There are those who restore a car exactly as it came off the assembly line. Strategically placed paint inspection daubs and chalk marks are meticulously applied. The original style hose clamps, painted only with the correct value and hue of semi-gloss or flat black paint, are located precisely on correctly date-coded radiator and heater hoses. The body-color paint under the … [Read more...]
Mitsubishi Jeep Manufacturing Bonanza
A never ending search for a survivor first-gen Dodge D50-Plymouth Arrow Sport pickup truck combined with creative keywording of a local classified advertisements has unearthed another sort of captive import. Like the Dodge and Plymouth pickups, this 1974 Jeep is actually a Mitsubishi. Technically a Mitsubishi H-J58, the Mitsu-Jeep is a very near clone of its Willys cousin Jeep … [Read more...]
Hopped Up Renault 4CV
Over a million Renault 4CV sedans can't be wrong. Sales of the 4CV hit half a million units in 1954, and surpassed the million mark by 1960. The 4CV was sold here in America, and manufactured under license as the HINO 4CV in Japan. And what's not to like? Rear engine. Developed in total secrecy by a German-occupied WW2 France. Rear wheel drive. Cheap to buy when produced. … [Read more...]
Full Race Jalopy
The American Heritage Dictionary defines jalopy as a word used to describe an old, dilapidated motor vehicle - especially an automobile. The origin of the word itself is hazy. The Ultimate Hot Rod Dictionary goes further, suggesting the word may have come into being as a result of many dilapidated automobiles sent to the Mexican city of Jalapa. The second definition of the word … [Read more...]
Quad Treaded Turbo Diesel
Crippling winter snow storms serve as a reminder that when the big snow or the Russians do show up, those all-season radials on that 1984 Plymouth Voyager in the driveway are not going to cut it. A snow shovel and some road salt might get the Voyager out of the driveway, but when you wake up to sub-zero weather and see Vladimir Putin doing shirtless chin ups on the kids swing … [Read more...]