Idris Elba breaks “Flying Mile” speed record from 1927

 

Okay, at first blush, this seems kind of like a meaningless publicity stunt: TV star and multiple People Magazine “Sexiest Men Alive” honoree Idris Elba hops into a brand-new, immensely powerful super-coupe and obliterates a speed record set when George V was still king and Charles Lindbergh had just landed in Paris.If it seems silly, it’s because this was not in any way a fair fight. Look, Idris Elba is a certified badass, but the 626-hp Bentley Continental GT Speed he was driving benefits from 88 years of automotive evolution that Sir Malcolm Campbell absolutely didn’t have at his disposal back in 1927. That’s a sizable advantage in favor of the British star.Stick with us here, though, because there’s a very cool parallel to all of this, and it’s something that even Bentley didn’t think to highlight.See, if you read Bentley’s press release, it lays out the bare facts: The undeniably attractive Elba, star of Luther and The Wire, sought to break the “Flying Mile” record, a top speed run that takes place on a seven-mile stretch of smooth, firm beach on the shores of Carmathen Bay, Wales, known as Pendine Sands. The defending champion of the Flying Mile was Sir Malcolm Campbell, whose two-way average of 174.8 mph has gone unchallenged since 1927.

He used this!!!

He used this!!!

So I’ve got to think that the only reasons this record still existed is that no one bothered to drive there since 1927.  Seriously!!!  You can read more by chasing the link below…I’ve got to run, I’m going to break the speed record for a one way trip to the end of my driveway.  Don’t worry, I’ll send Road and Track some PR shots and a pic of my C6 sitting at the end of my driveway!!

Source: Idris Elba breaks “Flying Mile” speed record from 1927

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

bentley

Bentley sets new ‘Flying Mile’ speed record with actor Idris Elba

The ‘Flying Mile’ is a historical high-water mark, a thing of legend. In 1927, Sir Malcolm Campbell drove a modified Bentley—the Napier-Campbell Blue Bird—to a U.K. land speed record of 174.8 mph. That’s faster than most of today’s sports cars, just

Thanks to My World Wide Readers

It is time I gave a shout out to some of my readers from outside the U.S. borders.

I appreciate the your view and don’t be hesitate to drop me a note.  Love to find out what’s going on in your car culture.

So a huge thanks to readers in these countries: ( no particular order)

Australia – Thanks Mates
United Kingdom – Thanks and congrats on the birth of Princess Charlotte!!!
Canada  – Thank you/Merci
Germany – Danke
Mexico- Gracias
Brazil – Gracias
France – Merci
Italy – Grazie – Will be see you all in a few months
Uzbekistan – Teşekkür Ederim
Sweden – Tack
Belgium – Tak
New Zealand – Thank you
Venezuela – Gracias
Netherlands – Tak/Danke
Findland – Kiitos
United Arab Emirates – شكرا
Argentina – Gracias

Drop me note or even better a pic of your car, motorcycle, bike, scooter – whatever you ride.

Find me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AGCarRestoration) or Twitter @Agcarrestore

Thanks for reading.

Tim

_JKP2735-1970-mustang-web100_0303 100_0668

Remanufactured, NOS, OEM, Rebuilt and Used Auto Parts

When you are restoring a car you have a lot of choice to make.  Keep the original paint or engine? Drop it a couple of inches? Upgrade the suspension?   Of course there’s the brain racking choice of the what time of necessary parts shop for as well.  Do we go with NOS?  How about OEM, used or remanufactured parts or rebuilt?   These last two question important, however you are going to need to know what the differences are between them.

NOS is New Old Stock and not normally pronounced as a word, just initials  N.O.S.  These initials normally refer to parts that were made by the car’s manufacturer (like GM, Ford, Chrysler) and are stocked at dealerships or auto parts stores while the cars are ‘current’ in marketplace.  Finding NOS parts for you 1930’s Studebaker is a huge deal, provided the parts lasted sitting in the box for 30 plus years.  Automobilia collectors get down right giddy if they find a spark plug for a Model T in the original box – so there’s that aspect.   But many car collectors will look for these parts when on a car when buying and selling.  So NOS is not always going to get the job done if you want a great running classic car and you can almost bet that some are budget busters!

Ford NOS Spark Plugs

Ford NOS Spark Plugs

NOS Thunderbird Windshield wiper motor

NOS Thunderbird Windshield wiper motor

That’s why, in part, all the other classification of parts now exist.

Let’s look at the  remanufactured classification of parts.  The idea is that the parts are as close to new as possible. Any of the parts that might wear have been replaced (normally as standard procedure) and the core material is thoroughly gone over to see if it measures up to original equipment specifications and therefore perform as you would expect original equipment to perform.  The replaced components of the part (seals, springs, gaskets, etc.) should be made in the same process as the original parts were produced and those too should be test against original specs.  This goes for something as small as a distributor caps to a complete short or long block engines.  You’ll  find prices will often cost less than NOS parts and will carry a warranty, which most of other categories do not.

Another classification that is often confused with remanufactured is ‘rebuilt’ parts.   Rebuilding parts includes thorough cleaning and inspection.  Parts that are worn (and not capable of meeting manufacturers’ acceptable wear limits) or broken are replaced.  Anything serviceable is retained.   This leads to a combination of used components (from a core unit), new components (gaskets, washer, etc.) and original.  Quality is an issue and will vary between different rebuilders and sometimes  even from the same rebuilder.  Rebuilt part do come with a “limited” warranty.  Just in case “core unit” isn’t a  familiar phrase, it is basically your old part handed in for a rebuilt part.  Often the cost of the rebuilt part has a ‘core’ charge attached.  For example, when purchasing a rebuilt alternator, the price of $150.00 includes a $25.00 core charge, meaning if you turn in your malfunctioning part the part cost $125.00.  In turn the company uses your core for rebuilding or salvaging parts for another rebuild.

Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM classification of parts can be confusing as well.   OEM’s were companies that produced parts for the auto manufactures.  For example GM didn’t produce its own batteries, they looked to Delco or some other expert to produce these parts.  You may still be able to buy a battery from Delco, however it may be cosmetically different (which sets it apart from NOS parts.).   In some cases the manufacturers will license a company to produce parts to their specification.

Used parts is the last classification we going to discuss.   Just as you might expect, these are parts most often obtained at a salvage yard.  There the parts may or may not have been tested and there is no quality control.  As you  may have guessed, used parts of often less expensive than the other classifications, but they are not covered by any particular warranty.

Salvage yard part - untested and as is.

Salvage yard parts – untested and as is.

Determining which classification of parts to select from depend on several factors.  What is the end goal for the car?  Concourse restoration, race and show, racing only, just a good-looking classic or muscle car to woo the neighbors and cruse the streets.  What is the budget?  The average guy has average skills, average tools and an average guy’s budget constraints (family, bills, etc.) this may determine the level of restoration you can afford.  Is the need part available? It is great to start out with the goal of restoring to 100% original but if the NOS parts are not available, then what?

In my last restoration (1970 Mustang) I used all manner of parts.  NOS parts from online, used brackets for the A/C compressor (from a Mercury), OEM parts from overseas and rebuilt 4 speed trans from a wrecked Shelby Mustang and a new intake and carb.  This car turned out great and it was raced and woo’ed over and even brought home a couple of car show trophies.

Enjoy the hobby and thanks for reading.

Tim

_JKP2735-1970-mustang-web mustang1
Younger model: Manchester apprenticeship scheme jump starts classic car …

On top of the classic car restoration industry only employing 22,000 skilled workers, 43% of them are 45-years-old or more. This means a significant proportion of the workforce will be retiring or coming up to retirement in the next 20 years. Not only
Auto parts: Rebuilt, remanufactured or reused?

These same rules apply to other remanufactured auto parts, whatever they may be. You will find that remanufactured auto parts usually carry a longer and stronger warranty, covering parts and labor for longer periods of time, compared to rebuild parts.

Mel Martin’s Auto Museum – Corvettes

Last week my wife had to sit for a certification exam for her profession.   It was conducted over multiple days and held in Phoenix, AZ.  That is about a 1.5 hours drive (unless I’m driving the Vette, just joking always, obey the speed limits kids!!) north of Tucson and it made sense to grab a hotel room and spend 3 days.  While she was enduring the slow torture that they cleverly called “taking the exam”, I was left with a very rare, continuous span of free time.

I don’t know about you, but when I end up with unappropriated time and I’m in a hotel room, I don’t spend it watching HBO. I’ll jump on the WiFi and find some car action.  This was a perfect time to find some local car shows or events.  Just so happens on the way to the hotel I saw a sign, a few exits before the one we exited to reach the hotel, that read “Auto Museum”.

I gave that a Google and found the exact address.  The museum was called Mel Martin’s Auto Museum – “Phoenix’s Largest Auto Museum” and it was only open from noon to five the next day and asked for a $5 donation. So I put that on my to do list and head there the next day.

The museum is on a one way frontage road.  The building looks to be an old self-storage place converted in to businesses.  The museum entrance looks unassuming and you wouldn’t think it large enough to house 60 cars and a ton of automobilia.

Here are some highlights:

 

What kind of car museum would you be without a Corvette or two?

 

This beautiful 427 is an eye catcher!

This beautiful 427 is an eye catcher!

Check out Corvette Row!!!

VetteRow-3 VetteRow-4
VetteRow-5

 Here is a Vette you don’t see anywhere!!!

ListerVette-1

The 1992 Lister Corvette

ListerVette-2

Great lines…barely resembles a C4.

ListerVette-3

Front end looks like a Jaguar’s

ListerVette-6

I think the 17″ wheels are great looking!!!

ListerVette-5

The hood has those breathing holes for a reason. The LT1 under the hood…yeah it’s Vortech Supercharged!!! 500HP and 454 LB-FT of torque!!! Only automatic produced.

ListerVette-7   ListerVette-10

It also included the 1978 25th Anniversary Indianapolis Pace car.

Only 15 miles on this well preserved beauty!  (No I don't know why I took the pic this way.)

Only 15 miles on this well-preserved beauty! (No, I don’t know why I took the pic this way.)

 

Thanks for reading.  More coming up on Mel Martin’s Auto Museum.

Tim

 

mel martin auto museum

1965 FIA World Manufacturers’ GT Championship – Bob Bondurant

You no doubt know about Ford and Carroll Shelby’s Cobra winning the 1965 FIA World Manufacturer’s GT Championship – breaking Enzo Ferrari’s reign on the in that event.   But this short video tells more about what Bob Bondurant endured during those races.   He is a true racing icon.

 

I’ve had the thrill of running Bondurant course here in Phoenix, AZ., include the F1 event held at Phoenix International Raceway.   All great experiences from a well run organization.

 

Check out the story of how the U.S. Team (with Bob and two English drivers) took home the win.

 

 

Enjoy and thanks for reading.

Tim

1965 ford cobra gtcarroll shelbybob bondurant

Auto Factoids for the Weeks of March 15 and March 22 2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the week.   Actually, I’ve combined two weeks because I forgot last weeks and this week’s was limited.   So let’s start off with the week of the 15th (’cause going in chronological orders just seemed appropriate).

 

March 15, 1960 – Mercury/Ford/Edsel debuted the Comet.  The reality is that the Comet was to be a sub-model under Edsel.  With the Edsel’s demise the Comet was parent-less so to speak.  For the 1960-62 the car was simple badged as Comet.  The images below are those I took of a Comet I was interested in purchasing as a project car.

 

1961 - you can just see the Comet badge

1961 – you can just see the Comet badge

 

You can see the Edsel like instruments.  Only badge is  Comet.

You can see the Edsel like instruments. Only badge is Comet.

 

March 17, 1834 – Mr. Gottlieb Daimler was born in Germany.  He was an engineer and teamed up a guy named Karl Benz and together started a little car company.  I can’t recall the name!!!!

 

March 17, 1949 Porsche was debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.

 

1949 Publicity shot

1949 Publicity shot

 

March 18, 1858 Rudolph Diesel born in Paris, France.  In case you can’t guess he developed the diesel engine.

First Diesel Engine

First Diesel Engine

 

The first production diesel-powered car was created by Citroen called the Rosalie in 1933. (I always thought it was Mercedes-Benz but that didn’t happen until 1936!!)

Desiel engine

First production car diesel engine by Citroen.

 

 

1933 Citroen Rosalie - What a beautiful car!!!

1933 Citroen Rosalie – What a beautiful car!!!

March 18, 1923 Andy Granatelli 1923 Dallas, TX

Dude....It's Andy!!!   "nough said"

Dude….It’s Andy!!! “nough said”

 

March 21, 1961 Jaguar  E-type was deputed

One of the best styles of the 1960's

One of the best styles of the 1960’s

 

March 27, 1863 Mr. Henry Royce was born in Alwalton, England. From aircraft engines to ultimate in high-end luxury iconic cars. You know the name Royce (as in Rolls Royce).

1933 Merlin - used in the Hawker Hurricane, de Havilland Mosquito and the famous Supermarine Spitfire

1933 Merlin – used in the Hawker Hurricane, de Havilland Mosquito and the famous Supermarine Spitfire

 

1933 Hooper Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Coupe

1933 Hooper Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Coupe

 

Thank to all the followers of #AutoFactoids.   Special Twitter give-away so follow me @AGCarRestore.

Tim

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird …

Got a few huge debuts this week’s Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids), so lets get started. Feb 23, 1954 – Ford shows off the Thunderbird for the first.
Auto Factoids for Week of Feb 15, 2015 – SCCA, Nash-Healey

Here are your Auto Factoids (#autofactoids) for the middle of Feb, 2015!! Feb 15, 1944 – Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was formed. For those of you that don’t follow racing you need to check out what SCCA does.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/1/2015 – Kaiser Week

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the first week in Feb. 2015!!! I think we can call this Kaiser Week as 3 of our factoid are related to the Kaiser auto.

Saleen Unveils its 730HP 302 Black Label Mustang via reddit.com

 

We have always known that we wanted to create the most powerful production Mustang we have ever built,” explained Sven Etzelsberger, the Vice President of Saleen engineering. “I can happily say that we have accomplished this goal with great success.” And how do we measure success with the 2015 Black Label Mustang? Let us count the ways.

Black Label

Black Label

 

One, the Saleen Black Label will capable of 730 horsepower through its 5.0 Coyote engine by utilizing a twin-screw supercharger. This is a good bit more than the 640 horsepower we were expecting. Two, it will also come with 600 lb-ft of torque that will be eloquently put down to the tarmac with a set of staggered 20-inch tires. Three, as with anything this capable of speed, it must also slow down just as quick, which is taken care of with a set of 15-inch rotors and multi-piston brakes.

 

Finish the count don’t at:  Saleen Unveils its 730HP 302 Black Label Mustang via reddit.com.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

saleen black label mustang

 

Good Guy’s Car Show – Scottsdale, Az – The Wagons

I thought I’d start off with one (one of many…mind you!!) favorite car classes, the Station Wagons!!   I am a big fan of the 1950’s, 1960’s wagons.  From the Nomads to the to the Falcon wagons the styling is varied, options many and with a little muscle added, they are fine machines!

If you’ve read my bio, you may recall my first car (given to me as a graduation gift back in the late 1970’s) was a restored 1966 Chevy Impala convertible.  Awesome car with the reliable 283 engine.  So it’s not hard to guess that I’d love seeing the wagon version of my Chevy. Well is just so happened that there were two 1966 wagons at the show. 

The first one had the 327 engine and the owner added nice rims to hold it up. I’d improve the stance a bit by getting wider rubber for the rear tires.  I think the roof rack is excellent.    (I guess I should mention the Pinto wagon next to it.  It was nicely done too.)

 

1966 Chevy Impala Wagon

1966 Chevy Impala Wagon

 

Another 1966 Chevy Wagon.

Another 1966 Chevy Wagon.  Same 327 engine and very nice wheels

 

 

Great lines. No roof rack

Great lines. No roof rack

 

DSC_0131

Interior was spectacular with the original horn which is impressive.

 

Crazy or not I love the wagon versions of my Impala.

 

There were a few others that I thought notable.

 

Beautiful Pontaic with a 326 engine

Beautiful Pontiac with a 326 engine

 

Here a great little Nash Rambler Super.

 

DSC_0121 DSC_0122 DSC_0123 DSC_0124

 

This one will floor ya!!

Mercury Colony-Park Monterey.

Mercury Colony-Park Monterey.

 

Not Real  Wood mind you, but still nicely done.

Not Real Wood mind you, but still nicely done.

DSC_0142

Love the wide white walls!!

 

Let's talk painted dash!!! My favorite!!!

Let’s talk painted dash!!!  One of my favorite features of ’50’s and ’60’s cars!  Who needs padding?

 

AW Dude....it's a STICK!!!!

AW Dude….it’s a STICK!!!!  Lots of Chrome!!!

 

 

Did you know that the Dodge Dart could be had in a wagon?

Yup!!!  Although I'm pretty sure it didn't have a V8 and Dual exhaust originally.

Yup!!! Although I’m pretty sure it didn’t have a V8 and dual exhaust originally.

 

But don’t think wagons are just show cars.    Here’s a shot from the autocross competition.

There wagon in staging!!

There wagon in staging!!

The wagon rolls up in a few frame and in case you thought it might be six cylinder…turn up you volume!!!!

 That’s a great sound.

Thanks for reading and if you have a wagon you are proud of, drop me a note.

 

Tim

 

Cars and Global Warming: Why Station Wagons Are Greener Than SUVs

Image: Cars and Global Warming: Why Station Wagons Are Greener Than SUVs The 2015 Honda Fit is pictured at the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the New York International Auto Show in New York April 17, 2014. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters/Landov).

best vintage station wagonsbest vintage station wagons

Sodium Sweetness. — WordPress.com

With the likes of Industry Legends like Bruce Meyers, Speed demon Don Garlits, incredible machines since its inception in the early 1900’s, manic machines like the 270+mph 288 GT0, the Bonneville Salt Flats is the mecca for nature/car enthusiasts with an incredible backdrop showcasing the fastest pieces of metal on wheels in the world once a year in quiet Wendover, Utah.

Check out the some of these sweet Sodium rides!!!  Chase the link: Sodium Sweetness. — WordPress.com.

 

 

Farrari 288  GTO

Farrari 288 GTO

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

farrari gto

New Zealander builds 1962 Ferrari GTO replica in chicken …

A man in New Zealand and his team are crafting exacting replicas of vintage racers, like this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, from scratch in a chicken shed.

 

Good Guys Car Show 2015 Scottsdale, Az Videos

If you picked up my Twitter feed (@AGCarRestore) you would have seen a great cross-section of the cars and activities going on as they occurred in Scottsdale last weekend.  Below are the a few short videos that give you a feel of the activities and over the next few post, I’ll share some ‘most excellent’ cars.

 

 

 

Great sights and sounds.

 

 

 View of the Autocross pit.

Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

IF YOU LOVE CAR ART, CHECK OUT THE PRINTS FOR SALE BY LOCAL ARTISTS. CHASE THE LINK: CAR ART FOR SALE

 

 

good guys car showgood guys car show

Hot Rods on Display at Good Guys Car Show

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Hundreds of car enthusiasts put their favorite rides on display at the Kansas Speedway on Sunday. Randy Paxton says there’s almost nothing like a day spent in his fully rebuilt ’68 convertible Camero cruisin’ in a car show. “Looks