For those who ponder how aftermarket parts and performance upgrades are available as soon as an automobile hits the market, this Honda CR-Z measuring session is the answer. The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, or SEMA, brings the big car makers together with aftermarket gurus far enough ahead so that the good stuff is ready for action as soon as the automobile is. The … [Read more...]
Mid-Engine V8 Beetle
What began life as a stock 1963 Volkswagen Beetle convertible is now nearly everything but. We walked past the Bug a few times at the SEMA show before finally stopping to peer inside and see a stonking Ford V8 mounted amidships! The legend goes that Paul Newman had Jerry Eisert take some time out from constructing INDY race cars and engineer this mid-engine monster Bug to toy … [Read more...]
What, Me Worry?
Early hot rodders squeezed the best out of the junk they had. Fenders and running boards came off to save weight. Hop-up parts scored second hand from circle track racers made their way onto flathead eights for more horsepower. Keeping with this pioneering spirit but using modern technology and parts is the Truckster, seen here on display at the Painless Performance Products … [Read more...]
Super Durability!
From the unrestored race car department comes the Bob Boileau Jr. 1974 SCCA Honda Civic 1200. Any car that runs hard for sixteen years is impressive enough. One that wins six championships along the way is that much more awesome. Honda rolled out this and more historical examples of greatness here at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, but the Civic was the first car ever … [Read more...]