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The Duesenberg Model SJNIn the mid-1930s, a contemporary series of Duesenbergs was offered featuring a wider body dropped over the frame rails for a lower profile. Designated the 'JN' series, they were designed by Herb Newport of Rollston and Company of New York.
The rare supercharged Duesenberg JNs were among the most powerful cars of their day, with an eight-cylinder 420 cubic-inch engine capable of boosting them to a speed of nearly 140 mph. They had smaller 17 inch wheels, skirted fenders and lowered bodies set directly on the frame rails. A favorite with the rich and famous, these cars were actually very drivable despite their mass and speed.
The GMC XP-21 Firebird IWith Key features reminiscent of the Douglas Skyray delta wing fighter jet, the Firebird 1 originally taxied into the 1954 General Motors Motorama as the 1954 XP-21 Firebird concept. Highlighted by a jet-like nose, cockpit-like passenger cabin and open front wheels, plus a miniature wing and vertical tail fin, the jet theme of the single passenger experimental car continues under the hood as well. Powered by a 370-horsepower Whirlfire GT-302 Turbo-power gas turbine engine, the single-passenger Firebird 1 concept was never intended to be put into production, but instead was built strictly for the proving ground and test track.
Alfa Romeo 6C 2300BThe Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 engine was used for road, race and sports cars made between 1925 and 1954. Bodies for these cars were made by many coachbuilders, including Castagna, James Young, Zagato, Touring and Pinin Farina. Starting from 1933 there were also a 6C with a factory Alfa body, built in Portello. As a replacement to the 6C 1750 and interim 6C 1900, the 6C 2300 chassis combined grand touring and race car engineering. The real highlight of the car was its Vittorio Jano-designed engine. All three versions of the 62 2300, the Touring, Granturismo and Pescara, were fitted for the first time with independent suspension on all four wheels. These were identified as the 2300B. Front springs and hydraulic damper units while the rear end was given swing axles controlled by torsion bars.
Peter Whitehead: 1954 Formula One SeasonBy the start of the 1954 season, Peter Whitehead had already been grand prix racing for nineteen years. However, after his near miss at victory in the World Championship at the French Grand Prix in 1950, Whitehead would recognize the days of the privateer in grand prix racing were numbered and would begin to shift his focus over to sports car racing. This move would be cemented with his scoring an overall victory in the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans along with Peter Walker. But the transition would be slow. And in 1954, Whitehead would still be a fixture around the paddock of grand prix races.
Funding his racing habit from the family wool business, Whitehead would be taken around the world on business and would be one of the few to compete on an international level. Often times he would schedule business meetings around motor races.
The BMW Z1Developed by BMW Technik GmbH, the BMW Z1 was introduced in July 1988 and was produced until June 1991. A total of only 8,000 units were produced and featured unique doors which opened by dropping down into the door sills rather than outward or upward. A large majority of these models were sold in the German market. Italy received the second greatest number of Z1's. At the time of its production, anywhere from 10-20 Z1's were built daily. For the 1990 model year, more than half of all Z1's were produced
1954 Vanwall 01 SpecialEnthusiastically British, Tony Vandervell would be one of the first supporters of Raymond May's dream of a dominant British grand prix team from the same vein as Auto Union and Mercedes prior to World War II. While this project would flounder, disappoint and be something of a national embarrassment instead of a symbol of British pride, it would encourage Vandervell to strike out on his own and develop a British grand prix team of which the nation could be proud.
An English industrialist, Guy Anthony 'Tony' Vandervell was the head of Vandervell Products Ltd. This company would come to produce the famous Thin-Wall bearing which would literally revolutionize bearing design. But while Vandervell's company would be on the cutting-edge of industrial design and innovation, he was also rather pragmatic. He was not one to try and reinvent the wheel. He would take the wheel and just try and make it better.
All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship EverDesigned to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – wîth world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission wîth Pentastar® V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg.
'The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations,' said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. 'It's fitted wîth a paddle shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed wîth the highest grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished wîth hand sanded real wood found only in exotic cars – all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘uber' best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg.'
Blue-Chip Collectible 1965 Shelby GT350 'R' Goes to AuctionIn January of 1965, the first batch of 1965 Shelby GT350 models was completed to comply with homologation requirements. One of these cars, a Wimbledon White Mustang with the Ford VlN 5RO9K165905, was assigned the Shelby VIN SFM5021 (Shelby American would not employ an ‘S' to designate street models until car #35). This car, upon its completion, was not shipped to a Shelby dealer for retail sale; instead, it was consigned on February 3rd, 1965 to Shelby American General Manager Ray Geddes and shipped to the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI, where it was likely used as a public relations and demonstrator car by Ford. It was then returned to Shelby American and on August 10, 1965, it was invoiced to the Carroll Shelby School of High-Performance Driving. The car was then used as a school car and during this time it was gradually converted to competition specifications, documented by pictures in two magazine articles written about Shelby's driving school; both the July 1966 issue of Popular Science and Car & Driver for April, 1967 show the car in action.
18th Glenmoor Gathering will be held September 14-16In 2012 the Glenmoor Gathering will present another field of outstanding automobiles and motorcycles. Dates will be September 14-16.
Featured classes in 2102 will include early supercharged automobiles, steam-powered automobiles, the Allard sports car, automobiles designed by Zagato and the Tucker automobile. In addition, the motorcycle class will feature classic 1930-50 American motorcycles and there will be a display of 'mini' cars.
The 2012 weekend activities will include the Passport Transport Countryside Tour, an automotive design seminar moderated by Peter Maier, cocktail party and Gala Dinner, cooking demonstrations, a Junior Judges' program and other family activities.
The 1942 Packard Super-8 One-EightyHoward 'Dutch' Darrin was a flamboyant designer, based in Hollywood. In 1939, after having successfully sold a handful of custom Darrin Packard's to celebrities such as Clark Gable, he proposed marketing his custom convertible as a glamour leader for the Packard brand.
Unfortunately production never achieved the numbers Darrin or Packard had hoped for. They were originally offered on the 120 and 180 chassis. Bodies were initially built by the Auburn Central Company, former manufacturer of Auburn cars. However, by 1941 they had a huge contract to build Jeep bodies for the military and couldn't built the low-volume Darrin bodies. Picking up the contract was Sayer and Scoville, of Cincinnati, a builder of professional cars and limousines. By 1942, they had become Hess and Eisenhardt and had instituted some small design changes to the cars.
18th Glenmoor Gathering will be held September 14-16In 2012 the Glenmoor Gathering will present another field of outstanding automobiles and motorcycles. Dates will be September 14-16.
Featured classes in 2102 will include early supercharged automobiles, steam-powered automobiles, the Allard sports car, automobiles designed by Zagato and the Tuc
Jaguar Mark IV 3.5-LiterWilliam Lyons' SS Cars Ltd. was renamed Jaguar Cars Ltd. following the end of World War II. Production resumed with a range of pre-war designs which acted as a stop-gap measure pending the arrival of an entirely new generation of Jaguars. Designs comprised of a 1.5 Liter, 2.5 and 3.5-Liter model, respectively known as the Mark IV. The all-steel coachwork was offered as a saloon or drophead coupe, and given a luxurious and well-appointed interior that would become a Jaguar hallmark.
The Dort FourThe Dort Motor Car was manufactured from 1915 through 1924 and is typically recognized as being built at facilities in Flint, Mi. Their closed-bodied models were produced in Kalamazoo, MI from 1921 through 1923. Friends William Durant and J. Dallas Dort formed the Durant-Dort Carriage Company in 1886, and when Durant left the firm to purchase Buick and later to establish General Motors, it was Dort who supplied financial support for the new endeavor. Dort left the carriage business in 1915 and established the Dort Motor Car Company in Flint the same year. The Dort Body Company was established in Kalamazoo in late 1920 at the former Lull Carriage plant and produced closed bodies for 'Finer Dort Models' through 1923. In 1924, J. Dallas Dort announced his retirement and sold the Kalamazoo plant to Checker Motors and his Flint factory to A.C. Spark Plug. Less than a year later he suffered a fatal heart attack.
The Edsel PacerIn 1958, Ford finally launched their long rumored, new mid-range Edsel, giving them a five marque lineup, comparable to GM. Unfortunately, sales failed to take off partly because of a national recession that led to a sag in the mid-price market. The other reason cited for the Edsel's lack of sales was the car's controversial styling. Although less radical than expected, critics described the new vertical grille as resembling a 'horse collar.' This turquoise Pacer convertible features the 303hp E-400 engine and a pushbutton automatic transmission in the steering wheel.
Bill Whitehouse: 1954 Formula One SeasonRising out of the ashes of World War II, Great Britain's industry was in almost as bad a shape as Germany's. Wartime production had reduced levels of materials and other necessary materials. This would make it very difficult for major British manufacturers to rise up and challenge the likes of Ferrari and even Maserati. As with Germany, the period of the late 1940s and early 1950s would give rise to the privateer and small car manufacturer. This would be a crowded field of talent. Just one of those faces in the crowd would be William 'Bill' H. Whitehouse.
Born in London in 1909, Bill Whitehouse would become a car dealer in the south of London. Much of his life before and during World War II would be relatively unknown. But after the war, Whitehouse would catch the racing bug and would start out participating in the 500cc formula in 1949.
Whitehouse would purchase a Cooper MKII from Stan Coldham and would be immediately successful earning a 5th place result in one of his first races. He would then earn a 2nd place result at a race in July of that year.
Ferrari 342 America Goes to AuctionRM Auctions will be auctioning this very exclusive automobile at their Scottsdale, Az. auction in mid-January. The estimated value for this vehicle is right around $1,000,000.
Slated to be even more exclusive than the 340, the 342 America would be produced with only six examples: a cabriolet by Vignale and two more cabriolets plus three coupes by Pinin Farina. Longtime Ferrari client King Leopold of Belgium and Enzo Ferrari himself ordered the first two cars. To facilitate the longer Lampredi engine, the 342 America had an extended, 2,650-mm wheelbase. The extra length better accommodated four passengers and their luggage, as befitting a proper grand touring car.
Although the 342's purpose was not racing, Ferrari acknowledged the engine's competition heritage by bestowing even chassis numbers on the small series, a practice hitherto reserved for racing cars. All six 342s were built with left-hand drive. The model designation carried the suffix 'AL' for 'America Lungo,' signifying the extended wheelbase chassis. In keeping with Ferrari practice, ‘342' signified the individual cylinder capacity of its 200-bhp, 4.1-liter Lampredi V-12.
The 1923 Checker H-2At the age of 19, Russian immigrant Morris Markin came to Chicago to work as a tailor. In a short ten years, he had amassed a small fortune providing uniforms to the United States Army during World War I. He purchased Lomberg Auto Body and Commonwealth Motors of Chicago and merged the two, forming the Checker Cab Manufacturing in 1922. A year later he moved the firm to the former Dort Automobile plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Production of the Checker Cab would continue until 1982 and parts for other automakers until 2009 when it closed. The Checker Cab was an American icon and was hailed in every large city in the nation and beyond.
The Shelby Series OneThe Series I was a fast American sports car that had aggressive bodywork, was lightweight, and produced in limited numbers. There were just 249 examples produced and all were painted in Silver Metallic. They had a racing-derived aluminum space-frame chassis and were hand-built to racecar standards. In both the front and the back were an independent suspension setup with inboard rocker arm-actuated shock absorbers and large ventilated disc brakes.
Playboy magazine awarded Karen McDougal a special version of the Series 1 for being the 1998 Playmate of the Year. The car was finished in silver with the middle stripe removed.
F&M EvantraFrom the project 'Mugello' has born the production-ready version of the new supercar of F&M by Mazzanti automobili: Evantra.
Following the F&M tradition the name comes from the ancient etruscan language and it represents the concept of an object which is unique and exclusive, in fact, Evantra for the etruscan was the goddess of immortality.
F&M Evantra will be produced in a limited series, only 5 examples per year, of which the first has already been commissioned and will be presented in mid 2012.
The extreme personalization by its future owner of each car produced will be supervised personally by its creator, Mr. Luca Mazzanti in the new atelier 'Mazzanti Automobili' in Pontedera.
Lexus to Unveil Sport Coupe Concept Vehicle at North American International AutoTaking the new Lexus design direction one step further, the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupe will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit at 1:25 p.m. Eastern time on January 9, 2012.
'Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,' said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. 'The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.'
R.R.C. Walker Racing Team: 1954 Formula One SeasonRob Walker Racing Team had made an impressive run in Formula 2 during the 1953 season. Besides the retirement in its one and only World Championship race of the season, the team had been amongst the top five or top three in just about every non-championship race in which it had competed during the year. The Johnnie Walker heir had certainly found the right blend for a racing team in 1953. In 1954, he would look brew a fine first Formula One season as well.
In 1952, Connaught had launched its A-Type chassis and it would prove quite successful. However, by 1953, the car would prove to be similar to just about every other British design of the time.
Even in to the early 1950s Britain still struggled to have the material available to make some truly reliable grand prix cars. The BRM project had bankrupted a number of its patriotic supporters. On top of it all, the huge Formula One project took so many resources and proved to be so unsuccessful that any other 'national' program would be certainly mocked and abandoned before it even began. Therefore, grand prix chassis construction would be left to a number of smaller manufacturers that certainly didn't have the capital to do battle with Ferrari or Maserati.
Ecurie Ecosse: 1954 Formula One SeasonDavid Murray would come to start his own racing team in 1951. He would name the team 'Ecurie Ecosse'. This French flair was intentional given his keen interest in everything French. He also believed it would also help attract money from international race organizers. To attract that starting money the team would have to take part in some major races outside of the British Isles. This would lead the team to take part in sportscar racing and it would also lead the team to the Formula One World Championship.
Although David Murray had taken part in the British Grand Prix, the first ever round of the World Championship, back in 1950, he had done so under the Scuderia Ambrosiana name. Ecurie Ecosse, on the other hand, would make its World Championship debut in 1952 at the British Grand Prix. Interestingly, the team's debut would be when the World Championship was conducted according to Formula 2 regulations. David Murray would be behind the wheel of a Cooper-Bristol T20 but would retire after just 14 laps due to engine failure.
Gooding & Company's Scottsdale AuctionGooding & Company is pleased to announce two of its latest consignments for the Scottsdale Auctions: a late-production, Ferrari Classiche-certified 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider factory-equipped with disc brakes and a rare, matching-numbers 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing.
These fine cars join the Moretti Collection of six Packard Twelves, 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV and 1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spider to round out another exceptional presentation of rare and extraordinary cars at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auctions on January 20 & 21.
The BMW i8 ConceptThe BMW i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept - fitted over its front axle - wîth a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW (220 hp)/300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. The electric motor in the BMW i8 Concept is a full-capability unit which can also power the car on its own, if required. However, working in tandem allows the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
The Franklin Model DThe Franklin was the most popular air-cooled automobile built in the United States. It was built in Syracuse, New York by the H.H. Franklin Company from 1902 until 1934.
This body style, the torpedo phaeton, was one of the most popular and attractive offered in 1911. It was designed to accommodate four passengers. The car, the only known one of its type, has been properly restored to its original color scheme.
The Type D featured a six-cylinder motor mounted on a 123-inch wheelbase chassis. That motor developed 38 horsepower. This was the first year for combination gas and electric lights.
The new head of the compact class: The Audi A1 quattroAudi is crowning its successful A1 model series wîth an exclusive top-of-the-line model. The dynamic A1 quattro, limited to just 333 units, moves to the head of the compact class. Its two-liter, turbocharged engine produces 188 kW (256 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels. The Audi A1 quattro sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph).
The A1 quattro is powered by the 2.0 TFSI engine. The 1,984 cc, four-cylinder engine combines gasoline direct injection wîth turbocharging in the classic Audi manner. Among its highlights are the adjustable intake cam shaft and the two balance shafts, which ensure smooth operation. Maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is continuously available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, and peak power (188 kW/256 hp) is developed at 6,000 rpm.
Gooding & Company Brings Two of the World's Most Collectible and Iconic Cars to its Scottsdale Auctions Next MonthGooding & Company, the world's leading auction house for collectors of rare and exceptional cars, is pleased to announce two of its latest consignments for the Scottsdale Auctions: a late-production, Ferrari Classiche-certified 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider factory-equipped with disc bra
Donkervoort is presenting a new generation of sports carsThe devotees have been waiting anxiously. Now it's here! After two and a half years of development Donkervoort Automobielen in Lelystad - in close collaboration wîth Audi Quattro GmbH - has presented the next generation of open sports cars: the Donkervoort GTO.
A combination of beautiful shape, the latest auto techniques and the ultimate experience. With a capacity of 340 to 400 HP and a torque of 450 Nm from about 1600 RPMs. And all this wîth a total weight of around 700 kilos. Without a doubt one of the fastest sports cars on the European market. And, wîth the first private preview for Donkervoort Ambassadors from all over Europe, received so enthusiastically that within a few hours approximately half of the first 25 specially designed GTOs were sold.
Turbocharged 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS Pushes PerformanceA hotter Chevrolet Sonic is about to sound off – the 2013 Sonic RS. It goes on sale in late 2012, after making its public debut at the North American International Auto Show Jan. 14-22.
The new RS amplifies the Sonic's youthful style and driving experience wîth unique exterior and interior features matched wîth a 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. Sonic is the only vehicle in its §egmènt to offer a turbocharged powertrain.
'The new Chevrolet Sonic RS pushes Chevrolet's performance heritage in a new direction, for a new generation of drivers,' said Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. 'It takes the Sonic's great design and latest connectivity features and combines them wîth a more performance-oriented look and feel.'
The Sonic RS is offered exclusively in the five-door body style. Chevrolet's exclusive MyLink infotainment system is standard. It enables navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone to be shown on the radio's large display, and offers the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio.
The Stout Scarab ExperimentalWilliam Stout began his career as aviation editor for the Chicago Tribune, and later as Chief Engineer of Packard's Aircraft Division. He is best remembered for his radically designed 1936 Stout Scarab automobile. In 1926, he formed one of the nation's first passenger airlines, Stout Airlines, with regular service between Grand Rapids and Detroit, MI. that later became part of United Airlines. He is also credited with designing the famed Ford Tri-Motor airplane, the workhorse of the emerging aviation industry.
In 1946, William Stout updated his 1936 Scarab design and built this experimental two-door sedan, the first fiberglass-bodied automobile. The car features innovations such as a rear-mounted Ford V-8 engine, four-wheel independent air-ride suspension, and a wrap-around windshield. In 1953, Owens Corning and General Motors produced the first fiberglass-bodied production automobile - the Chevrolet Corvette.
The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL : Lightweight, athletic, luxuriousThe all-new 2013 SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters 'SL' have been synonymous wîth a blend of sport, style and comfort - infused wîth groundbreaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor. Its highly rigid all-aluminum bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled wîth outstanding bodyroll and ride characteristics. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine, which is more powerful and economical than the outgoing generation. Other new features include the unique FrontBass system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall - wîth the top down or up - and the highly efficient MAGIC VISION CONTROL. The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.
Compared wîth its successful predecessor, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL offers considerably more comfort and athletic character, setting new standards in the luxury roadster class. This includes amazing everyday usability, making the SL the most versatile of all sports cars. In short, anyone talking about the new SL is surely talking about the ultimate in passionate, refined motoring.
The Delahaye Type 135MDelahaye built its first automobile in 1894 in Tours, France and went on to produce well-made but modest utilitarian vehicles. After sales declined severely due to the Depression of the 1930s, the firm needed to produce something incredible if it were to increase sales and survive. For 1934, Delahaye introduced its most famous and successful cars: the 135 and the Coupe des Alpes. Both were sporty, lightweight, and powerful fitted with sleek and stylish custom coachwork. During the Second World War, Delahaye returned to truck production and by 1954, the company had been taken over by commercial vehicle producer Hotchkiss.
This 1939 Delahaye 135M Convertible Coupe wears custom coachwork by Henri Chapron of Paris, France. The car has a 131-inch wheelbase and is powered by a six-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower.
1976 Chevrolet Corvette ConceptBill Mitchell was a strong believer in the benefits of building 'dream' or 'concept cars.' He established the GM Advance Design Center, and gave his designers a great deal of creative freedom in their work. This 1976 Corvette, also known as 'The Great White,' is a one-of-a-kind, high-performance styling exercise built expressly for Mitchell. This highly customized Corvette features an all-aluminum 454 Z-1 block and modified L-88 drive train. The car was sold by GM to Mitchell after his retirement.
The Pungs-Finch LimitedW.A. Pungs and his son-in-law E.B. Finch created a company known as Pungs-Finch. Pungs provided the financial backing while Finch had the training and engineering skill. Finch had attended the University of Michigan and built an experimental automobile in 1902. In 1904, the two bought out the Stintz Gas Engine in downtown Detroit.
In 1906, this Pungs-Finch automobile was built and dubbed the Limited. Power was from a very large four-cylinder engine displacing nearly 600 cubic-inches. It had an exposed, overhead camshaft which crossed on top of each of the individually cast cylinders. There were hemispherical combustion chambers in shape with angled valves. This may be the first true 'Hemi' powered engine ever designed and built in America.
The company guaranteed the car could travel at least 55 miles per hour, an impressive accomplishment in the early 1900s. Reportedly, Henry Ford told Pungs it was the finest car he had ever seen. Shortly after completing this car, Pungs and Finch had a falling out and Finch left the partnership in order to become a Chalmers-Detroit dealer in Cleveland.
Duesenberg SJ 'Twenty Grand' Tribute Up for SaleAt the 2012 Russo and Steele Auction in Scottsdale, Az., this well known, Duesenberg SJ 'Twenty Grand' Duesenberg is expected to cross the block. The 'Twenty Grand' Duesy is one of the most recognizable vehicles of the pre-WWII era. The vehicle up for sale is not the original; rather, it's a one-of-a-kind second generation version built in the 1980s. The entire body was fabricated by hand and finished with every interior and exterior detail practical.
It has a supercharged 351W motor detailed in chrome with polished aluminum and Duesenberg green engine enamel. There is a fully functional through-the-fender stainless steel exhaust system with muffler by-pass. The original automatic transmission has been replaced with a five-speed manual. The interior is impeccably detailed in walnut, cherry and synthetic leather. There is also power steering, power brakes, air-conditioning, and stereo. More information about the 1984 Duesenberg SJ Tribute can be found at: russoandsteele.com.
The original 'Twenty Grand' Duesenberg was given its name reflecting its 1932 selling price. Follow the link to find out more about the original 1932 Duesenberg SJ.
Ecurie Richmond: 1954 Formula One SeasonIn the early 1950s a very interesting partnership would be struck between a gentlemen in electrical goods, an automotive sales representative and a public works contractor and hauler from Northampton. These three men, Eric Brandon, Alan Brown and Jimmy Richmond, would go on to establish the Ecurie Richmond racing team. The passion of these three men would drive the team to a number of victories in Formula 3 and would set the stage for a truly remarkable debut in the World Championship in 1952 when the World Championship was conducted according to Formula 2 regulations.
By 1954, a lot had changed. Alan Brown had left the team the season before and had started a couple of new teams with another gentleman in which Ecurie Richmond had battled on numerous occasions in Formula 3 and Formula 2 races throughout England. Also, it was now 1954, and the new Formula One regulations had come into effect for the World Championship.
HWM 53Throughout half of the 1952 season Hersham and Walton Motors had been one of the few teams that had given Scuderia Ferrari a run for its money. However, by the end, HWM would be just another team in the pack hopelessly outclassed by the prancing horses from Modena.
HW Motors had been in a strong position heading into the 1952 season. The manufacturer had been designing and building cars specifically for Formula 2 when the FIA made the decision to conduct the 1952 and 1953 seasons according to Formula 2 regulations. However, the size and might of Ferrari compared to HW Motors made it quite pleasantly surprising that the small manufacturer was able to fare as well as it had.
The biggest problem that a manufacturer, like HWM, has over the course of a season of racing is reliability. Reliability would actually be something that almost all British marks would struggle with throughout the early 1950s, and it would come to a head during the 1952 season. Nonetheless, HWM would still score a couple of points toward the World Championship and would earn a number of other strong finishes over the course of the season that would make it one of the strongest British teams in the World Championship.
The Ferrari 625Teams in motor racing are in the never-ending pursuit of staying ahead of the regulations. It isn't about being unsafe, it's about being unhindered. And in the case of Ferrari's 625, neither they, nor the world, would realize just how ahead of the curve they would actually be.
Heading into the 1951 Formula One World Championship it was widely known the only two strong competitors in the field were Alfa Romeo and Scuderia Ferrari. But there was a problem. The costs associated with Formula One, even in those days, was already too high. The Alfa Romeo team had been using the old pre-war 158/159 Alfetta design. Costs associated with competing in the World Championship over the course of a year were already too high. But to create a whole new car that was also competitive enough to battle with the Ferrari 375 would be a cost too high for Alfa Romeo to bear. Therefore, change was coming. Everyone knew, but not everyone had the capital to really try and anticipate it. Nobody had the means that is…with the exception of Ferrari.
Moving elegance. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.The presentation of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sees BMW venturing into a new vehicle §egmènt once again. The third model in the BMW 6 Series line-up follows in the tyre tracks of the Convertible and Coupe, and is the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand. The athletic elegance of the car's design makes it a particularly handsome addition to the range. Powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology combine to produce an impressively dynamic driving experience. And the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe also makes its mark wîth exclusive equipment features and a level of practicality unmatched by its premium four-door Coupe rivals.
BMW demonstrates its ongoing commitment to broadening the diversity of its model range wîth the presentation, for the first time, of a four-door Coupe based on the BMW 6 Series; BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sets new benchmark in the top-class premium §egmènt in terms of aesthetics, emotionality and modernity.
The New Bentley Continental V8 RangeTwo new Bentley Continental V8 models will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January 2012.
The new 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged V8 Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible achieve exceptional standards for power-to-emissions in the high luxury sports car sector.
This remarkable, new Bentley V8 engine delivers maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm (487 lb ft) which is available across virtually the entire rev range from 1700 to 5000 rev/min, providing exhilarating performance and effortless power delivery in the Bentley tradition. Combined wîth a new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission, this translates into a sub-5 second acceleration time for the 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) sprint and a top speed of over 180mph (290km/h).
The 1928 Daimler P150 Royal LimousineOne of the cars scheduled to roll across Barrett-Jackson's auction block during their Scottsdale, Az. sale is this 1928 Daimler P150 Royal Limousine. It is the largest British car ever built and its ownership history includes the Harrah's Automobile Collection. Power is from a 7.16 Liter V-12 steel-sleeve valve engine producing 150 horsepower. It is 21 feet long, has a wheelbase that measures 163-inchs, and weighs 8,100 lbs.
The United Kingdom patent rights to the Gottlieb Daimler's engine were purchased in 1893 by Fredrick Simm's, who formed a new company, the 'Daimler Motor Syndicate.' Known as Britain's oldest marquee, Daimler became the official transportation of Royalty in 1898.
The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, Az. Auction is schedule for January 15th – 22nd, 2012.
The 1955 Flajole Forerunner PrototypeThis 1955 Flajole Forerunner Prototype will be appearing in Scottsdale, Az. in January for the Barrett-Jackson auction. The Flajole Forerunner was stylist Bill Flajole's vision of the future. Featured on the cover of Motor Trend magazine in September 1955, the Forerunner was the result of over 7,000 hours of design and construction. The subject of numerous magazine articles, Motor Trend featured the Forerunner on the same cover as Ghia's groundbreaking Gilda design study. Sports Cars Illustrated gave the Forerunner a three page feature article in October 1955, Mechanix Illustrated wrote about the car in September 1955 and the car was recently featured in Octane Magazine. Designed and built by automotive designer Bill Flajole, then Advance Styling Consultant for American Motors, and a well-known industrial designer, the Forerunner incorporates many futuristic design elements like retracting tinted Plexiglas roof, headrest bucket seats and contrasting color fender coves, well before any of these items were put on a production car.
EXTRAORDINARY MILHOUS COLLECTION PREPARES FOR FINAL ENCORERM Auctions, in association with Sotheby's, is proud to be offering one of the world's finest private museums, the Milhous Collection, during a multi-day sale, February 24 – 25, 2012 in Boca Raton, Florida.
The result of over five decades of judicious collecting by brothers Bob and Paul Milhous, the extraordinary collection features an unparalleled series of mechanical musical instruments, automobiles and collectibles, handpicked from around the world and representing the ‘best of the very best'.
In February, after playing host to countless visitors and charitable events, the museum doors will open one final time as the Milhous brothers offer the collection for auction. The upcoming sale will feature over 550 lots, presenting a diverse range of ownership opportunities for discerning collectors.
RJ Chase: 1953 Formula One SeasonThe racing community is and has always been something of a small tight-knit community where many know each other's name. However, during the 1952 and 1953 seasons of the World Championship there would be so many privateers and small teams that would come and go that it would be tough to keep track of them all. Therefore, the FIA's decision to conduct the World Championship according to Formula 2 regulations would certainly increase the field, perhaps not the competition, but it would also certainly create moments that would be akin to a family gathering where there would still be a couple of second and third cousins in the back in which hardly anybody actually knows their name. In the case of the World Championship in 1952 and 1953, Alan Brown would be at the heart of a couple of these small footnotes in Formula One history.
In 1952, a small racing team would make its first appearance in the World Championship. The date was the 18th of May and the race was the Swiss Grand Prix held on the Bremgarten circuit situated near the city of Berne.
smart for-us: world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show: The Rule-Breakersmart is turning the automotive world upside down once again and challenging ideas about what an urban pickup should look like. In a tongue-in-cheek manner the for-us signals that this is the right car for the young and young-at-heart wîth active lives who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space. The smart for-us translates the practical loading concept of a pickup to the reality of 21st century urban traffic for the first time.
With its exterior dimensions (length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm) it could almost go unnoticed on the loading area of a typical pickup, and it also anything but ordinary under the body. Thanks to the state-of-the-art electric drive wîth a55 kW magneto-electric motor the zero-emission smart for-us is agile and lively to drive. It will celebrate its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (14 - 22 January 2012).
The Moretti Estate Collection of Packard Twelves At Gooding & Company's Scottsdale AuctionsGooding & Company, the world's leading auction house for collectors of rare and exceptional cars, announces that it will be presenting an exciting collection of Packard Twelves at its 2012 Scottsdale Auctions on January 20 & 21: six extraordinary automobiles from the estate of Thomas A. Moretti, the beloved and respected Packard Twelve collector. The centerpiece of Moretti's collection is an extremely rare 100-point 1932 Packard Twin Six Coupe formerly owned by Hollywood legend Clark Gable.
'We are honored to have been chosen to sell the beloved cars from the Moretti Estate,' says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. 'Tom was a rare combination of passionate collector and restorer who restored each of his Packard Twelves to perfection. I am in awe of Tom's painstaking quest for excellence.'
EXTRAORDINARY MILHOUS COLLECTION PREPARES FOR FINAL ENCORERM Auctions, in association with Sotheby's, is proud to be offering one of the world's finest private museums, the Milhous Collection, during a multi-day sale, February 24 – 25, 2012 in Boca Raton, Florida.
The result of over five decades of judicious collecting by brothers Bob and Paul Milhous,
1899 Columbia Mark XXXVIn a day and age when there is a huge push to reduce emissions and to clean the environment many have images of going back to the days of the horse and buggy. But around 1899, Columbia would give the world its impressions of the future and of what an electric, zero emissions, car would look like.
Back before the days of fancy advertising and branding, Columbia would simply call it the 'Columbia Electric Landaulet'. The Columbia design would result from the merger of Pope Manufacturing Company and Electric Vehicle Company in 1899. In its day, Columbia Automobile Company was a leader in automobile manufacturing. One of its examples would be the Electric Landaulet.
Because of cars like the Electric Landaulet, Columbia would become a rather large manufacturer. It would develop and build a number of electrically-powered horseless carriages using twin electric motors. Models, like the Columbia Hansom cabs could reach a speed of 13 mph.
All-new 2013 Dodge Dart Compact CarDodge redefines performance in the compact car Segment with an all-new, state-of-the-art four-door sedan delivering class-leading aerodynamics – the 2013 Dodge Dart.
With Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge's passion for performance at its core, the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that's fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and brings fun back to driving in the Segment.
Similar to the Dodge Dart of the late 1960s, the 2013 Dart offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation. The Dodge brand leveraged its nearly 100-year history of passion for building high-quality, innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and style, as well as from its partner Fiat's global compact car expertise, to develop the all-new Dodge Dart.
Elie Bayol: 1953 Formula One SeasonElie Bayol's racing career began rather late. Though born in 1914 Bayol would take part in his first race until 1950. Starting out in sportscars, Bayol was very respectable despite his little racing experience. This talent and skill would make him one of OSCA's main customers during the brief couple of years when the World Championship competed according to Formula 2 regulations.
Bayol had set a number of speed records at Montlhery in the 500cc and 750cc classes during the early 1950s. Though these would be short-lived they would set the stage for his coming to race Formula 2 and in the World Championship.
In order to be competitive, Bayol would need to have a powerful enough car to give himself a chance. Throughout the 1952 the Scuderia Ferrari team had proven to be absolutely dominant. However, toward the end of the season Maserati had come to pose a threat.
The Ferrari 410 SuperamericaThe America series for Ferrari was to be chain of large touring models combining the largest V12 engine with luxurious coach bodies. They were to be the most luxurious and the most expensive of all Ferraris. They were to be the absolute elite of Ferrari's already elite line of automobiles.
The America series from Ferrari was all about the absolute best, even the extravagant, being put together with some of the most beautiful body styles ever to be created. The basis for the America series came from the Superfast concepts. Each one of the models in the series were anything but lack-luster performers, but starting with the 400 series, the America line would become absolutely insane.
The Ferrari 375 America utilized a new 4.5-liter Lampredi V12 based upon the same engine used in the Ferrari Formula One team. Construction of the car would run from 1951 on through 1955. Despite being in production for five years, Ferrari would only sell a relatively small number.
1913 Stevens Duryea Model CJ. Frank Duryea built America's first gasoline engine automobiles with his brother Charles in Springfield, Massachusetts. By 1895, the brothers parted ways and started their own automobile companies.
J. Frank Duryea next teamed with the Steven Arms and Tool Company to build his own automobile and by 1896 the company was already producing and selling automobiles. The company was renamed Stevens-Duryea in 1901 and by 1910 had produced and sold over 2,000 automobiles.
This rare 1913 Model C Stevens Duryea is powered by a large, six cylinder engine with a factory rating of 48 horsepower. It rides on a 131-inch wheelbase chassis and is equipped with a three-speed transmission and rear wheel brakes. Stevens-Duryea's offering for 1913 included a variety of body styles with prices ranging from $4,550 to $5,800 and it was the first year that the company supplied all of its vehicles with electric lights and horns.
2013 Scion FR-S Brings the SPORT Back to the CARScion tonight unveiled its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car to a crowd of eager car enthusiasts. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family and will go on sale in the spring of 2012.
The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion's definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car wîth exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG.
'Serving as a laboratory for Toyota, Scion is always experimenting wîth new things,' said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. 'The brand is iconic wîth the xB, adrenalized by the tC, and groundbreaking wîth the iQ. The FR-S will no doubt serve as the halo car, expanding Scion into a new dimension of driving performance.'
The 599XX with new Evolution PackageThe 36th edition of the Bologna Motor Show provides the venue for the unveiling of an evolution of the extreme, non-homologated sports berlinetta, the 599XX. Ferrari has introduced a package of performance-enhancing technical features available to clients participating in the track-based research and development programme for the 2012-2013 seasons.
Already the fruit of the very finest Ferrari road car and Formula 1-derived technology, the 599XX now features improved chassis dynamics thanks to an active aerodynamic package integrated wîth the vehicles' electronic control systems, and the adoption of new Pirelli tyres. The car is also more powerful than before (750 CV) and weighs 35 kg less.
