The Audi Quattro Group 2

By Richardd Adams February 2013

After spending only 30 minutes test driving the new car, the Finnish rally champion Hannu Mikkola said: “I have just experienced a convincing view of the future. Quattro will change the rally scene once and for all.” And this car did.

 With the unveiling of Audi’s rally challenger, the most significant rally car of all time made its debut to the world in 1980. The Quattro was the first four-wheel-drive car for rally competition.

The car won the first rally it entered, the Austrian round of the European championship in 1981: It was like introducing Hurricane Sandy to the folks at the bridge club. It was an immediate winner. The Quattro, in various versions, competed for 4 ½ years, winning 4 championships and changed rallying forever.

The original Audi Quattro competition car was, for the most part, based on the road-going Quattro models. The latter Group B cars were more specialized. The original competition version produced approximately 300 bhp (224 kW), the same output that Porsche were getting from their 3 liter 911 Turbo at that time. 

In 1981 and the following 3 years, Audi responded to the new Group B rules and the Quattro evolved with A1 and A2 versions. The 5-cylinder engine 20v DOHC aluminum alloy 2133 cc engine (130.2 cu in) was being tuned constantly and would peak eventually at around 600 bhp (450kw) at 8000 rpm.  The Sport Quattro S1 E2 is regarded as the most powerful international rally car ever.

To reduce the turbo lag in battle, the turbocharger has a recirculation air circuit to keep the turbo spinning at high rpm when the throttle was closed. The engine resumed full power immediately on the resumption of full throttle. 

As the power output increased, an aerodynamic body kit was fitted to increase down force and Audi managed a weight reduction to 1090 kg (2403 lb).  A 3.1 second 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time was soon possible on most surfaces.

The Quattro evolutions were driven by the rally greats Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola and Walter Röhrl .

Michèle Mouton won the 1981 San Remo rally in a Quattro, the first woman to win a rally at international level. 

She went on to win the 1985 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb too. Audi won Pikes Peak again in 1987 in the hands of Walter Röhrl.

There were 224 cars of the S1 Sport Quattro built, at a price of 203,850 German Marks.

A Ford RS200 pilot plunged into the crowd in the 1986 Rallye de Portugal, killing 3 spectators and injuring 30.

Audi announced their withdrawal from the rallying shortly thereafter.

Walter Röhrl puts the quattro through its paces in this video below:

Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Car 

By Richardd Adams 25 February

Bugatti’s motto “Pur Sang”, means “pure bred”

Born on 15 September 1881 in Milan, Ettore Bugatti left his mark on the automotive world with the type 35. He wanted to offer his customers a good-looking race car and the type 35 certainly was a work of art.

In 1924, the racing Bugattis returned to a conventional chassis with the type 35. It was the first Bugatti to sport aluminum spoke wheels and it was initially fitted with a 2 liter 8 cylinder engine. Later in that year it was equipped with the larger 2.3 liter engine.

The most successful formula one grand prix manufacturer today is Ferrari, with around 220 wins. The Bugatti Type 35 however was astonishingly successful, with over 1,000 race wins in its time. To download their race successes will take all day. It is the most successful race car on record and continues to be so to this day.

Well-known test pilot and racer Chris Staniland drove a supercharged 4 cylinder example to lap England's Brooklands Circuit at 122 mph (195 km/hr) in the 1930s--a rather amazing speed for such a small car.

It won the 1926 Grand Prix World Championship with 351 wins and set 47 records in the two years before that. At its prime, type 35s were winning around 14 races per week. 

It claimed victory in the Targa Florio for five consecutive years and from 1925 through 1929 it became the most dominant race car of the decade. Later models went on to win the 24 hour Le Mans, twice!

The Type 35 had a lightweight chassis and was blessed with a low centre of gravity. These made the 750kg (1650 lb) cars particularly maneuverable and this agility was highlighted on short tracks.

The small-displacement, 8-cylinder engine with roller-bearings, allowed for a much higher rev limit, the supercharger provided power throughout the rev range, and the handling was simply extraordinary. 

Today, completely original Bugatti Type 35s are very valuable, these are number matching examples, with all their original components.

The "non original cars" were regarded as such, as these were basically “built from original parts" and as a result are worth somewhat less.  

 The original selling list price was 130,000 FF (about $75,000 today).  Of the original batch, 96 cars were produced.

The current selling price of a fully restored, original part’s numbers matching Type 35, will be well over $1 million.

The car is regarded by many as automotive art !

The Sleeper Car

By Richardd Adams: February 2013

And nothing like what the Sleeper name may suggest, waking them is what driving dreams are made of…..and you won't find them on You Tube.

A “sleeper” is a car that has somewhat higher performance than the unassuming exterior suggests. Sleeper cars are termed such because their exterior looks little or no different, from a standard or economy-class car, yet they are "all go and little show".

While appearing to be a standard or neglected car, mechanically they are modified to perform at elevated performance levels. 

Cars with external visual elements that give the impression of higher performance, are not true sleeper cars.

1952 Nash-Healey with 3.8 litre Twin Cam Jaguar power

  In 1971, the builder visited a local junk yard and came home with the body of a 1952 Nash-Healey Roadster.  Being a life-long Jaguar enthusiast, he got the idea of reviving the Nash-Healey by using all Jaguar running gear. 

He installed a 3.8 liter engine, transmission and front suspension from a ’62 Jaguar Mark II, and a rear suspension from a ’67 Jaguar XK-E. Now the Jaguar engine was set up to haul a 2000 kg family saloon in a sporting way, but now with a lightweight low profile 2 seater body fitted ........... this cat can sprint!

1953 Hillman Minx Californian with Chevy V8

 It appears completely standard and like a good sleeoer, it gives no clues as to what lies within. So it may not handle that well, or stop on a dime, but it can put down rubber.... lots of it.

This modest looking 1953 Hillman Minx is said to be a closet hot rod, as it is now powered by a tuned Chevy 350 V8. The owner estimates the output to be around 375-400hp range, which is a 10 times that of the original small four cylinder.

The remaining drive train has also been upgraded with a Muncie 4-speed and the steering from an Australian Ford Falcon.

1966 Ford Cortina GT V8

Fitted with a 331 cubic inch Ford Windsor V8 built by the Mustang Ranch in California. The engine feeds through a T-5 gearbox with a Hurst shifter and a 8” Ford rear axle, with new Richmond 3.55 gears and a True-Trac limited slip diff. That puts all that power to the wheels. 

Handling has been improved with a rebuilt steering box, Koni adjustable front coil-overs, Koni sport rear shocks, a 50mm (2") front sway bar, and  re-bushed control arms. The Tarox front disk brakes has braided steel brake lines and a dual brake master cylinder with front rear bias control. This setup halt things quickly. Finishing off with Superlite wheels and Toyo Proxes RA1 tires.  Not your ordinary 4 cylinder Lotus Cortina!

1970 Classic Mini with Yamaha R1 Motorcycle Motor

This 1970 Mini has been fitted with a full ’03 Yamaha R1 enginr, including the 998cc, 11,500 RPM, 155 HP four and a sequential six speed. Be warned this car is FAST and scary. It sits parked next to a 500 hp Camaro, yet the Mini scares the owner more. 

Once the engine gets into the power band, you better hold on for your dear life.     .

Love it, love the idea of it, love the execution. It is an utter riot!

VW Beetle WRX STi Turbo

If you believe that with its never breathless  44 bhp 1.3-liter air-cooled engine, the 1970's Volkswagen Beetle is a challenging car on the road, then imagine what it would be like to control a Bug fitted with a 282hp (210kW) 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine from a Subaru Impreza WRX STi

This a sleeper is not to be messed with. But then you will not know that .... until it blows your weekend track car away.

1973 Ford Escort Mk1 V8

This 1973 Ford Escort Mark1 is now powered by a 500 hp TVR aluminum V8, which is said to be lighter than a Ford Zetec 4-cylinder. It has some track day wear and tear is road legal and has Lotus Exige 320mm AP racing brakes fitted. Wow!

Not your run of the mill track day Escort ........no, it’s a lot more earthshaking ....

1977 Toyota Celica Hot Rod

This 1977 Toyota Celica has been thoroughly restored and includes many impressive modifications including a recent Honda S2000 drive train. The coupe body style is unassuming and the trimmed bumper set-up keeps the proportions favorable. Performance, well, a whole lot better!

1991 Alfa Romeo SpiderV8

This 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider has been given an entirely different personality thanks to a Ford V8 transplant. With power brakes and steering it is extremely easy to drive and a sleeper for sure.  A heavy duty Chevy rear end, a bulged hood and power windows and mirrors make this a fun daily driver.  

Clean and rust free, this car is fully sorted and finished……. with plenty of tire smoking torque.

Mini Clubman with Rover V8 engine

The car has been modified several times, rebuilt after a serious crash and had all kind of engines. The latest incarnation project includes an engine/gearbox transplant. The Rover V8 speedboat engine fits under the Clubman bonnet. 

Gearbox is originally from an Austin Princess. It is of Mini design, located underneath the engine. Surprisingly the Rover block and Princess gearbox fitted pretty easily (?) together with only a few adapter plates. A new final drive was specially designed and machined for this engine, ratio is around 1 : 2,7.

Ford Granada Koenigsegg Twin Turbo V8

Putting aside the1980s aero body bits, the only other interesting bit about the exterior of this Granada are the license plates.

Pop up the hood, however, and it's an entirely different story, as this family car has been fitted with 4.7-liter Ford V8 from a Koenigsegg CCX supercar and that is good for a whopping 1,700-horsepower (1290kw)! That is twice the power of a Grand Prix car!

Add the rear suspension from a 2003/2004 Ford Mustang Cobra with a Porsche braking system and you entitled to some track side underwear changing fun!

Lets start again, A sleeper is ?

Well, if you not driving it, then they could be all around you ......... able to mortify your runabout GT.

1948 Tucker 48 ‘Torpedo’

By Richardd Adams

A look at Mr. Preston Tucker's 48, alternatively known as the 1948 Torpedo and you’ll realize it's something special.

  It should have been like introducing Gangman Style to the 1940s, but it wasn't. 
Just 51 Tucker Torpedo sedans were built in Chicago in 1948, before the company went out of business. Priced at $2,450 and of the cars built (50 production and the original prototype), 47 still exist, most in outstanding condition. None of the large motor manufacturers followed the design.

Those were exceptional machines, fitted with technology which may not be unusual today, but in 1948, it was ground-breaking: like a rear engine, disc brakes, fuel injection, non shattering pop out windscreen and a padded dashboard. 

Achieving a modern day auction price of $ 2,9 million to drive the Tucker home, its value is now being respected.

It had a central 3rd headlight that moves with the car's steering wheel, to assist seeing around turns. The front and rear seats could be interchanged, so that the upholstery could wear evenly. The engine was fixed so that it could be removed in minutes in order for it to be serviced.

It was only 1524 mm (60 inches) high, yet very spacious inside. It was called the most aerodynamic car in the world logging a drag coefficient of only 0.27. Weighing in at 4235 lbs or 1920 kg with a 5,7 litre 166hp (122kw) engine in the rear, with 372ft-lbs (504nm) torque at only 2000 rpm, it manages a 0 – 60 mph (98 km/hr) time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph ( 193 km/hr). 

The flat 6 cylinder (Porsche 911-style)  ALV 335 Franklin helicopter engine was fitted, now liquid cooled, to a Cord 810 (ex- front wheel drive) transmission. The 4 speed electric-shift transmission had a Bendix vacuum-electric pre-selector. the car has excellent fuel economy.

The car has all-independent rubber vulcanized suspension with tubular shock absorbers. The Tucker had a step down passenger compartment floor, creating a low center of gravity.

The car was featured in the 1988 film “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” by Lucas Films. Impressively for Hollywood, it accurately told the story of Preston Tucker and his car.    

The price you ask, well $ 2,9 million (US)

The Ferrari 250 GTO
By Richardd Adams

 The Ferrari 250 GTO is a very special car. With only 39 made and now carrying a price tag of up to $35 million, you have a better chance of running into Whitney Houston in the parking lot, than this car. You will not have a picture of yours on Facebook, no, the ownership of this automobile is a private affair.

It was manufactured by Ferrari during the years 1962 to 1964 for homologation into the Group 3 Grand Touring Car category, enabling it to compete in Le Mans and other Grand-Touring car races. The 250 part of its name is the cubic centimeters of each of the 12 cylinders of the 3 liter V12 engine and the  GTO is for "Gran Turismo Omologata" which for you non Italians, means Grand Touring Homologated.

The new price, at $18,000 in the US, along with buyers having to be pre-approved by both Enzo Ferrari and his North American dealer, Luigi Chinett, guaranteed exclusivity in1962. There were 36 of the cars built during the years 1962/63 and in 1964 a Series II was introduced with a slightly different look. Three S11 cars were made, and even 4 older Series I's were given a Series II body. It brought the total of GTOs produced to 39.

This Ferrari, was not designed by a single designer or design company. Based on the 250 GT SWB with the 3 litre V12 engine producing 220 kW or 300 hp, came from the 250 Testa Rossa and had a reworked body. The body was developed in a wind tunnel and through actual track testing.
The car consisted of a welded tubular frame, with an A arm front suspension, a live axle differential, 4 wheel disc brakes and wire wheels. The five-speed gearbox was new to Ferrari GT racing cars, it was Porsche designed with a metal gate controlled shift pattern. The interior is basic, without a speedometer. It is claimed that Fiat 500 switches were fitted. The car weighed  in at only 1,100 kilograms (2,420 lb).

Although the FIA regs required 100 examples of a homologated (for Group 3 Grand Touring) cars to be built, Ferrari only built 39 of the 250 GTOs. Thirty three in 3 litre and three with the 4 litre 330 engine. The 330 had a large hump on the bonnet- and three others also had the revised bodywork. They got by the FIA 100 units requirement by numbering their chassis out of sequence, using gaps between the chassis numbers hinting at cars that didn't exist. 

The car was first raced at the 1962 Twelve Hours of Sebring, with the then current Formula One World Champion Phil Hill and Belgian Olivier Gendebien driving, the pair impressed everyone by finishing 2nd overall behind the mighty Ferrari Testa Rossa.
Ferrari won the FIA’s 1962, 1963 and 1964 over 2000cc class, of the  International Championship for GT Manufacturers. The 250 GTO was raced in each of those years.


The 250 GTO, like other racing cars of the period, passed into obsolescence when the mid engine sports cars arrived on the racing scene. Many returned to duty as road cars.

The current selling price you ask?
Well if you manage to get the owner to put his GTO up for sale?
Around $35 million (US)