Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Classic Car History - Cadillac Series 62
The 1959 Cadillac was the brainchild of Designer Harley Earl, who drew on the inspiration of American space travel and rockets for his design. The 59 Cadillac was the pinnacle of the American auto design excess. With tail fins that rose a full 42 inches off the ground, rocket flare tail lights, quad headlights and massive chrome bumpers, a body length of over 20 ft, this was the ultimate Cadillac for grabbing attention. The '59's outrageous fins are accentuated by its very low profile, which is 3 inches lower that the '58 model's already low profile.
Harley Earl was directly responsible for the design of 50 million vehicles and completely changed the face of the American automobile in the 1950's. No single man has had such an impact on the shape of American auto design and no one man has been guilty of so many design excesses. Included in his space-themed design were other images such as chrome denture like grilles, dashboards that looked like they belonged to jet fighters with dozens of switches and controls, bumpers protrusions known as "Dagmars", hood ornaments which looked like missile launchers.
The 1959 Cadillac is an American icon. You will see this year model displayed in many 50's styled diners and restaurants. Hard Rock cafe always has either a 1959 or 1960 Cadillac displayed in their restaurants. The 59 also starred in many films, like in the Clint Eastwood movie "Pink Cadillac". The 59 Cadillac was a monument to American optimism in the 1950's; it was in fact the "American Dream". Who wouldn't love to drive one of these today? Today you will be hard pressed to find a restored 59 convertible for less that $70,000 with many of them selling for well over 100K.
Some of the features of the 59 Series 62 Cadillac included power brakes, power steering, automatic transmission, central locking, tinted glass, and some options include headlight dimmers (autronic eye), electrically operated windows, seat adjust, and trunk. Some of the other models available included the 8 seater Fleetwood Limo, and the Eldorado Biarritz which is the most valuable '59 Cadillac model.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Repko
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Aston Martin DB4 Classic Cars
The company was founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The company name was derived from the fact that Lionel Martin raced specials at the Aston Clinton hill climb. Their first car was built in 1915 and was referred to as the Coal Scuttle. Three more prototype cars were built, chassis number A3 was the third Aston Martin ever built and is the oldest in existence with a 1.5 litre 11 hp four cylinder side valve. In 1923 it was able to lap Brooklands at 84.5 mph.

Featured elegant coachwork designed by Touring of Milan, Italy. The handmade, aluminum bodywork panels were mounted on a steel tube frame, using the Superleggera (meaning: super light) method of construction. All round disc brakes fitted, made first by Dunlop and later on by Girling. There were five series of the DB4, each series introduced changes and improvements to the original series one cars. Early cars have a mesh grille and simpler bumper design. Later cars are longer and consequently heavier than early cars, some late series five cars had DB5 style headlamp covers.
All DB4s were powered by a new six cylinder, all aluminum, 3670cc engine designed by Tadek Mereck, developing around 240bhp. The DB4 offered excellent performance for the time, 140mph top speed and 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Overdrive transmission on most cars, the gearbox was produced by Astons' owner, David Brown. A Vantage engine was also available, offering even higher power outputs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Jarmola
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Alfa Romeo Alfetta 1982 - Classic Automotive











