Category Archives: Auto History

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

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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

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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

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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

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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 …

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 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 …

Fords on 4th Ave Continued II

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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!!

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Nicely restored 289

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#IWantOne of these G.T. 350’s

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Riding low – Nice custom

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#IWantOne of these GT 500 (1967)

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GT 500 (1967) Scoope-ville

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Original interior – You don’t often see the steering wheel!!!

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In case the 1967 GT 500 is a little rough riding, try the new version!

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The Fox bodies had a few beauties as well.

Hard to tell from this photo but this was done in matte yellow.

Hard to tell from this photo but this was done in matte yellow.

Nice and nicer with NOS

Nice and nicer with NOS

Awesome!!

Awesome!!

 

This car show was primarily put on by the Southern Arizona Mustang Club (SAMC) and although there was a higher percentage of Mustang, a few other Fords showed.  Those are coming up.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

soutern arizona mustang club

4th Of July 2014 Celebrations Around Southern Arizona …

The Southern Arizona Mustang Club showcases their vehicles from 7-9:00 p.m.. FC Tucson 4th of July Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson 85713. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.. Fireworks start 30 minutes after the game …

It’s Car Show Season….YES!!! Fords on 4th Ave!

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“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 season.

Normally I start feeding my car show appetite in January, during the car auction month that kicks off with Barrett Jackson in Phoenix, AZ.  With my budget these are just fancy car shows, rather than a shopping trip.  Then I suffer quietly until March when all the shows start kicking-in.   This year I didn’t attend the Barrett Jackson event so I starved until this past weekend when I could attend my first show of the year.  That show was Fords on 4th Ave, Tucson, Az.

I’ve attend this show for the past 4 or 5 years, even entering my 1970 Mustang one year.  It is always a great time!

This year either with the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang, you’d expect to see a lot of the new cars and you would not have been disappointed.  If you follow me on TWITTER (@AGCarRestore) you would have seen live shots.  (You may want to follow me on Twitter, this weekend 3/13 I’ll be tweeting from the Good Guy’s show in Scottsdale, AZ.)

Here is a sampling:

This is the 2015 GT.

This is the 2015 GT.

Back end looks great!!!

Back end looks great!!!

2015 GT

2015 GT

Great looking Hood

Great looking Hood

 

Check out this customized beauty.

Lambo Doors!!!

Lambo Doors!!!

Hood slides forward

Hood slides forward

You have to appreciate the skill!!!

You have to appreciate the skill!!!

Here is a sampling:

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Love the 2+2!!!

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Nice looking art work on this GT!

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More coming up!!!!

Tim

2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition Sporting Huge Dealer Markups

… their own price increases over MSRP for limited edition models, but even though the 2015 Ford Mustang has been in dealerships for months now – there are still some dealerships adding massive markups on the special 50th Anniversary Mustang GT.

If it Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another!!

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If you are wondering what’s been happening with Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing.com, all I can say is, “It’s a long story.” Technology is a wonderful thing (I’ve been in the field for 20 years) but when it goes awry, it get can be as hard as regaining control of Formula 1 car in a 200 mph spin!!!!

Needless to say we are back and minus a few pics and a couple of posts (Ford on 4th Ave series and a couple of Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) – which I’ll reproduce) things are normal. (Damn, probably shouldn’t have typed that!!)

My apologies to my 13k registered users and those just stopping by for the interruption. Nothing worse the getting 404 errors.

Thanks for reading. Drop me a note.

Tim

2105 corvette z06

2105 corvette z06

Display engines from GM, Ford and Chrysler add affordable lots to Las Vegas sale | Hemmings Daily

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Keep reading my posts and you’ll eventually learn that I love engines.  There is something so comforting about an 1940-1970 engine all nicely painted and sitting on a stand!!!  Like this 302 from my 1970 Mustang!!

The 302

The 302

 

I could decorate my house with them, of course Mrs. Average Guy’s Car Restoration and Mods would have something to say about that, for sure.  I would if I could!!   Being so inclined, lead me to wanting to share this article out of Hemmings.  Enjoy.

Last weekend’s Rogers Classic Car Museum sale in Las Vegas, Nevada, truly offered something for everyone interested in mostly postwar American automobiles. In addition to the 200-plus cars that crossed the block, the sale featured an affordable array of display engines from American automakers, covering the period from 1949 to 1966. Sold for display purposes only, most engines were incomplete and likely suffering from a variety of mechanical problems, making them potentially unsuitable for use in restorations. Unlike most display engines, none were cut away to show the inner workings of valve trains, or pistons within cylinders, or transmission gear selection. As mechanical sculpture, they were interesting pieces, guaranteed to spark conversation, and ideal centerpieces for a finished garage or rec room.

 

1954 Mercury 256 CID

1954 Mercury 256 CID

Dodge Red Ram Hemi

Dodge Red Ram Hemi

Chase the link below to see the rest of the article and pictures.

via Display engines from GM, Ford and Chrysler add affordable lots to Las Vegas sale | Hemmings Daily.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#Engines

#Classic Cars

Auto Factoids for Week of Feb 15, 2015 – SCCA, Nash-Healey and More

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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.  It’s a great organization for local racing, as well as state/regional and even national.  I’m a proud card-carrying member and attend the local chapter Arizona Border Region .  I can attest that this chapter is well run and enjoyable.

Me and SCCA Solo instructor in my C7

Me and SCCA Solo instructor in my C7

 

Feb 16, 1951 – Nash-Healey debuts.     The Healey Nash mash-up produced one of the most beautiful cars of the early 1950’s. They originally met the Queen Mary.  Nash supplied the power train that consisted of the Ambassador’s straight six OHV 234.8 cu in (3.85 L) engine (minus the cast iron cylinder heads – they used their own design aluminum version) and three-speed manual transmission with Borg-Warner overdrive, plus torque tube and differential.  Healey supplied the carbs – two SU and the body.  Actually Healey designed the body to fit their frame, but aluminum body the supplied Panelcraft Sheet Metal.

 

Beautiful Aluminum bodied sport car!!!

Beautiful Aluminum bodied sport car!!!

2 SUtwin 1.75-inch (44 mm) and lighter and higher compression cylinder head - boosting it from 112 to 125 hp. That's a lot for a small car.

2 SU twin 1.75-inch (44 mm) and lighter and higher compression cylinder head – boosting hp from 112 to 125 hp.

 

Feb 17, 1934 – First Drivers Ed Class – in State College, Pa.

 

Feb 18, 1952 – Studebaker 100 years

Studebaker started out with an electric car in 1902 (before that they produced wagons)  and by 1904 began producing gas-powered.

Basically an electric wagon!!!

Basically an electric wagon!!!

1904 gas powered Studebaker.

1904 gas-powered Studebaker.
1952 Studebaker. 2 years later money issues forced a merger with Packard.

1952 Studebaker. 2 years later money issues forced a merger with Packard.

 

1979       – Richard Petty wins Daytona 500 (Number 6 for him)

6th Daytona win 1979

6th Daytona win 1979

The #43 Car for 1979

The #43 Car for 1979

 

1898 –       Enzo Ferrari born in Modena, Italy     (Not sure what he is famous for!!!)

Of course you would!!!

OH!!!!

 

Feb 20, 1954 – Dodge displays it’s Firearrow at the Chicago Auto Show (go on now for 2015)

One of the coolest concept cars!!!   Agree?

Two convertible models

Two convertible models

Clock in the steering wheel center? Crazy Cool!!

Clock in the steering wheel center? Crazy Cool!!

Awesome Interior

Awesome Interior

 

Thanks for reading!   Let us know how you like the Auto Factoid segment!!!

Tim

Auto Factoids for the Week of Feb 8, 2015 – N.Y. To Pairs …

As we run through the middle of the 2nd month of the year, here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids). A light week this week. Feb 10, 1942 – Pontiac.
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.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 1/25/2015

Wow it’s the end of January already. Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of January 2015. Jan 26th 1920 – Lincoln Motor Company.