Revenge of the Nerd Cars!

What?

Yes, there is such a thing as Nerd Cars.

Dean Renwick of Toronto never classified himself as one of the nerds. Yet, he jumped at the opportunity to purchase a bona fide Nerd Car: 1976 AMC Pacer D/L. He bought the car a couple of years ago.

What is a 1976 AMC Pacer D/L? If anything, it is a much maligned vehicle because it definitely exudes nerdish charisma. Its odd-shaped lines, garish headlights and excessive use of glass remind me of Garth from Wayne’s World. In fact, the Pacer was the car Wayne and Garth used in the movie. Yup, that small vehicle that fitted their entire garage band.

But Dean has a lot of good things to say about the Pacer, as reported by Canada.com,

"It was virtually fresh out of the box with only about 6,000 miles," he says. "To my surprise, it drove and handled like a full-sized car with its factory-optional 258 CID in-line six-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, along with factory air conditioning that still worked perfectly."

However, don’t get your hopes up for the AMC Pacer, it won’t be coveted in any Coys classic car auctions anytime soon. But, an insurance provider to classic car collectors recently maintained that Nerd Cars are definitely increasing in value. When asked ‘why?’ he answered “oddball vehicles are garnering renewed attention from collectors”.

Canada.com explains,

“He went on to compile a list of notable nerd cars, ranging from the fiascos of yesteryear (Edsel) to more recent embarrassments (Aztek). In short, nerd cars are best described as anti-babe magnets -- cars so jarringly ill-conceived they tend to repel rather than attract. And, yet, despite myriad faults, demand for such runts is on the increase. Renwick, who is well versed in the classic car market (he's a vehicle evaluator), has his own theory about why the automotive dogs of yesteryear are enjoying a comeback.”

Well, there you have it.

But for all those who don’t know, AMC Pacers are considered as the direct opposite of Hot Rods. Direct! And I don’t see that changing anytime soon. For now though, I will confess that I am happy for Nerd Cars.

… Not!

Sources: Canada.com

Talking about Hot Rods and Roadsters

Hot Rods and Roadsters were born out of innovation. Backyard mechanics tried customizing the Model T Ford, their products became Hot Rods. Eventually, these mechanics sought to increase customization value by removing the top of Hot Rods – giving birth to Roadsters. Hot Rods and Roadsters are trademarks of street racers and speed enthusiasts. These cars have been around since the first V-8 engine. Today, Hot Rods and Roadsters continue to be a popular past time for the American driver. They have also had a fair share of success as a commercial enterprise.

The Foundation: Model T Ford

The Model T Ford or the “T-Bucket” attracted many engine enthusiasts (or ‘grease monkeys’, ‘gear heads’). As time went by, original parts became harder and harder to come by. Because of consistent demand, new manufacturers invested in creating “T-Bucket” parts.

Hot Rods and Roadsters that were built during the 40’s and 50’s have been popular favorites of the American automobile lover. Big engines, loud headers, and big rear tires form the standard formula for a Hot Rod and a Roadster.

Today, you can purchase a Model T fiberglass body and build your own Hot Rod from scratch. However, over the years the term Hot Rod expanded. Nowadays, a Hot Rod and a Roadster can refer to any hand-made custom vehicle. Given, of course, that it is built for speed!

Sources: Antiquecar.com

The American Muscle

Ever wonder where Muscle Cars came from?

We all know that these machines provide eye candy but what else do we know about them?

When my father was still alive, he frequently used the expression “You learn something new everyday”. Well, this is going to be that type of day for all you vintage auto fanatics out there.

The Golden Years

At the onset of the 60’s the American car enthusiast was introduced to Muscle Cars. The term Muscle was based from the car’s robust and sporty appearance. In addition to that, Muscle Cars also housed the most powerful engine at that time – the legendary V8. American manufacturers competed against each other in making the ultimate Muscle Cars. This competition bought America some of the fastest automobiles of that era.

In the process, concerns about fuel efficiency wandered. Classic Car writer Gavin Drake attests, “With no thought to gas and fuel efficiency, Americans seemed to be having the time of their lives”. Primary concerns were directed towards making American cars flashy and fast. The flashier and faster the car became the more desirable it was for American drivers.

The Dark Ages

During the 60’s and 70’s the Vietnam War triggered socio-economic changes that would ultimately lead to the extinction of the American Muscle. America entered into an era of gas shortage. In addition to that, excess auto emissions became a rising concern for environmentalists. Americans reluctantly settled for more economic engine types (V6, V4). Thus, conceding the American Muscle to impracticality. Rising fuel prices, gas efficiency and cheaper insurance costs forced the Muscle Cars onto the race track and off the streets.

Will we ever forget speed?

Today, the American auto enthusiast has fallen in love with a different vehicle. People are no longer really concerned about speed but power. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have swept American auto aficionados off their feet. Yet it still does not address problems concerning fuel-efficiency and a rising amount of greenhouse gases.

But can America ever forget about its love affair with speed? The answer is a firm “no”.

Gavin Drake invokes “The desire for speed will be with us always. We will probably never again see a time when speed and high performance engines are sold for the every day street car but we can get a glimpse of these cars at the raceway or at vintage car shows. The baby boomers were around to see these cars at their inception and they still carry a torch for them today. Many will spend a small fortune to restore one of these original fast cars back to their former splendor.”

America cannot deny that a place in time belonged to these awesome Muscle Cars. But today, all we can do is reminisce the golden age that has passed.

Sources: MyOwnCarShow.com

Part of the Family

To do something different today, we will be discussing a classic truck. Not just any classic truck but a 1969 Ford F-100. I was browsing through classic car sites when I stumbled upon a wonderful story about a truck that was maintained for nearly 40 years by its first owner.

The original 1969 Ford F-100 housed a 360 cubic inch engine which had base and custom cab levels. It was a part of a Ford series of trucks that were relatively larger compared to its predecessors. The truck also incorporated reflectors, redesigned the hood and restructured the Ford Emblem. These trucks were popular utility vehicles back in the day. Very few of these trucks remain in tip top condition today.

However, Charles Corriher managed to keep his Ford truck. It came from a long lineage of owners dating back to the first owner (his father-in-law) in 1969. Here are the words of Charles Corriher as he narrates how his 1969 Ford F-100 managed to survive the past four decades!

“My father-in-law bought this 1969 F-100 new in November of 1968. My wife and her brother learned to drive on this truck with no power steering or power brakes.

The truck was used as a work truck for 20 years in my father-in-law painting business.

About 8 years ago, he began restoring it, but was hospitalized and subsequently passed away before completing the process.

The truck sat garaged for over 6 years - rarely driven with no further restoration.

Finally, in May of '03, my mother-in-law agreed to part with it. I hauled it 8 hours in torrential rain on a U-Haul trailer through the mountains of NC and TN to its new home. Several thousand dollars and a couple hundred man hours later, it's almost done.

My son is 8 and chooses to ride in ‘Papaw's’ truck over anything else we own. When it's time for him to learn how to drive, I'll continue the tradition.... “

This is a touching story of true automobile tradition. It also serves as a good case study for fellow preservationists.

LESSON: Those vehicles that you owned first-hand, keep them. Preserving these vehicles in your family would make for a great bonding activity for future generations. Don’t you think?

However, preservation does not come cheap. You should be ready to curdle the necessary expenses that your vehicle needs.

Sources: ClassicTruckShop

Ferrari Argentina by Bertschi & Iacona

Authors Cristián Bertschi and Estanislao Iacona have released another book in their series about significant car manufacturers in Argentina – Ferrari Argentina. The two authors have already received renowned acclaim for Alfa Romeo Argentina and Bugatti Argentina. The Ferrari Argentina will further strengthen the writers’ reputation.

The books in the series tackle common themes. Bertschi and Iacona narrate automobile history and contemporary racing under the context of prevailing socio-economic conditions in Argentina. The country was a breeding ground for racing legends. Argentina produced the likes of Fangio and Gonzalez. The country also had a market for wealthy automobile enthusiasts.

Argentina was home to a strong Italian ex-patriot community. Because of this, the country welcomed imported automobiles from Europe. However, it took a couple of years before the Ferrari made its mark. It did so in the racing circuit. Grand-prix race driver Carlos “Charlie” Menditeguy put Ferrari in the books in 1950. Menditeguy endorsed the Ferrari 166 MM Spider. After his stint, a succession of drivers endorsed the Ferrari brand.

The book narrates the tale of these people. It tackles Ferrari’s lineage in Argentina from the 1950’s to the 1970’s.

Sources: ClassicDriver

1967 Ford Mustang headlines Coys Showbiz Auction

Coys is a British Company that specializes in the sale and acquisition of the world’s greatest cars. The company is based in London. Recently, they held a showbiz cars auction at the Lords cricket grounds. The theme of this auction was classic automobiles that were connected to celebrities.

A 1967 For Mustang GT390 reeled in the most money for Coys. The car was a replica of Steve McQueen’s vehicle in the film “Bullitt”. The Mustang was sold for a hearty total of £53,726.

The auction also featured a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL. The car drew its showbiz heritage from broadcaster Chris Brown – who previously owned the car. It sold for £32,346. George Harrison’s 1986 Mercedes Benz 59E AMG was bought for £12,000.

Finally, Rowan Atkinson (To many Mr. Bean) sold his 1929 Austin 7 Ulster Replica for £8,235.

Coys has many more plans for 2008. In the upcoming months Coys will hold auctions techno classica, brands hatch, fine motor cars and Nurburg ring. The company will be selling automobiles such as the 1970 McLaren M6GT, plus two Ferrari Daytonas, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, 250 GT alloy berlinetta Ferrari, 250 GT Spyder and a re-built Alfa TZ2.

Sources: Classic Cars Magazine

Intro to Restoration

Restoration - (v) Refers to the process of returning a vintage car to its “like-new” condition.

Scope of Restoration – Restoration covers every nuke and cranny of a vintage car – engine, wheels, seat covers, mufflers, Paint finish, etc. This requires all parts of the vehicle to be replaced or rebuilt with originally manufactured parts. This can be a disheartening pursuit since most manufacturers do not sell these parts anymore – if ever they do, they sell at an expensive price. However, modified parts are also available and most will suit the car just as well.

There are two kinds of restoration (1) Restored and (2) Street-Restoration

Restored vintage cars are the ones you see in museums and car shows. These cars still have well maintained parts, specs and accessories. However, their condition will not bring them back to open roads anytime soon.

Street-Restoration entails bringing back the entire “like-new” condition of the car. This includes being able to drive it around the neighborhood. This is considered a hobby for car aficionados who have vintage vehicles. In this process, only the faulty parts are replaced. Parts that can still perform are kept until they are functional.

Case Study: A 1967 Mercury Park Lane

This car recorded a conservative 26,000 miles from its previous owner. The present owner still drives the coupe for daily use. The interior was well-maintained. Leather covers gave off that 60’s vibe. However, the engine needed more enhancements and the tires needed to be replaced.

The Street Restoration of this vehicle bought back renewed life to the car. Mechanics worked on transmission, which had aged for 20 years. Its low mileage indicated that it was parked in some garage for a long time. Because of this, rust had formed in some of its parts – which were all replaced. To finish off the restoration, the 1967 Mercury was given a new paint finish.

This is a good example of how Street Restoration works. The owner has to consider the initial condition of the car and prioritize part replacement according to need.

Sources: Classiccar.com