Volkswagen models in Ruiz's stable, and while he's had plenty of misfortune in the past, he says the '67 is helping him turn his luck. You can check out the clip below for yourself.

Continue reading Petrolicious focuses on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle

Petrolicious focuses on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetleclassicpetroliciousvideovintagevwvw beetleTue, 19 Mar 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20510316/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/petrolicious-focuses-on-the-ubiquitous-beetle/20510316/article-detail.xml 20510316 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/petrolicious-beetle-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/petrolicious-beetle-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Petrolicious</i> revisits our favorite kind of hybrid, the Iso Grifo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/petrolicious-revisits-our-favorite-kind-of-hybrid-the-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/petrolicious-revisits-our-favorite-kind-of-hybrid-the-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/petrolicious-revisits-our-favorite-kind-of-hybrid-the-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Iso Grifo on Petrolicious - video screencap

The '60s were a great time for exotic cars. Italian coach builders were busily handcrafting beautiful sheetmetal and plopping whatever throaty drivetrain they could find behind the headlights. For Iso Grifo, that meant marrying lusty European lines with a tried and true Chevrolet small block. In our humble opinion, it's one of the best hybrid creations out there. It would seem the crew from Petrolicious agrees. They recently trained their lenses on the pride and joy of Hirman Bond's collection. A social worker by day, Bond has spent years restoring and selling vintage station wagons and running a detail business on the side.

His efforts eventually landed him his very own Iso Grifo, but unlike most collectors, Bond doesn't have his ultra-rare Italian sealed away in a museum somewhere. No, he drives the car just about every week, thereby subjecting the machine to the slings and arrows of life on public streets. It's always refreshing to see a regular guy bring home his dream car, and it's even more special when the gentleman in question actually puts the machine to good use. Check out the video below for a closer look.

Continue reading Petrolicious revisits our favorite kind of hybrid, the Iso Grifo

Petrolicious revisits our favorite kind of hybrid, the Iso Grifo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicgrifoisoiso grifoitalianpetroliciousvideovintagevintage carThu, 28 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20481565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/petrolicious-revisits-our-favorite-kind-of-hybrid-the-is/20481565/article-detail.xml 20481565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/iso-grifo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/iso-grifo-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Petrolicious</i> highlights Andy Greene's love of Ferrari in "The Caretaker"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/petrolicious-highlights-andy-greenes-love-of-ferrari-in-the-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/petrolicious-highlights-andy-greenes-love-of-ferrari-in-the-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/petrolicious-highlights-andy-greenes-love-of-ferrari-in-the-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The next stop on the Petrolicious tour of the nation's car stories is Savannah, Georgia. The crew sat down with restorer Andy Greene of Andy Greene's Sports and Vintage Race Cars, and he waxed poetic about his love of Ferraris. See, the shop will work on vintage models and classic road racing cars from other brands, but when it comes to Ferrari, any model from any year can find a place in Greene's garage.

And we'll admit that the yellow Ferrari 250 SWB helps make Greene's case. You can see for yourself what he's talking about in the video below.

Continue reading Petrolicious highlights Andy Greene's love of Ferrari in "The Caretaker"

Petrolicious highlights Andy Greene's love of Ferrari in "The Caretaker" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250 swbandy greeneclassicsferrariferrari 250 swbgeorgiapetroliciousrestorationvideovideosvimeovintageWed, 09 Jan 2013 17:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20422864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/petrolicious-highlights-andy-greenes-love-of-ferrari-in-the-ca/20422864/article-detail.xml 20422864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ferrariandygreene2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ferrariandygreene2.jpg <![CDATA[Even <em>older</em> dashcam footage from 1907]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/even-older-dashcam-footage-from-1907/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/even-older-dashcam-footage-from-1907/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/even-older-dashcam-footage-from-1907/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vancouver street life in 1907 as seen in early streetcar dash cam vid - screencap

Let the dashcam navel-gazing continue. As the story goes, Australia's National Film and Sound Archive dug up some camera footage in 2008 originally thought to hail from Hobart, Australia. A closer look revealed the images were actually of Vancouver, Canada. In 1907, Seattle filmmaker William Harbeck took his hand-cranked camera aboard one of the city's streetcars and began capturing life as viewed from the streets. The 106-year-old film shows bustling neighborhoods filled with pedestrians, stray dogs and men on bicycles all darting around town. The clip is an interesting glimpse at a life gone by, and predates the claimed oldest dashcam video we showed you before by an impressive 19 years (although obviously it's using a streetcar and not a conventional automobile).

Sadly, chronicler Harbeck met an untimely end. When he was 44 years old, he was commissioned to document the launch of a world-famous ocean liner, a ship that wound up on the bottom of the Atlantic. The name of the vessel? The Titanic. Take a look at Hartbeck's look at Vancouver below.

Continue reading Even older dashcam footage from 1907

Even older dashcam footage from 1907 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1907 vancouverdash camdashcamharbecknational film and sound archiveoldest dashcamvancouvervideovintagewilliam harbeckTue, 08 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20421722/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/even-older-dashcam-footage-from-1907/20421722/article-detail.xml 20421722 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vancouver-1907_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vancouver-1907.jpg <![CDATA[California DMV opens door to reissuing classic license plates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Like in the UK, California's license plates follow the vehicles they originate on, not the owner, so residents can easily pick out cars that have been in continuous California circulation since way back in the last millennium. A car with yellow tags with black lettering was registered between 1956 and 1962, one with yellow tags with black lettering is from circa 1963 to 1969, and one with blue tags with yellow lettering got them sometime from 1970 to 1982.

State Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill allowing for the return of those plate styles. If the Department of Motor Vehicles receives 7,500 pre-orders between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2015 for the vintage replica plates, it will begin issuing them for any vehicle for a personalized plate fee of $50. If fewer than 7,500 pre-orders are received in that two-year span, those who submitted $50 payments will have their money refunded. According to the Los Angeles Times, if the program goes through, buyers of the plates will also have to spend a further $40 every time they renew their registrations.

Hemmings has a little history on why the color of one's plate is such a big deal in The Golden State. For those who don't need the lesson, you can check out the press release below for more information on the program and how to order.

Despite some classic car enthusiasts who apparently only want original vintage plates and not these new, so-called "legacy license plates," we have a feeling this one is a done deal.

Continue reading California DMV opens door to reissuing classic license plates

California DMV opens door to reissuing classic license plates originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaclassicsdepartment of motor vehiclesdmvlegacy license plateslicenselicense platevintagevintage license platesWed, 02 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/20412914/article-detail.xml 20412914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/california-license-plate-628-1356965629_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/california-license-plate-628-1356965629.jpg <![CDATA[Petrolicioius follows one Peugeot through the circle of life]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Petrolicious Peugeot

In 1939, Vensio Pagani's father packed his family up and fled war-torn Italy for France, leaving everything behind in the process. The family home, friends and even his father's prize Peugeot convertible were all abandoned in the hope that the Paganis could find a safer future for themselves.

Vensio cultivated a passion for restoring period vehicles over the intervening 70 years, and happened to spot a vintage Peugeot just like his father's at a swap meet. The car was in pieces and badly in need of restoration, but Vensio drug it back to his shop and began rebuilding the car from the ground up.

It wasn't until he cleaned off the frame that he noticed something special. After scratching back the rust, grime and paint of seven decades, Vensio discovered that the serial number of the car he purchased matched his father's - amazingly, he had found his dad's long-lost Peugeot. Our friends at Petrolicious took the time to speak with Vensio in his workshop for their latest video. You can take a look at it below.

Continue reading Petrolicioius follows one Peugeot through the circle of life

Petrolicioius follows one Peugeot through the circle of life originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicpetroliciouspeugeotvideovintageWed, 26 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/20411321/article-detail.xml 20411321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petrolicious-peugteot-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petrolicious-peugteot-628.jpg <![CDATA[Petersen Automotive Museum open its vault to public for first time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/#commentsFiled under: ,



Two years ago we went to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to meet one of the original Black Beauty Chrysler Imperials from The Green Hornet television show. When the work was done, we were asked if we wanted a tour of the underground vault, to which we of course consented. We were instructed, however, "You can't mention this to anyone." And we didn't.

Now it's a secret that won't need to be kept if you're in LA from December 15 to January 6. The Petersen is opening its vault to the public for the holidays, offering guided tours of the roughly 250 cars in the stash to groups of 10 or fewer. You'll need an additional $25 ticket on top of the $12 museum ticket, but the metal in the photo above will immediately prove its worth. If you haven't seen the "Round Door" Rolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe, that is worth the price of entry by itself.

Each tour will last for more than an hour, so you won't worry about being rushed. You won't be able to take photos, however, and those under 12 will not be allowed. The press release below will tell you how to get into the automotive safe, and the high-res pics above will help you figure out where you want you want to focus your eyeballs when you get there.

Continue reading Petersen Automotive Museum open its vault to public for first time

Petersen Automotive Museum open its vault to public for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicslos angelesmuseumpetersen automotive museumvintageSat, 15 Dec 2012 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402816/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/20402816/article-detail.xml 20402816 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petersenvault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petersenvault.jpg <![CDATA[Goodwood Revival-style event may come to the US [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/21/goodwood-revival-style-event-may-come-to-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/21/goodwood-revival-style-event-may-come-to-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/21/goodwood-revival-style-event-may-come-to-the-us/#commentsFiled under:

Goodwood Revival

Any motoring enthusiast worth his salt knows and reveres the Goodwood Revival. While the Festival of Speed is exactly what the name states, the Goodwood Revival is an experience unlike any other. More than just vintage racing, nearly everyone in attendance dresses in period-correct clothing, and you are immersed in a different era. Now, if only we could have something like that here in the States.

It appears that may be in the works, as Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance founder Bill Warner is in talks with Goodwood's Lord March to bring an event like the revival to the United States. According to the report from Auto Minded, the aim is to have an event take place in the fall, after the conclusion of Europe's vintage events.

The report suggests that the Florida town of Fernandina Beach, to which Warner has strong ties, is an ideal location. The town has a municipal airport that can provide facilities for vintage aircraft as well as the layout for a race course. (The FAA would need to approve the location.) Additionally, Fernandina Beach is close to luxury resorts that befit the concours/vintage-racing set.

While there are several prominent Concours events, such as Pebble Beach. Amelia Island and Greenwich, as well as racing events in Lime Rock and Monterey, the US does not have a revival-type event that throws you into the past the way that Goodwood does. Let's hope this plan comes to fruition.

UPDATE: The PR firm representing the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance contacted us to inform us that the group is not involved in the above plans. Please scroll down to read a statement from Amelia Island Concours chairman Bill Warner.

Continue reading Goodwood Revival-style event may come to the US [UPDATE]

Goodwood Revival-style event may come to the US [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amelia islandamelia island concoursgoodwood revivallord marchvintagevintage racingSun, 21 Oct 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20353941/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/21/goodwood-revival-style-event-may-come-to-the-us/20353941/article-detail.xml 20353941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/goodwood-revival-sign-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/goodwood-revival-sign-1.jpg <![CDATA[eGarage looks into the man behind America's Car Museum]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/egarage-looks-into-the-man-behind-americas-car-museum/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/egarage-looks-into-the-man-behind-americas-car-museum/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/egarage-looks-into-the-man-behind-americas-car-museum/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In the second part of its coverage of the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Washington (part one is here), we get even more visual representation of why it bills itself as "America's Museum." There are few places where you can wander through a single collection and see the vintage Rolls-Royce pictured sharing floor space with a Ferrari 308 GTB, an original Mini, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster and a Ducati.

With 3,500 cars of its own, plus 350 cars donated by private collectors and companies, it might lay claim to being the Smithsonian of American automobilia. There's a short video with more of the goodness below.

Continue reading eGarage looks into the man behind America's Car Museum

eGarage looks into the man behind America's Car Museum originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic carsclassicsegaragelemaylemay museummuseumtacomavideovintagewashingtonThu, 30 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/egarage-looks-into-the-man-behind-americas-car-museum/20312398/article-detail.xml 20312398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lemaymuseum2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lemaymuseum2.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley 4¼-liter Embiricos special comes home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/bentley-4-litre-embiricos-special-comes-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/bentley-4-litre-embiricos-special-comes-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/bentley-4-litre-embiricos-special-comes-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Bentley Embricos Special

Contrary to appearances, all of the important classic cars in the world weren't on display at Pebble Beach this weekend. One of them, the 4&frac14;-liter Bentley 'Embiricos' Special, has made a home at Bentley's Lineage Showroom inside its factory in Crewe.

Commissioned by Greek gentleman racer André Embiricos in the 1930s, the Bentley chassis was clothed in aluminum by French designer Georges Paulin. The aerodynamic sheetmetal was more akin to the lines of the streamlined, and French, Talbot-Lago or a Delahaye, and a departure from Bentley tourers and racers of the time. Embiricos used his coupe for racing and as a daily driver, and the gentleman he sold it to in 1939 campaigned it in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

World War II interrupted the development of any more such sleek Bentleys, but the post-war period would bring the R Type Continental, whose Embiricos ancestry can be seen immediately. The Embiricos will be on display at Pyms Lane until September, then be shown at the Windsor Castle Concours d' Elegance. You can find out more about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Bentley 4¼-liter Embiricos special comes home

Bentley 4¼-liter Embiricos special comes home originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley embiricosbentley embiricos specialclassiccoachbuiltcreweembiricospyms lanevintageMon, 20 Aug 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/bentley-4-litre-embiricos-special-comes-home/20303164/article-detail.xml 20303164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/embiricosbentley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/embiricosbentley.jpg <![CDATA[Audi buys last Auto Union Type D twin-supercharged racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/audi-buys-last-auto-union-type-d-twin-supercharged-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/audi-buys-last-auto-union-type-d-twin-supercharged-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/audi-buys-last-auto-union-type-d-twin-supercharged-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After a great many years dying in the wilderness of the former USSR, and then spending a few more years in the hands of private collectors, the twin-supercharged 1939 Auto Union Type D is finally back home with Audi. One of the precursor companies to Audi, Auto Union, based in Zwickau, Germany, was the other Silver Arrows team (alongside Mercedes-Benz) that demolished the racing competition in the 1930s until World War II intervened.

Audi Tradition, the heritage arm of the firm, says there are five original Auto Union racers in existence. This 1939 model was specially prepped with two superchargers instead of the usual one, and won the 1939 French and Czechoslovakian Grands Prix with its 485-horsepower 12-cylinder engine and 330 kilometer-per-hour (205 mph) top speed. But Zwickau fell in the eastern portion of Germany; caught in the Russian web at the end of WWII, the stored Auto Union cars were carted back to Russia as part of German reparations.

Enter Paul Karassik, an American immigrant from Serbia, of Russian ancestry, who had watched the Auto Unions race in Belgrade just before the outbreak of war. Starting in the 1970s, he spent a decade tracking down the remains of two Auto Unions in Russia and Ukraine - this 1939 model and a 1938 Type D with a single supercharger - and finally managed to buy them. In 1990 he began commissioning their restorations, which included building completely new bodies for both, and by 1994 they were finished.

Karasssik sold the 1938 Type D to Audi in 1998, and the 1939 Type D to another collector in 2000. Audi Tradition has made that second car part of its collection, meaning it now owns three of the five originals. Scroll down for a press release with all the details on the car and the acquisition.

Continue reading Audi buys last Auto Union Type D twin-supercharged racer

Audi buys last Auto Union Type D twin-supercharged racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1939 auto union type daudiaudi traditionauto unionauto union type dclassicsilver arrowstype dvintageTue, 14 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/audi-buys-last-auto-union-type-d-twin-supercharged-racer/20298327/article-detail.xml 20298327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/autounion1939tws_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/autounion1939tws.jpg <![CDATA[Amazing LeMay Museum gets the eGarage treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/amazing-lemay-museum-gets-the-egarage-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/amazing-lemay-museum-gets-the-egarage-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/amazing-lemay-museum-gets-the-egarage-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LeMay Museum eGarage video screencap

It's a bold step for an institution to brand itself as "America's Car Museum." As a nation obsessed with anything and everything automotive, our tastes are about as varied as they could possibly be. The curators behind the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Washington seem to understand that, and have collected a rotating stable of machines that include everything from the mighty Ferrari F40 to over-the-top lowriders. Nearly every era and nation of automotive engineering shows its face in one form or another, resulting in a melting pot of cardom. Very cool.

The guys from eGarage recently stopped by to give the museum a once over, focusing their well-trained lenses on the rash of classic metal found inside. If you can't make it to the Pacific Northwest to see the LeMay Museum for yourself, this is probably the next best thing. Check out the quick video below to have a look.

Continue reading Amazing LeMay Museum gets the eGarage treatment

Amazing LeMay Museum gets the eGarage treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic carsclassicsegaragelemaylemay museummuseumvideovintageFri, 06 Jul 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/06/amazing-lemay-museum-gets-the-egarage-treatment/20272948/article-detail.xml 20272948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lemay-egarage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lemay-egarage-628.jpg <![CDATA[Back in Black? California mulling return of vintage-style plates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/back-in-black-california-mulling-return-of-vintage-style-plates/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/back-in-black-california-mulling-return-of-vintage-style-plates/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/back-in-black-california-mulling-return-of-vintage-style-plates/#commentsFiled under: , ,



California Assemblyman Mike Gatto has introduced Bill 1658, which could eventually return three kinds of vintage license plates to California roads: yellow and black plates from the mid 1950s, black and yellow plates from the 1960s - such as the sample 1963 plate pictured - and blue and yellow plates from the '70s.

The initiative is called the Legacy License Plate Program, but before you collectors and period-correct enthusiasts salivate over - or lament - the possibilities, it has a few hurdles to clear. First, the bill has to be passed when its put to a vote on April 9, which is expected. Then it would only come into effect after 2,500 people had signed up for the plates, assuming that the DMV did its math correctly and had enough money to pay for it. Finally, once all of that got checked off, the program would begin in 2014.

Current regulations mean that in California, the license plate has almost always lived with the car since new, so if you see a black plate on a 1966 Corvair, then that tag was minted the same year as that Chevrolet. The plates will be updated to modern standards, e.g., reflective paint, so they won't look just like the old timers, but we figure vintage-minded owners won't be fussed at all.

Back in Black? California mulling return of vintage-style plates originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia license platesclassiclicense platemike gattovintageThu, 29 Mar 2012 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20203633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/back-in-black-california-mulling-return-of-vintage-style-plates/20203633/article-detail.xml 20203633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/blackcalifornia2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/blackcalifornia2.jpg <![CDATA[HRE introduces the Vintage Series, modern versions of retro supercar wheels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/hre-introduces-the-vintage-series-modern-versions-of-retro-supe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/hre-introduces-the-vintage-series-modern-versions-of-retro-supe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/hre-introduces-the-vintage-series-modern-versions-of-retro-supe/#commentsFiled under:



Classic cars have been getting all kinds of love and money lately. Classic wheels, not so much. HRE has introduced a new line called the Vintage Series that puts old rims in a new light.

There are three in the range for now. The 454 "five-window" you'll recognize from old Lamborghini Countach posters, the 505 "thick five-spoke" reminscent of the Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, and the 501 "mesh lace" worn to terrific effect by racing Porsches from decades past.

Sized from 18- to 20-inch diameters and from seven to 14 inches wide, all are forged of aerospace-grade alloys and are hand-finished to the customer's order. They just might make it all right to work backwards on your next car project: get the wheels first, add the Countach LP5000 QV later. There's a press release with more info after the jump and, of course, a high-res image gallery.

Continue reading HRE introduces the Vintage Series, modern versions of retro supercar wheels

HRE introduces the Vintage Series, modern versions of retro supercar wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassicshrehre wheelsvintagewheelsTue, 07 Feb 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163685/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/hre-introduces-the-vintage-series-modern-versions-of-retro-supe/20163685/article-detail.xml 20163685 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hreretrowheels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hreretrowheels.jpg <![CDATA[Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale sees big numbers for vintage bikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1955 Vincent Black Prince
1953 Vincent Black ShadowBonhams wrapped up an impressive motorcycle auction in Las Vegas, and some very pricey metal rolled across the block. While seriously expensive bikes like the 1955 Vincent Black Prince pictured above and a 1915 Harley-Davidson 11-F Twin failed to bring home enough cash to find new owners, the 1953 Vincent Black Shadow to the right brought home well north of its early bid estimates. A new owner laid down a hefty $122,500 for the pleasure of ownership. Likewise, one very sparse-looking 1907 Indian Camelback went for $67,860.

We took the time to pick through the auction's offerings to show off some of the more interesting bikes to roll across the stage in Las Vegas. You can check out the gallery for our personal faves or click over to the Bonhams site for more information on specific lots. The auction featured plenty of memorabilia in addition to full bikes.

Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale sees big numbers for vintage bikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonhamsbonhams vintage motorcycle auctionharley-davidsonindianmatchlessmotorcyclescotttriumphvincentvintagevintage motorcycleWed, 18 Jan 2012 19:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147563/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/20147563/article-detail.xml 20147563 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/1955-vincent-black-prince-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/1955-vincent-black-prince-628.jpg <![CDATA[This Day in History: Ford Model A goes on sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/this-day-in-history-ford-model-a-goes-on-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/this-day-in-history-ford-model-a-goes-on-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/this-day-in-history-ford-model-a-goes-on-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Ford Model A doesn't get the historical respect of its 15-million-unit predecessor, the Model T, nor is it as beloved as the 1932 Ford V8 which followed. But when the Model A went on sale on December 2, 1927, it was an important transitional model for Ford.

Following the unparalleled success of the Model T, Ford had been reluctant to develop a new model, or even upgrade the T with features that were increasingly driving customers to other brands. The Model A was the first Ford to feature modern controls, with clutch, brake and throttle pedals, and a gearshift lever sprouting out of the center of the front floorboards.

Selling for as little as $365, the Model A was a huge success. Ford built almost five million units over five years. Had it not unveiled the A when it did, the Blue Oval might have met the same fate as many auto manufacturers of the 1920s that didn't see the other side of the Great Depression.

Surprisingly enough, this 84-year-old car can actually provide somewhat serviceable transportation today, although with limitations. While its four-cylinder engine provides fuel economy in the high 20's, Interstate travel is a bit beyond its meager 40 horsepower output. Mechanical drum brakes are the weakest point in the A's specifications, with a lack of climate control rating a distant second.

For more on what it's like to drive an A everyday, check out the 365 Days of A blog.

This Day in History: Ford Model A goes on sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collector carfordmodel amodel tvintageFri, 02 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20119784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/02/this-day-in-history-ford-model-a-goes-on-sale/20119784/article-detail.xml 20119784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/1931fordmodeladeluxetudor-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/1931fordmodeladeluxetudor-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Short film depicts the definition of 'triumph']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/short-film-depicts-the-definition-of-triumph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/short-film-depicts-the-definition-of-triumph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/short-film-depicts-the-definition-of-triumph/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Triumph Blazer
Triumph Blazer - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you have no interest in motorcycles, mechanics or old machinery, it's probably best you skip this post. You see, the short film after the jump is perhaps the best depiction of the highs and lows associated with those three horsemen that we've ever seen on screen. The video features plenty of lengthy shots of a Triumph motorcycle single dashing across the open country side. It's exactly what every motorcyclist thinks of when the words "perfect" and "ride" worm their way into conversation. There's no traffic and no foul weather - just miles of meandering asphalt and nowhere to be.

But our hero rider runs into a bit of a mechanical hiccup when he stops for a spell. Fuel floods the cylinder, and despite his best efforts, he's reduced to a raving ball of frustration after frantically trying to get the bike to start. As the crew at Visordown accurately point out, the scene is the visual embodiment of Robert M Pirsig's famous line, "If the machine produces tranquility it's right. If it disturbs you it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed."

We won't spoil the ending for you, but if you've ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the elation of victory all too well. Hit the jump to check out Blazer for yourself.

Note: Language makes this one Not Safe For Work.

[Source: Visordown]

Continue reading Short film depicts the definition of 'triumph'

Short film depicts the definition of 'triumph' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blazerblazer short filmmotorcycletriumphtriumph blazertriumph motorcyclevideovintagevintage motorcyclezen and the art of motorcycle maintenanceThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19926728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/28/short-film-depicts-the-definition-of-triumph/19926728/article-detail.xml 19926728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/blazer-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/blazer-630.jpg <![CDATA[Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance star car is the 1939/47 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Vutotal Cabriolet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/fairfield-county-concours-delegance-star-car-is-the-1939-47-rol/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/fairfield-county-concours-delegance-star-car-is-the-1939-47-rol/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/fairfield-county-concours-delegance-star-car-is-the-1939-47-rol/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1939 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Vutotal Cabriolet by Labourdette - Click above for high-res image gallery

The star car at this year's Fairfield Concours d'Elegance will wear the Spirit of Ecstasy on her hood and no less ecstatic a design all along her body. The 1939/47 Rolls-Royce Phantom III "Vutotal" Cabriolet by Labourdette, now in the John Rich Museum collection, started off as a standard Phantom III designed by Henry Royce. It was re-envisioned by coachbuilder Hooper and Co. in 1938 with a Sedanca de Ville body style, then showed off in Europe before being tweaked for the U.S. market.

When the very same show car ended up in the Parisian studio of Henri Labourdette in the Forties, he threw out everything but the running gear and rebodied the car in gold-plated-and-brass-adorned aerodynamic bodywork that swooped back into a boattail. He also got rid of anything that identified it as a Rolls, save for its mascot and a couple of interior trim pieces. The final detail: the Vutotal windscreen, a thick slice of glass that appears to support itself. The conversion cost $44,000 at a time when the average price of a home was about $4,000.

Elsewhere on the Concours docket, featured judging classes will include Porsche, Bugatti, Period Hot Rods and Custom Cars from 1948 - 1964, there will be regional vintage club gatherings, an auction conducted by Bonhams, and photographer Jesse Alexander will be the featured artist. The Barn Find category is a new one this year and is still accepting submissions to go with dusty, rusted hulks that will include a 1949 Willys Panel Wagon and 1961 AC Greyhound.

The seventh annual Fairfield Concours opens its lawn on Saturday, September 11, 2010.


Gallery: Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance Featured Cars


Gallery: Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance Celebrates Jesse Alexander

Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance star car is the 1939/47 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Vutotal Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicconnecticutfairfield concours deleganceFairfield County Concours dEleganceFairfieldConcoursDeleganceFairfieldCountyConcoursDelegancehenri labourdetteHenriLabourdetterolls-royce phantom iiirolls-royce phantom iii vutotalRolls-roycePhantomIiiRolls-roycePhantomIiiVutotalvintageMon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19566681/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/26/fairfield-county-concours-delegance-star-car-is-the-1939-47-rol/19566681/article-detail.xml 19566681 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/fairfieldrollsbarn_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/fairfieldrollsbarn.jpg <![CDATA[Rodeo Drives: Announcing the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/rodeo-drives-announcing-the-greystone-mansion-concours-delegan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/rodeo-drives-announcing-the-greystone-mansion-concours-delegan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/rodeo-drives-announcing-the-greystone-mansion-concours-delegan/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gooding & Company selections for the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance - Click above for high-res image gallery

Beverly Hills' Greystone Mansion wants to show itself off, and it'll be doing so this year with the help of classic cars and Gooding & Co. The inaugural Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance will happen April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature more than 100 cars and motorcycles, including Fred Astaire's 1927 Rolls-Royce and Rita Hayworth's 1953 Cadillac. Among the selections, you'll also find a 1938 1938 Talbot Darracq T23 Drop Head Coupe, a 1959 Ferrari 250GT Series 1 Cabriolet and a 1927 Bentley 6 1/2 Litre Tourer by Vanden Plas.

Tickets for the show are a very Beverly-Hills-esque $100, which gets you a full day of action and a contribution to charity. Follow the jump for the press release, and have a look at some of the wares in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Gooding & Co cars from the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance


[Source: Greystone Mansion]

Continue reading Rodeo Drives: Announcing the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance

Rodeo Drives: Announcing the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beverly hillsBeverlyHillscalifornia wineCaliforniaWineclassicGooding and Companygooding cogooding companyGoodingAndCompanyGoodingCoGoodingCompanygreystone mansionGreystoneMansionvintageFri, 09 Apr 2010 09:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19427538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/09/rodeo-drives-announcing-the-greystone-mansion-concours-delegan/19427538/article-detail.xml 19427538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bhconcdel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bhconcdel.jpg <![CDATA[The Curious Case of the 1912 Blackiston]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/the-curious-case-of-the-1912-blackiston/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/the-curious-case-of-the-1912-blackiston/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/27/the-curious-case-of-the-1912-blackiston/#commentsFiled under: ,



There was only one 1912 Blackiston, and no one knows what became of it. That is perhaps a good thing, since the car is most famous for being a one-of-a-kind, having an engine cover so large you couldn't see what was in front of it, and manslaughter. The product of George P. Blackiston, more tinkerer than visionary, his leviathan was a tribute to, well, no one knows, really. But it existed, and to the true tinkerer not much else matters. We won't spoil the it for you - if you enjoy a bit of intrigue with your internal combustion, then click on through to Hemmings for a good story well told.

[Source: Hemmings]

The Curious Case of the 1912 Blackiston originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1912 blackiston1912BlackistonblackistonclassichemmingsvintageWed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19323199/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/27/the-curious-case-of-the-1912-blackiston/19323199/article-detail.xml 19323199 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/blackiston_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/blackiston.jpg -1 2