Monthly Archives: June 2022

Conversations With People We Value #36

Among classic car enthusiasts, the time was when referring to a specific vintage automobile as “original” was synonymous with the most valuable version. Today, that no longer can be assumed as a given.

Welcome to the ascendant age of the “Restomod.”

Restomods – Does original matter anymore?

 

1961 Corvette original $85K-$95K                         1961 Corvette Restomod $467K

Clean, numbers matching muscle cars and Corvettes are no longer a given as the most prized examples on the auction block? That’s crazy talk. In years past, yes. Today, not so much. For those who have not noticed, recent times have witnessed a profound sea change in the vintage vehicle attributes that translate into the big dollars when crossing the block at auctions like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson. Restomods have supplanted numbers matching and very clean originals as stars on the auction stage.

Restomods are best described as domestic and import cars that retain their original classic look, but have been restored, modified and upgraded with the latest technology, power trains and chassis. Period correct technology like carburetors, distributors and dated suspensions have no appeal to the restomod buyer. Restomod buyers love the classic look but want the handling and performance technology bristling with modern capabilities.

Watching restomods’ startling rise to pinnacle status reflects not only a revolution in tastes, buyer demographics and perceptions of value but an even more fundamental change seen rippling through the very heart of the restoration industry. What can only be described as a tectonic shift is transforming the character of the builder community itself.

Jeff Buchak

To better understand the buyer and builder in the brave new world of restomod ascendance Drivin’ News reached out to restomod builder, Jeff Buchak, owner of Paradigm Auto Restorations and Matt Maisano owner of Motorcar Manor and a classic car purchasing consultant.

Matt starts off by noting that the car market in general took off around 2013 as the economy picked up. He says, “2013 is when we started seeing cars selling for what we thought, then, were ridiculous prices.” Matt points out that during that same period restomods started selling for descent money. That said, Matt makes the point that even five or six years ago at a Barrett-Jackson auction a restomod would sell for significantly less than an original version of the same vehicle. Matt gives an example saying, “Five or six years ago a standard 1967 big block Corvette would sell in the area of $160,000 while a restomod of the same model in similar condition would go for $125,000.” Matt continues to explain that today that same big block Corvette might go for $200,000 to $250,000 but a restomod based on a lesser 327 version might go for $375,000. When asked when did this big turnaround happen Matt points to 2017.

In reflecting on the restomod buyer Matt says, “A lot of people in the under 50-year demographic want to take it easy. Maybe they are a bit more lazy when it comes to driving and don’t want to deal with tune-ups and tweaking. These new restomod aficionados, unlike the traditional older car enthusiast, may not view the “joy” of maintaining a classic car as part of the fun.” Matt also notes the younger generations prevailing need for instant gratification. He or she wants the car to use, NOW, not after having to fiddle with a carburetor or such.

Are restomods a passing phase? Not in the opinion of Matt. He says, “Restomods are here to stay.” Interestingly he sees restomods becoming more desirable because they will be worth more and will hold their value. He says in the old school world none of this makes sense, but it’s a new world.” Matt gives the example of a standard 1966 327 Chevelle, not a Super Sport, that is all original including paint. He says, “That may be a $70,000 car based on its originality.” If you restomod that car it can become a $200,000 even a $300,000 car.

What then goes into making a restomod that so significantly increases the value of the base vehicle. For that we spoke with restoration shop owner, Jeff Buchak. Jeff has done a number of restomods and is presently starting on a 1979 Camaro with a 1970 Corvette waiting next in line.Jeff makes the interesting observation that around the early turn of the century, 2003 to 2004, the stock restoration of muscle cars reached its peak as enthusiasts became heavily invested in restoring these cars to their original form. However, Jeff notes that after pulling out of the Great Recession around 2012 people displayed an interest in exploring a different style of collector car. Jeff says, “Lots of new advanced technology came on the market creating a fertile environment to create a new class of collector car for people who liked the classic car look but loved the drive qualities of the latest performance technology.”

Seminal work on the restomod concept originated with the builders who had been focusing on “restoration to original condition” projects. Up until The Great Recession, 2008, restoration shops witnessed the hot market for restored muscle cars and thrived on the work. However, Jeff notes, “Builders saw that their beautifully restored classic cars, by contemporary standards, often drove horribly because of the authentic but dated technology.” According to Jeff, builders started exploring answers to the question, is there a better way?

Builders found the answer in the hybrid build combining classic car looks and contemporary performance technology. Then the tumbling dominoes of interest started to pick up speed. First builders created these classic cars with contemporary underpinnings for themselves. It then did not take long for collectors to notice and decide this combination of an old look  and modern drivability was pretty cool. At that point collectors started pressing builders to create these restored and modified (resto-mod) creations for the collector himself. Jeff says, “Then it just started to accelerate.” From around 2012 to 2017 a lot of engineering and development trial and error took place. By 2017 the restomod build had been sorted out and blossomed into a full blown and accepted and increasingly prominent new class of collector vehicle. The question then asks what accepted solutions had been distilled during the sorting out process that made the restomod so successful as a new category of collectible car.

BODY

A solid clean body means everything. A good body saves an immense amount of money. Jeff says, “It is conceivable that you could save $30,000 to $40,000 with a nice body that needs minimal body work and rust repair.” In the case of Jeff’s ’79 Camaro project the body, from out west is solid with minimal needs.

For the ’70 Corvette Jeff will do next, the whole car is an original one-owner car. Basically the customer paid $35,000 to get a great body and good VIN#. He said they made money selling the motor, drivetrain and chassis. Being a solid body they saved thousands on unnecessary fiberglass work.

An interesting sidebar to the importance of a solid body is the growing market for a clean title and VIN # that matches the car from which a restomod will be created. Jeff says, “People are paying crazy money for a title because as long as you have a title and VIN# you can build anything.” With a good VIN# you can call up Auto Direct and order a full Camaro body or Tom’s Bronco in California for a Bronco body. Jeff has seen people pay eight to ten thousand dollars on a car just to get the VIN plate.

CHASSIS

For his ’79 Camaro project Jeff is using a Roadster Shop brand chassis. Jeff says, “It is a great product and a smart way to control costs instead of custom fabricating a chassis.” On Jeff’s end, the client avoids a significant custom labor cost. Jeff says, “I’m going to call up Roadster Shop. I’m going to order a roadster shop chassis specific to the ’79 Camaro. It comes already set with the proper motor and transmission mounts.”

Before ordering the chassis it is critical to explore what the client wants because the chassis will come completed to match his specs. Is the intention to race or drive it on the street? Important questions include the stance desired, type of suspension and braking.

Costs can add up quickly. Jeff says, “If the customer intends to be road racing and wants an independent rear suspension, that is  Ten thousand dollar upgrade. If you want a billet aluminum CNC-machine center section, Throw another 5,000 on. Eye candy options abound. For a 68 to 72 C3 Corvette, you can get a really great driving powder-coated chassis delivered to your door for twenty seven to thirty thousand dollars. You can get it with an independent rear suspension, Billet CNC’d Center section, all the works, huge brakes. And it’s an additional twenty to twenty five thousand dollars.

ENGINE

Jeff notes that, in most cases, for engine choices there exist three options. The Hemi crate motor from Chrysler performance comes as the 5.7-liter, 6.4-liter or Hellcat motor. Its guaranteed from 400 to 1,000 horsepower.

Secondly, You can call up Ford performance and order a 5-liter coyote motor out of the Mustang.

Then there are the GM LS Motors. Jeff says, “The LS motors are probably the most desirable because of their potential. The aftermarket is endless. So many different manufacturers make every single product. I like Texas Speed and Performance. They have a really nice formula showing how to achieve different stages of power. They can guide you.”

TRANSMISSION

Choice of transmissions almost exclusively centers on 6–speed Tremecs as compared to 5-speeds and automatics. Part of the allure comes with the reality that very few new performance cars even come with a manual transmission available.

BRAKES

Jeff says, “For a strictly street use application roughly $1100 dollars can get you 11 inch or 12 inch rotors and 4-piston calipers front and back from Baer. If you’re going to be constantly pounding the brakes doing a pro touring circuit track, then you’re going to go to a 14-inch ceramic-coated rotor and a 6-piston caliper from a new Z06 and that brake package is around ten thousand dollars.”

UPHOLSTERY AND PAINT

As the saying goes “it’s a matter of taste.” Purely customer choice, an interior can be the focal point of a restomod or a purely functional treatment.

So too with paint. Jeff’s true art and passion resides in his commitment to perfect paint. The idea of an “OK” paint job on a one-off restomod passes well beyond the line of bad choice to crazy. In Jeff’s mind, a bare restomod body offers a blank canvas crying out for an artist.

1979 CAMARO PROJECT

In the future, Drivin’ News intends to revisit Jeff’s completed ’79 Camaro restomod. For now the plan calls for a Roadster Shop chassis, 525 horsepower LS engine, 6-speed Tremec T56, 20-inch aluminum snowflake wheels from Forgeline painted gold polish finish that recalls the original Camaro wheel and a custom brown paint.

 

An interesting and final thought brought to mind by Jeff questions the future of auto restoration. Jeff says, “Eventually I believe most auto restoration will fade out. Restoration will be replaced by the building of individual cars utilizing superior contemporary technology.”

Jeff sees that, today, people really are not restoring vehicles to factory spec unless they have a lot of value.

Jeff believes the future will see people starting with a classic shell and contracting with a shop to build it to their specifications.

He thinks that a few cars worth a lot of money will continue to be the subject of a restoration but there are not that many original vehicles left to be restored like that.

Jeff says, “How many original un-restored L88 Corvettes are there left to restore?. I mean there’s a lot of regular 64 Corvettes that just came with 327s. But even now these are the cars that people are using as the basis for a restomod.

Jeff believes they are doing the right thing. Do you?

By |2022-07-07T11:57:45+00:00June 23rd, 2022|2 Comments

Cars We Love & Who We Are #28

What matters? As a culture what objects should we, as Americans, care about enough to protect? What should be recognized as a defining element of our culture’s evolution worthy of recognition and preservation? In 1966 by an act of Congress, the Federal Government established the National Register of Historic Places. This act authorized creation of an official list of historic places in America worthy of documentation and preservation. Today, the list includes almost 100,000 properties  comprised of buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects, but no automobiles.

No automobiles!!! What single object has played a greater role in the evolution of American culture than the automobile?

This glaring oversight received remedy in 2013 with creation of the National Historic Vehicle Register (NHVR)through the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Interior, the Heritage Documentation Programs, the Library of Congress and the Historic Vehicle Association (Recently renamed the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, HDF). Tasked with the recognition and documentation of the most historically significant automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and commercial vehicles in America’s past, the NHVR faces a daunting task. As of today 32 vehicles have been honored with recognition.

Let’s take a look at what makes them so special.

Judged the 32 most historically significant cars in America. Do you agree?

 

How to pick the vehicles that matter most? Right off the bat inclusion does not necessarily require the vehicle to be the best of its breed.

NHVR has established four defining criteria that affords eligibility to the register. A vehicle only has to meet one of the criteria to be considered eligible for entry.

Criteria

1.The vehicle must be associated with a meaningful trend in American automotive history or culture or a significant event or events.

2. The vehicle is associated with the life or lives of a person or persons who played a significant role in American history or culture.

3. The vehicle must achieve distinction based on design, engineering, craftsmanship or aesthetic value.

4. A vehicle of a particular type that was the first one produced, the last one produced, is a rare or the sole example or is among the most well-preserved or authentically restored surviving examples.

These four criteria go a long way in making sense of what could otherwise be a list possessing considerable mystery. It certainly can provide clarity in explaining why your pristine 1967 427 Corvette is doubtful to make the cut but a 1964½ Mustang coupe with a straight six, automatic transmission and the lowest VIN# known would seem to be a lock.

Diane Parker, Vice President of the Historic Vehicle Association, speaking in 2019 said, “The National Historic Vehicle Register was created to fill a gap in our history. As you can imagine, we have a little bit of catching up to do,” Parker said. “There are over 2500 makes of vehicles out there, but we’re going to do this one vehicle at a time. For us, the National Historic Vehicle Register isn’t our mission, it’s our passion—it’s our purpose.”

Once selected, a chosen vehicle experiences a breathtaking level of documentation to assure that every attribute will be available to scrutinize for future generations.

A significant benefit to that goal resulted from an extraordinary act of selfless generosity in support of the NHVR that would save countless hours and dollars.

Documentation demands a venue affording an extraordinary level of technical sophistication and cleanliness in a spacious environment. At the outset, documenting the first few cars demanded finding a warehouse or studio near the subject vehicle to which all necessary equipment had to be transported. Realize that meant transporting and setting up all the equipment to conduct the photography, photogrammetry (the science of obtaining reliable information about physical objects by recording, measuring, and interpreting using noncontact sensor systems), 3D scanning and videography. Needless to say the need for such mobility posed an arduous and expensive task.

Now comes the generosity. When hearing of this logistical nightmare Nikola Bulgari, founder of the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage in Allentown, PA, simply said, “Do it here at the N-B Center. We will build a permanent studio with the all the technology hardwired in and positioned.” From then on it was game on.

As of today these 32 Vehicles have been selected for inclusion in the NHVR list. Do you agree?

1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe

The initial entry to the NHVR, the Daytona Coupe touched every base for criteria meriting selection . Created by Carroll Shelby, designed by Peter Brock, this, the first Daytona Coupe, powered by a 289 cu. in. Ford V8 delivering 375 horsepower was capable of speeds over 180 mph. Known as the CSX2287, it stands tall in the pantheon of most significant American vehicles in history. In 1965 in winning an FIA-sanctioned international series, this Daytona Coupe made a major mark in US automotive history.

1964 Meyers Manx “Old Red”

Built by legend Bruce Meyers, “Old Red” was the first fiberglass dune buggy and the prototype rear-engine VW powered Meyers Manx that inspired the dune buggy craze. While Meyers built roughly 7000 Meyers Manx dune buggies it inspired over 250,000 copies making it the most replicated car in history.

 

 

1938 Maserati 8CTF “Boyle Special”

The most successful car to ever compete at the Indianapolis 500 race, the Boyle Special with its two wins, two third places, and one fourth place in a racing career that spanned the late 1930s to 1953 established its exalted place in American racing lore.

 

 

1918 Cadillac Type 57

The only remaining passenger car that served in WWI in France. Steeped in historic value and wartime service this 1918 Cadillac saw extensive use across war-torn battlefields of Europe while driven in support of The American Expeditionary Force by its owner and YMCA volunteer Rev. John Hopkins Dennison.

 

1947 Tucker 48 Prototype

Created by Preston Tucker, the Tucker, certainly holds a brief but outstanding place in American automotive history and design. Though only 51 cars would be produced, the Tucker’s impact on the automobile industry, automobile innovation and automobile lore far exceeded its limited life.

 

 

1940 GM Futurliner

GM launched the Parade of Progress in 1936 to promote the scientific and technological achievements of America as part of a traveling educational show. The Parade of Progress featured three distinct “tours” from 1936 to 1956. This is one of twelve Futurliners created in 1940 for the second tour of the Parade of Progress. All Futurliners served as transport trucks and display stages for the exhibits.

 

 

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Brain child of Max Hoffman, notoriously aggravating but savvy, distributor of Mercedes-Benz automobiles in the 1950s, the very expensive 160 mph 300SL offered a road-going sports car based on the Mercedes-Benz W194 race car. It achieved its goal of targeting the U.S. market with over 80% of Gullwing production was sold in America. Clearly Max got this one right. Today it remains one of the most desirable classic cars in the world

 

1940 Ford Pilot Model “Jeep”

In 1937, with clouds of war forming, the US Army invited bids on designing a quarter-ton lightweight utility vehicle. Manufacturers were invited to submit prototypes to meet the Army’s specifications. Ford, American Bantam, and Willys-Overland were left standing for the final cut and were charged with producing more prototypes for further evaluation.

Willys-Overland would actually win the Army contract but, due to the needs for a lot of jeeps to be produced quickly, Ford with its superior production capabilities was awarded the contract to produce the Willys-Overland design. The critical role played by the rugged jeep in WWII is now legend.

1909 White Model M Steam Car

As 27th President of the United States, William Taft possessed a great interest in automobiles. He converted some White House stables into a four-car garage which held an electric vehicle, two Pierce-Arrows and this White Model “M” Steamer. Recognized as the first Presidential Limousine, it is the only remaining car used by Taft.

 

 

1962 Willys CJ-6

This 1962 CJ-6 was the personal vehicle of Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States. He favored its use at his 688-acre ranch near Santa Barbara, California. While not a favorite of Nancy’s, Ron loved using the scruffy red jeep for heavy duty ranch work. Due to Reagan’s declining health the CJ-6 was sold to the Young America’s Foundation in 1995.

 

 

 

1911 Marmon Wasp

Winner of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911, the Marmon Wasp driven by Ray Harroun averaged a speed of 74 mph with the whole race taking about 6 hours and 42 minutes. Aside from winning the first running of a great historic race it also features the first documented use of a rear-view mirror on a race car.

 

 

1907 Thomas Flyer 4-60

This Thomas Flyer won the 1908 New York to Paris Automobile Race. In traveling over 22,000 miles in 169 days, it is one of only three of the six competitors that completed the competition and was the only American car entered. Its margin of victory over the second place finisher was 26 days. The victory drew great attention to the early American automobile industry and world-wide recognition to America.

 

 

 

1920 Anderson Convertible Roadster

In the age of Detroit dominance in automobile manufacturing, Anderson stood out as a  manufacturers based in the South. Between 1916 and 1925 Anderson produced over 5,000 cars in Rock Hill, South Carolina with the aim of attracting local buyers.

With few examples of Anderson products existing today, this is believed to be the sole surviving example of the Convertible Roadster design. It’s patented design which allowed it to switch between two or five-seater configurations, along with its rarity, made it a prime candidate for register inclusion.

 

1938 Buick Y-Job

Until the Buick Y-Job, auto shows never featured concept cars. The Buick Y-Job was the first. Styled by the famous GM head of design Harley Earl, the Y-Job sought to create a design language for future Buicks.

Possessing power-operated hidden headlights, electric windows, and wrap around bumpers the Y-Job bristled with features, concepts and executions that would inspire automobile designers for years. It also paved the way for the legion of concept cars to come. A fully functional vehicle, it would be driven by Earl for many years.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

In responding to the dynamic success of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet worked quietly on a response that in itself would significantly impact the pony car market. Released in August of 1966, the Camaro began a storied and highly successful career. After being left to deteriorate, this Camaro was identified as the very first model to be produced and subsequently enjoyed a total restoration returned it to its original condition.

 

 

1932 Ford Model V8

A landmark execution of that established the benchmark  for the hot rod as a stripped down V8-powered Ford roadster. The creation of Bob McGee who upon returning from serving in WWII returned to his first love, hot rodding. This definitive example of a trend setting concept took a 1932 Ford roadster and transformed it by cutting and shaving the bodywork, lowering the suspension, upgrading the engine, installing custom upholstery and treating it to a custom red paint job.

 

1951 Mercury

Masato Hirohata returned from the U.S. Navy in 1952 and let Barris Kustoms of Los Angeles loose to pursue their passion in what he wanted to be the world’s wildest custom Mercury Coupe. Chopped and dropped to the ground  with extraordinary and meticulously executed  design details and outrageous paint this coupe continues to wow people 70 years later. The Hirohata Merc won ‘best in class’ for custom Mercurys at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

 

1964 Chevrolet Impala

Capturing the creative vision of the late Jesse Valadez this 1964 Impala stands as the gold standard for the low rider community that originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. This example is the third of three cars built by Valadez and named Gypsy Rose. Over 20 gallons of clear lacquer cover the candy red and pink paintwork. Hundreds of rose details create a unique exterior. A crushed velvet interior, complete with cocktail bar and chandelier round out this one of a kind featured on just about every custom car magazine of its time.

1933 Graham 8 Sedan “Blue Streak”

A significantly transformative design, the Graham Blue Streak ,released in 1932, incorporated streamlined styling featuring a laid-back grille, innovative chassis design, body-colored headlights, wrap around “skirted” fenders, pearlescent paint and a totally concealed frame. So obviously appealing, these design features were quickly adopted by other manufacturers. By 1933 Graham advertised the “Blue Streak” as the most imitated car on the road.

 

1896 Benton Harbor Motor Carriage

The Benton Harbor is significant as one of the oldest intact automobiles built in the United States. The Benton Harbor Motor Carriage or “motocycle” was designed and built by Albert and Lewis  Baushke of Benton Harbor, MI, owners of Baushke Carriage Works, and William O. Worth, an engine builder and inventor from Chicago, IL.

 

 

1968 Ford Mustang

The long lost 1968 Mustang fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. What more needs to be said?

 

1985 Modena Spyder

This Ferrari 250 GT California replica was made famous for its starring role in the 1986 film “ Ferris Bueler’s Day Off.” Like the Bullitt Mustang, what more needs to be said?

 

1927 Ford Model T

This is the fifteen-millionth and final Ford Model T to be produced, this car rolled off the revolutionary assembly line driven by Henry Ford himself in 1927.

 

 

 

1984 Plymouth Voyager

As the first car-derived minivan the Plymouth Voyager and its sister Dodge Caravan literally created a new class of automobile that transformed consumer tastes and the car business. American families no longer had to rely on giant station wagons for transport.

This particular Plymouth Voyager was the first to roll off the assembly line and was kept in its original condition by Chrysler Corporation.

 

1969 Chevrolet Corvette

In 1961, General Motors piggybacking on the popularity of astronauts worked with Jim Rathmann Chevrolet on a leasing program for the astronauts – lease a Chevrolet of any type (including Corvettes) for $1/year. Most astronauts preferred the Corvette.

By 1969 the third group of astronauts now with the Apollo program were landing on the moon. In 1968 the trio for Apollo 12 astronauts Alan Bean, Pete Conrad and Dick Gordon leased a matching trio of 1969 Corvette Coupes. Each was Riverside gold with custom black “wings.” By appearing on the cover of Life magazine, these became the most famous of the “astronaut” Corvettes.

1966 Volkswagen Transporter

This VW Transporter was the property of civil rights pioneer Esau Jenkins and his wife Janie B. Jenkins in Charleston, South Carolina. Successful business owners and parents of 13 children, the Jenkins became leaders in their community. Throughout their lives, they strove to better the economic, cultural, and political situation of African Americans on Johns Island and the surrounding area.

In approximately 1967, Esau purchased this used 1966 Volkswagen microbus. It was utilized by the Jenkins as their primary means of transportation and to support their various initiatives where it became a fixture in the Charleston area.

1921 Duesenberg Straight Eight

Up until 1919 the Duesenberg brothers focused on engineering excellence and racing. At that point they decided to expand into production of passenger cars. In 1919 Samuel Northup Castle placed an order for a Duesenberg Straight Eight and, thus, was destined to  become the first owner of a Duesenberg passenger car when he took delivery of his Straight Eight in 1921. Technically advance far beyond its competitors, this is the first Duesenberg passenger car.

 

1970 Dodge Challenger

In 1969, 27-year-old, combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient and Detroit Police Officer, Godfrey Qualls special ordered this 1970 Hemi Challenger. Qualls pretty much checked all the options boxes and Special Edition (SE) packages including a 426 HEMI engine, “Super Track Pak” with four-speed manual transmission, shifted via a floor mounted Hurst pistol grip sending power to a Sure-Grip Dana 60 with 4.10 gears. Known as the “Black Ghost” because he would seemingly vanish for months after making a few runs on Woodward, Telegraph or Stecker St., Qualls was rarely bested in his street racing days.

 

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Doc Brown’s time machine in the 1985 hit film “Back to the Future.” Again what more needs to be said?

 

1979 Lamborghini Countach

Poster art for just about every kid of that period, this 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, represents generations of car enthusiasts’ passion for speed and the open road. Introduced in 1971, the radical mid-engined exotic Countach fired the starting gun for the race to produce the ultimate super car just when, counter intuitively, economy and practicality were coming into vogue.

This particular Countach gained fame in the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run.”

 

1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

The Chrysler Turbine Car featured a turbine jet engine housed in a Ghia body and was the latest iteration in Chrysler’s decades-long attempt to bring a turbine-powered car to the market. Fifty of the 55 original cars wearing identical metallic bronze paint, black vinyl roof, and bronze interior—were distributed to households in the U.S. as part of a consumer research project. The results were promising, but the cost to mass produce the vehicles was not.

 

1952 Hudson Hornet

From 1951–55, Hudson dominated stock-car racing just as the sport was beginning to take off. This one, prepared by legendary mechanic Smokey Yunick went to the track in the 1952 season. This Hudson is the only NASCAR-raced Hornet known to exist.

 

 

 

If asked my opinion for vehicles worthy of inclusion in the NHVR my two additions would be:

1949 – 1954 Jaguar XK120

While the MG introduced sports cars to service men, It was the sexy and fast Jaguar XK120 that offered a beautiful car for a date on Saturday and a performance car that could be driven to the track where it could win on Sunday, all in one. Its beauty appealed to those with money and its affordable was very attractive to those who wanted to race.

 

 

1966 Volvo P1800

Irv Gordon’s 1966 Volvo P1800 that the Long Island School Teacher bought new covered well over an honest 3,000,000 miles with Irv at the wheel during a period of 52 years till he passed away in 2018. Irv and his P1800 was an advertising God send for Volvo and its story of Volvo durability was known around the world.

By |2022-06-09T15:06:02+00:00June 9th, 2022|6 Comments
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