Tag Archives: Muscle Cars

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – StumbleUpon

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The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is an extremely rare and cool road car built by Alfa Romeo. Only 18 are reported to have been made, plus three design studies based on the 33 Stradale the 33.2, Iguana and Carabo.

Chase the link to read more:

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – StumbleUpon.

 

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

 

The race-bred engine bore no relation to the mass-produced units in Alfa’s more mainstream vehicles. Race engineer Carlo Chiti designed an oversquare (78 mm bore x 52,2 mm stroke) dry-sump lubricated 1,995 cc (121.7 cu in) V8 that featured SPICA fuel injection, four ignition coils and 16 spark plugs. The engine used four chain-driven camshafts to operate the valve train and had a rev-limit of 10000 rpm. The engine produced 230 bhp (172 kW) at 8800 rpm in road trim and 270 bhp (200 kW) in race trim.

 

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Driven: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe

And speaking of that composite bodywork, it is a gorgeously Italian (designed by Alfa Romeo and assembled by Maserati in Modena, no less) exotic design that Alfa says was inspired by the famed Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale racing car penned by Franco …

alfa romeo 33 stradalealfa romeo 33 stradale

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Fords on 4th Ave – Torino, Trucks and Fav’s

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So I’m going to warp up the articles on the Fords on 4th Ave car show and getting ready for live tweets from Good Guys show in Scottsdale, Az tomorrow.

In a previous post I mentioned the lack of Mercury’s (other than Cougars) at the show, there were only a couple Thunderbirds and sadly only one Torino. I love  the Torino! I should have kept my 1974 GS with Cobra Jet engine!

1974 Grand Sport Torino

So as a warp up I thought I’d share my (non-Mustang) favorites from the show.

 

First up is the one and only Ford Torino.

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Very Nice 1973 Torino. Love the body style! This one didn’t have any of the badge and I couldn’t tell if it was a Grand Torino. It appeared to have a 351 engine.

 

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Can’t say I like the grill.

 

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Nicely done and mostly stock!!!

 

Here is the oldest Ford in the show:

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1915 Ford Model T.

 

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Doodlebug – defined as vehicle used for work around the farm. My Grandfather had one (1930’s Ford) and we called it the Doodlebug.

 

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This Falcon is amazing!! Nice V8 (351 I believe).

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Yes I know it’s a wagon!!! But check out the quad exhaust exiting in front of the rear wheels. Now that’s very cool!!

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Interior was so nicely done!!!

 

Fairlane 500 Retractable!!!!

Fairlane 500 Retractable!!!!

 

This Fairlane GTA was the bomb!!!

This Fairlane GTA was the bomb!!!

The Econoline had a V8 wedged between the seats!!!

The Econoline had a V8 wedged between the seats!!!

 

Hope you enjoyed this recap of Fords on 4th Ave, here in Tucson, AZ.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Fords on 4th Ave Continued III Galaxies

While there were an abundance of Mustang and other Ford products at Fords on 4th Ave, missing was the Ford sub-culture of Mercury’s. For the past few years you could find a small group of Montereys, Montclairs, Park Lanes …
It’s Car Show Season….YES!!! Fords on 4th Ave!

‘The most wonderful time of the year!!!’ No not Christmas – BETTER! It’s car show season!!! From March though Oct here in the southwest is prime car show.
Fords on 4th Ave Continued II

Although the newer Mustang are awesome, you still can’t be the those of the 60’s and early 70’s, you just can’t! Check out these fine specimens!! Nicely restored.

Fords on 4th Ave Continued III Galaxies

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While there were an abundance of Mustang and other Ford products at Fords on 4th Ave, missing was the Ford sub-culture of Mercury’s.  For the past few years you could find a small group of Montereys, Montclairs, Park Lanes, Marquis, Turnpike Cruisers, and Montegos.   I think I saw first Park Lane and Turnpike Cruiser at that event a few years gone.   They were there this years.

That being the case there were some stunning examples Falcons and their spinoffs, as well as Cougars, trucks and everyone favorite Ford Fairlane/Galaxies 500’s.

 

On of the larger groups were the Ford Fairlanes/Galaxies, everything from the 500’s GTA’s and GT’s it was a great representation of what I think was one of Ford best designs. Check these out:

 

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Cobra Le Mans

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Check out the specs!!!

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One of my favorite wheel types.

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Here one more up close:

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This is a GT.

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That is the 390!!!

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Interior is well restored. Original steering wheel.

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Stacked Headlights and Stacked Tail lights

I do have to show you one custom version – lowered.

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Galaxie 500 Stacked Headlights – Single Tail lights

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Perfect Interior. Nice to see the steering wheel with horn rim.

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Lowered with lots of chrome in the engine bay.

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Here is the group shot.

An awesome sight

An awesome sight!!

 

Still more to come.  Drop me a note if you a favorite Ford!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

CLASH OF THE CLASSICS: Ford Galaxie versus Chevrolet Impala

Before there were muscle cars, there were big block racers. Designed to do battle on track in NASCAR, they had all the trappings of a big, luxurious car but with the beating heart of rampant V8. The two main proponents were Chevrolet’s Impala and Ford …
Auto collection to be auctioned to benefit Baker Center

The six vehicles include a 1941 Lincoln Continental, a 1951 Hudson Hornet and a 1962 Ford Galaxie. They are scheduled to be auctioned at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy on the UT-Knoxville campus on Saturday. Baker, who died last year …
Red Cruze’s latest trip, to the “Dark Side of the Moon”

(I will never forget riding back from Pittsburgh in one of those 1970s blizzards with him driving his perfect 1966 Ford Galaxie. One tough winter driver, and he had no traction control computers aiding him, either.) Now, I await those new motor mounts …

Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird, Thunderbird, AMX

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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 time.

Although the Thunderbird wasn’t available until 1955 it was in design.  Originally it was going to be called the Vega!!

1955 T-Bird

1955 T-Bird

 

Feb 23, 1967 – Pontiac debuts the Firebird

The brain child of John Delorean the Firebird started out as the Banshee in two versions (XP 833 convertible or Hard top coupe).  1966 it was a two seater referred to as XP-798.

 

Look some what familar? Corvette maybe?

Look some what familar? Corvette maybe?

Pontiac brass thought so too and these concepts were not approved.

Pontiac brass thought so too and these concepts were not approved.

The XP 798 Firebird concept.

The XP 798 Firebird concept.

1967 Firebird

1967 Firebird

 

 

Feb 24, 1968 – American Motors debuts the AMX

1969 Hurst version...NICE!!!

1969 Hurst version…NICE!!!

 

Feb 25, 1905 – Jose Piquero crossed the Andes in a Caddy!!

Had to dig for this one. Found it on http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org.   Back in 1905 a Cadillac was the first car to cross the Andes (the mountain range not Andes, New York) that happened on Feb 25th, but I don’t know why, nor does anyone else seem to know.  I can tell you  the Andes are in South American and average about 14,000 feet in altitude.  The ’05 (that’s 1905 not 2005) Caddy was, well, let’s say “airy”.   That ‘brave’ (pronounced ‘Crazy’) soul was Jose Piquero. But wait, some sources say it wasn’t a Caddy at all, but a Oldsmobile.

So I would imagine in either ride the trip was a tad bit chilly.

1905 Olds

1905 Olds

1905 Caddy

1905 Caddy

 

Feb 27, 1934 – Ralph “Corvair Killer” Nader was born in Conn.

You can celebrate that (anyone?  Bueller, Bueller…) if you absolutely can’t find another reason to have an adult beverage.  I wonder if he fell out of a car seat when he was young?

1962 Lakewood

1962 Lakewood

The last Corvair Vert.

The last Corvair Vert.

I'm seeing the Corvair but can't help notice the Nova's on the rail car.

I’m seeing the Corvair but can’t help notice the Nova’s on the rail car.

 

Feb 28,  1940  – Mario Andretti born in Montona, Italy

Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

1955 thunderbird specs1967 firebird specs

1968 Ford Mustang Fastback – Modified Mustangs & Fords Magazine

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Don’t worry, not all kids are rocking double-decker winged imports with stereo volume that competes with fart can exhaust. There are young hard-core hot rodders building cars their fathers and grandfathers would be proud of. Joe DeBattista of San Bruno, California, is one of those kids. With a father who collected just about anything that related to cars, Joe was always surrounded by automotive paraphernalia. He almost didn’t get a choice if he would be a fanatic.

Joe’s dad, Joe Sr., was a British car lover. That’s all fine, but Joe was more into American Muscle. He was even happy for his plan to be receiving his mother’s ’70 Mustang Coupe when he was old enough to drive. That was until mom, who worked as a secretary at an auto-repair shop, called them to come check out a car. An older woman had brought in a car with a minor carburetor issue to be resolved in order to sell. Joe and his dad were rather uninterested, as Joe would be getting the ’70 coupe. Mom insisted they come see it anyway.

(chase the link to read more…)

via 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback – Modified Mustangs & Fords Magazine.

 

351 Modified

351 Modified

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

Hot Rod To The Rescue – A 351 Cleveland Is Eating …

The 351 Cleveland in Scott Mays’ 1970 Mustang Strips Distributor Gears. Hot Rod To The Rescue.
1971 1972 1973 mustang 351 cleveland an other parts – $1 …

1971 1972 1973 mustang 351 cleveland an other parts – $1 (Oak Ridge, MO). 1971 1972 1973 mustang 351 cleveland an other parts – $1 (Oak Ridge, MO) http://semo.craigslist.org/pts/4845021312.html …

H.E.M.I. Show – Come, see, and hear, the largest all Mopar show in Arizona.

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The H.E.M.I show is back, Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 8 AM -3 PM. Sponsored by Universal Technical Institute and Mopars Unlimited of Arizona. The biggest all Mopar car show in Arizona has a NEW LOCATION. This year the show will be at UTI, Universal Technical Institute, 10695 W. Pierce St, Avondale, AZ 85323.

The H.E.M.I show is back, Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 8 AM -3 PM. UTI, Universal Technical Institute, 10695 W. Pierce St, Avondale, AZ 85323

The H.E.M.I show is back, Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 8 AM -3 PM.
UTI, Universal Technical Institute, 10695 W. Pierce St, Avondale, AZ 85323

 
More space, more vendors, more swappers, food trucks, and over 50 professionally judged classes and all Mopar.

Vintage, Classic, Muscle, Truck, Jeep, FWD, Neon, Prowler/Viper, AMC, new Challenger, Charger, and Dart classes, survivor class, and a display only class plus many more. Stock and modified in most classes.

Personal Touch Dynamometer chassis dyno on site all day. See which Mopar will make the most power at the Dyno challenge. Special award for the highest horse power Mopar.

Come, see, and hear, the largest all Mopar show in Arizona.

Go to moparsaz.com for more info and to register show cars, swappers, and vendors, Just print and mail in the form by February 16th for reduced pre entry fee for show cars.

Entry is free to spectators. Show car $20 pre register by Feb 16th, $25 day of show, $15 Display only, Swap/Vendor space $20/$50, Dyno Challenge $30 2 pulls, enter as often as you like.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

mopar car show

 

ThrowBackThursday A 1969 Dodge Coronet 440

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I had to sneak this one in for #ThrowBackThursday.

One of my frequent reader sent over a couple of shots of him with his 1969 Dodge Coronet 440 from back in the day (1980).   ‘Wish I kept this one!” Bill says.

 

Thanks Bill.

 

Nice Car Mr. Bill!!! Yeah...we all have one we should have kept.

Nice Car Mr. Bill!!! Yeah…we all have one we should have kept.

me_coronet5a

 

Thanks for reading!!!

Tim

1969 Dodge Coronet 440 Coupe – Lucky Motors

Green 1969 Dodge Coronet 440 Chicago, Illinois Lucky Motors. Click on our link now to view our wide selection of new, used, and preowned cars, trucks and SUV’s.
Curbside Classic: 1969 Dodge Coronet 440 – Bread and …

It was 1969, and the B-bodies from the Dodge Boys were making some big waves. Dodge Charger 500s were tearing up NASCAR’s short tracks. Bewinged Charger Daytonas had broken 200 mph on […]
1969 Dodge Coronet 440 R/T | Muscle Car

1969 Dodge Coronet 440 R/T. Engine – 440ci , Built 1/5/72, Casting # 2536430-9. Transmission – Numbers Matching A-833 4-Speed. RearEnd – Sure-Grip Dana 60, 4.10:1 Gears. B5 Blue Paint. 1969 Dodge Coronet 440 RT · 1969 Dodge …

1969 Shelby GT500 set for Auction off after 40 years in storage | Digital Trends

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By Joe Mahan — March 24, 2014

 

From dust to dust, people and cars come and go, but sometimes the old is reborn … and out of the dust emerges something immaculate.

A 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet is a mouthful to say but it will drop any car enthusiasts jaw. This particular garage-find was owned and perfectly preserved by a now-deceased automotive connoisseur and set for auction — hot on the heels of the submersible Lotus Esprit used by James Bond in “Never Say Never Again” and a ’63 Ferrari GTO that became the most expensive car ever sold.

Larry never washed the car for fear of scratching the paint job or cause even the slightest bit of rust. Yahoo News estimates that the only time the car was ever washed was before delivery. Accordingly, the car is in absolute showroom condition, except for a layer of dust.

GT 500 Love the hood!!

GT 500 Love the hood!!

This snake features a larger, 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which has run only 8,500 miles in total. The spark plugs, belts, fan, and hoses are all original. The only items that are not from 1968 are the tires.

Considering that this highly collectable GT500 has sat idle since 1973, it’s an extreme rarity. The Mustang was originally purchased for just $5,245 in 1969. Now, though, it should sell at auction for over $100,000.

The car will be auctioned off by Ron Gilligan Auctioneering on April 25.

It also looks like pack-rat owner also owned a 1971 Ford Ranchero with only 53,000 miles on it, and get this … a 1974 Ford Econoline Custom 100 van with only 554 original miles. Both vehicles are for sale along with a variety of other mint, perfectly maintained vehicles from the estate.

via 1969 Shelby GT500 set for auction off after 40 years in storage | Digital Trends.

 

Thank for reading.

Tim

Drag Pack-Equipped 1969 Mustang Shelby GT500 To Hit Mecum Kissimmee

This 1969 Shelby GT500 that will hit the auction block later this month is one of those rare Drag Pack-equipped Shelby Mustangs. Only 1,157 GT500 Sportsroofs were built, but 25 of those came with the Drag Pack and 4.30 gears. An of those, only seven …
Beware the Super Snake: Ford reveals Shelby Signature package for 5th-gen …

The automotive world may have shifted its focus to the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, but the previous breed is still going strong. Shelby has just announced the Signature Edition GT500 Super Snake, a rip-roaring tribute to the Mustang’s fifth generation.

Los Angeles street racers aim to bring drag racing back to Terminal Island | Hemmings Daily

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The old drag strips are disappearing.  I have an article coming out about an abandon drag strip right in my backyard.

 

Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles didn’t play by the typical drag strip operations manual. Intermodal shipping containers surrounded the strip and served as the basis for some of its structures. It had no national drag racing organization affiliation, and everybody pretty much run what they brung. It opened and closed nearly a dozen times over the course of three decades, and now, in the midst of an LAPD crackdown on street racing in the city, fans of the drag strip are working to bring it back.

“Our main goal is to keep everybody off the streets,” said Donald Galaz, a lieutenant with the International Brotherhood of Street Racers and the founder of Project Street Legal, an initiative to return racing to Terminal Island. “But you know the way politics is – the wheels go very very slowly.”

Read the rest via Los Angeles street racers aim to bring drag racing back to Terminal Island | Hemmings Daily.

 

Vette at Terminal Island

Vette at Terminal Island

 

I remember my first drag strip experience, it was in the middle of a corn field in the middle of Texas (just outside of San Angelo).  I recall thinking how awesome it was to have a place to test your skills – legally!!  I wonder if it’s still there?

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Police: Pair Caught Drag Racing Friday

Two men were charged late Friday with drag racing on East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greeneville police Officer Joe Prokop said in a report. Charged were Justin E. Aiken, 21, of 127 Sam Aiken Road; and Kieffer L. Keller, 20, of 1500 John Graham Road.
West Chester’s Nikki Bennett has passion for drag racing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The dragster is all black, and its driver is dressed in all black, too, from the top of the helmet right on down to the shoes. For a long time, no name was displayed on the sides like there are on other machines. It goes to the line …

Auto Factoids for Week of Dec. 28, 2014

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Here are your Auto Factoids for the last week of Dec 2014.

 

–  Charles Goodyear was born Dec 29, 1800 in New Heaven, Conn.   39 years and 4 days later he developed vulcanization or rubber (Jan 2, 1839)

– Jan 1, 1942 was the date that the us Government banned the sale of all non-essential car and small trucks in an effort to save valuable resources for the war effort.

– Back in 1966 on Jan 1st, Dodge rolls out the Charger.

1966 Charger Love the lines!!!

1966 Charger Love the lines!!!

But it has had some changes over the years.

 

1969 Charger

1969 Charger – Nice!!!!!

 

1987 Shelby version of the Charger.

1987 Shelby version of the Charger.

 

2010 Dodge Charger - not a great looking car.

2010 Dodge Charger – not a great looking car.

 

2014 Charger - looks make you want to yawn...but it can move!!!!

2014 Charger – looks make you want to yawn…but it can move!!!!

 

 

– Chevy debuts its first air-cooled engine on Jan 2, 1923.

Copper/Air Cooled

Copper/Air Cooled

 

– On Jan 2, 1957 Ghia announced the production of the Crown Imperial limo.

 

Here is an 1958 Chrysler-Imperial Limo example.

Here is an 1958 Chrysler-Imperial Limo example.  That’s a nice looking car!!!

Thanks for reading this installment of #AutoFactoids.  

 

Tim

 

 

NOTE:  If you’d like to sponsor an Auto Factoid contact me.  With thousands of views every day you will get noticed!!!!!

 

1984 C4

1984 C4

 

Auto Factoids for Week of Dec 14, 2014

Dec 15, 1861 Charles Duryea was born in Canton, Ohio. He grew up to be an engineer and with his brother Frank, they began production bicycles. By 1893 they test driving the first U.S. gasoline powered vehicle. It was a …
Auto Factoids for Week of June 8, 2014

Let’s get right to the glory and the tragic historical events of this weeks Auto Factoids. June 10, 1927 the Graham brothers purchased Paige-Detroit Motor.
Auto Factoids for Week of May 18, 2014

If you thought last week was light…this week is weak!! Buick became a corporation back in 1903 back on May 19. It eventually became a major General Motors brand.