Category Archives: Auto History

They Made How Many? Chevy 1975

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Here’s a little 4TH of July twist for They Made How Many?

What’s more American then a Chevrolet?

Check it out:

 

This was  a 1975 commercial and yes I know that other American cars (but feel free to remind me!!!! ) but this is just so American!!!!

You can see the a Vega, a Caprice, a Monza,  a Nova and few other Chevy’s in the commercial.

Total American car manufacturing show that Chevy was #1 in  car production with 1,755,773 units.  Chevy was followed closely by Ford with 1,569,608, then a distant 3rd was Oldsmobile with 631,795 (Roughly 1 million less than Ford!!).

The rest looked like this:

Pontiac – 531,922                                     Buick – 481,768                                   Plymouth – 454,105

Mercury – 404,650                                  Dodge – 377,462                                  Cadillac – 251,549

AMC – 241,501                                          Lincoln – 101,843                                 Imperial – 8,830

Checker – 450                                            Avanti II – 125                                       Excalibur – 90 (what?)

Out of the 1.7 million cars that Chevy produced there were some highlights.  Take for instance the famous 1975 Cosworth Vega two door hatchback with a total of 2,061 cars produced.

1975_Cosworth_Vega

Number-wise that was a very low production, but did you know the rarest car Chevy produced that year was the unfamous 1975 Vega Panel Express.  Total production was 1,525!!!

 

75Express

 

More coming up on 1975 Chevy production!!!

No shortage of drag racing action

The Electronic Gamblers’s Race came down to a final between the dragster of Mary Roach from Saint John, N.B., and the 1974 Chevy Vega of Rick Nowlan from Moncton, N.B., with Roach emerging victorious. The Junior Dragster class ran two divisions, and …
Benton’s Steve Collier is driven to succeed

Collier, a detective with the Benton Police Department, captured his first national win in Baytown, Texas, in his 1972 Chevy Vega and is now sitting in the top 10 nationally in points. “You have hundreds of racers and you have people out there who’ve …

Let me know if you own when of these and drop us a note at:  AGCarRestoration@cox.net

Thanks for reading.

Tim

chevy vega engine

 

The Delivery Trucks

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I have always loved the look of the huge panel/delivery trucks or sedans of the 30’s and 40’s.  The rounded fenders and either separate or incorporate headlights combined with the tall solid panel sides gave them a great look.

The terms panel/delivery were used on trucks as well as stations wagons (sedans)  like Ford’s 1938 and 1939 panel/delivery trucks with the oval grille and I include even the windowed  Chevy Suburban, Carryall in the late 50’s.

 

My favorite!! 1938 Ford delivery Van

My favorite!! 1938 Ford delivery Van

The 1938 Ford panel trucks were newly designed for that year.  This included the oval grille and car like fenders.  You had your choice of V8’s either 60 or 85 hp versions.  It include cool options like oil bath air cleaner, oil filter and an available hot water heater…yeah in the truck!!!

'41 Chevy Sedan Delivery. Another Favorite.

’41 Chevy Sedan Delivery. Another Favorite.

The ’41 Chevy Sedan Delivery was a new design for that year as well.  It also incorporated the passenger car features and a six cylinder engine that gave you more horse power (90) then the Fords V8s.   Chevy engineers solved a lot of issue with this model such as a new carb design to prevent the sudden stop stalling issues, newly designed water pump and a larger radiator to help with over-heating issues.  It also sported hydraulic breaks, synchomesh trans, double-acting shocks, independent front suspension and vacuum-assisted gearshift.

I mentioned the Chevy Suburban/Carryall which are great looking with a lot of windows.

 

'59Chevy Apache CarryAll

’59Chevy Apache CarryAll

1957 Carryall

1957 Carryall

 

These were basically for transporting people.  It was introduced in 1935 and in 1957 it had a lot of upgrades for example – hidden stairs and a new V8 – Chevy’s working 283 or the Trademaster 265.  It had power brakes, power steering, Hyda-matic with overdrive and electric wipers.  You had the option of rear panel doors or wagon tailgate!!!

I love this trucks!!!   But restoration is costly and I have a real problem with visualizing what can be done with, for instance, cargo space for the ’41 Chevy.   More seats?  Paneling and shag carpet? (I group in the 60’s and 70’s van era!!!)

Got a good idea for the cargo space?   Drop me your ideas in a comment for email me at  AGCarRestoration@cox.net.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

RTrogner

1942 Chevy Carryall Suburban http://t.co/tbuofoHvvA

How Much Would You Pay For A Secret Mini Found In A Dead Factory?

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It was saved by a former factory worker who got permission to remove it in 2012 shortly before the tunnels were due to be filled in – making it the last ever Mini to leave Longbridge. After not getting any sunlight for three decades, this 1275 GT needs lots of love in order to return to its former glory.

via How Much Would You Pay For A Secret Mini Found In A Dead Factory?.

Doesn't look like much in this photo.

Doesn’t look like much in this photo.

 

Still doesn't look like much - top has been banged out a bit.

Still doesn’t look like much – top has been banged out a bit.

 

But the good thing is....it's a low mileage car!!!!!

But the good thing is….it’s a low mileage car!!!!!

Would you buy it?

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

mini longbridge factory

Commodore name won’t sail on when GM replaces big Holden sedan – Autoblog

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Big changes are afoot at Holden. After General Motors opted to shut down its only plants Down Under, its Australian subsidiary is shifting from a manufacturer to an importer of automobiles. The question on everyone’s mind, then, has been whether Detroit would keep its Australian nameplates in place, or replace them with global ones.

The word on the yellow-brick roads of Oz has been shifting back and forth, but the latest indicates that GM will kill the Commodore name when the replacement for the current model arrives. Holden’s only proprietary model, the rear-drive Commodore sedan, wagon and ute are set to be replaced by a front-drive model to be brought in from either Asia or Europe. And while Holden execs have been pleading their case, it now appears that – because the car will be so fundamentally different from the one it replaces – GM will push the same nameplate it applies to the vehicle in other markets rather than try to port over the Commodore name, killing it alongside the Falcon that Ford is discontinuing as well.

via Commodore name won’t sail on when GM replaces big Holden sedan – Autoblog.

 

Holden Commodore VF

Holden Commodore VF

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

holden commodore

Holden Commodore recalled for second time in two months

THE new Holden Commodore has been recalled for the second time in two months because the windscreen wipers might not work. Holden is recalling 27,074 cars built from 27 February 2013 to 31 August 2013 because faulty windscreen wipers may become …
Holden Commodore sales resurgence means its factory won’t close early

Holden Commodore: 2648 — up 60.8 per cent. Hyundai i30: 2553 — up 1.6 per cent. Ford Ranger: 2317 — up 35 per cent. Volkswagen Golf: 2301 — up 46.1 per cent. Mitsubishi Triton: 2254 — down 13.5 per cent. Mazda CX-5: 1715 — down 3.5 per cent.

The Ten Worst Car Factories In History – Rootes Group Linwood

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The Ten Worst Car Factories In History.

 

Remember the Volvo P1800? Well, you want the S version because it was built in Sweden instead of Scotland, along with many of the Chrysler-Rootes Group cars.ranwhenparked has more:

The Chrysler-Rootes plant in Linwood, Scotland was pretty terrible. It was constructed specifically to build the Hillman Imp (full disclosure, I actually kind of like that car, my dad’s British expatriate friend had one for decades).

Chrysler wanted to build the car at their existing factory in Ryton, but oh no no, the UK government had other ideas. With Scotland’s shipbuilding industry essentially dead (partly, OK, heavily due to government policy), the idea was to replace it with car production. So, Chrysler was denied the necessary permits to expand the Ryton plant, but was given generous subsidies to build a new factory in Linwood and really needed to build the car somewhere, so they went with it.

All their suppliers were still located in England, Linwood was basically in the middle of a vast no-man’s land for the auto industry, which led to high transportation costs and frequent parts shortages. The local workforce was inexperienced in car assembly, which led to poor quality and low productivity (the rush to get production going was also to blame, as it shortened training time). Turnover was high and labor problems were rampant – there were over two dozen strikes in one year alone. The factory operated deep in the red throughout its existence and was ultimately closed in the mid ’70s after only 13 years in operation.

Scottland

 

http://jalopnik.com

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

The Ten Worst Car Factories In History

Well, you want the S version because it was built in Sweden instead of Scotland, along with many of the Chrysler-Rootes Group cars. ranwhenparked has more: The Chrysler-Rootes plant in Linwood, Scotland was pretty terrible. It was constructed …

Man’s prized ’79 Corvette found 33 years after it went missing in Detroit | The Detroit News

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Detroit — A man’s prized Corvette that was stolen three decades ago in Detroit has been found in Mississippi.

George Talley says he was watching TV last week when AAA called to say his 1979 Corvette had been found.

Talley tells WXYZ-TV he was told the car still runs, has 47,000 miles on it and is sitting at a police station in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The last time Talley saw the car was in 1981, before thieves took it from a parking spot along a Detroit street.

via Man’s prized ’79 Corvette found 33 years after it went missing in Detroit | The Detroit News.

 

It’s a little rough looking but it’s so cool that it had a happy ending…..33 years later!!!!  Low mileage is a plus!!!

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

1979 corvette

beritaauto

Reuss offers to help reunite Detroit man with ’79 Vette: A Detroit man and his beloved 1979 Corvette wil… http://t.co/RTqo7fEOfg #otos

Hot Rods Head to Beaulieu — WordPress.com

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BEAULIEU’S ever popular Custom & Hot Rod Festival, held on Father’s Day, saw hundreds of colourful customs and stunning hot rods flood into the picturesque parkland of the National Motor Museum.

The Festival, held in association with Victory Wheelers, the south coast’s leading Custom, American and Hot Rod club, welcomed 7,320 visitors.

A large variety of custom cars and motorcycles were on display, with plenty of unusual designs and eye-catching artwork for visitors to admire. A number of trade stands were open for business, selling clothing, Americana memorabilia, merchandise and accessories.

This year, three dragsters formed a special display in a corner of the Beaulieu Arena. The Ratcatcher Resurrection slingshot dragster and Joe Bond’s Nuthin Fancy fuel-altered dragster both fired up for watching visitors, showing off the powerful force of their engines, in morning and afternoon demonstrations.

Europe’s first dragster, Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler, which was officially returned to the National Motor Museum at last year’s Festival, following extensive renovation, was also on display.

via Hot rods head to Beaulieu — WordPress.com.

Car shows on the grass are the best!!!!

Car shows on the grass are the best!!!!

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

hot road festival

Maserati centennial exhibition in Modena — WordPress.com

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A UNIQUE exhibition dedicated to the Centennial of Maserati was inaugurated in Modena this week.

Maserati 100 – A Century of Pure Italian Luxury Sports Cars retraces the story of the Italian car manufacturer through an exhibition featuring some of the Trident marque’s most significant road and racing cars and to learn about the individuals who shaped its history.

via Maserati centennial exhibition in Modena — WordPress.com.

Headed to Modena next October (2015)

Maserati

Maserati is celebrating 100 years and although it was started in the Italian city of Bologna but eventually moved to Modena in the 1930’s  where it’s headquarters still operates.  The area is called “La Terra dei Motori” or Motor Valley and host not only Maserati, but Ferrai, Lamborghini, Dallara and Pagani as well as Ducati, Malaguti and Bimota motorcycle manufacturers.   We are headed to the Modena area Oct 2015!!!!

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

lamborghini museum modena italy

Go Inside the Bloodhound SSC, or The World’s Fastest Car – Supercompressor.com

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The Bloodhound SSC team isn’t content to just create the world’s fastest car—they’ve designed it to be the first car capable of hitting 1,000 mph. And even if they fail, it should shatter the land speed record 763.035 mph set in 1997 when tested out some time next year.The SSC has a powerful internal combustion engine that’d be at home in most race cars and it’s sole purpose is to pump fuel into the Rolls-Royce jet needed for attaining quadruple-digit speeds. Staying both in control and safe will be no easy task, as is illustrated by the just-completed cockpit you can see in great detail here.

via Go Inside the Bloodhound SSC, or The World’s Fastest Car – Supercompressor.com.

 

I just can’t let this one go.  PEOPLE!!!!!   This is NOT A CAR…..it is a  ROCKET SHIP  –  just pointed in the WRONG direction.   Great is shatters a record set buy a older rocket that was directionally challenged!!!    But it’s NOT a CAR!!!!   What I am impressed with is the driver Andy Green!!!! That’s got to rock to pilot that spaceship!!!

Am I wrong????

Am I wrong????

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

High-test peroxide

HTP will be used in an attempt to break the land speed record with the Bloodhound SSC car, aiming to reach over 1000 mph. Hydrogen peroxide …

Bridgestone Project: Exhaust and Heads Part I

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I was sitting around on Father’s Day, relieved of all my normal Sunday duties (I did double time yesterday and got most of them accomplished – my wife picked up the rest for the day), thinking I was going to kick back for the day and just be a bum.  But then I got “the itch”.   You know, when you absolutely have more than an hour of free time and don’t care who’s ahead in the NBA Championship and long ago you gave up watching baseball because you kept dosing off by the 6th inning and nothing there’s nothing good to munch on.  So you start twitching and you just have go do something.  Not just anything but something…mechanical…something that has dirt and grease and involves a fair amount of muscle vs. metal action.  Even though is 104 degrees out and the garage isn’t AC’ed (you don’t even have a fan) you just got too get something real done and BAM!!! one of your projects is getting some attention!!!!   That me was me today.

So I looked over the Dual Twin (Bridgestone 1966 Dual Twin) and what I had scheduled for the next part of the restoration and thought…Do I really want to tackle the electrical system today?  That’s gonna take a few days.  How about something that I can get done between now and dinner, when I have my Father’s Day steak and corn on the cob? So I decided to remove the dual exhaust system.

This a rather simple task and needed to be done eventually and doing today I’d feel like a accomplished something. (Isn’t that just the opposite of what is suppose to happen on Father’s Day?)

So I started looking over exhaust and basically there were two bolts and mounts, plus two more for the header.  Here are some pics:

Overview

Overview

 

One of the bolts and mount

One of the bolts and mount

Inside bolt and mount.

Inside bolt and mount.

 

Manifold/Header bolts

Manifold/Header bolts

 

So you have four bolts and one interesting header to baffle connection.  Check out the connection:

It's rubber!!!

It’s rubber!!!

Yup rubber.  With a old style ”squeeze” clamp and a screw type clamp.   Clearly original equipment!

Next up will be a couple videos showing removal.  But that will be tomorrow…I hear beer calling me.  “Honey…..fetch me a cold one!!!!  (Seriously….that doesn’t work at my house, even on Father’s Day.)

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Bridgestone

com Site with historical information concerning Bridgestone Motorcycles. Category:Bridgestone Category:Automotive companies of Japan Category …
Bridgestone Motorcycles | IH8MUD Forum

Not familiar with Bridgestone motorcycles? Here’s a brief synopsis: In addition to the more familiar tire manufacturing nowadays, the company produced bicycles beginning in 1946, powered bicycles beginning in 1949, and …
Bridgestone Motorcycles | IH8MUD Forum

Not familiar with Bridgestone motorcycles? Here’s a brief synopsis: In addition to the more familiar tire manufacturing nowadays, the company produced bicycles beginning in 1946, powered bicycles beginning in 1949, and …
Bridgestone Motorcycles to be showcased as Classic Club …

Bridgestone Motorcycles to be showcased as Classic Club at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Rally & Event News Bridgestone has been selected as the Classic Club for the 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 9-11, …