From the Alaska Dispatch: Some 36 years after last Dodge Dart rolled off production line, classic car is back
The Dodge Dart has long held a place in automotive lore for its sleek, space-age design and 16-year run as Chrysler’s ultimate compact car, ending in 1976.
Thirty-six years after it ceased production, it’s back. On Monday at the North American International Auto Show [NAIA] in Detroit, Chrysler unveiled a resurrected Dodge Dart, which is now a compact, four-door sedan designed to target pragmatic buyers interested in low upfront costs and long-term fuel savings.
The refurbished Dart is a sign of shifting priorities set by the domestic US auto industry. While two bankruptcies and rock-bottom sales appeared to shake the foundation that General Motors, Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler once stood for – a reliance on large, gas gulping trucks and SUVs – the automakers appear to be directed to a steady comeback that is sustainable and tailored to what cash-strapped consumers ultimately want.
The combined sales of all three companies in 2011 increased US market share, the first annual increase since 1991. While all three enjoyed double-digit sales bumps, Chrysler had the greatest rate increase, jumping 26 percent over 2010, resulting in 1.4 million vehicles sold in the US alone.
The year-end numbers, released last week, are buoying this year’s NAIA, the largest in North America. It opens to the public Saturday and runs through Jan. 22 at the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.
“The mood of the show is a lot better than it has been in the past. There’s a pretty strong sense of optimism,” says Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst for Edmunds.com.
Foreign manufacturers’ market share shrank last year, primarily due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March and the flooding in Thailand in November, resulting in production shutdowns for Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and other automakers. Since then, the domestic three in Detroit have unveiled vehicles they promise to market heavily this year with hopes to maintain their market strength.
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How is this happening? Through an emphasis on having strong models in the compact and midsize segments, as much as the luxury, large trucks, and SUV segments that have sustained the industry for years.
“Today the automakers are intent on having big complete model portfolios, more than they had in the past. So if gas prices go to $4 a gallon, they are ready with cars that fit that need, and if gas prices go to $1 a gallon, you can still compete and not have to worry so much on external factors,” says Ms. Caldwell.
By the end of this year, all three automakers will have unveiled a range of compact and midsize vehicles.
Examples include the revamped, luxury-minded Ford Fusion, Chevrolet’s hybrid model of the Malibu Eco, and the Cadillac ATS, a compact sedan designed to compete with luxury brands from Mercedes and BMW. The hope is that the new models launched at NAIA will take advantage of slipping sales of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, two of the best-selling vehicles in the US market.
The US market is expected to continue growing this year. According to economists presenting at the annual Society of Automotive Analysts conference in Detroit Sunday, unit sales for light trucks and cars are expected to total between 13.5 million to 14 million; last year sales reached 12.8 million, a 10 percent increase from 2010.
Even though sales are growing in Brazil, India, and China, as well as in Europe, the US market is poised for the most significant growth due to pent-up demand, stiffening used car prices, and rising gas prices
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Classic car showcase: Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
From Herald Wheels: Classic car showcase: Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
For many decades the British Rolls-Royce called itself the best car in the world. Although that claim may have been open to question, the Rolls could certainly be numbered among the best. The model that originally established that vaunted reputation was the Silver Ghost.
In 1904 Royce Ltd. of Manchester, England, manufacturer of electric motors and generators, decided to venture into making gasoline engine cars. Henry Royce was a meticulous, self-taught engineer whose cars reflected that care and attention.
But he was a hands-on craftsman, more comfortable designing and improving his cars than marketing them. He needed an enthusiastic salesman to convince buyers of his car's engineering excellence.
Charles Stewart Rolls was that kind of man. Born to the aristocracy, the third son of Lord Llangattock, he was an intrepid adventurer. Rolls was an early balloon pilot and one of the first to welcome the Wright brothers' airplane to Europe (he was destined to die in a plane accident in 1910 at age 32.) Cars were another of his passions and he became a prominent European automobile racer.
Rolls was selling French Panhards in London and at the urging of a friend, travelled to Manchester in 1904 to meet Royce and see what he had built. Rolls was so impressed with the cars that he immediately suggested they join forces. An agreement was reached: Royce would build them and Rolls would sell them.
In trying to find its way as a motor manufacturer Rolls-Royce built several four and six cylinder models, and even a V8. Then for 1907 the company decided that a one-model policy would be preferable, allowing it to concentrate its resources rather than spreading them over several models. It was the principle that propelled Henry Ford to success with his venerable Model T.
The model 40/50, popularly known as the Silver Ghost for its ultra-quiet running was chosen. It made its debut at the Olympia Motor Show in November, 1906 as a 1907 model. The Ghost was a large vehicle with a 3,429 mm wheelbase and weight of 1,671-kg. Power came from a 7-litre inline, side-valve six-cylinder engine developing 48 horsepower at only 1,200 rpm. An ultra-high fourth gear combined with large wheels permitted the big six to loaf along at a mere 1,000 rpm at 76 km/h, a figure rarely achieved by modern cars.
To demonstrate the new model's engineering quality it was taken on a 3,220 km reliability run which included driving from the south coast of England all the way to the top of Scotland in high gear. The test was conducted under the strict scrutiny of the Royal Automobile Club.
The Ghost completed the run successfully, but to further demonstrate its durability it was immediately sent on a 24,150 km test with Charles Rolls as one of the drivers. This, too, was completed without involuntary stops except for tire changes, breaking the world's record for reliability and long distance. RAC engineers then stripped the Silver Ghost down to determine how much deterioration it had suffered. Amazingly, their micrometers could detect no wear in the engine, transmission, brakes or steering gear.
These exploits established Rolls-Royce's reputation almost overnight and the Silver Ghost began selling well. The Ghost was built from 1907 to 1925, with more than 6,000 produced, including some made in Springfield, Massachusetts.
While the Ghost was built for many years, it is generally conceded that Rolls-Royce's reputation as the maker of the best car in the world was established by those built between 1907 and the beginning of the First World War in 1914.
Incredible as it may seem, the original Silver Ghost test car is still running. The car was used by various company officials during 1907 and part of 1908 and then sold to one of Rolls-Royce's travelling inspectors, A.M. Hanbury. He proceeded to accumulate something in excess of 805,000 km.
Hanbury eventually retired and in 1947 Rolls-Royce received a message from his son-in-law that some spare parts were needed for the Ghost. Hanbury died before the transaction was completed, but Rolls-Royce, now aware of the location of the car, acquired it from the heirs.
Much repair and restoration was required, of course, but Rolls-Royce got it back on the road. It has been serving as a "working car" goodwill ambassador for the company ever since and has covered more than 966,000 km.
Rolls-Royce is now owned by Germany's BMW, and is fortunate in still having the first Silver Ghost. BMW is committed to keeping the faith, and keeping the venerable Ghost roadworthy, not just sitting in a museum as a static exhibit. I'm sure Henry Royce and Charles Rolls would have expected no less from the car that launched the legend of "The best car in the world."
Monday, January 9, 2012
Canton, OH: Postcard from Alliance: Dining at Doug's Classic 57 Diner
From CantonRep.com: Postcard from Alliance: Dining at Doug's Classic 57 Diner
ALLIANCE —
Cars and crooners of the 1950s are your companions at Doug’s Classic 57 Diner in Alliance.
Photos of automobiles and singers grace every wall in the eating establishment. No doubt those who grew up a few decades ago will recognize many of the faces and fenders, and those who don’t can become acquainted with them during the time they spend at Doug’s.
Oh, and Doug, you’ll get to know him, too.
“I don’t forget anybody,” said Doug Wright, owner of Doug’s Classic. “I know people from back in the ’80s, who stopped in after watching their sons play football.”
Wright, who lives but a mile from his small restaurant, can be found at the diner during some part of every day — except for winter vacation in Florida.
“I’m supposed to have Wednesdays and Thursdays off, but I stop in,” he said, between conversations with nearby customers and employees. “You can’t run a business unless you’re there.”
Wright has run Doug’s Classic 57 Diner, first with his wife, Norma, and now with his daughter, Tina Marsh, and manager, John Lerario, since he bought it in 1977 from the previous owner, Fred Bolt.
“Well, 1978, I guess, is when it became official,” he corrected. “I spent a year learning from him.
“I’ve been here 35 years — been in the food industry since I was a kid.”
In those days, the diner was a Stewart’s Root Beer franchise called Fred’s Drive-In that had opened in the mid-1950s. There once were several Stewart’s stands in Stark County, said Wright. The owner still serves Stewart’s on tap.
Wright changed the name to Doug’s Classic 57 Diner in 1986. The meaning becomes clear if you look under the number in the sign at the corner of W. State Street and S. Rockhill Avenue. You’ll see the hood ornament for a ’57 Chevy.
“A kid working for me said, ‘You’ve got a lot of old cars,’ and I did. I had a ’57 Chevy, and I was driving it that night. He said, ‘Why don’t you call it Doug’s Classic 57?’ ”
Though the name changed, the decor from Fred’s Drive-in stayed much the same until his landlord provided him with a new building in 1993.
“I told them I really would like it to look like a diner,” he recalled. “We were closed for six months. I was worried we’d lose our customers. We reopened Dec. 20, 1993, and people stood outside waiting. It was snowy, and we still were busy.”
What the customers found inside Doug’s Classic 57 was a diner with its distinctive ’50s motif — decor that serves up nostalgia with food that is not all diner fare.
Oh, Doug’s Classic 57 offers burgers and fries. But meals are on the menu, too.
“We have a double pork chop dinner for $8.29 and a single pork chop dinner for $6.99,” he said. “And now we have a 1-pound porterhouse steak for $8.99.”
Those prices seem quite reasonable. But they’re nothing compared to those found on the antiques that are spread throughout the diner. A Gulf gas pump behind the diner counter prices its product at 339⁄10 cents per gallon and registers a 5.9-gallon sale. “This sale,” it says, “$2.”
Lighted advertising globes hanging from the ceiling advertise Gulf, Mobil, Sinclair, Esso and other gasolines. Auto memorabilia is spread throughout the dining room. Decades-old diner stools and chrome napkin and straw dispensers add to the 1950s look.
Neon signs you can see as you enter say “Time to Eat” and “The Fabulous 50s.”
During the time you spend inside Doug’s Classic 57 Diner, it sure seems the signs are right.
ALLIANCE —
Cars and crooners of the 1950s are your companions at Doug’s Classic 57 Diner in Alliance.
Photos of automobiles and singers grace every wall in the eating establishment. No doubt those who grew up a few decades ago will recognize many of the faces and fenders, and those who don’t can become acquainted with them during the time they spend at Doug’s.
Oh, and Doug, you’ll get to know him, too.
“I don’t forget anybody,” said Doug Wright, owner of Doug’s Classic. “I know people from back in the ’80s, who stopped in after watching their sons play football.”
Wright, who lives but a mile from his small restaurant, can be found at the diner during some part of every day — except for winter vacation in Florida.
“I’m supposed to have Wednesdays and Thursdays off, but I stop in,” he said, between conversations with nearby customers and employees. “You can’t run a business unless you’re there.”
Wright has run Doug’s Classic 57 Diner, first with his wife, Norma, and now with his daughter, Tina Marsh, and manager, John Lerario, since he bought it in 1977 from the previous owner, Fred Bolt.
“Well, 1978, I guess, is when it became official,” he corrected. “I spent a year learning from him.
“I’ve been here 35 years — been in the food industry since I was a kid.”
In those days, the diner was a Stewart’s Root Beer franchise called Fred’s Drive-In that had opened in the mid-1950s. There once were several Stewart’s stands in Stark County, said Wright. The owner still serves Stewart’s on tap.
Wright changed the name to Doug’s Classic 57 Diner in 1986. The meaning becomes clear if you look under the number in the sign at the corner of W. State Street and S. Rockhill Avenue. You’ll see the hood ornament for a ’57 Chevy.
“A kid working for me said, ‘You’ve got a lot of old cars,’ and I did. I had a ’57 Chevy, and I was driving it that night. He said, ‘Why don’t you call it Doug’s Classic 57?’ ”
Though the name changed, the decor from Fred’s Drive-in stayed much the same until his landlord provided him with a new building in 1993.
“I told them I really would like it to look like a diner,” he recalled. “We were closed for six months. I was worried we’d lose our customers. We reopened Dec. 20, 1993, and people stood outside waiting. It was snowy, and we still were busy.”
What the customers found inside Doug’s Classic 57 was a diner with its distinctive ’50s motif — decor that serves up nostalgia with food that is not all diner fare.
Oh, Doug’s Classic 57 offers burgers and fries. But meals are on the menu, too.
“We have a double pork chop dinner for $8.29 and a single pork chop dinner for $6.99,” he said. “And now we have a 1-pound porterhouse steak for $8.99.”
Those prices seem quite reasonable. But they’re nothing compared to those found on the antiques that are spread throughout the diner. A Gulf gas pump behind the diner counter prices its product at 339⁄10 cents per gallon and registers a 5.9-gallon sale. “This sale,” it says, “$2.”
Lighted advertising globes hanging from the ceiling advertise Gulf, Mobil, Sinclair, Esso and other gasolines. Auto memorabilia is spread throughout the dining room. Decades-old diner stools and chrome napkin and straw dispensers add to the 1950s look.
Neon signs you can see as you enter say “Time to Eat” and “The Fabulous 50s.”
During the time you spend inside Doug’s Classic 57 Diner, it sure seems the signs are right.
Australia: Vintage cars stand the test of time - and weather
From the Standard: Vintage cars stand the test of time - and weather
THE south-west welcomed motoring enthusiasts yesterday at the Warrnambool and District Historical Vehicle Club’s display and Port Fairy’s 30th annual show’n’shine.
One hundred years of Chevrolet were dampened by wet weather at the Warrnambool club’s Lake Pertobe display.
But keen Chevy fans ignored the wind and rain to celebrate the car brand’s birthday at the annual event.
More than 100 cars, motorbikes and stationary engines, including Bristols, Austins, Holdens and Citroens, were also entered.
Club publicity officer Bill Poynton said people had visited the display in bursts despite the disappointing weather.
“The inclement weather had us running for shelter for a little while,” he told The Standard.
Club members had been looking forward to celebrating the Chevrolet brand at the annual display, saying it was remarkable it had survived so long.
“Chev owners have responded very well,” Mr Poynton said.
“There are a lot of pre-World War II Chevs and of course a lot of later Chevs. There are also several Corvettes.”
Mr Poynton said vehicle club members and Chev owners made up the bulk of entries but there were also enthusiasts from Ballarat, Colac, Portland and Hamilton.
A range of unique vehicles from the 1950s to the 1980s proved popular among visitors to the display.
“There’s a Blitz truck ... (with) living quarters at the back that is attracting a bit of interest,” Mr Poynton said.
“There is a Maserati and a Hupmobile. We have a 1924 fire engine doing pumping demonstrations every hour.”
About 500 classic street cars and hot rods were on display at Port Fairy’s Southcombe Park for the annual show’n’shine.
Entrants enjoyed a lunch at Koroit’s Victoria Park before returning to Southcombe Park for a rock ’n’ roll concert.
THE south-west welcomed motoring enthusiasts yesterday at the Warrnambool and District Historical Vehicle Club’s display and Port Fairy’s 30th annual show’n’shine.
One hundred years of Chevrolet were dampened by wet weather at the Warrnambool club’s Lake Pertobe display.
But keen Chevy fans ignored the wind and rain to celebrate the car brand’s birthday at the annual event.
More than 100 cars, motorbikes and stationary engines, including Bristols, Austins, Holdens and Citroens, were also entered.
Club publicity officer Bill Poynton said people had visited the display in bursts despite the disappointing weather.
“The inclement weather had us running for shelter for a little while,” he told The Standard.
Club members had been looking forward to celebrating the Chevrolet brand at the annual display, saying it was remarkable it had survived so long.
“Chev owners have responded very well,” Mr Poynton said.
“There are a lot of pre-World War II Chevs and of course a lot of later Chevs. There are also several Corvettes.”
Mr Poynton said vehicle club members and Chev owners made up the bulk of entries but there were also enthusiasts from Ballarat, Colac, Portland and Hamilton.
A range of unique vehicles from the 1950s to the 1980s proved popular among visitors to the display.
“There’s a Blitz truck ... (with) living quarters at the back that is attracting a bit of interest,” Mr Poynton said.
“There is a Maserati and a Hupmobile. We have a 1924 fire engine doing pumping demonstrations every hour.”
About 500 classic street cars and hot rods were on display at Port Fairy’s Southcombe Park for the annual show’n’shine.
Entrants enjoyed a lunch at Koroit’s Victoria Park before returning to Southcombe Park for a rock ’n’ roll concert.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
This blog back on the road Monday
The New Year and events going on have really played havoc with my postings.
Apologies!
Back on a daily schedule tomorrow.
Apologies!
Back on a daily schedule tomorrow.
Monday, January 2, 2012
My Ride: Cars become social hobby for Eads man
From the Memphis Appeal: My Ride: Cars become social hobby for Eads man
Eads resident Gary Gallimore is a member of the Memphis Classic Chevy Club and Corvette Memphis.
As a car enthusiast, Gallimore values the camaraderie shared with other club members.
His best advice to other car enthusiasts out there is to, "Join a car club for the invaluable help and encouragement you will receive."
What car(s) do you own: I own a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and 2000 Corvette convertible. My favorite car is the '57 Chevy. It's a turquoise and white two-door hardtop with the original V-8 motor, factory air conditioning, overdrive transmission, tilt wheel, power disc brakes and steering.
Does your car have a unique history: I bought the car ('57 Chevy) in 1988 after it had been completely disassembled for restoration. I had never seen the car assembled, but the owner assured me it was all there in the paper sacks and boxes I brought it home. It took about 10 years to restore the car, working in my spare time. My son, Mark, and I did all the body work and painting in the garage in my backyard.
What is the make and model of the first car you ever owned: The first car I ever owned was a 1946 Ford.
Do you compete in car shows: I have entered the '57 in several car shows and won several first-place awards.
Does your car have its original exterior/interior: My car is painted the original Tropical Turquoise, and the interior is a reproduction of the original.
What advice would you give someone thinking of buying his first classic car: My advice is to buy a car you really love. Realize you need a large space to work, lots of patience, time, and money.
Eads resident Gary Gallimore is a member of the Memphis Classic Chevy Club and Corvette Memphis.
As a car enthusiast, Gallimore values the camaraderie shared with other club members.
His best advice to other car enthusiasts out there is to, "Join a car club for the invaluable help and encouragement you will receive."
What car(s) do you own: I own a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and 2000 Corvette convertible. My favorite car is the '57 Chevy. It's a turquoise and white two-door hardtop with the original V-8 motor, factory air conditioning, overdrive transmission, tilt wheel, power disc brakes and steering.
Does your car have a unique history: I bought the car ('57 Chevy) in 1988 after it had been completely disassembled for restoration. I had never seen the car assembled, but the owner assured me it was all there in the paper sacks and boxes I brought it home. It took about 10 years to restore the car, working in my spare time. My son, Mark, and I did all the body work and painting in the garage in my backyard.
What is the make and model of the first car you ever owned: The first car I ever owned was a 1946 Ford.
Do you compete in car shows: I have entered the '57 in several car shows and won several first-place awards.
Does your car have its original exterior/interior: My car is painted the original Tropical Turquoise, and the interior is a reproduction of the original.
What advice would you give someone thinking of buying his first classic car: My advice is to buy a car you really love. Realize you need a large space to work, lots of patience, time, and money.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Custom 1960 Cadillac Convertible is sure to start a debate
From Jalopnik: Custom 1960 Cadillac Convertible is sure to start a debate
Whether you think classic cars should all remain stock as the day they rolled off the assembly line or you love all things custom, this custom 1960 Cadillac convertible is almost guaranteed to leave everyone who sees it with something to say.
Starting with the body of a clean 1960 Coupe the builder of this long black Cadillac cut the car "into 1000 pieces" and altered the body in a subtle but significant manner. By the time the top was chopped, metal had been added to fenders, a new hood was fabricated and the fins were lengthened and raised the bill for the metal work alone was $30,000.
As you can see from the pictures, the modifications only got more extreme from there. The frame was dropped and airbags were added so it can sit on the ground at shows and return to cruising height. Massive 22 inch wheels, 454 V8/Turbo 400 transmission and a custom interior complete with bright red leather and ostrich interior are just a few of the more obvious changes to this custom Caddy from the long list of modifications.
Currently this Cadillac is listed on Ebay and with a little more than a day left the bidding has reached $59,100. We aren't sure what the reserve is on this long and low cruiser but the seller estimates it would cost at least $100,000 to duplicate—a claim we have a hard time doubting.
Love it or hate it, the result is visually stunning to say the least—good enough to take the title of "BEST GM VEHICLE OF SEMA awarded by GENERAL MOTORS". We want to know what you guys think—Is this Cadillac a well executed custom cruiser or a big wheeled waste of a perfectly restorable example of vintage luxury?
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