Friday, May 29, 2009
Vauxhall Chevette
The Vauxhall Chevette. Credited with saving Vauxhall the Chevette had all sorts of badges put on it: Opel, Chevrolet, Isuzu and even Holden. It was the last of the "true" Vauxhall's before Opel took full control and competed head to head with Front Wheel Drives like the VW Golf and Fiat 128. These cars were the first of the "compact" cars.
My one was a 1300cc ex club rally car and the first car I paid for myself. I even got it painted red and thought I was pretty cool. Great car!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
1962 Ray Crawford roadster
The Indy 500 prompted me to search the history of the great race and I found this great image on the Bogan Racers page. The page was built by Bill Bogan as a tribute to his father Bob Bogan. The website is a great history of Bob's involvement in Open Wheel racing.
The car above is the Ray Crawford roadster designed and built by Edgar Elder and driven by Bob Veith. All it says is they qualified to run.
I am wondering if Scott Dixon et al would have been keen to drive one of these. Probably. Love the fuel cell on the outside of the car under the open exhaust.
Friday, May 22, 2009
1950 Studebaker Starlight
This is a great example of a 1950 Studebaker Starlight. 1950 brought the introduction of the bullet nosed style that makes a big statement even today and I really like the wrap around rear window. This Studebaker paved the way for a completely new style of car from the more streamlined cars of the 30's and 40's.
When I was growing up my dad loved Studebaker's and at one time owned 13 of them. Some of which he rebuilt from the chassis up. The best of them my mum got to drive and I remember all 5 foot nothing of her manhandling these big tanks. Great fun. Read more about it here.
Labels:
50's,
American,
Studebaker
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Austin A30
My first car was an Austin A30. The A30 was Austin's answer to the Morris Minor and was smaller and lighter but wasn't as advanced as even the Morris Minor.
The A30 was in ok condition when I got it and my dad and I spent a lot of time, and little money, getting it panel beated and painted. I was allowed to drive it around the backyard and sometimes up and down the road. It was great. I was 12 years old. And my parents ask me why I love cars.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Porsche 914
The Porsche 914 was an early favourite of mine. A black one similar to this lived not very far from me and it looked and sounded incredible. The 914 came out of the VW Porsche partnership and never really caught on. But for something different that handles well and goes like stink I think one would be worth hunting out.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Chevrolet Corvette
The 1954 Corvette Hardtop Experimental Show Car. This photo conjures up a time when cars were sexy, really sexy and they were advertised in that way too. Who could resist this?
If you're wondering why GM are in trouble; it took them three years to figure out buyers wanted roll up windows, outside door handles and door locks for this car. Read more at 54classicchevy.com
Friday, May 8, 2009
1968 Toyota 2000GT
Only 351 Toyota 2000GT's were ever built and were the pre-runner to cars like the Bugatti Veyron - that is cars that cost more than they sell for. Basically a concept car the 2000GT was built by Yamaha and sold for about the same as a Porsche. One claim to fame is an open topped version was used in the Bond film, You Only Live Twice.
Regarded as the first collectible Japanese this is one car I would really love to own.
Photo from dutchct
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Citroen DS
The Citroen DS is considered by many to be the most beautiful car ever made. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder in this case. However, there is something graceful and elegant about them.
Every so often I see a well maintained one and they seem to glide and remind me of a very stylish era.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4
The Lamborghini Gallardo is my Lamborghini of choice and being able to drive one recently confirmed how awesome it is. So often the reality is not as good as the poster. But the real thing was incredible, easy to drive and even easier to lose your license in.
Watch how they advertise it.
Labels:
2000's,
Italian,
Lamborghini
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