tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88619866720476783862024-03-23T03:14:06.096-07:00MotoArigatoRoadworthy News & HumorMotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-7890217343878963402019-07-04T11:42:00.001-07:002019-07-04T11:42:33.095-07:00Portland, Oregon Calendar of Automotive Events for Summer 2019<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A scene from a previous Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Portland, Oregon Calendar of Automotive Events for Summer 2019</span><br />
By Marrs<br />
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*All titles are clickable links to the event homepage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFMdLfZIfLsEXCZcSgM-o3nW7vaHGgCnwvNSa_yjoFtcGlCt8VMYWRo4tIlKfo5SX_BgfUuUFw0MqpqYYFsl6-XtLBpq8cHB2-Lvy5lk6YpPe3ZqGC9nwlTb5ZZa7fnAMf8B6vOEFLCae/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-15+at+11.37.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="579" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFMdLfZIfLsEXCZcSgM-o3nW7vaHGgCnwvNSa_yjoFtcGlCt8VMYWRo4tIlKfo5SX_BgfUuUFw0MqpqYYFsl6-XtLBpq8cHB2-Lvy5lk6YpPe3ZqGC9nwlTb5ZZa7fnAMf8B6vOEFLCae/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-06-15+at+11.37.04+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.portlandcarsandcoffee.com/" target="_blank"><b>Cars & Coffee</b></a><br />
Saturdays, 8am 2019<br />
Weekly gathering of elite and unique vehicles at the World of Speed Museum just south of Portland in Wilsonville, OR. Some weeks have a featured marque or particular theme. Event runs rain or shine. No pre-registration or cost to attend or display your car, just show up!<br />
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<a href="http://portlandraceway.com/?/events/upcoming_events/cruisein" target="_blank"><b>Beaches Cruise-In</b></a><br />
Wednesdays, June-September, 2019<br />
Weekly event held on Wednesday nights June through September at Portland International Raceway (PIR), features up to 1,000 (!!!) cars on show, live music on stage. food, family fun, and drag races later in the day.<br />
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<a href="http://rosecup.com/" target="_blank"><b>Rose Cup Races</b></a><br />
July 12-14, 2019<br />
This is the 59th running of the oldest race event West of the Mississippi, and one of the very first major track events at PIR. Part of the city's Rose Festival events, and held at a public park (yup, PIR is a city park!), this always signals the start of the hardcore summer racing season. Rose Cup Races on Facebook.<br />
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<a href="http://forestgroveconcours.org/" target="_blank"><b>Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance</b></a><br />
July 21, 2019<br />
The top-shelf experience for anyone with a passion for automobiles in the Pacific Northwest. The featured classes for 2019 are, 120 Years of Packard, Over 70 Years of Porsche 356, and 100 Years of Bentley. Whether your interest is purely mechanical, or lies in the appreciation of the slender lines of a bygone era, families can enjoy a day spent among the cool shaded lawn of Pacific University while communing with old and new friends alike, all who share your passion for elegant motorcars. A vineyard tour is available to previous day, Saturday, July 20th.<br />
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<a href="https://svra.com/events/2017-portland-vintage-racing-festival/" target="_blank"><b>Portland Vintage Racing Festival (formerly: Portland Historic Races)</b></a><br />
July 25-28, 2019<br />
One of the finest motoring events in the Oregon, this show has hundreds of show cars on display, over 200 vintage race cars competing on the track in various classes, and many more automotive gems to be spotted in the parking lot. The event features a weekend full of vintage racing, Car Corrals from various area clubs, an art contest, food, kids area, vendors, parade of show cars, Land-Rover off road experience, and a slalom course that anyone may participate in.<br />
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<a href="http://nwclassicmotorcarrally.org/" target="_blank"><b>Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Motorcar Rally</b></a><br />
(Formerly the Monte Shelton NW Classic Rally)<br />
August 1-4, 2019<br />
An extended weekend rally/road tour for pre-1981 vehicles roaming the beautiful Oregon countryside in this beloved regional event, sponsored by the Alfa Romeo club. The rally website says, "Each year the Northwest Classic Rally visits a wonderful resort where we end Friday’s and Saturday’s rallying and touring with social activities including optional car washing, general tire-kicking and banquet dinners, and we conclude the event on Sunday morning with the Awards Brunch."<br />
See a tribute to Monte Shelton here: <b><a href="http://www.montesheltonmotors.com/remembering.html" target="_blank">Remembering Monte Shelton</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.soapboxracer.com/" target="_blank"><b>Adult Soapbox Derby</b></a><br />
August 17, 2019<br />
An annual event that features homebuilt, and incredibly creative, soapbox racers of all types and themes that compete in a series of heats to crown one team the Adult Soapbox Champions of Portland! Mt. Tabor is the setting for this event that feels like the city's biggest neighborhood BBQ with camaraderie and good times for attendees, food, beer and some souvenirs available for purchase. Event runs from 10a-4ish pm.<br />
<a href="http://www.oswegoheritage.org/car-boat-show-1/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://www.oswegoheritage.org/car-boat-show-1/" target="_blank"><b>Lake Oswego 18th annual Collector Car & Classic Boat Show</b></a><br />
August 25th, 2019<br />
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"Every year, the Oswego Heritage Council proudly presents the Annual Collector Car & Classic Boat Show. What started out as a handful of local classic cars on display in Millennium Plaza has expanded to a huge show with cars and boats from all over the area. The show now draws thousands of people and has takes place in two of beautiful Lake Oswego's parks.<br />
As always, there is no cost for admission to any of the event’s locations. This is the only show in the tri-county area that combines collector cars and classic boats." -Lake Oswego Heritage Council<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF3X6mfU9ESIsEJdb-9uFx53OEhRwq1cpXbJ54ZypRWjMVpJ-RlskC1_V2ZNgAyPCeWKePBNxtE1SB3vWzlF5WXWTPHWvKObFvuSCuRQSB1ik2Wj3QurKr96ay_Ry-df63_T02lLcLxF5/s1600/DSC05204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF3X6mfU9ESIsEJdb-9uFx53OEhRwq1cpXbJ54ZypRWjMVpJ-RlskC1_V2ZNgAyPCeWKePBNxtE1SB3vWzlF5WXWTPHWvKObFvuSCuRQSB1ik2Wj3QurKr96ay_Ry-df63_T02lLcLxF5/s400/DSC05204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://abfm-pdx.com/" target="_blank"><b>All British Field Meet (ABFM) and SOVREN Races</b></a><br />
September 6-8, 2019<br />
If you like a Triumph Stag as much as a dark ale, or if a Bentley 3.5 litre gets your knickers in a tizzy, then this is the show for you. 800+ British cars gather at PIR for what has to be the most laid-back and utterly enjoyable show of the season. Wind down the summer with racing, cars on display, food and all around good times. The event celebrates a featured marque every year. Be sure to check the <b><a href="http://abfm-pdx.com/2019/schedule" target="_blank">Event Schedule here</a></b> to ensure you see what you want. The car show is Saturday only, and the swap meet is Sunday only for example.MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-26992218442098078472019-03-09T20:43:00.002-08:002019-03-09T20:58:22.612-08:00Hispano Suiza Readies a Comeback from Two Different Builders<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl8P1kC3BazyM4FLz96g_lyeZr9_FKgJt2OY2IciF0Qq52rhv81IgdWMh7luPzg6Cm32s-D4lnVNU4WTfWrT_RtdDiMyVzKqZx4kHT7DcxTBfkdbtEnmJtA4I__a6hOBtyYw75ui3Vy2Q/s1600/hispano-suiza-carmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl8P1kC3BazyM4FLz96g_lyeZr9_FKgJt2OY2IciF0Qq52rhv81IgdWMh7luPzg6Cm32s-D4lnVNU4WTfWrT_RtdDiMyVzKqZx4kHT7DcxTBfkdbtEnmJtA4I__a6hOBtyYw75ui3Vy2Q/s640/hispano-suiza-carmen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Hispano Suiza Carmen concept.</td></tr>
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<b>Hispano Suiza Readies a Comeback from Two Different Builders</b><br />
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Hispano Suiza is one of those companies that not many are familiar with today outside of the Concours d'Elegance crowd. The long, powerful lines of the hand-built Spanish automobiles were never common things owing to their high price and low production numbers, but nonetheless could be found prowling the fashionable avenues of Paris, the damp and narrow streets of London, or the dusty roads of early Hollywood. You had to <i>BE</i> somebody or <i>KNOW</i> somebody to be on the Hispano Suiza client list.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2TqRxBZXen-SLHkk44k1z3tyBA9yvAqW9ggSKlhiMdg6ZtKL46xVU2zw9H5HNaA8KgKEFDUkqBTSXJKyTNGnOO8rzg51UROzZz4PY6ub7NZUpR3C-6gzSoiv8nWPJvpePM_5Hu22Gn2w/s1600/u-g-Q10LMN30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2TqRxBZXen-SLHkk44k1z3tyBA9yvAqW9ggSKlhiMdg6ZtKL46xVU2zw9H5HNaA8KgKEFDUkqBTSXJKyTNGnOO8rzg51UROzZz4PY6ub7NZUpR3C-6gzSoiv8nWPJvpePM_5Hu22Gn2w/s640/u-g-Q10LMN30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Hispano Suiza were always rare, elegant, and expensive.</td></tr>
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The company went down a long and convoluted path of ownership and manufacture of various products besides automobiles at certain points in it's history to include aircraft engines and weapons during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The details of which are perhaps best left to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispano-Suiza" target="_blank">magicians at Wikipedia</a> who can unravel the company's lineage better than we could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNSlyFyNqctwUu4_wH0LnGGAvCr5B8FY_q0-Bzc5pMzXrWMGslvRtz95Le4pok3DCN4s2MJQBaeecotP1Pj-eYUMEgBdyezPMBLCPp6i8oh98SEZtt8JiOwwdCq21y8hX1GEjTF1Q4GIm/s1600/KP8fozsld9w3RtYktb9BsytkQo1qCamdmc3rvpxrKW8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="960" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNSlyFyNqctwUu4_wH0LnGGAvCr5B8FY_q0-Bzc5pMzXrWMGslvRtz95Le4pok3DCN4s2MJQBaeecotP1Pj-eYUMEgBdyezPMBLCPp6i8oh98SEZtt8JiOwwdCq21y8hX1GEjTF1Q4GIm/s640/KP8fozsld9w3RtYktb9BsytkQo1qCamdmc3rvpxrKW8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Jay Leno's custom-bodied Hispano-Suiza built around an aircraft engine.</td></tr>
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Step through your time-portal into the year 2019 and the world is yet again presented with a pair of vehicle models bearing the name Hispano Suiza, but no different than a century prior, these brands are run completely independently of one another with each claiming rights to the name. While we let the lawyers sort that all out, let's have a look at the two cars and see if we can determine which is most likely to become a viable automotive product in the near future.<br />
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Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxasQqfMsfZAAaiva03omslYn2btJqtBu-nr_NXMUKwF-FIC87f2oY0NBs7cT2ddqAncXPDZmtQLs1_KYQil_tydfpz9cQscy5KG1NucVDLn3OfIbiriOOoV6B2u8JsT_OQ4qR6eX7Xl2/s1600/Hispano-Suiza-Magurai-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxasQqfMsfZAAaiva03omslYn2btJqtBu-nr_NXMUKwF-FIC87f2oY0NBs7cT2ddqAncXPDZmtQLs1_KYQil_tydfpz9cQscy5KG1NucVDLn3OfIbiriOOoV6B2u8JsT_OQ4qR6eX7Xl2/s640/Hispano-Suiza-Magurai-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This concept is presented by a Swiss manufacturer headed up by Austrian Erwin Leo Himmel. His version is based on an Audi R8 and was originally presented and panned for production in 2009-11 but this stork never got off the ground. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauMn6Ruvey5BVDexXu57apY3R35ghJSBkOfDbs6NxUFdRAIEqeh0qohoJqLcWdrU5W54RE5qXyM1ig9j3lsaEPCB7xj-s5FpbfxI6QbmcvWVn98rDGCttZ8Km6BACoLWm3SUr30mExNcS/s1600/Hispano-Suiza-Magurai-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauMn6Ruvey5BVDexXu57apY3R35ghJSBkOfDbs6NxUFdRAIEqeh0qohoJqLcWdrU5W54RE5qXyM1ig9j3lsaEPCB7xj-s5FpbfxI6QbmcvWVn98rDGCttZ8Km6BACoLWm3SUr30mExNcS/s640/Hispano-Suiza-Magurai-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Himmel states that he would like to build 300 production examples of the vehicle. We are curious, since its based on the previous R8, will the new incarnation still use the older R8 architecture or switch to the newest one? Most likely it will retain the underpinnings of the earlier car because the styling has been completed for over a decade and to refit to the newer chassis would be akin to starting from scratch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrhonk_mBzo3to0NWh8pZNetqZBbESSStfY5HwIiFNunjxq6mcsK0xWxsMyfFG9d6eJrL06Cdew9XQmh1DAQ6TP5t2oxcf7Ev5gp37ZezVwKBsagFF5KZIptXysmV7B2GmZ_i3MZdC2hT/s1600/MAGUARI_HS1_GTC_Topdown-section-car-full-mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1335" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrhonk_mBzo3to0NWh8pZNetqZBbESSStfY5HwIiFNunjxq6mcsK0xWxsMyfFG9d6eJrL06Cdew9XQmh1DAQ6TP5t2oxcf7Ev5gp37ZezVwKBsagFF5KZIptXysmV7B2GmZ_i3MZdC2hT/s640/MAGUARI_HS1_GTC_Topdown-section-car-full-mobile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Maguari HS1 GTC uses the Lamborghini/Audi V-10 to power it's wheels and is planned to be a super car competitor in an already crowded field.<br />
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<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Oswald; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px auto 20px; max-width: 634px;">
Hispano Suiza Carmen</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwiHCUpCc3xuERIt2BO5UK7CTuCvXHuT2OE6OuAW2q20MfY5BAJ5Z3RnlfATfxkksYhCLKTwnLPcCnKb_RiC6aYz61YK73u_fOJ4rtN7iUsQOfzTWYXxqogj-pWdp2DkBre0JKo4gxVND/s1600/hispano-suiza-carmen-dubonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="800" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwiHCUpCc3xuERIt2BO5UK7CTuCvXHuT2OE6OuAW2q20MfY5BAJ5Z3RnlfATfxkksYhCLKTwnLPcCnKb_RiC6aYz61YK73u_fOJ4rtN7iUsQOfzTWYXxqogj-pWdp2DkBre0JKo4gxVND/s640/hispano-suiza-carmen-dubonnet.jpg" width="640" /></a></h3>
The Carmen comes to us from Miguel Suque Mateu, grandson of the company founder, and<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span>is styled loosely after the 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6C Dubonnet Xenia. The back half seems to reflect this design language the most, and the rear view is something to behold.<br />
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This car is not based on any existing chassis and will be built from the ground up and is intended more as a grand tourer than a pure sports car.<br />
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The Carmen uses duel electric motors to propel itself silently down the roadway, surely a bit more modern in concept if not by appearances. The plan is to build 19 examples at a price of $2.2-million each.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQEE78C98Vgy1ZbENA0Z4tECkQI_qcHDoChA9euUX2Ns6gFMVJLpKKnga_8nSQPsPBgUqpI-0DuEyRoixoBJJCyyVOsG56ir0A9MX25-c3GvQCHqJx1uwqBRGYh4N6Sn2gA4_rASynTwS/s1600/1543421670_512143_1543609948_noticia_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="313" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQEE78C98Vgy1ZbENA0Z4tECkQI_qcHDoChA9euUX2Ns6gFMVJLpKKnga_8nSQPsPBgUqpI-0DuEyRoixoBJJCyyVOsG56ir0A9MX25-c3GvQCHqJx1uwqBRGYh4N6Sn2gA4_rASynTwS/s400/1543421670_512143_1543609948_noticia_normal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Spun wheel cover on the Dubonnet Xenia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Modern interpretation of the wheel cover on the Carmen.</td></tr>
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So what do you think, which would you rather be seen pulling up to a fancy Basque restaurant in? </div>
MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-8072853510807658282018-12-21T09:14:00.000-08:002018-12-21T09:20:31.785-08:00King Size Bows Make a King Size Impression on Lexus Buyers<h2>
<span style="font-kerning: none;">King Size Bows Make a King Size Impression on Lexus Buyers</span></h2>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some of the most memorable car commercials in popular culture are the “December to Remember” series of Holiday TV ads from Lexus, now in their 19th year, but not necessarily for the vehicles themselves but rather for the giant red bow that has become synonymous with the brand at this celebratory time of year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You know the commercials, but do you know the story about how the huge folded ribbons came to be THE symbol of automotive Holiday gift-giving?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“Once you put a bow on it its a present!” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The original concept began in 2000 when Lynda King of Southern California couldn’t find a bow big enough to adorn the VW she was planning to gift her son for his 16th birthday, so she started a business that did just that, creating King Size Bows who’s name, rather conveniently, tells you everything you need to know about what the company produces. When it came time for Lynda to retire in 2015, the mother-daughter duo of Jan Kingaard and Amber Kingaard-Hughes purchased King Size Bows and updated the company and its offerings by way of their combined skills, in Jan’s case as a former marketing consultant, and in Amber’s case as a talented designer of some of her own clothing and accessories since childhood. It was an especially meaningful collaboration for the pair after Amber had to seek out new work opportunities when a serious car accident left her without the ability to speak for a period of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Lexus came knocking on King Size Bow’s door in 2003 and used the product in their commercials that year. I personally remember the response was immediate and massive. Everyone was talking about the ads for one reason or another. I can recall comments ranging from admonitions from one spouse to another for not having the forethought to put a big bow on top of their own new car purchase, to derision among others for giving such an extravagant gift as a brand new Lexus. Whatever the case, it got people talking about the brand, and for Lexus, who was still a relative newcomer to the US market and struggling with brand recognition on the roadways among the car-buying public, this was an exciting reaction. The value of those bows may run in the several hundreds of dollars each, but the goodwill and brand recognition they brought to the Lexus brand is likely worth many tens of millions at this point. Simply put, Lexus couldn’t have come up with a more effective strategy to get buyers onto dealer lots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have a keen eye, you may have even noticed that the design of the bow has changed over the years. Amber explains, “We started with a very large, smooth, multi-loop bow and evolved the design into the distinctive twisted loop edition you’ve seen in the Christmas commercials and showrooms for the last few years.” Materials are largely dependent upon the eventual use and location, indoor bows will generally last longer and can be made from more delicate materials while outdoor bows may be weatherized and feature stronger structural components.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">King Size Bows may be known primarily for their association with Lexus but you’ve probably seen the company’s unique products in many other places including Mardi Gras parade floats, christening of new jet aircraft, the expansion of the Golden Gate Bridge ceremony, and even atop a giant gift box that Channing Tatum popped out of for Ellen’s televised 60th birthday celebration. Magic Mike approved… now that’s some street cred! More mundane uses include use at hotels, casinos and Main Street USA’s all over the country for fundraisers, honoring the various branches of the military, and so on. They make bows in a variety of sizes and materials, that according to Amber include “creating 18-inch to 15-feet WOW bows that universally bring joy to the giver as well as the receiver.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Amber tells me that, “nearly all (car) brands use bows in their showrooms, to decorate their dealerships, and as gifts to car buyers.” She explained that dealers often buy their Signature bows by the dozen to offer to new car buyers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">King Size Bow’s customers can order directly from them online, or by appointment at their Costa Mesa, California studio. The ready-made 30” x 40” Signature bows are $49.99 and stocked for immediate shipment in case you’re giving away cars this year like the neighborhood Oprah. Those wishing to order a Lexus-dealer style bow, or to take advantage of KSB’s design services for a custom product, will need to call them directly to discuss specific use, materials, and deadlines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Will you ever look at the classic Lexus Holiday ads the same way after learning the names and faces of the creatives behind this uniquely identifiable product? Just another example (<a href="https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-true-story-behind-cocomats-an-iconic-american-comp-945027412" target="_blank">remember CocoMats?</a>) of industrious Americans finding a niche in the automotive market and filling it, all while keeping production right here in the USA. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://kingsizebows.com/">KingSizeBows.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is not a sponsored post and no products were requested or received in exchange for this article. </span></div>
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MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-36236185166498021192018-12-07T15:13:00.000-08:002018-12-08T14:37:34.967-08:00MotoArigato Top 25 Articles of All Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the year winding down we take a look back over our illustrious past to dig up some of the articles that are favorites among our writers and readers. The list below is presented in no particular order but reveals some of the more informative, funny and engaging articles we have published since our inception 9-years ago. We'd also like to offer a massive "thank you" to all of our readers, sponsors and contributors and we are very excited to bring you a wider variety of stories for the new year with the addition of new staff writers that you will be introduced to in the coming weeks and months, as well as contributions from readers covering everything from their own personal restoration projects to cross-country road trips. All in all, this site works because you enjoy what we post here, so we want to include more of our readers as active participants and content creators.<br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/10/director-guillermo-del-toro-builds.html" target="_blank">Director Guillermo del Toro Builds Himself Replica of "The Car"</a></li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/10/bathurst-1000-live-commentary.html" target="_blank">Bathurst 1000 Live Commentary: Drunk and Drunkerer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/11/jc-unit-one-motorcoach-of-music-legend.html" target="_blank">JC Unit One; On the Road In Johnny Cash's Custom Tour Bus</a></li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/07/forest-grove-follow-up.html" target="_blank">Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance Follow Up</a></li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/06/kids-and-adults-will-love-kidds-toy.html" target="_blank">All Ages Love Kidd's Toy Museum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-true-story-behind-cocomats-iconic.html" target="_blank">The True Story behind Cocomats, an Iconic American Company</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/05/big-ass-engine-sounds-like-rave-dj.html" target="_blank">Big Ass Engine Sounds Like a Rave DJ</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/04/space-shuttle-cockpit-3d-view-in-hd.html" target="_blank">Space Shuttle Cockpit 3D View in HD Makes Us All Giggly Inside</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/02/when-you-think-of-offroading-in-benz-is.html" target="_blank">When You Think of Offroading in a Benz, Is This What Comes to Mind</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/12/worst-car-i-ever-owned-was-series-ii.html" target="_blank">The Worst Car I Ever Owned Was A Series II Jaguar XJ6</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/02/ever-wondered-why-you-cant-pump-your.html" target="_blank">Ever Wondered Why You Can't Pump Your Own Gas In Oregon?</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/01/need-bright-red-g-class-in-hurry.html" target="_blank">Need a Bright Red G-class In a Hurry?</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2012/01/iron-chef-battle-secret-ingredient.html" target="_blank">Iron Chef Battle Secret Ingredient: Moonshine!</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-became-of-gaddafis-rocket-car.html" target="_blank">What Became of Gaddafi's Rocket Car?</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/09/all-british-field-meet-makes-us-want-to.html" target="_blank">All British Field Meet Makes Us Want to do Something Dirty with an E-Type</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/09/steve-jobs-magical-barcode-license.html" target="_blank">Steve Jobs Magical Barcode License Plate Mystery Revealed</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/08/black-beauty-artwork-featured-on-io9.html" target="_blank">"Black Beauty" Artwork Featured on io9</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/08/mystery-of-ducati-in-livingroom.html" target="_blank">The Mystery of the Ducati In the Living Room</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/08/portlands-adult-soapbox-derby-is-giant.html" target="_blank">Portland's Adult Soapbox Derby Is Giant Beer Garden of Fun</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2013/02/toto-i-dont-think-were-in-1950-anymore.html" target="_blank">Toto, I Don't Think We're In 1950 Anymore</a></li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/07/cars-in-park-mercedes-benz-bmw-edition.html" target="_blank">Cars In The Park; Mercedes-Benz and BMW Edition</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/05/last-100-hours-of-ayrton-sennas-life.html" target="_blank">The Last 100 hours of Aryton Senna's Life</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/04/quickie-ever-wonder-how-they-ship-f1.html" target="_blank">Ever Wonder How They Ship F1 Cars?</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2011/04/clk55-pos-edition.html" target="_blank">CLK55 P.O.S. Edition -or- Enter the Lion Vagina Car</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/12/oldies-but-goodies-guide-to-buying-and.html" target="_blank">Oldies but Goodies; A Guide to Buying and Driving a Used W202 Mercedes </a></li>
</ol>
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<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-73362877891251214462018-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:002018-12-01T10:31:31.337-08:00Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van News; New Plant & Amazon Fleet<div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Mercedes-Benz Van News: New Sprinter plant in North Charleston SC & Amazon Becomes Sprinter's Biggest Customer</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-MBUSA</span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">New part-by-part production facility with body shop, paint shop and final assembly opens in time for the U.S. market launch of the new Mercedes- Benz Sprinter</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">First Sprinter out of new production delivered to Amazon:</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">New Partnership with Amazon includes the delivery of 20,000 vans for small businesses across the U.S., making the online retailer the world's largest Sprinter customer</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Investment of approximately 500 million U.S. Dollars in new plant</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">State-of-the-art intelligent production – with driverless transport systems, paperless documentation and exceptional digital training tools</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">More than 900 employees at start of production; up to 1,300 team members planned by the end of 2020</li>
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Mercedes-Benz Vans has opened its new Sprinter plant for the North American market. After considering the high market potential for the new Sprinter in North America, the decision to build a new production facility in time for the launch of the new Sprinter model in the USA was announced in March 2015. The facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, is now up and running following a two year construction period. The total investment adds up to approx. 500 million dollars with more than 900 people working at the expanded North Charleston site, that number is set to grow up to 1,300 by the end of 2020. According to estimations, suppliers will create an additional 600 new jobs in and around North Charleston.</div>
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"The USA is already the second largest market for our Sprinter today. With the new, state-of-the-art production site in South Carolina, we will be able to supply our customers in North America even faster and with more flexibility in the future. This makes better use of the dynamic market potential, placing our new plant in North Charleston as a central component of our growth strategy</div>
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`Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global'," said Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.</div>
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"The new plant in North Charleston combines our global expertise and experience resulting in a state-of-the-art facility in every respect. It is a valuable asset that completes our global production network. Our priority at Mercedes-Benz Vans during the planning process for this facility was maximum flexibility. This enables us to react in an agile and anticipatory manner to current developments and customer desires. Additionally, it guarantees excellent quality within our proven, standardized production system," said Frank Klein, Head of Operations Mercedes-Benz Vans.</div>
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To coincide with the opening, Mercedes-Benz Vans also announced it will be producing Amazon branded Sprinter vans for the retail company's new Delivery Service Partner program at the new plant. Small business owners will work with third-party fleet management companies to procure their customized vans and get special leases in order to keep their startup costs low.<br />
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"We're proud to partner with Mercedes-Benz Vans to contribute to local economies through the order of Amazon branded Sprinter vans produced at their new plant in North Charleston," said Dave Clark, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations. "Thanks to the tremendous response to Amazon's new Delivery Service Partner program, we are excited to increase our original order of branded Sprinter vans to 20,000 vehicles so new small businesses will have access to a customized fleet to power deliveries of Amazon packages."</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">U.S. market launch for the new Sprinter</span></div>
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The opening could not come at a better time – 2018 marks the U.S. market launch of the new generation of the highly acclaimed van.</div>
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The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter defines the top class of large vans in all sub-disciplines. Its classic strengths have been improved upon and are complemented by new intelligent products and services.</div>
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Among the outstanding innovations in the North American market are the new multimedia systems MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the control and display concept in the cockpit, as well as ergonomically shaped seats and modern assistance systems - some of them were taken over by the car sector and, for the first time, found their way into a Mercedes-Benz van.</div>
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New standards are being set in the field of digitization and connectivity, which is why the new Sprinter can be described as the first van in a new category with a holistic overall system solution. The previously available version of the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was in high demand among customers in the USA, the second largest market in the world for Sprinter vans.</div>
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Since 2006, Semi-Knocked-Down kits have been assembled in North Charleston for imported Sprinter vans and since 2015 also for imported Metris Midsize Vans (known in other markets as "Vito"). With the new plant and the "made in USA" vehicles, the business area will be able to serve the growing demand of North American customers more economically and significantly reduce delivery times in this market.</div>
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The new Sprinter will be made under the brands Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner.<br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Additional facilities including body shop, paint shop and final assembly</span></div>
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Mercedes-Benz has put the full weight of its technical expertise into the North Charleston location. The new factory expands upon the existing Mercedes-Benz Vans assembly plant with additional facilities, including body shop, paint shop and final assembly. The company is implementing its most innovative production technologies and concepts at the location, making it one of the most modern of its kind in North America and an integral part of Mercedes-Benz Vans' global production network.</div>
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The expansion of the production facility has tripled its footprint, now covering 222 acres or nearly 10 million square ft. The production and office building area comes now to around 41 acres or 1.8 million square ft., supplemented by free and logistics space. Central to the innovations are connectivity and digital communication in manufacturing due to continuously growing demands for flexibility and efficiency in production and to the increasing diversity of vehicle variants and sales figures continuing to rise.</div>
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Employees are also benefitting from increased digitalization as it minimizes routine and repetitive tasks, giving them more time for higher-value work. The outstanding innovations include self-driving transport systems, the shift to paperless, digital communication and new opportunities provided by virtual employee training.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Autonomous transport systems deliver free-flowing traffic</span></div>
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Like other locations within the Mercedes-Benz Vans production network, the plant in North Charleston is equipped with driverless transport systems – which can travel more than 40 miles in one shift. They are controlled through networking with the plant's IT system and via RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology. The associated transponders, incorporated into the factory floors, receive the necessary driving commands. The vehicles can also use Bluetooth to communicate with one another and coordinate automatically, thus guaranteeing smooth traffic flow at all times.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Paperless documentation with RFID technology</span></div>
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Among the biggest transformations is the paperless, digital production documentation, based on RFID technology. It means the position of a specific component can be pinpointed precisely at any given time with contactless, automatic identification and localization. This information allows employees in logistics and production to feasibly adjust to process changes. Moreover, quality assurance personnel can ascertain that the correct part has been installed in the correct vehicle. Relative to conventional processes, RFID technology has made it possible to eliminate several steps of documentation, with one example being the manual scanning of barcodes. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the number of potential sources of error.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Effective training with digital tools</span></div>
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At every Mercedes-Benz plant, personnel remains the most important factor when it comes to quality. At the North Charleston plant, conventional methods are amplified by digital training tools to help prepare them for their jobs. Due to the diversity of body types, powertrain concepts, body lengths, tonnages, cargo-space heights and equipment options, the new Sprinter is available in more than 1,700 variants. Each and every employee has to learn around 900 individual process steps in a specific order to enable them to build the new Sprinter. With the utilization of digital tools, this process is now efficient and sustainable. In assembly, employees can use an on-screen approach similar to that of a computer game to familiarize themselves with procedures and components. Previously, training for assembly work was conducted purely on pre-production vehicles. Training of paint-shop personnel is likewise aided by digital techniques. For example, they are able to use Virtual Reality (VR) spectacles and VR paint guns for realistic simulation of the painting process.</div>
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MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-59777197548553209942018-10-31T10:41:00.000-07:002018-12-01T10:41:48.617-08:00Lexus Goes to a Dark Place with Special Edition LX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lexus Goes to a Dark Place with Special Edition LX</span></strong></h2>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">PLANO, Texas (October 31, 2018) </strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">– The LX is more than just a luxury SUV. It’s an inspiration for those who desire a higher-level driving experience. Already equipped for the road with high quality materials and exhilarating performance, this luxury SUV takes all the worry out of decision-making. </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">In November, Lexus will introduce the next exclusive designed model in the Inspiration Series. The LX features a stealth Black Onyx exterior that rides high on 21-inch black alloy wheels and center caps. This new beauty also leads with a black front grille and dark chrome surround.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">The LX is also enhanced with black trim for the headlamps, foglights and windows along with smoked headlamp lenses. The rear of this flagship SUV continues the black theme with black chrome accents for the taillamps, license plate and back door.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">An exclusive Moonlight White Semi-Aniline Leather Trim with a black headliner complement the black exterior. To help complete the thoughtfully crafted luxury SUV, the carpet, cargo mats and key gloves all provide unique finish to the interior.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggSHud-n5yPsvib9HMna-rGBx3A2T6v38CP-qw8cgDMl60DvdIQgTE-UilgSFq8ZVLlksnBGYqS-x3tfiVisLfHjGkgcolmY59p2tRGirw_dqUBS6BPr7W95NutybhihR5Vh3ZipgjXHP/s1600/Lexus_LXI_overallinterior_012_E7CC3F55ECA5264533FF7BAAE3267627AEB57E4E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggSHud-n5yPsvib9HMna-rGBx3A2T6v38CP-qw8cgDMl60DvdIQgTE-UilgSFq8ZVLlksnBGYqS-x3tfiVisLfHjGkgcolmY59p2tRGirw_dqUBS6BPr7W95NutybhihR5Vh3ZipgjXHP/s640/Lexus_LXI_overallinterior_012_E7CC3F55ECA5264533FF7BAAE3267627AEB57E4E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">All LX Inspiration Series come with heated and ventilated front and second-row outboard seats. The Climate Concierge feature automatically monitors the temperature of the four separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel. In addition, the “LX” projector door lamps round out this Luxury package.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">Every LX Inspiration Series also includes the following features: Rear Seat Entertainment System, 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">®1</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> Reference Surround Sound audio system and Color Head-Up Display (HUD).</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">In addition, a Cool box, wireless charger and heated wood & leather-trimmed steering wheel complete the package.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">Available just in time for the winter holidays, only 500 luxury owners will be able to drive the exclusive LX Inspiration Series home. It will go on sale with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $100,420.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">Like all LX 570s, the LX Inspiration Series is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 383 horsepower and 403 lb.-ft. of torque available at 3,600 rpm. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the LX is capable of towing up to 7,000-lbs.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidj8ha-1ZWo6VGhz8NXz7ECB5kU8oQeq9ktuDPWZwo_q3mV4WMy5epVhtgfQX2-UiyxWscwBNiC2SoIN2cWqmi_f454mrc7DzCBXUBBoDg1-yJgA3BgDto4SrltMUadUVPLw9fRFuQlxF/s1600/Lexus_LXI_rear_002_87AF5BB94A1E4A76E98A042A56C04C7F73E50424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidj8ha-1ZWo6VGhz8NXz7ECB5kU8oQeq9ktuDPWZwo_q3mV4WMy5epVhtgfQX2-UiyxWscwBNiC2SoIN2cWqmi_f454mrc7DzCBXUBBoDg1-yJgA3BgDto4SrltMUadUVPLw9fRFuQlxF/s640/Lexus_LXI_rear_002_87AF5BB94A1E4A76E98A042A56C04C7F73E50424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Adapts to Any Terrain</u></strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">The LX’s sturdy body-on-frame structure is combined with a multi-terrain system to enhance the driver’s control over challenging, varied landscapes. The system adapts to five different types of terrain — Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock and Mud and Sand.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">Low-range gearing provides slow-speed crawling capability for handling steep off-road hills and uneven terrain. Driver’s also get additional support from the LX’s innovative Crawl Control system that is fortified with Turn Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK33i1guNvnAHmSjzhZh7pyMSEhAiUXtxorL2bLwnIv4_C0cMPBtUjvIJLH94JC_HgxqeBqhrGJ0iIzUIuR4stmcQD9JEXa8V8fnz57X_U5DP7EyHRcFkj6diK2U3AVFD7QOkcVhygVNzR/s1600/Lexus_LXI_puddlelamp_007_BABB6051F2B17E08EFAA104AC97A928A00418CD0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK33i1guNvnAHmSjzhZh7pyMSEhAiUXtxorL2bLwnIv4_C0cMPBtUjvIJLH94JC_HgxqeBqhrGJ0iIzUIuR4stmcQD9JEXa8V8fnz57X_U5DP7EyHRcFkj6diK2U3AVFD7QOkcVhygVNzR/s640/Lexus_LXI_puddlelamp_007_BABB6051F2B17E08EFAA104AC97A928A00418CD0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /></span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Total Visibility</u></strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">Drivers are armed with the standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). To help keep the driver’s eyes on the road, the LX puts more information directly in line of sight with a Color Head-Up Display (HUD) on the windshield. This system shows the vehicle speed, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control information icons and Intuitive Park Assist.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Peace of Mind</u></strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">The LX Inspiration gets the standard Lexus Safety System+ that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High-Beam headlamps and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Staying Connected</u></strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">A 12.3-inch navigation display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) heads a list of multimedia and connectivity features that keep the LX on the cutting edge of user tech. The multimedia display screen can be split into three sections to show different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">“It’s always our goal to exceed our guests’ expectations,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “We expect the LX Inspiration Series to continue that tradition with its customized features. We look forward to this new addition to the lineup and are excited for our guests to Experience Amazing.” </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;" />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-15056443450555523942018-10-30T14:38:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:06:32.529-08:00Dear Hugh Hefner, I’m Sorry I Snuck Into Your House<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkFM6-CYPgQfts3g2J93sjJnLt4W-b33g8gR39B-UPEhUi6UtEscAkQq2zMKNB8ipRMjrJPgNXJc7EQK0zuDfKs1OwFicMwW4C6Z40aPpO4304eUVuEwIftcornpFE_nAeKjQE8aP_O1S/s1600/Holly_Madison_6.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQzYhCBEtXbRwF-unWptupXwbw-6IW__wZjRWlL_RqFC-Yiv9KDaLzRa-XFZmKaslHPwGkHGscizXanZFYqR1AuvE6LMtdTAYWU_vcspgfVD_M31j9jpnpBPgPHnLHnL6up86dsyY1jbI/s1600/Holly_Madison_6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQzYhCBEtXbRwF-unWptupXwbw-6IW__wZjRWlL_RqFC-Yiv9KDaLzRa-XFZmKaslHPwGkHGscizXanZFYqR1AuvE6LMtdTAYWU_vcspgfVD_M31j9jpnpBPgPHnLHnL6up86dsyY1jbI/s640/Holly_Madison_6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><b><br /></b><br />
<b>Dear Hugh Hefner, I’m Sorry I Snuck Into Your House</b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">by Marrs</a></i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">It was the spring of 2002 and I was entertaining visitors from Canada who were guests in my home in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. While coming back from a late lunch, our mutual attention was grabbed by a new Bentley Arnage outfitted with “Gumball 3000” decals and emblazoned with sponsors, followed closely by a likewise-liveried Ferrari, then another exotic and another followed until this less-than-subtle convoy passed by completely. My guests had no idea what was going on as I whipped my supercharged Mercedes W202 around right there in the middle of Hollywood Blvd., and gave chase. We didn't travel far, stopping at a hotel near the Hollywood & Highland shopping mall at that same storied intersection. We parked and approached a large group of douchily-dressed Eurotrash and new-monied young Americans, who began surrounding a table helmed by a serious-looking woman with a clipboard. Clipboards are never good people.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One of my friends snagged a pamphlet from the table and we soon realized we were at the very last stop of that year’s Gumball 3000 cross-country rally, this one from NYC to LA, and here we observed preparations for the teams to receive their invites to the closing event to be held at the Playboy Mansion. The pamphlet turned out to be the official route book, issued to every team, and each contained a page for every stop along the way where the route book would receive an official stamp indicating the successful completion of that stage. Without ALL of these stamps, there was no entry to the party.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxIY1plYHsaTsTgsYC2oKoSBtHkCv97oRf0jQP_QdpKkuSDxa3qmEnEbK1y3aXBFyhNmlLPXiD8BRD77U8MzR6ns1BRWTc_Rz4Hzq-2IEuTFk7uA1x0kdpCgvx4hxdRj3mVTKqVFxZqlw/s1600/1280px-Gumball_Rally_Start_London_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxIY1plYHsaTsTgsYC2oKoSBtHkCv97oRf0jQP_QdpKkuSDxa3qmEnEbK1y3aXBFyhNmlLPXiD8BRD77U8MzR6ns1BRWTc_Rz4Hzq-2IEuTFk7uA1x0kdpCgvx4hxdRj3mVTKqVFxZqlw/s640/1280px-Gumball_Rally_Start_London_2007.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">At the time, I was working with a Director friend on various types of documentaries, ranging from band expose´s to following around crime scene cleanup crews, so the concept of making our way past those infamous Playboy Mansion gates to record the debauchery within, even in a less-than-authorized manner, was an overwhelming urge. I called my Director buddy, (I’ll use initials only for the sake of their privacy) “V”, and another friend, “R”, who I knew as a McGuyver-like entity from my younger days who could sham, scam, or scheme his way into anywhere. While V worked to assemble the necessary camera and sound equipment, R arrived at the hotel and we begun to plot out entry into this party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In short order, we had a plan. I walked up to the table lady and asked for my credentials, with R standing just behind her and peeking over her shoulder. As she searched the list for my name, he scanned the pages for a name he could make out and remember. After a few minutes she apologized but dismissed me as unwelcome without being on the sacred list. I sulked but walked away, knowing we already had a path forward. I reconvened with R on the sidelines and he gave me the name of some reporter he noticed on the “Press” list, which was perfect since we would be carrying around cameras and a boom mic. One major problem still stood in our way, we didn't have the stamps. R said, “I’ve got this” and disappeared for about an hour while I waited for V to arrive with our equipment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our Canadian guests were taken back to my place where they would be less bored, and more importantly, where they could act as our “get out of jail” card should things go totally sideways. Would the Hollywood police station even accept Monopoly money? </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">By this time, shuttle buses were arriving to take guests the 20-minute drive to the far end of Beverly Hills where the Mansion sits, bordering Bel Air, and just as we began to wonder if this was going to even work at all, R showed up with a smile as big as the Hollywood Hills themselves. He proudly opened the route book to show that it was now completely stamped from beginning to end. I asked how the Hell did he manage this trick and he producer a large art eraser that he had meticulously carved into the shape of the official seal, broke open several various colored ink pens, and then used their contents to stamp each page with the correct color. Damn, was he ever the man for this job! </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">This time V approached and used the booklet to obtain passes for us, acting as the camera and sound guys, and even managed to grab a coveted third invite for our “field producer.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAwGp4X24b3wD0PfU9WPc4AUcjSjbMITWqCKF9eDPpClju3QMj7zptPxmYA0DdyE3OtOMP3prpuEDivhTya8uU2dKbqKJXeJolwXwewAMQXwWUfFwt30y0VLvx8JtnqHSzwJstxCehgB/s1600/1280px-Playboy_Mansion_North_Side_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAwGp4X24b3wD0PfU9WPc4AUcjSjbMITWqCKF9eDPpClju3QMj7zptPxmYA0DdyE3OtOMP3prpuEDivhTya8uU2dKbqKJXeJolwXwewAMQXwWUfFwt30y0VLvx8JtnqHSzwJstxCehgB/s640/1280px-Playboy_Mansion_North_Side_2007.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">We boarded the shuttle van without incident, and thankfully the rally participants were already too far down the path of intoxication to note our presence, busy boasting, catcalling other attendees, and generally speaking far louder than they realized as rich, drunk assholes are wont to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As we passed through the heavily secured gates of the Playboy Mansion the air of infamy set upon us as the main house came into view, elegantly lighted on a warm spring evening. We disembarked up front where a semi-circle of exotics bordered a massive fountain, and walked through a patio area towards the famous Grotto where the sound of music and cast of multi-colored lights lured us. On the way, Steve-O, still riding high at the time as a star of MTV’s Jackass show, saw our cameras and couldn’t resist talking to us. R, V, and I all looked at one-another and we powered up our equipment and started to film. “This is it, we’re doing this” I thought to myself. Steve-O was pretty trashed already and proceeded to explain to us that “the only thing better then being invited to the Playboy Mansion was getting kicked out of the Playboy Mansion.” I don’t know how all that worked out for him. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">We moved ahead, spotting big stars and unknowns alike who perfectly captured the popular cultural tone of the era (Matthew McConaughey, Rachael Hunter, Donna Karen who made the cross-continental trek in a specially prepped Checker Cab in full NYC livery), while large-tittied women bounced around as participating men covered their awkward boners. Clothing was piled up outside the hidden Grotto pool area, who’s main access door was now shut so that the den of decadence was only accessible by swimming under a concrete span. We opted against this for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was a fear of getting stranger’s semen in our equipment and faces. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">As V filmed and I ran sound, R wandered the property. We would bump into each other throughout the evening and R explained how he happened across the private zoo that Hef maintained and we wandered around as much as we could get away with, just making it into the house to ummm, look for the bathroom, before being politely ushered back out with a stern but helpful, “the party is this way sir.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul_4H8qdTFskGGpjxZyeLUjHxXN1ObWOVkjjp8a9VkmbeUIt36I1tjw8MMX1OxDfo3HUlRiICzmmPf_DnATNGCzj9gWF0S7MArvGNwCPCT8ep8DMN_4lAzApks7S0wNDGuPA4mHpRGeUP/s1600/800px-Playboy_Bunnies_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul_4H8qdTFskGGpjxZyeLUjHxXN1ObWOVkjjp8a9VkmbeUIt36I1tjw8MMX1OxDfo3HUlRiICzmmPf_DnATNGCzj9gWF0S7MArvGNwCPCT8ep8DMN_4lAzApks7S0wNDGuPA4mHpRGeUP/s640/800px-Playboy_Bunnies_2011.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">We ate some food, filmed some fools, and surprisingly started to become rather bored. The Playboy Mansion, from what we encountered, was much like Hugh Hefner himself; old, tired, outdated, with only just enough maintenance to keep it from ceasing to exist altogether. We were fairly unimpressed and decided we had the footage and experience we had hoped for and so grabbed the next shuttle ride back to the hotel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The footage? Well we never really got enough to do anything with it, let alone the fact that we didn't have releases signed by the attendees, so it made it’s way to V’s Director’s Reel and that’s about it. The story has lived on however, famously so among my friends and acquaintances, and the one you’re reading now was inspired by one of those visiting Canadians at that time, who texted me the day after Hef died and said, “sorry about your good friend Mr. Hefner.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So, if you’re seeing this Hef, I am sorry for sneaking into your home, but I feel like you would have appreciated the effort it took to do so.</span><br />
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MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-39775761046314677712018-10-04T11:31:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:09:35.847-08:00Mystery Files: The Case of the Speed Champ’s Missing Head<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV2tiD1ocYTXRmnJSZviwZqVKrH3qqNygZEzvw6C9hFH1kxl2lmDPtDMX9yT150TvAm5DaQ1OGprhvnFF27f8P5KW-6_gS6RTcIi-abFGfaS77jVLHGKXdPiTZf_SKgnMSC_tmGEsdpAS/s1600/Bluebird_K7_in_1960_at_Goodwood.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV2tiD1ocYTXRmnJSZviwZqVKrH3qqNygZEzvw6C9hFH1kxl2lmDPtDMX9yT150TvAm5DaQ1OGprhvnFF27f8P5KW-6_gS6RTcIi-abFGfaS77jVLHGKXdPiTZf_SKgnMSC_tmGEsdpAS/s640/Bluebird_K7_in_1960_at_Goodwood.jpg" width="640" /></a> </b><br />
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<b>Mystery Files: The Case of the Speed Champ’s Missing Head</b><br />
by Marrs<br />
<i><br />“Full nose up… Pitching a bit down here… coming through our own wash… and we're tramping like mad… I can't see much and the water's very bad indeed… I’m galloping over the top… I can't see anything… I've got the bows out… I'm going…”</i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IZxq_JOKUt4585Vw664wtBGd624Vt5LqB6pCcDQc-RFqhOzCf5PgdyChBS4diIEPsrvvhQo9kM5458k01EpBDynk8zfbCrLJ5HnJcIZTS0qFc2_4Vt-27ByJZSMfSUnmhMyFwrmaBpES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-17+at+4.27.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IZxq_JOKUt4585Vw664wtBGd624Vt5LqB6pCcDQc-RFqhOzCf5PgdyChBS4diIEPsrvvhQo9kM5458k01EpBDynk8zfbCrLJ5HnJcIZTS0qFc2_4Vt-27ByJZSMfSUnmhMyFwrmaBpES/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-17+at+4.27.15+PM.png" width="476" /></a> </i><br />
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These were the last words transmitted over the radio by world speed record holder Donald Campbell, just moments before his untimely, and tragically violent, death 50-years ago in a specially built speedboat named “Bluebird K7.” If the surname “Campbell” sounds familiar to you as it pertains to motorsport, that’s very likely because Donald’s father, Sir Malcolm Campbell, is regarded as one of the innovators of speed record attempts, himself holding the title for multiple early and famous runs in the original Bluebird series of similarly-liveried vehicles.<br />
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On the early morning of January 4th, 1967, Campbell was suited up in his familiar blue coveralls, ready to complete his latest water speed record attempt at a 5-1/2 mile long lake in Cumbria, England, named Coniston Water. This would not be the first time either Campbell, father or son, had made use of the long and still waters Coniston offered. Both had made multiple runs over many previous years setting records and testing vehicles on the predictably mirror-like surface.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9seKfO0GMzgZwtBNLm5hClpziFUGn4EObVywFX1QZTCKyBuGkeWKrSFUYC1QXTUtIlf6A6Y5RFvYDnsd3VSVBW6Epwwq2KQ-0lbBrfk355CmdgHOa5lq2Fkqa7RaAgATgvpfCFHlWo77/s1600/Bluebird_high_speed_image.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9seKfO0GMzgZwtBNLm5hClpziFUGn4EObVywFX1QZTCKyBuGkeWKrSFUYC1QXTUtIlf6A6Y5RFvYDnsd3VSVBW6Epwwq2KQ-0lbBrfk355CmdgHOa5lq2Fkqa7RaAgATgvpfCFHlWo77/s640/Bluebird_high_speed_image.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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At 8:45am Campbell started up the powerful Bristol Orpheus jet engine, one repurposed from a Folland Gnat fighter aircraft, that produced an astounding 4,500 lb/ft of thrust. He completed his first run with no problems, apparently having resolved issues with the fuel pump on previous attempts. He achieved 285 mph by the time he reached the first marker buoy, and then leaving the measured kilometer 7-1/2 seconds later at a speed in excess of 310 mph, reaching an average top speed of 297.6 mph. Normally, Campbell would then throttle down and turn around, drifting slowly or even refueling while waiting for the lake’s surface to calm once again before starting off on a return run, but for some reason, this time, he simply spun K7 about and smashed the throttle after only a few moments pause. Witnesses described the scene as one of sheer power, with camera crews were set up along the route to record the day’s events for posterity, unaware that that they were but seconds away from capturing one of motorsports greatest tragedies.<br />
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As K7 initiated it's return run, the familiar “comet tail” of water spray, forced up by the powerful jet engine, made for the clearest marker of Campbell’s progress as he reached a speed of 328 mph. Observers in a course boat at one end noticed the front of K7 begin to lift, revealing more and more air space between the hull and the water, and as the nose bounced and bobbed. The longest bounce saw a rapid deceleration from 328 mph to 296 mph while out of the water, pulling almost negative 2g’s in the process. The engine flamed out, with the resulting loss of thrust lifting the nose upwards, disturbing the flow of water around the sponsons and hull, and allowing for the boat to aerodynamically lift from the lake and begin to cartwheel through the air. The first full rotation ended with the K7 landing hard on her port sponson, ripping the boat in two as it continued flipping end-over-end across the water, destroying itself in the process. Campbell’s helmet, along with several larger, more buoyant, pieces of the K7 Bluebird, as well as Campbell’s good luck charm, a plush teddy bear named Mr. Whoppit, were all that could be recovered from the water that day. Nether the bulk of the hull, nor, more importantly, the remains of Donald Campbell himself, would be recovered for another 3-1/2 decades.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9e7Sgn2aBgU8pi0rWNy-PDXOVDIhgJQIH9kLI0J-8CR9oUixnuNo4xT5ZS_E5J1M98oTvPxmQat1GMagd53V3HNEqu8MP7Q2emh0XWo1g_-m_N1_wnPb4nn1Z778ua4HPRpWTDGgzVG4/s1600/nintchdbpict0002902900613-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9e7Sgn2aBgU8pi0rWNy-PDXOVDIhgJQIH9kLI0J-8CR9oUixnuNo4xT5ZS_E5J1M98oTvPxmQat1GMagd53V3HNEqu8MP7Q2emh0XWo1g_-m_N1_wnPb4nn1Z778ua4HPRpWTDGgzVG4/s640/nintchdbpict0002902900613-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In 2001 a recovery effort was made to locate and raise the K7, with the hope of also finding Campbell’s remains, tho this was considered unlikely at the time, and in fact, even tho the majority of K7 would be identified and raised on this expedition, his body would not be found until the following year. Campbell’s own sister, Jean Wales, was said to be opposed to recovering his body as it is claimed he said to her, “skipper and boat stay together” should anything unfortunate ever happen to him. The K7 itself was donated by the Campbell family to the Ruskin Museum in Coniston in December 2006, where it is presently undergoing a full restoration back to running order for short jaunts of up to 65-mph or so for exhibitions. Just recently, in November 2016, it's engine was fired up again for the first time since the recovery that saw it's engine being fired up for the first time since it’s recovery from the dark lake bed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzzyZqwH4Tg3MTL0fV6YtKOYhAym5S6Blp6JNWRQklAWb_MH8L5fCylcSp-884wc15cN9g8E4SQ7CsomVWNz5dxV_8_5eO3gvMDgHcK1v9DBeuU1chrPFxbzG83dvOgGR-0ba_zzelv0m/s1600/Thruxton.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzzyZqwH4Tg3MTL0fV6YtKOYhAym5S6Blp6JNWRQklAWb_MH8L5fCylcSp-884wc15cN9g8E4SQ7CsomVWNz5dxV_8_5eO3gvMDgHcK1v9DBeuU1chrPFxbzG83dvOgGR-0ba_zzelv0m/s640/Thruxton.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Campbell’s remains were interred in Coniston Cemetery on September 12, 2001, but the event was overshadowed in the press by the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon the day prior. An inquest into Campbell’s death came about in 2002, for the stated purpose “to determine the identity of the deceased, where and when he died, and the cause of death.” As the answers to most of these questions were already known, it was really just a matter of “how” Campbell died.<br />
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One witness, Mr. Bill Smith, who acted as a dive team leader during the recovery process, narrated a video tape at the inquest showing several items strewn across the muddy lake bed. Among them were loose change, a St. Christopher’s pendant (ironically, these are worn to ward off dangers while traveling), a cigarette lighter inscribed with an image of the Bluebird, and a key fob, all grouped together. Nearby they found what was left of Campbell’s body, and after spending three and a half decades underwater, it was described as “skeletal.” The remains were still draped in pieces of blue cloth from his coveralls with the elastic waistband and belt buckle still intact. It was noted that, oddly, his skull was not found among the remains. Smith explained that these remains were respectfully placed inside a container and brought to the surface.<br />
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Dr. Wendy Blundell, the pathologist responsible for examining Campbell's remains, described the trauma of the event in harrowing detail. Multiple bones were broken by the ferocity of the boat’s high-speed impact with the water’s surface, but even those that appeared intact were found to be fractured internally upon being examined under an X-ray. The intact left femur gave evidence that the right side of his body took the brunt of the impact, where the shattered bones bore witness to the massive forces at work during the crash. Perhaps most shocking was the revelation that Campbell was fully decapitated by the jagged edges of the broken Perspex (ie: plexiglass) windscreen as his body was propelled forward into the bulkhead by the crushing force of the blow. His empty helmet was recovered the day of the crash but his skull has never been found, and is presumed to still lay at the bottom of the lake. Considering that not all the various smaller bits of K7 were, nor are they likely to ever be, recovered, it is fitting perhaps that some part of Donald Campbell also remain at the bottom of Water Coniston, “skipper and boat stay together” after all.<br />
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*******<br />
<br />
Visit the official restoration blog for K7 to stay up to date on the latest developments concerning the boat's restoration. <a href="http://www.bluebirdproject.com/">www.bluebirdproject.com</a><br />
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<i>Images via Wikimedia creative commons license, courtesy "Sheppane" except memorial stone image by "Thruxton."</i><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><i>donald campbell, crash, accident, death, speed record, malcolm campbell, coniston, motoarigato, photos, video, film, decapitated, beheaded, k7, bluebird, water coniston </i></span><br />
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<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-31704278782632716472018-09-28T09:08:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:03:24.107-08:00The Cars of Good Burger<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pccNQQR5H2tFQwltwfSyhl1pTGkRkFkr_Rivx2tzEUpmhzWFi7oYZ-QBdk5Ih4wONsK8nw02i8C_inAWsoSSZg7s7_NjMwf4cnxLtt9ZsYsGBF0nugx_BlMWNwTwnCVDainajITyaD8b/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.48.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pccNQQR5H2tFQwltwfSyhl1pTGkRkFkr_Rivx2tzEUpmhzWFi7oYZ-QBdk5Ih4wONsK8nw02i8C_inAWsoSSZg7s7_NjMwf4cnxLtt9ZsYsGBF0nugx_BlMWNwTwnCVDainajITyaD8b/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.48.06+AM.png" width="640" /></a> </b><br />
<b>The Cars of Good Burger</b><br />
<i>by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a></i><br />
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There are a handful of films in cinema history that are remembered
almost exclusively for the cars that were featured in them... <i>Bullit. The French Connection. Gone In Sixty Seconds. Good Burger. The Italian Job. </i>You
get the idea, each one is a suitable candidate for the Criterion
Collection treatment. I’m singling out one of these today because, while
just as beloved by car culture afficianados as the rest, this film has
somehow escaped the detailed analysis of it's vehicular cast that every
other film has been subjected to in the years since their releases.
Please join me as we explore… The Cars of Good Burger.<i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTieVD6iLSwExLDRX9R6Vx8SgwsOiX9m-6k3pSXgFezNQ5t_iOYiy_5Om2YPtpYpBBoI5-fpbnXL9lDaJWKl2mAmhQFk4_PNepETX-bRhD6kY2_DparLr9DFoesAWlnbAcUzFEm2bcLAu/s1600/goodburger-20th-anniversary-.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTieVD6iLSwExLDRX9R6Vx8SgwsOiX9m-6k3pSXgFezNQ5t_iOYiy_5Om2YPtpYpBBoI5-fpbnXL9lDaJWKl2mAmhQFk4_PNepETX-bRhD6kY2_DparLr9DFoesAWlnbAcUzFEm2bcLAu/s640/goodburger-20th-anniversary-.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
Good Burger is a 1997 teen comedy that tells the story of Ed (Kel Mitchell), a seemingly slow-witted but well-meaning teenager who works at a local burger joint, and Dexter (Kenan Thompson) who gets a new summer job at the same place in order to pay down a debt he owes one of his Hgh School teachers for damaging his car in an early on-screen escapade. It gets pretty ridiculous from there, and be forewarned it's a spinoff from a Nickelodeon series, but it’s arguably more entertaining when translated to the big screen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGfYuNHLmmNELNaYJE6WjbhtCfVU49HftjnaTtUHn3Z1ArbPkRuy8uVm58O6Tc1ndKjUK-4E7-s76F7lDGqL-kbvYwoN8KDYO2dEMcVFZ2VuDb-gi_a5aggROVNhH6AYwiTInHsPxZAbt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.54.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGfYuNHLmmNELNaYJE6WjbhtCfVU49HftjnaTtUHn3Z1ArbPkRuy8uVm58O6Tc1ndKjUK-4E7-s76F7lDGqL-kbvYwoN8KDYO2dEMcVFZ2VuDb-gi_a5aggROVNhH6AYwiTInHsPxZAbt/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.54.55+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
I already knew the Producers were gear heads when I saw a gold-hued Mercedes W123 sedan quickly roll past in the background as Ed first opens the front doors of Good Burger. In filmmaking, things like this are never left to chance, on a controlled street shoot every vehicle would have been specifically chosen ahead of time, rented from a “Movie Car” supplier of choice, delivered via flatbed trucks, equipped with a driver, prepped, cued, and filmed as part of that sequence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j0d7YUyhQzexP8JGNrNjFcrypJ2bjYYOu6S30lQx_5yycScMUnKo5jhaLE0N-rMIFcugynrnYJMBkxEwqcaw4pJzSCKJZjgIL3x-vp0dbws7nPu4z3WGwuTsRIt7VT07Gv4U8o-T8xQ0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.48.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j0d7YUyhQzexP8JGNrNjFcrypJ2bjYYOu6S30lQx_5yycScMUnKo5jhaLE0N-rMIFcugynrnYJMBkxEwqcaw4pJzSCKJZjgIL3x-vp0dbws7nPu4z3WGwuTsRIt7VT07Gv4U8o-T8xQ0/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.48.29+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Only minutes later we see Dexter driving a red 1995 Nissan 300zx 2+2 that is quickly identified as being “borrowed” from his mother when his friend in the passenger seat asks, “She let’s you drive this when she’s out of town?” to Dexter's curt reply, “Nope!”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdVXtoUaUt8g4_fjsKi0t08Jvo820rYi1KLgsvwvhyphenhyphenHFHlX3VFdRfU16ukQSjID8JNCXW8boyuvg7zV0kLnKeHdwXcMUs0WKtMgIMnclmqlZ8bRBLGaGYYyxZGAPm_Q5EWYorvJx2s3HP/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.47.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdVXtoUaUt8g4_fjsKi0t08Jvo820rYi1KLgsvwvhyphenhyphenHFHlX3VFdRfU16ukQSjID8JNCXW8boyuvg7zV0kLnKeHdwXcMUs0WKtMgIMnclmqlZ8bRBLGaGYYyxZGAPm_Q5EWYorvJx2s3HP/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.47.51+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Shortly after, and while driving exactly like you would expect a pre-licensed teenager to drive such a vehicle, Dexter is forced to suddenly swerve to avoid hitting a kid on in-line skates (who we can see is Ed, but Dexter only realizes this later in the film after befriending him) and crashes into the black 1993 Infiniti J30 being piloted by one of his teachers, Mr. Wheat (Sinbad).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOCwbyyi2lZ3jbAvgIip5_rDb4x3X-iYJIATDX4IPw_SqOhStFnkjwxZC0mSnYfzQ3I3hrWQ2MdutK3LrMxoUG7ftjq2Zua50IckzVqepkjePmo-PjrmrBonJfGrgCC-LtKS4rmLIG9KV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.59.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOCwbyyi2lZ3jbAvgIip5_rDb4x3X-iYJIATDX4IPw_SqOhStFnkjwxZC0mSnYfzQ3I3hrWQ2MdutK3LrMxoUG7ftjq2Zua50IckzVqepkjePmo-PjrmrBonJfGrgCC-LtKS4rmLIG9KV/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.59.55+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
We will take pause here to acknowledge & honor Sinbad’s wardrobe in this movie, a light handed pastiche of 70’s-ish style but perpetrated almost entirely our of what looks like an adult Halloween Hippie costume you’d find at Parties Are Us World. His tunic is further embellished with sequins and hand-Sharpied™ with an upside down peace symbol & random phrases in the least professional bit of costuming you’re likely to see this side of a regional children’s theatre production. It really goes over-the-top in that way that kids and stoners mutually enjoy, and perfectly complements Sinbad’s laugh line, ““Brother Reed, you have messed up my Afro!”<br />
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After Sinbad explains that, “This is a $22,000 car!” Dexter is forced into a deal whereby he has to get a summer job at the same Good Burger where Ed works, while still not realising Ed was the cause of this whole mess to begin with, in order to raise the funds to pay for the repairs. <br />
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While Dexter is at Good Burger applying for a job, the Manager Mr. Bailey (Dan Schneider) asks, “Any accidents on your record?” to which Dexter slyly responds, “Not to your knowledge.” Genius.<br />
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The lines delivered throughout this film are truly worthy of recognition, such is their perfection. Among my favorites is the interaction between Ed and Dexter when Dexter is told he needs to drive the Burgermobile to make deliveries. “Think you can handle it?” Ed asks… Dexter responds, “I don't know, I’ve never driven a sandwich before.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4MiSy_hCymPOkaHAk8bhsmkpi3m8er-CBhRiTHAxU5ED-2tRmquINFv-C79lMiipvDHkL0wvx6vc8_LMajO4WidHqDtORYkb6UgejbqjffEQM8cPYY7WeD_9wnrtobph6Um6csK2KX-O/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+9.03.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4MiSy_hCymPOkaHAk8bhsmkpi3m8er-CBhRiTHAxU5ED-2tRmquINFv-C79lMiipvDHkL0wvx6vc8_LMajO4WidHqDtORYkb6UgejbqjffEQM8cPYY7WeD_9wnrtobph6Um6csK2KX-O/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+9.03.44+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
The Burgermobile itself is a thing of wonder and amazement. A 1976 AMC Pacer outfitted in the propmaster’s best including a burger and onion motif, with pickle slices as wheel covers and french fries for bumpers and wiper arms, it's really right up there with the Bladerunner Police Spinner design in terms of reverence among the film’s fans.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwd4aAVtgJMLMme61SlTyrhvzd4wCYdvg2Bimw84pky0qmibL5qt_LkY2jZi4S1G0CN8iMsi1IPbkOp-7-LOiM6mAzJYye0sBfVYq3aHGYsQUfO7qbW7IhVRHpXcp1Ob7_x6Gb6Vrm09T/s1600/Burger+Mobile.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwd4aAVtgJMLMme61SlTyrhvzd4wCYdvg2Bimw84pky0qmibL5qt_LkY2jZi4S1G0CN8iMsi1IPbkOp-7-LOiM6mAzJYye0sBfVYq3aHGYsQUfO7qbW7IhVRHpXcp1Ob7_x6Gb6Vrm09T/s640/Burger+Mobile.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Interestingly, the Burger Museum in Daytona Beach, Florida <a href="http://www.burgerweb.com/museum/nickelodeon-kenan-and-kel-good-burger-mobile/" target="_blank">now owns the original Burger Mobile</a><u> </u>and is seeking donations for it's restoration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaB0-g3EFoq5_ousKVRc35GVN1LZF0Ey2vK8zr4-9IDxAC0T1AzgTp81-JaMkLwrQ2hQZyRlHuVpsZcoxr8W4jDcKBoMj0xiZFeWe8930JQqlK3sWtKF0ZIZEQG5J2OJ3M7JF3ADV1Qov/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.45.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaB0-g3EFoq5_ousKVRc35GVN1LZF0Ey2vK8zr4-9IDxAC0T1AzgTp81-JaMkLwrQ2hQZyRlHuVpsZcoxr8W4jDcKBoMj0xiZFeWe8930JQqlK3sWtKF0ZIZEQG5J2OJ3M7JF3ADV1Qov/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.45.22+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Right at the 22:00 minute mark there is a transition cut where we see a small white car driving slowly past Good Burger, but I have not been able to identify it. It looks oddly Japanese AND British in styling, or maybe even Australian??? Help me out?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "elizabethserif" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px;">(UPDATE: Our own </span><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(114, 202, 255) 0px -2px 0px inset; box-shadow: rgb(114, 202, 255) 0px -2px 0px inset; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: ElizabethSerif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-out;">Evan Paul</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "elizabethserif" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px;"> identified the mystery car as a Fit 124 Sport Coupe, well done!)</span><br />
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A few moments later comes another terrific scene, where the acting would bring even Michael Caine to his knees, when Spatch the cook is inspecting a rival burger from the new place opening across the street, he jabs his spatula beneath the patty, lifts it's obvious mass with some difficulty and watches in shame as it's heft starts to bend the handle, turns in agony and self-defeat, grunting displeasure with both the circumstances and his own inadequacies, vocalizing in Chewbacca-like tones as he exits the scene. The role of “Spatch” was played by Ron
Lester, who later famously starred in Varsity Blues and passed away in June
of 2016.<br />
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Directly afterwards comes this classic exchange among the staff, <br />
“How do they do it?!?!”<br />
“They just use more meat.”<br />
“Awwww, poor cows.”<br />
“I can always feed my mother cat food.”<br />
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Also, what’s up with the song that goes “feel my desire…” randomly showing up throughout the movie in the most random spots??? Maybe it's the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_scream" target="_blank">Wilhelm Scream</a> of this particular film.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q_dyXuINgUjjLAJtb9i0VlpxQXlzT-aSGNQzM_an8ECZmaRFjRiO9HKNHY0sLzWziOjItuMN67AtDmpLsmC7sqZhX6oKQnVqvZMBCU7-Qo9vuN8wB9HcvDcbs_lpD-9AWupDtkv2Eu4F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.52.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q_dyXuINgUjjLAJtb9i0VlpxQXlzT-aSGNQzM_an8ECZmaRFjRiO9HKNHY0sLzWziOjItuMN67AtDmpLsmC7sqZhX6oKQnVqvZMBCU7-Qo9vuN8wB9HcvDcbs_lpD-9AWupDtkv2Eu4F/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-23+at+8.52.08+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Later, the boys confiscate a Divco Ice Cream truck for yet another madcap street mauling.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!</b></span><br />
When it's all said and done and the evil guys from the rival Mondo Burger get shut down and all the baddies are arrested, Sinbad delivers his estimate to Dexter for final compensation, and just as all seems ready to be tied up in a nice little package of resolution, the giant Hamburger mascot falls from the roof and crushes Sinbad’s freshly restored Infinity. <br />
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Good Burger has a 63% Rotten Tomatoes audience score (fuck the critic’s paltry 32% rating, what movie WERE they watching???). It was rather appropriately filmed in West Covina, California, which, if you know the areas around LA, it fits rather well the “built in the 90’s” suburbia-dreamscape that matches the film's aesthetic.<br />
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Good Burger man, Good Burger.MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-1852264785965710632018-09-12T16:07:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:08:47.331-08:00Whazzit? Aluminum Abomination Edition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHVMMeRF85e8ZmVKMixCrYwbZ1T2Xp4P2ahkWTbe1pVG8yiOQ-jq-LdlxePPMDl6ivqxpoqlsIjYVlGMA60Z3tLmJVyD3-aC5KZgy8ObCzODP4M8bRzEuUFw49i1E_qcXdQ7mgvJX_3K8/s1600/1959scrimtar.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHVMMeRF85e8ZmVKMixCrYwbZ1T2Xp4P2ahkWTbe1pVG8yiOQ-jq-LdlxePPMDl6ivqxpoqlsIjYVlGMA60Z3tLmJVyD3-aC5KZgy8ObCzODP4M8bRzEuUFw49i1E_qcXdQ7mgvJX_3K8/s640/1959scrimtar.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Whazzit? Aluminum Abomination Edition</b><br />
by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a><br />
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In the late 1950's the Olin Aluminum Corporation was seeking relevant new ways to advertise the strength and other advantageous qualities of aluminum in American industry. One rather exciting, if not forgotten, example was the 1959 Scimitar model lineup of three cars penned by noted industrial designer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks_Stevens" target="_blank">Brooks Stevens</a> that made heavy use of the alloy in the vehicle's bumpers, wheels covers, trim, interior accessories and bodywork quarter panels.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4TN4blwjYQdz9JK3X-JgRqBFTIyA43SfYpDBPoPrALPkMVWTw65Y6__Kd0EXEl_tiLHAF0FOpql0es5qlxPoBTK7BXr1Bl36-nSXs-q-vzN7jee7f_C-kk-_th0TEY932q9iy0JBgsLl/s1600/1959-Brook-Stevens-Olin-Aluminum-Scimitar-Town-Car-Phaeton-02.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4TN4blwjYQdz9JK3X-JgRqBFTIyA43SfYpDBPoPrALPkMVWTw65Y6__Kd0EXEl_tiLHAF0FOpql0es5qlxPoBTK7BXr1Bl36-nSXs-q-vzN7jee7f_C-kk-_th0TEY932q9iy0JBgsLl/s640/1959-Brook-Stevens-Olin-Aluminum-Scimitar-Town-Car-Phaeton-02.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In theory, the design was intended to add corrosion-resistant aluminum to the places where car bodies tend to rust from salty winter slush. On all three cars, everything silver is anodized aluminum while everything painted black is pressed steel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV4kG_kPw4rTLoYE5irvZba4tNfA17rgUOKe3IwOzOrzcH9eX1-vmTqX3QsyCFBUh5jc0puFJcqlc9cPZ2NWPN9ZGIDtvlSErCbv1If6sANyvdqcVWLYMkmZ9_02Rb6i8zE-RGxxbCzme/s1600/3040025553_cd9fe72059_z.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV4kG_kPw4rTLoYE5irvZba4tNfA17rgUOKe3IwOzOrzcH9eX1-vmTqX3QsyCFBUh5jc0puFJcqlc9cPZ2NWPN9ZGIDtvlSErCbv1If6sANyvdqcVWLYMkmZ9_02Rb6i8zE-RGxxbCzme/s640/3040025553_cd9fe72059_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A coupe, sedan, and station wagon of similar design were all built on 1959 Chrysler Newport chassis' and displayed, first at the Geneva Motor Show in 1959, and again at the International Automobile Show in New York before traveling to other cities including Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and many others throughout the next three years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK55sRBkeoL3UhSvnO3mEX56D35g15jc0uTBSjM5eQs4PhxoEu6b5Lk85IjnKyNGj0e6P7Y7FqHctVGMjebt1tNBZPhhrefqKVRn185bJWYGI3CDZcT_R6vt7OgCcP9fgyqXh_V9ltKSi-/s1600/ecdf6580fae0db7d76af729a4b58c75b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK55sRBkeoL3UhSvnO3mEX56D35g15jc0uTBSjM5eQs4PhxoEu6b5Lk85IjnKyNGj0e6P7Y7FqHctVGMjebt1tNBZPhhrefqKVRn185bJWYGI3CDZcT_R6vt7OgCcP9fgyqXh_V9ltKSi-/s640/ecdf6580fae0db7d76af729a4b58c75b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The coupe featured a novel automatic retracting hardtop that disappeared behind a large trunk panel in the tradition of the Ford Skyliner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xSlFNWUbNlApJFqPOTK1ANskSSHRZBkRhVjiKMri0P-K3HXNZ2YRyz5Mn87lbzaCETs4cHJip6_X48MqfcVMxhXime5JuxIYQXP44bHv4iA_Z2Pl8FXBX2XGbHTyNWWVqsZOuTAavzjx/s1600/1959+Scimitar_04.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xSlFNWUbNlApJFqPOTK1ANskSSHRZBkRhVjiKMri0P-K3HXNZ2YRyz5Mn87lbzaCETs4cHJip6_X48MqfcVMxhXime5JuxIYQXP44bHv4iA_Z2Pl8FXBX2XGbHTyNWWVqsZOuTAavzjx/s640/1959+Scimitar_04.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The sedan featured removable roof panels that, likewise, created a feeling of open-air luxury similar to a traditional landau let format, according to Stevens in his own words during an interview granted to Special Interest Auto Magazine in 1992, "that one had a retractable front roof over the chauffeur's compartment that slid into the rear roof. Then the deck opened and swallowed the entire combination of roofs into the trunk." The wagon variant featured a sliding rear roof panel akin to those fitted to the Studebaker Wagonaire of the era, also designed by Stevens. <br />
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The oddball design was never adopted by any manufacturer for production, nor were they intended to be, serving purely as a "vehicle" to promote aluminum in manufacturing. Stevens re-purchased the coupe/convertible from a dealer 10-years later and owned it up until his death in 1992, and it is believed this car, as well as the sedan, are held in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA. The wagon is still on display at the <a href="http://www.automuseum.org/" target="_blank">National Automobile Museum</a> in Reno, NV.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwPzPyjYup6mW5TOb5-ij3zcd8SwjY1qO5AaCJdok0HVFBqzQTEjeNkZpe6KbtXNNY32D4YO__bj9FfMUDM0rzPOX0rYw7ZlBrRLoK9hL7u9gAI8NOOdYtrytCu9pn3PNqeLQUa11imn4/s1600/260a037fd4c6d074bda298f2761125bc.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwPzPyjYup6mW5TOb5-ij3zcd8SwjY1qO5AaCJdok0HVFBqzQTEjeNkZpe6KbtXNNY32D4YO__bj9FfMUDM0rzPOX0rYw7ZlBrRLoK9hL7u9gAI8NOOdYtrytCu9pn3PNqeLQUa11imn4/s640/260a037fd4c6d074bda298f2761125bc.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdwG6BaMyaJAQvPJ9C-QHc30HEU4ri-igm5muCF58J4ouRxD4-RUhNAmqfPevTOiwCnuaKywNSd0VPC6vfJCLZkMCa_kZH-YbL9oHlA4hD9bUr3k78LmGd_u_4ZZFY4lo3EmYR787SSat/s1600/1959-Brook-Stevens-Olin-Aluminum-Scimitar-All-Purpose-Sedan-04.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdwG6BaMyaJAQvPJ9C-QHc30HEU4ri-igm5muCF58J4ouRxD4-RUhNAmqfPevTOiwCnuaKywNSd0VPC6vfJCLZkMCa_kZH-YbL9oHlA4hD9bUr3k78LmGd_u_4ZZFY4lo3EmYR787SSat/s640/1959-Brook-Stevens-Olin-Aluminum-Scimitar-All-Purpose-Sedan-04.jpg" width="626" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgT82_qBAdGzH5GhGTYmlhaZDAuVPK5_wcgtk2IwtGWdi9QDDHHx7FORmJBrq6puwispjp6dICQnw8N38TvHBqJHYwix0K3LSYWAs-8x3OqnrWWiNIYAYIfwPquuQWdbrEyezm-l6bl6/s1600/Brooks-Stevens-Olin-Aluminum-Scimitar-1959-Breakaway-Rendering.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgT82_qBAdGzH5GhGTYmlhaZDAuVPK5_wcgtk2IwtGWdi9QDDHHx7FORmJBrq6puwispjp6dICQnw8N38TvHBqJHYwix0K3LSYWAs-8x3OqnrWWiNIYAYIfwPquuQWdbrEyezm-l6bl6/s640/Brooks-Stevens-Olin-Aluminum-Scimitar-1959-Breakaway-Rendering.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">brooks stevens, grand wagoneer, studebaker, wagonaire, olin, aluminum, car show, auto show, demo, industrial designer, scimitar, station wagon, retractable hardtop, reno, nevada, harsh, national automobile museum, </span>MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-24227321840937068332018-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:08:17.928-08:00Rare Bentley Empress by Hooper For Sale In San Diego<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UCzTLyyWbIU0UOh4asjD6oHhel6gyh0iOL_KvGHjgtwH3FN3tEqtlTQ68ePFBskvNCLAWrO6vwZXYdmFQJ3B0-EOoE1B-NCWUBFUhoEUzoFN62eQPhlstTJofj48J6dCnxjMet3TS71R/s1600/00J0J_4uT5Kt7NFzM_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UCzTLyyWbIU0UOh4asjD6oHhel6gyh0iOL_KvGHjgtwH3FN3tEqtlTQ68ePFBskvNCLAWrO6vwZXYdmFQJ3B0-EOoE1B-NCWUBFUhoEUzoFN62eQPhlstTJofj48J6dCnxjMet3TS71R/s640/00J0J_4uT5Kt7NFzM_600x450.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Here's a car that is as polarizing of opinions as it is rare, the Hooper-bodied Empress II based on a Bentley Turbo R. The original ad includes a good amount of detail on the original build so we're including it below.<br />
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During the time this car was originally on offer, Hooper only made four models, this one, an extended wheelbase limousine in various configurations, a two-door Silver Spirit, and a two-door Turbo R. The Empress II was the only car to receive a fully reworked body whereas the others made due with lengthening or shortening of the chassis and relevant door sections.<br />
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The original invoice shown below indicates a total cost of exactly $500,000, broken down into two charges, one of $90,000 for the Turbo R upon which the car was based, and an astonishing $410,000 for the conversion process. It further indicates a total build time of 8-months from order date of June 1st, 1990 to delivery or March 1st, 1991.<br />
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Sure it's expensive at $175,000, but where are you gonna find another one?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKWHkjx8n6n5mkhUD6R4FAEVuBDK4UwC2AMlUMVECz8KXltlQpkY5E-2KAnFwgI_FvyM4zxbDkVPXbErhSunatnQOZhxI-A1cSS8G_3PDKBgt_InmN9-0kwGadWHugOkOYMWmNzHVkevF/s1600/00000_7DJcT3NM6b2_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKWHkjx8n6n5mkhUD6R4FAEVuBDK4UwC2AMlUMVECz8KXltlQpkY5E-2KAnFwgI_FvyM4zxbDkVPXbErhSunatnQOZhxI-A1cSS8G_3PDKBgt_InmN9-0kwGadWHugOkOYMWmNzHVkevF/s640/00000_7DJcT3NM6b2_600x450.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<h2 class="postingtitle" style="border: 0px; clear: left; color: #222222; font-family: 'Bitstream Vera Serif', 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="postingtitletext" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="titletextonly" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1990 BENTLEY Hooper Empress II Blue/Blue </span></span></span></h2>
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<span class="postingtitletext" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><small style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></small></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">"This is an extremely rare Bentley Hooper Empress, 1 of only 6 made.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">Based on the Turbo R, this Bentley is striking and refined.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Bitstream Vera Serif', 'Times New Roman', serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">These were $650,000 when new (which equates to approximately $1,000,000 in today's money!)</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Bitstream Vera Serif', 'Times New Roman', serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">It started life as a U.S. spec Turbo R before being commissioned by Hooper & Co. to do the 500,000 pound conversion for it's then Japanese Dr. owner.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Bitstream Vera Serif', 'Times New Roman', serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has been maintained extremely well and drives as it should, and very strong.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Bitstream Vera Serif', 'Times New Roman', serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Clean & Clear CA Title</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Dark Blue exterior with Dark Blue Connelly Leather interior</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 6.75L Turbo V8</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Automatic Transmission</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Hooper Convertsion (500,000 pounds): Opera rear window, Red 'B' logo,Glass solar protected fixed panel over front seats,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stainless steel wheel arch surrounds thin style, body sills, infills to front and rear bumpers and rear light, rear number plate surround, sill plate "European Carriage House & Hooper", Bumper and wipers painted in black, Chrome alloy wheels, Front spoiler colour keyed to body colour, Badge bar, Hooper style console fitted between front seats with rolls top to rear of console, finished in black leather, Cocktail cabinet fitted between rear seats housing, two cut glass decanters, one ice bucket and four cut glass drinking tumblers, with mirrors illuminated when lid opened, Hallmarked sterling silver ladies vanity unit, accessories by the Queens Jewelers Asprey of London, Alpine all-in-one CD & radio cassette, multi change CD in boot compartment with remote control, 2 x 3554 amplifier, cassette storage to both door panels.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Bitstream Vera Serif', 'Times New Roman', serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bitstream vera serif" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are a Bentley fan or looking for something very unique and majestic, this is a great choice."</span><br />
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(Photos/text: Copyright; Vehicle Owner)MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-70255981459661904482018-08-27T11:23:00.004-07:002018-08-27T19:39:39.194-07:00Land Cruiser Owners- Making Oddball Vehicles Even Odder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
Land Cruiser Owners- Making Oddball Vehicles Even Odder</h3>
<i><a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">-by Marrs</a></i><br />
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Update: I've added even more weird Cruisers!<br />
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If you have every gotten excited over any sort of offroad vehicle then you probably know exactly what the Toyota Land Cruiser is... the King of This Dirt Planet. The early generations of Land Cruisers were simple and indestructible, but as time and buyer tastes evolved Toyota had to up their game in terms of ride quality, interiors, and bells & whistles. This came about with the Lexus version of the 80-series, named the LX 450, which was coincidentally Lexus' first-ever SUV. Next came the 100-series, the first Land Cruiser that was arguably designed from the ground up with not only mudding and forging capabilities baked in, but also a high standard of luxury even in "base" form considering that the only real options were a sunroof and night vision. Lexus made an even more luxurious version of this rig called the LX 470 owing to it's 4.7 litre V8 shared with the Tundra pickup. By 2008 the 200-series (and LX 570) came onto the scene and improved the ride and overall luxury quotient by adding things like crawl assist and a center mounted cooler for beverages and cocaine.<br />
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Even with all of these electronic assists and unmatched offroad prowess, owners still discovered ways to "improve" on the classic rig. The limits of the human brain are few when it comes to vehicle modification so sit back, grab a high ABV beer to sooth the pain or perhaps to accelerate the joy, and enjoy all that is a custom Land Cruiser/Lexus LX.<br />
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<i>(Full disclosure. I recently acquired a 2004 LX 470 and the joy of ownership has made me so giddy that Land Cruisers are literally all I can think about anymore. Friend: "Where do you want to go eat?" Me: "Land Cruisers!" Friend: "Did you get tickets for the movie yet?" Me: "Land Cruisers!")</i><br />
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<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-19924500166250781272018-07-14T12:18:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:08:01.485-08:00Is it Weird that I Don't Like Supercars?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ptQ09wphDeRKGnrtT6G_3hz365nSXOR6Q1XaIZsrw5KOejquQMKjMmQWDGsKK5EBWFsJ8BMI7YsbcnC2_Avq52ciSgA2Uz8L8OOGIJS_7MjNh3ORHNPQcQug_PMvZCWj2dQGDLLeWP7u/s1600/xmhykmuenpp5l3k3jhhd.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ptQ09wphDeRKGnrtT6G_3hz365nSXOR6Q1XaIZsrw5KOejquQMKjMmQWDGsKK5EBWFsJ8BMI7YsbcnC2_Avq52ciSgA2Uz8L8OOGIJS_7MjNh3ORHNPQcQug_PMvZCWj2dQGDLLeWP7u/s640/xmhykmuenpp5l3k3jhhd.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<h2>
Is it Weird that I Don't Like Supercars?</h2>
<h4>
by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "elizabethserif" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">First of all, that thing up there. That’s what the folks who made it over at Aston Martin call the Valkyrie. What am I supposed to do with that???</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "elizabethserif" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
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I'm the kind of guy who prefers Grand Tourers over Sports Cars. I like luxury cars, cars that shift themselves... ever heard of a Cadillac Eldorado?<br />
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My first car was a '57 Cadillac, followed by a '76 Jaguar XJ6 (<a href="https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-worst-car-i-ever-owned-was-a-jaguar-xj6-472662007" target="_blank">famously soliloquied here</a>) and then I was somehow lured into Porsche 944 ownership before diving into the world of Merkur in the form of two Scorpios, one for parts in the pre-internet days. The Porsche was not my idea, it was a family hand-me-down first owned by my older sister, then my parents who never drove it. I maybe drove it twice. To much shifty-shifty and no room for my friends in the nominal +2 seats hiding out behind the driver and passenger. My primary car today is a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220se, and while this one is a coupe rather than my clearly-preferred sedans, it rides, drives and feels like the cars I favor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4vULTvOykPOsxv2f_eNedZ_gZDxPt6ri5-zdbKtOB8OuAnOKukaTZwdhKjSC6OkFHoYLFEcYjW44cGRNA-w2bp19W7PLTrTzvPQ3DLzrfKO_Pp0mR4kcOCKwFkTptHd7qRiQ4NjYyNWp/s1600/w3oao0zhcs08put48saq.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4vULTvOykPOsxv2f_eNedZ_gZDxPt6ri5-zdbKtOB8OuAnOKukaTZwdhKjSC6OkFHoYLFEcYjW44cGRNA-w2bp19W7PLTrTzvPQ3DLzrfKO_Pp0mR4kcOCKwFkTptHd7qRiQ4NjYyNWp/s640/w3oao0zhcs08put48saq.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next up, that thing up there. What am I supposed to do with that? There's not much vision, which would seem like a useful thing to have at 250-MPH, but heck I guess people will tell me you really only need to see what's right in front of you, which clearly is total bullshit because at higher speeds all those things existing out there in the real world, deer, errant beach balls, Bernie Ecclestone, could all come running out of the hedge at any moment and your reaction time would be much less, except... nobody can drive these cars to their full potential on public roadways. Point being, I have a better view of the road from the inside of my glove box than is offered by the Valkyrie. "Luggage? What's that?" might be the response from many supercar owners as they lift a patio-sized carbon fiber panel to reveal a carpeted box that approximates the size and shape of the smallest Chipotle burrito you've ever been served.<br />
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The '62 Benz coupe I mentioned earlier has as much visibility as the deck of an aircraft carrier and with a trunk large enough to carry probably half the number of planes. No joke, I measured. You still have to fold the wings up but they will fit in there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73_E9p50dDxsh4mFPjsdtiWxrV_uzzGIjYWsA8p2fjgL_Q0VlGkb5Z261Tf0Soop7XEvY0yOiaHW-v6fMXuUXNukOdDGCW-oT5vcT_U7yZE5rruAb7_cHa8cvAdH0bs7i2BUuTD9R3bhL/s1600/ivrpyokak0fyebk7x2et.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73_E9p50dDxsh4mFPjsdtiWxrV_uzzGIjYWsA8p2fjgL_Q0VlGkb5Z261Tf0Soop7XEvY0yOiaHW-v6fMXuUXNukOdDGCW-oT5vcT_U7yZE5rruAb7_cHa8cvAdH0bs7i2BUuTD9R3bhL/s640/ivrpyokak0fyebk7x2et.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Now this is the really freaky part to me, see how you can look right through the bodywork on this car, sorta like how you can see through the rear haunches on the new Ford GT? I know the thin bit of fender steel doesn't do much in the way of providing protection but this would just make me feel like my legs were dangling out from the bottom of an inner tube, waiting to be bitten off by a hammerhead shark, or in this instance, a deep curb.<br />
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How do you repair these things? When even a Bugatti needs to be shipped back to Mother-France just for a set of new tires, it makes you ponder the downtime, cost and final feasibility of the repair if your half-resin go-kart kits a Camry on it's way out of Costco. Yes, rich people shop at Costco, it's easier to keep your existing money than to make more.<br />
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Where do you drive these things to? Not the grocery store, no room for the groceries. Not to the bank, they will surely flag you for investigation for insider trading. Not your in-laws, least you be inundated with requests for a "small, $4-million loan" despite protestations that "I'm good for it!"<br />
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These cars were made to be featured in video games where you can switch to a God's eye view, don't need to stow anything whatsoever, and crashes can be fixed with a simple press of a button.<br />
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Nah, I'll stick with my old man car and be happy doing it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mjQ1AqMMO7_dwLMW8c3swCdDBdWXHMfyrNScjQ57kDn7WuyThY3VRN0cISRd2M-l2VhLV-gHwDrU8JF_lFT3u86YsBMr6yTaCurOHhedEfZBok-KL_rNWoV7DJK-SPNBZOdAwoAnPNWS/s1600/aaaIZ.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mjQ1AqMMO7_dwLMW8c3swCdDBdWXHMfyrNScjQ57kDn7WuyThY3VRN0cISRd2M-l2VhLV-gHwDrU8JF_lFT3u86YsBMr6yTaCurOHhedEfZBok-KL_rNWoV7DJK-SPNBZOdAwoAnPNWS/s640/aaaIZ.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-74048667013421915862018-04-07T16:55:00.000-07:002018-04-07T16:56:05.851-07:00Y'all Like Them Ralls-Roses?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH_fSIjjYk6HCJ1Z351VkPWwgiT5eih1dKJQ3ERhQdWGc-lyj1LUpZZIicuzT-IfFPNwgS2Kn2PI8mM3_ORwHhbHomHu6K0zvOCw-KagKyBXzMQ6NBQ5f4jGRBOuGTNrj-U44g_neyBiO/s1600/BROlls+Royce+mk.iii.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="690" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH_fSIjjYk6HCJ1Z351VkPWwgiT5eih1dKJQ3ERhQdWGc-lyj1LUpZZIicuzT-IfFPNwgS2Kn2PI8mM3_ORwHhbHomHu6K0zvOCw-KagKyBXzMQ6NBQ5f4jGRBOuGTNrj-U44g_neyBiO/s640/BROlls+Royce+mk.iii.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Graphic design by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Evan Paul</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Y'all Like Them Rose-Roses?</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-weight: normal;">by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Fer Sale is these here three ass rigs. What we got here is some of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">them there Ralls-Rose foreign pieces of junk that has been </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Americanized to meet them needs like haulin', carryin', junkin', </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">pushin', pullin', yankin', draggin', scootin', shovin', and muddin'. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">These rigs are still a little too Euro-crap to roll any coal, but </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">sheeeeet, they do got 'em a big ol V8 for fuckin' around n' shit with </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">your boys. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Chili's don't got no valet parkin' son so you're gonna be on your own </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">there, but sheeeet, who wants to eat at some fancy ass place like that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">anyway, we ain't the fukkin' Queen of England or nuttin'! Got-danged </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Cheesecake Factory might be a better place for somethin' as high </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">falutin' as this here shit. Some good ass poon there on weeknights I'm </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">told. Get yours!!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Get rid of that Hillary-lookin' silver bitch on the hood, stick a big </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">ol' 6-shooter on there (cuz 'Murica) and you gonna' be the coolest </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">critter in the hollar. Don't like it? Well FUCK YOU libtard!!! Y'ain't </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">gonna convert this to them there 'lectric shits neither, ain't gonna </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">sell to just nobody, ya gotta pass my test which is pretty simple, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">just recite them Bible verses talkin' 'bout stonin' bitches and that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">which them whores n' shit and show me pics of every cousin you done </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">fucked in the past week and we're good my man. May even take a trade </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">if she's pretty enuff. Hell yeah!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Closin' time... time to roll to Chili's and chow down with my fukkin' boys...</span></div>
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MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-4551331347355405302018-01-30T09:03:00.000-08:002018-01-30T09:18:44.415-08:00Elon Musk's Flamethrower is a Roofing Torch in Cosplay Disguise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUlf0oUQQ_cT1p5ngYmjR02qSAaeAuSUVsLdqOeP0tc50BSPH4QJOI2wL_if5vmAXOZynImtcByMD8BhJAPjIdBeCCj3rdcyQfktNsGdL_lvPFUx5twwt9F2pjvYG9zzM5xM-YujdOsKY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-30+at+8.44.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1417" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUlf0oUQQ_cT1p5ngYmjR02qSAaeAuSUVsLdqOeP0tc50BSPH4QJOI2wL_if5vmAXOZynImtcByMD8BhJAPjIdBeCCj3rdcyQfktNsGdL_lvPFUx5twwt9F2pjvYG9zzM5xM-YujdOsKY/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-30+at+8.44.52+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
Elon Musk's Flamethrower is a Roofing Torch in Cosplay Disguise</h4>
<h4>
<a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">by Marrs</span></i></a></h4>
Elon Musk only just announced the ability to preorder a very Star Wars-looking flamethrower as a promotional gadget for his Boring Company tunnel-building venture, and so far the news has been aflutter with how many units have been sold (8,000 units), the value of those units ($4-million+), and how one California politician is already working to institute a ban on the gadgets.<br />
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One thing that seems overlooked so far is determining what exactly these things are? Is this a true "flamethrower" in the traditional sense or a rich-guy plaything to purchase on a whim? The answer is both, and not both at the same time. It is technically a flamethrower of course because it.... ummm... throws flames, BUT, the ATF generally defines a flamethrower as a device that can shoot a flame over 10-feet and regulates such devices as weapons. This one only forces a flame out about 1-4 feet if we base our judgement on Elon Musk's own Instagram posts showing him playing with the device in the corridors of one of his companies (possibly Space-X given the large Earth and Mars images that dominate the wall behind him).<br />
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What these devices appear to be in actuality are roofing torches used to heat and lay down tar and other roofing materials by heating them enough so they adhere in all temperatures, but outfitted with a specially-built shell that gives them the appearance of futuristic assault weapons. (Interestingly, this is also what the propmakers of Starship Troopers did to achieve their Morita Assault Rifle, they simply built fiberglass hard-cases that fit right over a functioning factory stock Ruger Mini 1.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0MaSgpoc67vqAGtclw2Ttw0w2g-QrdbXQLdBrpFhyphenhyphenlAvvhvN5izHWCfci5ykhv5aslGWwxLg_VfZCO5kAvmSlfdRlRs6J8PYla-oClfMPie5Mrozcy6MVmNAZU1Fc59xMr3tzOAs-MjA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-30+at+8.52.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1432" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0MaSgpoc67vqAGtclw2Ttw0w2g-QrdbXQLdBrpFhyphenhyphenlAvvhvN5izHWCfci5ykhv5aslGWwxLg_VfZCO5kAvmSlfdRlRs6J8PYla-oClfMPie5Mrozcy6MVmNAZU1Fc59xMr3tzOAs-MjA/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-01-30+at+8.52.11+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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While roofing torches can be had for as little as $30 for your bog-standard Harbor Freight Death Inducer™, tho really pro-level units cost upwards of $400, so you can see that the markups involved in creating these fire-puking gadgets isn't really too severe when you consider the uniqueness of the item and the fact that some people pay far more than the $500 asking price on replica light sabres that, let me remind you, do not have the ability to burn a hole through your boss' office wall.<br />
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Cool stuff Elon! <br />
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<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-67900692146793405292017-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:002017-12-11T11:00:44.091-08:00InstaQuickie: One Wheel Peel<span title="Edited"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRS2DrZij9fcm5d9i0MOos-WXxofWFb4dnRliWhRO1u63kGRiu40Em6gM1hLZxpalT95r7wEukgwyC_Q6qTwLeSLSsR3Ef6oWxXGCKQ_gl5XGKdZ2u4LadUEj-fbmydlbtKYsZPLBh92xn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-11+at+10.50.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRS2DrZij9fcm5d9i0MOos-WXxofWFb4dnRliWhRO1u63kGRiu40Em6gM1hLZxpalT95r7wEukgwyC_Q6qTwLeSLSsR3Ef6oWxXGCKQ_gl5XGKdZ2u4LadUEj-fbmydlbtKYsZPLBh92xn/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-11+at+10.50.20+AM.png" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
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<span title="Edited"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7ypiLn11TMG1dHxCi3c8oLYr0C5utN9eT-n9KG5ABYVS6kvAMZu9W8qtxnYl0WpdU7tCK4YoYPjN6bK8BU89GNbehyphenhyphenc8AQcnBxLcFr9NsqOwsnuw9KnXGGELGU_XdNsugCfuvteJNX2-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-11+at+10.50.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7ypiLn11TMG1dHxCi3c8oLYr0C5utN9eT-n9KG5ABYVS6kvAMZu9W8qtxnYl0WpdU7tCK4YoYPjN6bK8BU89GNbehyphenhyphenc8AQcnBxLcFr9NsqOwsnuw9KnXGGELGU_XdNsugCfuvteJNX2-/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-11+at+10.50.31+AM.png" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span title="Edited">When you come to a stop and have to rip through three gears worth of wheel spin in front of a cop to get moving again </span><br />
<span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/2wd/">#2wd</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/rwd/">#rwd</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/c1500/">#c1500</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/5speed/">#5speed</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/savethemanuals/">#savethemanuals</a></span></span><br />
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<span title="Edited"><span title="Edited">(InstaQuickie is a new series featuring of-the-moment, happening right-now, posts from our resident Masshole, <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Evan Paul</a>. See ALL of his InstaGram posts at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evan_paul_/" target="_blank">@Evan_Paul_</a> </span></span>MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-85585661959009752822017-10-20T11:56:00.000-07:002018-12-07T15:05:27.549-08:00UAZ For It, You Got It, With This Low-tech Russian Fever Dream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxw8wKxCBuTQ18FLKZqieuVcVmsozNlD7fLeDcWu0yYoj04ZjlDZGDCkcOXvz09lfeppp4L26jaY5HbLhRJGKxldZZz-yZn4TRb8hWY5sWB8Qweibjsw8DRXpAp5tJegCDQr8lDA4ytaI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+8.40.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxw8wKxCBuTQ18FLKZqieuVcVmsozNlD7fLeDcWu0yYoj04ZjlDZGDCkcOXvz09lfeppp4L26jaY5HbLhRJGKxldZZz-yZn4TRb8hWY5sWB8Qweibjsw8DRXpAp5tJegCDQr8lDA4ytaI/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+8.40.21+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<h3>
UAZ For It, You Got It, With This Low-tech Russian Fever Dream</h3>
<a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank"><i>by Evan Paul</i></a><br />
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The toaster on stilts that’s been romping around Russia for the past half-century never seems to die. A product of the Soviet collective, the UAZ “Classic” commercial vehicle, formerly known as the UAZ-452, still makes an appearance on new car lots in the eastern hemisphere. Unlike the home of the Big Mac, these regions lack the law books that prevent drivers’ legs from being part of a vehicle’s framework. As a result, the beloved Bukhanka (Russian for “loaf of bread”) will leave you crawling should you encounter a bear at speed. Speed is a generous way to put it, as the big-bore 2.7 liter four coughs out a meager 112-horses. Thankfully these horses aren’t saddled with a filthy slushbox; the only way to reign them in is through a five speed manual mated to a bona-fide four wheel drive system. The transmission isn’t the only manual feature that comes standard on the UAZ Classic, though. Count on growing a pair of Popeye’s grotesque forearms should you keep those additional rubles tucked away under your ushanka, as hydraulic power steering is the sole option.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3AoAj1KBOrmuicBPJ6f_h3CXGRVRZJzg-oParemf1r2KQoxDVqMZxwr4iQBlo2734O7YiECZ1Leqi1Ek1czhBP_BXHVgDE5GGPGYOiDvP_xrcuPGZll0RpgSy_MYGi_3a8g6WXcjFxiU/s1600/big_4_2014429_4-148.farmer-1764.803270d10e1757d38dc8f34893c620fd.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3AoAj1KBOrmuicBPJ6f_h3CXGRVRZJzg-oParemf1r2KQoxDVqMZxwr4iQBlo2734O7YiECZ1Leqi1Ek1czhBP_BXHVgDE5GGPGYOiDvP_xrcuPGZll0RpgSy_MYGi_3a8g6WXcjFxiU/s640/big_4_2014429_4-148.farmer-1764.803270d10e1757d38dc8f34893c620fd.png" width="640" /></a><br />
The version that tugs at my heartstrings most is simply dubbed Farmer. This agricultural namesake takes the front-heavy appearance of a cab chassis to another dimension. The three door cab with room for five sits over the engine and looks ready to faceplant at any moment. Wearing an expression of constant agony, the handsome looks of the Farmer are rounded out by a “tented platform” that’s plopped on the back of its gangly framework. Perfect for hauling potatoes or black market human organs over the roughest of landscapes, this cargo area means the Farmer can make the most of its hefty 2300+ pound payload capacity that puts some full-size Americans to shame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4fh7uchK5jk-S21lP6uygEJl10D8-EoPbgZciKDP6v55eBJYjn4JVq5ca9ycy1Sql8gd2JndSf9BcMEzsBTr1X811GNxPQDs-i-RSlRA2MvzsXq_PQDZnrvXk-6TGaxUgvQr9aDFsqF6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+8.41.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4fh7uchK5jk-S21lP6uygEJl10D8-EoPbgZciKDP6v55eBJYjn4JVq5ca9ycy1Sql8gd2JndSf9BcMEzsBTr1X811GNxPQDs-i-RSlRA2MvzsXq_PQDZnrvXk-6TGaxUgvQr9aDFsqF6/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+8.41.17+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Now one might ask why anyone would want an antiquated appliance like the goofy looking Farmer? The fact that it seems ready to collapse upon itself should a stray shopping cart blow too-near in a passing breeze is only part of the appeal! The exposed under-seat heater, metal dashboard, and center-mounted speedometer are brazenly resistant to modern design trends, creating an incredibly eye-catching package that’s unlike any other vehicle on the market today. Should the 25-year import rule be abolished, a new bread loaf of my own would soon be in my driveway for a menial four-digit price.<br />
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<h4>
Price: 487,000 Rubles = $8,283 USD at today's exchange rates. </h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpOVnJS189ymW0B77CU-aHieb4pPfC4F7ZxKlOOfi6c8QaPxtzvnDXKTyILLQFFqBEegv9THUBb5VIC1-hjAJlRbCId3tQtpixv7W0CESX-j3I-u7vjquUrZtBlCzU0axgykVS4r5g8cC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+9.09.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpOVnJS189ymW0B77CU-aHieb4pPfC4F7ZxKlOOfi6c8QaPxtzvnDXKTyILLQFFqBEegv9THUBb5VIC1-hjAJlRbCId3tQtpixv7W0CESX-j3I-u7vjquUrZtBlCzU0axgykVS4r5g8cC/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+9.09.49+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uOvZ55LdIl9gGbA9cdnOTimesw3K4tWScSbOzDVDqh8UcfiY1-19b4FVY6KyDhEA1I8BD9W746VfOX8ZhI14SI2KacUneusBqYR1cWwZJJ3K9VAnXX3lf-GwIrNdJj5b1M1Rn_phFlD-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+9.09.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uOvZ55LdIl9gGbA9cdnOTimesw3K4tWScSbOzDVDqh8UcfiY1-19b4FVY6KyDhEA1I8BD9W746VfOX8ZhI14SI2KacUneusBqYR1cWwZJJ3K9VAnXX3lf-GwIrNdJj5b1M1Rn_phFlD-/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+9.09.59+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-WncxWPEGlpCgGXQA-EsgM8oKw0YGX3TVXJql8Zot-yzwVRAwxuhpc51SGbboDsVOlbqvJDGOzjUIqrVPZi0O6NOEf7yIDK0qPV2_5z8P1n_8bQLAQUlM8lkru9gAhZqC38W8gnk4ihO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+9.10.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-WncxWPEGlpCgGXQA-EsgM8oKw0YGX3TVXJql8Zot-yzwVRAwxuhpc51SGbboDsVOlbqvJDGOzjUIqrVPZi0O6NOEf7yIDK0qPV2_5z8P1n_8bQLAQUlM8lkru9gAhZqC38W8gnk4ihO/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+9.10.07+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuwVAb0Nz9i8Z8M2UWPuMPExaUQ5d3_ASnuMIyq-Im85xavd_7cCwWKmMO06hzdnBbm_xq6HdZ-YJjKqAAHlTTgLPpDgywHBO_7zubvt9vlWk2PygQfELOJHp_8-bNq8QXwXFA_oviX4I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+8.41.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuwVAb0Nz9i8Z8M2UWPuMPExaUQ5d3_ASnuMIyq-Im85xavd_7cCwWKmMO06hzdnBbm_xq6HdZ-YJjKqAAHlTTgLPpDgywHBO_7zubvt9vlWk2PygQfELOJHp_8-bNq8QXwXFA_oviX4I/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-19+at+8.41.44+AM.png" width="640" /></a>MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-40314379917230524262017-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:002017-09-08T07:00:00.442-07:00An American Puta in Punta Cana<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NnltU4wQP5eTH-sRvQndI9Spk-2yV-KNfDepW-fp4vc-pxgb-QwaDoXZW_898IFAdbAa-aCQ4rQYDdFiKghCCTlcfuhbAlWFJQ3MsRkEoe5JZAPfHuMBhdQGiVFd8y-My2j8VlT46Oe/s1600/-11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NnltU4wQP5eTH-sRvQndI9Spk-2yV-KNfDepW-fp4vc-pxgb-QwaDoXZW_898IFAdbAa-aCQ4rQYDdFiKghCCTlcfuhbAlWFJQ3MsRkEoe5JZAPfHuMBhdQGiVFd8y-My2j8VlT46Oe/s640/-11.jpg" width="640" /></a> </h3>
<h3>
An American Puta in Punta Cana<i> </i><i><br /></i></h3>
<h4>
<a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank"><i>by Evan Paul</i></a></h4>
-Dominican Republic<br />
Hopping off the 737 into the sticky heat of the Dominican sun, the unfamiliar landscape captured me for a few moments. But inevitably, my eyes drifted to my vehicular surroundings just as the gaze of a forty-something middle-classman drifts to the chest of the young waitress at a sports bar. An oddly shaped Leyland with half the cab cut away was the first to catch my gaze. Chuckling to myself, I snapped a picture and moved along with a distant hope that the automotive landscape would arouse my interests.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiFHWhYIIOY3vEFpWdE4EdPYi3McGhWRDoIrohCoZHWLPa4XNxFclJeygtpICwslQ9A41BY2GyIoubu7CCE45CWGjanySGaX3Hp8RIhZp5KUUERlgH-U44jRFVIIZyjEMEpymLhDQrWOJ/s1600/-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiFHWhYIIOY3vEFpWdE4EdPYi3McGhWRDoIrohCoZHWLPa4XNxFclJeygtpICwslQ9A41BY2GyIoubu7CCE45CWGjanySGaX3Hp8RIhZp5KUUERlgH-U44jRFVIIZyjEMEpymLhDQrWOJ/s640/-13.jpg" width="640" /></a>Departure from customs led into a lobby where dozens of employees tried to sham us into paying for a ride in their poorly maintained vans. Stopping us every two or three steps, these shysters were incredibly desperate to pocket a few pesos. I wasn’t having any of that shit. We muscled our way through the sweaty crowds and hopped into our private Hyundai H-1, which sported a stick shift much to my delight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTIQbxpRf-2YSNQHBfF5ugU7QYoY1wvXqffb_xxLCNX87LFG0qw2Cw5cpqCr40JVF3abawV6fNzeEgBjouYDGwnc3Bqag8zLXPvbievGLgSMOh88tmaruzxaeerzy5KV1mbtZz04xTdNs/s1600/-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTIQbxpRf-2YSNQHBfF5ugU7QYoY1wvXqffb_xxLCNX87LFG0qw2Cw5cpqCr40JVF3abawV6fNzeEgBjouYDGwnc3Bqag8zLXPvbievGLgSMOh88tmaruzxaeerzy5KV1mbtZz04xTdNs/s640/-14.jpg" width="640" /></a>Screaming onto the highway with as many revs as the little diesel could muster, we merged into a sea of Hiluxes, HiAces, and many people who drove like they were high. I tried in vain to score a few photos through the strange mesh sun-screen that was peeling off the side glass. The hustle and bustle of the luggage area prevented me from grabbing a snapshot of the humble Hyundai as we gathered our belongings, but I was determined to get a few good shots during our stay.<br />
<br />
I held up the whole gang as I stopped to scan the surrounding parking lots, grinding to a halt without notice in order to capture a few tidbits of automotive obscurity. I spent a couple days unhealthily eyeing a “customized” HiAce at the resort entrance before gathering the balls to walk over and take a picture. Despite the locals’ strange glares and my first hangover kicking in at 9am, I walked back to the air conditioned lobby with a smile on my face and my phone in hand.<br />
<br />
The few times we left the resort, the automotive wilderness left my retinas in sorry shape. One car rental company in particular shamelessly plugged Shelby Super Snakes on their billboard while directly below lay a singular Mustang GT with a full on AutoZone chrome treatment. Stick on trim was a recurring theme, as well as tape stripes and “custom” badging.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAebUS9TaukIob1oDh7E-O-XLfecyX9gHRbuj2UgJi-CKPRLOzQCWJ_R5qBRfvhPmNkWq_umFU6v3Z4L3J_HHjXhR-HtdPaS7XstADW2VdTE-Ku3h55riH28xeihCDa7cN0zgfN5AWDHhB/s1600/-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAebUS9TaukIob1oDh7E-O-XLfecyX9gHRbuj2UgJi-CKPRLOzQCWJ_R5qBRfvhPmNkWq_umFU6v3Z4L3J_HHjXhR-HtdPaS7XstADW2VdTE-Ku3h55riH28xeihCDa7cN0zgfN5AWDHhB/s640/-12.jpg" width="640" /></a>Since our parasailing got cancelled due to weather and I got to keep my lunch, we signed up for an off road excursion instead. I had no idea what I was in for, but the prospect of whipping some sort buggy got my heart racing. The chance to make my friend scream in fear from the passenger seat put a stupid grin on my face.<br />
<br />
The 4Runner shuttle hurried us through the city streets and stopped on the edge of a highway, where we boarded on a tired flatbed cabover that had some glorified park benches and scaffolding loosely attached to the rear. A near hour long voyage to the middle of nowhere left me confused and excited, ready to drive whatever poorly maintained contraption my fifty dollar payment allowed me to get my hands on.<br />
<br />
I took the hot seat for the first leg of the trip, explaining the controls to my less car savvy copilot. The group leaders started the buggy by jumping a couple wires together, and after affixing our seatbelts (read: ropes) we were on our way. Giving myself a good forty feet of space between myself and the next buggy in line, I gave it the beans right from the start much to my friend’s discontent. Mud puddles were met with full throttle, soiling my glasses and my copilot’s shorts.<br />
<br />
Due to the inebriated state of several buggy drivers, the whole group was ground to a halt every forty five seconds or so during the rough patches of terrain. Instead of waiting patiently and quietly, my eighteen-year old self thought it would be wise to repeatedly slam the gas pedal to the floor, showering the poor sap behind us with the smell of burning oil and excitement. This poor sap turned out to be my friend’s dad and his six year old sister, but that did not put a damper on my self-titled position as “Rev-It-Up Randy” for the day.<br />
<br />
Neutral drops did not escape my mind, but the N-R-D shift pattern protested my hooligan driving tactics. A loud clicking sound accompanied by a jolt forward was the less than stellar result of my transmission torture, but the sorry thing soldiered on without a hitch.<br />
<br />
On the way back from the gorgeous beach that marked the turnaround point, my friend and I switched roles. Hesitant to lay into it at first, he gave into to peer pressure and drove just as hard as I did during my stint at the wheel. My back was taking a beating from the hard plastic seats and sagging suspension, but that was a "tomorrow problem" in my mind.<br />
<br />
Halfway back to the starting point, the lead buggy ran out of gas. Our buggy happened to be the closest one to them, so they decided to siphon a bit from ours. A perfectly reasonable idea, but the execution not so much. Filling up a used water bottle to the brim, roughly a third of our fuel survived the perilous three steps between our tank and theirs. They didn’t stop with just one bottle; over a liter and a half later they decided to call it quits.<br />
<br />
Shockingly, our buggy sputtered and stopped not ninety seconds up the path, and the non-English speaking tour guide frustratingly tried to start our engine to no avail. Perhaps the concept of an empty fuel tank escaped his mind, but his frustration transferred over to my friend who took the helm of a spare buggy that was luckily a few paces from where our original buggy gave up the ghost. This spare buggy had chunks of the tire flapping in the breeze with belts clearly visible, and the steering wheel took more turns lock-to-lock that I can count on my fingers.<br />
<br />
Unintelligible instructions and rickety controls drove my friend insane, so he finally gave in and let me make up time on the final leg of the journey. A full throttle sprint in this death trap had me laughing like a madman, wafting and bouncing dangerously close to a full blown crash. Sweating and smiling upon our return to the starting point, my distraught passenger did not share my laughter at the blatant disregard for routine vehicular maintenance. Several days later waiting to board the flight home, my body was still screaming for mercy while my heart remained set on hauling ass in an open wheeled monstrosity at any chance I could get. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2q8sJ-mR3LKwdiX4uzEcrrBdRISuOr8Aay2HMEG-isxySE2F4Jjdz_QWu6nqfsJ9fhxztvay9-tHfAy6okyAXoJAReajFykQDMnC76-7JOfaqdj7NOZXHCLF8GGoTbwVAFTC5boty4Fi/s1600/-15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2q8sJ-mR3LKwdiX4uzEcrrBdRISuOr8Aay2HMEG-isxySE2F4Jjdz_QWu6nqfsJ9fhxztvay9-tHfAy6okyAXoJAReajFykQDMnC76-7JOfaqdj7NOZXHCLF8GGoTbwVAFTC5boty4Fi/s640/-15.jpg" width="640" /></a>MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-88587339220282412542017-09-07T10:44:00.001-07:002017-09-07T14:50:14.322-07:00Do Robot Drivers Dream of Electric E-Types?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2500; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsUXzVCUOIa-BYUAHm2DnGDVDqKeuup0T059T20OVYotEMeCyoW431jS5DWxZRy10EJ3EU6AJ_IpAG7NVYbjpEHgbeDNtRhvp4nB7e3UV07NRr995m0hvbOZ3793lrFLPVBvAPhN6gnpp/s1600/jagetypezerocm28396070917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsUXzVCUOIa-BYUAHm2DnGDVDqKeuup0T059T20OVYotEMeCyoW431jS5DWxZRy10EJ3EU6AJ_IpAG7NVYbjpEHgbeDNtRhvp4nB7e3UV07NRr995m0hvbOZ3793lrFLPVBvAPhN6gnpp/s640/jagetypezerocm28396070917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>JAGUAR E-TYPE ZERO:</b></span><br />
<div style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“THE MOST BEAUTIFUL <i>ELECTRIC</i> CAR IN THE WORLD”</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Jaguar Land Rover Classic electrifies the past with an inventive Jaguar E-type sports car featuring fully electric powertrain</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Acclaimed
by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car in the world”, the Jaguar
E-type now combines breathtaking beauty with zero emissions for the
first time</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">E-type
Zero is based on 1968 Series 1.5 Jaguar E-type Roadster, and features a
cutting-edge electric powertrain enabling 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Engineered by Jaguar Land Rover Classic at company’s new ‘Classic Works’ in Warwickshire, UK</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">E-type Zero makes world debut during Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest at </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">. The event begins with a media preview on 7 September and is open to public visitors from 8-10 September </span></li>
<li style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">E-Type Zero will sit alongside the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE, which goes on sale in 2018</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcouXXi6HnKLZ6bfDHt_cwMLn6FcuazGdJPFxwGil8budJOmRPc2lEyk1Qmi_gDhGWtfWNsFsRhxxNvTQbOoUqoQ_-UOOjdkV81NWoLOcxKsrIRROzmsBA9WcQ4wu1vidxP_pjEbClxQv/s1600/jagetypezerocm27598v1070917.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcouXXi6HnKLZ6bfDHt_cwMLn6FcuazGdJPFxwGil8budJOmRPc2lEyk1Qmi_gDhGWtfWNsFsRhxxNvTQbOoUqoQ_-UOOjdkV81NWoLOcxKsrIRROzmsBA9WcQ4wu1vidxP_pjEbClxQv/s640/jagetypezerocm27598v1070917.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Ryton-on-Dunsmore, 7 September 2017 –</b> Jaguar Land Rover Classic is presenting an electric-powered Jaguar E-type at the Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest, which opens to the public on 8 September in London. The car, known as E-type Zero, has been restored and converted at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, not far from where the E-type was born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“E-type Zero combines the renowned E-type dynamic experience with enhanced performance through electrification. This unique combination creates a breathtaking driving sensation." -</i></span><b>Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic</b></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“Our aim with E-type Zero is to future-proof classic car ownership. We’re looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Jaguar E-type Zero not only drives and looks like an E-type, it also offers outstanding performance. It’s quicker than an original E-type: 0-100km/h (62mph) takes only 5.5sec, about one second quicker than a Series 1 E-type. </span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“In order to seamlessly combine the new electric powertrain of E-type Zero with the dynamic set-up of the original E-type specification, we have limited the vehicle’s power output. We believe this provides the optimum driving experience.”</i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-xBPIHoxOvZkWfdka35VdIqtUQpb1swj6BQ3Mu4EQEbm9Z0UFXNwyqZLohK0-ARBeHxlQFs60bn3zxrbJoid1kBnTv1bysf7cpK0KAXjs1C1Q9LwkwwSjjtrdFNxJ-xHFKSD6gGSCU_T/s1600/jagetypezerocm13233070917.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-xBPIHoxOvZkWfdka35VdIqtUQpb1swj6BQ3Mu4EQEbm9Z0UFXNwyqZLohK0-ARBeHxlQFs60bn3zxrbJoid1kBnTv1bysf7cpK0KAXjs1C1Q9LwkwwSjjtrdFNxJ-xHFKSD6gGSCU_T/s640/jagetypezerocm13233070917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The E-type Zero vehicle, displayed at Tech Fest, is a restored Series 1.5 Roadster. It’s totally original in specification, apart from its 21st century state-of-the-art powertrain and modified instrumentation and facia – although these are also inspired by the original E-type. LED headlights are also used to achieve energy efficiency. Again, they adopt the styling theme of the original Series 1 E-type.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bespoke electric powertrain</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">An electric powertrain developing 220kW has been specially designed for the E-type Zero. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions, and similar weight, to the XK six-cylinder engine used in the original E-type. The experts responsible for developing the electric powertrain have ensured it will be placed in precisely the same location as the XK engine. The electric motor (and reduction gear) lies just behind the battery pack, in the same location as the E-type’s gearbox. A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive. Total weight is 46kg lower than the original E-type.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Using an electric powertrain with similar weight and dimensions to the outgoing petrol engine and transmission means the car’s structure, including suspension and brakes, has not changed, simplifying the conversion and homologation. It drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-type. Front-rear weight distribution is unchanged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEhbLXcJj6_6V2Wh7IOJpgZjleQ1sSfEI4XTD-6z9WEb-_GdSpb_QeFbal0xrAo-e8xqnNXyLUfIE9ZUw_mHulACUNSCPTUkypkqFIgDFTqbhv2zz2GITfISdg8kW_GuN_yG8Y_-Jbi5U/s1600/jagetypezerocm13263070917.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEhbLXcJj6_6V2Wh7IOJpgZjleQ1sSfEI4XTD-6z9WEb-_GdSpb_QeFbal0xrAo-e8xqnNXyLUfIE9ZUw_mHulACUNSCPTUkypkqFIgDFTqbhv2zz2GITfISdg8kW_GuN_yG8Y_-Jbi5U/s640/jagetypezerocm13263070917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“We have integrated the new electric powertrain into the existing E-type structure, which means a conventional engine could be reinstalled at any point. We think this is essential as it ensures a period Jaguar remains authentic to its DNA.”</i> </span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The XK six-cylinder engine was made from 1949 until 1992, and was fitted to nearly all iconic Jaguar models of that period, including the E-type, XK120, Mk2 and XJ6. The new electric powertrain could be used in any of these vehicles. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvHUoYltrY4J8Ew3VLJiAYe_9HM9j2LsPgyeOi2BO4zW6tD9vSxuLhlLH_OxsXJV7ULwGuoQtNRNJDmmPWnLz9pNkD6azQSggV7qLhrxm5eve3IkJ3X3SmuHV19XCHlnAHIsabucViMpo/s1600/jagetypezerocm13414070917.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvHUoYltrY4J8Ew3VLJiAYe_9HM9j2LsPgyeOi2BO4zW6tD9vSxuLhlLH_OxsXJV7ULwGuoQtNRNJDmmPWnLz9pNkD6azQSggV7qLhrxm5eve3IkJ3X3SmuHV19XCHlnAHIsabucViMpo/s640/jagetypezerocm13414070917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“We could use this technology to transform any classic XK-engine Jaguar.” </i></span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>‘The most beautiful car ever made’</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The E-type, launched in 1961, has regularly been voted the best-looking car of all time. Even Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made”.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">E-type Zero’s unique electric powertrain was developed by an electric powertrain specialist in conjunction with Jaguar Land Rover engineers and to a specific brief from Jaguar Land Rover Classic. It uses some technology and components borrowed from the upcoming I-PACE, Jaguar Land Rover’s first production all-electric vehicle.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The E-type Zero has a ‘real world’ range of 270km (about 170 miles), helped by the low weight and good aerodynamics. It uses a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged from home overnight (typically in six to seven hours, depending on power source).</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest, where the electric Jaguar E-type is unveiled, is being held at </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">. The media day is 7 September and it is open to the public from 8-10 September.</span></div>
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MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-71723718825750256532017-07-27T19:12:00.000-07:002017-07-27T19:56:26.237-07:0022 Year Love Affair With A Blue 1966 Ford Thunderbird<div class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row standard_section " data-bg-mobile-hidden="" data-midnight="dark" id="fws_597a9b65e6460" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<b>Story and Photos by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mike Spicer</span></a></b></div>
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When talking about old cars my friend <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L77yY3azvVQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Dale Matthews</span></a> always says “Understanding Is Not Required!”. Which explains why I started hunting for a Ford Thunderbird immediately after graduating from the University Of Oregon.<br />
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One of the best parts of getting an old car is “The Hunt". Meeting
interesting people, going to places you could never imagine just to see
a car. After looking at several 1964-66 Thunderbirds I stumbled on a
blue 1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau at the Portland swap meet.<br />
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<img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_h1.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="360" style="opacity: 1;" width="640" /></div>
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I was pretty inexperienced but could sense there was a buzz around
this car. People were all around checking it out as I sat alone in the
driver seat with the doors closed going through the aircraft inspired
interior. When I emerged from the car I walked past the swarm of people
up to the owner and in an adrenaline infused state of temporary insanity
I said “I’ll take it”.<br />
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<img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_30.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="133" style="opacity: 1;" width="200" /> <img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_31.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="133" style="opacity: 1;" width="200" /> <img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_32.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="133" style="opacity: 1;" width="200" /></div>
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Filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty I drove the car
out of the swap meet catching smiles along the way and headed home. I
was experiencing a very new feeling and I liked it.<br />
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<a class="" href="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_21.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto"><img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_21.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="250" style="opacity: 1;" width="320" /></a> <a class="" href="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_23.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto"><img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_23.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="250" style="opacity: 1;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bought new in Portland Oregon the original owner’s son brought the car to the swap meet since his dad couldn’t drive any more. After owning the car for a while I noticed how well it had been cared for. I was pretty lucky stumbling on an incredibly original car in amazing condition with no car buying skill at all.<br />
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<a class="" href="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_37.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto"><img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_37.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="133" style="opacity: 1;" width="200" /></a> <a class="" href="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_35.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto"><img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_35.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="133" style="opacity: 1;" width="200" /></a> <a class="" href="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_34.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto"><img alt="1966 Ford Thunderbird" class="img-with-animation animated-in" data-animation="fade-in" data-delay="0" src="http://spicercollectorcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1966-Ford-Thunderbird_34.jpg" data-shadow-direction="middle" data-shadow="none" height="133" style="opacity: 1;" width="200" /></a></div>
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I enjoyed driving the Bird for years. The rear seat is referred to
as “the lounge” and you can see why. I often thought of the original
owner as I babied it and made sure it was parked indoors at all times.<br />
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After 22 years of enjoyment I decided to let her go. You never
forget your first love and every time I see a 1966 Thunderbird I feel
like a kid again ready to take the blind plunge into classic car
ownership, and it feels good.<br />
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<i>Story courtesy of <a href="http://spicercollectorcars.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Spicer Collector Car Profile</span></a></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://oppositelock.kinja.com/22-year-love-affair-with-a-blue-1966-ford-thunderbird-1797321404?rev=1501210277902" target="_blank">See story on Jalopnik here. </a></span></i></span><br />
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MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-31947804807811379732017-06-21T17:01:00.001-07:002017-07-10T12:52:37.578-07:00Here's Your Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational Super Gallery; Part 1 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv52qrgSbHaWcTJbFBV1UwabOIyL48w9i9CMDfQPpU__IgrFfO-jJegrOKOITv7aAi5_TL5CIeyLvNKqoCtSc8SCWM4Csa_LE_auKQOWorVR4wZo8V4m5-z2oLUB5qFD2DqC-A8xZAUYUd/s1600/IMG_5113.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv52qrgSbHaWcTJbFBV1UwabOIyL48w9i9CMDfQPpU__IgrFfO-jJegrOKOITv7aAi5_TL5CIeyLvNKqoCtSc8SCWM4Csa_LE_auKQOWorVR4wZo8V4m5-z2oLUB5qFD2DqC-A8xZAUYUd/s640/IMG_5113.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This past weekend hundreds of vintage race cars and motorcycles of all description invaded the infamous Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home of the Indy 500) to toss some steel, glass, and rubber around the corners as part of the Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational.<br />
<br />
We were fortunate to have our long-time associate, car enthusiast, and master photographer, <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Ryan Hornsby</a>, on hand to capture this moment for the history books. This is part one in a two part series.<br />
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Enjoy this super-sized gallery of 130+ pics and let us know what cars or bikes are your favorite!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr1cy0_uyIfVmBv1_fBhJBzE4vyrJjxmo2KZUGMsZelRcvQDM1w8XAmyrElty6HFRyoTV__pkUezy3ZXeehEHVDGXeLQb4nWeOVubTbkI9qZOuWIPPqcM-lXCdfFDDrG9w99_Skfkym1c/s1600/IMG_4090.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr1cy0_uyIfVmBv1_fBhJBzE4vyrJjxmo2KZUGMsZelRcvQDM1w8XAmyrElty6HFRyoTV__pkUezy3ZXeehEHVDGXeLQb4nWeOVubTbkI9qZOuWIPPqcM-lXCdfFDDrG9w99_Skfkym1c/s640/IMG_4090.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdEt-W6tN-MwGrpiStflS7h19EaaE5pkpnnr_9s_RskVIrFhFpawte9NpH5NwMl5O3ydm-_Um11Bdkp23sPPf9c0H39gIOHaJSeiyR2JhhmB78S3e5y_4ndL7Ntjo-PA2OhkjjV6XZ4nk/s1600/IMG_4129.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="512" 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<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-23452397117820726322017-06-18T07:56:00.001-07:002017-07-27T18:41:02.596-07:00Only Young People and Minorities Can Save the Old Car Hobby <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpZ-xfjqkoK9TseGBH6IocjSV5bwA9CvrhWrbs65viRLNRAp9QN_OvsilikWrZRxxAsX3us21sXQc7XyTBVYQv-TEe_2xBga3piFSxKvWTGNUg40tv_mRHOQX3BwJClI_ZRAStPCD8kgS/s1600/13077474-mmmain.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpZ-xfjqkoK9TseGBH6IocjSV5bwA9CvrhWrbs65viRLNRAp9QN_OvsilikWrZRxxAsX3us21sXQc7XyTBVYQv-TEe_2xBga3piFSxKvWTGNUg40tv_mRHOQX3BwJClI_ZRAStPCD8kgS/s640/13077474-mmmain.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Only Young People and Minorities Can Save the Old Car Hobby</b><br />
by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a><br />
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If you’ve spent any amount of time on various car forums you’ve probably seen the same line of questioning pop up every year as car show season begins; “How do we get more young people interested in the hobby?” It’s a great question, an important one also, because without a new group of interested enthusiasts coming along there will be no one to buy, collect, maintain, enjoy, or display the antique and classic cars many of us cherish. Without getting into the tired conversation about “if” kids and teens today even care about cars or driving, we will move ahead to the practical side of how to stir interest among this demographic. <br />
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First things first, young folks today aren’t used to unbending schedules and early morning arrivals, they are more used to things being fluid or on-demand. Because of this, I think the first thing to focus on is timing and length of events. Why the hell do car shows start so early anyway? Many I attend each year run from 8 or 10am until 2pm. Most people under 25 that I know (and quite a few older) don’t even wake up until 10am or after on weekends. We could easily become more inclusive if we started events later and ran them longer. One friend suggested that the current hours already work volunteers and organizers to the bone, but a simple shift in the times wouldn’t add any more hours and may in fact ease some of these issues since workers would be more likely to catch a full night’s rest. Money is often tight for young folks and if they would only be able to make the last couple of hours of an early morning event, they would likely opt to skip it altogether rather than spend the fees for just an hour or two of fun. Supporting argument: Cars & Coffee events have more people under the age of 25 than any other type of event I attend, and while the hours don’t comply with my reasoning above, the free factor and free-wheeling in-and-out vibe surely draws them in more than a fully structured event with hard start and stop times.<br />
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Speaking of entry fees, why charge younger attendees at all? Individual organizations should be able to easily view their ticket/attendance demographics and figure out the general cutoff point of attendees by age, so let’s say a local concours primarily draws attendees over the age of 20, they could make the event free for anyone 20-years of age and under. They aren’t losing anything because this is a group that was not heavily invested to begin with, and by doing so, they would likely build a “fan base” of these same folks to attend the event in upcoming years. It’s an investment in their future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsEU4qoDefLlXIv-zpiOfAs4ktr6ORmBLzXCK5Wysa9jWiqaTgvMYeKOjnPl5eeiwh29wYOnsWK5e3uogaoeYS7NGZaHU6bTG4kRXaDsgegkUVB54k2dnwm1SRv1u1kZkzJgeyFWRFFEx/s1600/Photo%252Bby%252BHugh%252BHolland.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsEU4qoDefLlXIv-zpiOfAs4ktr6ORmBLzXCK5Wysa9jWiqaTgvMYeKOjnPl5eeiwh29wYOnsWK5e3uogaoeYS7NGZaHU6bTG4kRXaDsgegkUVB54k2dnwm1SRv1u1kZkzJgeyFWRFFEx/s640/Photo%252Bby%252BHugh%252BHolland.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Getting this crowd even more directly involved, showing their own cars or otherwise entering festivities, can also be better accomplished by allowing, where possible, day-of sign-ups and entries, simply because Millennials often prefer to play their day by ear rather than adhere to strict schedules. <br />
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CELEBRITIES!!! Got your attention? No? OK, well anyway, this *would* have gotten the attention of many in the pop-culture obsessed, TMZ-mainlining, celebrity-emulating, youth market. We are fortunate to have more automotive-related celebrities these days than ever before thanks to the proliferation of TV shows and enthusiast websites. I can imagine youngsters seeking face time or autographs from the likes of Edd China, the Gas Monkey fools, any one of the virtually interchangeable “big personality” owners of a customizing shop, or anyone who has ever skidded across a shop floor on an office chair powered by the thrust of a fire extinguisher in front of a camera.<br />
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More than that is perhaps the general culture of cars, one that seems to be among the slower hobbies to modernize. Personally I notice this quite clearly as a separation between forums that tend to cater to an older clientele and those geared towards under 40’s. Without naming any names, I can report first-hand witnessing name calling, rudeness, disrespect, vitriol, hate, homophobia, racism and other unsavory acts on forums that specialize in older autos, tho you rarely see these same issues on youth oriented/accepting forums and seems largely due to the age and associated open-mindedness of their members as compared to the older and perhaps more stubborn members of the older car crowd and their retained cultural biases. Clearly this does not relate to all “old folks” but it seems to be more common than it really should be in this day and age.<br />
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How do we change this problem? By speaking up. Whenever you read something that would be considered hateful or otherwise insulting to a reasonable and rational adult, speak up! Call the poster out for their behavior without engaging in an attack yourself. Be polite but firm, speak your mind and explain why you’re disagreeing with their remarks. If it does cross the line into hate speech, homophobia, or racism, then go ahead and also report the post to a moderator or “flag it” if there’s the option. I truly think this feeling of accepting others even if they are different from yourself is one thing that has leapfrogged modern society more than many other pieces of cultural phenomenon, especially among Millennials, simply because they have been exposed to other races, cultures, and out-of-the-box concepts by spending much of their young lives on the internet sharing and getting to know people from other places and with differing points of view.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4E-qV7AFoCBVmSM6sZJDm2_fCQoMx5_FiXk9tlFE9QC5mUg2Sr7kgtC0heyEPGhud2Rs9ErJKwQhiynK0-vZGY2wu-crpfKKLYgfKMRa40MiZMJttkgU9o3GAhD8POdIyPu3TVwvgzI5/s1600/186802d1365378871-1930-pierce-arrow-land-speed-record-20130407_160520.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4E-qV7AFoCBVmSM6sZJDm2_fCQoMx5_FiXk9tlFE9QC5mUg2Sr7kgtC0heyEPGhud2Rs9ErJKwQhiynK0-vZGY2wu-crpfKKLYgfKMRa40MiZMJttkgU9o3GAhD8POdIyPu3TVwvgzI5/s640/186802d1365378871-1930-pierce-arrow-land-speed-record-20130407_160520.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed a fairly low representation of “minorities” at events, and I put that in quotes because a minority at a car show is pretty much anyone who isn’t white, male, and between the ages of 50-70 years old. It’s not just teens and young adults we need to welcome with open arms, but people of color of all ages, women, people with disabilities, and basically anyone you see in regular everyday society but rarely notice at car events. This might require specific outreach to a community organization that works with minorities, a women’s club or group, a children’s charity, hospitals, convalescent homes, outreach programs, and so on. Again I would suggest the model of free admission to members of a specific facility or group to encourage attendance. You’re much more likely to convince a small group to attend your event than by approaching individuals who may not know anyone else who’s interested. People are people and cars can be a powerful tool in bridging the gaps in society that we don’t normally get to address.<br />
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You know who else often gets left out? Our immediate family members. We all have friends or car-buddies that we know have a family, we have heard countless stories about their kid's ball games, or their wife's promotion at work, yet we never actually see these people. Of course not everyone is interested in cars, and I get it that for some people this is their getaway from the daily grind of family life and they want to be alone for a while with their gear head pals, but I encourage you to step out of your conditioned mindset and give real thought to inviting your kid or wife along one more time, who knows, if you ask with enough conviction they may come around! Rather than. "I'm heading out to the car show, anyone interested?" try a more direct, "Hey, I know this isn't exactly your cup of tea, but it would be really nice to spend some time outside today with you!" or even address specific reasons your family members normally choose not to attend, "I know you don't think you know a lot about cars, but there will be lots of really cool and beautiful ones there today that I know you will enjoy just looking at!" If your own family isn't in the cards for whatever reason, how about that friendly neighbor, or the coworker you always plan to hang out with but it never seems to happen? Already have plans? Thinking outside the box and meeting up first at a non-traditional venue like a local car show before heading off to golf, Sunday brunch, or whatever your routine is, can be a real blast!<br />
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One thing is for certain, attendance at car events does seem to be dropping as a whole across the country, and we need to get active and address the matter before it is too late, but only by stepping outside our preconceived notions of what a car show is and is not, and seeking new and innovative ways to be more inclusive, is the only way the hobby will survive in any meaningful way. With the coming advent of driverless cars, we will face yet another “roadblock” in creating and maintaining car enthusiasts, and who knows how we will handle that, but it probably won’t be you or I who that responsibility falls to, it will be the next generation of enthusiasts, those we must embrace and bring into the fold today to ensure our collective tomorrow.<br />
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<i>(Photos: Allen Stephens and son Jacob at the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance; 1964 Ferrari 250GT/L Lusso at the same event; Boy enjoying classic car by Hugh Holland; Land Rover lineup at Portland's All British Field Meet; Child takes pic of Pierce-Arrow Land Speed Record mystery car in Florida.)</i><br />
<br />MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-60374849081111304902017-05-30T08:15:00.002-07:002017-06-16T14:29:40.808-07:00Rolls-Royce Unveils Sweptail Coupe; World's Most Expensive New Car <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Rolls-Royce Unveils Sweptail Coupe; World's Most Expensive New Car</b> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">By <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>-Villa d’Este for Concorso d’Eleganza, Italy<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">When Rolls-Royce unveiled the Sweptail coupe at the Villa d'Este Concours over the Memorial Day weekend it caused quite a stir, but not only for it's lavish lines, exquisite attention to workmanship, jaw-dropping price estimate (speculated to be $12.5 million USD) and sheer audacity... it also pointed a tightly focused laser squarely at the future of high-end motoring in a way that perhaps few understand outside of Rolls-Royce themselves. Hinted at in the press release below, right there in the first paragraph, we read, "</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">This Vision Vehicle envisaged a world of completely personal luxury mobility where new technologies would allow every Rolls-Royce to be designed in their owners’ image, should they wish." What does that mean exactly? Well, that subtle line speaks volumes about Rolls-Royce's future commitment to electric vehicles, and specifically making use of one of the most relevant aspects of current electrified autos, the separate chassis containing the battery packs and hardware that would allow every new car from Rolls-Royce to be a candidate for a bespoke body and interior.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Remember that many electric cars today do not use the traditional unibody method of construction that has reigned supreme for at least 60+ years, replacing the body-on-frame style that was common previously. While this may seem like a step backwards, it is actually best suited to today's production methods, having one, or only a handful, of standard electric powered chassis that could accept a manufacturer's range of bodies, each essentially snapping into place on the chassis. While future makers such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and others will most assuredly attach bog-standard production line bodies to their cars, some top-market builders such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, and so on, will take absolute advantage of the opportunity to once again, just as in their glorified past, offer fully bespoke automobiles just like the Sweptail we feature here today. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">In the accompanying video, we see that this body and interior were created in exactly the same manner as they would have been 100-years ago, hammering by hand sheets of aluminum over wood bucks until the body lines begin to take shape, fitting, shaping and refitting again and again until the lines are all just right, hand stitching the full leather interior, polishing the massive grille until it gleams like a still pond in moonlight. Yes my friends, the elegance and glory or coach building is back, and in a huge way, and yet it slips past the world's automotive cognoscenti</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"> in the clever guise of a one-off automobile built simply to the whims of a well-monied individual. No, this is no one-off, perhaps in the truest sense of the word, in that another just like it will likely never be built again owing to it's place in the world as a truly special and unique automobile, but a piece of the Sweptail will be in every future Rolls-Royce in the sense that it's the first example of what these finest-of-the-fine will become in just a few short years once electrification, and eventually automation, are upon us. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: GillAltOneMT, Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px; margin: 4px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">ROLLS-ROYCE ‘SWEPTAIL’ – THE REALISATION OF ONE CUSTOMER’S COACHBUILT DREAM</span></h1>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><span style="font-size: small;">When, approximately one year ago, Rolls-Royce presented 103EX to the world, it invoked its coachbuilding </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">coachbuilding heritage to inspire its future clientele. This Vision Vehicle envisaged a world of completely personal luxury mobility where new technologies would allow every Rolls-Royce to be designed in their owners’ image, should they wish. Such a Rolls-Royce would represent the truest meaning of luxury – a personal, Bespoke motor car like no other for each individual commissioning patron.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The mere idea of a modern coachbuilt Rolls-Royce was not enough for one Rolls-Royce connoisseur however. This individual approached the marque with his own idea of a two-seat Rolls-Royce that he wanted to be created in the here and now. That motor car is here, now and is christened ‘Sweptail’. In a nod to the swept-tail of certain Rolls-Royces from the 1920s, admired by the client so much, he asked Rolls-Royce to reimagine this feature on his one-off motor car.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-_yORIPudsgm3RZcfwHxYCx4i6vh6g6gJoq4NCyHEd5EIUXMVBq77lDtm2crq05F3tll0PbV8CLmLlDyvlPT4h42LY8p468yFNXu3aHQ0JS-U3IUOOulHwsm8uDlU8yOiHQDOFc1EfIJ/s1600/P90261373_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-_yORIPudsgm3RZcfwHxYCx4i6vh6g6gJoq4NCyHEd5EIUXMVBq77lDtm2crq05F3tll0PbV8CLmLlDyvlPT4h42LY8p468yFNXu3aHQ0JS-U3IUOOulHwsm8uDlU8yOiHQDOFc1EfIJ/s640/P90261373_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Presenting the car to the media at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este on Saturday 27</span><sup style="color: #333333; font-family: GillAltOneMT, Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">th</sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"> May 2017, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “Sweptail is a truly magnificent car. It exudes the romance of travel for its own sake, and immediately places ‘Sweptail’ in the pantheon of the world’s great intercontinental tourers. Rolls-Royce’s history as the world’s leading coachbuilder is at the very core of its identity as the world’s leading luxury brand. The arrival of 103EX shone a light on the future of Rolls-Royce in this field, and ‘Sweptail’ is proof, today, that Rolls-Royce is at the pinnacle of coachbuilding. We are listening carefully to our most special customers and assessing their interest in investing in similar, completely exclusive coachbuilt masterpieces. At the same time we are looking into the resources which will allow us to offer this unique service to these discerning patrons of luxury.”</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Through this commission, Rolls-Royce has proven once again to be the world’s leading luxury goods provider.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGojzX5os7PwOJxSb7RqdU2tZn3VbZz72PO81W16wjcpHdtsAESsv2DC-L2JHRed1i_-73nwDhf4c6RPzf7yYtsKkYMirzPCISZsvz8V0N5ENHrsRdo-CIxveSqQBIsRIEHyHXC0mFwWl9/s1600/P90262049_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGojzX5os7PwOJxSb7RqdU2tZn3VbZz72PO81W16wjcpHdtsAESsv2DC-L2JHRed1i_-73nwDhf4c6RPzf7yYtsKkYMirzPCISZsvz8V0N5ENHrsRdo-CIxveSqQBIsRIEHyHXC0mFwWl9/s640/P90262049_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><b>‘Sweptail’ – how the vision became the reality</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">“Sweptail is the automotive equivalent of Haute Couture,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer. This customer came to the House of Rolls-Royce with an idea, shared in the creative process where we advised him on his cloth, and then we tailored that cloth to him. You might say we cut the cloth for the suit of clothes that he will be judged by.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">In 2013, Rolls-Royce was approached by one of its most valued customers with a very particular request. A connoisseur and collector of distinctive, one-off items including super-yachts and private aircraft, this gentleman came to Rolls-Royce to realise his vision of a one-off luxury motor car like no other.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBiPMeJsz9ISrRCvv2E3l4-LVgx9LgEtX9y-b4IOckf4iYat2BA-4Frf-EvseTq6yRbf6-NS9GL8smj9DAMtb005aI9lODThyphenhyphenkFIQrI9rGegBZgiAy0ZdVfDWScszsQ8Z8_hfkSApPVJg/s1600/P90262034_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBiPMeJsz9ISrRCvv2E3l4-LVgx9LgEtX9y-b4IOckf4iYat2BA-4Frf-EvseTq6yRbf6-NS9GL8smj9DAMtb005aI9lODThyphenhyphenkFIQrI9rGegBZgiAy0ZdVfDWScszsQ8Z8_hfkSApPVJg/s640/P90262034_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The client immediately established a close rapport with the design department led by Taylor, who set about bringing the idea to life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Inspired by the beautiful coachbuilt Rolls-Royces of the 1920s and 1930s, the client’s desire was for a coachbuilt two seater coupé featuring a large panoramic glass roof. As a connoisseur of Rolls-Royces, he was inspired by many of his favourite cars from the marque’s golden era of the early 20th Century, as well as many classic and modern yachts.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkwv-m7IB8CpD2Av-CkZggUYuuKYKI7K4Eq51GZgxQoaInAmLUX7LO9e1BNlSqiIC6rc0Y1LIGdr4LKgfhQEZOovdZBrjR7ug8AWwVtlIXfL3xGZ5hk-S2RUAekhBFlItZbxHKwAx-R7R/s1600/P90262035_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkwv-m7IB8CpD2Av-CkZggUYuuKYKI7K4Eq51GZgxQoaInAmLUX7LO9e1BNlSqiIC6rc0Y1LIGdr4LKgfhQEZOovdZBrjR7ug8AWwVtlIXfL3xGZ5hk-S2RUAekhBFlItZbxHKwAx-R7R/s640/P90262035_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The grandeur, scale, flamboyance and drama of the 1925 Phantom I Round Door built by Jonckheere; the svelte tapering glasshouse, dramatic dash to axle proportion and up-sweep of the rear departure angle of the 1934 Phantom II Streamline Saloon by Park Ward; the elegantly falling waist-rail, swept tail coachwork of the 1934 Gurney Nutting Phantom II Two Door Light Saloon, and the flowing roofline, rising departure angle, and again the swept tail coachwork of the 1934 Park Ward 20/25 Limousine Coupé were all considered by today’s Rolls-Royce designers in the creation of this very distinctive motor car.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Over the course of a number of years, Taylor and his team of designers engaged with the client in a wonderfully intellectual journey as they worked together to realise the customer’s distinct vision and bring it to life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">“Our job was to guide, edit and finely hone the lines that would ultimately give our client this most perfect of Rolls-Royces,” comments Taylor.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The result of this one-off coachbuild project is the completely unique Rolls-Royce ‘Sweptail’.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGPrRqak7LVQx1GhoHeOD2gN13epM4rTxQ3Tala8gWVmoPHPVJ9hWu8_ZXOOwSaEaCUfqtLHzf3NTkJCJqeqcoHy35-nxL_HtlXbPBJgXyQH9ywcSePQDsJ2q1EVcPE2zhvwv1q7LFNI_/s1600/P90261369_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGPrRqak7LVQx1GhoHeOD2gN13epM4rTxQ3Tala8gWVmoPHPVJ9hWu8_ZXOOwSaEaCUfqtLHzf3NTkJCJqeqcoHy35-nxL_HtlXbPBJgXyQH9ywcSePQDsJ2q1EVcPE2zhvwv1q7LFNI_/s640/P90261369_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><b>‘Sweptail’ – A distinct vision</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The ‘Sweptail’ is without question a Rolls-Royce that fits to the marque’s DNA. Its initial formality when seen from the front signals that this is one very different and distinct Rolls-Royce. One’s attention is first attracted by the confident and solid character of the front profile, centred on a new treatment of the iconic Rolls-Royce Pantheon grille. The largest of any modern era Rolls-Royce, the grille is milled from solid aluminium before being painstakingly polished by hand to a mirror finish. The periphery of the front face of ‘Sweptail’ is framed in brushed aluminium.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATJqwleuSJARo9AA04aDSUEnaooHFTGIDu49PIa3P9XJ-WF1Bgsc2zHpKadoKfvybyxorLmIIOpG1GwjdweUVUy3aOa_vDsl8t4T8pNT9dqntxLbURfrL6ZwOZ6GTfip9yhPb4Q7ajZxZ/s1600/P90261443_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATJqwleuSJARo9AA04aDSUEnaooHFTGIDu49PIa3P9XJ-WF1Bgsc2zHpKadoKfvybyxorLmIIOpG1GwjdweUVUy3aOa_vDsl8t4T8pNT9dqntxLbURfrL6ZwOZ6GTfip9yhPb4Q7ajZxZ/s640/P90261443_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">As one moves around to the side of ‘Sweptail’ one finds that it is the striking silhouette that defines its unique character. Flowing as they do from upright and formal frontal aspect, the lines of ‘Sweptail’ resolve into a sveltely elegant form. The scale and grandeur of this regal looking coupé is evident. From the leading edge of the windscreen, the roofline accelerates as it fires backwards towards the rear of the motor car, overshooting the boot lid edge to emphasise its length. The longer side window graphic and wide C-pillar finisher underscore the length and proportions of this more wondrous of conveyances.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The coup de gras of the rear is the ultimate homage to the world of racing yachts that inspired the client, with its raked stern. Seen directly from behind, the rear taper contrasts strongly with the front of the motor car, shaping a completely new perception of a dramatic Rolls-Royce Coupé.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbK7kY64NTeExPynXxlTOJiM2Yj9jzfC354SbrwgasTCj_IWlvqZrEizCoxSEve3SPTVEPRYsG_xFoXpMPfW3JJrnQV7Fi_fwl854Wu5rraURTp9SWHO3vFNx1PcsEWew_1EZ9oH720u_W/s1600/P90261368_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbK7kY64NTeExPynXxlTOJiM2Yj9jzfC354SbrwgasTCj_IWlvqZrEizCoxSEve3SPTVEPRYsG_xFoXpMPfW3JJrnQV7Fi_fwl854Wu5rraURTp9SWHO3vFNx1PcsEWew_1EZ9oH720u_W/s640/P90261368_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Both the roof line as it tapers towards the centre line of the car, concluding in a ‘bullet-tip’ that houses the centre brake light, and the sweeping lower bumper area of the motor car, combine to create a greater feeling of elegance in motion.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The cleanliness of the surface of ‘Sweptail’ is maintained as the bodywork wraps under the car with no visible boundary to the surfaces, a treatment that is akin to the hull of a yacht. The underside of the motor car was designed to deliver the visual of a progressive upward sweep at the rear departure angle of the car, culminating in the swept-tail that gives ‘Sweptail’ it name.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhZ2hpxwSINmIqqjactoHnSLvNrr3fq5maKqalNjf6xrO7Zi9IhW1RvTddvhksvwdC6yVTLxX3xF3oHTnKAbfd34_0c8O-QdcoXWohvKUGUstHuQlJrilYluONvfP9ZlUOqNO7m-HZmOQ/s1600/P90261446_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhZ2hpxwSINmIqqjactoHnSLvNrr3fq5maKqalNjf6xrO7Zi9IhW1RvTddvhksvwdC6yVTLxX3xF3oHTnKAbfd34_0c8O-QdcoXWohvKUGUstHuQlJrilYluONvfP9ZlUOqNO7m-HZmOQ/s640/P90261446_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">And finishing off the uncluttered rear of this one-off motor car, is its identifier and registration number, 08. Two individual digits milled from ingots of aluminium and hand polished.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><b>The panoramic glass roof invites one into the magnificent interior, along with the natural light</b></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The highlight feature of ‘Sweptail’ however is that specifically asked for by the client. An uninterrupted glass roof, one of the largest and most complex ever seen on a motor car of any marque, allows the cabin to be flooded with natural light, animating a host of beautifully handcrafted materials and componentry.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The size, scale and complexity of the glass roof’s curvature is a marvel to behold, and from above again accentuates the speed and elegance of ‘Sweptail’. Creating the ambience of the interior of the motor car, the glass of the roof is framed by polished aluminium rails that channel it into a vanishing point at the rearmost extremity of the cabin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBynGT8nrbAwuj9QhtFmpxKV9L9Z0388Avi2IkqOtWIfgUzwyrmSJ_EfyfjRdunqRT-Qw38qSHUu3FhkWJIN1dGrASAW-naqqhtp6nNXzy6kE4QS53pT-UXqZKN9w4t_16egSdcdTL6nbM/s1600/P90261372_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBynGT8nrbAwuj9QhtFmpxKV9L9Z0388Avi2IkqOtWIfgUzwyrmSJ_EfyfjRdunqRT-Qw38qSHUu3FhkWJIN1dGrASAW-naqqhtp6nNXzy6kE4QS53pT-UXqZKN9w4t_16egSdcdTL6nbM/s640/P90261372_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><b>Regal but modern interior</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The cleanliness and grandeur of the bodywork from the side view, the lengthened side windows and the panoramic glass roof combine to illuminate the two singular occupants of this most singular Rolls-Royce and its modern, minimalistic handcrafted interior. The provision of only two seats in a motor car of this size exudes the romance of travel for its own sake, and immediately places ‘Sweptail’ in the pantheon of the world’s great intercontinental tourers. This is furthered by the overall design of the interior, which has been conceived in a classic two-seat GT configuration, echoing the touring nature of its exterior body lines.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">And what a place to be as one watches the world slip by through the vast windows and roof, detached from the outside world in a cocoon of luxury whilst feeling one is part of that passing landscape.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The interior is ruled by a philosophy of simplicity and minimalism leading to a distillation of componentry and a purification of clutter. The value of beautiful materials takes precedence here, resulting in a fastidious suppression of switchgear to the absolute minimum to make way for the richest of materials applied in the most honest of fashions. An uninterrupted and harmonious visual experience of every surface inside the cabin is ensured.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF68-PJEjx1koTXhi74thj2Nm2crtxYd8lX_5oFsazlnljk2pQgBW7-A8vPMv4iiMHvZ-MEU12r4KDpPuBpWNZcgdUSKUq2Lx8Wl1KvsxocpZHCsch0tW0f0DqkxMzzS51kCbO15WFurVa/s1600/P90261455_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF68-PJEjx1koTXhi74thj2Nm2crtxYd8lX_5oFsazlnljk2pQgBW7-A8vPMv4iiMHvZ-MEU12r4KDpPuBpWNZcgdUSKUq2Lx8Wl1KvsxocpZHCsch0tW0f0DqkxMzzS51kCbO15WFurVa/s640/P90261455_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Generous quantities of polished Macassar Ebony and open-pore Paldao adorn the interior, creating visual and tactile contrasts for the owner, both classical and contemporary. All their forms however are thoroughly modern as they echo the exterior lines of ‘Sweptail’, hand-formed to encircle the occupants with some of the most beautiful natural materials in the world. This choice of dark and light, Ebony and Paldao, is set off by contrasting light Moccasin and Dark Spice leathers that adorn the seats, armrests and dashboard top.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">But it is what those materials have been made to do that is the most fascinating aspect of this one-off cabin. True to the spirit of a transcontinental GT that Rolls-Royce established in the 20s and 30s, in place of the rear seats is a vast expanse of wood creating a mid-shelf with an illuminated glass lip, and a hat shelf which flows to the outer limits of the interior volume. Sitting under the rear opening backlight through which it can be accessed, the hat shelf is in itself a thing of beauty, highly polished and inset with luggage rails.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Dbx54A9V8W6Wxo1l6z2Ns_uM1qncj1rRoVrUF1vgxjaxM_d3T1sjwJuyK7B7PACjEX5zkkh1_3qR_qyqDXWDM1mNfwwp532xMYOWoapdBJ4u_iG0-Mz70KnmKGtsyULR3IdcJpO_W-9/s1600/P90261457_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Dbx54A9V8W6Wxo1l6z2Ns_uM1qncj1rRoVrUF1vgxjaxM_d3T1sjwJuyK7B7PACjEX5zkkh1_3qR_qyqDXWDM1mNfwwp532xMYOWoapdBJ4u_iG0-Mz70KnmKGtsyULR3IdcJpO_W-9/s640/P90261457_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Behind the occupants, a feature named the Passarelle flows from the rear edge of the windscreen to resolve in a teardrop as it connects to the hat shelf to join all interior volumes. This element also includes the only visible presence of this singular motor car’s name as ‘Sweptail’ is discreetly debossed into the surface, exactly on the centre line.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Other modern materials and modern uses of those materials feature. The Macassar Ebony veneer seen around the cabin has been handcrafted to adorn the dashboard in the most modern way. The cleanest Rolls-Royce dashboard to date, the minimalist ethic not only dictates that only one control now appears on it whilst all other switchgear is discreetly relocated, but that the clock blends seamlessly too. In a world first, the face of this singular Rolls-Royce clock is also handmade of the thinnest Macassar veneer, visually embedding the clock into the fascia.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The delicacy of this particular piece of veneer allows for its rear illumination to pass through to show the hour marks, meaning the only physical elements on the clock are its hands that are precision machined from titanium. This use of titanium then extends to the faces, numbers and hands on all three hand-assembled instrument dials.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Two final surprise and delight features have been secreted inside ‘Sweptail’ to the stringent standards of the client.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaeo5ExxvqAEZ0dOspDUfQziuyLDRougicP4waVBdeD_hqtBBTgaA9m-L5tYmlDBUjxu3aqVwiLbNyWwpwdJY0US4mys4NQIAs7k6DFcEqS97Hb5RhUgXXhgYa6l2KB7AViz-1_NTL3Zx/s1600/P90261458_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaeo5ExxvqAEZ0dOspDUfQziuyLDRougicP4waVBdeD_hqtBBTgaA9m-L5tYmlDBUjxu3aqVwiLbNyWwpwdJY0US4mys4NQIAs7k6DFcEqS97Hb5RhUgXXhgYa6l2KB7AViz-1_NTL3Zx/s640/P90261458_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Concealed in the outboard walls on either side of the motor car, behind the opening of the coach doors, are two identical panniers. Each pannier, when activated, deploys forward to present the owner’s bespoke made attaché case which has been carefully packaged to exactly house his personal laptop device. The cases themselves have been hand-constructed from lightweight carbon fibre, wrapped in the finest leather that matches the interior of ‘Sweptail’ and detailed with machined aluminium and titanium clasps and locks.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">These attaché cases are twinned with the full set of luggage also developed by Rolls-Royce Bespoke for ‘Sweptail’. The luggage resides in the trunk of the motor car, a trunk beautifully clad in the same wood as the hat shelf and inset with polished aluminium luggage rails.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAbrEriwMtnb73oUIMqNNt6tC24Yv-X8MHplqDdfiUcyseXvQJyOhjGPrKBjJS3ahQdZ9CyH5Nsar18xJEoXixTqSyFZ0Aoso5VaI8MypMdrYZNu7EpoFoq2o8eGtrPLuTn4AglezyhwU/s1600/P90261456_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAbrEriwMtnb73oUIMqNNt6tC24Yv-X8MHplqDdfiUcyseXvQJyOhjGPrKBjJS3ahQdZ9CyH5Nsar18xJEoXixTqSyFZ0Aoso5VaI8MypMdrYZNu7EpoFoq2o8eGtrPLuTn4AglezyhwU/s640/P90261456_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">The coup de gras of this one-off masterpiece is as personal to the owner as every other feature of ‘Sweptail’. The entire centre console now houses a one-off hand-built mechanism that, at the touch of a button, will deploy a bottle of the client’s favourite vintage champagne – the year of his birth – and two crystal champagne flutes. As the lid of the chiller opens, the mechanical action articulates the bottle to the perfect position for the owner to pick up.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ajMKQql5Tnlp44R_9seHq7L6hCIOrlSx1rbI2LsH04v4XEtmAIH58k8FGYEnJsPK0LFRzH5D1lswONFoPtY7cyifgLRvMLNVk9I9jorV-j6pfiYPfl-j_0YUy2VnBe-LvxRxNm09KKG/s1600/P90262050_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ajMKQql5Tnlp44R_9seHq7L6hCIOrlSx1rbI2LsH04v4XEtmAIH58k8FGYEnJsPK0LFRzH5D1lswONFoPtY7cyifgLRvMLNVk9I9jorV-j6pfiYPfl-j_0YUy2VnBe-LvxRxNm09KKG/s640/P90262050_highRes_rolls-royce-sweptail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">A most personal, coachbuilt Rolls-Royce for a specific customer, every aspect of the material treatment of ‘Sweptail’ exudes handcrafted quality and exacting attention to detail. In short, it is a Rolls-Royce – but like no other before.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;">Enjoy this video presentation of the Rolls-Royce Sweptail's design and construction.</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ij90Axxt8W4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ij90Axxt8W4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "gillaltonemt" , "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.3199999928474426px;"><br /></span></span>MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-65330469450093410422017-05-22T16:48:00.001-07:002017-05-22T16:48:28.077-07:0057th Annual Portland Rose Cup Races, July 7-9, 2017<span id="m_-4934875977094816064docs-internal-guid-6de3818c-16f1-d1ba-c7dd-3168bb73c038"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tickets now on sale for this summer’s 57</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.199999999999999pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">th</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> annual</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rose Cup Races presented by George Morlan Plumbing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PORTLAND, Ore. – Tickets for the 57th running of the</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://rosecup.com/&source=gmail&ust=1495582260570000&usg=AFQjCNFAlVWuEpqfpUyn4IS-oAnrQA0I0w" href="http://rosecup.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rose Cup Races</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> presented by George Morlan Plumbing are on sale now at</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://rosecup.com/&source=gmail&ust=1495582260570000&usg=AFQjCNFAlVWuEpqfpUyn4IS-oAnrQA0I0w" href="http://rosecup.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RoseCup.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This year’s event will take place <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_149136593" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">July 7 through July 9</span></span> at</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://portlandraceway.com/&source=gmail&ust=1495582260570000&usg=AFQjCNFVUlG4v5zFOWBu1u4zun5M5XUG4g" href="http://portlandraceway.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Portland International Raceway</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (PIR), 1940 N Victory Blvd. Gates are open from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_149136594" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:30 am to 4pm</span></span> daily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A sanctioned event of the</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.rosefestival.org/&source=gmail&ust=1495582260570000&usg=AFQjCNGPcjnGgUhbFCV7_aRylmGPX33AAQ" href="http://www.rosefestival.org/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Portland Rose Festival</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the Rose Cup Races is the premier amateur road racing event in the Pacific Northwest, featuring racing competitors from both the Oregon Region Sports Car Club of America and the Cascade Sports Car Club.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArsF-DbtlC3FZ4FV5Hif9hCNiXMtZN34qe4HFR6IT7OI-eWFUjMdeYGQ_UxtjSyKlKNlsdaC9NYTxdxBPtWkJqOD3kvLsYI3I6FQKlUV6mqXwShTCCgyilpTzcVB8w4BIIRvQ2OfhtBy0/s1600/sOau-fyDe8AgeZ7XZSGab-46rZWnGsdIiqY-nXnHlHM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArsF-DbtlC3FZ4FV5Hif9hCNiXMtZN34qe4HFR6IT7OI-eWFUjMdeYGQ_UxtjSyKlKNlsdaC9NYTxdxBPtWkJqOD3kvLsYI3I6FQKlUV6mqXwShTCCgyilpTzcVB8w4BIIRvQ2OfhtBy0/s640/sOau-fyDe8AgeZ7XZSGab-46rZWnGsdIiqY-nXnHlHM.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The event showcases seven classes of racing, including Big Bore GT, Spec Miata, Vintage, Spec Racer Ford, Small Bore, BMW Pro 3, and the Great American Stockcar Series (GASS), which provides high speed door-to-door racing in identically prepared NASCAR-like V8 ground-pounders. The race weekend also features for the first time drone racing from the Professional Aerial League (PAL), alongside freestyle exhibitions and drone education activities. Attendees can also enjoy car club corrals, vendor displays, and a variety of food and beverage concessions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tickets cost $25 for one three-day admission with parking. Individual day tickets run $5 for Friday, $8 for Saturday, and $10 for Sunday. Parking is $5 daily or $10 for a weekend pass. A motorhome pass includes two three-day entries and parking and costs $125. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free when accompanied by a paying adult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A limited supply of two special tickets is being offered this year: the first is a “Ride of Your Life” ticket for $150, which includes one three-day admission with parking, a souvenir hat, an exclusive T-shirt, a race day program, a scheduled ride for two laps in an exotic street car or racecar on Friday or Saturday evening, and a tax deductible receipt. The second is a $50 VIP ticket that provides special access behind the scenes of the races and an entry to a drawing to win a ride in the Pace Car at lunchtime for either Saturday or Sunday; this VIP ticket also includes one three-day admission with parking, a souvenir hat and a race day program. Details for both tickets are available at the ticketing website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_149136595" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday, July 7</span></span>, features practice and qualifying for all seven classes; <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_149136596" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, July 8</span></span>, presents two 20-minute races per class; and Sunday morning, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_149136597" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">July 9</span></span>, features warm ups, last chance qualifying and a number of feature races; Sunday afternoon presents opening ceremonies, feature races, and the Rose Cup Winners Circle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rose Cup Races was the first major event ever held at PIR in 1961, and has taken place annually ever since. The event is promoted by Friends of PIR and presented by George Morlan Plumbing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>About Friends of PIR</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friends of PIR is a 501(c3) nonprofit committed to the preservation and enhancement of Portland International Raceway (PIR) as a resource for those who use it, including both participants and spectators; sustaining and expanding PIR's civic contribution as an institution in North Portland; and providing guidance and support for the ongoing management of PIR in a manner that assures its ongoing value as a venue for motorsports and other diverse forms of recreation and entertainment. For more information, visit</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://friendsofpir.com/&source=gmail&ust=1495582260570000&usg=AFQjCNFNw1zV8IQymbscfA8FnwrBdNZ3Nw" href="http://friendsofpir.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FriendsofPIR.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>About Portland International Raceway</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Portland International Raceway (PIR) plays host to a diverse array of events for participants and spectators of all ages, ranging from high speed road racing to motocross, car cruise-ins to bicycle racing, and swap meets to foot relays. Unique in that it receives zero tax dollars, the City of Portland Park provides entertainment to approximately 400,000 visitors each year. For schedule and event info visit</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://portlandraceway.com/&source=gmail&ust=1495582260570000&usg=AFQjCNFVUlG4v5zFOWBu1u4zun5M5XUG4g" href="http://portlandraceway.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PortlandRaceway.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Thanks to Chris Crabb @ PIR. </i></span></div>
MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861986672047678386.post-43009542055610045552017-05-05T12:08:00.002-07:002017-06-16T14:30:07.576-07:00Mercedes-Benz Goes All Game of Thrones on their Two Door Lineup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJj8ZEdlxsFObcELBlAeNlZu6kdam9_D3sa_8OvJ7Qlx8On3np7qWrHWaykLTWRhFjj5_ObesTByTCKMJ61OWHXgj0hswProMImd10Me1-1cAAREckDyFHsgqRulKVwl0TKO69Wn2jSZm/s1600/15C3_304-source.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJj8ZEdlxsFObcELBlAeNlZu6kdam9_D3sa_8OvJ7Qlx8On3np7qWrHWaykLTWRhFjj5_ObesTByTCKMJ61OWHXgj0hswProMImd10Me1-1cAAREckDyFHsgqRulKVwl0TKO69Wn2jSZm/s640/15C3_304-source.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Mercedes-Benz Goes All Game of Thrones on their Two Door Lineup</b><br />
<i>by <a href="http://motoarigato.blogspot.com/2010/01/meet-our-staff-writers.html" target="_blank">Marrs</a></i><br />
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Mercedes-Benz is apparently seeking to fill in every last remaining product gap in their lineup based on their latest announcements for future vehicles, including some rather drastic changes to a few of our old favorites, and a total elimination of three popular model ranges. The two-door cars are our focus today, with big news concerning the iconic SL, the SLC, the AMG GT, and the S-class coupe and cabriolet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVC-SKLROn-4ceFlQLIrNl2mbAsu3p_s2E4h53uQWTsjMVWtnPan0lJ2OS9fUjqup2QFXxSWWSkvkqnUbLiqUd5PJtMdEk4szQsWHZhir1Dm72yK2_XW3jMeUqPOmJeyh7l0xWkZJOfNa/s1600/17C168_005-source.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVC-SKLROn-4ceFlQLIrNl2mbAsu3p_s2E4h53uQWTsjMVWtnPan0lJ2OS9fUjqup2QFXxSWWSkvkqnUbLiqUd5PJtMdEk4szQsWHZhir1Dm72yK2_XW3jMeUqPOmJeyh7l0xWkZJOfNa/s640/17C168_005-source.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The next generation Mercedes-Benz SL, due in 2020, will ride on the same platform as the AMG GT, said to be a lighter-weight configuration that will shed much-needed pounds on both models. While the AMG GT will retain it's present two-passenger setup, the classic SL will morph into a 2+2 configuration, something previously offered only with the somewhat half-assed, “child seats” option, but this time, will receive true, if still small, rear seats serving permanent butt-coddling duty for your favored traveling companions. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ9Rw_XRymzkmJ6cEOMCCmXfFHrFdvB8YjnoUwvQ9cgIbV-VTjoPeK0cnFOSZSpw1LXW89loEYvdfFcOnStpNiRileirTnAFfB4-a5a5vQdRPr0S7bPkjRx_S0VDk1AwaBBdKpSgD5M9l/s1600/16C150_061-source.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ9Rw_XRymzkmJ6cEOMCCmXfFHrFdvB8YjnoUwvQ9cgIbV-VTjoPeK0cnFOSZSpw1LXW89loEYvdfFcOnStpNiRileirTnAFfB4-a5a5vQdRPr0S7bPkjRx_S0VDk1AwaBBdKpSgD5M9l/s640/16C150_061-source.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The SL, somewhat controversially, will surrender it's retractable hardtop and come fitted solely with a more traditional soft top. The retractable hardtop has become a Mercedes-Benz design staple since first appearing on the 1996 SLK roadster, and on SL’s starting in 2003 with the introduction of the R230 cars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbCbH5PrxrfBjU5PrqOJHsmxFoDJwn4w1O8WOvYirzR_A1Ia_pkfCnt1fC4mCB_3qeNB0S8JhRR0-7f8D-ZHLNaoueXkgk1QJDskKPuZYqi5dDZJCoy4E_wz3aLhh2NGFW632WG_nJMy9/s1600/16C283_014-source.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbCbH5PrxrfBjU5PrqOJHsmxFoDJwn4w1O8WOvYirzR_A1Ia_pkfCnt1fC4mCB_3qeNB0S8JhRR0-7f8D-ZHLNaoueXkgk1QJDskKPuZYqi5dDZJCoy4E_wz3aLhh2NGFW632WG_nJMy9/s640/16C283_014-source.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Speaking of the SLC, formerly the SLK, we hope you weren’t getting too attached to the spiritual successor to the classic 190 SL, because the entire model lineup has been discontinued for future production. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yv6Vd__20cKeKQL8k2FmEXBXtPuja7VOZa6sMw-DvWqF4yrlwPdgMf_6nam3Pf5AX3ylV3RJ_3qMKm0yL6pmywEnDsSMVbi0NIEhe2hui4yU5P6uuGLEQDB7nRIl7P20gLfEpEjRhtM2/s1600/16C86_002-source.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yv6Vd__20cKeKQL8k2FmEXBXtPuja7VOZa6sMw-DvWqF4yrlwPdgMf_6nam3Pf5AX3ylV3RJ_3qMKm0yL6pmywEnDsSMVbi0NIEhe2hui4yU5P6uuGLEQDB7nRIl7P20gLfEpEjRhtM2/s640/16C86_002-source.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This slaughter of the topless model range doesn’t end there, the S-class coupe and cabriolet, which feel like they were only recently introduced themselves, will also disappear from the production lineup. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w70A9oLFuyuS1PzJUZt7J_Na_wNdV7dKuLxTr_eFytY-yv2gE6iOUBBX9l8lJMkifhTFWmGoBFyoZv2Ab9fOz6fuoOWIOxy5kTCMxagVyvBKuBPk48Sz6JmtbBIGXtSw7pE0B8JAmt1X/s1600/16C1032_029_D332413-source.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w70A9oLFuyuS1PzJUZt7J_Na_wNdV7dKuLxTr_eFytY-yv2gE6iOUBBX9l8lJMkifhTFWmGoBFyoZv2Ab9fOz6fuoOWIOxy5kTCMxagVyvBKuBPk48Sz6JmtbBIGXtSw7pE0B8JAmt1X/s640/16C1032_029_D332413-source.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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What can we predict this all means? Most likely, it signals the development of new models to fill gaps as the traditional model lines grow in size and weight. I’d imagine that we will begin to see the C-class grow closer to what the E-class used to be, while the A and B ranges likewise increase their proportions. The CLA will possibly receive coupe versions, and the C and E-class cars will field their own coupe and cabriolet models. We can see the S-class coupe/cab surviving as a Maybach product, or that car being replaced entirely by a new, specialized version that would serve as the ultimate flagship. The sedan segments will probably continue to reach towards larger “crossover” proportions, while also losing some of the traditionally “sedan-like” styling cues, and not to mention grilles and faces, as the brand continues it's technological march towards electrified and autonomous cars.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">amg, mercedes-benz, slc, slk, sl, roadster, discontinued, prices, pricing, find, dealer, locate, designo, maybach, amg gt, new models, prototype, concept, auto show, motoarigato</span>MotoArigatohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09001388247432405459noreply@blogger.com0