The Grand Ascent Hillclimb 2012

06/16/2012

On Tuesday 12/11, you'll get to see a classic episode of Chasing Classic Cars where Wayne Carini goes through his plan to market and then sell th Porsche Special Hill Climb Car. He takes it to the Hershey Hill Climb race to put it through its paces and has a darn good time doing it. But that doesn't stop him from taking it to auction.

THough the Hill Climb took place back in June, we were lucky enough to have Kenneth Visser - automobile fan, blogger and photographer extraordinaire on site and reporting back on the action. Take a walk down memory lane below, and don't forget to tune in to Chasing Classic Cars starting on Tuesday 12/11 starting at 9p.

Another fine tradition has been reignited with the second running of the The Grand Ascent Hillclimb held on the grounds of the Hershey Hotel.  This is a VSCCA sanctioned hill climb exhibition and features a wide variety historic racing cars thundering up a five turn three quarters of a mile long course.  A unique opportunity to see, hear and smell vintage race cars slamming gears.  This event was reignited with the start of the Elegance At Hershey.  We'll talk more about the Concours later.  Let's take a look at some of the neat machinery that was attacking the hill.

Wayne Carini was selected as the Honary Grand Marshall of the Grand Ascent.  He brought his smile and his driving skills to the hill.

Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars took the Bill Rutan VW* special with a 356 four cam motor up the hill.  Wayne spoke about the rides up later "I had a blast"  And his sub 57 second times were reflective of his blistering pace. 

 

Classic Car Conversations with Don McLellan

02/28/2012

Here at Velocity we are incredibly lucky to work with experts from all over the automobile world - whether it's racing, auctions, history or restorations we are fortunate to have a window into their worlds.

We are excited to bring you part one of a Q&A with Don McLellan from RM Restorations. When a classic car is entrusted to RM they are there for every step of a restoration. The team researches the history behind the car and can restore, repair or rebuild everything from the trim to the transmission of the special vehicles that cross their shop floor.

This week we asked Don about some classics that have stood out in his mind - you can read about the 1939 Bugatti Type 57 here and tune in to One of a Kind tonight at 9:30 pm E/P to see it happen.

There seem to be two types of classic car fans – those that want to enjoy the car that’s been restored and drive it and those who want museum pieces that remained garaged. Which seems to be the most common?

In the past, it was 50/50 for guys that wanted to drive and those that wanted to put their classic car in a polished collection. At this particular point in time, the trend seems to be moving towards cars for driving, even when it is an investment quality piece. Some of this shift towards driving comes from the show circuit, many of which have participant tours that are an important part of the judging. There is a lot involved in preparing for this component, we drive and thoroughly test the cars, including both open road driving as well as via a chassis dynomometer in our shop to test horsepower, vibrations, leaks, overheating and emissions in order to get the cars to turn-key condition.

 Note: Video should read 1939 Type 57 Bugatti

As you’ve researched into a vehicle’s history preparing for a restoration, have you uncovered any surprises and strange histories? 

Research is a huge part of the process. We spend a lot of time traveling, in libraries (including our own), talking to marque experts, tracking down past owners and scouring coachbuilder records to get the most complete and accurate picture of the car when it was new. Some surprises do come along the way. For example, when researching Mr. Patterson’s black 1939 Type 57 Bugatti that was recently featured on ‘One of a Kind Collection’, we discovered the original body had been removed from the chassis during WWII – the chassis fitted with a different body – and the original body stored in a hay loft in Europe. In the end, the original body and chassis were reunited after 60 years. The original, hand drilled holes lined up perfectly. It was a fun process with a great result. 

Is there a restoration that stands out in your mind?

A restoration that stands out in my mind is a white 1933 Delage, because of the story it has. Built originally as a show car, it was a collaboration between the Delage factory (chassis manufacturers) and the De Villars Factory (coach builders) with an aim to make the very best, no expense spared car possible. The end design was a study in the application of color, shape and material for graceful impact. It won the 1933 concours in Paris and, after the RM Auto Restoration, it won ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2010. A complete history of the car, as discovered by our research, was produced to accompany the car at Pebble Beach.  

 

What is big in the restoration world right now?

There is a push for authenticity. Judges are dictating a real desire for the restoration to be done to absolutely authentic standards. This means no unauthentic colors, leathers, or materials. When fully documented, these are the cars that win the shows – which, of course, adds to a car’s desirability. • What dream car have you yet to be asked to restore? Without hesitation, a type 41 Bugatti Royale – there were only six made in the early 30s, all of which all still exist and most of which have been restored in the distant past. Now, each is priceless.

Don't forget to tune in to One of a Kind at 9:30 pm E/P to see the some of RM's work. 

Next week we'll hear post some of Don's insights on restoration work under the hood. In the meantime be sure to stop by the RM website to see some of their amazing work!

 

Velocity Weekly Round Up: Week of February 6, 2012

02/19/2012

by Eileen Marable

Early February has been busy in the world of cars and here at Velocity. Did you catch our One of a Kind caption contest? No?  Check out the photo and winning caption here.

The rest of the news for the week was full of the glitzy, offbeat and just plain awesome new car developments.

Let’s get going:

BREAKING NEWS: Nevada Approves Driverless Cars

We usually look at the week prior, but the big news at the end of this week was Nevada approving driverless cars. Yep, it seems like something out of the movies, but it is true.  We’ll look at this in more detail in the week to come, but the basics are that anyone who wants to use the driverless car program (developed with the help of Google) now will have to have a special plate and post up to a $3 million bond. When the cars become a reality for real people in the future that bond will no doubt have dropped to a reasonable level.  Forget about the money for a second and consider the fact that according to the law, drivers won’t even have to be in the car when it is operating though they will be responsible for its actions.  We NEED to hear your thoughts on this one!

‘Mayumi Special’ Nissan Infinity Q45

Take a look inside this amazing custom Nissan that was the result of 10 years of loving work. This blazing red Q45 was on display at the Tokyo Auto Show 2012, and according to the owner Fumihiro Takeda he wanted to “…(create) a car that was not just pretty cool, but awesome.”  With all the modifications – including an audio doll as a passenger, I think you could say mission accomplished.

 

Photo: Tesla Press Shots/Courtesy of Engadget

Tesla’s Totally Hot Model X SUV Unveiled

If you want to feel a little bit like James Bond and you have around $50-70 thousand to spend you’ll want to consider the new Tesla crossover SUV. Equipped with a unique “gull wing” door – which Tesla calls a “falcon wing – the car is an all wheel drive that will go from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds. If you aren’t salivating over it being electric, powerful and super-groovy, they want you to consider the SUV’s “frunk.” Yes, frunk – that would be a trunk in the front since where a standard engine would be.  Don’t you just love a company that can make up their own words?

Sweet Seatbelt Package

Mercedes Benz has released details on their new “active” seatbelt system. Designed with safety in mind, the system has multiple features designed to get users in the back seat to buckle up. In addition to being illuminated, the buckle itself will now extend itself from the seat almost three inches when a person is seated so they’ll have no trouble finding the equipment to strap in. Once buckled it automatically adjusts to proper tension for every body shape. The seatbelts also act in reverse – extending after a crash (provided the electrical system is still intact) so rescue personnel can easily unstrap passengers. Expected to roll out on their newest luxury models first, we can’t wait until the industry follows along with these cool innovations. 

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Perhaps you’ve been seeing reports about the unbelievable cold and snowy weather that has Europe in its grips? Here’s another interesting fact that makes it real just how cold it is. In Germany, it has been reported that as temperatures have hit -18° farenheit diesel fuel has begun to crystallize. That’s right, the fuel is freezing. Though it is German law that fuel stations have to provide a fuel that is cold resistant it generally only works up to -8° farenheit. Those diesel owners who don’t have garages and have had their car stuck on the street are reminded to NOT add gasoline or to defrost the engine manually (like with a heater), because, well, you know – it could explode. They are advised to find a place inside to tow the vehicle and let it defrost naturally. Presumably Germany isn’t the only country having this issue so let’s spare a thought for our freezing friends in Europe!

Photo: Gibbs Technologies via Gizmag

What a Humdinga!

It’s likely you’ll want one – who wouldn’t want an SUV that converts into a boat? The reality is that this amphibious vehicle from Gibbs Technologies will more likely be something the military will invest in or perhaps even search and rescue teams. Still it is fun to dream – the 4WD has a 350hp V8 gasoline engine that provides highway speeds on land and up to 30mph in the water. The Humdinga will carry up to five passengers or payloads over 1,600 lbs. With flooding plaguing certain areas around the country and the globe, it’s nice to know there is a purpose built vehicle like this out there.

 It's really a Rally car driver...

Sorry Dad… I Crashed the Car. Into the Ocean.

You all know I love ending on a humorous note. And while crashing is not generally funny, the guy behind this crash and his father seem to be taking it fairly well and no one was hurt. The story goes that after a back injury, Andrew Miedecke loaned his classic 1975 Ford Capri Terana to his son George, to compete in his place at the Targa Wrest Point Rally in Tasmania. Perhaps his dad set the bar to high by telling him not to crash and to not come in second… D’oh. Sadly, Andrew accomplished both. In his defense, the Targa rally is one of the most challenging out there – with tight turns, high speeds and harsh road conditions. Plus, the crash was not fully his fault as he technically crashed into another car that had trouble with the same turn he did.  Better luck next time guys – you deserve it!

So Velocity fans, what’s on your mind this week? What have you seen that amuses or amazes. We love hearing from you!

Until next week!

Valentine’s Day? There’s an App For That

02/14/2012

By Doris Molenaar

Valentine’s Cards, chocolates and stuffed animals are so 2011. In modern days we no longer need to do such cheesy things that make us fat, cause extra pink and red junk in our houses and that are just generally awkward. What better way to express your love than through a smartphone app? We put together the best list of Valentine’s Apps that will help you win over your lover’s heart, score a date or just make the most romantic day of the year even better.

Couples - Better Relationships by TheIceBreak
It’s your first date, and after the usual “So, what do you do?” and “Tell me about your family” an awkward silence ensues…looks like it’s time for an icebreaker! Couples: Better Relationship has a ton of questions that you can ask your date/wife/whatever that will be sure to keep the conversation going, like: “How do you feel about couples who use the bathroom together?” If that’s not a question that is most vital in a relationship, I don’t know what is! With this app, you don’t even need to see each other, both of you can just answer the questions which will be posed on your “secret wall.” Makes dating so much easier.

Romantext – Romantic Text Messages by Joseph Nardone
So you’re no Shakespeare, Romance is a foreign language to you, but it is Valentine’s Day and homegirl is expecting something. Why would you try to come up with your own romantic lines if someone else can do it so much better than you? Just download the Romantic Text Messages app and they will send a cheesy text message for you. Done and done.

OkCupid – Social Dating Website by OkCupid.com
Valentine’s day is also known as Single Persons Awareness Day for those without that special someone. But it’s NOT too late, you still have a few hours left to score yourself a hot date. OkCupid is a free dating website and they have an app too! Their slogan is: “Dating has never been this fun, social, or free.” Now if that isn’t promising...

Poem Generator by Inkren, LLC
Create your own original poems with this Poem Generator and send it to your lover, it’ll be sure to melt her heart and make her love you for ever and ever. And ever.

Love ++ by Cocoon
This app has all sorts of interesting facts you didn’t know about love. Definitely a conversation starter, again for those awkward silences at the dinner table. Did you know that a man’s beard grows faster when he anticipates sex? Also according to this app more than 10,000 couples’ relationships start at coffee shops, even the singles benefit from this app!

Romantic Ideas 500 by Michael Quach
I must say that these ideas aren’t really brilliant or anything you can’t come up with yourself “cuddle with your partner on the sofa and watch a movie.” Wow, what a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that? But for those who really don’t know what to do with their lovers I suppose that’s an idea.

Badoo by Badoo Services Ltd
More ideas for the date-less: download Badoo and look who’s around and interested in getting to know you. You can use it to look up who else is in that bar, to grab lunch with someone new, maybe even go to a coffee shop! Creeping around has never been easier. 

My Love Life by IAG Ideas, LLC
Apparently this app is only free on Valentine’s Day, so download it. You can keep track of your dates, how much you spent on them and whether or not that led to sex, and if it did, what positions you tried. You can even schedule your next sex adventure and keep track of the ways you flirted. And if it’s all working out pretty well for you, there’s even a button to brag about it on facebook. Fabulous.

But seriously, the best idea for Valentine’s Day tonight is sitting on your comfortable couch, with pizza and beer, watching American Icon: Muscle Car, One of a Kind and Chasing Classic Cars on Velocity. If your girlfriend really loves you, she’d understand. 

When It Comes to Race Cars, Necessity is the Mother of Invention

by Eileen Marable

There’s nothing that a car loving gal like me likes more than finding out the history of some of the incredible finds in our shows.  While familiar with many of the bigger name models that ended up in mass production, I’ve got a long way to go before I’m schooled in the more rare finds out there.

This week the gang at One of a Kind give us a glimpse of the 57 Airbox Corvette and the Ferrari 412P…you’ll have to tune in to get the stories behind the amazing restorations, but here are the basic facts to get you in the mood.

‘57 Airbox Corvette

Man is this car sweet.  With its rounded lines visually it looks built for racing, even I can see that.  But the real hot stuff is under the hood.

According DZAUto, an expert on the Airbox Corvette over at Corvette Forums, the term “Airbox” came along when a design option was added on just 43 of the fuel injected cars from 1957.