Concept Carz

Jowett Jupiter

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:53:22 EST

One of the rarest sports cars to reach North America was the British Jowett Jupiter. Its heritage went back to 1906 when Benjamin and William Jowett of Bradford, Yorkshire, expanded from bicycle repair into automobile building. They built their first prototype car that year, but commercial production didn't begin until 1910. The first Jowetts had flat, twin-cylinder engines, and this horizontally opposed layout would become a Jowett trademark. In 1936 a flat four engine was introduced.

Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:21:37 EST

The Alfa 6C-1750 followed the 6C-1600 and was produced in six series from 1929 to 1933. In total, 2579 chassis were completed and they became the quintessential model for both amateur and professional drivers. Available in several body styles, most cars were sold as a rolling chassis to be bodied by coachbuilders including Zagato, Touring, Castagna, Ghia, Farina, Pininfarina, Weymann and James Young. The definitive form of the 6C-1750 was the short chassis Supercharged Gran Sport and Super Sport versions of which approximately 360 cars were made.

In competition, the 6C-1750 was quite possibly the most successful car/chassis ever manufactured by Alfa Romeo. In addition to winning the 1929 Mille Miglia, twenty-five out of twenty-six supercharged 1750s completed the 1000 mile course. During the 1930 Mille Miglia, the 1750 would sweep the first four places in the race and would become known for an epic 6C-1750 duel between Nuvolari and Varzi. Nuvolari overtook Varzi in the pre-dawn with his 1750's headlights switched off and continued to win the race with a finishing time of 6 hours 18 minutes 59 seconds (averaging 62.78 mph) making the 6C-1750 the first car to ever complete the 1000 mile Mille Miglia Race averaging over 100 kph. Other victories included the 1929 and 1930 24-Hours of Spa, 1930 Tourist Trophy, several World Speed Records (2000cc class) at Montlhery, France in 1931 (including 1000 kilometers @ 97.1 mph, 4000 Mile Record @ 93.97 mph and 48 Hour Record @ 94.4 mph) as well as winning numerous other Road Races, and Hillclimbs.

Ghia Gilda Concept

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:20:02 EST

The 1955 Ghia Gilda Coupe Concpet was built for the 1955 Turin Motor Show in Italy. It was a styling exercise designed by Savonuzzi (an individual formerly with Cisitalia). It was powered by a OSCA engine that displaced 1491cc and was claimed to have a top speed of 140 mph.

Lola T70 MKII

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:48:40 EST

British race car builder Eric Broadley was one of the first to combine light weight mid-engine chassis with American V-8 power, in the Lola GT that ran at Le Mans in 1963. In 1965 he introduced the T70, which for two years was the world's fastest racing car.
Developed by World champion driver John Surtees, with 500 HP and weighing 1750 pounds, it had blinding acceleration, 0 to 100 mph in less than six seconds with stable, predictable handling.

Surtees won the first Can-Am Championship with a T70 in 1966.

New Racing Version for International GT Sport

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:11:24 EST

Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is entering yet another racing car in the 2010 motorsport season: The 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, thus succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S. The main focus in developing this new model was on even better drivability and even easier handling.

The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.

The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R weighing just 1,200 kg or 2,646 lb was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September for one-make cup racing. Thanks to its increase in engine size by 0.2 litres, the GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen: Top-Selling European Nameplate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:38:33 EST

The Jetta and Jetta SportWagen have always appealed to drivers seeking German engineering in a versatile, stylish, and fun-to-drive package. With starting prices of $17,605 for the Jetta and $19,265 for the Jetta SportWagen, affordability remains another important trait of the 2010 Jetta lineup.

The fuel-sipping 2010 Jetta TDI? model once again features the critically acclaimed 2.0-liter clean diesel TDI engine ? the same engine that powered a Jetta to a Guinness World Record for Lowest Fuel Consumption, and has placed clean diesel, the most efficient alternative fuel readily available in all 50 states, in the spotlight. In TDI trim, the Jetta sedan and SportWagen can achieve 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway (EPA estimates when equipped with DSG? automatic transmission). Adding even more credibility, the Jetta TDI which starts at $22,660, achieved even greater fuel economy returns when tested in real world conditions by third-party certifier, AMCI: A staggering 38 mpg for city driving and 44 mpg for highway travel. The Jetta SportWagen TDI starts at $24,310.

1970 Dodge Challenger

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:53:47 EST

The Challenger was based on the Plymouth Barracuda platform but it had a larger wheelbase which provided more interior room for its passengers. It was available as both a hardtop and convertible configuration. The SE version was the luxury offering. The R/T, which represented Road and Track, was the performance offering. The standard R/T package came equipped with a 383 cubic-inch engine which produced 335 horsepower. Performance could be improved by upgrading to the 440 cubic-inch engine which boosted horsepower to 375.

1960 Ford Thunderbird

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:11:56 EST

Marketed as a spacious, luxurious boulevardier, the Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 in response to the Chevrolet Corvette, which had been launched two years earlier. A luxurious car in the day with optional power windows and removable hard top, the 1955 T-bird found 16,155 buyers compared to a mere 674 for the Corvette, which was almost discontinued due to poor sales. Available only through the 1957 model year, the two-seat Thunderbird was transformed into a four-seater for 1958 to improve marketability. Temporarily discontinued after 1998, the Thunderbird was reintroduced for 2001 as a two-place personal car that embodied the spirit of the well-remembered original version.

Aston Martin Le Mans

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:04:21 EST

Only two of these cars were made specifically for Le Mans. The standard racing 1.5-liter engine was increased to 2-liters, producing the most powerful prewar Aston Martin. The rear seat cover was a concession to the peculiar Le Mans rules, requiring a rear passenger seat.

DeTomaso Pantera

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:39:43 EST

The Pantera was the result of an Argentinian racing driver (Alejandro De Tomaso), Italian engineering and American muscle. The styling was handled by Tom Tjarda while Giampaolo Dallara was responsible for the structural design. Looking at the vehicle, it greatly resembles that of the Lamborghini offspring. The reasoning for this resemblance could be attributed to Giampaolo Dallara who was also aided in the designing of the Lamborghini Miura.

Innocenti Spyder

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:58:13 EST

The Innocenti Spyder S was based on the Austin-Healey Sprite, as it used the same suspension, steering, drivetrain, and engine, but it had a unique body styled by Ghia. It also included some luxuries not seen in the Sprite, such as wind-up windows, larger doors, and external door handles. This car is a Spyder S, which was introduced in 1963 with a slightly larger engine versus the original cars. The engine came from the Mark II Sprite. The S was different cosmetically over the earlier Innocenti Spyders, with a new grille, badging, hubcaps, and interior.

Tatum Special

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:58:58 EST

In 1952, Chuck Tatum attended a sports car race in his hometown of Stockton, California. That evening, in the bar at the local hotel, Chuck and some friends were discussing the fact that the front running cars at the races were all imported from England or Europe. Chuck declared that he could build a car, using American components, that would beat all that 'foreign stuff.'

That winter, in his shop behind his house, he proceeded to build such a car. He constructed a light but rigid frame to which he attached front suspension from a 1939 Ford, a rear axle from a 1946 Ford Pickup, and steering from a 1939 Ford. He used a Lincoln transmission and chose a 1951 GMC truck engine fitted with side draft carburetors from a 1953 Corvette. The aluminum bodywork was hand formed by his good friend, Jack Hagemann.

March BMW 86G

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:59:03 EST

BMW of North America entered the IMSA GTP series in 1985 with a prototype car utilizing a 2.0-liter version of the 1983 World Championship winning BMW Formula 1 turbo engine. This prototype was the basis for the 1986 BMW March GTP car.

Using a new generation turbocharged 2.0-liter power plant, the cars were capable of more than 200 mph. The two-car team of David Hobbs/John Watson and Davy Jones/John Andretti always qualified well, but the program's only win came from Jones and Andretti at Watkins Glen in 1986. The duo won from the pole position and set a race record around the famous 3.7-mile upstate New York circuit. The story of these cars is not what they were, but what they could have been. After only two seasons and the historic win at the Glen, the cars saw only two more races as the very expensive program was discontinued by BMW.

Gooding & Company Announces Its First-Ever Amelia Island Auction

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:29:22 EST

Gooding & Company, the internationally-recognized auction house, is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting its first-ever auction at Amelia Island, Florida. Already starring a number of exceptional consignments including the Best of Show-winning 1931 Voisin C20 'Mylord' Demi-Berline, Gooding & Company's one-day auction will take place on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Amelia Island Plantation.

'The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance has become one of the preeminent automotive events of the world, attracting some of the best cars and collectors,' says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company. 'In terms of East Coast auctions, we identified a gap at the top of the market. We are very pleased to announce that Gooding & Company will soon be in Amelia Island with an auction at the Plantation that will reflect our high standards.'

The 2011 Regal: A Buick Bred On The Autobahn

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST

'The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand,' said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. 'The Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.'

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features ? including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar ? that aren't offered standard on either competitor.

The Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia ? the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:19:55 EST

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the world's first Sports Activity Coup? with full hybrid drive offering a driving experience quite unique both in the segment of BMW X models and in the hybrid segment as a whole. Through its combination of a V8 gasoline engine and electric drive, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 offers a significant increase in dynamic performance together with a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 20 per cent. This joint enhancement of driving pleasure and efficiency clearly proves that the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a typical BMW in the hybrid segment.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers the driver three significant options: to drive under electric power alone, to use the power of the combustion engine, or to benefit form the combination of both drive modes. Driving completely free of CO2 in the electric mode is possible up to a speed of 60 km/h or 37 mph. The combustion engine then cuts in as required (as a function of load conditions) and is automatically switched off when driving in overrun at a speed of less than 65 km/h or 40 mph.

Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:21:03 EST

The Atalante body style, named for a huntress in Greek mythology, was one interpretation of the 1935 Aerolithe coupe, the prototype that also inspired the Atlantic. Designed by Jean Bugatti as a two-seater sports coupe, the Atalante was among the rarest of the body styles offered by Bugatti on the Type 57 chassis.

Chevrolet Camaro Chroma Concept

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:39:57 EST

It looks like the custom creation of a tuner shop, but the Camaro Chroma simply demonstrates how carefully selected accessories available through Chevy dealers can create a look like nothing else. The Camaro Chroma is based on an SS/RS model in Summit White and uses a combination of current and not-yet-released components.

From a performance standpoint, the Camaro Chroma's standard LS3 V-8 engine is equipped with current accessories, including a performance intake, shorty headers and performance exhaust system. There's also a Victory Red engine cover and a Hurst short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission, as well as red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

Mopar Jeep Lower Forty Image Vehicle: An Extreme Trail Rig with 40-inch Tires

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:39:27 EST

The Jeep 'Lower Forty' takes the Jeep Wrangler platform to a new extreme. The vehicle is equipped with massive 40-inch x 13.5-inch tires mounted on Mopar's 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels. Mopar added aggressive wheels and tires to a stock, two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon without the use of a suspension lift. The team's goal was to achieve added ground clearance without dramatically altering the vehicle's center of gravity. The team removed copious amounts of body metal in order to provide room for 40-inch meats. Three inches are chopped from the windshield frame and a 10-degree rake is added.

Custom front and rear fender flares are 1-inch wider and are located 4 inches higher than a stock Jeep Wrangler. A new one-piece carbon-fiber hood with a Jeep CJ-like power dome and an all-new drop-down tailgate stamped with the 'Jeep' logo are added to complete the exterior design.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Heritage Package

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:50:55 EST

Earlier this year, Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport model. It's a track-oriented Corvette with wider wheels and tires, special suspension tuning and unique exterior details. The Corvette Grand Sport achieves a 0-60 time of less than four seconds, pulls 1.0 g on the skid pad and still boasts an EPA-rated highway fuel economy 26 mpg.

The version displayed at SEMA introduces a host of Grand Sport accessories that will be offered in 2010. It is a standard Grand Sport convertible equipped with the Heritage Package, but in a new Cyber Grey exterior color, with many forthcoming accessories.

Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:14:20 EST

The Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) combines outdoor sports activities and video games to create the ultimate active lifestyle vehicle for young Tacoma pickup truck owners. The special vehicle was designed to take Tacoma owners to their favorite remote locations where they can pursue their passion for outdoor sports activities and also provide a haven at the end of the day to play their favorite interactive video games.

To create the Tacoma ATG Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. teamed up with a group of partners who are among the finest in their fields of expertise. The partners included The B.A.D. Company as the primary builder,along with Microsoft Xbox, Kicker, Toyota Racing Development, INNO Advanced Car Racks and Cannondale.

Toyota Billabong Ultimate Venza Concept

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:14:28 EST

The Toyota/Billabong Ultimate Venza makes its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. teamed with Billabong and Street Image to create the perfect active sports vehicle that you could take to the beach, lake, mountains, skate park or anywhere in between and have a blast. The Ultimate Venza will be used to support top extreme athletes at future competitions.

Modifying a Venza to meet the needs of extreme athletes was a natural fit. Its vast interior space, versatility, utility and comfort make it a perfect vehicle for people with active lifestyles.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder: Light, Powerful, Purist Roadster to be Introduced at Los Angeles Auto Show

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:39:08 EST

Weighing in at just 2,811 lbs., the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available ? from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car ? agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.

The newest member of the Boxster family stands out from the other versions of Porsche's mid-engined roadster. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top ? when closed ? extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. This top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower (hp), 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.

BMW M3 GTS

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:51 EST

BMW M GmbH now offers a truly outstanding performer based on the BMW M3 Coup? also ideal for Clubsport events ? exactly the right car for the truly discerning customer demanding the very utmost in terms of power and performance. The BMW M3 GTS is largely hand-built by the most skilled craftsmen at BMW M GmbH as a perfectly harmonised package of outstanding modifications, with production exclusively to the customer's personal order. Focused on motorsport, the modifications comprise both the drivetrain, the suspension and the body of the car, as well as its interior. Market launch of the BMW M3 GTS will be in spring 2010.

Offering this truly exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW M GmbH is continuing a great tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW M3. Once again, the outstanding sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from the Company's wide range of know-how in the development and production of racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he will use for racing.

Abarth 850 TC

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:12 EST

The Fiat 600 was a very suitable car for modifications, and Abarth made a world-famous name on doing just that. Karl Abarth, born in Vienna, Austria, in 1908, was a mechanical mastermind. He started production with the Abarth 750 Berlina, based upon the Fiat 600. Fiat and Abarth reached an agreement whereby Fiat supplied Abarth with partially constructed cars, and Abarth would finish them as Abarths. There were versions with 41.5 to 50 horsepower, and maximum speed was 135 to 150 km/hr. Next, at the end of 1960, came the new version of the 750, the 750TC (Tourismo Competizione) Berlina. This car remained in production until 1966. Further modifications led to an increase in engine size and the Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina was born. These platforms utterly dominated the under-1000cc racing classes and helped build the Abarth racing legend.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:24:29 EST

At a glance, it's clear the Silverado ZR2 concept wasn't designed to haul flowers back from the nursery. With its widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine, it is ready to hit the berms, dry washes and gullies of the Baja Peninsula.

The Silverado ZR2 is based on an extended cab/short box body. The custom bodywork includes carbon fiber fender flares that stretch outward to cover the 35-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and widened stance. Much of the truck's body is made of carbon fiber, including the front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the past.

The pickup box, which is protected with a spray-on liner, features a unique locking storage system mounted to the extruded aluminum Cargo Management System rails from Chevy Accessories.

The Muntz Jet

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:22:31 EST

Earl 'Madman' Muntz was an extremely successful used car salesman in California. The Jet was Muntz's answer to the sports cars that were coming onto the scene in the early 1950s-cars like the Kaiser Darrin, the Hudson Italia, the Chevrolet Corvette and the Nash Healey, Muntz met with famous race car builder Frank Kurtis and purchased the rights to produce a Kurtis road car. Muntz stretched the chassis and created a 4-seat sports car. This car is a custom version built by Joe Bailon for bandleader Freddy Martin. Many body modifications were made, changing nearly every panel, and a new Corvette V8 engine was installed. The changes, which were completed in 1955, make this particular Muntz Jet unique.

Wanderer W25

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:09:18 EST

The Wanderer W25K sports car not only looks extremely attractive, but was also an unusually good performer. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the 2-litre six-cylinder engine developed 85 hp thanks to the use of a supercharger. The modern, American-influenced styling was derived from the Wanderer W51, the modern lines of which were to act as a starting point for the entire Auto Union model range. Around 250 Wanderer W25s were built between 1936 and 1939.

KIA MOTORS AMERICA UNVEILS U.S. MOTORSPORTS PROGRAM

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:14:35 EST

The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup's motto ? 'One Hot Ride' ? took on a new meaning today as Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled its U.S. motorsports program at the 2009 SEMA Show. KMA has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

'The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,' said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. 'The Forte Koup's performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a natural fit for road racing, and competing in GRAND-AM's KONI Challenge Series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base of automotive enthusiasts.'

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class utilizes production-based race cars and has a wide variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

The Jay Leno Camaro

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:14:44 EST

Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno's Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425. That's about 40 percent greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren't making boost), there's virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L engine.

'Jay's Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way,' said Dewar. 'It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6.'

Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.

50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:46:03 EST

Chevrolet delivers a futuristic vision of technology and design with the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. A version of the model was first shown at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and stars as 'Sideswipe' in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The Corvette Stingray Concept represents both the iconic legacy and an exciting future for Corvette.

The Corvette Stingray Concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with surprisingly high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. The car is well-appointed with a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high performance hybrid drive. Interactive touch controls allow the driver to customize the power and efficiency of his or her ride and share it with friends via the in-car camera system and advanced telemetrics.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:13:51 EST

The Phantom III was the first Rolls-Royce to be fitted with a V12 engine, which was probably an inevitable development as the company was already manufacturing aero engines in this configuration.

When the Phantom III was unveiled at the 1935 Olympia Motor Show it was the most technically advanced car in the world and many believe the best car ever made. The 7340 cc. V12 overhead valve engine had a one-piece aluminum alloy crankcase and cylinder blocks and cast-iron wet cylinder liners and aluminum head.

Maserati Mexico

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:49:52 EST

This 1967 Maserati Mexico wears a unique one-off body by Frua and is commonly known as the 'V8 Mistral' due to its appearance. Under the bonnet is a 4.2-liter Maserati V8 engine mated to a five-speed transmission.

This car was built specifically at the request of a Maserati client named Franco Rol. It was built on a short wheelbase that measures a mere 101-inches, and is equipped with the latest alloy knockoff wheels. The lightweight body is distinguished visually by its slightly longer spacing between the door and rear-wheel well. Other visual elements of Frua's design included the deletion of the Mistral coupes' reversed air vent trim on the front fenders.

Maserati Bora

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:49:45 EST

The Bora was introduced in 1971 and was produced until 1978. During its production lifespan, over 570 examples were produced. The vehicle was built in 2-door coupe form with the engine placed in the middle and powering the rear wheels. Ferrari had been in the process of creating a mid-engined sports car while Lamborghini and DeTomaso had their Countach, Miura and Mangusta. The mid-engined Ford GT40 had even made a few appearances at LeMans. After seeing this trend, Guy Malleret, the administrator of Maserati, gave Giulio Alfieri permission to begin design and production of a mid-engined sports car. Alfieri began work on the technical aspects of the vehicle.

The Shelby Cobra

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:33:41 EST

Carroll Shelby made 435 AC Cobras with the 289 cubic-inch Ford high performance engine.

The A.C Cobra cars are among the most memorable and recognizable cars in history. Their original designs can be traced back to the Touring bodied Barchetta's that clothed Ferrari's 166 and 225 Spyders. That bodystyle would become highly duplicated throughout the years, with the first being the one-off Cooper-MG raced by automobile dealer Cliff David. John Tojiero had conceived the ladder frame with independent leaf-spring suspension and Eric Hall and Bill Rich had clothed the car in the Barchetta-style body.

The one-off was successful in racing, and Davis urged Tojiero to mass-produce the cars. Instead, Tojiero licensed the design to the Hurlock family of A.C. in Thames Dutton. Soon, the two-liter, six-cylinder versions bearing A.C. badges were in production. Dubbed the A.C. Ace, they were an immediate success. A few years later, a Bristol engine became available which improved the vehicles performance.

In the early 1960s, Bristol announced it would discontinue its engine. A Chevrolet V8 unit served as a replacement, and later a 2.6-liter Ford six provided ample power to excite drivers and on-lookers. A long-term solution was found when Texan-based Carroll Shelby dropped a lightweight Ford V8 engine into the engine bay and took it racing. The 260 cid, then 289 cid, and finally the 427 version made the Cobra legendary.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 LeMans

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:30:13 EST

Only eight of these magnificent cars were made on a long chassis to conform with Le Mans race regulations. They competed in Le Mans and were winners in 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934. They again prove that the 8C 2300 supercharged engine was well ahead of it's time.

1929 Marmon Speedster

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:57 EST

The Marmon marque had a history that dated back to the very early 1900s. Howard Marmon, at the age of 23, became chief engineer at his family's Indianapolis, Indian, firm. Initially, the Marmon Company manufactured flour milling machinery; under the determination of Howard Marmon, the company soon began the production of automobiles.

This 1929 Marmon Speedster Race Car is finished in green with black upholstery. It is powered by an original Marmon eight-cylinder engine and fitted with a modern two-barrel twin Holly carburetor. The drivetrain appears to be correct to the era. The suspension, differential, and front drivetrain are also believed to be original. The bodywork is aluminum with hand-set rivets. All external brightwork is either nickel plated or stainless. The seat is made of leather and there is a quick release steering wheel.

Lamborghini Jalpa P350 GTS

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:02:08 EST

The Lamborghini Jalpa was the spiritual predecessor of the newer Lamborghini Gallardo. Both cars offered mammoth performance levels compared to their contemporary competitors, yet both were overshadowed by their larger, more potent, and wholly uncompromising siblings. In the Jalpa's case, that big brother was the Countach. Stunningly styled by the radical Marcello Gandini, the Countach's fantastic bodywork held one of the most exotic engines in the world at the time, a longitudinally-mounted V12 with high levels of power and higher levels of hostility. The Jalpa was no match.

What the Jalpa lost in sensationalistic press coverage and celebrity glitz, though, it gained back in drivability and exclusivity. The Jalpa's 3.5 liter V8, which produced 255hp at 7,000rpm, was a phenomenal athlete who's much smaller size when compared to the Countach allowed the Jalpa to be a more tractable commuter car. Of course most don't buy a Lamborghini as their city commute daily driver, but the Jalpa had another, less tangible advantage over its Countach counterpart. Only 416 Jalpas were sold. This means that you'll likely see a couple of Countachs rolling around before you notice a single Jalpa. Bigger exclusivity doesn't always equate to bigger price.

Ferrari 166MM

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:52 EST

This is the last 166 MM Barchetta built (serial 0068M). It is also the first to have the rear 'moustaches' and brake lights moved to the tips of the rear fenders. It was completed in June 1950 and sent to Le Mans as a backup by the Ferrari time but was not used. Nothing further is known about its activates until April 1951 when it was sold to the Italian racing team Scuderia Guastalla and passed on to Lucian Farnaud. He raced it in France, Belgium, Monte Carlo and Germany, including endurance races at Le Mans and Nurburgring over the next two years, winning two second place finishes, a third and five first-in-class positions. In 1953 it raced at Monza and then was sold to a new owner who raced it in one Swiss hill climb.

Ferrari 340 MM Competition LeMans

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:46:43 EST

Chassis number 0324 AM has a body by Vignale and finished in Spyder configuration. Its first owner was William Spears who raced it extensively. The car is currently finished in two tone colors and has the trakemark Vignale large grille and oval portholes in the feneders.

The Ferrari 340 cars were raced in endurance races as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of LeMans.