eBay Find of the Day: The Bat Car November 28, 2006
Filed under: Convertibles, Auction Action
What happens when you take a perfectly good first-generation Miata and start grafting other car parts as disparate as the headlights from a Toyota Celica and a the rear clip of a1959 Cadillac? Well, you get this, the appropriately dubbed Bat Car. This one-of-a-kind includes fins from a 1959 Cadillac, 2003 Celica headlights, shaved door handles, and its own special VIN just for being so freakishly weird. Even though this car is almost completely stock underneath that unique exterior, we would never think of calling it a Miata now, and apparently neither does the state in which it was titled. This would be the perfect car for scaring the neighbors around Halloween. We have to thank Mike for creeping us out this morning with this tip. [Source: eBay] PHOTO GALLERY: 
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eBay Find of the Day: The Bat Car
Filed under: Convertibles, Auction Action
What happens when you take a perfectly good first-generation Miata and start grafting other car parts as disparate as the headlights from a Toyota Celica and a the rear clip of a1959 Cadillac? Well, you get this, the appropriately dubbed Bat Car. This one-of-a-kind includes fins from a 1959 Cadillac, 2003 Celica headlights, shaved door handles, and its own special VIN just for being so freakishly weird. Even though this car is almost completely stock underneath that unique exterior, we would never think of calling it a Miata now, and apparently neither does the state in which it was titled. This would be the perfect car for scaring the neighbors around Halloween. We have to thank Mike for creeping us out this morning with this tip. [Source: eBay] PHOTO GALLERY: 
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
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Crockett and Tubbs’ whip will live
Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Ferrari
The Volo Auto Museum is in the process of restoring the Ferrari Daytona Spyder replica used during the first two seasons of Miami Vice. The vehicle, which was reportedly used and abused by the star, Don Johnson, was left out to pasture and is now undergoing a full restoration to bring it back to its former glory. The replica of the Spyder was built off a 1980 Corvette C3 and spawned countless copycats and subsequent lawsuits from Ferrari. After the first two years of filming the series, Ferrari decided to give up two Testarossas in an effort to stem the tide of replicas flooding the market. Some of us can think back to a few key moments in our childhood that began our automotive obsession, for this writer, the Daytona Spyder was one of them. We”ll keep you posted on the progress and follow up on its impending debut at the museum this December.
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
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More than Mags: Cragar Special Editions rolling to a dealer near you
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Trucks/Pickups, Ford
Cragar — the company known for its timeless, instantly recognizable mag wheels — is getting into the complete-car business. First up is the Cragar Special Edition Ford Mustang. It”ll be followed later on by a similarly-themed F-150 truck. Available through select dealerships, the Cragar Mustang is dressed up with 70s-era visual mods, like a black hood, gaping (and functional) scoop, BOSS-style side striping, and matte-black skirts, front lip spoiler, and trim between the taillamps.The factory honeycomb grilles get tossed in favor black horizontal-slatted units with Cragar badging, and the stock front bumper is also replaced. Naturally, Cragar wheels fill the cutouts — in this case, they”re the aluminum 20″ S/S Series 610 models. Lurking behind the spokes are Cragar Big Blue performance brakes, and the “Stang”s respiratory system is enhanced by a Cragar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust system. Branded interior bits and optional rear window louvers (yes!) round out the car”s list of mods, and owners are given a selection of Cragar swag and a Hot Rod magazine subscription to boot. Details on the Cragar F-150 aren”t out yet, but based on the photo after the jump, expect a similar setup. According to the December 2006 issue of Hot Rod, Cragar will turn their attention to Mopar muscle next, offering special editions of the “08 Challenger and Ram 1500. If you GM fans are wondering where the love is, fret not. A Cragar Camaro is in the works, too. Bitchin”. Pricing? Power? Sorry, no details yet. (More pics after the jump. Larger photos, add”l info at Cragar.com) [Sources: Hot Rod mag, Cragar] Cragar Special Edition Ford Mustang and F-150 
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
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More than Mags: Cragar Special Editions rolling to a dealer near you
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Trucks/Pickups, Ford
Cragar — the company known for its timeless, instantly recognizable mag wheels — is getting into the complete-car business. First up is the Cragar Special Edition Ford Mustang. It”ll be followed later on by a similarly-themed F-150 truck. Available through select dealerships, the Cragar Mustang is dressed up with 70s-era visual mods, like a black hood, gaping (and functional) scoop, BOSS-style side striping, and matte-black skirts, front lip spoiler, and trim between the taillamps.The factory honeycomb grilles get tossed in favor black horizontal-slatted units with Cragar badging, and the stock front bumper is also replaced. Naturally, Cragar wheels fill the cutouts — in this case, they”re the aluminum 20″ S/S Series 610 models. Lurking behind the spokes are Cragar Big Blue performance brakes, and the “Stang”s respiratory system is enhanced by a Cragar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust system. Branded interior bits and optional rear window louvers (yes!) round out the car”s list of mods, and owners are given a selection of Cragar swag and a Hot Rod magazine subscription to boot. Details on the Cragar F-150 aren”t out yet, but based on the photo after the jump, expect a similar setup. According to the December 2006 issue of Hot Rod, Cragar will turn their attention to Mopar muscle next, offering special editions of the “08 Challenger and Ram 1500. If you GM fans are wondering where the love is, fret not. A Cragar Camaro is in the works, too. Bitchin”. Pricing? Power? Sorry, no details yet. (More pics after the jump. Larger photos, add”l info at Cragar.com) [Sources: Hot Rod mag, Cragar] Cragar Special Edition Ford Mustang and F-150 
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
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Investors looking to make bid on Aston Martin
Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin
The idea of Ford selling off Aston Martin still strikes some as odd. The luxury marque has turned a corner over the past few years and has now become a successful jewel in the crown of FoMoCo. Regardless, the Blue Oval has made overtures that Aston may be up for sale, but as is the case with both Jaguar and Land Rover, one minute they”re open to offers and the next they”re not. If the storied British automaker does find its way into the open market, a pair of Europe”s most wealthy investors is gearing up to make a bid. Bernard Arnault, the French equivalent of Bill Gates, who made his money in luxury goods, is teaming up with Belgian investor Albert Frère, to form an investment group that could make a move to purchase Aston Martin. They have their eyes on several different ventures, but A.M. is on the top of their list. With vehicles on the way, including the drop-top Vantage and four-door Rapide, sales at their highest level and a steady upward trajectory, it seems a shame for Ford to even consider such a sale. However, Ford”s goal of becoming a svelte, adaptable automaker will be a great deal easier without excess brands hanging around their neck. Either way, it”s safe to assume that Aston is poised to have an even brighter future in the years ahead. [Source: Motor Authority]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
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Investors looking to make bid on Aston Martin
Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin
The idea of Ford selling off Aston Martin still strikes some as odd. The luxury marque has turned a corner over the past few years and has now become a successful jewel in the crown of FoMoCo. Regardless, the Blue Oval has made overtures that Aston may be up for sale, but as is the case with both Jaguar and Land Rover, one minute they”re open to offers and the next they”re not. If the storied British automaker does find its way into the open market, a pair of Europe”s most wealthy investors is gearing up to make a bid. Bernard Arnault, the French equivalent of Bill Gates, who made his money in luxury goods, is teaming up with Belgian investor Albert Frère, to form an investment group that could make a move to purchase Aston Martin. They have their eyes on several different ventures, but A.M. is on the top of their list. With vehicles on the way, including the drop-top Vantage and four-door Rapide, sales at their highest level and a steady upward trajectory, it seems a shame for Ford to even consider such a sale. However, Ford”s goal of becoming a svelte, adaptable automaker will be a great deal easier without excess brands hanging around their neck. Either way, it”s safe to assume that Aston is poised to have an even brighter future in the years ahead. [Source: Motor Authority]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
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Another Enzo crash…and this one’s fatal
Filed under: Safety, Supercars, Ferrari
We”re saddened to report that yet another Ferrari Enzo has crashed. But unlike previous accidents in Utah, South Korea and California, this time the driver unfortunately did not survive.
The exotic supercar was being driven by its owner, Gary Irwin Eisenberg. The 64-year-old man was known as a noted Ferrari collector, admired in enthusiasts” circles, who had a special passion for those cars from Maranello and loved to drive his own prancing stallions regularly.
Eisenberg apparently crashed the Enzo near his home in Monterey, California, having struck a tree while making a right turn on Saturday, October 21 at 5:55 pm local time. Eyebrows were raised, though, at the lack of indications that Eisenberg lost control: no tire skid marks on the road, no scraped curbs…lending to as-yet unfounded speculation that Eisenberg may have suffered a health-related episode while behind the wheel. Either way, the loss of life is tragic.
Our condolences go out to Gary”s wife and two children.
[Source: Motor Authority]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
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Country’s first public test drive track opens in Illinois November 27, 2006
Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Government/Legal
OK, maybe there is a good reason to move back to the Illinois. On October 4, the wonderfully insightful city of Naperville opened the gates to the country”s first public-private automobile test track. The Test Track, built by the City of Naperville at a cost of $1.5 million, is to be used by 12 local automobile dealerships. It”s located on a 9-acre piece of property near Aurora and Ogden Avenues, where many of the city”s dealerships are located. The enclosed test-driving facility is illuminated for night operations and includes an asphalt track with the following features:
- A 100-foot-long cobblestone surface to simulate driving on a
- brick road.
- A 10 percent hill climb incline intended to replicate driving on a
- dirt road.
- High bank testing area with a 10 percent cross slope.
- Rough road testing on concrete pavement with embedded boulders.
- Suburban driveway and curb comprised of standard concrete driveway.
- Skid pad area consisting of asphalt pavement, irrigated so that it is constantly wet for wet braking tests.
- Three security/Web cameras used to show activity on the track and allowing for live feeds to participating car dealers.
- A simulated railroad crossing.
According to Naperville Mayor George Pradel, “The idea moves many of the customers who are test-driving vehicles off the streets and out of the nearby neighborhoods, thereby lessening congestion and increasing the safety of other motorists.” Although the city owns the track facility, the dealers will chip in for its upkeep in exchange for access. We demand that every major city in America build one of these NOW. But let us play with the design a bit. A 1/4 mile drag strip, SOLO II autocross course, and a Nardo-length straightaway for top speed testing are conspicuously absent from the city of Napersville”s design. Thanks for the tip, Chris! [Source: The City of Naperville]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
Click Here to Advertise on Thousands of Blogs
Country’s first public test drive track opens in Illinois
Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Government/Legal
OK, maybe there is a good reason to move back to the Illinois. On October 4, the wonderfully insightful city of Naperville opened the gates to the country”s first public-private automobile test track. The Test Track, built by the City of Naperville at a cost of $1.5 million, is to be used by 12 local automobile dealerships. It”s located on a 9-acre piece of property near Aurora and Ogden Avenues, where many of the city”s dealerships are located. The enclosed test-driving facility is illuminated for night operations and includes an asphalt track with the following features:
- A 100-foot-long cobblestone surface to simulate driving on a
- brick road.
- A 10 percent hill climb incline intended to replicate driving on a
- dirt road.
- High bank testing area with a 10 percent cross slope.
- Rough road testing on concrete pavement with embedded boulders.
- Suburban driveway and curb comprised of standard concrete driveway.
- Skid pad area consisting of asphalt pavement, irrigated so that it is constantly wet for wet braking tests.
- Three security/Web cameras used to show activity on the track and allowing for live feeds to participating car dealers.
- A simulated railroad crossing.
According to Naperville Mayor George Pradel, “The idea moves many of the customers who are test-driving vehicles off the streets and out of the nearby neighborhoods, thereby lessening congestion and increasing the safety of other motorists.” Although the city owns the track facility, the dealers will chip in for its upkeep in exchange for access. We demand that every major city in America build one of these NOW. But let us play with the design a bit. A 1/4 mile drag strip, SOLO II autocross course, and a Nardo-length straightaway for top speed testing are conspicuously absent from the city of Napersville”s design. Thanks for the tip, Chris! [Source: The City of Naperville]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Originally Syndicated from Autoblog
Click Here to Advertise on Thousands of Blogs
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