tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79289173567315764912024-03-14T06:19:10.762-06:00Ran When ParkedRonan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-77344762231584719122011-06-19T15:06:00.002-06:002011-06-19T15:25:01.354-06:00Ran When Parked has moved.<span style="color:#000000;">Ian and I have been considering switching Ran When Parked over to an actual site for about a year now. During that time we talked about the pros & cons, how would we go about it, and whether or not the swap was even possible in the first place. After getting some valuable insight from RWP reader Darren Keeley we concluded that it was very doable and that everything would transfer over with only minor issues.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Late last night we pulled the trigger: <strong>the new site is </strong></span><a href="http://www.ranwhenparked.net/"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">www.ranwhenparked.net</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#000000;"> (not .com!)</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">All of the content of this site have been transferred to the new site. The categories have stayed the same, the pages are the same, the photos are still there, and so on. There are differences in the layout. For example, the header we have here didn't fit on the new site and couldn't easily be resized so we quickly drafted up another one. Also, with the new site we have the option of adding a "continue reading" link so only the first paragraph or two of each article shows up on the main page. This creates a more user-friendly design and a less-cluttered front page.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">However, because of some coding differences between Wordpress and Blogger there are some glitches in each article. Fonts that change halfway down the page, pictures that don't show up where they should, and spacing between sentences that seems to have vanished. To fix all this we need to manually edit every single one of the 321 articles one at a time. We started with the latest articles and so far we have edited everything up until about August 2010. We'll get all of the articles edited by tomorrow or Tuesday and it will all look normal again.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">This site will still be around for a little while but this will be the last article on it. From now on, everything new will be published on </span><a href="http://www.ranwhenparked.net/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">www.ranwhenparked.net</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. The change does not in any way affect the Facebook page or its location.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please let us know. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">As always: thanks for reading.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Ronan & Ian.</span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-42663853636610800462011-06-18T10:11:00.005-06:002011-06-18T10:19:03.113-06:00Caption contest: Fiat 133.<p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibrifont-family:Calibri;color:black;" >Just for fun, how would you caption this picture from a 1970s Fiat 133 brochure? Leave us a comment below or on our </span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibrifont-family:Calibri;" ><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ran-When-Parked/263103353277"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:black;">Facebook page</span></a></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibrifont-family:Calibri;color:black;" >.<br /></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWUWENvOXbB6sCrrLARPv_Oep-eooQlNc-d-6WnFbHIDjDAs4wmcWorSlwlX7eGzB4lQp5ltWx0qCRgq8sL3vCAfOvZRpwrPgAkSLbSnT-UeHBow2ZN5nBToLwzxMznfrZAySXUtzGkg/s1600/fiat%252520133.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619594793403267186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWUWENvOXbB6sCrrLARPv_Oep-eooQlNc-d-6WnFbHIDjDAs4wmcWorSlwlX7eGzB4lQp5ltWx0qCRgq8sL3vCAfOvZRpwrPgAkSLbSnT-UeHBow2ZN5nBToLwzxMznfrZAySXUtzGkg/s320/fiat%252520133.jpg" /></a> </p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-80398816265813665992011-06-16T11:34:00.001-06:002011-06-16T11:40:01.407-06:00Event Recap - Mobil 1 Seat Swap at Watkins GlenIn spite of a weather forecast of sunny and 70 degrees, Watkins Glen International was cold and rainy on Tuesday morning when a surprisingly large number of fans began turning up at the track for the Mobil 1 sponsored "Seat Swap" event. Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton and Nascar driver Tony Stewart were set to trade cars for a few laps around the historic circuit in New York. The Glen made a name for itself by hosting the United States Grand Prix (among other international racing events) for roughly two decades. In more recent years, Nascar has utilized the track for one of a couple road courses run throughout the season. Tony Stewart, therefore, is no stranger to Watkins Glen in a Nascar, though it's been nearly 30 years since a modern Formula 1 machine has raced around the circuit.<br />
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The relatively quiet atmosphere was awakened as Hamilton's McLaren MP4-23 (2008) was fired up in a tent across from the grandstands on the front straight. Perhaps it's the newer, smaller 2.4 L engines, or the fact that the Glen is fairly open in terms of surrounding structures, but I couldn't help but think that the McLaren didn't seem nearly as loud as the old V10 F1 cars I recall from Indianapolis in 2000 and 2001. After a few minutes of warm-up revs, the McLaren was switched off, and there was more waiting. This would be the case throughout most of the day. The F1 was turned on, revved, and switched off several times before it was finally wheeled out to the track along with Stewart's Chevrolet Impala Nascar.<br />
In the mean time, F1 driver David Coulthard was keeping busy by taking VIPs around the wet track in a Corvette. Since Nascars don't race in wet conditions and Stewart himself is not experienced in the rain, let alone in a Formula 1 car, there was a bit of worry that the event may be called off. Interestingly, the Nascar was fitted with rain tires, a windshield wiper, and even a defogger. After a few hours the rain let up, and the two cars were finally rolled out to the start/finish line.<br />
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The scene of watching the respective team members prepare their cars was rather telling of just how different the machines are. The Nascar was simply pushed out on its own wheels whereas the F1 car was wheeled out on a dolly with tire warmers kept on until the very last moment. Most of the activity seemed to me centered around preparing the McLaren - the Nascar waiting patiently. It was like imagining a country boy going out on a date with a European super model.<br />
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The two drivers eventually got into their own cars and went around for a parade lap. Stewart came in to the pits while Hamilton went stayed on track for a few warm-up laps. The sound of the car could be heard the entire time as it went around the 3.4 mile circuit. Hamilton had never been to Watkins Glen before but seemed to have no trouble at all. Seeing the F1 car at Watkins Glen just seemed to fit. I'm certain that many of the people there were thinking that it's a shame the series no longer races at the rightful home of Grand Prix racing in the United States.<br />
Stewart went out in his car, but was notably conservative. The track was still quite damp, however, and it has to be one of the only times a Nascar has been driven at speed in such conditions. Stewart came back in and it was Hamilton's turn in the Impala. The track had started to dry significantly at this point, but Lewis seemed all the more fearless with the car - even sliding it sideways before coming back to the front straight on his final lap and doing an incredible series of doughnuts in front of pit lane.<br />
Hamilton remarked at how well planted the Nascar seemed and how much he enjoyed the Watkins Glen circuit. (Maybe Bernie Ecclestone heard him?)<br />
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Stewart got into the McLaren and after a stall, was out on track. He seemed very timid with the car the first time around, though one can't blame him. The next couple times around, he seemed to gain a lot of confidence. The only noticeable difference in driving styles from this observer's point of view, being the much more relaxed downshifts going into the 90' after the front straight.<br />
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In the end, and to be perfectly honest, Hamilton was the faster of the two in both machines. That being said, Stewart couldn't be blamed.<br />
The event could have been more spectator friendly and a little better organized, but hopefully the several thousand people who showed up on a weekday in terrible weather will get the point across that we want to see Formula 1 cars in the US - and at The Glen.<br />
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<i>Also available on our partner site <a href="http://racingredux.blogspot.com/2011/06/event-recap-mobil-1-seat-swap-at.html">Racing Redux</a></i></div>Ian Rothwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487424972017881075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-46922496975320893092011-06-16T09:43:00.008-06:002011-06-16T11:21:10.526-06:00Reader mail: 1967 Daimler DR450 needs to be saved.<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Almost a year ago we featured a </span><a href="http://ranwhenparked.blogspot.com/2010/09/daimler-dr450.html"><span style="color:#000000;">Daimler DR450</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> that was for sale in North Salt Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The car is gone and we figured it was probably the first and last one we’d ever run across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With only 864 cars made, they’re not exactly a common find. </span></span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">A few days ago we got an email from a man in Indiana saying he had found another DR450.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a 1967 and he told us it looked to be in better shape than the one we found in Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here are the pictures that he sent us:</span></p> <span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618864961491705474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZDnK8WUm_zUqa4B-H7e8wYYTGmRCy9gJx3rsbV1ezKEXg3hs9q8KIp-8jdoG_Z9ydybIq0KQqcE2eRlgNTNJv5u8qMXnlB8md-TMPeHJn-GVS-WEBTUSXkwFJJlXxNTUsZ3QAkc4Ngw/s320/amcer+164.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618864975356590898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui1VGkeUWVwrIIUiaxkp233Fv0Il-8Gtd3yD163SxRKzWQCcemk5KpaLyP9ZmHoSjcS5M8dxVm0PXe4Vw5dLdNTAkv98QnZfKqFrw-vmNjOfA-NuW8iD4q6_85g8t4cobrzxH5P-fvxU/s320/amcer+166.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618864992120935058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF63Y5J-FhyICdQjrnmvf9e5k3e7m94FGzT1y5r3kEprKp7IBLa_s1M9Y_REeEo31LFm4hJV9Ha0hc0TFEn6NlQ8iIQjZuvB0MKyyxXqRM4uKWaX-Iz1jIwBRvlh0ZzZa_sdP2a42nfLA/s320/amcer+169.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618864981265052738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnCfqoxPph3zcjd7bi5hqA46KP6BkGdV5FOo1OjhhzLks1V0-MrL5332s_yYk5twJpTFFPXtvGu1Rvuxr-zmEAqzfl7L8rzQV5Ac6_cW8cb4Ugi5NTKu0Z6ZSSXTkuEQEIsYmFO3Xp2M/s320/amcer+163.jpg" /> <span style="font-family:Calibri;">The body doesn’t look too fresh but the man reassures us that it looks better in person than it does in photos and that the rust on it is merely surface rust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The photos confirm that; the only perforation on the car is limited to two small holes on each rocker panel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Unlike the North Salt Lake car we found this one appears to be fairly complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The car even still has its original V8 engine and it apparently runs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The glass is all there, most of the trim is there, it even still wears its British-issue license plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Complete is only half the story, though: most if not all of it will need to be refurbished, but it's the perfect base for a complete restoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">If anyone is interested in saving this rare piece of British automotive history, please contact us and we will send you the rest of the photos and get you in touch with the owner. And if you know of an interesting car that needs to be saved from a trip to the crusher, send us some photos and its story and we'll try to find it a new home.</span></p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-30315510517183902602011-06-07T20:56:00.025-06:002011-06-08T08:50:24.079-06:00A rear-engined Fiat for every need and budget.<FONT SIZE=2.5><FONT COLOR= BLACK><FONT FACE=CALIBRI (body)><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Once upon a time when hand-built cars were still plentiful it was a popular activity in Italy to take mass-produced Fiats and rebody them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Turin Motor Show was full to the brim with small artisans showcasing their latest creations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Throughout the years Fiat’s popular rear-engined economy cars have loaned their platforms to become small trucks, sports cars, off-roaders, people movers and even luxury cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>We’re passing on the well-known Abarth and Seat models and taking a look at some of the more obscure ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is the first part of a series and covers mostly older models; a second part covering later cars will come soon. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> <br /><br />Savio Jungla</b><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Savio Jungla was commissioned by Fiat’s Gianni Agnelli as a vehicle to compete against the Mini Moke and later the Citroën Mehari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Agnelli did not want to develop the vehicle in house so he outsourced both the development and the production to Savio, a coachbuilder in Turin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Savio essentially had unlimited access to Fiat’s parts bin and as a result, the Jungla is a mix of parts from miscellaneous Fiat models.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The first car was presented at the 1965 Turin Motor Show under the name Giungla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Production started in 1966 and the name was changed to Jungla. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The 500’s two-cylinder engine was judged too small to power such a vehicle so Savio used the 600D’s 767cc water-cooled four-cylinder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It goes without saying that the drivetrain was mounted in the rear, something the French magazine Auto-Journal praised when they tested the car against the front-engined Renault 4 Plein Air and Citroën Mehari in 1969.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Top speed was a scant 95km/h but few who bought the car needed to go much faster.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The off-road nature of the vehicle called for the use of a bigger wheel/tire combination so both were borrowed from the Fiat 1100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The doors on early versions were metal frames covered in fabric but later ones could be ordered with metal half doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A soft top was the one and only top option throughout the car’s production run and was fairly easy to install but rumored to be fairly fragile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">When production ended in 1974 about 3200 Junglas had been built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A decent amount of them were ordered by the Italian government and used by the Carabinieri and other government forces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fiat toyed around with the idea of replacing the Jungla with an A112-powered one but those plans were cancelled, though Savio did go on to build another Jungla based on the 126. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714409859203042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVGb3CDBhYln81VTMZT5pq-hA8kNWzFxyHS6EsqXgu5D6vQyJJqv-oDA6zyHG9cqsY728EYZ1xZG70Xqo3NsSl1fjxB_P3x0SgxLS8cdaXXTMeKvDT6tZUgwz56SV_bQfVEyKIVSjw40/s320/savio+jungla.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714026989460114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3hiiMt6apK6DzWR_uALm5HqL6wjSZjbJC8eb7qTDM7GrYzSZMhA-OUgMvuauGlt5zL4KU8PuR9iA-4ZK5eGIPS1xA59MRSkIi3eincj1dYlXI4OyjQh5GENGblj_qXaioPCGtM-em2s/s320/fiat+savio.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714401098847394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYotugaP8yYNtcQ_V8Vuu3XtuboMQdvgeEHiea5vbtQ-UyWI-n1zGgtWgqf0ibttAoh4FpGyakBNBrWYHB9DfARz6HNgkA29Or5KHuQHWRu0KTdYZ1d6Am4T74cqnRG_irlwt8YrOLqbM/s320/savio+jungla+2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714030154971266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLX1jXFqU9EXELiwYpJnytHPzYeJStBW7DRJwQHnjkL1DCdDZYboF1lq6r_abcKQUmMgCHFLQS2kAJtSvgtVHyIcoau28vipC5r6-OkrsfCh1QMRXzdidRR2ZM9OynxXT-D5GIHaHvv8/s320/jungla.jpg" /> </span><span style="color:#000000;"></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">SIATA Spring<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Italian coachbuilder SIATA designed the Spring to mimic English roadsters like the MG TC. Startnig with an 850 platform with an 843cc water-cooled four-cylinder, SIATA added a retro body that they built in-house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To complete the vintage look the car could be fitted with wire wheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Spring cost roughly the same as an 850 Spider when it hit showrooms in 1967 and many of them were exported to the U.S.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">SIATA went out of business in 1970 so production theoretically ended then but there’s a twist: the Rivolta family of ISO fame bought the SIATA assembly lines and continued to produce the Spring using Seat mechanical bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seat was part of the Fiat group at the time so the parts were similar but several details changed, including the use of a slightly more powerful version of the 843cc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The car was rechristened the Seat-ORSA Spring Special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Production lasted until 1974, when ISO went under. </span></span></span></p> <span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615715196640607746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_wXbCZAlRMX4zPDZFK3ZnpBZAKmvrUpw3M8QVNJhLSRznWFvYwG18og6Lkw9Xayk7PO5LUQsdIJzbbwnxoVhUhGHknQ46Hse10PTNB2SeXDRbfPujhk-g9TkFonbQ_-YMPhjEtmNVCU/s320/SiataSpring850.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615715200247137250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjck3MC_WJWae5jKmpf0s74TGLqxX0Hec1Iot9n4TiA2-q62Hkq6mqWnKsI3z6ZS-TuCUU32cIgAdaRgbq9jnG4WQp3S8HpZYrpt8BN8a_qpRAtxijaL-1ixVaimJ_UAeLZ2sCn788KFjM/s320/SiataSpring850II.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615715203739189986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMja5G9kgoF2R2t34jiM8zKJW4eyqTPm03kyPnDx3fCfHFDBGjXNJuRC9nwQDX4O5lTppDT-jZJt763KftL_1Dvw_9KYJ-9SlHa1Pl_k4NXJ7HXHbH4H393N3VG6S05sYpgf7N21t9uc/s320/siataUS.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Moretti Sportiva<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Introduced in 1967, the aerodynamic Moretti Sportiva looked like a poor man’s Dino from the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Fiat 850 emblem on the back of it betrayed its origins: it was powered by the 850’s 843cc four-cylinder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A beefed up 982cc (62hp) version of that engine was also available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The first version of it was the Sportiva S2, a two-seater available either as a coupe or as a Transformabile, essentially a coupe with a large cloth sunroof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By popular demand Moretti launched the Sportiva S4 2+2 a year later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">A big selling point for the Sportiva was the possibility to customize it as one pleased, a tendency that is making a comeback today in premium small cars such as the <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">Citroën DS3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Sportiva could be ordered with metallic paint, Borrani wheels, electric windows, an entire panoply of interior upholstery and so on.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></p></span></span></span></span></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" >Production ended in 1971 and it is estimated that less than 1,000 of them were built.<o:p></o:p></span></p><o:p></o:p> <span style="color:#000000;"></span> <span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615715212161620402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUQc3J9wWkdosHOQWUZEN8qVJnlBl6OU3mmKnF3DEFS0cAzLFHdBUGbhbUFP6NR8KfpxWire4ONZiBC36udb1hC3okBNlSUhci2pr8LQT743MF3if7HauOFFhpUen_cHL751Wvm4kimU/s320/sportiva.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ferves Ranger<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ferves stands for Ferrari Veicoli Speciali.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is no connection between them and the Ferrari that probably came to mind as you read that, the name is simply a coincidence; Ferrari is a common last name in Italy, and the man behind the Ranger’s full name was Carlo Ferrari.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The tiny 4x4 Ranger was launched at the 1966 Turin Motor Show and like the Jungla above it was a melting pot of Fiat parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The suspension and brakes came from the 600D, the front driveshafts came from the Autobianchi Primula and the 499cc air-cooled two-cylinder was borrowed from the 500 F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It also used the 500’s four-speed gearbox-differential unit though the Ranger’s differential ratio was shorter than of a standard 500.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ferves claimed the Ranger was good for approximately 50mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had an unbelievably tiny wheelbase that gave it a bad tendency to roll but that aside, it was a fairly capable off-roader.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Later versions came with a five-speed gearbox and that included a granny gear and a system that permitted the front wheels to be locked in an effort to simulate a locking differential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As odd of a setup as it may seem, it was said to be effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>A 4x2 version was also available towards the end of its production run.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Most of the Rangers built were four-seaters but a two-seat pickup was also offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both versions came with a windshield that folded down and with a soft top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Production ended in 1971 and it is estimated that less than 1,000 of them were built.</span></span> </span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714012537090450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64NmGBaKACZKwJX3cuwO7jGq8v8UqgIfJmPieNWa9Gwex-CxWqBq68ifK8SwyV4f41FGbWDWOcybSO5yOc-gl9aZ9lLWtU1COqLbHKdwqs0Kj9K23RIAWm8kc2pXfI-JZWgRMpGm1A6I/s320/Ferves_ranger_4x2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714018716204290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPpPUHsguAjh7sQI3V_tXD9MeoDD6u4Na_hmI9NLATQPy6Blv0sj-wdBtH8YFLbzdCRqwtHayDMlreJLj5Ua5glDB0o7A5P-Un2F9_wNggd1RknefOQnFR3KsJMp3qv2OG6ZDTiPKzvQ/s320/ferves_ranger_cutaway_65.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714009170858466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_EUbj1-f9DHnDkbEHETro42dWUXw6TrkgaEkuKlsGU-TlXxv92jWf8KoRRbcJEkFVd5UlEyVyn3xvwd3NojUQ5-qhOK-JM9dtZgaL7oHNSeMmAc3AW4gT580ylG5KP_FJsop6nerG18/s320/ferves+ranger3.jpg" /></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Francis Lombardi Lucciola<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Francis Lombardi’s story is an interesting one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He fought for Italy in WWI was a decorated pilot in the Italian Air Force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In 1938 he started his own airplane company called AVIA (Azionari Vercellese Industrie Aeronautiche).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The company built a twin-seat training/touring plane called the L3 that Lombardi designed himself. After WWII he turned to building wood-paneled station wagon versions of Fiat 1100s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">His first 600-based model was the Lucciola (firefly in Italian) that he presented in 1956.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was based on a standard 600 but was much more upscale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Its rear window was larger than that of the standard 600 and it was available with two-tone paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A very interesting convertible version of this car was also made in extremely limited numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In 1958 he presented a new Lucciola: it was an elegant four-door 600 and the rear doors opened in a suicide fashion like in the Lancia Appia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was no B-pillar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The front seats were swapped out for a single bench seat to create the impression of sitting in a large, luxurious sedan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Lucciola wore a non-functional chrome grille on the front and chrome trim decorated the car all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">He updated the Lucciola in 1963 by fitting a larger 767cc engine from the 600D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A concept car with four forward-hinged doors was built but never saw the light of production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Much like the two-door version precious few Lucciola four-door sedans were built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However they were successful enough that Lombardi went on to modify a lot of other Fiats including the 850, the 126, the 127, the 500, and even Alfas, Volkswagens and NSUs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>His carrozzeria is a good example of what was being done with Fiats during those years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He built pickups, sedans, convertibles, coupes, and so on.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"> <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714384415721954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ws4Mizvl45iskThJBcWc5WJJPDwZTwHPBqmy3o0nxh2qRnE-xOeLo7RJmvS3aZpa7cCrDdosV-wRVzHeOtd6Gfk4qFtWX6GaAufv8R_WWMeDNpt7mwK9jUzSigdkurQRwvxgyNIywaY/s320/francislombardiconvertible.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714393480498626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-434XgRIKH22fYbMBMogBhzTbdJ1K-YkJSnOZ9m0ha-GGO2QDG162Xe_xcQq9JR3lcCPa_NE12Xdz3-l4Cj8CdaLt7rj7nRFDFUcB_-BuvaEnMQJ32lhb1M2eL9wm8Ub8bDSKyBbiFKM/s320/lombardi%2525201960%252520lucciola_ad.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615714387391127058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmI6oHTUu_8JmrqPHB44iDOp1z8n_STBMtoIK8C5HIivA4nVsyBwQQRhxGSTJk4CT5_NS9fOh97g_G0V7_ET1K-_QY7Uh1oWeIc4lVoJCQ7e8WHH63ghAjjgptlocnTX_1LpXhcHsL_xI/s320/linux%252520small_stampe_A_4_600_html_mc88be6c.jpg" /></span></p> </FONT></FONT></FONT>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-24738430415375716032011-05-30T18:18:00.007-06:002011-05-30T23:06:55.907-06:00Developing the death-proof car.<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">As a result of rising death rates in auto crashes, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched the Experimental Safety Vehicle program in 1970.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The program was intended as a way for various automakers to learn more about both passive and active safety in cars and apply that knowledge to production cars in the next ten or so years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">It consisted of building prototypes that met certain requirements: they had to keep passengers alive in a 50mph crash into a solid barrier, withstand side impacts at 30mph, protect the car’s occupants in a 75mph rear end collision, and survive two complete rollovers at 60-70mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Some of the guidelines revolved around handling so manufacturers couldn’t simply turn an economy sedan into an armored tank that destroyed everything in its way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The prototypes had to stop from 60mph within 155 feet on a dry road, accelerate from 30 to 70mph in less than 12 seconds with a 60% load and make an abrupt 180 degree turn at 70mph without rolling over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The test cars were organized by weight classes: 1500 pounds, 2000 pounds, 2500 pounds and 4000 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Part of the guidelines was, of course, that the cars actually respect the weight limit in each class, something most of the participating manufacturers had a hard time doing given the extra equipment they bolted on to each car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">These prototypes were remarkable in both the effort and resources put forth to develop and build them but also in the far-fetched ideas that some manufacturers came up with in order to supposedly make a car safer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Popular Mechanics hit the nail on the head when in June of 1972 they observed that “the world may never want to place an ESV in production, but we sure want the answers the cars can give us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">We picked a few ESV prototypes to take a look at but it’s far from an exhaustive list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Looking at all of them would take ages; lots of manufacturers took part in the program including Opel, Renault, GM and Nissan.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">American Machine & Foundry AMF 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">AMF has manufactured a vast variety of products: bicycles, tennis rackets, golf clubs, snowmobiles and even Harley Davidson motorcycles, just to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Conspicuously absent from that list are cars, but they gave the ESV program a shot anyways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their prototype was part of the 4000 pound category but weighed a whopping 5,791 pounds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>It had a steel body with aluminum bumpers that had a thirty inch (!) travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Rear visibility was assured by a submarine-like periscope, visible on the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Like many other ESV prototypes it had airbags to protect the occupants and AMF took it further by adding automatic fire extinguishers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is remembered as one of the best ESVs built by an American company.</span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612735376106526818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJsrpJrU2KpaiSgrbNj_2kRhlq7wWN4xHEVn1sv7vmKKdEFJX4pEpmoTyU5ZiQ3JHZReCWZbXO8v1N-89UNoyJRGjOvj1cVOTpAZs78lJwq2HB5OLrMcqwbm6LWdIaYpb_rIvBr7ogIo/s320/ESV-1.jpg" /> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Fiat ESV 1500<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Fiat’s ESV for the 1500 pound category was one of the three the company built in the early 1970s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The other two were in the 2000 pound and 2500 pound category, respectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">To develop the 1500 pound ESV Fiat used crash test data from the 500. The prototype uses a 500 running gear with a slightly bigger engine to counter the added weight, though the use of 126 parts is noticeable as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This one met most DOT requirements for its weight class including fire protection, safe driving in foggy weather and pedestrian safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The requirement it didn’t meet was the weight – it weighed a little over 1700 pounds in a weight class limited to 1500 pounds. </span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612735379809899330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRBhaCaFF_ybZt_UhJx9BaZeOinPT6PrDkgNVlUqFlypnLQYacsNkRpK5tyv6AghzBfWo8WoEwA-r3FQO1uiEa8P_doosoo5B8xK5UGD2mBZkQEWWUEUGFLLr5wUfq_knqf0M9nnQB3g/s320/ESV-2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612738600267497170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFw0loqRqS6db4IYw0bI8GzI8ju9_L-ZtEzg6eC0CDqTEGlssmCACEJQWmqAkZoeaj9KVMVUEvTT9Gnv05yf9uqhAa-eDxwkcFdYXS6lRUPtW7ECz6QlpUUbaXy7qCk-6II5A1A6cI50/s320/fiat_e_s_v__large_37057.jpg" /> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ford ESV<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Unlike a lot of other ESVs Ford’s prototype was based entirely on an existing production car, the LTD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Compared to the car found on dealer lots, the LTD ESV had a longer hood and a shorter trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like the AMF above it was part of the 4000 pound category and also like the AMF, it weighed considerably more: the Ford tipped the scales at almost 5,300 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Compared to a stock LTD the brakes and suspension were modified to comply with the DOT’s handling requirements, including the addition of an ABS system that acted only on two wheels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>The bumpers were hydraulically retractable to withstand a 10mph crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Both Ford and GM charged the government $1 for the development of their ESVs. </span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612735385067333522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAYz6_0NnK3PRiTEJ_AFtkMuEpH0tZ9JED0CEwoOlLFgLQETyHygZaVOGRJEFcbgGDevBnwYze1ohIt4VbA97rq7Hii_e4iSV2d2aM-NsrpD0FJ2QtyQ9Q84UrxqCpmPHS3JpuqoE1uM/s320/ESV-3.jpg" /> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Honda ESV</span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> <br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"> Honda’s ESV was not an ESV in the true sense of the term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead they tried to build a mass-produced car to ESV standards, the same path that Ford followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ford did much better than Honda but they were starting with a bigger and heavier car; Honda was starting with a Civic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Honda strengthened the Civic’s body all around, including the door pillars to increase protection in a rollover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The engine was the same 55hp unit found in the production car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Because of miscellaneous setbacks revolving around the Civic’s tiny size, the prototype took a year longer to complete than the other ESVs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612735396957262994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HxNSpat0NBwmYBtSHJn1h-4ITRRaGkVLm2ZSaSvRqAgtnXABOwyBbyU6es4b1HK0q_Z1Ekaz7o9dADg29TKim48glppmu3igNCUNrPjHAi_05nVheNggYYtVWIhCPgsRu2O1qeEHlTw/s320/ESV-4.jpg" /> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Mercedes-Benz ESF 22<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Mercedes was very active in the ESV program: the ESF 22 was their third prototype after the ESF 5 in September of 1971 and the ESF 13 in 1972.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>First two prototypes were based on a w114 250 sedan but the ESF 22 was based on the w116 450 SE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The ESF 22 used ABS brakes all around and experimented with airbags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Although the ESF 22’s long hood kept occupants alive even in the event of a 40mph crash against a solid structure, Mercedes’ prototypes did not comply with all of the DOT-mandated requirements in the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mercedes built a fourth and final one, the ESF 24, and called it quits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612735404287845778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFMs9pVlti7i-9j0AhJPRuV-GpRvVenkeEqA-rirL_SGmPZLv9aoGR6u2lfylgYhmDfd0B_jH2qxxBuAQ05ZR2hVaHdsL_JJ9vmuCruFS5uUd_tklWmDyME436OzK_J8ltRK-wuCfdM4/s320/ESV-5.jpg" /> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">MG SSV 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">This was another small car entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>MG started with a B GT body and added equipment such as a heads up display for the speedometer, airbags, big rubber bumpers and a self leveling suspension that would be later outlawed by DOT.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">MG drunk driver-proofed the car by having a little colorful sequence show up on a screen when the key was inserted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Before the car would start, the driver would have to reproduce the sequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The driver had three tries; if by the third the correct sequence had not been entered, the car would be impossible to start for an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The idea was that if someone was drunk enough, they wouldn’t be able to reproduce the sequence in the right order.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">One of the few features from the SSV 1 to make it on a production MG are the huge rubber bumpers, though certain MG owners have reported seeing a sequence of flashing lights on the dash followed by their car not starting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612736285761743634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZdP4v0QHxqXdWc4Mk0SvZONoZF01RKVGMAgO2dr-2guId18eebctUlb_TA4eMsM_X3pVin1LhLi5kLY_oE7b70eCh4pu8IS30RwvlQuTUFd807E04lUiyXYYyC2IfH9o1Guh0oyJ6QU/s320/ESV-7.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTD8LQtPQ02SNpfqb-Sfn3ZAfDCMKFhl6MF8qtce7sDu1Il8efI2Cs8AlZamBIqKmlhiNyT3W1CWkrnT89mDwDmj8wNkK5X7sN75Zr4bQPF30W8kpLIabGiXzaQbL9pDs3S07ThzufVU/s1600/ssv1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612738605030614914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTD8LQtPQ02SNpfqb-Sfn3ZAfDCMKFhl6MF8qtce7sDu1Il8efI2Cs8AlZamBIqKmlhiNyT3W1CWkrnT89mDwDmj8wNkK5X7sN75Zr4bQPF30W8kpLIabGiXzaQbL9pDs3S07ThzufVU/s320/ssv1.jpg" /></a> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Toyota ESV<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Toyota took a smaller approach to the ESV prototype: they developed a 2500 pound two-seater coupe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was powered by a 1700cc mated to an automatic transmission, seen as safer than a manual transmission since it was run by a computer and not a human.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The prototype was packed full of electronics, including a system that adjusted the brightness of the headlight based on the car’s speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The car also had radars to scope out the road ahead for obstacles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If one was found too close and the radar judged that a collision was unavoidable, it would send a signal to deploy the “gasbags”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The car also used what Toyota called failure warning board, a sort of on-board computer that monitored brake fluid level, engine oil level, etc.<br /></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612736292024946642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3a3eLG1V_ltSEwzcg6k6hvpGxjq_NwuIX4M8SXx4SOjS8M6l35l2X-RvqXNK8PzzDshmg8j2kWK9AVFnRlOz-mhBT2mLlI61P8sW5Ep9eqeJzdnz4mVCjz3_HVEz7m87vLMcveCMKKac/s320/ESV-10.jpg" /></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Volkswagen ESVW-I<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Staying true to Volkswagen tradition, their ESV had a 1700cc rear-mounted air-cooled engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It developed 100 hp and was fully compliant with U.S. emissions.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Interestingly enough Volkswagen opted not to use airbags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, they had seatbelts that automatically restrained passengers in the event of a crash thanks to gas-fired pistons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The car was equipped with what Volkswagen called a “silent co-pilot” system that calculated how much crosswind was hitting the car and from what side and electronically compensated the steering for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">On the outside the bumpers didn’t stick out near as much as other prototypes and period Volkswagen literature bragged that their ESV had a “nearly normal” appearance, as opposed to other cars in the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Volkswagen built a second ESV in 1974, the ESVW – II, based on a first generation Golf/Rabbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They exited the program soon after because they realized that the safety features would be too costly to implement in a production car.<br /></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612736297057784962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8uedOWvLRl0CN3IDI6aEMp_otfRG2Wg5Bxzmq4LH6lZKcxRddDlRZhNvAEcQqcaWHBuPzMcjrZczsngQksQpKt1nDFu4j-LcrJiml5qduMDnSt0XK4Zn3y5Vclgvd-fTRyzYfP3ZyFU/s320/ESV-9.jpg" /></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> <span style="color:#000000;">Volvo VESC<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Volvo has always been a leader in auto safety so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they started developing the VESC in 1969, a full year before the DOT started the ESV program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With that said it was not developed with any of the program guidelines in mind but excelled anyways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It weighed a few pounds shy of 3,200 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The bumper had a seven inch travel distance to absorb shock and the engine was designed to get pushed under the floor in the event of a front collision, something Mercedes introduced on their W168 A-Class in 1997.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To effectively stop the car ABS was fitted on all four wheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the inside, occupants were protected by both front and rear airbags.</span></p> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612736301514166002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTezCy3PrY5FVZWjQZXmso01HIbLiH_fIHcCjTXrXGwNjPkcyLLc2CBkODR5YwllEqCtmL4NMnf9G7DT7LNxn9WPegQwR68Bjy8WENcewf9g1KCOeLw_qFp2upIkEKaS1qeyWxbQC8m10/s320/ESV-11.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMX78fPoebNJJtNmKqgnU8SAWLB63jZELJC2qqNJNvD2vqv0INUxqB5TgD_EZeBqDLk3SyKSbB_Ilh7XrglJTP4nLYXLyKtZur35zlr2k7wMso2D3j05UHKXKx1x3wuDbGjYsbEAnV_c/s1600/S0-VESC-FILE-photo19357-55915.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612738603204307410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMX78fPoebNJJtNmKqgnU8SAWLB63jZELJC2qqNJNvD2vqv0INUxqB5TgD_EZeBqDLk3SyKSbB_Ilh7XrglJTP4nLYXLyKtZur35zlr2k7wMso2D3j05UHKXKx1x3wuDbGjYsbEAnV_c/s320/S0-VESC-FILE-photo19357-55915.jpg" /></a>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-64093172069627517202011-05-25T19:49:00.010-06:002011-05-25T20:18:40.859-06:00What's in your garage?<p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610841709980387090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpv8UOUlzKnzIsgG8Szxo6Et9b5l7McMIeEiUGUyM9s_Wr4ELqqmuZb96dWMJ8PD3zRvsB-pSKBJml94PxsYw2eR3KZwFSzbTv1hIfIcQ4k6SYYxIa6Px8Pv9A1YvGFoowvCLL4B3ISI/s320/milano.jpg" />The links at the top of this page titled "Ronan's Garage" and "Ian's Garage" showcase what we drive around in or spend our time under.<br /></span></p><span style="color:#000000;">We want to start featuring reader cars on the site, about one per month to start off with. If you have one (or more!) you'd like us to feature, send us an email at ranwhenparked at hotmail dot com with a brief history of it (how long you've had it, etc) and three or four pictures we can use. </span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br />This is new and we don't know how many folks will actually be interested. If you send us an email and we don't choose your car this month, don't worry, it will have its fifteen minutes of fame another time.</span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br />Thanks for reading.</span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-19712869542429464932011-05-20T19:40:00.017-06:002011-05-21T19:43:57.660-06:00Test mules.<span style="font-family:Calibri;color:black;">For as long as the automotive press has existed journalists have been trying to get a peak at new models before their official launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some folks even make a career out of it, chasing camouflaged BMWs down a French back road to get that one good shot of a future model that no one has seen yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When pictures are not available journalists sometimes illustrate what they think new models will look like with varying accuracy. </span> <br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In response to that and in an effort to keep details of a new car secret until the last minute, manufacturers have camouflaged their cars in various ways that range from stickers to an entire new body.</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We're taking a look at some past test cars from this cat and mouse game.</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Mercedes-Benz w114/w115. </strong></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608982282467183602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9-G9LfmNFMQ7KHcK-METRFmQdbZMMhrpRQq78h7EwN7g74aZx1Z1JQLtMv7oFj9TDBtvC26vJZIS5Zg2XKUa-wq6fsXVArbphibtgRL0QdUyAj2KW08tCJnxIwl2sL4TD4jBMeBtt74/s320/DSC08301.JPG" />This 1965 illustration was published in Germany’s Der Spiegel newspaper to give readers an idea of what the upcoming w114/w115 stroke eight models would look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The w114/w115's official launch didn't come until 1968 so not many details were available when the illustration was drawn and it relies on w113 SL styling cues. The end result looks like a 1960s CLS. </span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Production car:</span> <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000417533167474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY-bECdhVISeE8j6wK-eed6r_7MbbAA7mHIWfvkQ7N5zinBWz1A7Bz68ItrDmsHB5r3cWFJ7jScelFbq_BMaMdZs6FxcMfs8aotjuLaTGfcsnp1IgecHbKoTR5nr0DVlJA1MBzdHhOzI/s320/w114.jpg" /> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></p></span><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Fiat X1/9.</span></strong></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983595504216578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCrhcSlYNsEtuTd4QkhsJi6VYFPMiyz2VQdmFvJv1aQCdfRlJoOOoxaPNBcOFwdKNFQeo00Jo3hNV7xtx1DNyYuDzjGT5e_ctjRQc3APAa-LnCa0AiGqs7314TQupzl7aPvm5UMWVO1A/s320/x192.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983335343035026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2kD2YQNe-ScRBKihqUTZlR99sSplrEtazA8KNEOmL2tfx_WUQ87mdl9c9tIFp8p-x_GYjkivgs9zp_0qDR5USC3M6dKVCH2zH9Qffl3OlaO4ZExRQehuWMFT5hbh6Tg56PkgOpEtdls/s320/x19.jpg" />The doors are recognizable as being the same ones on the production model and the air vent gave away that the engine was not in the front but the rest of the car was given a new body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fiat must have done a remarkable job at fooling the press: at the time they called the car the 127 Spider when it was based on the 128.</span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Production car:</span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000411861372242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv0BjPJEzCVChL6CyIbIcgaapgN4kPwclQyT2hzYfdrJ5J7VN2Z3CHlcINbE0iJgDkn0IBUmtFgAmn82TBHKU12-hR5EtG1y4sJsMgPhxiytvI-UbLJxIcSGiy2I1zE8NxwsbOsZVTRE/s320/x193.jpg" /></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><strong>Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT.</strong></span><br /></p><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:black;"> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14.25pt"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608982273637529650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ht2wO-vGzVNMXa_pTIWnLv518fBfw6Zp3zPqcdAALxZ6XhpRX_F_YdxUUhQstO8-GOu-RuaGF0E30Gg1edxKkXk0pD-9sNxkB42RKn0h-KXFpxrfK1vtcm0u4yQLqsbLS7Zid8Fx6S8/s320/alfetta.jpg" />This early test car gives away the general shape of the Alfetta but it doesn't give away any of the mechanical bits (DeDion rear suspension, rear-mounted transaxle) that would surprise the public in 1972, the year the Alfetta was launched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The front and the wheels look like they’re from a 2000 GTV.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Production car:</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000187221495186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhfZjoc-Oi62E8-p7GIK4l4hc28hRG3uhQtkNnvB51fdQZII6Lk5Vn3v0-IEylIEIIj4hGPsA0GQ2OiqUyFTkfpu4oOaOJvpGE37bBTQLH56glfcB-T958YFLIgxBJrJ1zbyZa45sbRU/s320/alfetta2.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><strong>Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint. </strong></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983317888188242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rZkGH9z-oKncSgwRzT4LV56eW7SD-Q-TR28vF0rfTrx3MlWK2X8tOgkHReUr64gEz0KI27y4RSKv9bYbBkhaTTHj4TYdNkz6fIZVdUCR0KzFd0weHlHa-AvI5b4tPACTaY-wzmfS5TM/s320/sud.jpg" /></span></o:p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;">By the mid-1970s rumors of an Alfasud coupe were materializing and a spy photographer shot these pictures on a test track about a year before the car’s 1976 launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The picture shows a car that is close to the production model but heavily camouflaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Still, the basic window and door lines are there.</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> </p></span> <span style="font-family:Calibri;"> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;">Production car:</span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000181562823618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWCuvKuqvSRm6JDU4DT2Mw9oyaNJFuclYzwvuCpKiEbAy1cCGE-1Xtru0AdQiQKO3ITCpQILzKoIq6yEOhudwkYu5qUqRhFdnCgn8A5-qWDqSjkyu2WeyUQJ6UoGmXMlwM5gTBAjhvxI/s320/alfasud.jpg" /></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><strong>Fiat Ritmo/Strada.</strong></span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983309057534274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwoI8VysTT2O-ZSXfZLSmgP6RK26COQ5viiH5OhtlTjv2zvh8cuaN6hFPbtmSQzShSDeB6X5HuLew3KoZXspOgb5EJHWt4_qK2I_mnPNAgjnWwqeWQmMZ-pLMuffkewKElh9JjWc_jxw/s320/ritmo2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608982289934579906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRcLlQHJpD8UI5cGnex6ZML6m45Y3Jpm6EE8sYe8wxb8LPVaylZsbavk8pvBu7ee-3EVtg7XrEJYe3_2OBqiUMzPyVoZpdV-M5jPJHVblkrYm-MREXvRJ4Qc_XhUEVVPym9a7WX5kgbw/s320/ritmo.jpg" />The first illustration was drawn by French magazine Auto Journal in 1977.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their design is a bit too futuristic but all things considered, it’s surprisingly close to the production model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> As a side note, w</span>hen this image was published the magazine's headline read: "the new Fiat 138, an Italian Renault 14!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The second illustration is a factory prototype.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The front is mostly free of camouflage and reveals the production car’s face but the rest is kept a secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fiat even went as far as masking the Ritmo’s round door handles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Production car: </span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000201713897362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bjQFBe4VRB9GZ-4r3IeRhDa0Zqa5KEKkJDas9zpXiLMBsOrn-eSluAb20dvlkp6ZzaFzROhNGgU4SRqGzqTN6pKqvoBjPr1HqIXnnTe06ONFGBNgdOO6xLO1hXEI4xhMU9iL52yS77E/s320/ritmo4.jpg" /></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong>Mercedes-Benz w126.</strong> <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983333234443714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqfuWK-_0NbM5nYXXVEugdmUMTuxTFIXqyaUnfkdSp-AE-IOxcBBL6gwFEE99BwTtUpEBG8lmK6Ppv4llf6PCjc6Gn_aOfL6Wxx0UnXagOGLMyllcXNFKvxOClaHiBVK7YpEYXWFCqjE/s320/w1262.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608983322233991106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc-STDigUw4H1Jqk_9LckRgEOzLnBTCvF8dljvgxqoYG-WyiCxqMSb-VVMIFtByfAm6XL7sUdHA7T_D0c1kT2S9qkME1ML0CcQAEjCCeR-pyot-RZWyYV8PYREJLN8Tp2hyphenhyphenvEqSMPycc/s320/w126.jpg" />The first photo was taken in Tunisia, where the w126 was undergoing hot weather tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The design is pretty close to the production model but the front is heavily camouflaged with trim on the headlights and a bull bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All Mercedes emblems were stripped off the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The second photo was taken on an unidentified test track and looks to be a prototype: the shape is slightly more angular than a production w126 and the taillights are completely different.</span> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></p></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;">Production car:</span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000199753557826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPRV6LHg7Lolv5eC2u1v9f34QBDOnCko2LBO8GVbkz9-rs5NKMrlavr1ngPH_LQ5Bgr2O7aebJIIRYoZcsbFeFNw5BZVw0fbjV3NIsGtFw3XgLqWYesBK4z5sKbQ_ajWkLzn3LH4DnUA/s320/w1236.jpg" /></span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><strong>Citroen BX:</strong></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608982280792650050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4T5-fX0sNaWUnOPecNJ7cF1SepD7VcNU1BTCnJU-g4b70wW57eYY6Y7aim5PI7XJsjL05DrGokPigPEtdLB0kBoZyEz1_Dr7lTp5u-wvte8TtXbmZZZbyJhqQgbxcHUSkpd-mouNpcI/s320/bx.jpg" />While at first glance this looks like a GS prototype, it was taken in 1979 and hides a BX drivetrain under the hood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Careful observers will notice the BX/C15 four-lug steel wheel, a dead giveaway of what the GS body is hiding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Saab pulled a similar trick to test out the 99’s chassis and drivetrain: they used a widened 96 body and figured no one would notice the difference.</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></p></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;">Production car: </span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609000189789225666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD9PN00Jvz3fKVdtjjxFcGtTOZjUnrqmTtHcz7qsTpIvUcc6NIwjLST6s8pW99cAqgU9fg9SjZNiKqTjQOedLkqEPZJxriR14xMFhk1RvfCl_bGN3OOoo0XD6xjzihR7X2eBwl29Pa2o/s320/bx2.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Seat Toledo:</span><br /></span></strong></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608982289865680082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjczLrSKXRdDnhESms-zZnBivqq_p5JC58xXaIqVQ8trbSKWs2tBRFa0hBrKzolcVilv1Ia6lL-mzachv1rimSyCnz1UJqm0HsbJfc2BDH0y-01SqKkLm0BQjt0qbwfR-pMeyjFQkzO54/s320/jetta.jpg" />The Volkswagen badge on the hood does a very good job at camouflaging what this is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first guess that comes to mind is an mk3 Jetta and that’s close but no cigar: it’s a Seat Toledo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The badge is not as random as it might seem since the Toledo was the first Seat designed entirely by Volkswagen and shared its A2 platform with the mk2 Golf and Jetta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal">Production car: </span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609235813436392706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvj1Ep80pBjYe1zQ_xg-5f6GyuqoM-Iek6nLWag6Xyv1dA0XkcsK98Q3MSlAh09dMMGR9vgU21w5ZZk5gaZ08bYVdAm4OEJrc4oIXoUVxLJnilwtYX8b9LNbByM_Y4wQ5yJH4yeL2iVCU/s320/toledo.jpg" /> </span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-45577142156802516162011-05-10T09:01:00.002-06:002011-05-10T09:07:50.647-06:00Caption contest: Renault 6.<span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span> <br /><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Just for fun, how would you caption this picture from a late 1960s Renault 6 brochure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Leave us a comment below or on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ran-When-Parked/263103353277?closeTheater=1">Facebook </a></span><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ran-When-Parked/263103353277?closeTheater=1">page</a></span><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaF7sMbTVIRrLFSVunhy5vDlSovjuDODvyUJA83qC9LqN3IqzK69l8yXWorBANTDUf6hpZdBo80X38SY1QLrdeZZXIIJ_Vu1az1a1FZBITT8gKG1VZrzf5XS45kh62dYhbnPPjVRRkqg/s1600/r6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605104339909166498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaF7sMbTVIRrLFSVunhy5vDlSovjuDODvyUJA83qC9LqN3IqzK69l8yXWorBANTDUf6hpZdBo80X38SY1QLrdeZZXIIJ_Vu1az1a1FZBITT8gKG1VZrzf5XS45kh62dYhbnPPjVRRkqg/s320/r6.jpg" /></a></p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-76143014814898216172011-05-06T09:07:00.008-06:002011-05-06T09:46:20.884-06:00Offbeat offroader: the Citroën AX 4x4.<span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603620483388143746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwpSXfr4CcPjWlZzaUDjnHCEvS0XQN_tbD9Xl58Gyl3oqGIkK2BILfa7wedsfpkVGbzKedBsjFSkCAaXSzarF4wTpyqp3Eth3x8OqrA2SUPyS7_j0zAQXspSPnUDpDeJl1FVUYAM2BP4/s320/ax1.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The European 4x4 market in the late 1970s was essentially limited to expensive offerings like the Range Rover, the Land Rover Series III and the Mercedes <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Geländewagen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Buyers who couldn’t afford those flocked towards the Lada Niva, a cheap and seriously capable 4x4</span> launched in 1976 and still in production today. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In its first few years of existence the Niva had almost no competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fiat fired first in 1983 with the Panda 4x4 and again in 1986 with the Lancia Y10 4WD i.e. (based on the Panda 4x4). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Volkswagen followed suit in 1990 with the Golf Country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Citroen’s turn came in 1991.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They killed two birds with one stone that year: they facelifted their AX line and introduced two new models to inaugurate it, the GTI and the 4x4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both were powered by the same 1360cc four-cylinder gas engine but the 4x4’s was detuned to 75hp (vs. 95hp for the GTI).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took 12.9 seconds to reach 62mph.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Both three-door and five-door AX 4x4s were available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This gave the car a slight advantage over the Panda and the Y10 since they were only available as three-doors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Compared to a standard AX the 4x4 sat 2.5 centimeters (about an inch) higher off the ground and had specific plastic trim on the side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A discrete 4x4 emblem on the hatch gave away the presence of a rear axle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The AX 4x4 was the most expensive affordable four wheel drive on the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In 1993 a three-door cost 80,900 francs and a five-door cost 83,900, significantly more than the Fiat Panda 4x4’s 62,800 francs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By comparison, a base model Golf sold for 73,900 francs that same year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Under normal driving the 4x4’s rear wheels spun freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The rear axle was hydraulically engaged at the hit of a switch located on the center console.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Because the system had no central differential Citroen recommended not driving over dry pavement for prolonged periods of time with the four wheels engaged. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>While the AX 4x4 was excellent on slippery terrains and dirt roads, its limited ground clearance meant that it couldn’t be used for serious offroading like a Niva or a Panda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The four wheel drive system made the AX 4x4 the heaviest of the lineup, tipping the scales at 825 kilos (1818 pounds), or 300 pounds more than a base AX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another disadvantage was that body had to be modified to accomodate the rear axle, eating up precious trunk space.</span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Like many French cars </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">the AX was available in various special editions that ranged from economy to luxury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 4x4 wasn’t spared from this and the Piste Rouge edition was introduced in 1992.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a limited edition of 400 cars that were better equipped (and consequently more expensive) than a standard 4x4, though an A/C was still not available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was only built in red and with three doors and kept the same 13” wheels as the standard model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A sunroof, a three-spoke steering wheel and tinted windows all came standard and it had the AX Sport’s bumpers with integrated fog lights up front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Production of the 4x4 carried on until July 1996.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By that point Citroen had launched a replacement for the AX, the Saxo, and AX sales slowly declined until the final one rolled off the assembly line in 1998.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The AX 4x4 is far from common today but there are still some putting around the mountainous regions of Europe.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;color:#000000;" > </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;color:#000000;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603620484794225058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2PO2ZewxW0SzSKRbXknXrB_iePbNFOiBynY7nAg_zVlkh4X5BhbzmodMIDl1_z7hTMeXDf2AwemMnBTu7YX8ndUtdKTKn87tJo1n4NE6av-Jw4XMJwsphyRf3j1hRBi1U1DuV99peuY/s320/ax2.png" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603620500679914066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwbL0B3u874TCVV-awvFl59h1aErWfJAi4dCBLcOC6aZ9eYx_njU1wEtqnHN9awj2Hn7vSyDg6FsvL5zr9jI0yZIDJM7ViCpvYFWwl86j8Tnui3R6V_DsL4UW3nY5yQymOhqT1YmBUnY/s320/ax4.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603620494014823906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H18eOeWcXzSDJtxGzUbnMOSeDHU_jiewkx88vC8OD3AI12ZdjgNeqju3msJof2yD1K0JccV0_gl2MFgEHTOUjuSx3s2yjY9ODJgV71R_rQ16l5PpRfGFWjEcrfYL7c39dOUNyLfU95Q/s320/ax3.jpg" /></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">All photos copyright Ran When Parked 2011.</span></span></span></p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-3003535279393675412011-05-05T01:48:00.005-06:002011-05-05T02:43:52.835-06:00Ran When Parked forums.<span style="color:#000000;">We launched the Ran When Parked forums a few weeks ago. It's a great place to talk cars with like-minded people. You can show us your projet(s), get tech advice, look at car-related collectibles or share your own, etc.<br /><br />You can find the forums by clicking </span><a href="http://ranwhenparked.phpbb3now.com/index.php"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> or on this link: <a href="http://ranwhenparked.phpbb3now.com/index.php"><span style="color:#ff0000;">http://ranwhenparked.phpbb3now.com/index.php </span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><br /></span>Registration is absolutely free and there are no subscriptions fees to speak of, we promise. We're not going to ask you to give us a credit card number or to send us flat-twin parts in exchange.</span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-66584916891750388682011-04-29T08:55:00.017-06:002011-04-30T04:07:02.533-06:00Fàbrica Nacional de Motores.<span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021902785611650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhPkm5fU7LKFrsY75DA3_i0e3mC0QHruJdaozQqzN6fwqLITOHnJrcZ65OkWg9CCtIqn4pcVQSq7scscnNJCHD3Vyc3KMHn77kQs3z6shQtWud_B4V9eVaVXlYJjHLAK7wfG1Pm6Vtu8/s320/Fnm.png" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Some interesting variants of European cars have come out Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After Volkswagen do Brazil’s specific models and a Fiat Tempra coupe that the rest of the world never got, we’re looking at what Alfa built there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The story goes back to 1942 when General Antonio Guedes Muniz convinced the government to create Fàbrica Nacional de Motores (FNM from here on out).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The company obtained the license to build Curtiss-Wright airplane engines in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That was profitable at first but by 1947 demand had practically collapsed and FNM needed to move on to something else if they wanted to stay afloat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">They turned to truck building and inked a deal with Italy’s Isotta-Fraschini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They assembled D80 trucks that they purchased as CKD kits from Italy and sold them as the FNM 7300 on the local market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Isotta Fraschini went under in 1951, leaving FNM struggling once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">They found an unlikely partner in Alfa Romeo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the time Alfa was producing its own line of trucks and FNM bought the rights to produce the 430 and the 900 lines, called the FNM D9500 and the D11000 in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unlike the Isotta Fraschini trucks they were previously building, the Alfa-based trucks had specific bodywork for the Brazilian market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The first FNM cars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">As the alliance grew, FNM’s interest turned to passenger cars and they started entertaining the thought of building a sedan in Brazil based on the 102 series Alfa 2000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their first production car was introduced in 1960 under the moniker FNM JK – JK stood for Juscelino Kubitschek, Brazil’s president from 1956 to 1961.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Early cars were imported from Italy but production soon shifted to Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the first year of production a Brazilian-made JK won the Mil Milhas Brasileiras endurance race; things were off to a good start.</span></span> </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021910028793090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfO1N6RwtakMAz2xjJplNgb26t4LquCvw7Ye8QnOu1HOrP3LKeU2o8Y-GkUh7REG45yeMAKoGBtevcengdy2BOO-KvgbFCaFHVK0YSQ3l3IL0Nv9nGypomuM21pl5SPfdbPVeJNV6ah8/s320/FNM+2000.jpg" /></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The JK was a luxurious sedan meant for Brazil’s elite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had the advantage of being fairly modern in a time when its competitors, notably the Simca Chambord, were aging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had a dual cam 1975cc with a reduced compression ratio to deal with the lower octane gas that Brazil had at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mated to the four-cylinder was a five-speed synchronized transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The JK went from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 18 seconds, which was fairly respectable back in its day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Four finned drum brakes with no booster took care of stopping the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It boasted a complete instrumentation that included a tachometer and an oil pressure gauge and came with a complete tool kit and even a tire gauge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All of these little details contributed to the luxury aura that surrounded the car.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">As can be expected the JK was extremely expensive and with an initial production of about 500 cars annually, it was hard to get one even for wealthy Brazilians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since the factory was owned by the state one of the best ways to order a JK was to get a prominent politician to intervene in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This drove up the value of used JKs, which sometimes sold for more than new ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" >The first big change in the JK’s production run came in 1964.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A coup d’état ousted president</span> João Goulart, the same man who had been <span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" >Kubitschek’s vice president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Brazil’s new leaders ordered that the car be named simply the FNM 2000, dropping </span>the <span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" >Kubitschek reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">That same year FNM asked Rino Malzoni, a coachbuilder in Brazil, to design a coupe based on the 2000 platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After toying with several designs Malzoni showed the final version, dubbed the Onça, in 1966.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It looked like the illegitimate offspring of a stepnose Alfa 105 and a Ford Mustang but FNM was satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021901317694690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGCsmPnr7Vcxr073-AopecCZ2m3Pl92lYbXyQYJm8n8fJtLJR5L_R1uzAo9bsG4aFnDY7yyii_JTJ8A7QRehoghyphenhyphenBbJdizsa3gGSozwRziqRgZAkJBQ-gV35Vz3aefw9NLfErjVlLJVM/s320/fnm_onca_67.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Onça used the same engine as the 2000 but put out 20hp more thanks to a higher compression ratio and Weber carbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had a floor mounted shifter as opposed to the 2000’s, which was column-mounted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>The body was made of plastic reinforced with fiberglass, making it a very light car and consequently a fairly fast car for its day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is estimated that less than ten were built, with the last ones assembled in mid-1967.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">An upgraded 2000 called the TIMB (Turismo Internacional Modelo Brasil) made its appearance in 1966.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the outside it had a smooth hood and a specific grille to differentiate it from the 2000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The compression ratio was raised (now on par with Italian models) and thanks to two double barrel carburetors it gained 45 extra horsepower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To complete the sports sedan transformation, the TIMB had a floor-mounted shifter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">In 1967 the Brazilian government started liquidating its FNM shares and Alfa slowly bought them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They had complete control of the company in 1968 but the 2000 remained essentially the same until 1969 when it morphed into the 2150.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Engine displacement grew to 2132cc (125hp) and the car hit 62mph from a stop in 16 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It finally had front disk brakes, an upgrade that customers had waited a long time for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the outside the 2150 had a new grille and the now-retired TIMB’s smooth hood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A floor-mounted shifter was standard on all versions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="color:#000000;"> </span> <br /><p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601022354599393906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbYc8I21aUrUf4Tw1GyBfEAa9KLMPEV_ukZc-BwZkSuO7sXCuxTOf5-CBgBjV46nrXpEDYfGtUGggRnV_tJN6Ej9ZO99g2dOsiBSURFmB5Kr5G3POt_w4zZRoNwJ2IJ7pNP0pJ-cjJXE/s320/FNM2150.jpg" /> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">1970 was FNM’s best year yet with 1209 cars sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All was well on the surface but in reality the competition was getting stronger and despite the previous year’s upgrades, FNM’s only model was starting to show its age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Alfa 2300.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">FNM’s JK was an Italian Alfa modified for the Brazilian market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That recipe worked well for over a decade but Alfa wanted to replace it with a car designed specifically for Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">That replacement came in 1974 under the name Alfa 2300.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the outside it looked like an Alfetta Sports Sedan but it was 41 centimeters longer, about the size of an Alfa 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had a 2310cc four-cylinder with a five-speed gearbox bolted directly to the back of the engine as opposed to the Alfetta’s transaxle setup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With a 0-62mph time of 11.7 seconds it was much sportier than its predecessor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Four disk brakes made sure the 2300 could stop as well as it could accelerate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Owners could make less pit stops thanks to the 26.4 gallon capacity of its fuel tank.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The driver steered the car with a three-spoke steering wheel and had a full instrument cluster to monitor speed, engine rpm, engine temperature and oil pressure, among others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Four seatbelts were standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In short, the 2300 had just about everything a mid-1970s sports sedan should have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021500776165650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bJT6bq1KJ8pptrLsLiIBBmyv8Mtpc9FlqB8IdWQmRNwXsvFE6H3_iv7B7bBjlItg9jgreSWDy0h97rwlUgXzoqQW914ArtY9_O0XxqH9A5KdwJF_bzNoaj0bQQ97ZqV9HswZPgEO9rQ/s320/alfa+2300+2.jpg" /> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Brazil’s 1976 ban on imported cars gave the 2300 a boost in sales and eliminated some of its competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Alfa took advantage of that ban to launch the 2300B, a base model with a single downdraft carburetor and a less-luxurious interior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> </span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">A year later Alfa expanded the 2300 line upwards and launched the 2300Ti, an acronym well-known to Alfa fans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Ti had two sidedraft Solex carburetors that helped give the car 149hp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Among the most noticeable differences between the Ti and other 2300 models were the addition of a quadrifoglio emblem on the C pillar and the use of real wood trim inside the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In 1978 Alfa was in financial trouble and sold FNM to Fiat, who was also present in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That same year a high-compression engine was available in the 2300 and raised the power output again, this time to 163hp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Equipped with this engine the 2300 was faster and more economical but it made an already expensive car more expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Starting in 1976 Brazil had laws about alcohol in gasoline and Alfa jumped on the bandwagon in 1981 with a 2300 that could run on alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It used a single carburetor like the 2300 B and logged 145hp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>1981 also marked the availability of power steering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The 2300 ran into the same problems as the 2000/2150 before it: it was aging against a quickly-evolving competition and had to soldier on with minor upgrades since no replacement was in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In 1983 the only version left was the Ti4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was given a facelift in 1985 but that was too little, too late.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">By 1986 Alfa was deep in its financial woes and Fiat bought its entire operations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They pulled the plug on the 2300 and killed the Brazilian-built Alfa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">European models.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Alfa had no plans to sell the 2300 in Europe and focused on their flagship Alfa 6 instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, certain rumors claim that independent importer in Germany saw potential in the car and ordered about a thousand of them in 1979 to distribute there and in Holland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This claim is backed up by the Dutch magazine Autovisie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In their 1979 issue covering all the cars available in Holland that year, the 2300 is listed as the Alfa Rio.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Below, period FNM ads:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601022342752120578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTs7N8cKu_USGwN7UEWp4WrqQvVNLWQy9aiB7gwlG45k6YqPuHmGymnxLZDusyWUA5E6uSMMClqbElW-UjVTB0jJO82blP_DVRyiJEq3hxlFrOp-k3U_24M6wYJRR8pORbmqKQ1NCNu4/s320/early+FNM.jpg" /></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021512896960226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO8v9rh0oMtR1cYEF_sj158cdoYr38hAzZkG7q_gZ1P-fNPfm_ZWxdENOg4hMK3Og9irzmB5FSBUZRgR5CgFf3HPvrXiEM9VSMTmaOml1JajcDAJ-3HY278PYngI8zcRxmxnnqPAat98/s320/FNM+2000+2.jpg" /></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021914442712674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvvfYizYiK4ikNCrjMmhuPgzzPTnfpT9it2gXfajIWUa8mkGQkqk7Jji_SpSWTIgDNYeT3hHuwdopNTXuXvv1lYC8rtR_A2dr40MxGyNTlUXSid-ziytmQMCE3z4v4nff9i24_GmhRGc/s320/FNM+2150+2.jpg" /> </span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021521058766162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZo9dgSgNreelmD4uzl_lRarDm8ObZXda6D6IZzcglesX39QjVF4F9vOzcwSsWPrunIqeXWJxhrnwzYQHo0o6mnlsefkp3mJz5B9KnuhfBtc0otPtUY5K9wep57Xw2XYbJEYHKKBoJUU/s320/FNM+2150+4.bmp.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021510928415058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ny-Xi5vV7dDGYSXWFTSOrvQivKD1ofdT1V-sRKHN95AWMh0TU0EVqB91bkJaYcoytovKUI7HbsEc7rKBEpxO4D_myt1accapFRvxNkoGpklDzs4kPASAoAkzZdGlM7dmSqpaiB774Ck/s320/alfa+2300.jpg" /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601022348612470418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFIO4QugaqfFzZpANKSnKrAUyUqfkGAt3sDKjFsf8KkpKXP-FWPKsAHm_wURSBgwp4O78T8BtUEZhU4sNK1AWcdjeNtaejdOLNpdNjQsWAQ0JWNacU9GU24R13Z4lAtoDh5LRK-fhRMs/s320/ALFA_2300Ti.JPG" /> </span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601021505753986658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhFs82fhoqfVv1AxfugiZY33J8wCyJ2WabFnHn65yfPWd5wgalEGZMUfNvzaNwHtkEgniZGgm5p2RMlWknmfsZZbl1TUgFXOI9qEbQD1frTOQhedez2hEsz7Uuz0bsZWMr4UfYQK_WLc/s320/alfa+2300+4.jpg" /> </span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-64609928319153935332011-04-25T14:39:00.000-06:002011-04-25T14:39:02.386-06:00Hershey Porsche Show & Swap 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This years Central PA Porsche Club of America swap-meet could best be described as mildly disappointing. While it was great to see a large collection of Porsches in one location as well as have the opportunity to hunt for parts and memorabilia, the attendance seems to be dropping significantly. Perhaps it's the ever-growing popularity of eBay and other online parts availability, and perhaps it was the rather poor weather combined with a date so close to Easter that kept many away this year. Gas nearing $4.00 per gallon may also be a factor when one considers even a relatively efficient Porsche's tendency to consume large amounts of petroleum.<br />
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Alas, my dad and I couldn't get our 914 to the show either due to trouble getting the car up and running after having the engine out this winter. Again, considering the rain, probably just as well.<br />
As usual, there was no shortage of the newer Porsche models. Plenty of 911s, 944s, 928s, etc. Many of the handful of 914s left something to be desired and 356s were very few and far between.<br />
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The number and quantity of offerings from vendors was also quite low compared to many past years. Amazingly enough, this was the first year I've attended the show and didn't find anything we could use.<br />
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All that being said, it wasn't terrible. Hopefully next year's event will be graced with better weather, lower gas prices, and not suffer from a lack of attendance due to disenchantment with this year.<br />
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For those in the Cleveland area, I would still suggest the relatively small swap-meet at Stoddard's new location in Highland Heights, Ohio. The literature and collectible swap-meet is Friday, June 10th, and the car swap and show is the following day. While it's nowhere near the size of Hershey, Stoddard is a world-renowned supplier of vintage Porsche parts with a helpful and friendly staff. They recently lost the Porsche dealership franchise to Penske, but deserve much support in their endeavors as a parts supplier and restoration shop.<br />
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<br />Ian Rothwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487424972017881075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-56137731175509261152011-04-06T15:27:00.015-06:002011-04-07T03:04:45.894-06:00The Volkswagen Iltis (type 183).<span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592586830075823826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TDdV5EWv-MukwXVEX95cGyirLgdD7NPBMNx3hb1EkIHvUIbfLnd8744hkR5Tnl09-PA2aUUj9KCpODO6hycW6fxIii5U3Ve-tencDeVOW3YD_IRbeW3tMzi3RiC5o1Brswi7X3tmTRw/s320/iltis.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">When the West German army (known locally as the bundeswehr) needed a Jeep-like vehicle after WWII, they rejected Ferry Porsche’s 356-engined type 597 and instead picked the DKW Munga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 3-cylinder, two-stroke Munga entered production in 1956 and was phased out in 1968. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>During that time Volkswagen purchased what was left of Auto Union and owned the rights to the Munga.</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The German army continued to use the Munga for several years after production ended but as they started to disappear from the fleet, it became evident that there was nothing available to replace them with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They hesitantly ordered Volkswagen 181s (better known as the Thing) but those had no real offroad capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In 1976 the army made a call for offers: they needed a vehicle that could transport four people, 500 kilos (about 1,100 pounds) and climb a 50° incline fully loaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had to be capable off-road but still be street-legal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had to measure less than 4 meters (157 inches) long and 1.60 meters (63 inches) wide. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">It’s with these and many other guidelines in mind that a team of ex-NSU workers led by a certain Ferdinand Piech mixed and matched Munga, Audi, mk1 Golf and Beetle parts to create the Volkswagen type 183, more commonly called the Iltis (ferret in German).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The army approved the design in 1977 and placed an order of 8,800 cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first examples were delivered in late 1978.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The 183 was powered by a 1714cc water-cooled four-cylinder that came in two variants: there was a 70hp with lower compression (running on normal gas) or 75hp with higher compression (premium fuel only).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A Solex 1B1 carburetor was in charge of fuel delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The transmission was a 4-speed manual unit with a low gear indicated by a G on the shift lever (for ge<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">lände</span>, terrain in German).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;color:#000000;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592586828401981090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuDna7VYHD4Tw4fZHSZC_zy-RK5SQrZfgvfSlF6daKDU5ZAH57UPTwJoO5_-kfvUlkkHdZcRKtnyRsl4N0pPLAWgeeCQpzmhT7_6ZV5JAhePf1g4hQUtYmFYaf37L5ILDKYj9zW0KH0c/s320/iltisshift.jpg" /></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Under normal driving the 183 was rear wheel drive but there was a lever to engage the front axle and turn it into a 4x4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All 183s had a locking rear differential and some also had a locking front differential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Story has it that it’s this setup that inspired Audi engineers to begin working on the Quattro project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;" ><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The 183 had all the equipment one would think of finding on a military car including a NATO-spec 24 volt electrical system (two 12 volt batteries hooked together), a jerrycan of gas, blackout lights, and a flag holder on both front fenders. It had storage space under the hood, above both wheel wheels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>On the opposite end of the spectrum, it used four drum brakes borrowed from the eternal Beetle.</span></span> <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;" ><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span> <br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Below, a Volkswagen 183 interior, heavily influenced by the Beetle:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></p><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592590202744965842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1PYwQbxVPwyjLSyCOoR_1Fca4scvEhRdNnYbtarvktz8qxUjRz9aLM06hfrqFJYC7Qhfv5l5swu4NVT5RRBtQtXfY1uq3FDWOPC8XWe9SIyMMOqoCAWd2YdlYHbjBz1kUu6HFdi4sTY/s320/german_dash.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Not just for war.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Volkswagen presented a civilian version of the 183 at the 1979 Geneva Auto show and sales began shortly after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Less than 1,000 of them were assembled before the plug was pulled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Several reasons have been pointed out for the 183’s failure on the European market: it’s not a terribly good-looking vehicle, it’s not a particularly comfortable vehicle, it’s too rustic, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In reality the most valid reason for the 183’s lack of success was its price: in 1982 it cost about three times as much as a base-model Golf; it even cost more than a V8-powered Range Rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Perhaps in an effort to create publicity for the Iltis Volkswagen fielded four of them in the 1980 Paris-Dakar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The result was spectacular: #137 took first place, #136 took second place, #138 took fourth place and #139, a support vehicle, took ninth place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Patrick Zaniroli, pilot of the #136 car, said that aside from a different cam and a bigger carburetor his Iltis was 100% stock, an impressive feat considering how modified most Dakar cars were (and still are.)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592586840209953554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Bsf4QFJFufUuYIlemJj9vuFJdqNgHJJE59jyyN6mLbCJUGrsTp19rQbwhM1FKZjyce4hJwTysQDBK5NTr_2dYypv3D5YY_gpcWekE0rMWISlii4V3MoD6vsMyKafGvXp44uxj8A82Q/s320/02883066-photo-audi-les-30-ans-du-quattro-volkswagen-iltis.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">When all was said and done 9,547 examples of the 183 were built, with the last one rolling off of Audi's Ingolstadt assembly line in 1982. That was just part one, though.</span></span></p><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;">The Canadian connection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;">In 1983 the Canadian government bought the rights and the tooling for the 183 and gave Bombardier the task of assembling them in their plant in Valcourt, Quebec. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>On the outside there were very minor differences between the Bombardier 183s and the VW 183s: the emblem on the steering wheel, the emblem on the grille and the taillights are among some of the most significant ones. <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592586833118467298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJlkvmp8jhSuJdt-Qiq3ZdNYcRUD2r3eCL13ZPE9Vv3UzOSnJjO07eHExZsgSBoTbnNXJuTHPRtMf3nlFrFh5kNRFvVT-exjk-4YqTCwBjkh023uMWPMhiK1ZMjTr9N_Y2WXjJblZ7DU/s320/normal_iltis_%252B_bombardier.jpg" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;">2,500 Bombardiers went straight to the Canadian government to be used locally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another 2,500 were purchased by Belgium in 1985.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To save on shipping costs the ones earmarked for Belgium had their bodies shipped from Canada, their engines trucked from Germany and the whole lot assembled in Volkswagen’s Forest, Belgium plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The exact number of 183s produced by Bombardier is unknown but it is estimated to be close to 6,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;" >No civilian Bombardiers were built but the army sold them off when they were finished using them so a few are out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Bombardiers are generally considered to be of lesser quality than the VWs and are less desirable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some companies in Canada even specialize in importing VW 183s from Germany while the Bombardier-branded ones sit on army surplus lots. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;">In 1985 production for the bundeswehr started back up in Ingolstadt but was sporadic at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In 1987 the end was near and Volkswagen made a final modification to the 183: they equipped it with a 70hp 1588cc turbo diesel four-cylinder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="color:#000000;">Production ended in December of 1988.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The second round of German production yielded 1254 examples, bringing the total number of 183s built to about 16,000 units.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the bundeswehr they were progressively replaced by the Mercedes G-Wagen but much like its predecessor, the 183 stuck around for a while after production ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It saw combat duty in 1991 in ex-Yugoslavia and Canada and Belgium still used them in their fleet in the early 2000s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal">-</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;" >As a side note, in the late 1970s France decided it was time to replace their aging fleet of Hotchkiss Jeeps and like Germany they called out for offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No French company had a fitting vehicle on hand and designing one from the ground up would have been too expensive so they worked with the manufacturers that did have something to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Peugeot teamed up with Mercedes, put a 504 engine in the G-Wagen and called it the P4, Saviem put a Renault 20 engine in Fiat’s Campagnola and dubbed it the TRM500 and Citroen built the C44, a Volkswagen 183 powered by a CX engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the end the P4 was awarded the contract and the other two projects were scrapped but a team entered a C44 in the 1981 Paris-Dakar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It did not finish the race.</span></p></o:p></span></span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-69028363819979241012011-03-29T02:33:00.032-06:002011-03-29T08:38:06.242-06:002011 Avignon Motor Festival part one: not just the usual suspects.<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;color:black;" >The 9th annual Avignon Motor Festival closed its doors on Sunday night after a rainy last day. As with every year the event is divided up into three parts. The first is the parts and model car swap meet, the second is the auction and the third is the collection parking lot, where participants who show up in a classic car can display it and get half off the entry price.</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;color:black;" >T</span></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">he most impressive part of this year's show was the growing number of late-1970s, 1980s and even early-1990s cars on display. Until recently these so-called "youngtimers" were shunned from events like this in favor of more traditional classics but times change: Citroen Tractions are interesting but they're ancient history. 2CVs and air-cooled Volkswagens are hideously expensive and Dauphines, 403s and the like are almost 60 years old. There are less and less of them to go around, parts are harder to find and as the overall interest in them wanes a little, younger collectors move on to different cars, cars that they remember from their childhood and that are still relatively affordable. </span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">This is the beginning of a new wave of classic cars and some of the first ones to surf it are the cars featured below. Enjoy the photos and get your hands on these while you still can. </span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Mercedes-Benz 240D (w123):</span></span> </p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589438486331292738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti-CU7KXHpq5Fs1zRiux3nonGXUU6NJEvsxyBu8qMlVvFsSAxa3YerU01u5Q8_mPSrVFaROSk9kE3NgKm13-0d3xB-uwoHxRyWKiOVhgBgPg-xspiPQcU4ri6Zyd10c7dwJtRYtPOdFI/s320/w123-240D.jpg" /></span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" >Mercedes-Benz 230CE (w123):</span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589484183841769106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjodpeev2RzxJeq0fZXwNHKbh5x4743lWpncgx-pNA-aN2b1TczlYMECBMLJutSb-C4BVS5XQ0SVnSBLcbVLOmWzXm2VZZTQb86tUYoSe4Dipl9YMRTFhpA69NXjqon6CbwpP42wVRUE/s320/dsc07250j.jpg" /><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Mercedes-Benz 560SEL (w126): </span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"></p> <p></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589438482960578754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCiLz0UvJXvOl1I2gpKPonaCRiT4nJcXaAow6IVCUf_daDwQXy-5u-rpJw0mUtMhXlFmjujg5a0FCSVy0mMMrcSIHjzRYkqcdGDFyY374Czy9hNy_7MzInKM1ralpbzPLS5DX6rS-8TM/s320/dsc07481p.jpg" /></span><span style="color:#000000;"> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Fiat Abarth Ritmo 130TC: </p> <p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589438486646677618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrE-LAZHU8MSVD1Vk4x26yQ-hK_ZZHAMvpXNuFamqHldJr68rQJbAuIafsf13p3GUQoDXHP7rp093Ie1h2b4H-dVk-e5k5ecoiGPdJ6nKpd_5gM5bYecH5ScssSrRkqQMA91XsDiwaIM/s320/ritmo.jpg" /> <span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" >Alfa Romeo Spider (916 series):</span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589484187585429874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguE6d86wLuN9GAXIeoi70IDUDcxUOQ0jGr1DA2D_8iq9CuRAF18owfUlxiu3YZQLZTKlo0-tshxZUbx_qMbTDMV0xyOOpSK4YpP1bIuhN79RLCu6_Lhq1OWeD3h89jRgJp9w5zfjyCC14/s320/dsc07330r.jpg" /> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" >Volkswagen Golf & Golf GTI (mk1):</span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589484194422319922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NI_YjGC1w1OmpqnP3wBD_OjVsYzhy1G4nRxunbTJoyQczuqZyBWtcDSVx9_cSR1Ta3-id_Y04eXSoT0NCaNoH7h2AZuv3I-IicLy0SpnlfaZkP481xXFb_XV2ciccenz3OtUwPffHuA/s320/dsc07454.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589438481985921394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w1SvnMjNNPHh6mFjRjEgdoD3EuV_SPgQz5ukWviXrBjpWXx-s2rvRnigWkEOpOsjOyV12AT0owDy4V9BkkUcj5G1MZRAW3IiNPf8-vURQXynikERHE-ZqdfFVjgzudt2J8iVoeh37L0/s320/dsc07485n.jpg" /> <span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Volkswagen Golf GTI G60 (mk2): </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589433512998358066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ouo-CHGIR0PCDHpMUycotJlHWtDZ6G4Wi-cdvxbQnYY_MFAWBVQSDvDSRABlvPEv6YnENl4p_km1nobZyqcW3QuPgiYQQLGkN0sYplnDyrc_tZLMpL27AhOaQ4LyIeu4MD46VkSqJY0/s320/dsc07390v.jpg" /> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" >Peugeot 205 CTi:</span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589438478972439186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDamWHf0pzXQHz1FP9CD-uN7Ht9xyBVLmRQet7R9QaYkMxfPx3AEpIQt5wbpMo_zwVQk0_2zqub378QC6t8XsL4NTffKoc3AQBcKDdusqRmvpmeHeuALJ670hrPwjNxg0Hbw7LrGZ8H4/s320/dsc07474n.jpg" /> </span><span style="color:#000000;"> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Citroen AX GT: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589484193488947682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LAy5Zm7yjuX0E_oy5kp5m5CsLLGfQrqFRLycxwISWlWL_vZ69Bfme9kP19gX9xHylj1UrCCg48FU5bRmbbwJIHRDGoUNwDRmf4dbcHqtCzXijv5YRDWisbZUPSVv3-w30c_PzuiVopc/s320/dsc07464x.jpg" /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMfLLmaybLHLVh_8AAVl6MYgI8dNnrCieY17pby_Domdjp6nW2yrfew0LX1dXEZqiticPFYeX1foXF1_yMq7lCTuEozo50rzntShr9Ip4Tvpg8k9okm8zJdkMaILeLJYQ3ZCmfkpyPv4/s1600/dsc07463i.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589433516902733314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMfLLmaybLHLVh_8AAVl6MYgI8dNnrCieY17pby_Domdjp6nW2yrfew0LX1dXEZqiticPFYeX1foXF1_yMq7lCTuEozo50rzntShr9Ip4Tvpg8k9okm8zJdkMaILeLJYQ3ZCmfkpyPv4/s320/dsc07463i.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" >Citroen XM:</span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589433508801859410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxrN8eiuHqDrRd2wr0TO8jJfijPZ0IAK5Wwd5090yQGCXjZM0Lfmb4adIgN1DgkWDYSnmhEs4zxgBtC4m-s-KqkHveLVRsd__N9YmZVYC37eVOK0chK1SYmFbg_vHXGuNG2dSoJOcuFs/s320/dsc07308.jpg" /></span> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:black;" >Citroen CX (mk2):</span><span style="mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589433503117256082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOV-QYDqLE-K3MVqvCKeS8R0LRvlZf-4LgtgV2X7y0SpYXUgm7flI_sAfWbgUywDWvjJfcSPtP2tOy9t9ZEaexl1DFpvbfKVItxw-Y64byiVmhByH1l84kSmKuq1tg2FzQYnUfhpa2Ui0/s320/dsc07275o.jpg" /> </span> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Saab 900:</span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX8ufjBM7Zom7YkH1wMTVkSJsjC0xUpuy-TY-plhAxLCtul0kid2Jo6f_nni0-cjU20Ipr4x14Frf8UC_nDCWyKe2MM3kpQ5yK7qkiUGLzJ8z-uSv2bsqIXpUh8VTpSKjuZe0qn4H0q4/s1600/dsc07444h.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589433514279212050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX8ufjBM7Zom7YkH1wMTVkSJsjC0xUpuy-TY-plhAxLCtul0kid2Jo6f_nni0-cjU20Ipr4x14Frf8UC_nDCWyKe2MM3kpQ5yK7qkiUGLzJ8z-uSv2bsqIXpUh8VTpSKjuZe0qn4H0q4/s320/dsc07444h.jpg" /></span></a></span></o:p></span></span></span></span></span>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-42694130780725860222011-03-26T16:51:00.009-06:002011-03-26T17:08:13.479-06:00Avignon 2011 preview.<span style="color:#000000;">A couple of quick snapshots of what we have in store over the next few days.<br /></span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588526036204703778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TW5hAV9UR-PICTbCAGFQ_tmDwdipxKXiOnUEjMA89DE4_xPGXy5vSu4NOhxUMQWMjFe2iKxSWXMNwezjje9aFZqcKALynPtnbmXnG53qmeBiCoDbEHrhlSwVa84yDycTM_OQ9ASBjN4/s320/DSC07403.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588526042699139794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xP_33WO1zQ7OLkZDfE36mCdidrsenJI9fAdtqIQQarbXtFSfWnDrnh1yiFrddvVt_Dcwjqqfcls0huu0vBm3uoN8XDd0SEjQ9EoZCPih1r9lhwsPmJ5MgO5TDxE76n9B4O-dTRmx_kQ/s320/DSC07370.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588527408076711922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xg1NX521R9uk8mlqqwHWkTA8jHlmkWnYYFsE-RaJ_zEhCPW7S2Po-y-27_x5ACTZtu9A4C1aVakCHcIT4PuqAeVNtXXLVVGvq3qaPHhbwYRatWLSwJ_y7-bJDSM1kk3WwT4dVvAlxkk/s320/DSC07267.JPG" /> <div></div>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-12120062009041424662011-03-24T03:34:00.004-06:002011-03-24T03:39:32.371-06:00Caption contest.<span style="color:#000000;">How would you caption this 1950s Borgward ad? Drop us a comment below.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/255/borgwardhansa.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587577985186214258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uw-6U6fWTR-1FTbsNkRP_ndAGwJEvGcuE3fmH0z3K51Viq7LIa_MR1ScvQhY8br4Bn6d6APfDrtdHThVr3zAjtp44b0gGVu2VMoz5sS695ejfJ5BIT5kZDxmYvNs-F0_LESdkLzelh0/s320/3847990178_6b330dd0a4.jpg" /></a>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-63096966818800843352011-03-15T10:29:00.065-06:002011-03-16T10:58:18.913-06:00The Geneva historics.<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latinfont-family:'Times New Roman';" ><span style="color:#000000;">Geneva’s 81<sup>st</sup> International Motor Show closed its doors a few days ago after a </span><a href="http://www.leftlanenews.com/geneva-wrap-up-high-expectations-hit-switzerlands-neutral-ground.html"><span style="color:#000000;">fascinating selection of world premieres</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latinfont-family:'Times New Roman';" >While most of the automotive press was busy writing about future cars, Ran When Parked was doing the opposite and taking a look at some of the cars that automakers premiered at previous Geneva shows.</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latinfont-family:'Times New Roman';" ><strong>1929: Mercedes-Benz SSK.</strong></span> </span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584348240607110898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsInvJfhVoA1-4IDf1t344wSp28VFVDPcYD2CM3XZ1RK3JMNWc6qG108UgApmv_vg-PaxRrj9fgAn45TUdo5KIoEtdVepUYvGFGK89E4CB_3q-OKLgKtcxVt0TGo8jwiSkDJnaC4n_oE/s320/S1-Concours-d-Elegance-Villa-D-Este-le-palmares-en-photo-30112.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">If we told you a car had a 7 .1 straight-six engine that made 220hp and gave the car a top speed of 120 miles per hour, odds are you wouldn’t imagine an expensive supercar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With a little bit of imagination you might imagine a lackluster 1970s American coupe the size of a train car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But by 1929 standards those numbers were amazing and the car in question was the fastest car around in its day: the Mercedes-Benz SSK. It was the last car designed by Ferdinand Porsche before he left to create the company that bears his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Less than 40 were built and a good portion of them were raced with huge success, including first place in the 1931 Mille Miglia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you see one, look under it to make sure it doesn’t have a Beetle engine – the SSK is one of the most reproduced cars in the kit-car world.<br /></span><br /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong>1967: Fiat Dino.</strong></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584626962514320802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfIQpTE3j9meg5zVBrGZTCzLnzcYJhLQ3nPNBqbB2kQPyK8pDB6nQzxxykP1loev9UCznY9OoBVoAjymeIOa2wzddjO5RseKSFiexa0zJ4YhHXyZoPIrbinxGDbDcgz041zYNO4OmQ-4/s320/fiat_dino.jpg" /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">The Dino was the fruit of a cooperation between Fiat and then-independent Ferrari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ferrari needed to quickly produce 500 V6 engines for Formula 2 homologation and feared that their 206 GT wouldn’t sell fast enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They turned to Fiat for help, thinking that they could produce a car with that engine, market it for significantly less than the 206 GT and sell more of them. The result was the Dino coupe (by Bertone) and Dino spider (by Pininfarina).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only common point between the Fiat models and the Dino models was the 158hp 2.0 quad-cam engine; the rest was like night and day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Production carried on until 1972 with minor aesthetic changes and a displacement upgrade to 2.4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s worth noting that the 2.0 had an aluminum block whereas the 2.4 had a cast iron block.<br /><br /><strong>1971: Maserati Bora.<br /></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584633956211455874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW22DClJmxukGHpnH0sK48pPe69LdxH8LlzHga5COtDA473sUmmICZUPB5mMaFUhWTbN-KQmBmADHeiVlzoA-p5XgZW09PhlcYyyXZYvMZ1PvDY5dShaIND-t3nh_y_w0RdilHzCWlKPM/s320/Maserati%252520Bora%252520P1%2525204.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Bora was developed under <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;" >Citro<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">ë</span>n'</span>s ownership of Maserati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was drawn by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Ital Design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;" >Citro<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">ë</span>n</span> influence was evident: the Bora had hydraulic brakes, hydraulic steering, a hydraulic clutch, hydraulically retractable headlights and even a hydraulic driver’s seat – small miracle that the power windows were electric and not hydraulic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>The miles of hydraulic tubing that ran throughout the car sometimes failed, giving early cars a bad reputation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The Bora was the first Maserati to have independent suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Under the hood was a 4.7 V8 that made 310hp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Later in the production run a 330hp 4.9 V8 was made standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>DeTomaso took over the brand in 1975 and the Bora limped on until 1978.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">It’s worth noting that the Bora had a smaller sister, the Merak. The two looked almost identical but the Merak used the same V6 found in the SM.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong>1977: Porsche 928.<br /></strong></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584626963705748178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoU8SvwAbqnpM2RyRpNbliUqaZXgdH8G0TLTv06Xhq5HdEOTWve7eeBhefRd7ARlBBvf9GtbdxEfedwTR3Faa870xE6XT44e3TzOaFAMLD0vw3iQkFmCfKRGhVu8UIb0RTvo9cIpy250/s320/928_21a.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Rear-engined cars were quickly going out of style by the 1970s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Porsche designers were well aware of this so they started preparing a new, front-engined sports car that they presented in 1977.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Porsche purists were outraged when they saw the 928: not only was the engine in the front, it was a V8, not a flat-six!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And holy hell, is that a radiator?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Blasphemy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Once you looked past that the 928 was a very decent car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had a transaxle mounted in the rear to give it a near-even weight distribution and aluminum body panels to save weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The press was kinder to the 928 than purists were and named it the 1978 Car of The Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Several upgrades were made to the 928 during its long production run, including standard ABS from 1986-on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 928 stayed in showrooms until 1995.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The last version of it was the 928 GTS with a 320hp 5.4 V8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong>1978: Toyota Starlet.</strong></span><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584640590978363442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gi6aiPOFMvzeT5siVdh1nDaq7KwUCbtXw0Vt2ssTfto3ibC3-h1jh_7lExv7GzXhnLTsPTW0tgv4EaVLDPzh1T8rOpHECmto90I60gCNbXu8-AjfZv8SEGL4MFOrVzWXl-HYFhJwPsY/s320/yoda.jpg" /></span> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The first Toyota Starlet (called the 40 series) appeared in 1973 but its successor, the 60 series Starlet, was introduced throughout most of the world in 1978.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 60 series retained the 40 series’ 1.0 and 1.2 engines but Toyota added a 1.3 to the lineup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was available either as a three door hatch or a five door hatch.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Toyota started sending the Starlet to the U.S in 1981.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The timing was right; it was when Japanese cars were quickly overtaking Fiats and Renaults in the economy segment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The U.S. version of the Starlet used the 1.3 liter engine and was rear wheel drive, making it a bit of an oddity in a class flooded with front drivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the Starlet’s most convincing aspects was its estimated 42 city/54 highway fuel economy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>It left its place to the Tercel in 1984.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">While the Starlet has been mostly forgotten throughout the world, it’s still fondly remembered in the drift and hill climb circles, where it’s not uncommon to see them competing.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri;">1980: </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Audi Quattro.</span></strong> </span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584348232751623890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuPejGJsGgZ0g_N3JIb4UtQJLe2yavuTcNMHZOQFXZTPxaCVumSFLgPP_MCA_tHU7i4qmxZrWSCMkOS4wjUKJDv4JWlQGSQpPXJbgUmuyLih_zmZcn8OKn8tl0pM2PW5otev-w6CEGP0/s320/audi-quattro.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Quattro all-wheel-drive system that Audi is famous for today traces its roots back to the 1980 Audi Quattro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Audi started with a GT coupe and added a 2.1 turbocharged straight-5 that churned out 200hp, mated to the Quattro system and a five speed manual transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Quattro is instantly recognizable next to a standard GT coupe thanks to its fender flares all around and its specific bumpers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Audi imported it to the United States in 1983 but very few of them were sold and even less of them are left today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><br /><br /></span></span></span><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The Quattro was the first all wheel drive car in group B rally and was immensely successful until the FIA banned the group B in 1986 due to the high rate of deadly crashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Certain rally versions of the Quattro were tuned up to 350hp</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"><strong>1986: Volvo 480.</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584633744877808658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8gMxYfkQPJyzV-4XvP_aWGVjuik_UdDwZlMOCIWzywwieDbuNxF_WPuzsz3gwvsRn3MjZDORC5OFvKIQMOSEPYOBsyXuEhKiV3HqGjBQmRG-82d8AXbyknwd4etpeSXqvXOOyWQ9cA4/s320/photo-volvo-480.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Volvo 480 filled a gap in the Volvo lineup that had been left empty since the demise of the P1800 in 1973.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It shares certain styling cues with the P1800 ES like the glass rear hatch, though some have drawn an aesthetic parallel between the 480 and the Reliant Scimitar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since it was Volvo’s first front wheel drive they had to experiment with an all-new rear suspension setup and consulted Lotus for advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The engines came from Renault with the turbocharged variants looked over by Porsche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The end result was a quick little hatch with excellent handling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /><br />Interestingly the 480 was designed for the US-market but an unfavorable exchange rate between the US and Sweden caused Volvo to cancel that project and confine sales to Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Production stopped in 1995 and it wasn’t replaced until the C30 came along at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span><br /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri;">1993: </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;" >Citro<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: boldcolor:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">ë</span></span>n</span> Xantia.</span></span></strong><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584356280577477074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4flKlhLJ1KfCXYHduPtkSWIt56AEGoDXXUvu5AQD9tZNTzzgGDmEAX0jZHYTozYZ9M5hVcFow5hoE9K25MR5moIT1VUg0lnDlQ4sviX1lO3LaYlU072izudmt4qDAqkr_gEENujKh3M/s320/xantia.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;" >Citro<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: boldcolor:black;" >ë</span>n</span> Xantia replaced the BX, whose angular design inside and out already looked a little dated by the early 1990s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was sketched by Bertone and used a variety of PSA gas and diesel engines, including the 1.9 carried over from the BX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Following the tradition started by the GS, a station wagon version complemented the Xantia lineup in 1995.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A relatively unknown turbo 4x4 Xantia won five French rally championships in the 1990s but couldn’t shake the Xantia’s image of a grandpa’s car, an image that <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;" >Citro<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: boldcolor:black;" >ë</span>n</span>’s entire lineup suffered from in the 1990s.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">What really set the Xantia aside from the competition was its hydraulic suspension, giving it a best-in-class ride and handling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>More expensive models like those equipped with the 3.0 V6 benefitted from the XM’s more advanced hydractive suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The hydractive eliminated some of the body roll typically associated with hydraulic <span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;" >Citro<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: boldcolor:black;" >ë</span>n</span>s and eliminated their tendency to drop when parked, all this at the cost of an extremely complex electronic system that was not always reliable.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">It was given a slight redesign in 1998 (pictured above) and carried on until 2002.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong>2001: Lancia Thesis.</strong></span> </span><span style="color:#000000;"></p></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584348255683506946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl5dYziUUk1TyhXdtT2B7shYXZ8eMjxyCdgBC_5nCHb3uCxG5V9G5mIIbtPBeegznUmoTcWxL5khZOdJVJTiK80p87AgojSFVhfxEB-DS1QdaLks_TMk_DKfpdKxH87Y1_2QAijIZxeM/s320/DSC06397.JPG" /> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">You wouldn’t think so by looking at their current and recent lineup but Lancia used to be an independent company that made excellent luxury cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>If you’re skeptical, a ride in a 1960s Flaminia will easily convince you of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since the Flaminia Lancia had struggled in the luxury sedan department and hoped the Thesis would help them restore that image.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The Thesis’ style was prefigured by the Dialogos concept shown at the 1998 Turin Motor Show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The production version looked similar but had lost the concept’s rear suicide doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was powered by a series of Fiat engines, including the straight-5 2.0 turbo and the straight-5 2.4 JTD.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Controversial styling and Lancia’s declining brand image were two illnesses that the Thesis suffered from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Poor advertising took a stab at the car, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Few people knew the Thesis existed and the first thing that was really said about it in the press was that it was selling poorly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These factors contributed to the Thesis’ failure but the end could be seen a mile away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In the late 1990s Lancia’s flagship was the Thema, based on the </span><a href="http://ranwhenparked.blogspot.com/2011/01/font-face-font-family-times-new-roman.html"><span style="color:#000000;">tipo quattro</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> platform shared with the Saab 9000, the Alfa 164, and the Fiat Croma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In ten years they sold 358,000 Themas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Its replacement, dubbed simply the K (prounounced Kappa, from the Greek alphabet) came in 1994 and 117,000 of them found a home until 2001, a huge step backwards compared to the Thema.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When Lancia axed the Thesis from its lineup in 2009, they had sold only 16,000 of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A vast majority of them stayed inside Italy (the only country that’s still vaguely aware of Lancia’s existence) where the government still maintains a fleet of them.<br /><br /><strong>2002: Volkswagen Phaeton.</strong></span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4rLGxYHCkANQmLZAcNQERLAyWDCoqSwdwfHxdzvoBmXUdftw7K-5z6Sj34Rkk9cgeeEeaYJIi4npdAslXlY5Y4H2YsNljvD537emU0N1jeGRBJyRCXY2arUbYyO3u4NolZT_ImW2Abs/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584356629887882914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4rLGxYHCkANQmLZAcNQERLAyWDCoqSwdwfHxdzvoBmXUdftw7K-5z6Sj34Rkk9cgeeEeaYJIi4npdAslXlY5Y4H2YsNljvD537emU0N1jeGRBJyRCXY2arUbYyO3u4NolZT_ImW2Abs/s320/DSC_0078.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Much like the Lancia above, Volkswagen’s Phaeton is a brilliant luxury car that has been unjustly ignored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It made its debut in showrooms in 2002 and competed directly against class heavyweights like the Mercedes S-Class, the BMW 7-Series and its cousin the Audi A8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had all the luxury bells and whistles that these cars had like a four-zone climate control system and available air suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the menu was a wide array of engine options including a VR6, a V8, a W12 and two TDIs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /><br />In short, the Phaeton had everything a luxury car should have and should have been a serious contender in the segment but unfortunately, few found the idea of an expensive Volkswagen riding on a Bentley platform convincing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sales were unspeakably low, leading Volkswagen to remove the Phaeton from the U.S. market, though the internet rumor mill says that it might be back soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It still enjoys steady sales in Germany and in China; in fact, the facelifted 2011 Phaeton was shown at the Beijing Motor Show, not at a European show.</span> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">-</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Which of these cars would you most like to have in your garage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Which would you like to read a full article on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Give us your feedback by going to our </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ran-When-Parked/263103353277"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Facebook page</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></span></p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-57839733268885143212011-03-13T06:20:00.010-06:002011-03-14T01:16:29.350-06:00A quick look at the Fiat Tempra Coupe.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583538861604741938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iyg6_Rc5gq3xg8kyX-MNnyy9fhTHZuDfIVf5QPLO0LkQRHX8dbqRzm9WnA7FZEDm3RdNeSPRkhQRFrpMTQhjPr0fZYNSoj_fLHqg_ImytI67hWdH6Jl6HTahNTOuAv70uHuy-t2TM84/s320/tempra-linha-fiat-93.jpg" /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Every now and then a car manufacturer comes out with a car that no one saw coming, the kind of car that generally marks a break from the past and a leap into the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the opposite end of the spectrum there are cars that almost go unnoticed when they are launched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Fiat Tempra falls in the second category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Launched in 1990, it was essentially what everyone expected Fiat would build to replace the Regata: a four door version of the Tipo.</span><br /><br /></span><div><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In Europe the Tempra slotted between the aforementioned Tipo and the </span><a href="http://ranwhenparked.blogspot.com/2011/01/font-face-font-family-times-new-roman.html"><span style="color:#000000;">Croma</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> as Fiat’s midsize sedan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was powered by a variety of gas and diesel engines ranging from 1.4 to 1.9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Early gas engines were carbureted but the copious amount of laws passed by the European Union in 1992 killed them off in the name of emission restrictions so the Tempra soon adopted fuel injection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Perhaps the most interesting variant in Europe was a 4x4 wagon named the Tempra SW that was powered by an 8v 2.0 gasoline engine to cope with the extra weight of the 4x4 system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The Tempra was also built in Brazil starting in 1992 but since the Croma was not available there, it had to take on the vocation of Fiat's flagship sedan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes">T</span>his was problematic because the European version of the Tempra was not flagship material. To be able to sell it in Brazil as an upscale car Fiat of Brazil made several changes inside and out, including larger exterior mirrors, a different suspension setup to make it more adapted to local roads, and a longer list of standard equipment.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">To further add to the luxury image, the Brazilian Tempra was available as a premium coupe starting in 1993, a bodystyle that was not available anywhere else in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The coupe was powered by either a 2.0 Turbo or a 2.0 16v but both engines lost power when they were adjusted to run on Brazilian fuel, which often times contains alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The coupe’s dash was given a new round design and the rear window wiper was judged as unnecessary and deleted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 2.0 16v caused a huge amount of ink flow in the Brazilian press because it was the first engine sold there to have four valves per cylinder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It put out 127hp (or 28hp more than its 8v sibling) and hit 62mph in 9.8 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The turbo 2.0 only had eight valves but was good for 165hp thanks to a Garrett turbocharger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took 8.2 seconds to reach 62mph which earned it the title of fastest car in Brazil at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both the turbo and the 16v Tempra coupes had numerous standard and optional luxury equipment that included fake wood trim on the dash, electric leather seats and ABS brakes. </span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Tempra coupe was short lived: production ended in 1995 while the Tempra sedan lived on in Brazil until 1999 and in Europe until 1997.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583538850941589554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho72GbOgp1ZZnuPgeXSuJnvBRWWKoS8nAjkQD6bbglqLEKauRo7luXPzIExeelyltq0wdElEeqKP4x46ORRa0rICIpGysf-qtmXE7y0pnGGFpgshCu1pMcoEuJSSNBu9A9a8cHYGwbThI/s320/fiat_tempra_turbo_coupe_br.jpg" /></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583538855424736034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P5mocUnG4qmWY5MtZ2QL6Es6P7PciKaCKoHAT3wkVH5HPzjNc3tQy1j6k-iOZzpOCN75TGTb6357vEhF6X0fOJOuvwkF_GGtMzprSpKWy8Q_fHZAHox5PR36Ecv5QnT6-qfjjnWSl7Y/s320/fiat_tempra_turbo_coupe_br-.jpg" /></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">When the European press caught wind of the coupe certain rumors spread that it would soon be arriving on European shores but it never did and many wonder why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The answer lies in another car that shared space on a Fiat showroom at the same time, the Bangle-designed Fiat Coupé.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was introduced in 1993 and shared many aspects with the Brazilian Tempra coupe, including its Tipo platform and both 2.0 engines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the Coupé the 2.0 turbo was pushed to 195hp and the 2.0 16v to 142hp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was well-equipped, very quick and reasonably priced and Fiat feared that if they sold the Tempra coupe in Europe it would cannibalize the Coupé.<br /></span></span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583551431708414786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4KLdkMD1UYwCmR9jDkYrrx3Vrc0hhv2LQrSM9yy8HKnzQCdF9JcHy6l4G0t_1wkpb1CSikE-huTPlMpD9m9pUWUAI4idgLgLSzu0P5xSsUn57_N3ZITBPupc8flCc07FZRAoHCoyVsg/s320/fiat_coupe_yellow_1995_a.jpg" /><br /></p></div><div><div><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Above: an early Fiat Coupé.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Later in the production run it was available with a 5-cylinder 2.0 20v turbocharged engine that logged 220hp and 0-62mph in 6.5, making it one of the fastest Fiats ever built.</span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">-</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">We've updated our display case page dedicated to scale models, you can find it </span><a href="http://ranwhenparked.blogspot.com/p/display-case.html"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></span></div></div>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-64577476030681744752011-03-01T03:58:00.014-07:002011-03-01T13:07:23.864-07:00The custody battle for the Ritmo.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzmV2NX_amBwlYcr5bc7bdQjgEn4lC0P8RMTOUmjNIsKPP16fAjGO1GzjZOco5qw1gLCtRU-0VA2cSb_eBUFdUzbCV6Yx3zxE5te3fDay4003NlTBsKLWUp8UesuXR0PxYaQvjohmTNU/s1600/seatronda2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579140457505347538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzmV2NX_amBwlYcr5bc7bdQjgEn4lC0P8RMTOUmjNIsKPP16fAjGO1GzjZOco5qw1gLCtRU-0VA2cSb_eBUFdUzbCV6Yx3zxE5te3fDay4003NlTBsKLWUp8UesuXR0PxYaQvjohmTNU/s320/seatronda2.jpg" /></a> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Fiat has been tied to the Seat (<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic">Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo</span>) name since the company was born in 1950.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The idea came from Spain’s Franquist government who hoped the brand would put the country on wheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the early days Fiat held 7% of Seat, miscellaneous Spanish banks held 42% and the remaining 51% belonged to the Instituto Nacional de Industria, a branch of the Spanish government.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Seat got off to a discrete start: they sold their first car in 1953, the Seat 1400. It was an exact replica of the Fiat 1400 and completely out of tune with the needs of the majority of Spain’s population at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Things took a turn for the better in 1957 with the launch of the Seat 600.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a Xerox copy of the Fiat 600 launched two years earlier on the other side of the Mediterranean and it was precisely what Spain needed to motorize its population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sales skyrocketed; the 600 became so popular that certain dealers even had to turn down orders. The 600 spawned some interesting versions reserved for the Spanish market, including the four-door 800 and the 600 Formichetta, but those are a different story for a different time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Throughout the 1960s and the 1970s Seat continued to build replicas of Fiats such as the Seat 850, the Seat 124, the Seat 127, 128 and 131.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579140448260047810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjERGT4Un-2U5DHsNbZfQlY7FQbFPJw1O6gzUurakuyG3lka3l4R9lFpqI0C4HQwkgccF8m2iIQdMhHVOEDS04jEgb2vh5JP1Cd_QaQNp3Hhh3lawQOAAeWIxGykSGH3q6OAK3FMuS2M4/s320/foto5.jpg" /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">When Fiat launched its highly-anticipated Ritmo in 1978 they gave Seat a version of it as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the outside the biggest difference between the two was that one had a Fiat badge and one had a Seat badge. On paper, the Seat borrowed its gasoline engine from the 124’s parts bin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The diesel engines were the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Ritmo was sold as the Seat Ritmo in Spain and as the Fiat Ritmo throughout the rest of continental Europe. It was dubbed the Fiat Strada in the UK and in North America.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">By the late 1970s Seat had reached a comfortable cruising speed and enjoyed healthy sales but all was not well under the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The second oil crisis in 1979 had hit them hard and their expansion strategy had left them with heavy debts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fiat refused to inject more money into the company; instead, they wanted the INI to help them restructure the company so they could later buy it entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When the INI rejected Fiat’s offer, the latter sold off its shares in the company for the symbolic price of one peseta per share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When all was said and done, the INI owned 95% of Seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The problem that arose is that Seat’s lineup consisted entirely of Fiats built under license and it wasn’t clear whether or not they could still produce them after the divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fiat knew that refusing to let Seat produce these models would kill the Spanish company so the two came to an agreement that they signed in 1981: Seat could keep the Panda, 127 and Ritmo provided they redesigned them inside and out, including renaming them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seat did just that and the cars became the Seat Marbella, the Seat Fura and the Seat Ronda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> All had minor aesthetic differences to set them apart from their Fiat counterparts but the Fiat influence was clearly visible.</span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In August 1982, while Seat and Volkswagen were busy mulling over a potential collaboration, Fiat was drafting a <span style="mso-bidi-: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" >letter to Seat to inform them that they were not satisfied with the changes they had made to the Ritmo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>An <a href="http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/FIAT/SEAT/Tribunal/Arbitraje/Paris/sentencia/favor/Seat/contencioso/multinacional/italiana/Fiat/elpepieco/19831125elpepieco_6/Tes">article</a> published in Spanish newspaper El Pa<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;font-size:11;color:black;" >í</span>s <span style="font-size:0;"></span>on November 11<sup>th</sup>, 1983, claims that</span> Seat made several attempts to contact Fiat and discuss the problem but Fiat never responded in writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, on November 17<sup>th</sup>, 1982, Fiat filed a lawsuit against Seat in a Parisian court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The court accepted the lawsuit and notified Seat of it on November 25<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The judge selected for the lawsuit was Italian lawyer Franzo Grande Stevens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seat's first move was to request a different judge on the grounds that Stevens was part of Fiat’s board of directors and would be unable to deliver a fair verdict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seat got its way and a panel of three judges (from France, Spain and Switzerland) was appointed to the trial. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Seat also filed a counterclaim against Fiat, accusing them of trying to stop them from exporting cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Fiat noticed they were losing ground and rephrased their arguments against Seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their problem with the Ronda was that while Seat had sufficiently redesigned the front and rear, the middle section of the car was still too similar to the Ritmo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seat had no arguments to defend itself against that claim: the side of the Ronda was very similar to the Ritmo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One could lift a door from a Ritmo and fit it on a Ronda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Seat was determined to win and instead of focusing on what was similar, they focused on what was different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They took a black Ronda and painted in yellow every exterior difference between the Ritmo and the Ronda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>An <span style="mso-bidi-: minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" >El <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: boldcolor:black;" >País journalist who covered the trial claimed that the result was spectacular.</span></span></span></span></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx4AeAeUq1CyCWAGiEFuDYpOVNlza8hoaPVtRrsMfTgZ-DceYshZXaEkbrx-rsJUdDqS-cYKNbz4bl6WSPWh82dLrrPDn8Gdb4HatUVk5_UwIB_8NRBq7Z6lQeJ9UGOdTT8hsXyuB6j4/s1600/seatronda.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579140451995189026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx4AeAeUq1CyCWAGiEFuDYpOVNlza8hoaPVtRrsMfTgZ-DceYshZXaEkbrx-rsJUdDqS-cYKNbz4bl6WSPWh82dLrrPDn8Gdb4HatUVk5_UwIB_8NRBq7Z6lQeJ9UGOdTT8hsXyuB6j4/s320/seatronda.jpg" /></a> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-family:Calibri;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The trial carried on with people traveling to Paris from either Spain or Italy to personally testify for one side or the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Several important folks in Fiat were marked absent including Umberto Agnelli, future president of Fiat, and Cesare Romiti, general director of Fiat at the time and the man who orchestrated the company's purchase of Alfa Romeo from the Italian government.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-family:Calibri;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">In the end the ruling was kept secret but the court sided with Seat, saying they had modified the Ronda enough to keep selling it. The ruling also meant Seat was free to export it where they pleased, which they did, but the Ronda was not particularly successful outside of its native market<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">. </span>The Seat Malaga, a mix between an Ibiza and a Ronda, benefitted from the court's decision and kept the same doors as the Ronda.</span></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-family:Calibri;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-80223154417033540772011-02-17T01:43:00.013-07:002011-02-17T07:31:30.818-07:00A quick look at the Bertone Freeclimber.<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574641104185083554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4_NJLpj8QI-9O_ye6WXzAIWQkOhQ9d68ZYjCHJDoBqeYQBfYd55c1gp0HQRZ3Wl0qCS5H2uAlANuUtP4A4MeZ1tiKqCNZXtoSKtzGW8KRK9t41aODp21cMUCv-JTbD0LjCHCnIAAfmI/s320/DSC03970.JPG" />BMW fans around the world were shocked at the launch of the X5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A BMW SUV?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sacrilege!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What few people knew is that a BMW engine powered a luxury ute long before the X5: does the name Laforza ring a bell?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It looked like a Fiat Uno on steroids and was sold in the US with a Ford V8 but the precious few sold in Europe had BMW engines starting in 1989.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> The</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;">re was also another, lesser-known, luxury ute with "BMW" written on its valve cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The story starts in Italy in the early 1980s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bertone was building Ritmo convertibles and picked up X1/9 production after Fiat axed the model from its lineup. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>All was well for a few years but by the late 1980s Americans had declared the X1/9s outdated and Europeans preferred the Golf Cabriolet over the Ritmo, leaving Bertone out of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In need of a new project, they decided to enter the growing luxury 4x4 market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Developing a new car from scratch would have been too expensive so they started with a Daihatsu Rocky, a small, boxy and rather basic 4x4 that was virtually unknown outside of Japan. </span><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574639780722884002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5C4f93Ryoyev5wD2Vn3_BxOij-nFWnKs4oU7_laGOTmerlx_SzPDsg-stTIZ1itQEFHL38NQeBeMz2KjtCmBrh5dE9Fnp36AMCMrUj57q_oIXPb4Awwbl89hBVmHpW9RfQDZAMNGqz8/s320/rocky.jpg" /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">How does one turn a relatively plain Japanese SUV into a luxury 4x4 fit for the European market?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first step was to give it a more upscale look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since this is Bertone we’re talking about one would expect a sleek new body but with the exception of a new grille, the exterior was pretty much identical to when it left the Daihatsu factory.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;color:#000000;" ><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">The interior was spruced up with new instrumentation, leather seats and a Bertone logo proudly featured on the leather steering wheel. It was better equipped than the Daihatsu: power door locks came standard and air conditioning was offered as an option. Buyers could order it with a hard top and/or a soft top.<br /></span><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Under the hood came the big surprise: the Freeclimber was available with one of three straight six engines, all sourced from BMW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> First on the menu was</span> the M20, displacing either 2.0 or 2.7, and those who wanted a set of glowplugs could choose the M21 2.4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All three engines were mated to the stock Daihatsu transmission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> To increase off road capacity t<span style="font-family:Calibri;">he rear suspension was modified and it had a limited slip differential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> They finished the transformation with specific wheels.</span></span></span></span></span></p></div><div><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The whole package had a base price of 167,937 francs in 1990.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That same year a two-door Range Rover started at 197,200 francs, and a Jeep Wrangler could be had for 115,517 francs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Assembled in Italy, the Freeclimber was imported in a small handful of European countries including France and Germany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>France’s importer was André Chardonnet, who also imported Autobianchis and Lancias until 1988 and Maseratis until a little later. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>In Germany they were sold through the Daihatsu network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Only 2,795 Freeclimbers found a home from 1989 to 1992.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">Daihatsu redesigned the Rocky for 1993 and logically, Bertone redesigned the Freeclimber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They also renamed it, calling it simply the Freeclimber II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It used the same chassis as its predecessor but looked different aesthetically thanks to bigger fender flares, standard OZ alloys and a body-colored grille.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The straight-six engines were dropped, replaced by BMW’s 1.6 M40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time it was launched official imports had stopped in France and Germany so most were sold in Italy, where a few even went to the Carabinieri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /><br />In 1995 Bertone landed a contract to build Fiat Punto convertibles and Opel Astra convertibles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since the Freeclimber II hadn’t been a huge success they dropped the model at that time after building 2,860 of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Daihatsu Rocky soldiered on until 1998.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Below: a soft top Freeclimber.</span> </div><div><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574588077079603922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj456ugX7kLvb_aCX3ZSRFXpE-kj-7Uapdw3fXq4aOeE7DojMfHMfj2PfcG_t6LqxisDfrTTofGnxCijKzMN6tG_Dsd9QtI3CFeGDh1ztacLjcE3EBe4sq2gLGyBPEjFB9_dP1iTvCt49M/s320/bertone+ass.jpg" /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Below: Freeclimber press photos showing the hard top model.</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmvpvH72pOVZ3rTDqR391BUKEG_FINxsXB1DNhhtwU48sJLmmqxPdr6t49UQohWYrs4sLtRmNtQoMHN-d9KyNy4krHv8_WE4Fl8w1J0bzrvq6AyZxpJP_jzmXINcunadSnuwaOYI3_CY/s1600/bertone1990jpg+001.jpg"><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574579436476627058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmvpvH72pOVZ3rTDqR391BUKEG_FINxsXB1DNhhtwU48sJLmmqxPdr6t49UQohWYrs4sLtRmNtQoMHN-d9KyNy4krHv8_WE4Fl8w1J0bzrvq6AyZxpJP_jzmXINcunadSnuwaOYI3_CY/s320/bertone1990jpg+001.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBnkgPb5N9sFP5EMBOmPi860itNoRELnPUC98hYUMAOX9AILetp1ZIpGTLJOlYjHANjoaMPaAyTFvAKEZqshUhyTFDI3Uxx4Uz7JF2R1ZtLprOvwzImt0ZJaxUM8sghXt_W3V9_RSTD0/s1600/bertone+199+0012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574579435173953554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBnkgPb5N9sFP5EMBOmPi860itNoRELnPUC98hYUMAOX9AILetp1ZIpGTLJOlYjHANjoaMPaAyTFvAKEZqshUhyTFDI3Uxx4Uz7JF2R1ZtLprOvwzImt0ZJaxUM8sghXt_W3V9_RSTD0/s320/bertone+199+0012.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Below: a Freeclimber II press photo.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZd4I6yhHy8DBeyoREOXcvPLUnRShH8uZYopnWoZxuIpdKpDh_xGD6K_dRFcyDSNmSaaXiWgCKi10SNJ0wVpU_mMvZtBefhs7iJ_vMw4nLNotiTFmwrcxKFwKFXnzJauQQSqHa005lR3Q/s1600/Bertone-Freeclimber2-1992-J.jpg"><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574579429091461394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZd4I6yhHy8DBeyoREOXcvPLUnRShH8uZYopnWoZxuIpdKpDh_xGD6K_dRFcyDSNmSaaXiWgCKi10SNJ0wVpU_mMvZtBefhs7iJ_vMw4nLNotiTFmwrcxKFwKFXnzJauQQSqHa005lR3Q/s320/Bertone-Freeclimber2-1992-J.jpg" /></a></p></div></div>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-1942652285313010062011-02-09T01:54:00.005-07:002011-02-09T03:32:31.602-07:00323.As one reader guessed correctly the mystery car from yesterday is a Mazda 323, built from 1977 to 1980. Judging by the license plate on this one, it is likely a 1979 model. These were sold throughout the world under various names, including Familia and GLC (Great Little Car).<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571612827182195666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDPOrCGGmSpPQRM8HAjjvywf-NoSkixwXJ13uLgl1-5D7E8tuimX6V13BP56fbVgBc8fM4DjOSACGiPB3STmkj3ZJB1YviyQN6nGgw8Zn4bYw60BQYZb0Rpyl1Huyg2EauhDxHh69Sqo/s320/DSC03885.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571612827459244114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j5-KCIkQq4qWlZkNT7OX6HQAr4gq5F8HaG9JGUbCq_Gq30wg79zh-QrIEzqeFJliJ80XXd_DXquS57a2ggjJ5qlap81KM10Tg0QQo0E78AiedOkrdoWgGVTz2flOBJ9X2nHjHv4QTDo/s320/DSC03881.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuZ71rhQxLvotrng_qPCsleN-T7lw63k6_Ejv-mUKUR4rD69-EE25P4w-l9KUXGEBgDciowb05ujYAJv4uAZehtcqrdXQmAllGtWT2Kdkh2SjS_WyPM0N4SYxMYLKmU_EoDo2QYV8YQQ/s1600/DSC03888.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571612838314236130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuZ71rhQxLvotrng_qPCsleN-T7lw63k6_Ejv-mUKUR4rD69-EE25P4w-l9KUXGEBgDciowb05ujYAJv4uAZehtcqrdXQmAllGtWT2Kdkh2SjS_WyPM0N4SYxMYLKmU_EoDo2QYV8YQQ/s320/DSC03888.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oqsoZDQLQxSf_VCQ3T0rAp5MZI451J1OpPndJuqEK6utMOQCTAvmfTB74yT3P5_GpAkU9JxVr6GtlkGk0cFXz1W7GO5RgYdr4PYyHU67VpjjqneIR0dgoaQ7peMghZkdTcinYlMiKPE/s1600/DSC03883.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571612829991778674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oqsoZDQLQxSf_VCQ3T0rAp5MZI451J1OpPndJuqEK6utMOQCTAvmfTB74yT3P5_GpAkU9JxVr6GtlkGk0cFXz1W7GO5RgYdr4PYyHU67VpjjqneIR0dgoaQ7peMghZkdTcinYlMiKPE/s320/DSC03883.JPG" /></a>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-16677161288223956822011-02-08T02:05:00.003-07:002011-02-08T02:11:13.882-07:00Mystery car.<div>What car does this tail light belong to?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571242656431887410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPVJNkYz8B2AC51hN0E-wJtTRM_kNhxBRc7HUmEpG3-6rhKIBT9t-TMRSya1tMYyWz5AvEo30MQ7EIvtgPVIJbXcjFbz0zPbBwrsNUCb9QdWLTBS6ewwMOTyRhurSR1p9Blx5n055xA4/s320/DSC03886.JPG" /></div><br /><br />Send us your guesses at ranwhenparked -at- hotmail -dot- com or hop over to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ran-When-Parked/263103353277">Facebook page</a> to post it there, we'll put up the answer in a few days.Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-88384156266348220092011-01-31T02:23:00.013-07:002011-01-31T02:47:19.479-07:00Ran When Parked's used car lot.<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Welcome to Ran When Parked’s used car lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Please, have a Seat:<br /><br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278654088417298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3aK8bL-0cNOJ1OauoxPN6vkeK9bRA2GQ2Ml1wiN8apXySsp2Wq5_wXy5MHIHRWN21i2-YzRc3jh2UtnLFVr5yAmJSo1yXzmGQCFtVm7Rco1_G1EmHd0hj6MmO02GREmO9zTDUatM4es/s320/ibiza.jpg" /><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">We have some great deals on the finest selection of certified pre-owned vehicles anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Take this w202 C180 station wagon, the perfect blend of luxury and cargo space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It comes with complete service records like any used Benz should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This car has been pampered all its life!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278634619666642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UJvZfqxcwv_CLdqqBdTvNH-RyAhuiAoe_dcdYY7pJl2K57nO3rFRNJ8VPRf93hB36OKAvhy2djpETa_b349c61qTkNaMiKGfUEXkmxL0OHACsmoSqRLVjPSz4l8J8rGuwR_YFP2VE2M/s320/c180.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">So you’re thinking, “Ran When Parked, I like the C180, I like it a lot, but I want something more luxurious”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, step up to a BMW X6. A car that stands out from the crowd and has an interior upholstered with the skin from an entire herd of cattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Still under factory warranty but it has been slightly (and tastefully) modified by its last owner, including a custom paint job and a slightly lowered suspension:<br /><br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278887770937762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE88lCWeYb0Qxyxo-oBP_WghE5sssTAX7rWh9mZSV6OfiPQ8d4omnqm5vDrkq-xgyXpx1V-P_S42WR4Wczri3177AhocKPl5i3cTco5ltd0IzrkEzhJgZeWDjQzmDhAuhQ6OUzwRtfgc/s320/x6.jpg" /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Peugeot 104 is perfect for crowded cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It gets phenomenal gas mileage and can easily park anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But it has two vocations: it can easily be transformed into a small rocket that’s perfect for auto crossing and hill climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s what we’re offering you today, a ZS 2 replica with period-correct accessories such as bucket seats and specific 13” rims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This car is ready to bring home the trophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><br /><br /></span></span></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278636749816242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPmUeT2JqSi81sIKOl5KQlCD0kGCPMQ_ToU-yPYO2Tdi08hwQj3BLA7hSr0nOq4bRqck5xXY8wPG21xlM7cTgI7W5kszglQmTvwg3ZlzF_5Nj77-Zx1pqea5t4y2PlECxPaCDCcYqZPQ/s320/104.jpg" /><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">If you follow the collector car market, you’ve noticed a growing segment called “youngtimers” or “young classic cars”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the cars leading this movement is the Volkswagen Golf I GTI and we have a stellar example for sale today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This car is 100% original, it’s never been restored and is a real eye catcher in red.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278643276656802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmOnp5uZRb5qrRD0XBMZOY7OIhCeVwOFKQvgHLSOccoXRgSIPMy8lN65y1MUrTpMUno-jB_Jw5ABKCwWmFlxHlwZRORBMU7uViBxRgDiJ_XDtIhs4OPtXPxhkLV0_302KQa8Ircc-Oc4/s320/golf.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">What’s there not to like about a 2001 Renault Twingo?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your heart will tell you to buy it for its huggable yet frog-like looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your brain will tell you to buy it because it’s the most stolen car in France so you benefit from great rebates on used parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a win-win situation!<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGufIq32Uz5TbhdlLHyqSA1k_SnyxBJUqCM41Gl8MMjKNu_PjlCwzOmnmdHtzIWkKvnCLdA8kvfInEeuPNNAam1jJUZoBwEcjnmQ44OiKVugw9XiUiCE9FGi5jSvvG7uX3S9-a9sV4crM/s1600/twingo.jpg"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278900940834034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGufIq32Uz5TbhdlLHyqSA1k_SnyxBJUqCM41Gl8MMjKNu_PjlCwzOmnmdHtzIWkKvnCLdA8kvfInEeuPNNAam1jJUZoBwEcjnmQ44OiKVugw9XiUiCE9FGi5jSvvG7uX3S9-a9sV4crM/s320/twingo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;">This Simca 1100 VF2 is a new arrival on our lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s the automotive equivalent of the mullet: business in the front, party in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Allow us elaborate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This car is powered by an austere <span style="color:black;">1118 cc four-cylinder borrowed from the Simca 1100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But, the back is cavernous and can carry just about anything you can throw at it; whether you’re going surfing or helping your brother in law renovate his house, this VF2 will take you there and back with all of your stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As a bonus, th</span>is car’s last owner used it to deliver bread in a village so it has very low miles, it’s absolutely like-new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fsvnphXDrWJdRo4twUlHOdY7KVb8g4f4ra711jpfSh7G5AczNZxlZWsSJKUfwsUKzb9DMdqeE8ZudRRy6EEx4cgpf6r9zmsX8vu5cg6S3VGW2e_X4O0tSD0pYUnH85O3s5dHm9mSUgM/s1600/VF2.jpg"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278895260694818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fsvnphXDrWJdRo4twUlHOdY7KVb8g4f4ra711jpfSh7G5AczNZxlZWsSJKUfwsUKzb9DMdqeE8ZudRRy6EEx4cgpf6r9zmsX8vu5cg6S3VGW2e_X4O0tSD0pYUnH85O3s5dHm9mSUgM/s320/VF2.jpg" /></a> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Finally, for those with a small budget we have two cars at very special prices, prices so low we can’t even print them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Choose a Citroen GS with its hydropneumatique suspension for its comfort or a Renault 12 station wagon for its practicality:</span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__vj1wnwZlfinbmKn3L_vMva8X5hknm0DA0GqPxDFz1s9A-vNBN8_8-E7g6IvvyDM-z0hIGTs5xFsKqBmWdV58aoVsLrUVh-dTWLEhxCwkuDukV0_QhXZav9YNxa4Iy0auiFbqFItXwk/s1600/GS.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568278652995088642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__vj1wnwZlfinbmKn3L_vMva8X5hknm0DA0GqPxDFz1s9A-vNBN8_8-E7g6IvvyDM-z0hIGTs5xFsKqBmWdV58aoVsLrUVh-dTWLEhxCwkuDukV0_QhXZav9YNxa4Iy0auiFbqFItXwk/s320/GS.jpg" /></a> <p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Come in today, we finance anyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No credit, bad credit, credit card not in your name, these are all problems we can work around.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal">-</p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-: minor-latinfont-family:Calibri;" ><span style="font-family:Calibri;color:#000000;">Please note these cars are not ours or actually for sale.</span></span></b></p>Ronan Glonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07303503176621399513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928917356731576491.post-53893420312948770762011-01-24T18:29:00.000-07:002011-01-24T18:29:16.363-07:00What Lies Beneath: The Saab APC System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Kre8Y_9kiAEH4s0AM2ApdEr1jxQJSksskUv2qx_Ec9lCbjVpWxJhytAuMdYLDLHR1BFspx1-lrn9s9iYUNnXiXZPOH-9JAPTe5rR-aI4iSkqJ_J9r0cLrBHgijSwdinJBUUI3dNJQU0/s1600/RWP_Saab_Turbo_APC_Advert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Kre8Y_9kiAEH4s0AM2ApdEr1jxQJSksskUv2qx_Ec9lCbjVpWxJhytAuMdYLDLHR1BFspx1-lrn9s9iYUNnXiXZPOH-9JAPTe5rR-aI4iSkqJ_J9r0cLrBHgijSwdinJBUUI3dNJQU0/s320/RWP_Saab_Turbo_APC_Advert.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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During Saab-Scania's salad days of the 1970s and 1980s, its interests were varied and far-ranging. Aerospace, automotive, defense, and even computing were all areas of
research within the realm of the quirky Swedish company. The benefits of
turbocharging - originally a means to compensate for altitude on
piston-driven aircraft - were well understood to Saab. The company became known as a bit of a pioneer in the relatively under-developed field of turbocharging cars in 1978 with the Saab 99 Turbo. The 99 saw to it that the company with fighter-jet heritage had cars with performance to match. The old Triumph-based "B-Engine" was suddenly a force to be reckoned with thanks to the addition of the little exhaust-driven turbine.<br />
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The improved "H" engine found its way into the 99 (still sold in Europe at the time) and 900 by 1981. The following year, the turbocharged models would be fitted with the revolutionary Automatic Performance Control (APC) System. Saab has always believed in making cars that were not only well-built, safe, enjoyable to drive, but also practical. The APC system made it possible for the engine of turbocharged Saabs to compensate for pre-detonation or "knock" caused by low-octane or poor quality gasoline, carbon deposits, high operating temperatures, poor tuning due to lack of maintenance and so-on. Furthermore, this allowed the compression ratio of the engine to be higher, thus increasing fuel economy by taking greater advantage the available energy in the fuel. The Saab driver could now have performance, and afford it too.<br />
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<u>The Basics of APC Operating Principals:</u><br />
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Knock occurs when the temperature inside of a cylinder's combustion chamber becomes high enough to detonate the fuel/air mixture before intended by the spark plug - near top-dead-center of the compression stroke. Since forced induction naturally raises pressures, the compression ratio of a turbocharged engine must be low enough to ensure knock does not ever occur. This does not mean that a turbocharged engine cannot happily run at higher boost pressures or compression ratios, it simply means that the conditions must be right. <br />
Basic turbocharging principals dictate fitment of a wastegate to allow excess exhaust gasses to bypass the turbocharger, thus preventing too much boost from entering the intake of the engine. It is operated by a pressure line from the compressor side which forces a diaphragm to open the wastegate once boost levels become too high.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>1) Knock Sensor</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>2) APC "Brain Box"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>3) Pressure Transducer</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>4) Solenoid Valve</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>5) RPM Sensor</i></span></div>
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One part of the APC system's job is to act as a regulator for the wastegate, thereby controlling engine boost. Rather than the wastegate's line running directly from the turbocharger itself, it is re-routed to the solenoid valve (#4). This valve is controlled by the APC box (#2) and has the ability to override the function of the wastegate.<br />
The APC box is connected to a knock sensor (#1) which can detect if pre-detonation is occurring within the engine, and also to an RPM sensor (#5) to factor in engine rotational speed versus intake manifold pressure, as determined by the pressure transducer (#3). If the APC system detects knock, it will allow the wastegate to open sooner and reduce turbo boost to alleviate the problem. Because of this ability, this is why Saab was able to maintain a higher compression ratio in their APC-fitted turbocharged cars. Before APC, the ratios for turbo "B201" engines was 7.2 to 1. This increased to 8.5 to 1 with APC and, on the 16-valve "B202" engine, 9 to 1. APC can also control fuel delivery to an extent. When boost becomes excessively high, due to a stuck wastegate or misguided modding for example, it has the ability to cut fuel to the engine.<br />
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As the name suggests, Automatic Performance Control also controls performance - with the emphasis being on <i>performance</i>. It is not simply a means to prevent the engine from destroying itself, but also a way to vary tuning for the sake of economy, emissions, simple marketing strategy, etc. Saab's own SPG model 900 used a tweaked APC box (known in the Saab world as the "Red Box" to allow for a more powerful engine.) This is where things get rather complicated. <br />
Exactly how the APC's "brain" works has been a part of Saab lore for decades now. To this day there are conflicting and diverging schools of thought on how a would-be Saab tuner can go about tweaking the APC for more power. They more-or-less all involve three circuit board potentiometers ambiguously labeled P, F, and K as well as some playing around with transistors and a soldering iron.<br />
Though this author admits to having spent some time boldly tinkering with the APC box of <a href="http://ranwhenparked.blogspot.com/p/ians-garage.html">his own 900 Turbo</a>, this is not something for the weary or faint-of-heart. For those interested, I will direct you <a href="http://web.inter.nl.net/users/turbo-team-europe/apc.htm">here</a> but beware - more than once I've gleefully watched my Saab's boost gauge eagerly run into the red, only to have all the boost suddenly dump and the fuel delivery cut out and leave me coasting at 75 mph trying to restart the car. After a while, you may just find yourself tearing the box apart again to turn the screws back to their original settings, desperately hoping to regain the driveability of a normally functioning APC. <br />
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The APC system lived on in Saab turbos relatively unaltered until 1990. For the <a href="http://ranwhenparked.blogspot.com/2011/01/font-face-font-family-times-new-roman.html">9000 models</a> only, which were fitted with direct ignition, DI/APC integrated the engine's ignition control into the mix. Therefore, the system was able to control both turbo boost as well as ignition timing to keep everything running smoothly. <br />
The success of the APC system certainly didn't go unnoticed. Today, nearly all turbocharged cars have a similar system in place. Personally, this has allowed my cheap self to be running low-octane gas in not only my APC equipped Saab, but my Volkswagen with a 1.8T as well. Many Volvo enthusiasts have adopted and adapted APC functionality to their old 240 and 740 turbos. <br />
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Unfortunately, and no doubt thanks to years of General Motors ownership, it's been quite some time since we've seen truly great and unique innovations like this from Saab, but lest we forget, we must give a nod to Trollhattan. <em></em> <br />Ian Rothwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487424972017881075noreply@blogger.com5