Batmobile Sells For 120k

Batmobile Sells For 120k

The iconic Batmobile from the cult 1960s show Batman has been sold for �120000 at auction in London.

The Lincoln Futura was designed in 1955 by a division of the Ford Motor Company. It was built entirely by hand in Italy, and the concept car cost �127,000 to make but never made it into production.

US car customiser George Barris apparently bought the car from the manufacturers for just 51p. Then when producers from the Batman show approached him for a futuristic vehicle, it became the Batmobile.

The Batmobile featured in a collection of some of the world's finest cars for sale at auction house Coys � as well as a Reliant Regal from Only Fools And Horses, that fetched �44,000.

The Dearborn Deuce

Walk into the back room of Oakley Ind. (Clinton Twp., MI), past the die work being done for major OEM programs, and you'll see something unusual: new Kirksite dies developed from CAD data supplied by ASC (Southgate, MI) for a 1932 Ford convertible. But not just any '32 Ford drop top. This one has been redesigned and reengineered to accept a disappearing cloth top, curved side glass, power windows, larger doors, and more interior space within the footprint of the original. Unlike that car, the "Dearborn Deuce�," as the new '32 is called, started with a white-light scan of an original car, and moved to the CAD screen for modification. There the body was made symmetric�something the original definitely wasn't�the "tulip" panel between the decklid and interior was shortened and made functional so it could be used as a cover over the folding convertible top, the doors were lengthened to ease ingress and egress, the lines were subtly reshaped and sharpened, structural braces designed to radically reduce cowl shake were added, the A-pillar was changed to accept roll-up windows and modern weather seals, and the H-point lowered.

The Dearborn Deuce� started as a hand-built make-work project for ASC�s crafts team, but morphed into a math-based, stamped and welded, low-volume production program.
"The Dearborn Deuce was born, engineered, and developed by ASC," says Jim Inglese, one of the principals of Hot Rods & Horsepower (HR&H), a Branford, CT, maker of all-steel 1932 Ford hot rods. ASC oversees all of the tooling and stamping, acquisition of outside vendors, and the build of the convertible body. This is vastly different than the process followed in the design and development of HR&H's '32 Coupe, wherein Inglese and company oversaw each step in the process. "When we got into this with the 3-window Coupe," he says, "we were stupid. Would I do it that way again? Never in a million years."

PRS Guitars Commemorates Special Edition Ron Fellows Z06 Corvette With Custom Guitar @ Music Gear Review

http://www.musicgearreview.com/article-display/2166.html:

"On February 8th, the aisles at the McCormick Place in Chicago will be filled with auto enthusiasts from across the world where Chevrolet will introduce a special edition Ron Fellows Corvette. Ron has had a long and successful career racing everything from NASCAR stock cars to Formula cars. For the last 9 years, he has driven for the factory Corvette team, first in the C5.R and then the C6.R when it was released in 2005. Ron has podiumed 6 of 7 times at Lemans, the famous 24 hour race in France, with two of these being class wins.

PRS Guitars began sponsorship of the Corvette Racing team during the 2005 racing season. PRS logos will be seen again on the cars for the 2007 season opener at the 12 hours of Sebring. The Maryland based guitar manufacturer built approximately 400 custom Corvette Z06 branded guitars in 2005 and 2006, offered in identical colors as the Z06 Corvettes and incorporated an inlayed Z06 fingerboard.

PRS will present a custom guitar to Ron in commemoration of his career. The guitar, based on the PRS Corvette standard 22, features a paint scheme that matches Ron�s signature Corvette. PRS is also pleased that the guitar will be appreciated by Ron, a guitarist who already owns a Paul Reed Smith. �Having a car named after me is amazing...having a one-off guitar made to commemorate this moment makes it even more special. Let�s face it, I�m just a Neil Young wannabe. I love music; this instrument will have a great home in my growing collection of wonderful guitars�, says Ron Fellows. "

Car show a cruise down memory lane

Car show a cruise down memory lane:

"For Phil Dieckhoff of Elizabethtown, stepping into Freedom Hall for this weekend's custom car show was a cruise down memory lane.
As Dieckhoff took in the 45th annual Carl Casper Custom Auto Show -- with hundreds of restored and customized cars of all makes and styles -- he recalled driving halfway across the country on 'the real Route 66' in a Corvette Sting Ray. "

1951 Mercury Custom - Kit Car Magazine

1951 Mercury Custom - Kit Car Magazine:

"It is early spring in Long Island. It doesn't know what it wants to be, rainy and cold one day, one foot into summer the next. Today it's neither. I watch the condensation puff from the Merc's exhaust pipes in halted, irregular spats. We're going for a cruise out East, where the roads are long and straight and the traffic light, through the hinterland a few miles from the most insane city in the world, yet far enough removed it's as if time hasn't moved an inch in 50 years.
The name Dzus (pronounced 'zoose') should be familiar to all but you young guns. Grandfather William Dzus invented and perfected the quarter-turn quick-release fastener (several different types, actually) that riddled the fuselages of WWII aircraft. His young heir eventually adapted the product for the drag racing world, and in doing so he authored seven patents. The company was sold years ago, but the fastener still stands."

Houstonian turns love for fast cars into $4 million-a-year firm | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Houstonian turns love for fast cars into $4 million-a-year firm Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"Everything changed in 1993 for John Hennessey when he got his hands on a newly minted Dodge Viper.
The Houstonian had already earned a bit of fame for setting a speed record years earlier in a Mitsubishi 3000 GT he customized in his spare time.
But it was the Viper that helped him turn a hobby of customizing and souping up cars into a $4 million-a-year business.
Hennessey, who worked in construction and modified other people's cars out of a 3,000-square-foot shop in the Heights, beefed the Viper's horsepower up to 500 from 400, which caught the eye of Car and Driver magazine. Once the article appeared, his reputation soared."

Custom autos shine

Custom autos shine:

"A rusty tow truck with a gap-toothed smile made famous on the big screen is one of the must-see attractions at this weekend's Carl Casper Custom Auto Show.
Tow Mater -- a real-life replica of the funny, hillbilly tow truck from the Disney/Pixar animated box-office hit movie 'Cars,' voiced by Larry the Cable Guy -- is parked at the Kentucky Exposition Center today through Sunday.

And it wouldn't be the Carl Casper Custom Auto Show without celebrity appearances. One of this year's most anticipated is wrestling superstar Rey Mysterio, who will conduct a meet-and-greet and autograph session from 7 to 9 tonight.
Other celebs include NASCAR's Terry Labonte (2-4 p.m. tomorrow); Wrestling Super Diva and Women's World Champion Mickie James (7:30-9:30 p.m. tomorrow); Darin Brooks of "Days of Our Lives" (1-5 p.m. Sunday); and the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders (1-3 p.m. Sunday). "

Ford �Rocks And Rools� In Cleveland With Cars and Guitars | Huliq: Breaking News

Ford �Rocks And Rools� In Cleveland With Cars and Guitars Huliq: Breaking News:

"Celebrating fast cars and rock and roll, Ford is turning up the volume at the Cleveland Auto Show by showcasing its hot new product lineup and revving up for GuitarMania.
The company is donating the first Limited Edition Ford Shelby GT Standard Stratocaster guitar in support of this annual charity event to benefit the Greater Cleveland United Way and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame�s education fund.
- Ford donates one-of-a-kind Fender Stratocaster guitar autographed by racing great Carroll Shelby to GuitarMania fundraiser in support of Greater Cleveland United Way and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame education fund.
- Ford partners with Fender Guitars to offer two customized guitars through the Ford Collection.
- Ford to sponsor two 9-foot Fender Stratocaster� guitars, customized by the company�s own designers, at this year�s GuitarMania.
�For some of our most successful, high quality products, it all starts in Cleveland with the Duratec engines built here,� said Randy Ortiz, General Sales Manager, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. �I can�t think of a better way to celebrate the spirit of this city and give back to the community than to be a part of GuitarMania.� "

2007 Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show

2007 Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show:

"Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show and Funkmaster Flex Return to
Toronto this March

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 (Toronto) - Performance World Custom Car &
Truck Show is revving its engines in anticipation of the 2007 edition of
Toronto largest custom car and truck show. Funkmaster Flex is once again
headlining the event, as he was so popular with last year's visitors.
The hardcore show for car enthusiasts rides into the International
Centre (6900 Airport Road) from March 9-11, 2007 with custom cars and
trucks competing for $50,000 in cash and awards. The event boasts more
than 600 top show cars and trucks and over 250 exhibitors, covering
350,000 square feet.

'Once again, we have a star-studded line-up of feature cars,' says
Brenda Brough, Show Manager. 'These include a '51 Merc, '63 Corvette, a
Foose-designed '69 Camaro, '51 Olds and a '56 Chev. Also renowned
pin-striper Herb Martinez will be coming all the way from California to
meet visitors to the Performance World Show,' she adds."

A FEW MINUTES WITH ...: Rev. Hot Rod, on the spiritual side of racing

A FEW MINUTES WITH ...: Rev. Hot Rod, on the spiritual side of racing: "A FEW MINUTES WITH ...: Rev. Hot Rod, on the spiritual side of racing
February 22, 2007
BY JIM SCHAEFER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Rev. Hot Rod has a regular name, that being Michael Oginsky of Warren.
And he's got a regular job, too, that being a guy who helps detail concept cars for General Motors Corp.

But when he's behind the wheel of his sleek '67 Camaro (nicknamed Faster for the Master) or delivering the opening prayer at various drag races and car shows, Oginsky, 56, feels like he's doing what he was meant to do.
Rev. Hot Rod, a chaplain for a nationwide car club called Racers for Christ, says he finds the mix of hot cars and hot faith simply riveting."

Heavy metal: sculpture combines love of couple's classic cars and horses

Quay County Sun:

"A new breed of horse, �The Chrome Commander,� trotted through Tucumcari this week.

The shiny horse � sculpted from more than 100 classic car bumpers � is owned by Vaughn and Chryse Veit of Monticello, Minn. Weighing in at more than a ton and standing at 12 feet, the sculpture attracted motorists along Route 66, who stopped and took photos as it was parked in front of the Blue Swallow Inn.

The Veits stayed at the Blue Swallow on their way to California.

The horse was commissioned to symbolize the collaboration of their two passions with Vaughn Veit�s love of classic cars and Chryse Viet's love of the American Saddlebred horse.

The couple have been respectful of each other's preference for horsepower.

For example, Chryse Veit said, at the couple's wedding that Vaughn Veit drove up in a yellow 1933 Ford Cabriolet and she rode up on a horse, named Creative Spirit's Lottery Ticket, raised by her family.

�If you look closely at The Chrome Commander�s tail you can see one from a '55 Chevy,� said Chryse Veit. �He�s one of a kind, something that can never be duplicated. We named him The Chrome Commander after the one of the most famous American Saddlebreds of all time, Wing Commander.� "

Fire destroys Vo-Tech teacher's classic cars

http://www.centredaily.com/126/story/20279.html:

"Fire destroys Vo-Tech teacher's classic cars
The Associated Press
CATAWISSA -- Awakened by crackling sounds and a glow through his bedroom window, Lanny Fetterman feared for his garage.
'My first thought was, 'All my toys are in there,'' the Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech teacher said. When he raced outside early Monday it was too late to save the cars, including a 1967 Pontiac Firebird his Vo-Tech students spent more than 1 1/2 years restoring.
'It was gorgeous, and now it's just a pile of smoldering rubble,' said Fetterman, 55, who had bought the car in 1972. Also consumed were a 1992 Corvette, a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, and a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible, said Fetterman, who was trying to find out whether his insurance covered fire damage. A state police fire marshal was investigating the blaze.
'At least no one was hurt and my house is still here,' Fetterman said. '(But) losing the Firebird is just like losing an old friend.'"

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Business

Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Business:

"Stripped-down '32 Ford hot rods still streak across the salt flats at Bonneville every summer.
And flashy '57 Chevys still create a stir, their mix of fins and fuel-injected V-8s as enticing as ever.
In fact, after decades as two of hot-rodding's highest profile cars, the '32 Ford and '57 Chevy are considered by many enthusiasts to be the cornerstone cars for the billion-dollar hot-rod business.
'The cars now have a permanent place in history,' said Gary Bennett, senior automotive specialist at Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. "

Mail Tribune - Rogue Valley Street Rods presents the Southern Oregon Rod & Custom Show - February 16, 2007

Mail Tribune - Rogue Valley Street Rods presents the Southern Oregon Rod & Custom Show - February 16, 2007:

"The Southern Oregon Rod & Custom Show is about much more than shiny street rods. It's about passion and commitment among folks who spend thousands of hours and thousands of dollars on their projects. And it's about supporting local kids with developmental and mobility problems.
Now in its 30th year, the show is held by Rogue Valley Street Rods and celebrates the re-styling and re-building of pre-1954 vehicles.
The largest indoor automotive show from the Bay Area to Portland will feature nearly 115 selected street rods and custom and specialty vehicles from the western region.
The show is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Jackson County Expo, 1 Peninger Road, Central Point."

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | McKinney News

Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas McKinney News:

"Classic cars, sports cars, muscle cars, hot rods, even everyday cars. One thing they have in common is the love of their owners.

A 1962 Daimler is the perfect backdrop for a gathering of the Morning Maniacs, classic car enthusiasts who get together in McKinney to discuss car collecting, auctions, mechanical issues, restoration and swap meets. For car enthusiasts, nothing is finer than a sunny day doing what they are passionate about � driving and repairing their cars. From executives to engineers to college students, their love of cars is the great equalizer among the McKinney-based Morning Maniacs.
'We bring a group of people together with different educational and financial backgrounds, and the playing field is equalized because we all share the same interest with cars. We leave work issues, income and status aside,' said group member Gary Hamm."

Kansas City Star | 02/15/2007 | Hot-rod country club zooming into reality

Kansas City Star 02/15/2007 Hot-rod country club zooming into reality:

"A different kind of country club is coming to Kansas City.
Instead of manicured golfing greens and swimming pools, this one will have an immaculate racetrack.
Its members will arrive � not with their woods or irons � but with their Porsches, Ferraris and other hot rods.
Some call this growing national trend a �motor sports country club,� essentially a haven for people with expensive cars and thick pocketbooks wanting to fill their need for speed without worrying about flashing red lights in their rearview mirror."

FinanceDaily - Classic Car Investment Potential

FinanceDaily - Classic Car Investment Potential:

"Iconic cars not only boost sex appeal, but are also proving to be canny investments too, according to new research.
The Enzo Ferrari is the most stylish contemporary car that money can buy, coming out on top of the pile for Zurich�s Iconic Car Index, based upon performance, exclusivity, brand heritage and style status.
The insurer claims to have seen a change in the investment habits of millionaires over recent years with traditional high value purchases like art and sculpture now being joined by iconic cars. The cars were judged on a range of criteria, including rarity, design, power, motoring heritage, marque and price.
The new car market is constantly evolving as technology, design and manufacturing processes continue to improve. But it is these iconic cars that are often supported by powerful brand heritage can help them hold their value and therefore present not only the drive of a lifetime but a good investment opportunity as well."

2006 SEMA Show - Las Vegas - Event Coverage - Eurotuner Magazine

2006 SEMA Show - Las Vegas - Event Coverage - Eurotuner Magazine: "The big news at SEMA was VWoA's triumphant return with its R GTI concept. To many this was huge news, but et readers already knew every detail after we exclusively revealed it in our 12/06 issue. The sexy R GTI shared VW's booth with the Thunder Bunny: a Rabbit turbo built in cooperation with Neuspeed to celebrate its original 1980s Rabbit GTI. The third car was the APR GTI: a participant in VW's Tuner Challenge, which we brought you in the 1/07 issue. Four tuners competed for a place in VWs booth, and APR won the vote. Second place went to ABD Racing, and its GTI was displayed in our Primedia booth. The remaining tuner cars from H&R and WRD were also at the show."

Classic Touch To Tourist Guide Launch (from This Is Wiltshire)

Classic Touch To Tourist Guide Launch (from This Is Wiltshire): "A CLASSIC car, part of an important historic collection, has helped launch the 2007 North Wiltshire Visitor Guide.
North Wiltshire District Council has just launched the essential guide for anyone visiting the area with the help of the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum founders, Richard and Hasell Atwell.
20,000 copies of the guide have been printed and are available at tourist information centres throughout the district.
The guide contains a range of useful information on the wide range of attractions, accommodation and events in the six towns of Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett and surrounding countryside.
Amongst the attractions listed is the hidden gem of the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Calne, home to more than 150 vintage and classic cars."

A classic-car extravaganza

A classic-car extravaganza: "CRYSTAL COVE, Calif. -- The sun is a soft glow on the still-slumbering Pacific at dawn, before the ocean awakes with yawning waves, and the seaside shops blink open their shutters.
But nearby is the sound and smell of serious horsepower. Engines are roaring as Lamborghinis, rare Porsche speedsters and lime-green Vipers roll almost regally into the lot of a strip mall perched high above the sea. The surfers may still be sleeping, but the car nuts are most definitely awake."

The Statesman

The Statesman: "NEW DELHI, Feb. 11: It was an envious day for the Capital�s car regime. As the Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally 2007 made its way from Barakhamba Road to Gurgaon, the eyes of onlookers forgot to blink and people dropped their jaws in the pleasant surprise of witnessing India�s oldest classic cars.
The sight of royal oldies like Buick, Austin, Ford, Lagonda, Chevrolet, Rover, Morris, Rolls Royce, Dodge, etc made people spell bound. After catching the glimpse of our rich history, they were lost in the splendid heritage of India.
For some people it might be a hobby, for others passion but for Kanwarjit Singh and Ravi Kapur it was not less than a challenge to restore a 40-year-old car which had been lying at the road side for past four decades. In early 2004, they joined hands to restructure the 1939 model, Hillman Minx. They had to convince its 95-year-old owner to part with it on the promise that after they reinstate it, he would be the first person to ride in it. �Rebuilding the body of the car was the toughest part. It took six months of continuous efforts to finally bring the car to its best original look,� said Mr Kanwarjit Singh Chadha. Another such personality obsessed by the adventure of driving classic cars is Mr Diljeet Titus. He was one of the biggest participants of the event and had made his 13 cars ran in the rally."

Weekend racing an absolute classic - Sport - The Timaru Herald

Weekend racing an absolute classic - Sport - The Timaru Herald:

"Boys (and girls) and their toys were on display at the Timaru International Motor Raceway over the weekend.
The Classic and Historic Race Meeting was held on Saturday and yesterday and saw a large number of classic cars arrive in Timaru.
The philosophy behind the meeting was 'an opportunity for vehicles from a past era to be used in friendly rivalry to allow them to be exercised in a manner that the manufacturer intended'.
According to spokesperson Selwyn Jackson, 194 competitors entered the weekend's event, which was a huge success. "

The Enquirer - Time for Toyota's NASCAR initiation

The Enquirer - Time for Toyota's NASCAR initiation:

"Toyota will make its highly anticipated NASCAR debut tonight in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. There are two Camrys in the 21-car exhibition event, including the one Dale Jarrett will start from the pole after winning a blind draw.
'I'll be glad to finally get into those race conditions to see where we stack up and see how we can compete,' Jarrett said. Because the Shootout is an all-star event for 2006 pole winners and past event winners, Jarrett and Brian Vickers are the only drivers from Toyota's seven-car fleet participating.
'It's the first entry of a non-American manufacturer, so it's going to be a historical day,' Dodge car owner Ray Evernham said."

2007: This Ain't Your Daddy's NASCAR

2007: This Ain't Your Daddy's NASCAR:

"CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Buckle up, race fans, for a season that promises to be like nothing ever seen before.

With the mandated Car of Tomorrow, changes to the Chase for the championship, Toyota's arrival, ESPN's return and the introduction of former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya, 2007 will prove this ain't your Daddy's NASCAR.

Indeed, this season will be a pivotal one for NASCAR, which looks to rebound after a mediocre 2006 that saw television ratings slip and made many wonder if the sport had reached its plateau.

But NASCAR chairman Brian France hasn't strayed from his belief that all is well in his family-owned business.
'We're in a very strong position,' he insisted. 'We are still the No. 2 sport on television. Promoters continue to enjoy great ticket sales throughout the year, and I know 2007, with all of the things that are going on, will make for an exciting season.'"

Journal Gazette | 02/10/2007 | NASCAR spreads global wings

Journal Gazette 02/10/2007 NASCAR spreads global wings:

"I feel your pain, Bubba. While you were off drinking another Bud (�cause, you know, that�s Dale Jr.�s fave), somebody swiped your �3 Forever� flag, made Ken and Barbie the first couple of your sport and turned all your favorite races into the USG Sheetrock 400.
Sorry, Bubba. But NASCAR � and by that I mean, your NASCAR � is dead. Or to put it another way: �NASCAR es muerto.�
Brush up on your Spanish (and Japanese), because the sport�s goin� international, and there isn�t a thing you can do to stop it. Juan Pablo �Hut� Montoya, F1 glamour puss, is coming to Nextel Cup as a sort of life-imitates-art Jean Gerard from �Talladega Nights.� Toyota, having tested the waters in the Craftsman Truck Series the past few seasons, is jumping into Cup, too. Old-school types are all up in arms about it, particularly the Toyota part."

Classic Driver Dealer: Oakfields - Classic Driver - MAGAZINE - features

Classic Driver Dealer: Oakfields - Classic Driver - MAGAZINE - features:

"Click on the Oakfields website and two startlingly different feature cars stare back at you from the home page. First, an MG SV � in fact, a whole group of SV 4.6 Coupes and SV R 5.0 Coupes, including the very last SV ever to have been built at the MG Sport and Racing facility. These high-performance, track-bred rarities with V8 power are described by Oakfields as a heavenly means of getting to deathly dull business meetings.

But the second feature vehicle offers an alternative way to spice up meetings: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AMG VIP provides accommodation for the meeting itself. With a luxurious cabin containing four, electrically-operated leather seats facing into the central area and such essentials as Hi-Fi and sound system, video and TV � plus an integral bar � you get all the best aspects of a VIP office inside a high-performance, diesel-powered AMG Sprinter.

�The AMG is one of three built for the Sultan of Brunei,� explains Oakfields supremo Ian Donaldson. �He ordered them to watch camel racing in air-conditioned luxury. New, the vehicles cost over �300,000 from AMG.� "

News - SilvertonAppeal.com

News - SilvertonAppeal.com: "Classic cars make a pit stop in Silverton


Sheldon Traver / Appeal Tribune

BY SHELDON TRAVER
Appeal Tribune
February 7

Car show at The Oregon Garden draws auto enthusiasts

On Saturday, there was just enough color in The Oregon Garden's J. Frank Schmidt Jr. Pavilion to attract a crowd.

However, the focus wasn't the flowers, it was the Buicks, Chevys, Fords and other automobiles that colored the inside of building. Hundreds attended The Garden's First Invitational Car Show to admire and dream about cars of a bygone era.

Most of the 34 cars at the show were from local Silverton Flywheels car enthusiasts, but visitors from as far away as Portland and Vancouver, Wash. were on hand to see the waxed and shined restored coupes, trucks and roadsters.

For 12-year-old Jarrid Hughes of Newburg, the Orange '69 Camero was the best in the show."

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kans. | Local News

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kans. Local News: "Classic cars, memories on display at show
By Amy Bickel
The Hutchinson News

abickel@hutchnews.com

Maybe it took a smitten couple to the drive-in movie.

Or maybe it dragged Main Street on a Friday night.
Either way, the 1955 Chevy Sedan has stories - including one that involves a teenager and his love for fast metal.
However, it wasn't until two years ago that Arlington resident Mike Baughman got his hands on the classic car, nearly 30 years after he graduated from high school.
But let's start before that, with the teenage kid whose after-school hobby developed his career as a mechanic - a kid whose first car in high school was an old Camaro.
Then he bought a 1957 Chevy, fixing up the piece of driving history. He's been working on old cars ever since."

The Daily Times - www.delmarvanow.com - Salisbury, Md.

The Daily Times - www.delmarvanow.com - Salisbury, Md.: "Classic cars, motorcycles to be auctioned off in OC
By Patrick Gavin
Staff Writer

OCEAN CITY -- Want to make your first million bucks? Auctioneer Larry Makowski thinks attending the first Ocean City Collector Car and Motorcycle Auction might be your best move.
The Roland E. Powell Convention Center will host a unique car show and auction today and Sunday that Makowski and his partners hope will be the city's signature winter event.

Unlike most other auto shows, car buffs are invited not only to drool over the assortment of vintage, classic and muscle cars, but bid on many of them as well. Among the cars rolling off the auction block will be a 1925 Ford Model T Fire Chief Buggy, a 1968 Chevelle Supersport and a 1973 Dodge Challenger. A 1956 Ford Thunderbird featured in a soon-to-be-released film and a rare 1968 Chrysler 300 Convertible -- of which only 2,000 were made -- will also be auctioned. "

Motorsport.com: News channel

Motorsport.com: News channel:

"Hot Rod Reunion - Fast Five with Ted Harbit
Racing series NHRA
Date 2007-02-05

'Fast Five' with Ted Harbit
Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion Honoree built and raced cars for a half-century
*Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion: June 15-17, National Trail Raceway, Columbus, Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- (Feb. 5, 2007) -- Teacher. Coach. Builder. Racer. Winner. Studebaker lover. That's Ted Harbit, an Honoree at the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, June 15-17 at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio.
Harbit raced his 'Chicken Hawk' 1951 Studebaker and won the Stock class at the NHRA Nationals an incredible seven times in 11 tries. A retired teacher and basketball coach in the Frankton, Ind. school system, he has raced continuously in cars he's built himself for more than 50 years. Ted retired from class racing after the '72 U.S. Nationals and drove the Studebaker occasionally until 1987 when he decided to see how fast it would really go. With twin turbochargers and twin four barrel carbs, he's turned a best of 10.07 at 137.8 mph. In the Studebaker Drivers Club publication, Turning Wheels, Harbit explained why he still uses a Studebaker engine. 'My own experience has been that it is not necessary to go to expensive extremes to develop over 500 HP in a Studebaker V-8. . . and that the engine is so basically sturdy that one need not fear immediate disintegration when higher horsepowers (sic) have been developed.'"

Signorello Distribution to Unveil Their Newest Custom Car at the 36th Annual Detroit Autorama - PR.com

Signorello Distribution to Unveil Their Newest Custom Car at the 36th Annual Detroit Autorama - PR.com:

"Detroit, MI, February 07, 2007 --(PR.COM)-- Signorello Distribution is set to unveil their latest custom car creation at the 36th annual Detroit Autorama which is being held March 9 � 11, 2007 in the heart of the city that put cars and hot rods on the map - Detroit, MI. This year's show car is a custom one of kind hand built 1970 Dodge Super Bee created and built by President and Co-Owner of Signorello Distribution, Michael Signorello. Michael has built numerous award winning cars in his career but this Dodge Super Bee is unlike any he has built before and shown in the Autorama. �This car has a few tricks under the hood and I think it will surprise people,� said Michael. Signorello Distribution built the car to help promote the Jax Wax Family of Car Care products which they distribute throughout Michigan and Canada. While at the Detroit Autorama, visitors will be treated to product and detailing demonstrations on the Super Bee and after the show the car will go on tour with the company to various automotive events around the country. What makes the Detroit Autorama the center of the car building universe is that they will have over 2500 custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and special exhibits and over 300,000 people in attendance over the three day period. They also have the oldest and most prestigious award in automotive building, The Riddler Award, being hotly contended for. "

Motorsport.com: News channel

Motorsport.com: News channel:

"COLUMBUS, Ohio -- (Feb. 5, 2007) -- Teacher. Coach. Builder. Racer. Winner. Studebaker lover. That's Ted Harbit, an Honoree at the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, June 15-17 at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio.
Harbit raced his 'Chicken Hawk' 1951 Studebaker and won the Stock class at the NHRA Nationals an incredible seven times in 11 tries. A retired teacher and basketball coach in the Frankton, Ind. school system, he has raced continuously in cars he's built himself for more than 50 years. Ted retired from class racing after the '72 U.S. Nationals and drove the Studebaker occasionally until 1987 when he decided to see how fast it would really go. With twin turbochargers and twin four barrel carbs, he's turned a best of 10.07 at 137.8 mph. In the Studebaker Drivers Club publication, Turning Wheels, Harbit explained why he still uses a Studebaker engine. 'My own experience has been that it is not necessary to go to expensive extremes to develop over 500 HP in a Studebaker V-8. . . and that the engine is so basically sturdy that one need not fear immediate disintegration when higher horsepowers (sic) have been developed.'"

Volkswagen to target "lucrative market niches"

Volkswagen's new CEO Martin Winterkorn intends to fill "lucrative market niches" with new models over the coming years. The plan aims to boost profit while shrinking capacity.

"The Volkswagen brand is far from tapping its full potential," Winterkorn said in a letter to employees obtained by Bloomberg.

It's unclear what niches Winterkorn plans to fill, but the forthcoming Scirocco and Tiguan could arguably fall into this category. Oddly, Winterkorn is rumored to have considered canceling the Passat coupe, Scirocco and Tiguan projects, but too much had already been invested in their development.

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Sports - StatesmanJournal.com

Sports - StatesmanJournal.com:

"Salem Roadster Show set for Feb. 10-11 at fairgrounds
More than 100 hot rods, muscle cars, customs, trucks and motorcycles will be on display at the Salem Roadster Show on Feb. 10-11 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the show benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion and Polk Counties.
Hand-picked cars from Oregon, Washington and California will be on display. Admission is $9, $5 for ages 8-12, free for younger than 8. Boys & Girls Club members will be admitted free with a valid membership card and an adult admission."

Time Traveler: My '40 Ford Fixation

Time Traveler: My '40 Ford Fixation: "I've wanted a 1940 Ford Deluxe business coupe for a long, long time.

Back in high school, I owned a '40 with a '53 Olds V8, but it never made it to the stage where it would run consistently. In those days, all my friends had '40 Ford coupes. Good-looking, lightweight and begging for more horsepower, '40 Ford coupes were the hot-rod du jour in the late '50s.

I've regretted selling it ever since.

Like the ethereal ice skater in the classic movie Carnal Knowledge, a '40 Ford coupe has twirled and pirouetted tantalizingly just out of reach in my mind ever since.

I sold my '34 Ford coupe last year ('Love means never having to say you're selling'), then I ramped up the hunt for that elusive '40."

Jag man's hot rod fantasy comes true... | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

Jag man's hot rod fantasy comes true... Auto Express News News Auto Express: "

Jag man's hot rod fantasy comes true...
Stylists are usually car nuts in their spare time, and Jaguar design director Ian Callum is no exception

However, the man behind the sensational C-XF concept wasn't solely content with the idea of a sporty classic. Instead, he commissioned a 1932 Ford Model B Coup� from British firm Home Grown Hot Rods, which is powered by a 430bhp V8 specially built by Ford Racing in the US.

Callum's love of hot rods goes back to his teens, when his brother Moray - who is a leading designer at Ford in the US and revitalised Mazda's range - bought him some hot rod magazines one Christmas. 'I fell in love with rods and Jaguars at the same time,' he says. It has taken the 52-year-old designer nearly four decades to realise his dream, but here it is - an immaculate jet black fenderless three-window coup�.

'There's a purity to the design that's unmatched,' he says. 'I couldn't articulate that as a teenager, but now I realise it's about simplicity. That's what we try and achieve with contemporary car design, and is why great models such as the original Mini succeeded.' And he adds: 'The radiator grille has to be the best looking there is - I want another to hang on the wall!'"

thedesertsun.com | Cruisin' for some family fun

thedesertsun.com Cruisin' for some family fun:

"One of my favorite childhood memories is cruising with my grandmother in her grey Ford Mustang down Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs listening to Pasty Cline's greatest hits.
I had a very cool granny.
Consider the Palm Springs Cruisin' Association Cruise Night as a fun, cool family outing jam-packed with events including viewing of snazzy hot rods, customs, and street rods, raffles, 50/50, entertainment, vendors, and of course kids events. The fun is free for spectators, but those who wish to enter their car should plan to pay a $5 entrance fee. Information, 360-9798"

Inside Line: D-Rod: Promoting Detroit Muscle -

Inside Line: D-Rod: Promoting Detroit Muscle -: "HOLLY, Michigan � The upcoming Autorama show, the annual edition of Detroit's long-running hot-rod extravaganza, will showcase yet another '32 Ford re-creation, this one dubbed D-Rod and intended to promote the city's image and 'rebrand Detroit.'

The D-Rod is the brainchild of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, which commissioned a local builder, Detroit Muscle, to construct the vehicle. The bureau wants to promote Detroit as 'a leisure and meeting destination.'

Curiously, the D-Rod is a mix of Detroit-based hardware. Under the Deuce-like skin, the car boasts a Chrysler 392 Hemi crate engine mated to a Chrysler 518 four-speed automatic transmission. The bureau said it chose the classic '32 Ford partly to commemorate the car's 75th anniversary."


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The 40th Anniversary of the Andy Brizio Picnic - Street Rodder Magazine

The 40th Anniversary of the Andy Brizio Picnic - Street Rodder Magazine: "Free beer? And free hot dogs? Could that be the secret formula to make people take hot rods to yet another car show? Well, it was back in the '60s when Andy Brizio decided to hold a get-together for some of his hot rod buddies in Northern California.
The first Andy's Picnic, and we're talking about 1966 here, was just Andy, his wife, Sue, and a few friends with about 30 cars that showed up at Morton's Hot Springs near Calistoga to hang out. Afterward, they then got folks who had heard about how much fun it was and said they'd like to go to the next one, and soon a tradition was formed!
The second Andy's Picnic in 1967 drew 60 cars, and was held at the Crazy Horse Ranch in Napa. In '68, the event at Turtle Rock Ranch in Mount Diablo drew 100 cars, but by 1969, when the show moved to Crow Canyon, Andy was getting 475 cars through the gate, and his little picnic had become the place to be!"

Motorsport.com: News channel

Motorsport.com: News channel: "Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum Continues 'Deuces Wild' Celebration, Feb. 7-June 18
10 of the Most Significant '32 Ford Hot Rods Displayed in New 75th Anniversary Exhibits
POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2007) -- The celebration continues at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, as the '32 Ford, the quintessential hot rod, marks its diamond jubilee.
'Deuces Wild,' the Museum's anniversary exhibit, opens Feb. 7 featuring several of the 75 Most Significant '32 Ford hot rods as determined by a blue- ribbon panel of hot rod experts. Included will be Chili Catallo's 'Little Deuce Coupe' which appeared on the Beach Boys album of the same name -- perhaps one of the most famous '32 Ford hot rods of all time; a re-creation of Fred Allen's 'Devil Deuce;' the 'Orange Crate;' and roadsters from Tommy Foster, Neal East and the Berardini Bros. In total, 11 cars, 10 of which were deemed the '75 most significant.' The exhibit runs until June 18.
'You'll never see these historical cars together again,' said Museum Executive Director Tony Thacker, who was on the judging panel and has authored a book on the Deuce. 'If you're a Deuce fan, this is a once-in-a- lifetime collection.' "

.: National Hot Rod Association President Tom Compton to Speak at February MPG Luncheon - Racing :. Auto Spectator

.: National Hot Rod Association President Tom Compton to Speak at February MPG Luncheon - Racing :. Auto Spectator: "LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Motor Press Guild (MPG), America's largest professional automotive media association, will feature National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) president, Tom Compton at its February 6 meeting. Compton will give an overview of NHRA's position in motorsports, as the world's largest sanctioning organization and its recent rise in popularity to the No. 2 most popular motorsport in the U.S. behind NASCAR (in terms of TV ratings, event attendance and sponsor relationships). With 80,000 members and 35,000 licensed competitors, NHRA is a thriving leader in the world of motorsports.

The vision of NHRA, originally founded by Wally Parks in 1951, has been primarily safety and keeping hot rodders off of public roads. Compton will share how he, as only the third president in NHRA history, continues to keep the Wally Parks tradition and vision alive through racing and the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California."

Warrnambool Standard

Warrnambool Standard: "HORSEPOWER rumbled Port Fairy at the weekend when South West Hot Rod Club's annual show roared into town.
Visitors, holidaymakers and residents alike basked in the glory of more than 300 entries on display.
Hot rod enthusiast Andrew Hodges said it was his 17th visit to the show.
``We come down every year,'' Mr Hodges said.
``I've got four hot rods and I try to rotate them every year. I have a chopper too,'' he added.
He said the show had received 150 to 160 entries, but estimated more than 300 cars had arrived on site yesterday."

1932 Ford Hot Rod Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

1932 Ford Hot Rod Celebrates its 75th Anniversary: "The 1932 Ford is the holy grail of hot rods. Better known as 'the Deuce,' it's the car every hot-rodder wants. Roadsters and coupes are especially prized, but any Deuce will do.

Over the years, hot-rodders have never stopped modifying the '32 Ford. It's been chopped and channeled, dropped and drilled, fixed up and souped up. It's been raced from one end of the country to the other, from dry lakes in California to drag strips in Indiana.

And, of course, the Deuce is the icon of street racing everywhere.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, and it's being celebrated by a gathering of the most significant Deuces of all time.

Last year, Ford commissioned a panel of hot-rod experts to review a list of some 474 worthy cars and whittle it down to 75 cars. To honor these cars, Ford has created a special display, 'The 75: The 75 Most Influential '32 Ford Hot Rods.' It will be unveiled at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, January 26-28, 2007.

Many of these historic cars had been lost over the years only to be rediscovered by today's enthusiasts. A surprising number have been carefully restored to look the way they did in their heyday. Only a few are still missing. "

WhoWon.com ... The Internet Source for Motorsports News and Information

WhoWon.com ... The Internet Source for Motorsports News and Information: "POMONA, Calif. -- The celebration continues at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, as the '32 Ford, the quintessential hot rod, marks its diamond jubilee.

'Deuces Wild,' the Museum's anniversary exhibit, opens Feb. 7 featuring several of the 75 Most Significant '32 Ford hot rods as determined by a blue- ribbon panel of hot rod experts. Included will be Chili Catallo's 'Little Deuce Coupe' which appeared on the Beach Boys album of the same name -- perhaps one of the most famous '32 Ford hot rods of all time; a re-creation of Fred Allen's 'Devil Deuce;' the 'Orange Crate;' and roadsters from Tommy Foster, Neal East and the Berardini Bros. In total, 11 cars, 10 of which were deemed the '75 most significant.' The exhibit runs until June 18.

'You'll never see these historical cars together again,' said Museum Executive Director Tony Thacker, who was on the judging panel and has authored a book on the Deuce. 'If you're a Deuce fan, this is a once-in-a- lifetime collection.'

In addition to the cars, historic and never-before-displayed photography of early '32 Fords in production will be shown. Photographs of hot rods and racing Deuces will grace the walls of the Museum, a landmark part of the Los Angeles County Fairplex."

Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show Coming To Toronto

Performance World Custom Car & Truck Show Coming To Toronto: "TORONTO - February 1, 2007: From a 1951 Mercury to a 1969 Camaro, the feature cars at the 2007 Performance World Custom Car and Truck Show are sure to capture both the eye and the imagination. The hardcore show for car enthusiasts rides into the International Centre (6900 Airport Road) from March 9-11, 2007 with custom cars and trucks competing for $50,000 in cash and awards. On top of the not-to-miss feature cars and personalities, the event boasts more than 600 top show cars and trucks and over 250 exhibitors, covering 350,000 square feet. Visitors to the 2007 Performance World Show will be treated to the Foose �69, one of only twenty Camaros conceived by renowned car designer Chip Foose and hand built by Unique Performance. Owner Fred Cini of Wasaga Beach, Ontario was on a flight two years ago when he read about this rare and stunning vehicle that combines world-class technology and automotive craftsmanship inside an updated beauty. While the motor consists of the raw power of a 572cid / 620 HP GM Aluminum Head Big Block V8 Engine, the body boasts style and sophistication with its Jaguar door handles, Foose badges, custom hood, smooth bumpers and Hot Hues paint. Cini, as an avid car enthusiast, jumped on the opportunity to obtain a Foose �69 and now owns the only one in Canada."