Our time-machine has the dial on 1979, and the location is São Paulo, to be more specific the VW booth at the "Salão do Automóvel"
See how forward thinking we were, a car on ethanol, does that not sound familiar today?
On the other hand the forward thinking stood still with the booth babes they looked more "nun" than "babe", also the air-cooled boxer was a best-seller.

Image source: Los Angeles Times, UCLA Library

[UCLA Library Digital Collection, via BoingBoing, via Save Vs Death]

First, we've got a couple galleries full of emblems and trim.







Then we've got hood ornaments. Bring back the big chrome hood ornaments, Detroit!




I found a handful of DOTS cars at the show, including the '61 Mini, the '50 Ford (which now has a new paint job), the '64 Dart wagon, the '65 Thunderbird, the '55 Mercury, the '37 Cadillac, and the '60 VW Transporter.




And here's a final gallery of hood scoops, engines, and other stuff. Enjoy!

[English Russia]

Before you go and scope out the galleries below, take a look at Bring A Trailer's excellent Melee coverage here. Then watch their in-Porsche video, shot in my favorite place for camping in California: the Trinity Alps.

In the 60's and 70's the biggest french action movie star was Lino Ventura, a former pro wrestler who specialized in playing brooding big men and cranky curmudgeons. In one of his movies, Ne nous fâchons pas (Let's Not Get Angry), he drives around in a R8 Gordini; there are many driving scenes, but this one is the best, and one of the most ridiculous of all time. Watch as the tiny Gordini defies the laws of physics as well as the local peace. (the only dialogue is: "you sure you want to drive/ yes, I get nervous when i'm not behind the wheel/ you sure you want to drive?")

We've already had one French DOTS Bonus Edition today, but what's wrong with having a DOTS Bonus Bonus Edition? This wagon really is Henry Hanzel's daily driver; we're talking about a man who grew up going on road trips across the United States in a Traction-Avant, who drove a 2CV in high school, and whose parents owned Oakland's Citroën and Panhard dealerships back in the day. Yes, I totally want a Citroën now!

The Buick engine was gone, but otherwise the Mark Mist was in pretty good shape.

The gauges still have their 24-karat gold plating, and the upholstery has held up very well. In fact, all the car really needs is a new engine and a general mechanical going-over to be ready to roll again. This car is a time capsule!

It's a love-it-or-hate-it design; some will cringe at the Edsel-esque face, but there's no arguing with the quality of the fabrication and craftsmanship here. No body filler, everything handmade.

A Buick engine awaits installation, and the Mark I Mist should roar back to life soon. Dave will likely sell it and move on to the next project once it's finished- he's already got a '57 Ford project in the early stages- but not before he makes jaws drop at a few shows and cruises with this thought-to-be-gone-forever classic.

As you may (or may not) know, I'm a factory rep for an Import Truck Distributor, and one of my dealers in the New York region is Jim Reed. He is a minor legend in NASCAR (when they actually drove real Stock Cars, not fake ones). Here is a small biography of Jim when he was racing.



Anyway, today was nearly perfect weatherwise, so I convinced Jim to let me take pictures of two of his prized vehicles. I'll start out with a Beige 1941 Lincoln Zephyr V-12 Club Coupe. The 1941 Model used a 292 Cu. In Flathead V-12, linked to a 3 Speed Manual. This car is equipped with a Borg Warner Overdrive, giving the car the ability to cruise over 75 MPH with no problems. Jim owned this car over 4 years, and during that time he has built it up to be a driver, not a trailer queen (as you can see, it is currently registered in New York, and is driven an average of 3,000 miles a year. The car was in rather poor condition when purchased, and was a Dark Brown color. The V-12 has been rebuilt, including a performance camshaft, the Chrome was all re-plated, the O/D was rebuilt, and even though the sheet metal was relatively rust free, it was refinished in it's current light sandstone finish. The interior was refinished two years ago, with a special seat cover made to keep the seats in good condition, since Jim uses it as a real car, and transports his Jack Russell terrier Bocci with him when he comes to work. The work took over 3 years to get into it's current condition, with the engine taking over a year just to get running again.

Ok, some details about the photos. Take a look at the floor pedals. There is a high/low beam switch to the left of the clutch, and a Radio Station Changer button right between the Clutch and the Brake pedals. Notice the Art Deco details, including the Bumpers, the Tail Lights, and the Zeppelin shaped turn signals. The "wood" (used on top of the doors, and the dashboard) isn't wood, but hand painted to look like wood. Take a look at the dash, and you will see a hood release, one of the very first offered in any car at the time. On the outside, the hubcaps let you know this was a Lincoln V-12, as does the chrome stip on the hood. Now take a look at the twin carbureted V-12. Isn't that a thing of beauty? I drove this beautiful car short distance, and would love to do it again.



Now, let me introduce you to the 1937 Cord 812. Cord pioneered front wheel drive in production applications with the L-29 in the late 20's. The A-C-D company then created a "Baby" Duesenberg which became in 1936 the Cord 810 with front wheel drive, Lycoming V8 power and a legendary body design from Gordon Buehrig. A year later, in 1937, came modest changes as in this distinctive example of the beautiful Beverly 4-door sedan body style. Finished in green with green cloth interior, the car is used as a driver, and not as a trailer queen. Jim uses this car for about 1,500 to 2,000 miles a year, and he just completed a round trip to an Auburn, Cord, Dusenberg club meet. This car was purchased a couple of years ago through a Hemmings ad. Since Jim took possession, there has been some improvements made, including new wheels and wheel discs, hubs, joints, brakes, tires, and other special features. The Shift controls were thoroughly rebuilt with new servos and micro switches.

A bit of history. The 289 Cu In V-8 was made by Lycoming, and it's actually installed backwards, since this car was Front Wheel Drive. The transmission was also unique, as it was the 4-speed manual with helical-cut gears and Bendix "Electric Hand" vacuum-servo pre-selector remote control. The Pre-selector always proved to be problematic, and this car was no exception.

Now, some of the photos. Take a look at that aircraft inspired dashboard, with a full set of instrumentation. Notice the two cranks at each side. Those are used to raise and lower the headlamps. This is one of the first cars to use a full wheelcover, instead of hubcaps (notice how these are tied on using zip ties!). The shift lever is the pre-selector. Now take a look at those trunk locks, heavy, and well made. The Art Deco details abound. Under the hood is that Lycoming V-8, and take a look at how the exhaust is routed! In front of the radiator is the Bendix Electric pre-selector shifting mechanism. Notice that the Front Doors are suicide, and the rears are not!




Now, the trucks:

1)The Green one is a 1948 International K-Series 1 ton truck, with a Chrysler Flat head 6 Cyl Engine. This is a truck that is owned by an International Dealer in Plattsburgh, NY. The owner stated that he has two of them, since he was born in 1948. It's all there, but currently not running, as is used as eye candy in front of the dealership.

2) The Ford is a 1964 Ford F250 Camper Conversion. It is currently registered, but there is some major work that has to be done to it. The cab is a custom cab, and is quite unique and interesting. This was also shot in Plattsburgh, NY (where the classic Airstreams were parked.)

3) The Maroon/Black Wrecker is a fully functioning 1966 International V200, and it has a Huge Gasoline 549 Cu. In V-8. I can't tell you the horsepower, but it sounds menacing. One thing I did spot when taking pictures was the fact that this still sports split rims, which are somewhat of a hazard if you try and change the tire... ugh!

First off will be the obligatory stop at the snobbiest of car snob conventions, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California. After that, the Firebirds will fly be transported in a padded trailer to the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They'll be there from September 27 through October 12 as part of an exhibit called "Fins: The Rise and Fall of the Tail Fin in American Automotive Design." [Straightline]

While I was on one of my usual dealer scouting trips, I managed to wind up in Plattsburgh, New York on a gorgeous June day, and discovered an amazing place. Within the recently created Plattsburgh Airport Business Development Zone, near a taxiway once used by B-52 Bombers, and KC-35 Tanker Aircraft, was a thriving business that is not all that removed from the aircraft that once called this place home. The name of the company is GSM Vehicles, Inc., and their main business is restoring Airstream, and other vintage travel trailers. The owner of the business is Colin Hyde, and was able to take his love of his own vintage Airstream, and combine it with his extensive knowledge of fabrication, and create the most talked about place to go to have your Airstream refurbished.

When I visited with Colin at his shop, the first thing that struck me was the shear number of Airstreams that were in various states of repair, in and around his building. There were trailers, dating from the early 50's right up to the late 80's, including a fairly rare Airstream Motor Home. Like shining cocoons gleaming in the sun, they will all be extensively restored to like new, or better than new condition, with period correct furnishings, and modern conveniences.

Starting this business came almost by accident to Hyde, as he set up GSM Vehicles in Plattsburgh to develop a Universally Accessible high capacity taxicab for use in crowded metropolitan areas of the US. The business was very slow, dealing with municipalities, and their inherent inefficiencies, and Hyde had to keep the business going in one form or another. So he started with what he knew best, fabrications and repairs. He would paint and repair tanks, equipment, and cars, just to keep income coming in. The in 2003, he hooked up with vintagetrailersupply.com and this started his trip down the Airstream aftermarket. IN the fall of 2003, he placed an ad on the vintage Airstream website, and his first trailer job was a 1962 Globetrotter.

At this same time, Airstream Life Magazine came out, and Hyde signed on as an early subscriber. Well, the publishers own trailer needed work, and the two of them worked out the details on how to refurbish the unit. In exchange for the work, Hyde was able to have a prominent ad placed within the publication, and, the rest is history. Hyde is now featured as a regular in a vintage airstream

Yes, the Honda Motocompo could transform by collapsing its handlebars into the seat. After that, it was small enough to be picked up by one person and fit snugly in the rear cargo area, with enough room left for a saxophone, a boombox, and all your tennis equipment. Of course, the City may not be very nimble all loaded down. As for the Motocompo, it had a 49cc two-stroke good for a top speed of about 30mph. Maybe Honda should sell the new Fit with a scooter — you know, since everyone's talking about gas prices and stuff.
[3yen, JapaneseNostalgicCar]

Evidently, in 1964 Studebaker built 465 of these - with 283 Chevy engines. So after building a Trans Am Camaro, this gentleman was looking for a new project. Something different to road race - a Chevelle, maybe a Nova. He found out there were FIA homlogation papers for a Studebaker, and this is what he built. A beautiful car, it ran pretty well and sounded great. He'll be back out with it over the 4th of July weekend at the SOVREN Historic races.

[PopularMechanixBlog]

Though we all know how successful turbine-powered cars turned out to be, you have to admit this is a pretty novel approach to open chamber combustion. You can visit the Turbina today where it lives in retirement at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Turin, Italy.
(Photo sources here, here and here)