Author Archives: George Kennedy

Online Find Of The Day: 1992 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta is street-legal awesomeness

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1992 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta - front three-quarter view

Where do concepts go when their auto show circuit life is over? For many, it's off to the scrap heap, while others manage to find their way into various automotive museums and private collections. Yet it is a select few that enjoy the honor of actually being driven on open roads. What you see here is the latter.

In 1988, design house Italdesign brought its wildly futuristic Aztec Barchetta concept to the Turin Motor Show. Visually, there were a lot of things going on here with the design, including spacecraft-styled rear quarter panels, see-through doors and a bold dual cockpit design. The body was constructed out of aluminum, Kevlar and carbon fiber. Additionally, the coupe features an intercom so the driver and passenger can hold conversations at speed.

While the styling is fit for an auto show floor, the mechanicals are borrowed from some of Europe's rallying greats, including the 250-horsepower five-cylinder of the Audi Quattro and a transmission borrowed from the Lancia Integrale's parts bin.

Yet you'll deduce from the 1992 model year on our headline that this isn't the same car that premiered in Turin in 1988. That's right, this is a street-legal production car. As the story goes, Myakawa, a Japanese industrial corporation, bought the rights to the concept and had German-based Audi tuner, Motoren-Tecknik-Mayer (better known as MTM) produce the Aztec Barchetta in very limited numbers. The first one built performed exhibition laps at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix, and the originals sold for hundreds of thousands when new.

Very few were made (estimates vary wildly, from 15 to 50), with this model being assembled in EU spec. The seller, Specialized Vehicle Solutions, Ltd. of Manchester, England, is offering this silver example with just 75 miles on the odometer, though the listing doesn't disclose how much it's asking to digital tire-kickers.

Online Find Of The Day: 1992 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta is street-legal awesomeness originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petrolicious drinks in the glory of two Datsun Roadsters in wine country

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Datsun Petrolicious video

The latest Petrolicious video, entitled "Napa Valley Roadsters," features high-def footage of Japanese metal rolling though beautiful California hill country. Specifically, the classic two-liter Datsun Roadster.

Like many of the Petrolicious videos that proceeded it, this is a celebration of the personal connection that one has with an automobile. What's more, it's always heartwarming to see how a mutual interest can bring two complete strangers together, who are now close friends. And finally, who doesn't enjoy watching classic machinery mosey through beautiful scenery?

Check it out for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading Petrolicious drinks in the glory of two Datsun Roadsters in wine country

Petrolicious drinks in the glory of two Datsun Roadsters in wine country originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars

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One of the harsh realities encountered by some in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is the damage done to their beloved classic cars. Such a story may not make it to CNN, so Hagerty Insurance set about chronicling the efforts by several owners to preserve their classics during the storm.

One owner from Staten Island lost a 1977 Ford F-250 Custom pickup. He tried desperately to save his truck, attempting to start it as the waters rose around the vehicle. At one point, he says the water started pouring into the truck. It eventually became impossible to open the doors, and had to crawl out the window. For him and others electrical, brakes and other systems failed when the brackish water rose around the cars.

Some may label the pining over a lost classic insensitive, given the larger issue of rebuilding and reclaiming these costal areas. However, these cars are as much a part of their memories as baby pictures or family heirlooms. There are personal connections with these vintage automobiles that may have been lost forever.

This video just goes to show the powerful bond that some owners have with their treasured classics.

Continue reading Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars

Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNN chronicles young girl building Pontiac Fiero

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Fourteen-year old Kathryn DiMaria works on her Pontiac Fiero

At fourteen years of age, Kathryn DiMaria has already done what many self-proclaimed gearheads won't even attempt in their lifetimes. The Dearborn, Michigan teen is rebuilding a car from the ground up.

The intrepid youngster asked her parents when she was just twelve to start a Pontiac Fiero project, even offering to pony up all the funds herself. Father, Jerry DiMaria only expected the project to last a few months, but two years later, Kathryn is still at it. In this CNN video, the two are at Maker Faire (a DIY festival) rebuilding a 3.4-liter V6 engine out of a Chevrolet Camaro to replace the 2.8-liter mill found in the Fiero.

The whole family hast pitched in, with Kathryn's mother teaching her how to sew in order to complete the interior, father Jerry providing much of the technical know-how, and even her sister is chronicling Kathryn's progress through photos. Jerry even started a thread in a Fiero forum which has been live for two years and is now 22 pages long. Of the project, one forum member wrote, "welcome to the madness."

Apparently math and science lessons are coming into play in her project, hopefully putting an end to the "Why do I need to learn this?" argument, at least among her classmates. The lessons will hopefully allow Kathryn to follow her dream to become an engineer. The target date for the project's completion is Kathryn's sweet 16. You can check out her progress in the video below.

Continue reading CNN chronicles young girl building Pontiac Fiero

CNN chronicles young girl building Pontiac Fiero originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodwood Revival-style event may come to the US [UPDATE]

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Goodwood Revival

Any motoring enthusiast worth his salt knows and reveres the Goodwood Revival. While the Festival of Speed is exactly what the name states, the Goodwood Revival is an experience unlike any other. More than just vintage racing, nearly everyone in attendance dresses in period-correct clothing, and you are immersed in a different era. Now, if only we could have something like that here in the States.

It appears that may be in the works, as Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance founder Bill Warner is in talks with Goodwood's Lord March to bring an event like the revival to the United States. According to the report from Auto Minded, the aim is to have an event take place in the fall, after the conclusion of Europe's vintage events.

The report suggests that the Florida town of Fernandina Beach, to which Warner has strong ties, is an ideal location. The town has a municipal airport that can provide facilities for vintage aircraft as well as the layout for a race course. (The FAA would need to approve the location.) Additionally, Fernandina Beach is close to luxury resorts that befit the concours/vintage-racing set.

While there are several prominent Concours events, such as Pebble Beach. Amelia Island and Greenwich, as well as racing events in Lime Rock and Monterey, the US does not have a revival-type event that throws you into the past the way that Goodwood does. Let's hope this plan comes to fruition.

UPDATE: The PR firm representing the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance contacted us to inform us that the group is not involved in the above plans. Please scroll down to read a statement from Amelia Island Concours chairman Bill Warner.

Continue reading Goodwood Revival-style event may come to the US [UPDATE]

Goodwood Revival-style event may come to the US [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leno drives James Bond’s 1966 Toyota 2000GT Convertible

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If anyone can get their hands on rare and one-of-a-kind cars, it's Jay Leno, but some cars even elude the well-funded clutches of the funnyman-turned car collector. In this episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Jay meets a car that he thought he would never get a chance to drive; the Toyota 2000GT. And yes, we're extremely jealous.

This is the latest stop in Jay's trip to Japan, where he has already played with the Datsun 240Z and Lexus LFA, but this has to be the crescendo of his trek. Venturing to Toyota's own museum, Leno is rewarded by something even more rare than your average 2000GT. The car in question is one of only two convertible 2000GT's ever built. They were specially commissioned for use in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice.

Due to its rarity, Leno was only allowed to drive it in what appears to be the museum parking lot. Still, that is more seat time with a 2000GT than most others will ever get to spend. Click below to watch Jay's test drive of what is arguably one of the most collectible Japanese cars ever made, as well as its use on the silver screen.

Continue reading Leno drives James Bond's 1966 Toyota 2000GT Convertible

Leno drives James Bond's 1966 Toyota 2000GT Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle over ownership of final Cunningham Corvette headed to court

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Cunningham Corvette

Remember that recently-discovered Briggs Cunningham Corvette? The last of three to be found that raced at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans? Well, as is customary in matters such as these, a tense legal battle has broiled, with many players to follow, so lets just get into it...

Here's how the story goes: After more than 50 years in hiding, the rare Le Mans racer surfaced in the garage of Pamela Carr, widow of Florida Judge Richard Carr. Richard's son, Rick, had known of the car for years, but only recently checked the VIN, which led him to reach out to Cunningham historian Larry Berman. Through Berman, the Carr family was put in touch with Lance Miller. Lance is the son of the late Chip Miller, founder of Carlisle Events, and Corvette's at Carlisle.

Chip Miller, along with Corvette restorer Kevin Mackay, had gone to great lengths to find the Cunningham Corvetteshaving hired a private investigator in the 1990s to locate the cars. Mackay found and restored Corvette No. 3, which was given to Miller. Their efforts were chronicled in the 2000 documentary The Quest. It was Miller's dying wish that if the last Cunningham 'Vette were ever found (No. 2 is owned by noted collector Bruce Meyer), it would end up in Mackay's hands. If found, the car could be worth over $1 million.

On July 23 of this year, Chip's son Lance purchased the No. 1 car from the Carr family for just $75,000 and three days later, sold it to Mackay. Though it a appeared that the journey had come to an end, trouble had just begun for Mackay.

For the rest of the story, scroll down.

Continue reading Battle over ownership of final Cunningham Corvette headed to court

Battle over ownership of final Cunningham Corvette headed to court originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Icon Bronco rumbles into Jay Leno’s Garage

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According to Jay Leno, "The only time people in L.A. go off-roading is when they are about to get a D.U.I." That may be the case, but if you are looking to hit the trails with something inherently tough, but with a classic look, the folks at Icon are the people to see about it. The builder, known for retro-look off-roaders with serious trail chops, has done its thing with the CJ and FJ. Now the Icon brand (not to be confused with Iconic the makers of a reinterpretation of the Shelby Cobra) has rolled out its Bronco redeux, and brought it by Jay Leno's Garage.

Icon CEO and Lead Designer Jonothan Ward dropped in at Jay's with one of his creations. Ward explains that he goes around the country looking for rust-free, unmolested Bronco bodies, and fits them to a fully modern chassis. There are disc brakes all around, front and rear lock-on-the-fly differentials and a brand new Ford Coyote engine shoehorned under the hood. The 5.0-liter mill makes an ungodly sound.

Click below to watch Jay talk about a vehicle that differs greatly from other performance cars that swing by his garage.

Continue reading Icon Bronco rumbles into Jay Leno's Garage

Icon Bronco rumbles into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seinfeld’s CiCGC pairs Alec Baldwin with 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL

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Alec Baldwin (left) and Jerry Seinfeld (right) in Mercedes-Benz 280SL

For both comedy and car fans, Jerry Seinfeld and his "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" web series has been a car-filled, caffeine-fueled, laugh-fest. The trend continues in the two latest installments of his unusual unscripted series.

In the first video seen above, Jerry picks up actor Alec Baldwin in a Signal Red Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster. The two exchange anecdotes about their shared hometown of Massapequa, New York and of a Kirk Douglas-Burt Lancaster rivalry. Baldwin also considers his mortality and calls Seinfeld a "lazy, shiftless bastard." Baldwin also decrees that he is the most articulate person in the Screen Actors Guild, and talks about the jealousy induced by watching his neighbors play on a Slip 'n' Slide.

Click below to see the video of the two prolific funny men talk over coffee and while tooling around in Seinfeld's cherry SL.

Additionally, we've added a recent episode of the web series that you might have missed, and this time Jerry is on the West Coast at the wheel of a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. Powered by a 340 Six Pack, Seinfeld picks up standup comic Brian Regan.

Continue reading Seinfeld's CiCGC pairs Alec Baldwin with 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL

Seinfeld's CiCGC pairs Alec Baldwin with 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vintech unveiling P550 Tribute at Pebble Beach

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Vintech P550 Tribute

So you want to own a painfully gorgeous Porsche 550, but you don't have $3.685 million? You don't say! If your heart is still set on a stunning sports car with classic lines, then Vintech may have a solution for you. The French company has created the P550 Tribute, and as the name suggests, the car is meant to evoke the famed Porsche 550.

Though possessing classic lines, the P550 boasts a full carbon fiber body, under which is a modern chassis and a 3.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine. The engine is expected to produce between 260 and 270 horsepower, sent through a five-speed manual transmission. With a curb weight of only 1,212 pounds, this vehicular homage should haul some serious tail.

The P550 Tribute will make its debut Friday, August 17 at "The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering." It is one of the many prestigious events taking place during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Delegance weekend.

Neither pricing nor production numbers have been announced, but we can surmise that the former will be a large number, and the latter will be a small one. In the meantime, feast your eyes on the gallery below of schematics, the build, and the finished product.

Vintech unveiling P550 Tribute at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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