Finally, when heading over to San Francisco one day, I found the Manta in the parking lot of the Alameda ferry terminal. Normally I don't like parking-lot shots for DOTS, but I'd had enough frustration trying to catch this Manta.


But then Akier took the initiative, tracking down the car's owner and convincing him to bring the car out to the former Alameda Naval Air Station for a photo session. I'm going to put my photos and the much more picturesque Akier shots in separate galleries. Hooray for our first DOTS Opel!



Here's what Akier has to say about this car: I first spotted this Manta near Mosswood Park in Oakland. I was driving by and did a cartoon double-take. Is that really an Opel ... ? After capturing the Opel Blitz firetruck a few weeks back, I suppose the ghost of Adam Opel must guide my hand.

Evan rescued this from his friend's mom, who had bought it new and put only around 70,000 miles on it. It looked a little rough, and Evan's put some work into it to get it back up to a reasonable state of repair. A nice respray, yellow-coated inner headlights, a Weber instead of the fussy SU carb, and a lot of elbow grease and the old girl looks pretty nice. No tin worm, and despite admittedly needing a tune-up, the 1.9 growled nicely as we took a spin 'round Alameda Point.

Designed to fight the Ford Capri and Vega Cosworth, the Manta shares much (i.e., all) of its running gear with its stablemates, the GT and 1900. There is the umbiquitous all-iron 4, with the semi-OHC setup - cams horizontal to the valves up in the heads, rather than on top of the valves - to make the engine surprisingly compact. Front discs and a well-designed live rear axle located by Panhard rods mean this light (<2200lbs) car handled pretty well back in the day. In Euro trim, the Manta made 90bhp, but the US versions made 75. With the Weber upgrade and a tune, Evan's is probably splitting the difference.

Fittingly, this Manta lives in Alameda full-time, with a Corvair and a Valiant.

We're assuming powertrain choices will be pretty similar to those offered for the Opel Insignia, except probably sticking with gas engines over the oil-burning options. Expect to see the re-born Buick Regal see an official reveal at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November. Unfortunately, despite our excitement over Buick's new hotness, we won't be there in person. [via China Car Times]

Usually we're not advocates of badge-engineering, but these spy photos of what absolutely appears to be a new Insignia (check out that cut-line on the side of the car) rebadged as a Buick Regal for the Chinese market somehow make sense to us. Buick is a hugely popular brand in China for GM and although Opels are sold there, it probably will sell better under the Buick lineup. Kind of like over here with the Chevy Malibu, the car you can't ignore and the Saturn Aura, the car everyone did. Could this possibly mean the US will get a Buick-branded Insignia rather than one badged as the new 2010 Saturn Aura like we'd expected? Probably not. But now we're even more jealous of those spiffy Chinese Buicks. Who knew a Buick could look hot? Well, your grandparents, for starters. Us, we're only hoping we can get our hands on a "Grand National" version — but we're not holding our breath. [via ChinaCarTimes]

VAUXHALL TO REVEAL THIRD INSIGNIA VARIANT AT PARIS SHOW VAUXHALL TO REVEAL THIRD INSIGNIA VARIANT AT PARIS SHOW * Stand-alone estate model to join range * Retains wheelbase and design language of hatch and saloon * Two new engines available from launch

Luton. These are the first official shots of Vauxhall's new Insignia estate, which will debut at the Paris Salon on 2 October.

Known as the Sports Tourer, it will be available to UK buyers in the second quarter of 2009 and will feature two new engines - a more powerful turbodiesel and a smaller capacity turbocharged petrol unit - in addition to the five powerplants available from launch in the saloon and hatchback models. An ecoFLEX Sports Tourer with competitively low emissions and fuel consumption will also be available in the near future.

Mark Adams, Vice-President of GM Europe Design, described the Sports Tourer's design as athletic, powerful and elegant. "However," says Mark, "this is a stand-alone model and not simply an estate version of the saloon. In fact, all the bodywork aft of the B-pillars is unique to the Sports Tourer. We've also ensured that its design combines the sculptural artistry and technical precision found in the saloon and hatch models."

Designers gave the rear of the Sports Tourer a unique, yet cohesive appearance by pulling the wraparound tailgate deep in to its flanks and accentuating it with large, fully integrated tail lights.

Inside, as with the Insignia saloon and hatch, the Sports Tourer has ample room for five adults and one of the best loadspace volumes in its class. (Full dimension and capacity details of the loadspace will be revealed at the Paris Auto Show in October 2008.) Despite this, Vauxhall has retained the hatch and saloon's wheelbase (2,737mm) and added around 80mm to its length.

The new petrol and diesel engines available in the Sports Tourer will complement the Insignia's existing line up of three petrol and two diesel units, including the 130 and 160PS 2.0 CDTi which achieve 58.9mpg on the extra urban cycle, the 220PS 2.0i Turbo, and the 260PS 2.8i V6 range-topper, capable of powering the Insignia from 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds.

Like the Insignia hatch and saloon, the Sports Tourer will also be available with front- and all-wheel drive, as well as Vauxhall's FlexRide system with its Adaptive Stability Technology.

The new estate model will also benefit from the high levels of technology showcased at Insignia's launch, such as Vauxhall's latest generation Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), with its nine light beam settings, and the Front Camera System, which can read and memorise road signs and alert drivers if they unintentionally veer off the road.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Pics taken at C.I.A. Salvage, Limerick Maine- May 5, 2008. I'll leave it to you to wax poetic about the cars if you so choose and/or make jokes at rural Maine's expense, etc.
1) 1946-48 Dodge sedan
2) hood mascot of same
3) 1952 Kaiser Manhattan
4) same
5) 1955 Kaiser Manhattan
6) 1957 Ford firetruck, January 08
7) same, May 08
8) 1960s Falcon Clubwagon
9) 1964 Imperial Crown Coupe- one of 5233
10) tailpanel mascot of same
11) rear side view
12) 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II- 273 V8/auto, For Sale sign on windshield
asking $2K
13) nose of same
14) rear 3/4 of same
15) 1967 Chevy Bel Air
16) 1968 Olds F85
17) nose of same
18) 1968 Mercury Monterey
19) 1968 Plymouth Valiant Signet
20) 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger
21) nose of same
22) 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S
23) badge
24) 1970 Dart Swinger
25) rear view of same
26) 1970-71 Dodge pickup
27) 1970s Opel- I don't know anything about these, maybe you can fill in
the year etc.
28) 1972 Plymouth Scamp
29) rear view of same
30) 1974 Dart Swinger
31) 1974 Buick Estate
32) same

I live right down the street from this beaut. I tried to get ahold of the owner to get some background information, but no dice.This one seems to have been converted into a camper of some sort - looks like cabinets inside in the back. Check out that medieval-looking tow hitch! I think the grille is a replacement, because all the photos I've found (about 4) show a big "blitz" Opel lightning logo in the middle. Anyways, this thing does move at least, because it disappears come street cleaning time, and makes its way back.

Trying to find information on these things is like pulling teeth - here is what I know. This is a mid-60's Opel Blitz firetruck, with livery for the volunteer firefighting brigade of Viechtach. Viechtach is a Bavarian town on the Czech border, northeast of Munich. It seems to be later than '61 because it has a one-piece window, but earlier than 1971. Around 1971, Opel Blitzes became rebadged Bedford vans. I couldn't find a damn thing about engines, except that the 30's and WWII era Blitz trucks were powered by 3.6L inline jobs making roughly 75hp. It wouldn't surprise me if some variation of this engine, rather than the OHV I6s in Opel large cars, found its way into this old girl. It seems like most of these things were used as pumper trucks, and would have a pump fitted up front a la a Warn winch. If anyone has stumbled across a magic resource for information on these things, let me know.

It's literally on my block, out in the beautiful, not sunny Sunset. I walked by it every day for a couple of weeks, always trying to remind myself to borrow a camera and go out and shoot it. I keep cursing the fact that I don't actually own a nice digital camera because I see amazing things like this all the time here in the city. I saw a Fiat 850 Spyder the other day and rued the pitiful, 0.000000000002 megapixel camera on my ancient Motorola Razor. Anyhow, I'll keep my eyes open and a borrowed camera in my pocket, and keep 'em coming.

My fiance and I were cruising along I-95 in Southern Rhode Island this past weekend. I was suffering from a bit of a headache at the time, and felt a bit off. Up ahead, I saw the rear-end of a car that just didn't look right. It looked vaguely like a Saturn (with good reason) but the badge just wasn't right. I actually shook my head a little, and thought that I must be seeing things. The only thing that computed in my brain was a griffin. After I got done spitting and sputtering, my fiance finally got it out of me that I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was in fact a Vauxhall Tigra. I couldn't believe it...just what on earth is a Vauxhall doing in Rhode Island, with Connecticut plates on it?

Opel continues to test its next-generation Astra—the same car that will eventually replace the Saturn Astra on our shores. This prototype was shot in Austria, as a large fleet of Astra prototypes—and several competing vehicles—descended on the Alps for some altitude and brake testing. In all the commotion of trying to get the entire large test team under way, we caught one Astra prototype with its door open and its interior completely uncovered. The new Astra's interior follows the direction blazed by Opel's Insignia, and looks more modern, sporty, and purposeful than the current model. The dash is currently a sea of drab black plastic, but it's clear that this is a fairly early, rough representation of the next Astra's cockpit. We expect the panel fits to be much tighter, and the materials to be vastly improved as we get closer to the Astra's production date some time in 2010.

The Opel Flextreme looks like a bird o' prey or something here, don't it? This shot may be the only time we've seen the Flextreme look even remotely "cool."

Opel Insignia: A New Design Language For A New Era

* Sculpted design with a flowing coupé silhouette
* Four-wheel drive, active chassis and seven engines available at launch
* World premiere July 2008 at the London Motor Show

Rüsselsheim. A new name, a new car, a new ambition. With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the Insignia makes a quantum leap toward rejuvenating the brand and providing the perfect opportunity to discover Opel. The styling of the new 4.83 meter five-seater clearly expresses Opel's strategy to make advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

The Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline. The body's sculpted shape is accented by a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem. Unmistakable design elements include a sweeping front and rear light "wing" signature and a "blade" side contour that begins directly behind the front wheel and glides through the entire side of the body. Both details give the Insignia's a muscular but graceful allure.

"With Insignia we are introducing an exciting new sophisticated design vocabulary, which combines sculptural artistry with German precision," says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. "Our aim was to develop a confident look which compels the world to experience for themselves the superb driving dynamics the Insignia radiates."

Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces, which articulate this promise for exciting mobility, are crafted with high quality materials. The dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door in a very sophisticated way, embracing the occupants. This wing theme will be echoed across all Opels. Red ambient lighting, which also will be featured in future Opel models, vibrate a warm, luxurious aura. A lot of emphasis too has been put into the seating, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.

Opel's pioneering role and unique expertise in lighting technology continues in the Insignia with the latest generation AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting system: Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater to various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving excitement. Another new element on the AFL system is the LED daytime running lights, which consume considerably less energy than a conventional system featuring halogen lamps, thereby lowering CO2 emissions from 6 g/km to nearly zero.

"As each feature demonstrates, the Insignia is the result of our quest to develop a car that combines striking design, excellent driving dynamics and innovative technology" says Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel GmbH.

The Insignia is offered from the start with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The "Adaptive 4X4" system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances driving stability and dynamic handling performance. In the all-wheel drive Insignia, the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system with its Adaptive Stability Technology helps the car adjust to prevailing driving conditions and allows the driver to select settings to match his mood. FlexRide is also available in the front-wheel version.

The Insignia will launch with an exceptionally broad range of seven engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. The three new direct-injection diesels feature a displacement of 2.0 liter and outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp. Subsequently the Insignia engine line-up will be expanded with an EcoFLEX version offering very low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.

"The Opel Insignia sets new standards in technology and innovation — this will be obvious right from the launch. But we are keeping several cards up our sleeves when it comes to environmental compatibility, excitement and safety, which we will play strategically overtime" says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe.

The Insignia notch- and hatchback will debut July 22, 2008 at the London Motor Show and hit showrooms starting in November. The Insignia was developed at GM Europe's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, which also is home to its production. The Rüsselsheim facility is one of the most advanced car plants in the industry.

Sabic is implementing its plastics technology, Visualfx, in an Opel Corsa. This type of plastic uses two-shot molding and hydrographics. The nice part of this technology is that it allows for hardware and wires to be embedded between layers of plastic resin, making running wires a completely different ballgame. Bring on the plastic! [Core77]

Based on the Epsilon-2 platform, this version should sport the usual mix of diesel and gas engines that most D-segment European cars get, including a 2.8-liter V6 good for 250 horsepower and a 1.9-liter turbodiesel good for up to 150 horsepower. More as people feel compelled to leak information. [AutoWeek.nl]

If you look at some of the photos you learn an important lesson about taping (other than you apparently need to wear overalls while doing it). It seems as though there is an actual pattern to all of it as opposed to just random nonsense. [Opel via CarScoop]

The new Opel Astra has hit the 'Ring, giving us our best look yet at the European compact that is expected to eventually reach Saturn showrooms as well. The redesigned Astra further refines the flowing lines of the current model, with detailing and surface development likely inspired by the upcoming Opel Insignia (which replaces today's Vectra, and will also serve as a future replacement for today's Saturn Aura).

We managed to get a partial look inside the new Astra, revealing some clear inspiration from the Insignia's interior. The center stack design has a high display and slender, vertical air-vents, reminiscent of its larger, midsize brother. The Astra will also get an Insignia-inspired gage cluster, with its distinctive chrome-ringed instrument pods.

Sources suggest that the next Astra will make its public debut next March, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, with sales following later in the year. The Astra is expected to arrive at Saturn dealers, perhaps in late 2010.

Apparently those Euro-chicks must be quite tech-savvy. The Agila.Com even comes with a sat-nav system called "Flex In The City." Seriously? "Flex In The City?" Does Ford know about this yet? Price for the feminine hatchback is 14,449 €. That's like what — $2.2 million or something? Well, whatever the conversion ends up at, you get a very cute little hatch-like thing with a 1.2-liter engine. We're not really interested. Let's hope GM doesn't try this same marketing tactic across their other brands with male buyers as we really don't want to see a pair of Corvette ZR1 sneakers or heaven forbid, Pontiac G8 Sport Truck boots. [AutoWeek.nl]

Actual Email From Little Denmark

Hello!

My name is Rasmus and I come from Denmark.
Here is a brand new concept from little Denmark: Sondergard

Motor: Opel R4 16V Turbo
Performance: 265 bhp at 5300 o/min
353 Nm at 2500 o/min

0-100 km/h = under 5,0 sec.
Topspeed: over 220 bhp/h
Weight: 700 kg
Price in DK turned in to Dollars: 300.000 DKK -> 63.550 USD

This is just a concept, but it is expected on the streets in Denmark March 2009.
The concept is designed by the company Hermann&Brandt.

I hope you will put this on your webside.

- Rasmus, Denmark

Done and done Rasmus.

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Station wagons are mighty cool, all right-thinking individuals will surely agree, but even an off-brand Detroit wagon isn't absolutely impossible to find parts for in North America. However, when you get a 47-year-old German Ford station wagon, good things happen. You get one of the wildest grilles you'll ever see on a wagon, flabbergasted "What the hell is that?" inquiries from nearly everyone who sees the thing, and no parts whatsoever on your continent. So step right up, arrange for shipping from Finland, and grab this 1961 Ford Taunus 17M Turnier wagon, which will be all yours for the price of just €4,990. According to Turbobrick, this Taunus "includes a Blaupunkt
tube radio, drivable, inspection is not current." We figure once you get the car out of Finland, you won't have to worry about the inspection thing, and you get a tube radio in the 1960s! Wow! These kids with their MP3-compatible sound systems don't know that real music comes from radios that need to warm up, you see.

That Taunus is very tempting, but what if you're hungry for genuine backyard turbocharged power? Say, a 1200cc engine with what appears to be a chromed turbo intake and IHI turbocharger, in a bright green Opel Kadett station wagon? Well, if you substitute the words "in a bright green Opel Kadett" with the words "scattered near a bright green Opel Kadett," then we've got what you're looking for: This 1972 Opel Kadett Caravan, with a very reasonable price of only €1000. According to Turbobrick, the description states it's a "72 Opel Kadett Caravan 1.2 with homemade turbo kit, unfinished project, suspension and brakes done, engine in pieces," so what more do you need? Sure, some Finn's half-completed turbo project is sure to have all manner of unpleasant surprises, but at least you might be able to find a few Kadett parts in North America, as dozens of the little Opels were sold here. Don't think about the negatives, though, because you'll be the envy of all the tuner kids in their boring ol' 200SXs and Civics when you drift into their field of vision in your Finnish Turbo Kadett!

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German agents in the state of Bavaria where not even knew they had it Thursday a slow moving Opel Vectra of the road out. In de personenauto, bestemd voor vijf personen, troffen de dienders een Roemeense familie van veertien personen aan, aldus Bild. In the car, intended for five people, found the dienders a Romanian family of fourteen persons, says Bild.

De auto reed met ongeveer 40 kilometer per uur over de snelweg A6. The car drove by about 40 kilometres per hour on the highway A6. Eenmaal aan de kant ontdekten de agenten twee mannen op de voorstoelen en op de achterbank twee vrouwen met elk twee kinderen op schoot en ook nog een kind tussen hen in. Once on the side agents discovered the two men at the front and the back seat two women with two children on each lap and also a child between them.

Alsof dat nog niet genoeg was, bleken in het kofferruim nog eens vijf kinderen te liggen. As if that were not enough, appeared in the kofferruim another five children. De Roemeense familie was op weg van Frankrijk naar Roemenië. The Romanian family was on its way from France to Romania.

The Meriva was part of a mob scene at the Opel stand earlier today — as Japanese photographers grappled with Italian "elbow" Press and yours truly was caught in the middle. So please forgive the chaotic feel of some of these photos. Overall the Meriva is a very nice little hauler, the cabin feels airy and the doors give a wide berth to anyone attempting entry. They also make possible the rare, "elegant rear seat exit." So it could be very popular with the celebrities seeking to limit the number of exposures of their own private "Britney." What? They don't want a practical car they can also use for the award shows? A shame that is. A real shame.

Opel/Vauxhall's World Premiere at 78th International Motor Show in Geneva

MERIVA CONCEPT: DYNAMIC DESIGN AND INNOVATIVE FLEXDOORS SYSTEM

* FlexDoors make monocabs more versatile, comfortable and safer
* Design: New level of dynamics and improved practicality

Rüsselsheim. The Opel/Vauxhall Meriva Concept, due to be unveiled next week at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 - 16, 2008), illustrates how the new Opel/Vauxhall design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for this segment.

The Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept's front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors. In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.

The FlexDoors system also enhances comfort and functionality, as the highest point of the roof - just behind the B-pillars - is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle.

This architecture enabled designers to create a very dynamic and unique silhouette, with the arched roof line sloping down to the C-pillars.

Especially eye-catching is the dynamic "wave" in the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers, particularly for children. The body also boasts the distinctive "blade" bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers' heads - echoing the Astra GTC's panorama windshield. The slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light and a spacious interior atmosphere. Both elements contribute to the outstanding all-round visibility for the occupants.

On the occasion of our company's 40th anniversary in 2008: The Irmscher GT i40. V8 Power to be enjoyed

Irmscher constructs the GT for GourmeTs

It's the ingredients that make the difference! And here is the menu:
A 6,0l V8-engine with 480PS in an Opel GT-body for excellent driving performance.
Perfectly prepared and served à la maison.
For 40 now Irmscher has been providing proof of its competence in matters of vehicle construction and individualisation.
On the occasion of the company's 35th anniversary the most powerful and strongest of the Opel Vectras had caused a stir by reaching a speed of more than 300km/h. However, that which is emerging from the factory floors in Remshalden for the company's 40th anniversary is a vehicle for the true connoisseur: the Irmscher Opel GT i40. The figures in the model's number stand for the data of the company: Günther Irmscher senior started up in1968 in Winnenden with the first vehicle modifications. In the person of Günther Irmscher junior, the second generation is at the fore of the company in 2008 and is proof that 40 years of company history should be celebrated properly at this anniversary.
The Remshalden company is starting its anniversary with a world premiere in Geneva. Here, the GT will be making its first appearance and is sure to cause a stir at the company's stand in Hall 2.
V8-engine and a driving performance that puts it in the company of thoroughbred sports cars male the experts sit up and take notice and connoisseurs tingle with anticipation. As it is known that appearances also matter, the GT is optically enhanced by means of a discreet modification to the car body, and, on the interior with an exclusive leather fitting.
For desert, Irmscher serves the news that the vehicle is to be produced in a small series. The appropriate attention is being paid to this already. The menu therefore also exists in takeaway form.
The GT i40 currently stands in a long tradition of elect vehicles.V8-engines have always had an important role to play at Irmscher. In this line of history stand the Senator V8 and not least the successful races in the Omega V8 with the F1-driver Johnny Cecotto at the wheel, who was able to win the championship twice.
The models with the "i"".
Special models with the "i" in their name have always had their place in the company history. The GT i40 here lines up with a whole row of other vehicles, from the i120, i130, i200...via the i500 to the i35 which appeared for the company's 35th anniversary. At that time, a compressor helped enhance the performance of a V6-Motor. The result was the fastest Opel limousine in series production in the world. 5 years later it is a V8 that will cause a sensation in a Roadster.
All that remains to be said in conclusion is:

Dinner is served!

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

By using good old fashioned common sense. Really, there isn't anything surprising here — The modifications include the following:

• chopping the top (reduction of frontal area)
• stripping out all unnecessary weight - giving us that sexy camino shape
• using super hard tires (reduction of rolling resist)
• shifting the 4 cylinder engine to a mid mount and replacing the driveline with a chain (improvement of driveline efficiency)
• And perhaps most shockingly - driving slow. 30 mph during the test.

First, let's watch some gassers in action, so we can get an idea what the goal is here. Yes, such a wonderful car could be yours... if you but drag one of the following two machines through the Lake of Fire. With your teeth.

Lots of Ford Anglias got stuffed with big engines and drag raced back in the day, so it makes perfect sense to apply the same treatment to one of GM's European creations. Say, this '59 Opel (go here if the ad disappears), which could be yours for just $3,500. It appears to be a Rekord, and the seller claims it's an actual early-60s gasser. Back then, it had a 392 Hemi... but today there is just a yawning nothingness where engine and transmission once lived. That's good news, really, because then you'll be free to break free from the shackles of tradition and put something different under the hood. How about a Mercedes 6.9, to keep the car all German? Or maybe stick with the General and put a GNX-style Buick V6 in there? The car comes with unspecified "extra parts," and we're guessing that a windshield isn't one of them. Better brush up on your German skills, because the nearest '59 Rekord windshield is likely in Deutschland.

You say you want a car with some authentic racing history, but an Opel is just too, uh, mainstream for your taste? We hear you, you rebellious freethinkers, which is why we're going with this 1968 Alfa Romeo GTV 105 gasser for our second choice. We don't know how much the seller wants for this car, because the auction's reserve wasn't met, but he or she is probably ready to listen to reason now (provided the rustle of a stack of Benjamins is audible). The ad describes some painfully cool Italian V8 engines that once lived in this car... but you don't get those engines as part of the deal. Well, you can buy the Alfa Tipo 33 2.5 liter V8 from the car's early drag race career, but the seller adds the ominous- if honest- note: "But believe me, that motor won't be cheap, even if the car goes for a song." So we figure you'd be better off tracking down a Maserati Quattroporte V8, getting an adapter plate made to bolt it to a Powerglde, and then spending a few years trying to get that setup working properly. But if you did, imagine the glory! Thanks (and a Project Car Hell Tipster T-shirt) to TK, who gets his shirt the hard way by sending in two separate tips for two different PCHs; you may recall TK as the reader who tipped me of about the Aston Martin Lagonda a couple months back.

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Maroon 5 Joins the Stage at GM Style

GM also announces Opel Corsa OPC and HUMMER H3R concept, and fashions by Royal Underground and Argyle, will be featured at pre-North American International Auto Show bash

DETROIT - Pop/rock/soul sensation and two-time Grammy Award winner Maroon 5 will perform in GM Style, an invitation-only celebration of cars, music and fashion that takes place on Jan. 12, leading up to the North American International Auto Show.

GM announced that two additional vehicles, the Opel Corsa OPC and HUMMER H3R concept, as well as rock-inspired fashions by Royal Underground, created by Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx and former St. John model and CEO Kelly Gray; and hip-hop mogul/entrepreneur Russell Simmons' new Argyle Culture line. All the GM Style showcase vehicles and fashions will be introduced - runway style - in a high-energy show set to music.

Maroon 5 joins Grammy Award winner Mary. J. Blige and DJ Samantha Ronson as GM Style performers.

Best known for hit singles including "Harder to Breathe," "This Love" and "She Will Be Loved," Maroon 5, nominated for two additional Grammys, comes to GM Style in the midst of a European tour supporting its recent multi-platinum "It Won't Be Soon Before Long," released earlier this year and a follow-up to its first platinum effort, 2002's "Songs About Jane." The band includes Adam Levine, James Valentine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden and Matt Flynn; Levine, Carmichael and Madden have performed together since high school

"I'm thrilled to show our vehicles alongside leading-edge artists like Maroon 5 and the smart, hip designers behind Argyle and Royal Underground," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.

The Opel Corsa OPC and HUMMER H3 concepts join the already-announced Chevrolet Beat concept; Saturn Astra tuner concept; all-new Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS production vehicles; and the E85 Hot Rod and Chevrolet Camaro convertible concepts. Several other vehicles, as well as a surprise introduction, also are scheduled.

Opel has shifted into top gear with the Corsa OPC, the most powerful-ever version of the hatchback. It includes a roof spoiler as well as front and rear aprons with distinctive, grille-like air intakes and outlets, darkly contrasting diffuser with integrated, centrally located triangular tailpipe, and especially designed exterior mirrors.

HUMMER's bright red H3R concept pays homage to the SUV's racing heritage while pushing the envelope with a 505-horsepower, 7.0L V-8 from the Corvette Z06. In addition to the high-powered engine, the H3R also sports a number of racing-inspired exterior modifications and an interior that blends racing functionality with boulevard comfort and convenience.

Royal Underground made its fall debut in 2006 with its menswear line to the acclaim of stylists, fashion editors and store buyers who raved about the collection's profound rock 'n' roll attitude. Gray, whose parents founded the venerable St. John in 1962; and Sixx added a line of clothing for women this year, characterized by a soulful, chic and luxurious vibe influenced by the French Revolution.

Russell Simmons' Argyle Culture is a brand-new menswear collection commemorating the class, stature and respect achieved by urban graduates who have "arrived" in the world. The collection infuses original urban concepts with the buttoned-up styling of men's professional attire. The argyle pattern has always been a signature style in Simmons' wardrobe as well as his original clothing brand, Phat Farm.

The GM Style party will be held in a football field-size, climate-controlled pavilion on the Detroit River, just east of GM's Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center, and will be simulcast on gm.com. In addition to kicking off the world's largest auto show, which opens to the media the following day, GM Style kicks off a series of activities, called GMnext, leading up to the start of GM's next 100 years. The corporation turns 100 on Sept. 16, 2008.

About GM
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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The Opel Vivaro taxi (a different one pictured) has ten potential bidders interested with a bid as high as 63,000 euros (or about $93,000). "I need the money &mdash because of the Schumi-Ride I could be in big trouble with the police," the taxi driver said. We hope this story has a happy ending. Maybe next year's Race of Champions will feature a head-to-head Minivan race. [F1 Live via AutoBlog]

• • Opel Manta Rallye with 4-Speed Transmission: $3061.02
  
• • Tinted Windshield: $23.97
  
• • Sunroof: $107.95
  
• • 4-Spoke Sport Wheels: $20.40
  

  Total Price: $3213.34 ($12,479.23 in 2007 dollars)

  
  
  

  1975 Capri 2800

  
  Before you hand the Buick salesman your cash and zoom off to catch some self-indulgent Jimmy Page solos, better walk across the street to the Mercury dealership and scope out the '75 Capri. With the Capri's 2800cc V6, you got 109 horses to the Opel's 81 (and keep in mind that Ford's 302 V8 put out only 129 horsepower in '75), and parts were a lot easier to find. For a few bucks more than you'd pay for the Manta above, here's what you get with the Capri:
  
• • Capri 2800 With 4-Speed Transmission: $3105.00
  
• • Sunroof: $121.82
  
• • Decor Group (includes console, simu-leather interior, map light, etc.): $152.56
  

  Total Price: $3379.38 ($13,124.05 in 2007 dollars)

  
  So make your choice, put on your finest polyester threads, and head straight to the car-stereo place to install an 8-track player (you'll need to listen to "Trampled Underfoot"- which probably cuts off in the middle of the song on 8-track- as you head out to the Zeppelin show).
  
  

New Opel Insignia: New Name for a New Era

World premiere of new mid-size Opel in July 2008

Rüsselsheim. Opel's next-generation range of mid-size cars promises a radical step forward. The new model family, which makes its world premiere at the London Motor Show in July 2008, sets technology and design standards for the Opel brand and mid-size segment. To lead off the proceedings, Opel today announced the new model's name: Opel Insignia. The new Insignia family will be built at Opel's home plant in Rüsselsheim, one of the most state-of-the-art automobile production facilities in the world.

"Dynamic performance is one of the Opel brand's core values. In the new Opel Insignia, this defining characteristic is realized by sophisticated powertrain technology, active safety and the interface between driver and car. The Insignia's level of comfort and environmental friendliness is unrivaled even among considerably more expensive competitors," says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe. With the Insignia, Opel continues pursuing its strategy of making advanced technology affordable for more customers.

When it comes to the new car's design, Visser says, "A closer look at our groundbreaking GTC concept car gives a good idea of how exciting Opel's new design language will be."

The beginning of Opel's modern mid-size heritage dates back to 1970 with the launch of the Ascona, which sold 4.4 million units over three generations. This was succeeded by the Vectra in 1988, heralding a new era of innovative models from Opel. With almost 5.5 million models sold to date, the Opel Vectra is one of the key players in the mid-size segment.

These two PCH candidates arrived courtesy of two separate tipsters, and while the Official Tipster T-Shirt Obtainment Rules state that a tipster must send in two Hell Project suggestions that make it into this series, I'm going to go ahead and send out a shirt apiece here.

The German word for "ambulance" is "Krankenwagen." Krankenwagen! I already want my own Krankenwagen, if only for the name. But wait, there's more- it's an Opel Admiral! Believe it or not, a mere 450 Euros (and shipping from Austria) will obtain this beautiful 1972 Opel Admiral ambulance. Ach! I'm going to do a quick translation of the description, which I feel qualified to do in spite of not understanding German: Needs work. Lots of work. Now, before the distance and all the hard-to-get parts and everything else scare you away, just picture yourself rolling down your town's main drag in a restored Admiral Krankenwagen... with a blown small-block Chevy under the hood. Thanks- and a T-shirt- to Franzouse for the tip!

If you're shopping for vintage ambulances, it would be hard to beat a genuine Admiral Krankenwagen in the two most important Project Car Hell departments: coolness and impossibility. But we've got one here that just might achieve that goal- what would say if we told you where to get a 1949 Packard ambulance for just $2000? A genuine Yankenwagen? You'd just laugh, and then we'd say, no, really. And then you'd laugh some more, only with less force, and then you'd stay up all night thinking about that Packard and how much fun you'd have driving it around, and the next day you'd be on the phone to Puyallup (bonus points if you can pronounce it correctly) to make an offer. There's rust. There's a mystery engine in a crate. But you get that wonderfully vintage siren-and-red-lights setup and, well, just look at this thing! Cherry Bomb