Author Archives: Michael Harley

The Art of Bugatti exhibit opens at Mullin Automotive Museum

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Art of Bugatti at the Mullin Automotive Museum

Southern California's wonderful jewel, the Mullin Automotive Museum, opened its latest exhibit this week and it is worthy of a road trip. Titled "The Art of Bugatti," the new show is an intimate look at more than a century's worth of Bugatti family creativity - automotive enthusiasts associate the name with cars, but the Italian-born, French-based Bugattis were accomplished sculptors, painters, furniture makers as well as car collectors. The work on exhibit in coastal Oxnard, about an hour northwest of Los Angeles, includes more than 40 automobiles (and an aircraft) from Ettore Bugatti, nearly two dozen pieces of sculpture from Rembrandt Bugatti and more than 40 pieces of furniture from Carlo Bugatti.

Peter Mullin, the museum's founder and chairman, owns the largest private collection of Bugattis in the world. This exhibit celebrates the achievements of the Bugatti family. "It was one of the rare artistic and artisanal families of the era. Everyone in the family just exuded huge artistic talent," said Mullin.

At an early private peek at the collection, our eyes were glazed over by the spectacular 1932 Bugatti Type 41 "Royale" Coupe de Ville, with a massive 12.7-liter straight-eight, and the 1927 Bugatti 35C race car, one of its most successful competitive models. The famed 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is also on display, which recently sold in the range of $30-40 million. One of the most unique items is the Bugatti 100P, a full scale reproduction of a V-tail wood twin-engine aircraft designed by Ettore Bugatti and Louis de Monge, built for the 1939 Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup Race (there are plans to fly it in the near future).

Tours of the museum are by advance reservation only, with both public and private viewings available. For more information, and dates, visit the the Mullin Automotive Museum online.

The Art of Bugatti exhibit opens at Mullin Automotive Museum originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Porsche’s secret museum warehouse

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Tucked down an alley in Stuttgart, Germany, is an unmarked gray warehouse that hides an impressive collection of rare and priceless Porsche models from the automaker's past. Technically, the 100,000 square foot climate-controlled facility is a storage area for the Porsche Museum that is located a meandering 10-minute walk away. But unlike the very public museum, which has welcomed over two million visitors since it opened in 2009, the storage facility is private and entrance is strictly controlled.

I was very fortunate to be offered a private tour, with camera in hand, during a recent visit to the city.

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Inside Porsche's secret museum warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Recreations Shelby GT350CR

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Classic Recreations Shelby GT350CR

If you've got an itch for a classic Mustang Fastback, you may want to give Classic Recreations a call. The Oklahoma-based company, which has made a name for itself building award-winning muscle cars licensed by Shelby, recently handed me the keys to its latest creation - a prototype 1966 Shelby GT350CR (serial number SCR350-00P) with a nitrous-injected 427-cubic-inch small-block Ford Racing engine sending power to its rear wheels through a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox. Yeah, it's the sort of machinery that whets my appetite.

As you might suspect by looking at the company's name, the team starts with a standard stock 1966 Mustang Fastback and then tears it down to the chassis in preparation for a full rebuild into what they call a Shelby GT350CR. This particular restoration includes the fitment of the aforementioned 7.0-liter V8 with BBK Long Tube ceramic-coated headers, Magnaflow mufflers, coil-over suspension and rack-and-pinion power steering. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood brakes, in the form of four-piston calipers over ventilated and cross-drilled iron rotors, and the mechanical upgrades are finished off with four brightly polished 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich g-Force T/A tires (245/45ZR18 front and 275/35ZR18 rear).

Inside the passenger compartment, occupants are treated to Carroll Shelby Scat Rally Series 1000 seats, five-point Camlock belts, three-spoke aluminum woodgrain steering wheel with tilt column, a full complement of gauges and full carpeting. An Old Air Products air conditioning system blows ice-cold breezes, and a powerful audio system with external amp and subwoofer ensure a sweet background track to the V8's wild bellow.

Classic Recreations met us with its beauty in Southern California, so we turned its striped nose toward Los Angeles' classic Mulholland Highway for an evening run.

Driving Notes:
  • A brief walk-around of the Mustang before the drive reveals an attention to detail that will leave countless onlookers waving and asking questions. The metallic blue paintwork is excellent and the craftsmanship inside the engine bay, passenger cabin and trunk are show-worthy. In particular, I really like the epoxy-coated sheetmetal and satin-polished aluminum components under the hood, the functional and easy-to-read Shelby gauge cluster and the lightweight HRE wheels, which provided a nice compromise between classic and modern design.
  • It's hard not to be intimidated by the Shelby GT350CR. Its purpose-built seats, polished metal shifter and competition harnesses have me looking around for my helmet moments after buckling in (in truth, the harness really needs a pass-through in the lower cushion to fit properly). The mechanical feel of the manual lever and clutch mechanism drives the racing message home. That said, the cockpit is comfortable and spacious. Thin A-pillars provide excellent forward visibility, and the view out back is clear, but sightlines over the shoulders into the rear quarters are challenged by the blocked windows.
  • The controls are 1960s-era simple, primarily consisting of a few polished knobs that require a simple push-pull to operate and the windows manually crank. The optional NOS system, fitted to the test car, automatically engages if enabled by its red dash-mounted switch (the tank is full, but sadly I will never have an open opportunity to use it).
  • The 427-cubic-inch V8 drives and sounds every bit as good as it looks. It idles with an angry demeanor and then backs up its bark with a ferocious bite. There is plenty of power in each of the lower gears to initiate immediate wheelspin, leaving rear tire life completely up to the operator (the company quotes a 0-60 sprint of 3.7 seconds, but based on available grip, I feel that number is a bit optimistic). Kudos to Classic Recreations for putting an open side pipe on both the passenger and driver side of the car, as the two provide stereophonic rumbles and backfires reverberating throughout the cabin. While the climate control works perfectly, I would never roll up the windows for fear of suppressing the exhaust noise - it's addictive.
  • Despite the upgraded and modernized coil-over suspension with oversized sway bars and race-tuned ride on sticky BF Goodrich rubber, this Mustang is still more of a cruiser than a carver. Initial turn-in is on the slow side and the coupe drives with a large demeanor that requires plenty of anticipation in the corners. When compared to other ungainly muscle cars of its era, its handling would certainly be considered impressive, but today's multi-talented sports cars would run circles around this Pony in the canyons.
  • Classic Recreations is making only 10 of the legacy cars each year, and buyers are offered a grocery list of options to customize each to their specifications. While it wouldn't be my first choice in a canyon or race track, bring this muscle car to a drag strip, crowded boulevard, summer beach or car show and it will simply shine - we had to pull impressed gawkers away in order to leave a Mulholland overlook.

Classic Recreations Shelby GT350CR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Oct 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer

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An Iconic Sports Car, Restored to Seduce

Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer

I have been strapped behind the iconic Momo Prototipo steering wheel for a little more than an hour, all windows down as I carve my way up a rugged canyon during an unusually warm Southern California evening, and I am overwhelmed with emotion. My heart is pounding out of my chest, my breathing is heavy and my palms are sweaty because I am completely absorbed by this wondrous machine.

After waiting patiently for nearly four years, I am finally behind the wheel of a classic Porsche 911 restored, modified and tuned by Singer Vehicle Design. The vehicle that surrounds me never rolled off an automaker's assembly line in its current configuration, yet its physical appearance is timeless, build quality breathtaking and driving dynamics peerless.

To this automotive enthusiast, it is the most alluring vehicle in the world.

Continue reading Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer

Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette marks 60th production anniversary

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On June 30, Chevrolet celebrated 60 years of Corvette production after the very first of its iconic sports car model rolled off the Flint, Michigan, assembly line in 1953. The future classic was initially shown as a concept vehicle at the General Motors Autorama in New York City on January 17, 1953, but it was such a hit with the crowds in attendance that the automaker decided to go ahead with a limited run of 300 vehicles. Each of the 1953 models shared the same color scheme - Polo White over red convertible - and were priced at $3,498 each (in 2006, the third 1953 Corvette produced sold for a record $1,060,000 at auction).

"Over the past six decades, the Corvette has been woven into the fabric of American culture, as the sports car of choice for movie stars, musicians, and astronauts," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "The very best Corvettes represent the state-of-the-art for their eras in terms of design, technology and performance."

Few realize that the Chevrolet Corvette is the world's longest-running, continuously produced passenger car (the Porsche 911 didn't start production until 1963). And, with the all-new C7 in showrooms later this year, America's sports car doesn't show any signs of wanting to give up the coveted title. Be sure to check out the press release below for more interesting Corvette facts.

Continue reading Corvette marks 60th production anniversary

Corvette marks 60th production anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jul 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette marks 60th production anniversary

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On June 30, Chevrolet celebrated 60 years of Corvette production after the very first of its iconic sports car model rolled off the Flint, Michigan, assembly line in 1953. The future classic was initially shown as a concept vehicle at the General Motors Autorama in New York City on January 17, 1953, but it was such a hit with the crowds in attendance that the automaker decided to go ahead with a limited run of 300 vehicles. Each of the 1953 models shared the same color scheme - Polo White over red convertible - and were priced at $3,498 each (in 2006, the third 1953 Corvette produced sold for a record $1,060,000 at auction).

"Over the past six decades, the Corvette has been woven into the fabric of American culture, as the sports car of choice for movie stars, musicians, and astronauts," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "The very best Corvettes represent the state-of-the-art for their eras in terms of design, technology and performance."

Few realize that the Chevrolet Corvette is the world's longest-running, continuously produced passenger car (the Porsche 911 didn't start production until 1963). And, with the all-new C7 in showrooms later this year, America's sports car doesn't show any signs of wanting to give up the coveted title. Be sure to check out the press release below for more interesting Corvette facts.

Continue reading Corvette marks 60th production anniversary

Corvette marks 60th production anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jul 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch this 1,000-mile Lamborghini Espada road trip

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1978 Lamborghini Espada road trip - EVO video screencap
The Lamborghini Espada was four-passenger GT built by the Italian automaker from 1968-1978. While some may consider its appearance ungainly, a 60-degree, 4.0-liter V12 fed by Weber carburetors generated 350 horsepower, enough to give the 3,600-pound two-door spirited performance when compared to its peers. Making the driving experience even more engaging was its standard rear-wheel drive, a slick five-speed manual gearbox and a lack of power steering (the automaker offered an automatic and power steering on later models).

Whether or not you are a fan of this unique four-seater or its era, this Evo magazine video of editor Harry Metcalfe touring France as he makes his way along the epic Route Napoléon (today, part of a 200-mile section of Route Nationale 85) is worthy of its 19-minute run time - if not for just the sound of the wailing twelve-cylinder engine.

The mountain portions are simply spectacular, and Metcalfe does his usual excellent job narrating as he joyfully coaxes the GT's narrow tires (205/70-15) around each corner, calling the Lamborghini a "four-wheel drift machine," but actually preferring its high-speed capabilities. We particularly enjoyed his fuel stop, explaining the odd top-off procedure, as well as his early morning pre-flight when he realized that the Lamborghini had been running on only 11 cylinders during the previous day's segment. Watch the joy in the journey below.

Continue reading Watch this 1,000-mile Lamborghini Espada road trip

Watch this 1,000-mile Lamborghini Espada road trip originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Adam Carolla doesn’t drive his fancy cars on the street

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Comedian Adam Carolla is a very unique car collector, especially when compared to some of his peers. Those other well-known "Hollywood" automotive enthusiasts, who include Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld, are often spotted on public roads driving priceless cars from their private collections. But not Carolla.

Two years ago, when we visited Carolla's Southern California home, we were awestruck by his pristine Datsun Camel GT pace car, Bob Sharp Racing IMSA 300ZX and his custom Datsun Roadster 1600. In another corner, we took cloth covers off a gorgeous 1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 and a Lamborghini Miura.

While most of us would jump at the opportunity to tool around in any one of those classics, Carolla recently told eBay Motors that he has no interest in mimicking fellow stars like Leno. He doesn't relish the attention expensive machinery garners, and there is always the chance something is going to break. Even worse, the accomplished vintage racer said that the streets of Los Angeles are chock full of cops - that takes all of the fun out of nailing an apex at speed.

So Carolla's collection will remain, in perfect condition, stored for his own admiration. His daily commute, grocery errands and trips to the studio will be run in standard production vehicles - they draw fewer eyes. Don't ask him to change, either, or he'll give you something to think about: "Does anyone ask a stamp collector if he uses his stamps to mail in his gas bill?"

Why Adam Carolla doesn't drive his fancy cars on the street originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster… in Arkansas?

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The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was built as a race car for the FIA GT Championship series in 1997. To meet homologation requirements, a total of 26 road-going vehicles were built in the following years. The rarest were the open-roof roadster models, of which only six were made. While 24 of the street-legal cars were fitted with a 6.9-liter V12, good for more than 600 horsepower, two were upgraded to "CLK GTR Super Sport" configuration with a 7.3-liter V12 rated at 655 horsepower. Performance was spectacular, with a 0-60 sprint of about 3.7 seconds and a top speed of just over 200 miles per hour.

The original sticker price for the CLK GTR Super Sport, more than a decade ago, was $1,547,620 - dissuading most of us from buying one. But if you missed out last time, we just found a clean example that has apparently been sitting inside a showroom in Arkansas waiting for a new owner. It is reportedly the only roadster currently in the United States. Federalized and street legal, its odometer shows only 70 delivery miles (are we the only ones who consider it a shame nobody has ever enjoyed wringing it out?). Fresh off an extensive factory service, this museum piece boasts a Buy it Now price of $1,995,980. So much for depreciation, eh?

[Update: One of our readers correctly pointed out that the car has depreciated... as its original selling price of $1.547 million is $2.2 million in today's money!]

eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster... in Arkansas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M2 created by marrying 2002 with M3 drivetrain

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Marc Norris, owner of the Bavarian Workshop in Southern California, recently built a lucky customer their very own BMW "M2" by combining the chassis of an iconic mid-1970s BMW 2002 with BMW's celebrated race-bred S14 engine from a late-1980s BMW E30 M3.

Dropping the high-revving 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood wasn't an issue, but Norris was forced to make a custom cradle for the transmission and new drive shafts so everything would fit. While the crew was in there, they boxed the chassis for additional strength and upgraded the suspension with custom coil-overs at all four corners. Wilwood brakes and Alpina wheels complete the mechanical package. The interior features Recaro buckets, stolen from an early-1980s E21 320i, and plenty of perforated Nappa leather.

Norris says the 200-horsepower screamer drives like an early M3, but the lighter platform is about a second quicker in the sprint to 60 miles per hour - figure just over five seconds.

This stunning restoration is a one-of-a-kind project, but Bavarian Workshop can build you one too. As owner Norris says with a smile, "...no problem, all it takes is money." Yeah, lots of it. Watch for yourself below.

Continue reading BMW M2 created by marrying 2002 with M3 drivetrain

BMW M2 created by marrying 2002 with M3 drivetrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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