Here are some of my favourite bits of automotive reading for this week….
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There have been quite a few notable custom Saabs made over the years. Thankfully, some of them survive today, like most of Leif Mellberg’s work, for example.
Sadly, however, some of them didn’t survive. If you want to see what happened to the miniature Saab 99 pictured below, go over to Saablog-in and read SaabRobz’s story.
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For those who like to track these things, let it be noted that Toyota won the global sales crown in 2013, with GM and VW filling the other podium spots.
Toyota fell just short of the notable 10 million sales mark, selling 9.98 million vehicles during the year. General Motors sold 9.71 million vehicles whilst Volkswagen’s sales figure has been reported as “more then 9.7 million” in one article and 9.5 million in another.
Either way, it’s a lot of cars.
Toyota want to crack 10 million in 2014 and you might remember that VW have plans to become the world’s biggest car maker by 2018.
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If you only click on one link from this weekend’s reading, make it this one.
Rally Nippon is a classic car grand tour, a-la the Mille Miglia. It usually runs between Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s a young event, inaugurated in 2008, but it’s very well attended. The classics you’ll see in the photos coming up are the equal of any classic event I’ve read about.
The 2013 Rally Nippon was not held in Japan, but in Taiwan. Why?
Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan in March 2011, Japan received about 20 billion yen in donations from Taiwan and its people, making Taiwan one of the major donation sources overseas. Yusuke Kobayashi, founder of the Rally, said the Japanese owe the Taiwanese people a debt of gratitude for their generosity following the twin disasters.
Mr. Kobayashi also mentioned that in Japanese culture, when you genuinely want to thank someone, you ought to do it face to face.
That’s why. It was a wonderful gesture and from the photos at Motoring Con Brio, it was an absolutely brilliant event.
The report at Motoring Con Brio is written by a guy named Royce Hong. He’s a Taiwanese who was invited to participate in Rally Nippon by the event organisers. He’s also the owner of the Jaguar E-Type in the Rally Nippon poster, above.
The report is in four parts. The photos are outstanding and you get a sense that the Taiwanese people really got behind this event, with big crowds thanking the fleet wherever it went in acknowledgement of the organiser’s gesture of gratitude.
Just as the wheels maketh the car….. the photos maketh the for-sale ad.
Here are some great tips on getting great photos. From Hemmings.
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Dan,
I’ve been watching General Motors since my death and I’ve seen how you went from my glorious, exotic lines to a place that even the most mediocre of would find too dull to call home. I’ve subsequently slammed my paranormal fist into Jefferson Ave, just outside your building, and I invite you to do either one of two things: 1) use this giant gaping hole as a fitting venue for a new Design Centre, or 2) dump all your current design plans into it and start afresh.
OK, if I’m going to beat up on GM (which I do, frequently), I better give them the occasional bit of applause, too.
Most of you probably know that Tim Allen, otherwise known as the guy who used to be on Home Improvement, is a car guy. He went and hung out with Jay Leno, another car guy, to show Leno his custom finished 1968 COPO Camaro.
The results are only subtly different from original, but very impressive.
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TATA motors has designed an all-new engine range.
This is not exciting news in itself. I can’t see the little three- and four-cylinder engines powering anything I’ll drive in the next…. lifetime or so.
But the retro-80’s name given to the engine family is an inspired choice.
Prompted by a recent comments thread over at Saabs United and the level of detail at which people were examining things, I figured it was probably time for me to reflect on my own interest levels. Are the measures people apply to the company within normal parameters – myself included? Maybe it’s time to shut up, wait and then evaluate any new product from Saab when the company has one to show (and no, I don’t consider the 2014 Saab 9-3 to be a new product).
I’ve been critical of various parts of NEVS’s operation and my critical approach has been there for two important and inter-linked reasons. Firstly, I have friends and acquaintances who are very interested in anything Saab does, any product Saab makes. Are they getting full disclosure about the product and the company that’s making it? And second, I think it’s important to take such an approach when the company is under new and relatively inexperienced management.
The bottom line, with those criteria in mind:
Could I recommend to friends that they spend five-figures on a car from this company?
Is the car itself compelling enough to do so?
I think they are honest and fair questions. If I’m going to write anything about Saab, especially given my personal history when it comes to writing about the company, then I want to make sure I include as much information as possible and present it in the right context.
In the past, the first question was a no-brainer. Even under GM, Saab was Saab. There was a clear line of continuity from 1947 to 2011 in terms of geography, vehicle lines and management. There was continued innovation along a certain theme, commitment to a set of principles that governed vehicle technology and design, as well as a hope that any principles that we were watered down during the GM years could be restored.
That first question is no longer a no-brainer. There has been a clear and distinct change of management and the company aims to make vehicles that are clearly different from those in the past. They will use some historical components (out of economic necessity) but the aim to focus on electric vehicles is a clear shift that only some of Saab’s historic customer base can align with.
The second question – is the car compelling enough to recommend? – is one that we, as Saab fans, allowed ourselves a certain amount of flexibility with in the past. The 9-3 and 9-5 were definitely great cars in their heyday, but they lagged behind some of the competition due to material and equipment choices that were restricted by cost-cutting measures enforced by GM. The gap between these cars and the competition only expanded as time went on. We accepted and forgave these gaps in the product because the cars were still very good, and because they were Saabs.
The change of management and subsequent change of direction has meant a lesser willingness on the part of many to be so forgiving, however. And I think that’s quite fair.
Saab is no longer the company that it used to be. And that’s where I think that some of the commenters in the SU thread might have things wrong. It’s where I think I’ve probably been wrong at times, too.
We’re approaching matters related to Saab as if the company were undergoing what we’d all like to think is a subtle shift in the historical continuum. We’d all like to believe that historical changes in the ownership/management of the company were just subtle kinks in a straight line. If we’re honest, however, I think we’ll admit that the GM ‘kink’ was more like a dent, the Spyker ‘kink’ was a vastly under-funded effort to bring it back (to some degree) and this latest NEVS ‘kink’ is, in fact, almost a right-angle bend.
Quite a few Saab fans are evaluating NEVS’s progress with Saab – every itty-bitty detail, sometimes – according to their own wishes of what they’d like Saab to become, a view that is quite likely biased by historical perspective and experience. That’s all quite natural but I wonder if they’re torturing their automotive soul by doing so.
It’s fair to have aspirations and an opinion on what’s happening but that needs to be tempered by a key understanding that some are yet to encounter – you might not be Saab’s target market any more.
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Be that as it may, most traditional Saab fans have an interest in what’s going on and just like everyone else, I’ve got a few thoughts to share.
The fans – Moving On
I find it a little strange that I have to put this in print, but…..
I’ve been damned by a few people in comments and I know others have, too. Our crime? Moving on and exploring other automotive interests.
My message to anyone contemplating the same – go for it. Moving on and experiencing other vehicle makes is not a crime. In fact, condemning someone for doing so is much closer to a crime than actually doing so. Saab is not a cult (though there are references made to “the cult of [brand]” made about many enthusiast followings, they should only ever be taken as light-hearted spin). Saab is a car company and for automotive enthusiasts, a hobby. Yes, the cars foster heightened levels of interest for many but being interested in Saab doesn’t mean that you’re bound to Saab only. Anyone who has a serious crack at you for doing so ought to re-examine their priorities.
So if you’ve got other automotive interests, feel free to check them out and get excited about them. You’re not turning your back on anyone and you’re not a traitor to anything. No-one lives, dies or is morally compromised by your alternative automotive interests. You’re just a person who’s interested in cars and that’s perfectly fine.
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The fans – Staying Put
Just like moving on, staying put with Saab is fine, too. You’re not strange, you’re not a hero. You’re just a person who’s interested in cars – Saabs, especially – and that’s perfectly fine, too.
I imagine a lot of people are going to maintain their interest in historic Saabs and a smaller proportion will have an avid interest in both historic Saabs and NEVS Saabs together. I think all Saab fans will maintain an interest in what goes on with the Saab name, but there shouldn’t be any conflict between current and historic Saab fans.
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The company – Public Relations and Marketing
I really hope that NEVS puts a PR machine together soon and starts to communicate its story more clearly to its target market, wherever and whatever that may be.
Of course, the story will depend on a few things:
How deeply linked they want to be to Saab’s history and traditional market, and
The products they intend to develop in the future.
Do they want to tie themselves to Saab’s history – make themselves part of that continuum? That draws a boundary around the historical part of the story.
The future product and the philosophies that underpin it will give direction to where the story is heading.
Their target market will influence the way in which the story is told.
NEVS will choose the story it wants to tell and in doing so, it needs to decide upon those things.
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The company – Product
This is the car business. PR and marketing can do some of the work, but at the end of the day it’s all about the product. It’s down to how you design and execute.
The last 20 years have been more difficult for Saab fans (in product terms) than the 20 years that preceded. Yes, the product was more reliable and efficient, but it was less distinctive as a Saab. The 9-3 and 9-5 won a number of new Saab fans, but they also lost a number of traditional Saab fans and it’s fair to say that the GM era put a taint (not a stain) on the Saab brand in the eyes of much of the motoring press.
If NEVS want to reset, then they need to do something special with their first all-new vehicle when it finally arrives.
They need to build a killer product for which there are no contextual explanations needed, no excuses. They need to hit all mention of compromise out of the park.
NEVS and Saab can survive if they fall short of this lofty goal, but just imagine the positive impact they could have by blowing the negative aspects of the GM era out of the water with a truly killer product.
Car companies live and die by the quality of their product. It’s a measure of GM’s colossal success through the mid-20th century that they were able to hang on until 2009 before going into bankruptcy, given all the crap they built from the 70’s onwards. There are few companies in this modern era (and maybe none in the car industry today) that could withstand such a long run of dud products dominating their range.
NEVS’s survival will ultimately depend on the quality of their product and its ability to meet the needs of a market.
The survival of Saab fans will depend on whether or not they are a part of that market.
[hr]
With that off my chest, I’m going to sit and watch what’s going on at Saab.
I’m very interested in what they’re doing. I’m very hopeful for the future but I also have to acknowledge that my love for the Saab brand is based on its Swedish roots and philosophies. If Saab is extracted from Sweden, I know that my interest will shift dramatically and I offer no reservations and make no apologies for that.
NEVS/Saab need to get their story together. They need to get their product together.
Anything I could say about either of those two priorities right now would be little more than educated guesswork and aspiration. I’m a little tired of that (both from myself and from others) so I’m looking forward to sitting back and seeing what they do.
Some of the Saab fans that are getting all up tight about various aspects of the company’s operations might want to do the same.
The challenges that NEVS face have to be met by NEVS.
This is a follow-up from last week’s Monday Reading, where I mentioned a story from Hemmings about two Mercedes Gullwings that were coming up for auction in Arizona.
Both are 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwings. Both are black with red leather interiors. Both highly desirable. One was completely original right down to its faded paint, frumpy old seats and scars from years of use and storage. The other had been lovingly restored ‘to concours condition’ and looked as fresh as a spring daisy.
The old:
The new:
[hr]
The Goodings auction was held in Arizona over the weekend and the results are in:
The restored Gullwing (Lot 122) sold for $1,402,500
The original Gullwing (Lot 42) sold for $1,897,500
I’m sure the owner of the restored car is pretty happy getting nearly a million-and-a-half in the family bank account. But I wonder if he/she is smarting just a little at being out-done by $495,000 – more than 33% – by a car sharing the same specs and vintage?
I’ve not experienced it for myself, but I’m willing to bet the classic car auction world is a competitive one (sort of like dog shows but without the big hair).
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Other interesting results from the Gooding & Company auction….
This 1937 Cord 812 Beverly sold for $79,500. It’s old enough, rare enough and fancy enough to look like it should go for more.
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This 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO sold for more than $1.4million, proving that Ferrari prices continue to go up and up.
Lest you think (like me) that it’s just a Magnum PI car with a slightly different badge….. The 288 was a limited edition built for homologation purposes. It was based on the 308 and ended up as a stillborn racing model when the FIA dumped the racing class it was built for. It has two turbochargers and produces around 400hp. As it was an homologation car, only 200 models had to be built (there were 272 by the time Ferrari finished), hence the exclusivity and high price.
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This Lotus (Ford) Cortina from 1966 sold for $107,250
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This 1977 Aston Martin V8 sold (without reserve) for more than $20K under the estimate, fetching $118,250
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This Renault Alpine A110 sold for $302,500 and is probably the most desirable car at the auction for me.
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Symmetry sale: this Jaguar XJ220 sold for $220,000
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This 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal sold for $176,000 – a price that makes the $50,000 Montreal you can buy in Australia right now look very attractive.
Either that or someone got really carried away at the auction.
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This Lancia B24S Aurelia sold for $1,815,000. That’s a figure remarkably close to the un-restored Gullwing and yet I bet there’d be ten people who’ve heard of a Gullwing for every one who’d heard of the Aurelia.
Hemmings note that a similar Aurelia sold for $825,000 last January, so someone made some serious money on the weekend.
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And finally….
This 1983 Toyota FJ40 LandCruiser sold for $41,800. It’s notable mainly because it was the last model year for the original FJ40 and has a new coat of paint. If that doesn’t convince you there’s only vague logic in the world of car auctions, nothing will.
[hr]
The full list of results from the Gooding & Company auction is available here. There are some outstanding cars there to see and many of them fetched amazing prices.
You must be able to show an example of the car for sale somewhere in the world under that price (at a current rate of exchange).
The car has to be interesting.
The writer should be able to provide some short theory as to why it’s a possible long-term proposition for making a little money (or, at the very least, not losing you (much) money if you look after it properly).
Gavin’s already published his list. Now it’s my turn.
Here we go. Investment cars, a-la Swado.
[hr]
Porsche 911
Predictable, I know. But there’s a reason for that.
Want evidence that a classic 1980’s 911 is holding it’s price? I can’t find one under $30K to show you that’s a) Australian delivered, and b) unmodified. Those are the two basic criteria for buying a 911 here in Oz and a year ago, I would have had a bunch to show you. Now, not so much.
The 911 is always in demand but as with all older cars, the good ones are getting harder to find as time passes and climbing in price as a result. Get a good one and you’ll do well. Get a dud and the bills will be like an anchor around your neck.
This UK-spec 911SC Coupe was imported into Australia and looks neat for $28K, but you’d want to check underneath for rust. Imports will always be worth a little less than Australian delivered models, but you shouldn’t lose anything if the car’s in good shape.
For the best chance at appreciation, buy one delivered in your local market, especially if you live in a relatively dry climate. There’ll be less hassle with specifications meeting local standards, no poor steering conversions to worry about and if you’re in a country like Australia, very little concern about rust.
For you US types, a 1971 911T recently showed up on Craigslist for $25K. I didn’t see what price it ended up selling for, but after it was featured on Bring A Trailer the owner received more than 400 enquiries. I have a feeling the price went up after that. But it just goes to show that they DO become available at good prices sometimes.
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Lancia Fulvia
How could I not have a Fulvia on this list? It’s not just here because I like it, though. This is a real value-holder and in the right spec (and at the right price), a genuine investment.
The Fulvia is an acquired taste but in the 12 months or so that I’ve been interested in them, I’ve noted that there’s a definite audience interested in this beautifully engineered Italian. They generally sell for less than $30K. You’re more likely to pay in the region of $15K for a good basic car and $20K-upwards for one in really good condition.
I can’t find a current ad to show from Australia, but the 1600HF Lusso I shared here last month proves that if you’re patient enough, even a 1600 HF Lusso (series 2) can become available for under $30K.
The early 1600 HF’s are the real collector cars but the value pick is probably the 1300 Rallye S from the first series, which have the alloy hood, doors and boot lid. They’re good buying, great driving, they look absolutely beautiful and definitely hold their value.
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Mercedes Benz 380SL
Mercedes SL’s can be hot property, but most of the real investment-grade cars are already well over our $30K ceiling. A good R107 should provide some wonderful motoring without hurting your hip pocket, however, and they can be found in outstanding condition at this money.
I’ve picked a 380SL for my sample because if I was to buy a car like this, I’d want the V8. One of the real money spinners is the 280SL from around 10 years earlier. The gullwing’s in another class all together, of course.
Consider this beauty, for sale in Canberra for $25,000 right now. It looks magnificent in red with a cream leather interior and woodgrain. It’s old enough to look absolutely classic but young enough to have electric everything and ABS, too. Soft-top and hard-top, naturally.
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Maserati Ghibli GT
Here’s one for sale for $32K (the lowest priced Ghibli GT available in Oz), which is a little over budget but a skilled negotiator could pick it up in the high-20’s, I’m sure. You’d want to change the wheels to something a little more age-appropriate, but other than the wheels it’s a pretty nice looking piece of machinery.
This is a risky pick because Maseratis of this era tend to make your average punter run a mile in the other direction. Prices can go low for the BiTurbo but they’re pretty stable for the Ghibli, and the 100th birthday of Maserati, along with current desirability associated with the brand, means they could be poised for some reassessment by the motoring fraternity.
The second iteration of the Ghibli, built from the early 90’s to the late 90’s suffered from being related to the un-revered BiTurbo of the previous decade. Like many cars of similar tainted origin, however, the Ghibli is the type of car that addressed the problems of its forebear and can actually represent really good performance value thanks to it’s poor lineage acting like a boat anchor on its price. They’re reputed to be very reliable, but scheduled maintenance has to be done and the costs can be high.
Now, that’s not necessarily a recipe for value appreciation, but given the exotic nature of the Maserati name, the brand’s recent success and the generous performance and luxury levels of the Ghibli, it might just be one to be recognised. One of the problems, however, is that you’re looking at a very niche vehicle. In order to sell you have to have a buyer and there aren’t a lot of those for 90’s Maseratis.
Call it a very speculative pick.
The Ghibli GT had a 2.8 V6 with a twin-turbo setup that produced around 284hp. It moves. And I could live with a sound like this, too 🙂
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BMW M635CSi
The Shark’s already a popular BMW classic and can be had for around $20K in pretty good condition. The smart money’s on the M model, however, with its extra grunt and M badge appeal that helps to hold the car’s value.
The M635CSi has the hi-po version of BMW’s creamy straight-six making just over 280hp. That’s nice rather than nefarious by today’s standards, but it was extremely competitive in the early-mid 1980’s and a big step up from the 215hp offered in the non-M version.
The styling is superb and the interior is well equipped and comfortable.
The 6-series is already a favourite amongst classic BMW fans. To have a genuine M version of the car only makes it more popular and that means demand = price retention or even appreciation over time.
The car shown here is for sale in Australia but is of UK origin so you’d want to make sure it’s cancer-free. At $29,900 the price is right if the car checks out. Other M6’s are selling for up to $10K more.
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Alfa 105 Coupe 1750
As with the 911 and Fulvia, I’ve been watching Alfa 105 Coupe sales for some times now. And as with the 911 (less so with the Fulvia as they’re not so readily available) the prices for a decent one seem to be going up. Especially for the sweet-spot 1750 engine models.
It wasn’t so long ago that I could show you a number of 105’s around the $10-$15K mark and they would have all been decent, turn-key classics that you could happily take to your Alfa club meeting or on a nice Sunday drive. 1750’s are in shorter supply, however, and the good ones are all starting around $20K now and go up from there.
This one’s for sale right now for $21,000 and the only 1750 selling for less is a $6500 project that you wouldn’t touch unless you had a bunch of time and money to pour into it.
The market says they’re going up right now, but I’d be a little nervous as those $15K cars might hit the sales pages again once their new owners have had their fun. But a properly sorted 1750 (if that’s what this is – buyer beware) is at that point where the good ones are rare enough to be very desirable and unlike the Ghibli, above, you’re selling into a much bigger potential ownership base.
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Volvo P1800 S
I’m not sure that a Volvo will ever be considered as a real investment, but if there was ever a Volvo that might, it’d be the P1800.
It’s the most beautiful Volvo ever made, with timeless exterior styling and a beautiful interior to match, especially the early interiors like the one on this 1966 car, for sale right now in Queensland for $26,000.
Some people like the shooting-brake ES model but I much prefer the coupe styling of the S. The P1800 is no race car with it’s 4-cyl 1780cc engine but it’ll get down the road nicely and if you want to know about reliability, just ask Irv Gordon, who’s passed the 3-million mile mark in his P1800 S since that video was made.
As I said, it’s not likely to go up, but if it’s looked after properly, a good P1800 S is very unlikely to go down.
[hr]
So there they are: my 7 classic investment cars for under $30,000 – cars that I reckon have some potential to make you a little bit of money (or at least prevent you losing much money). Do your homework, though, as this isn’t investment advice. It’s just my opinion.
If you source them wisely and look after them properly then I think you’ll pay very little in rent over your ownership period and have a very enjoyable time driving them, too.
Last week I covered 7 classic car investments for rich people and promised that Gavin and I would take a shot at compiling a list (each) of 7 classic car investments for more regular people. Have we suceeded? Let us know.
For now, here’s Gavin’s list….
[hr]
Old man: …….. “What is you quest”
Me: …….. “I seek the Holy Grail”
Old man: ……“What, …..a bargain value car around $30,000 Australian dollars”
Me: …… “err… yes”….. fearing the worst..
Old man:……“Okay, on ya go … good luck to you then … (demented laugh) hahahahahaha”
Me: ……(Confident) “thanks” … then the view ahead hits me …”oh bugger…. what have I done”
[hr]
Preamble
I have admitted already that I am an automotive addict. Regular sessions of intense internet trawling, just to take in and store all tediously small tidbits of information that exist on all things motoring. So to take on the challenge to pick the seven best vehicles for $30,000 AUD was, well … akin to asking Jamie Oliver whether he could whip us up something for lunch.
I can do this in my sleep, I thought, which I wish I did. It’s been near impossible to stop doing the tedious, mind numbing, painful 9-to-5 stuff and find the time to write this. So If I start to rabble about gross profit, EBIT and stock turns, please disregard as it’s most likely a brain shutdown and reboot mid keyboard stroke. Meaning I’ve mixed up my month end report with this ……. Oh… bugger, that would mean ………
Anyway, you can’t actually do things like this in your sleep. So in between profit and loss spread sheets, and some new point of sale for a BBQ, my list of seven was compiled. Note that most, if not all of these belong on my personal “shed full of cars list”
[hr]
The vehicles
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls …. The seven best are……
Okay I tried to put them in some sort of order, but that was taking hours out of my work day. I had to list them on a white board and number them by different categories. Then I spread-sheeted them and sorted them by different fields. In the end I fell asleep and now have the windows key and the Alt key marked on my nose. People stare … that’s rude.
So, in no apparent order:
(Long dramatic pause please, just like on reality TV)
I discovered Bitters years ago and was just intrigued by the concept. Being Australian we had the Commodore here, which basically was the same as the Opel that Bitter used to build his own car. It occurred to me, at that point in time, that I did not need to build a car from scratch to get my dream car. I could use a standard sedan and create a GT coupe.
I’ve always harboured that addict’s dream of building your own car from scratch.
That said, time has passed and I now understand the pitfalls of using another vehicles chassis. You are governed by that vehicles foibles and in essence you are building into your vehicle someone else’s design flaws. I’m still dreaming down this path. If I get to know you better, I’ll let you in on my current passion dream project.
The Bitter has stood the test of time; hand-built coachwork over an Opel chassis. They were expensive to buy from new and have now deteriorated over time. Pick an original, well looked after car, not a restoration project as it will not benefit you.
In my car trawling years, prices of these have slummed to the low 7,000 euro. But now it appears the cars that have survived are the only ones popping up, and prices have risen again. Expect them to stay steady, or rise further.
The earlier Bitter CD coupe is the real pick, but they have risen beyond the boundaries set in this quest. Sexy none the less.
The early 70’s Audi 100 Coupe has been known to me since, well, for as long as I can remember (In motoring addiction terms).
My First car was a Mk1 VW Golf three door. From this car grew my knowledge of all things VW and from that, I found Audi.
The 100 Coupe is a rare sight in Australia, but I have seen one in the flesh. They have seen the bottom end of the market in prices and over time they have gone through design fashion trend changes that in one period or another would have made people stop and point at this car and say things like “ugly”, “Odd”, or ”out of proportion”.
Thankfully time changes a lot of things, including perception, and this pretty little coupe has come of age, and like the Bitter above, only the good survive. I saw a few basket cases on the net while reviewing for this, but stay well away from those. Pick the best and you will be rewarded with a classic that will pay you back in more ways than one.
My modern alternative to this, and possibly at less then $30,000 currently (and you will need to hold on to it awhile longer to get a return) is the original Audi TT. Like all good collector cars today, they were once cars that were wanted and admired when launched. The TT is one such car. Yes it’s looking a bit dated now, but as you start to grow dated yourself, the TT will come of age again. (trust me).
Of all the marques of vehicles I’ve owned, I’ve had more Loti than anything else. Strangely, I have never had a Europa and previously, I never really wanted one. Time has shifted my thinking and as per the examples above, time has also filtered the bad ones out, so only the cream remain.
The Twin cam is the pick obviously.
Colin’s design concept of backbone chassis and fiber body is probably at its best and simplest here in the Europa. The Early Élan was his stepping stone and continuous development to this model. The Esprits after were much more complicated and intricate. Having owned an Esprit, I now yearn for the more basic version of the concept.
They handle well, go like party pies at a work lunch and the style has travelled through time a lot better than some other 70’s cars. I love the happy face they have.
Mmmm this is not good … as I write this I am seriously contemplating one of these…
Okay, stop laughing. No really, that’s just not being nice.
From childhood it was that odd French thing. Young school boys talking about that weird car with head lights that moved.
The shape was a stand out, and in terms of pushing the envelope, you should buy one of these for that alone. They were brave boys back then at Citroen, either that or the pigeons above the smoko hut at the design lab were tripping out all the time from the fumes rising up at smoko time.
No one has pushed the design of a motor vehicle more than this car. Sadly today, as much as we love and desire a lot of old and newer cars, no one has really forged ahead with any major leap forwards in design. Not like the DS.
That said, no one really copied the DS design either and to an extent, neither did Citroen. They all sort of stood back and said “yeah okay, cool, but we’ve got other ideas”. Mind you, in 2015 the DS appears to go back into production as Taxis in America. (I just want a hover board)
It’s a must have car for a certain type of addict and due to its uniqueness it’s never really been in or out of fashion. It’s just always been what it is: the DS.
Once again (I seem to be saying this for each car, so it must mean something) the good ones have survived and they are the ones that will stay with us, well, at least till we run out of petrol.
Big, boxy and fast. What more could you want? The whole concept of a hand built vehicle, with grace, comfort and style just works.
This series of Royce’s (real RR people call their cars Royce’s not rollers) was not the prettiest and were made at a time when the marque was in a financial and design wilderness.
The boys at Bentley stopped crying into their gin and said “bugger this, let’s make do with what we’ve got”. They went into the workshop, stared at the new Royce, then went back and finished the bottle of gin, which preceded a great brain storming session. This gave birth to the Turbo R.
All I can say is find a good one, sit behind the driver’s seat and if possible, take it for a drive. You will wonder why it’s not been on your list before. It’s not a sports car, but it’s that vehicle you need for those special days. Those days you need to feel extraordinary.
If the Bentley scared you – just because you think the first time something goes pop you will need to sell your house just to buy the parts, let alone have anyone work on the thing (sort of killed the Bentley here haven’t I) – well don’t despair. These English folk were thinking the same thing and in a haze of single malt scotch (and more gin) the team at Rover came up with the budget Bentley.
Once again, a team staring at their front wheel drive sedan, while looking back at heritage, and asking “where did that come from” knew they had to have a rear wheel drive car in the Rover fleet, so they set about building one.
“Ello mate, Gordon form Rover design ere. Listen, we’z were lookin’ for a big lump of a donk to drop in our new Rover / MG, you’ze got anything lying around we can ave?
To which the line to BMW head office went dead. More calls went out to other marques. More dead phone lines.
Then they hit gold.
Unbeknown to them, Tommy Lee at Ford procurement had placed a big order for V8 engines, but they had not sold through.
“Tommy Lee … if you don’t on-sell those engines by close of business today, don’t bother coming back”
…and at that point Tommy’s phone rang.
”ello mate, Gordon here…”
The rest is history.
It’s a bit of a weird one and really, my thoughts on it gaining or maintaining any value are only based around its rarity and value for money. A V8 rear wheel drive luxury saloon. A few for sale in the UK, which is where I have based my findings, as we here in Australia were only blessed with eight or twelve of these things. They don’t pop up for sale often, and when they do, we can only say “tell em they’re dreaming”.
I have kept an eye on these over time and only now am I starting to see a rise in prices on the good condition cars. As before, there are lots of cheapy bad cars to stay away from.
[hr]
RENAULT CLIO V6 .. err from 6,000 GBP to 12,000 GBP and climbing.
With this car, I am both biased and stupid. Biased because I have owned one. Stupid because I just sold it.
I had a phase two version and here I show a phase one. The Two’s were a better build and better car, but the phase one was the original.
They’re affectionately called a “Vee” by those in the fold and there were only 300-odd made. Of those, the passage of time and the passings of boy racers will have dwindled this to much lower numbers. So they will be rare.
The phase one is well known for wanting to pirouette in a corner (or a straight line) and the phase two less so, also helping position the car as uncommon. Consider it as a sort of inbuilt Darwin evolution/vehicle rarity control mechanism.
It’s time to find a good one, as the phase two’s have already started to climb in value.
All I can say is, it’s the only car I know that really makes you smile just starting it up. It’s the only car I know you can have an intimate relationship with, it’s you and the Vee, that’s it.
I’m an addict but I don’t have the ability to buy and store lots of cars. I had the Vee, Loved him (Murphy) and he has gone to a good home. It’s time to find my next affair. … it might just be one of the above …
[hr]
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t’s time for a little mid-week reading, combing through the more interesting news and entertainment from the automowebopshere. This week, Ford and Audi take interior functionality in two different directions. Volvo and Mercedes Benz show some new product, both real and imagined.
And there’s a couple of nice Saab stories, too.
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Let’s start with one of those Saab stories.
The more obsessive Saab nuts would be familiar with this old publicity shot from the launch of the Saab 99 back in the late 1960’s.
Via the Saab Museum’s facebook page comes this story, reuniting the three ladies that first climbed into the back to show the generous accommodation on offer in the 99.
Non-Swedes will need Google Translate as it’s in Swedish.
Quick tip: they weren’t models from an agency called in for a photo shoot, but regular Saab employees. And they were happy to recreate the photo for the reunion. Well done, ladies. 🙂
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I like what Volvo are doing at the moment. They really are becoming a car that a Saab fan can get seriously interested in and not just because they’re Swedish.
Volvo has just shown their XC Coupe concept car, which will make its real life debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
Websites are tipping that this is the basis for a new XC90, albeit with fewer doors and fewer seats. I’ll wait and see on that one. Volvo aren’t exactly Honda when it comes to concept cars mimicking reality.
But this is nice. And the video’s very Saaby. I wonder how much crossover there is between former Saab and current Volvo PR/Marketing staff and agencies 🙂
I like what Audi are proposing to do with their interior electronics.
I’m not (and never have been) a big fan of large touchscreens outside the driver’s field of vision. While I have a lot of admiration for Tesla’s tech in general, I can’t stand that giant black brick they’ve got for a control centre inside the car. What Audi have done here is use the electric display in the binnacle to display the more vital centre console information and for me, it looks fantastic.
Next, they just need some chunky knobs, buttons and sliders for the HVAC system and entertainment (a-la Saab 900) and we’ll really be rolling.
The automaker has teamed up with the pizza maker on an app for its Sync AppLink system that will allow driver’s to order Domino’s through voice commands. Users will have to set up a Pizza Profile with pre-configured menus through their Domino’s mobile app, but it’s relatively straightforward and expected to be available later this year on more than 1 million Ford products that have Sync AppLink.
America – sometimes you really do ask for it, ya know?
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Mercedes Benz might have the answer for all those people wondering what they’re going to do when the lease on their 9-3x comes up (I’m looking at you, Hugh 🙂 ). The GLA45 AMG looks a fair bit smaller than the 9-3x (ok, a lot) but it’s got the jacked up exterior trim bits and with that new MB turbocharged 355hp engine, it’ll go like stink.
I’m not sold on the exterior, to be honest, but the interior looks pretty damn nice. Check out the shifter. That’s some nice attention to detail (and yes, it’s probably been seen before but it’s the first time I’ve really noticed it).
Like the Volvo mentioned above, it’ll make a debit at the NAIAS. Price, as yet unknown, but it’ll add a nice premium to your 9-3x changeover, I’m sure.
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Given that we’re talking classics a bit at the moment, it’s timely that US insurer and collector experts, Hagerty, has just announced their 2014 Hot List – the cars released in the 2014 model year that Hagerty believe will become collectable classics in the future. Note: they only consider cars under US$100K base price.
The 2014 Hagerty Hot List (along with base price):
1. Jaguar F-Type R ($99,000) – The British marque makes a triumphant return to the sports car scene with the growling F-Type. Boasting a healthy V8 engine and rear drive platform, the F-Type will surely be a driving enthusiast choice soon enough.
2. BMW M5 Sedan ($92,900) – A performance-oriented sedan with an old school manual transmission is quickly becoming an extinct species. While more drivers shun the thought of using three pedals, we applaud BMW for keeping this option alive in this segment.
3. Chevrolet COPO Camaro ($90,000) – Chevrolet basically guarantees future collectability of the drag- strip ready COPO Camaro by limiting production to 69 units. It is only appropriate that the first production model will be sold at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona.
4. Maserati Ghibli S ($75,000) – The Ghibli returns for a third time, and this time as a four door. The twin turbochargers feeding the 410 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 ensures the Ghibli is more than just pretty curves.
5. Alfa Romeo 4C ($54,000) – A budget-friendly Italian sports car might sound like an oxymoron, but the 4C is saying all the right words. With a carbon fiber tub leading to a curb weight of just over 2,100 lbs., this sporty two-seater isn’t pulling any punches as it aims at the U.S. market.
6. Chevrolet Corvette ($51,000) – The Corvette is the most popularly collected vehicle in the U.S. so GM had no choice but to make the new C7 great. It is a nice mix of Corvette heritage with real world performance figures and technology goodies. Dollar for dollar this is the best performance buy on the market.
7. Nissan 370Z NISMO ($43,000) – The Nissan Z car has amassed a following and the 370Z NISMO is the latest and greatest in this lineage. With Japanese cars now representing a standalone class of collectables in a way that we have not seen in the past, 350 and 370Zs will not be ignored by collectors in years to come.
8. Dodge Challenger Shaker ($36,995) – While the styling of the new Challenger has always harkened back to the glory days of muscle cars, nothing says horsepower wars like a bulging hood scoop. Dodge went back to the roots and added the iconic shaker hood to atop of a healthy HEMI engine and R/T options package. We will take ours in Plum Crazy Pearl.
9. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X ($35,095) – Vintage SUV’s are the fastest growing segment and Jeep leads that pack. While more comfortable than its bare bones workhorse ancestor, the Rubicon X is highly capable for not a lot of money. Many of these now compete at events, which means they will one day command respect at vintage off-road demonstrations.
10. Ford Fiesta ST ($21,400) – Following the enthusiasm surrounding the Focus ST, the little brother Fiesta ST has been pumping the same iron. Youthful buyers attracted to compact cars don’t always want to sacrifice performance. The Fiesta looks, sounds and acts the part of a modern day enthusiast’s car.
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I can see numbers 1 to 8 being possibilities.
As much as I like the idea of the Fiesta ST (and I’m sure the Jeep’s great), I think they should have stopped at 8. Trying to go to 10 for sake of round numbers just gets you in trouble sometimes.
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And a Saab story to finish off with, via Autoweek.com
When I first read the headline – Tackling Boston in a Saab 96 – I really hoped that this would show the Saab 96 conquering the arctic windex, or whatever it’s called that’s causing the snowy conditions in the US right now.
Sadly, it seems to have been written pre-vortex so the photos don’t show cars neck-deep in the white stuff while the Saab happily trundles by.
This is a wonderful piece, though. It’s the story of a guy in Boston who’s recently bought a 1973 Saab 96 and uses it as much as possible, even leaving his Saab 9000 at home in deference to the old V4.
“I suppose you don’t get much road rage?”
“Well, you saw that person let me out of my driveway?” Charles had made a left onto Cambridge Ave, and a woman in a Jetta — perhaps a curiosity-seeker — had stopped to let us pull out. A rarity in Boston. In this car, nobody gets mad at you. Probably because they’re wondering what the hell it is in the first place.
[hr]
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]lassic Driver’s a website I enjoy reading from time to time. The site has a classified advertising section and some of the cars that come up are absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, many of the best ones don’t have prices attached so it’s hard to know just how much money’s missing from your piggy bank.
I’ve written on this site about classic car investment a few times in the past. It’s becoming a very real investment alternative for those with plenty of cash already squirrelled away. You need big $$$ to get a foot in the door and a keen eye, but there’s money to be made and enjoyment to be had for those who can. Premium classic cars seem to go up and up, with record auction prices being reached seemingly every 6-12 months.
Classic Driver just published a list of classics that it believes are going to be good automotive investments in the near term. Here’s the list:
Lamborghini Miura
I think the Lamborghini Miura represents great value for money at current prices. It’s from that era of cars that everyone understands and loves, it’s from a great brand, it’s got a 12-cylinder engine, and it looks great – I think it’s got a long way to go.
The problem is you’re looking at half a million just to get in the door.
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Aston Martin DB6
Quite simply, DB6s are too inexpensive at the moment. They’re selling for around half the price of a DB5, but they’re not half the car.
Prices start around US$220,000 so you’d even for something like this, you’d better have your finances sorted.
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Ferrari 512 BB
Oh come on, now you’re just being ridiculous.
….in the Ferrari world they look like tremendous value for money in comparison to what Daytonas, 330 GTCs, Lussos and 275 GTBs are making today.
It’s all relative, I guess.
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Porsche 911 (996) GT3
OK, this is more like it (almost). These are actually available in some markets for five-figure sums, though discerning buyers will be suspicious of those. Expect something in the mid US0K range for a good one.
If you find a good example, you’ll be rewarded with not only driving pleasure, but also a solid investment.
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Bugatti EB110 Super Sport
Just think – a quad-turbo, quad-cam V12, 600bhp, four-wheel drive and one of the most illustrious badges in the business, all for one-eighth of the price of a McLaren F1. Does it come any better?
I can’t find a price for an EB110 at the moment. The three that I can find for sale are POA. I hope they come with sunglasses….
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Lamborghini Countach
The Countach is one of the most dramatic cars ever produced, and it’s just now starting to be considered as a collector’s item rather than a second-hand supercar.
I don’t think I’ve ever considered the Countach to be just a second-hand supercar, but I can see what he means.
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Aston Martin V8
OK, now this is one that I can relate to, both as an investment and as an (almost) affordable one.
These high-quality vehicles are completely undervalued and now that DB6s are barely affordable, the later cars look like they might enjoy an enormous increase in demand in the near future.
You can find one of these here in Australia from as ‘low’ as $70K but they quickly move into the low six-figures.
[hr]
Obviously the target audience for Classic Driver is a little more affluent than the average Swadeology reader, who I imagine to be in a similar position to myself (or someone who was in (or will be in) a similar position at a similar age – i.e. regular folk).
So……..
Given that car-hunting is like a second hobby anyway, I’ve asked Gavin to join me in coming up with 7 Classic Car Investments for more regular car people.
The terms and conditions:
The budget is for a maximum of A$30,000
You must be able to show an example of the car for sale somewhere in the world under that price (at a current rate of exchange).
The car has to be interesting.
The writer should be able to provide some short theory as to why it’s a possible long-term proposition for making a little money (or, at the very least, not losing you (much) money if you look after it properly).
The cars posed by Classic Driver are ones that I’m sure will provide a good return after 10 years of being locked away. To me, though, that’s not classic driving. That’s collecting art. It’s nice to look at, but cars are meant to be driven as well as collected.
Our mission is to find them. If I had K to spare and I wanted to have the best chance of turning it into K in around 3-5 years from now, what would I buy?
I’m convinced there’s a couple of semi-affordable classics-in-the-making that can be driven AND provide a caring owner with a slight gain over a period of time.
That’s our challenge, at least.
We’ll report back in when the lists are ready. Feel free to assess Classic Driver’s nominations and come up with a few of your own, exotic or otherwise.
[hr][dropcap]A[/dropcap]nother first Sunday, another Classics By The Beach. This was an abbreviated visit to Classics thanks to the arrival of my outinlaws from Canada. There were a lot of repeat vehicles this time around. Maybe some of those that might have attended with new vehicles were on holidays elsewhere?
It was still worth attending, however, and I hope you enjoy the photos from this month’s Classics. I’ve got a very special feature car this month, so make sure you scroll down to see it.
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I’m growing quite partial to these little MR2’s. I know the earlier model is the one to get, but I still like the styling on this one and the interior is much nicer (though not quite as distinct).
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I’m not sure what Cowl Induction is but this Camaro’s got it.
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This trio of Cortinas was very nice, especially the GT closest to camera.
The red one looked great in photos but looked a little tired up close.
The interior looks great in red, though.
This white GT was the special one of the bunch. Paint was perfect and the car was obviously very well sorted and cared for. A real classic.
You’ll see SI plates on many of the cars at Classics, like on the Cortina, below. They’re cars registered under the Special Interest scheme, whereby you get discounted registration but you are only supposed to drive them 52 times per year. The cars under this scheme have to be a minimum of 30 years old.
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It’s quite unusual to see one of these BMW 2800 CS’s nowadays. Much more unusual (as far as I know) to see them in LHD here in Australia.
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This is one of Holden’s most iconic cars, the ‘FJ’ from the mid 1950’s. This is, in many ways, the car that put Holden on the map.
Simplicity…..
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OK, time for the feature car…..
I don’t know the year, the model, or anything about it. All I know is that it’s a Riley and it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.
If you’ve got any details on it, please feel free to enlighten us all in comments.
I’ve never been a fan of Riley cars, but I’m a fan of this.
Check out the fire extinguisher. How could you not love that?
The boat-tail rear end is classic elegance, something no company would do today (except maybe Morgan).
Adjustable suspension, old school. And it looks to be perfectly maintained.
It’s not just the first-sight presentation of this car that makes you look. It’s the details. Like the Riley saddlebags above (unsure of their authenticity) and the springs at the bottom of the leather engine cover straps, below. Look in another photo and you’ll see similar leather under the tiny windscreens on each side of the car. Amazing.
This was my favourite car this month, for sure. Simply beautiful. I hope to see it again some time and have a chat with the owner.
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I hadn’t seen a red oval Ford badge before. Or an Anglia soft top, for that matter.
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Gavin’s Alfa Sprint has gone bumperless since making its debut last month. New wheels and flared arches also feature. There’s more in store, too.
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The full gallery is below, with 50 photos in all. It was a good gathering this month, but not the best. A little birdie tells me there might be something quite special turning up next month. Let’s hope the car’s ready in time 🙂
I’d like to introduce a friend of mine, the guy who’s penned this article. His name is Gavin and as you’ll read below, he has a condition. Don’t be judgemental, though, because there’s a really good chance you have it too, in one form or another.
Gavin will be sharing his automotive passion on this site every now and then. Please make him welcome.
[hr]
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]omeone called me a car fanatic the other day and at first I thought “that’s okay”. But then it hit me – was that an insult or not? Am I fanatical about automotive machinery? Am I an enthusiast or do I fall under another category altogether? Which bucket do I fall into, and does it even matter?
Well, yes – of course it matters. Good etiquette requires that we refrain from overstepping the mark with those yet to blessed with our level of affliction.
I assume a number of you reading this have already placed yourself in one pile or the other. You may or may not have given it much thought but your placement within the right set of white lines (in the correct lane, so to speak) can mean a lot in the pseudo world of motoring. It’s a make-or-break assessment of just how deep both you and the outside world perceive your devotion to automobilia actually is.
Firstly, I must point out that hybrid versions of fanatical, enthusiastic and otherwise dedicated car lovers exist, but I won’t cover that complication here today. Instead, I will focus on the clear cut cases.
The Fanatic
I’m pleased to report that I have not been arrested in any protest outside Holden’s headquarters, trying to persuade the faceless American management team to rethink its obviously silly decision to make a business more profitable by reducing costs and removing old practises that don’t stack up financially.
A Fanatic would protest. They would stand proud in the rain, sleet, sun, wind and snow (i.e. typical Melbourne day) to show the world that someone cares about the fact that an Australian icon is dying.
I, on the other hand, could not be bothered. Like most people, I know all too well that the decision was made ages ago and that the pinstriped suits are just keeping their own jobs and careers safe, so not a lot will change even if I did rug-up and sleep out front of Holden HQ.
So, I am therefore – and thankfully – not a fanatic.
Of course, if you are a fanatic then that’s absolutely okay. It takes all sorts to make up a world. (that’s me trying to stop a protest forming outside my residence. Please don’t.).
If we’re not fanatics then by default, we must be enthusiasts. Or are we?
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The Enthusiast
I’ll attempt to define the Enthusiast with the same Holden scenario we examined for the Fanatic, if that’s OK with you.
An enthusiast might don his perfect condition 1996 Holden Race Team shirt, cap and jacket (stored in a special wardrobe in chronological order), dust off his collection of Bathurst 1:18 scale race cars (richer enthusiasts have life size versions), straighten his ‘limited edition’ one-of-seven-million-and-still-in-production King Of The Mountain print (the one with a terrible hand drawn image of Peter Brock that makes him look like he was infected with a zombie virus) and cry about the demise of his beloved Holden over a BBQ with his mates where they would toast the Kingswood/Torana/Gemini – or whatever car they lost their virginity in back in the 1980’s.
*Breathe*
I didn’t do that, either. Hence I don’t think I can be referred to as an Enthusiast.
(And having possibly already maligned fanatics and now enthusiasts, I expect some of you are googling my address and sending a murder of your colleagues to take me out….. again – please don’t. My affliction, and maybe yours, is something that many sane-minded people would deem even worse)
It would seem, based on this, that we who are left must congregate elsewhere. “There is another”, as Obi Wan said to Yoda. Or was it the other way round? I’m not sure but I’m quite sure a Star Wars enthusiast can tell me.
I don’t subscribe to, nor would I partake in, any of the things mentioned previously and yet I know there is still something going on in my mind. What does that make me? If you have now joined my queue, what banner do WE fall under? If we are not rampant feverish protestors or obsessive compulsive members of a cult, then we must be afflicted with a condition only talked about in whispers within darkened rooms, away from those that need not know.
We can only be the dreaded oft-not-mentioned band of brothers (a unisex term covering both sexes, so no nasty sexist replies please) that are deemed “the automotive addict”.
The Addict
Yes, addicted to motoring. We suck up, consume and worst of all, store and willingly regurgitate copious amounts of automotive mumbo jumbo.
I know, I know, some of this mumbo jumbo is good stuff, like knowing where Arch Motors stamped the chassis numbers on a Lotus/Caterham 7 chassis frame, or that a 1990’s Rover Mini subframe will bolt straight into a 1963 Mini.
But on top of the ‘good’ stuff is the pathetic stuff that comprises the addicts’ never-ending need for more. The condition is typified by a slightly sick ‘I know more than you’ syndrome.
We do this silently, secretly, only ever letting other recognised addicts see the depths of our condition by spewing forth volumes of detailed, needless car information. It’s stuff that means a lot to you and it will most likely come to mean a lot to the other addicts you meet, too. The nature of the addict compels them to store any previously unknown information into their own knowledge base so as to inflict it upon someone else at another time.
This addiction to motoring is not easily seen. We look like normal humans, doing regular day-to-day things, until…..
There comes a time, maybe just a fleeting moment, where the veil of secrecy is lifted ever so slightly. It can be with non-addicted humans and if so then it normally goes unnoticed and life carries on. But lift the oil sodden veil a bit too much and the un-autoised folk will start to wonder.
It may not happen straight away, but at some stage they will remember your burst of information about the car that starred in the Back To The Future movies.
Your quickened voice, the growing look of angst as you explained that the car was not a Ferrari, it was a Delorean. And it had more than just a touch of Lotus DNA with its steel backbone chassis and fiberglass body. They may even remember all the detail you explained to them, like how the stainless steel panels were glued onto the fibreglass body as an outer skin only.
At the very least, they will remember that the outburst happened and they will watch for more as they build their case against you prior to a formal intervention.
The veil is more easily lifted when the audience is safely recognised as other automobile-ish humanoids, but it will not go up straight away. No sir.
In the first instance you need to find what the pack is made up of. Is this a fanatical gathering and if so, what are you doing there? Is it an enthusiast swarm? You may have to determine if you can relate to whatever they are devoted to. Do you have data stored on their particular marque and best case, do you know more than them? To determine the latter, you must engage in initial small talk, leading gradually to important addiction-focused discussions where you bait the enthusiast with snippets of information, await their reply and then lift the veil just a little more and throw out a curly one.
It’s called Addiction Chess and it goes a bit like this:
Your move – “The Mk 1 Lotus Cortina had alloy doors, boot and bonnet”.
Such a comment could be met with a “Yeah? Didn’t know that”.
Result – BING, you now know you are the superior addict and can either play with these underlings or leave. It would depend on how you felt at the time.
However, if the reply was “Well, not all of them, they went back to steel doors, boot and bonnet a few years after production” ….
Result – Bzzzz. This is your first indication that you face a worthy adversary that has a deeper-than-normal level of information.
This is where it gets interesting. You see, now it’s all based on your respective addiction severity.
If you know that the alloy panels were dropped in October of 1964, which is when Ford did a small upgrade and added flow-through ventilation and that any car with alloy panels after that date were only added by the factory as an extra cost option and did not appear on many more cars after that, or added later in life from spare parts or from another car….*breathe*…..then you now have the option to reply based on this knowledge.
You can lift the veil in one hit, or play the game of chess and see where it leads you. The slower chess option is more enjoyable, of course, and can reveal a lot of information not known previously. All good to store away for another time.
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So yes…. I am addicted to motoring. I admit it.
I don’t follow one marque, although I have more data stored on some marques than others (based on my personal taste and wanting to know more about interesting types of cars). I seek out information and enjoying learning more. I’m happy to converse with all who are interested, knowing that over time the veil will be lifted, though rarely – if ever – fully. You’ve got to save the pot of gold for that last move in that important auto chess game, sometime, somewhere in the future.
Where do you fall into?
… and if you are a fanatic then I do apologise sincerely and profusely – Hoping again that I got away with that. Fingers crossed.
[hr]
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ould Formula E be the turning point for interest in electric vehicles amongst car guys? The FIA-sanctioned racing formula will race for points for the first time in September, but this coming Monday, January 6, will see the first public demonstration of the vehicles in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The fully-electric race car completed its successful test debut earlier this year and will now be showcased to invited guests, media and the public during a special event at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino – driven by former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi.
Formula E, as the name suggests, is the Formula 1 equivalent for electric vehicle racing. This could be a tide-turner for those who remain ambivalent about electric vehicles, those who don’t see an application for them in their own lives. This is an electric vehicle ‘event’ that they can get interested in.
A quick primer on the series.
The Cars
Teams will be encouraged to pursue their own design within parameters set by the FIA, but the first series will see a common vehicle used. The vehicle has been developed by Spark Racing Technology, out of France, using the expertise of several well known companies as contributors. These include McLaren Electronics Systems, Williams, Michelin and Renault.
The cars have a minimum weight (with driver) of 800kg and a maximum battery weight of 200kg. The engines will make a maximum of 276hp, though full power is only available at certain times through race using a ‘push to pass’ function where permitted. Regular race power is 180hp, so the ‘push to pass’ function is a real boost when available.
Here’s the car in an early media event. Warning: you won’t find this overly inspiring, but bear in mind that this test vehicle was limited to just one quarter of the power that the race cars will have. This was just a media event to prove the concept, get some buzz and shoot some photos.
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Teams will have two drivers each and there will be two cars per driver.
Races include pitstops where the driver changes into the second car.
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The Series
The Formula E season will start in September 2014 and continue through to mid-2015. There are 10 races scheduled in this 9-month period. As with Formula 1, there will be a drivers championship and a constructors championship.
The series will see races in the following cities:
Beijing, China
Putrajaya, Malaysia
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Punta Del Este, Uruguay
Buenos Aries, Argentina
Los Angeles, USA
Miami, USA
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Berlin, Germany
London, England
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The Teams
Ten teams have been tentatively approved by the FIA for participation in the Formula E series. Final confirmation is yet to come but these teams have been publicised on the Formula E website, so it’d be surprising if they’re not there in September.
Drayson Racing (GB) – Formed by a former UK Science Minister, Lord Drayson. I hope they use similar T-shirts as the ones used by Lord Hesketh’s team back in the 70’s. They’ve already built one electric racer using a Lola chassis and claim a record for the fastest speed set by a lightweight electric vehicle.
China Racing (China, duh) – This team has grown out of the former Chinese A1GP team. Not much else known.
Andretti Autosport (USA) – The Andretti name should be familiar to all racing fans, even if you’re not familiar with the details of the family’s success. This team is headed by Michael Andretti and they have teams in multiple racing series in the USA right now.
Dragon Racing (USA) – Another Formula E team from the USA featuring another famous surname – Penske. It’s not the more familiar Roger Penske, however, but his youngest son, Jay. Jay made his money in publishing and we’ll see if he squanders it in Formula E. You know how to make a small fortune in motor racing, right? Start with a big one.
e.dams (Fra) – How surprising, a French team named after cheese 🙂 . e.dams was co-founded by Jean-Paul Droit and a guy named Alain Prost, who I’m sure knows absolutely nothing about racing but plenty about cheese. OK, more seriously, Droit has led his Dams team to wins in multiple different race formulae and Prost won 4 F1 World Championships and 51 Grands Prix. They know their stuff.
Super Aguri (JPN) – Super Aguri was involved in Formula 1 in the mid-2000’s. The team is headed by former racer, Aguri Suzuki. I guess Super Aguri sounds more credible than Super Suzuki although the alliteration must have been tempting.
Audi Sport ABT (Ger) – Given that Audi seems to eventually dominate most forms of motorsport it enters, this might be the team to watch. The ABT Sportsline team on which this Audi team is based has won five DTM titles in Germany. Vorsprung Durch Elektrisch Technik?
Mahindra Racing – The only team based in India and built on the industrial resources of Mahindra’s global operations, including vehicles and other machinery. These are the guys I’d like to get a pit pass for – the food in the hospitality area would be amazing.
Virgin Racing (GBR) – It was inevitable that either Virgin or Red Bull would be involved in this series, wasn’t it? The statements from Team Principal Alex Tai confirm that Formula E is a perfect brand fit for Virgin and the series will provide a wonderful atmosphere – no mention of technical capability. I’m sure they’ll hook up with the right people, however, as they usually do.
Venturi (Monaco) – The food might be good at Mahindra but the razzle-dazzle will be in the Team Venturi tent. Take an aspiring French electric car company, add in a bit of Hollywood celebrity in the form of team co-founder Leonardo Di Caprio and then base the whole thing in Monaco. Venturi claim the over-all electric vehicle land speed record (495km/h) and will be shooting for 700km/h in the near future. The powertrain for that record-holding vehicle is to be a base for their own Formula E vehicle when manufacturers build their own from 2015 onwards.
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All jest aside, if Formula E can provide the advances in EV technology that Formula 1 has provided for ICE cars over the years, it’s going to be a very valuable series. If EV’s are going to become mainstream, they’ll need better battery technology in order to provide greater range. Racing can be a great proving ground for such technology.
Of course, the viability of the series will depend upon whether or not people get interested in it. Bums on seats and eyes on TV’s – that’s what matters.
I really hope they succeed. It’ll be fascinating to watch this develop.
