Eliminate Nasty Rock Chips With The Right Touch-Up Paint: Here’s How

My wife has a car that goes through the paces here in Michigan. Maybe you know the feeling as well with your own vehicle. She commutes to work about 60 miles each day, round trip, and has done so for the last several years. The miles bring with it a plethora of dents and dings and scratches, with rock chips especially common as a result of her frequent highway driving. Those who live in Midwestern states know the salt wreaks havoc on your paint too; and this past winter felt like a long one.

A Rocky Outcome

Those chips and dings are affecting your car’s curb appeal in the short term, but more importantly, its resale value in the long run. When you trade your car in, dealers look at the exterior condition as one of the factors in determining what they will pay you for it. It’s best to take care of these pesky rock chips and dings as they come up. After working with Robert’s Paint Care recently, we believe their products, when used properly, can help preserve the resale value of your car.

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Robert’s Paint Care. The products below were sent to me at no charge. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Automoblog. For more information, please review our advertising guidelines. 

From The Family Line

Robert’s Paint Care sent us a sample of their Automotive Touch Up Paint to use on my wife’s car. The company started in 1962 as a provider of automotive finishes, mainly to car dealerships and body shops. By 1990, Robert’s Paint Care expanded into the industrial and manufacturing sector; for the last ten years now, the family-run company has gained traction in the consumer market with products like the Automotive Touch Up Paint they sent us. Robert’s Paint Care uses Sherwin-Williams paint for all of their touch-up products, and offers detailed video instructions for more complicated repairs.

Robert’s Paint Care provided us a 12 oz. bottle (their largest) and a smaller bottle of sterling gray paint, which matched the color of my wife’s car. The bottle of the latter is just 2 oz. by comparison; it looks and feels small, but the reality is, that little bit will go a long way. Together with the 12 oz. bottle of aerosol clear coat, it should last you the life of your vehicle. This was a relief for me. Let’s just say, that when I really started looking, there were more rock chips on my wife’s hood than I originally thought.

Three Different Sizes

The 2 oz. bottle of paint includes a brush and with it, three different aerosol spray cans: the 4.5 oz., the 9 oz., and the 12 oz. The aerosol clear coat is applied after the paint in the smaller bottle. The smaller bottle and brush is ideal for those minimal touch ups, like the rock chips we have been discussing. Both bottles come with their own individual brush as to not contaminate them. Pricing ranges between $16.95 and $35.95, depending on how large of a bottle you need.

Robert’s Paint Care provided us a 12 oz. bottle of aerosol clear coat (left) and a smaller bottle of sterling gray paint, which matched the color of my wife’s car.

Application & Use (How We Eliminated Our Rock Chips)

Even if you’ve never worked with touch up-paint before, the brushes provided by Robert’s Paint Care make it easy to fill in chips and dings. While we had a paper towel handy to dab any excess off the brush, for the most part, the brush holds the paint in place. This is nice because I didn’t have to worry about the paint dripping on other parts of the car while I was working. I was able to go slowly as I applied each layer.

After you apply the paint from the 2 oz. bottle, Robert’s Paint Care suggests waiting for 15 minutes before applying the clear coat from the aerosol can. After that time has passed, spray the contents of the aerosol clear coat into a separate or even a disposable container. Note that it will dissolve Styrofoam (and quickly) so opt for a good durable plastic or metal. Once you have the liquid in your container, you are ready to apply the clear coat over top of the paint from the 2 oz. bottle.

Here are the official instructions Robert’s Paint Care sent us:

1. Dip the brush in the 2 oz. bottle of paint and apply to the clean surface of the car.
2. After 15 minutes, spray the clear coat (12 oz. bottle) in a smaller, separate container or cap.
3. Use the brush to apply the clear coat over the top of the previous layer of paint.

When applying the touch-up paint, take your time and go slowly.

An Added Bonus

The 2 oz. bottle of paint matched really well, something that’s easy to be leery about when it comes to touch-up paint. Automotive paints are specific and even the slightest difference in shade and hue is noticeable. I gave Robert’s Paint Care the code on the door jamb, and was relieved to find it was a perfect match when I started working. Just do the same when you contact them. Rest assured, it will be the exact color.

Rock Chips (Before Robert’s Paint Care Helped Us)

The rock chips on the hood are a result of my wife driving about 60 miles round trip on her daily commute.

And After: Night & Day Difference

The next morning you could not tell we had applied the paint the night before.

The Total Package

For those who are completely DIY when it comes to their car, Robert’s Paint Care offers a host of professional-grade products, from blending solvents and polyester finishing putty; to resin fiber discs and waterproof sand paper. Their comprehensive touch-up and repair kits include one for cracked bumpers; another for deep scratches, and another yet for perforation caused by rust.

However, for the average chip and crack, what we are reviewing here is plenty.

With regard to the Automotive Touch Up Paint specifically, it’s something both professionals and the everyday driver can use. It’s fairly straightforward in its application, but has the type of quality you would expect in a body shop or dealership. As we were applying the paint to our rock chips, my wife said it was as easy as “using nail polish.”

Robert’s Paint Care offers a host of professional-grade products, including this bottle of touch-up paint we used on my wife’s car.

Putting It All Together

Last – but not least – the biggest benefit we found working with Robert’s Paint Care was how friendly they were. Seriously. That goes a long way with us car folk. Prior to receiving the products for this article, I had a few questions about touch-up paint in general. It’s been some time since I was a young service advisor. And even then, I was in the service drive and not the body shop. I kept thinking I was somehow going to mess up when it came to applying the paint.

However, the rep from Robert’s Paint Care was friendly and patient with me, and we have every reason to believe they would be with you. We would recommend their Automotive Touch Up Paint for those unsightly dings, dents, and especially rock chips.

Carl Anthony studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry. 

from Automoblog.net http://bit.ly/2Wzz1AG

Little Tony’s Lamborghini Miura P400 Sings Again

• Lamborghini Polo Storico continues their restoration work with an Azzurro Mexico color Miura.
• This particular car was once owned by Italian musician and actor Antonio “Little Tony” Ciacci.
• The restored Miura was part of the Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como.

Lamborghini is really digging into its history these days. Their in-house restoration shop, Lamborghini Polo Storico, is fresh off restoring the Miura seen getting crushed by a bulldozer in the movie The Italian Job. Now the firm from Sant’Agata Bolognese has just finished up another Miura rebuild, this time for a car that used to belong to a guy named Little Tony.

What’s In A Name

No, Little Tony is not a guy from the Mafia. The nickname fooled me too. No, in this case we are talking about one Antonio Ciacci, pop singer and actor, who rose to stardom in England somehow in the 1950s and ’60s. Ciacci was the lead singer of Little Tony & His Brothers (no, really), later returning to Italy where he kept singing; but went full Elvis by also becoming a successful film actor. (He was described as the Italian Elvis). Although he bears a certain resemblance to Jack Lord, he actually patterned is early career after Little Richard, hence the name.

Little Tony’s first #1 hit in Italy was Il ragazzo col ciuffo in 1962. He would later appear in over 20 movies in Italy, and become a central figure in the musicarelli film genre.

The Miura P400, once owned by entertainer Antonio “Little Tony” Ciacci, has been restored by Lamborghini Polo Storico. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

License & Registration

On March 2nd 1971, in the Republic of San Marino (his home “town” – the country within the country of Italy), Little Tony took delivery of a shiny, new Lamborghini P400 S, chassis number #4797. Even though he was born in Tivoli (which is a province of Rome), Ciacci had always been officially a citizen of San Marino, so of course the Miura was registered with Roman license plates. In May 1973.

Yeah, I know. That’s two years after he bought it. This is Italy, and I’m sure it makes sense to someone.

Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

The Real Deal

Ciacci was a lover of cars in general and sports cars in particular, and chassis number #4797 was his third Miura. I know, such problems he mutsa had! This one was painted a lovely blue Azzurro Mexico with a black interior. Both classy and different than the usual red, chassis #4797 had the honor of being a participant at this year’s major Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. This year there was a special class at Villa d’Este called Baby You Can Drive My Car: Cars of the Music Stars, where Little Tony’s Miura fit right in.

Currently, it’s owned by an unnamed “Italian collector,” but we know the car isn’t a fugazi, since Lamborghini Polo Storico certified it as genuine.

Little Tony’s Lamborghini Miura P400, interior layout. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

Careful & Detailed Process

The Miura was completely restored by Lamborghini Polo Storico, first by digging into factory archives for complete information on the original build and obtaining the car’s production specifications. Lamborghini Polo Storico also offered its expertise on the correct working methods, ensuring all phases of the restoration work respected the way things were done back in the day. And that the final appearance was perfecto.

Polo Storico also worked through the original Lamborghini dealer to supply authentic spare parts, keeping things as genuine as possible. Lamborghini’s restoration outfit eventually certified the car, since it is historically significant not only for being owned by Little Tony Ciacci, but also for being one of just six Miuras painted in Azzurro Mexico.

Described in his obituary as a rock and roll pioneer, Little Tony died on May 27th 2013 in Rome. He his survived by a daughter from his 1972 marriage to Giuliana Brugnoli.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 

Little Tony’s Lamborghini Miura P400 Gallery

Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

from Automoblog.net http://bit.ly/30UxzZ3

The Enforcer: an XSR700 from Ironwood Motorcycles

It’s just over three years since Yamaha launched the XSR700, and sales have been slow. That’s almost certainly down to the awkward styling, because the XSR700 is a good bike to ride—and the 689cc inline twin (with crossplane crank) is an absolute peach of a motor.

The obvious visual flaws have prompted many builders to have a crack at the XSR700, with varying degrees of success. The latest to attempt the silk purse treatment is Arjan van den Boom of the Dutch shop Ironwood, and he’s hit a home run.

“The customer asked me for something cool,” says Arjan. “Different, high-end, drivable either in Amsterdam or Ibiza, and inspired by the Yamaha TW.”

Arjan is a fan of the XSR700. “It’s a fun bike: compact, enough power, playful handling and just made for aesthetic adjustment.”

The customer wanted a bike that looked ‘brutal’ but was also great to ride. “He was inspired by our XSR700 TW Steel café racer, and wanted something similar—but with an upright riding position and better handling.”

‘The Enforcer’ has similar DNA—on the general lines, the tank and the ‘Brat’ seat—but with different bars and bulky wheels it has a more of a scrambler/tracker vibe.

Amazingly, no welding or cutting was involved. Instead, the Ironwood crew have grafted on an entire Yamaha YZF-R1 front end, including the brakes, which should elevate the handling to a whole new level.

The setup is finished with a custom brace holding an integrated Motogadget Motoscope Pro digital speedometer. Motogadget also supplied the grips, bar end mirrors and ‘m.blaze pin’ front indicators, and just ahead of the carbon LSL bars is a Koso ‘Thunderbolt’ LED headlight.

The 17-inch wheels are featherweight carbon Rotobox RBX2 rims, which are around half the weight of typical OEM sportbike wheels. They’re shod with Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa tires, with a size boost at the rear—going up from 160 to 180 section.

The XSR700 has a small rear hoop that can be bolted off, so Ironwood removed it and installed a replacement with a custom seat pan. (It’s the same approach that Hookie took with their XSR700 recently.) LED lighting is integrated with the new hoop.

The new seat was built by Miller Kustom Upholstery and right below are aluminum side panels from the British supplier Barracuda—who also supplied the license plate holder.

Yamaha’s parallel twin pumps out a solid 74 horses, which is plenty enough for a bike that weighs just 186 kilos (410 pounds) wet. So Arjan has left the internals alone, and improved the breathing with DNA pod filters (with red leather tops).

He’s also plumbed in MT-07 headers hooked up to a stubby Ixil SX1 stainless steel exhaust system, which weighs a mere 3.9 kilos.

The biggest visual transformation is the new tank—which is a full unit, not just a set of replacement covers. It’s a masterpiece of shaping from aluminum specialist Marcel van der Stelt, who also created the new front fender.

The stunning grey and vermillion paint was shot by Jacco at Royal Jack, one of Holland’s top custom painters.

It’s a brilliant transformation and one of the best XSRs we’ve seen. So is this a new direction for Ironwood? Not quite: Arjan is not yet ready to abandon the custom BMWs that made him famous. “We would like to do a wider range of bikes—a healthy mix of vintage and ‘modern vintage,’ if you will,” he says.

“The majority of our production is still oldtimer airheads, due to our Deathstar series. We make 10-12 per year on commission now, and there are always three or more R80s and R100s in the shop.”

“Vintage bikes have their charm, but box-fresh bikes (or even electrics) are something we want to explore and learn about. It’s about challenging our team as well as keeping on with older boxer transformations.”

Arjan is already a brand ambassador for Husqvarna, and he’s open to collaborations with manufacturers too. And much as we love his BMWs, we’re hoping this XSR700 is an exciting taste of things to come.

Ironwood Custom Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Paul van ML

from Bike EXIF http://bit.ly/30UDeyi

2020 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman & Countryman: An In-Depth Look

• The 2020 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman receive a more powerful engine.
• Updates to the all-wheel drive system and transmission increase overall performance and agility.
• Based on the available data, the new John Cooper Works variants look like they are a blast to drive.

Some of the fine yet crazy engineers at BMW, MINI’s parent company, decided to have a seriously unhinged go at the latest John Cooper Works variants, the Clubman and Countryman. They tweaked the chassis and other such bits, but all that is kind of beside the point when you look at what they did to the engine. The new four-cylinder uses BMW’s patented TwinPower Turbo technology to crank out a staggering 301 horsepower and 331 ft-lb. of torque.

2020 MINI John Cooper Works: Power Jumps & Faster Times

No, overall, those aren’t huge numbers, but in a car this small, and from only a 2.0-liter engine, they are massive. In case you’re interested, that’s a 73 horsepower bump over the previous version – which, in and of itself, is an impressive jump. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman hits 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, 1.4 seconds faster than the previous model; the new Countryman hits 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, 1.5 seconds faster than the outgoing version. Also – if I’m remembering this right – the Clubman and Countryman are two of the heaviest MINIs you can get. Imagine this same drivetrain in the smallest, lightest one they make?

Anyway, back to the engine.

2020 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. Photo: MINI USA.

Component Revisions & Compression Ratio Drops

The engine is based on the 2.0-liter from the MINI Cooper S Clubman and Countryman but with model-specific modifications. For example, BMW was able to get this big jump in power by reinforcing the crankshaft, and extending the cross-section of the main bearing. The John Cooper Works models receive special con-rods and pistons, and a new “vibration damper with optimized cooling.” I know. Does that mean the engine cooling has been redone, or does that mean they have optimized the cooling for the vibration damper? It has to be the first one, right?

Tell me this thing isn’t somehow thermally overloading the vibration dampers.

Since the model’s turbo is bigger, the compression ratio drops from 10.2 to 9.5 – think about it for a bit and you’ll understand why. On top of that, the turbocharger is integrated in the exhaust manifold and fitted with a blow-off valve to increase responsiveness. The air intake duct has also been reworked, or as MINI puts it, “de-throttled” as far as possible. MINI’s new direct injection system uses multi-hole fuel injectors, arranged between the valves to increase flow rate. In short, the injectors produce better vaporization and higher pressures for cleaner combustion and greater efficiency.

And, since this is a BMW engine, fully-variable valve control (similar to BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC system) and variable camshaft control (like BMW’s VANOS) are helping things along.

MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Photo: MINI USA.

Related: The car built for everyone: walking through MINI’s history.

Keeping It Cool

The cooling system is completely new as well, with a focus on optimum running temperature for the engine, even at the track. There are two external radiators, a model-specific expansion tank with increased volume, an independent cooling module mounting, an electric ventilator (also with higher output), and a condenser. The transmission has its own cooling circuit and external oil cooler. If you read between the lines, this essentially says: This engine runs hotter than a pistol! It might be worrisome in the future (Lord knows how long a little engine squeezed this hard can stand up to the pressures and temperatures) but why worry about it while it’s under warranty?

The bad news is that speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph. Which is, let’s face it, really fast for a car the size of a stove. But also: BOO, speed limiters, boo I say!!

Photo: MINI USA.

Transmission Tech: Autocross Here We Come!

Ah yes, the transmission. All that power and torque hits the pavement through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. A new control unit increases the gear shift dynamics and driving comfort, so says MINI. The steering wheel features shift paddles for manual gear selection. Yay! And even more yay: there’s a launch function. AutoX and rally stages here I come!

This new transmission features a mechanical differential lock for the front wheel. According to MINI, it functions transversely to reduce the speed compensation between the front wheels. Under load conditions, this tallies up a locking effect of 39 percent MINI says. It essentially works like this: Should one tire begin to spin, the locking effect transfers the torque to the other wheel to increase traction. It’s also worth pointing out the diff is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DCS) to aid traction on loose terrain, or in poor weather conditions. If you are on the track, it’s useful when accelerating out of a corner.

Photo: MINI USA.

Related: It was a time of peace, rejuvenation, and tiny cars. And the MINI ruled.

All-Wheel Drive: Configuration & Layout

It’s no surprise the new John Copper Works variants are all-wheel drive. This makes sense, because think about putting over 300 horsepower through just the front wheels. The torque steer would be lethal! The all-wheel drive system, known simply as “ALL4” is compact and weight-optimized, according to MINI. A power take-off resides on the front axle’s transmission, with a two-section prop-shaft in the middle, and an electro-hydraulically regulated clutch at the rear. Did you get all that? The ALL4 system’s controller also works with the DSC; because what other way would a bunch of German engineers do it?

Similar to how the locking effect works in the transmission, if the DSC controller detects front wheel slip, within a fraction of a second, the hang-on clutch will transfer torque to the rear wheels via the electro-hydraulic pump. Bottom line: engine power is always channeled to the corner that needs it most. Now, combine this with the long wheelbase and low center of gravity; reinforced body structure and larger air inlets; new swivel bearings to improve camber values on the front wheels; and increased spring rates for the engine and transmission bearings, and you have a MINI that is a blast to drive.

2020 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman interior layout. Photo: MINI USA.

Pricing & Availability

There is a full suite of modern infotainment goodies in the cabin, but really, I don’t care. The only thing that really matters about these John Cooper Works variants is all that power, and how it gets to the ground quickly, effortlessly, and efficiently. The only thing that remains a mystery is how much.

Oh sure, performance like this costs money, but like other recent John Cooper Works variants, I bet they will be about what an used Corvette goes for. The current Clubman starts at $35,900 with the Countryman coming in at $37,900. Still, it does make you think, don’t it?

Expect the 2020 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman later this summer.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 

Photos & Source: MINI USA.

from Automoblog.net http://bit.ly/2Xjrjry

An MV Agusta Brutale 675 With One Foot in the Past

MV Agusta has an incredibly rich racing heritage that it doesn’t capitalize on. The Varese factory dominated the 500 cc Grand Prix from 1956 to 1974, winning all but one of the rider championships during those years. And the bikes were piloted by bona fide legends—guys like John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read.

So we find it remarkable that MV Agusta doesn’t have a single modern classic in its range. With a pedigree like that, a factory cafe racer is almost a no-brainer.

‘Chun’ Hung at Onehandmade in Taiwan is a huge fan of MV Agusta’s contemporary motorcycles, referring to them as “beautiful machines with amazing design.”

But their heritage is not lost on him either—so when a client brought him a 2013 Brutale 675 to customize, Chun looked to the past for inspiration.

“Today, MV Agusta designs look like muscle bikes,” he says. “But a long time ago, MV Agusta was making GP bikes. The shapes were very smooth. I wanted to build a bike that looks like an old GP bike, but redesigned in my own style.”

Chun’s forte and passion is metal shaping. He doesn’t use 3D modeling, and rarely uses sketches to envision a bike, preferring to jump straight into shaping the forms. So he wasn’t even sure this concept would work at first.

“I make it first,” he tells us. “If I like the shape, I’ll use it. If I don’t like it, I will put it in the garbage can.”

On this project, Chun was free to focus entirely on getting that bodywork right. His customer specifically didn’t want mirrors, a speedo or turn signals—just a stripped-down bike with a race feel.

And since the 140 mph Brutale 675 came from the factory with 108 bhp, light alloy 17-inch wheels, fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and Brembo brakes, there was little point in mechanical upgrades.

The fairing, fuel tank and tail section are all Chun’s handiwork. They’ve been hand-formed from aluminum, and designed to create a seamless flow from front to back.

And that flow really is something else. Depending on the angle you’re looking at the bike from, there are countless contours to trace. (Note how the fairing and tank junction tapers to the same point the tank’s knee indent starts.)

Chun also built a sharp new subframe to support the tail, and a custom headlight to pop in the front. Kingsman Seat handled the classic tuck-and-roll upholstery up top.

Lower down is a custom-made aluminum belly pan, and just above that is a custom-built radiator. But our favorite feature is lurking under the bodywork: a three-into one exhaust system, that terminates through the belly pan’s right side.

With the Brutale 675 transforming from a street fighter into a cafe racer, Chun needed a different handlebar setup. So he built a new top yoke with no handlebar mounts, and fabricated a set of clip-ons to round out the package.

Finishing kit includes an upgraded Brembo master cylinder, and Motogadget black anodized grips. Chun also added a hand-made rear license plate holder, with a small LED taillight. And although he didn’t need to, he installed some extremely discreet Motogadget turn signals.

The front fender is custom, and the rear hugger is still in play. The tires are Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V2s, and there’s a black and gold EK chain for a subtle hint of bling.

A deep gloss black paint job ties it all together, executed by Incross Custom Art. Highly detailed silver striping adds a final touch.

It’s a livery that suits the classic silhouette that Chun has created. But we reckon it would look just as good with red up top and silver below—just like those classic race bikes.

If MV Agusta took the hint and built something similar, would you be tempted?

Onehandmade Facebook | Instagram | Images by JL Photography

from Bike EXIF http://bit.ly/2wrKZ0L

Letter From The UK: The Neutering of Car Culture

• From once mighty horsepower machines to the four-door people haulers of today . . . 
• When looking at our current car culture, does it seem as if something is missing? 
• Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.

Anyone who has ever undergone the procedure will remember their first vasectomy as if it were yesterday, because: 1. It was their first vasectomy and 2. They are reminded to never, ever do anything like that again.

At The Clinic

On the fateful day, the subject enters what appears to be a perfectly normal medical building. As this writer recalls, although it’s a bit of a blur, the patient enters via a door marked ‘Lions’. Just inside the door is a cardboard box into which the subject is obliged to place all of his bravado; the time for joking is over.

Consciously carried on the conveyor belt of fear, the subject, fully awake, eventually encounters the surgeon who appears to be using for surgery the ACME Home Boy Scout Kit, comprising of a multi-tool penknife (the one with the thing to get stones out of horses’ hooves) and a soldering iron.

Time passes in recovery, during which the subject suspects his testes have been craftily replaced by two Cantaloupe melons, and now finds that he walks very much in the manner of John Wayne. When it is time to go he exits through a door marked ‘Lambs’ and enters a quiet space with plants, a tinkling waterfall, and birdsong.

The Plymouth Superbird, inspired by the Road Runner and developed for NASCAR, emerged from the company’s Lynch Road plant near Detroit during the height of the muscle car era. With its 426, 7.0-liter Hemi engine and a pair of four barrel Carter AFB carburetors, the Superbird cranked out 425 horsepower and hit 60 in 5.5 seconds. The car would become synonymous with racing legend Richard Petty.

The Science of Disappointment

Why the reference to vasectomies? Well, in a sense, it is about neutering – and this is what has happened to our car culture. A vasectomy takes half a day; the neutering of our beloved autos has taken several decades until finally we arrive at the cars of today. They are all vanilla-flavored, fallen victims to the science of automotive disappointment.

Take the Plymouth Superbird. Now there’s an automobile, the product of the great days of Detroit. Long, sleek with a massive wing on the back and, originally, a 426 Hemi V8 under the hood. Real poster material for gearheads. At least in terms of modern aerodynamics, the wing probably offered not much more downforce than my butt, but that wasn’t the point to the casual onlooker. That it was there was enough.

Compare and contrast if you will, the image of the new Škoda Karoq. This is another car you cannot have in the USA. It is in many ways an excellent vehicle; reasonably priced, very well-built, comfortable, economic and efficient but, dang, is it boring. Frankly, many of the cars built for the mainstream market today are like this. In fact, under the skin, the Karoq is also the SEAT Ateca, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Audi Q3. This is what modular platforms have done to the car industry.

Further, there’s no more excitement in design. Think of the Road Runner or the Shelby Cobra; real excitement right there on the drawing board; today’s bland offerings don’t come close to raising the pulse of a car enthusiast. And do you know what is the worst thing? We’ve fallen for it. And don’t even get me started on today’s crossovers and SUVs.

Before these were $300,000 cars, some people didn’t think twice about naming their GT350s. And painting said name on the side was common, as the “Asphalt Angel” so clearly demonstrates. Photo: SAAC Archives. From the book, Shelby Mustang Fifty Years by Colin Comer, published by Motorbooks.

What We’ve Lost

Here in the UK we get to see a TV show from the USA called American Pickers. Just recently this writer watched an episode from 2017 where yet another massive vehicle barn find was located. How do you keep doing it? How many remote barns filled with automotive beauty can there be? The collector in this case was deceased. As a matter of course it seems during his life he purchased ordinary, regular cars that nobody wanted for token sums. Studebaker’s seemed to be a particular favourite.

What They Had

He would make them live again and use them. Photographs were shown of the collector as a young man, spanner in hand, under the hood with his friends, just enjoying the simple pleasure of car mechanics. Make them go and perhaps make them go more quickly and maybe race them a bit. He even built rat rods before the concept had become a thing. To a lesser extent we used to do this sort of home car fettling here in England, but those days are long gone.

Sure, we collect unique cars and treasure them but now we show and shine the very best of the best. We have lost the love of fettling an ordinary $100 car just for the heck of it. Making the inevitable allowance for the environment (I have to mention that. It’s the Law), the car industry is to blame and we are culpable for going along with it. That’s a crying shame.

Škoda Karoq. Photo: Škoda Auto.

Spoiler Alert

Next time, I will be taking the aforementioned Škoda Karoq way back, back in time to Merrie Tudor England, to visit the former home of Queen Katherine Parr, widow of King Henry VIII. We shall walk in the footsteps of kings in a fortnight from now. While I am looking forward to the drive in the Karoq, I would be more content if I were behind the wheel of a proper and powerful V8.

Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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How Vehicle Tracking Improves Vehicle and Driver Safety

Although road safety is a shared responsibility, most of the burden falls on us as drivers. When we get behind the wheel, we need to be alert and ready to take action to avoid dangerous situations. We all make mistakes sometimes, especially when tired or stressed. However, driving is inherently more dangerous than most everyday activities. Millions of people die or are seriously injured every year in vehicle accidents, and they are the leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds worldwide. The statistics are really worrying, causing this issue to be gradually recognised as a major health concern by organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Vehicle tracking devices are a revolutionary innovation with regard to driver safety. Not only can they reduce liability after an accident by providing important evidence, but they can actually reduce the number of accidents and improve the overall safety of drivers. These sophisticated small gadgets are equipped with powerful tools that can be used to monitor driver behaviour and notify drivers about risky driving habits. Vehicle GPS trackers gather a huge amount of information and provide ample warnings designed to improve the safety of drivers and vehicles on the roads.

One of the most important aspects of vehicle tracking systems is the telematics and GPS data they collect. The information is kept on a secure cloud-based server and can be accessed on-demand from anywhere in the world. Both fleet managers and individuals can use this data to analyse how their vehicles are being driven, so that they can correct any bad driving habits that put the drivers and vehicles at risk. Vehicle tracking solutions offer a myriad of powerful features that can be used to protect our beloved cars such as event alerts, real-time tracking, geofence zones, driver performance reports and sensors.

Alerts

Vehicle tracking devices do a lot more than just monitor location. The tracking software can be configured to send alerts about certain events via SMS, email or smartphone notification. GPS trackers with in-built accelerometers can detect the speed of a vehicle as well as if it’s involved in a collision, and the location data can be used to identify if a vehicle enters or leaves a particular location without authorisation. In emergency situations, an instant push notification will be sent to designated people so that help can be sent promptly. Fleet managers can be alerted to speeding drivers and warn them with real-time feedback.

Geofence Zones

Geofence zones are an incredibly useful tool to protect drivers and vehicles. By setting a geofence zone around a specific location, a virtual fence is established that will trigger an alert whenever the tracker enters or leaves it. There are more important things to do in the day than constantly check where your family members or vehicles are, but with active geofence zones, you can keep an eye on your loved ones and be alerted if someone moves your vehicle without your knowledge. In the event of theft, the geofence breach alert will notify the responsible parties immediately, giving car owners and fleet managers a chance to alert the police within minutes and greatly increasing the chances of a quick recovery.

Real-time Tracking

Once your vehicle tracker is installed, you can immediately start tracking your car in real-time. Real-time tracking is extremely useful from a safety perspective as it allows you to locate your vehicle at any given time. This is indispensable if your vehicle is stolen; a well-hidden GPS tracking device will allow you to trace your car and recover it in a matter of hours with the help of the police. No other security system on the market can give you the peace of mind vehicle tracking devices offer. Real-time tracking significantly improves driver safety too. Fleet managers and concerned parents can locate an employee, teenage driver or elderly relative without delay to check if they are at their intended location. Combined with additional features like crash detection and speeding notifications, real-time tracking can be a life saver in emergency situations.

Driver Behaviour Monitoring

Over 50% of traffic fatalities involve aggressive driving. Inexperienced drivers and those on a tight schedule tend to make more mistakes. Young drivers can be hotheads who can’t be bothered to follow traffic rules, but commercial vehicle drivers can be even more dangerous trying to meet a deadline. Regardless of their driving experience and the circumstances, drivers should always exercise maximum caution when they are behind the wheel. The good news is that you can enforce certain rules on unruly family members or reckless employees with the help of a vehicle tracking device. These nifty gadgets can detect and report unwanted driving habits with instant notifications, which gives you the unique ability to warn the driver and ensure they practise safer driving techniques.

Put your family members, vehicles and drivers in safe hands with vehicle tracking systems. Drivers and vehicles are at constant risk every time they leave for a trip; with a tracking device in place, you can view the location and monitor the movements of a vehicle in real-time. If it’s stolen or involved in an accident, people with access to the vehicle tracker will be alerted to the situation immediately. Protect your beloved family members and employees during their travels, facilitate the safe recovery of an expensive vehicle, and reduce the risk of life-altering injuries to your workforce all with a simple vehicle tracking device.

About the author:

Ekim Saribardak is a highly motivated IT professional who possesses a never-ending love and passion for web application and software projects. He is experienced with technical knowledge in all areas of telecommunications, GPS technology, web applications, digital marketing and product management, with an aptitude for problem-solving and decision-making with the ability to influence others in complex and pressurized circumstances. He has been a technology geek since 1990, starting from the moment he first had his hands on a computer. Since then, he has been researching and studying anything related to computers, fascinated with the way computers are changing everyday life. He has worked in both hardware and software fields for different businesses for over two decades.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekim-saribardak-20816a4a
Blog: https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk/blog

Ekim Sarıbardak
CTO/Rewire Security

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