Monday, June 30, 2025

Big Jeep


Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Had already had a huge replica of a Dodge Power Wagon in his garage before deciding to add a Jeep. At 21 feet tall it is four times as large as the original. It is all metal and the driver sits behind the grill. While the cost of the project wasn't revealed the earthmover tires can cost as much as $40,000 each. Read more about the Jeep as well as the Power Wagon at ThrottleExtreme.

Sunday, June 29, 2025

1991 Colani Stingray


 Designed by Luigi Colani. Due to its shape it was suggested that it produced two tons of downforce without the typical wings and air dams normally used. The Stingray is part of the permanent collection of the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Friday, June 27, 2025

Hunter brothers


In June 1930 John and Kenneth Hunter set a world record for a non-stop airplane flight. Their brothers Albert and Walter flew Big Ben, the support plane that was responsible for refueling. While the record flight was limited to circling the Chicago area they were airborne for 23 days (553h 41m 30s). The distance flown was equal to approximately one and a half times around the earth.

They flew a Stinson-Detroiter and the flight might have gone on longer but technical issues forced them to land on July 4, 1930. There was an external catwalk on the fuselage that allowed Kenneth access to the engine and external components of the plane. He did repairs, oiled engine parts and replaced pieces while tethered to the catwalk.


Thursday, June 26, 2025

Messerschmitt KR200 Sport



The Messerschmitt cars came about after World War II. Restrictions imposed after the war prevented Germany from engaging in various industrial activities. The former Messerschmitt airplane factory turned to making the three wheeled Messerschmitt car in 1955.  30,286 cars had been made when production ceased in 1964. The rarest was the Sport model which did not have a roof or doors and came with a cut down plexiglass windshield.  

The example above was Messerschmitt's effort to showcase the durability of the KR200. This car was prepared to make a run at the 24 hour record for three wheeled cars under 250cc displacement (15 cubic inches). The engine was highly modified and was fitted with a special single seat aerodynamic body. The record was set in August 1955. The 24 hour run broke 22 international speed records in its class including the 24 hour speed record which it set at 64 mph (103 km/h).

Read more about the Messerschmitt at Wikipedia.

1958 Reitz Pinnaduo



I was unable to find much information on this automobile beyond it residing in Germany and most likely based on a Karmen Ghia. That is a lot of windshield!

 

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

1960 Didia 150


The one off Didia 150 was built over a seven year period (1953-1960). The body was hand formed aluminum by Ron Clark. It was assembled by four workers at Clark Kaiser Customs. The total cost was $93,647. It was sold to the singer Bobby Darin for $150,000. Adjusted for 65 years of inflation that would be $1,620,000 in 2025 dollars. More information on Wikipedia.


Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Monday, June 23, 2025

AC Aceca-Bristol


The Aceca was a fastback version of AC's Ace roadster that was introduced in 1954. Both cars had aluminum bodies and independent suspension. The Ace was underpowered due to its rather anemic prewar engine while the Aceca was fitted with a 120hp Bristol power plant. About 300 Aceca were completed before it and the Ace were replaced when the company shifted it attention to the AC Cobra.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

SMZ S-3A



The S-3A was a Russian vehicle designed for disabled persons. It was distributed free or nearly so for those who qualified.

It was produced between 1958 and 1971. It was powered by a single cylinder 2 stroke engine with a 346cc displacement that produced 10hp. Top speed was 34mph.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Fullgood Rocket

 

Shown at this year's Shanghai Motor Show the Rocket is a nostalgic vehicle reminiscent of the 1959.Cadillac. This is just one of Songsan Motors offerings based on American vehicles. More examples can be seen at MotorBiscuit.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Monday, June 16, 2025

1963 Studebaker Lark Custom V8


While it may not be everybody's dream car this made me smile. The new owner posted that they had purchased this Studebaker for $600 at an estate auction. It used to be easy to find old cars and trucks for reasonable prices making it easy to get into the old car hobby. It is nice to know that occasionally that still happens.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Friday, June 13, 2025

1941 Dodge COE school bus


 The COE design greatly reduces the driver's field of vision. Hard to believe that someone didn't put the brakes on this design for a school bus.

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

1996 Toyota Century hearse


 This vehicle sold on Cars&Bids for $45,000 in July 2023.

Sunday, June 8, 2025

1937 Studebaker Express


Raymond Lowey designed the Express and Studebaker offered it until 1940. It wasn't widely accepted at that time, but is a sought after vehicle for collectors today.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

1969 Puma


Produced in Brazil The Puma was a very popular car. It was based on a shortened Karmann Ghia platform and powered by a 1500cc VW engine.

 

Friday, June 6, 2025

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Dwarf Car Museum



Ernie Adams builds dwarf cars. He has a museum containing his work in Maricopa, Arizona. He has built a number of dwarf cars, but has never sold one. Read more about Ernie at Roadside America. 




Monday, June 2, 2025

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Happy 99th Birthday Marilyn Monroe


 

Work smarter, not harder


I saw this on justacarguy.com. Kradkurbelwellenanlasser translates to "motorcycle crankshaft starter". It certainly is an advantage over cranking that truck by hand. Did they carry all of that apparatus in the side car?