Mike Streets could have crammed one of many and readily available Ford V8 mills into the engine bay of his 1974 Pinto Wagon. Instead he chose to transplant a 2.3-liter single overhead cam turbocharged four-banger from a 1988 Ford Thunderbird in place of the aspirated stocker. Why? "A V8 would have been too easy", said Mike - who is a former SCCA Pinto road racer and current … [Read more...]
New Hope in Dodge Colt Wagon
From a long time ago, in a junkyard not that far away, comes this Dodge Colt Station wagon. The Colt is from a time when forces of economy gripped the nation. Escalating gas prices caused Americans to abandon their full-size automobiles for smaller, more thrifty versions. With Mopar there was no compromise, along with a new hope. One could choose from a full-size Dodge Diplomat … [Read more...]
Longroof Rides to Surf No More
In celebration and hope that most of America made it through the Independence Day weekend without starting a conflagration or losing a finger, we bring you this last in long line of American longroof family chariots. This 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis Colony Park station wagon represents the beginning of the end for purebred full-size American wagons. As hard as it is to believe … [Read more...]
Resistance is Futile
From the Yoyodyne propulsion west coast research division of the Odd Rod department comes this 1954 Chevrolet Handyman wagon. Beyond the more than three different shades of brown on the outside is what powers this longroof out of sight. Under the tall hood of the Chevrolet is a 390 cubic inch Ford V8. This combination likely brought more than a few face palm moments from those … [Read more...]