If you don’t know the story of Landrover, you are in for a treat. This is the stuff of legends. People have made it their life’s work to find this vehicle–find out why.
Vehicle History
Remembering Great Drivers
Happy Memorial Day to Readers here in the US! While we at the Kicker want to celebrate and remember our military community ever chance we get, today we thought we’d do a tribute to great drivers–past and present.
Clearly this is the most subjective of subjects. When you sit down to write a post like this you need to set some perameters to even know where to begin–there are so many great drivers! How does one define greatness?
While our theme is memorial day, we didn’t limit ourselves to drivers who’ve died. It’s enough if they’ve ended their career. Other than that, we wanted to veer away from rehashing a list of winningest racecar driver and try to shine a light on some names you may not recognize right away. But lets start with some well known names and list the greatest based on popularity.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
NASCAR actually asks their fans which drivers they like best. It would be hard to not notice Dale Earnhardt Jr. with his impressive win fifteen times in a row (2003 to 2017). In 2016 Dale Jr. missed 18 races due to injury and still won the fan vote.
People love him. But the reason for his popularity is probably because he wins a lot of races–Busch Series Champion twice (’98 & ’99), Daytona 500 winner twice (2004 & 2014), Budweiser Shootout winner twice (2003 & 2008), five-time Can-Am Dual winner, four straight wins at Talladega, five-time winner of Xfinity Series Champion Owner, and so many more. Dale was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2021 & was named to the NASCAR 75 Greatest Driver List in 2023.
Speaking of the NASCAR Greatest Driver List… The list has been done twice. Inspired by the NBA’s list of top 50 players, NASCAR put together a top 50 list in 1998, and it’s only fair we pick one of the increadible drivers from that list.
Greg Biffle
Nicknamed “the Biff“, Gregory Jack Biffle makes this list because he comes from Vancouver, Washington (where The Kicker also began). Okay he did win some races to qualify for the title as well. 2002 Busch Series Champ, 2000 Craftsman Truck Series Champ, two time Southern 500 winner, and two time Sprint Showdown winner. In the Cup Series, Biff has 19 wins, 175 top tens, and 13 Poles. Xfinity series he has 20 wins, 149 top tens, and 14 poles. His awards include Rookie of the Year for Busch Series AND Craftsmen Truck Series. Biff is now semi-retired, driving a mic in the comentary booth part of the time and owning part of a racetrack–and a cool, race themed bar in Vancouver, WA.
Formula
But there’s more to racing than NASCAR. There are so many great Formula Drivers to choose from and so many reasons to pick each one. From Jackie Stewart who was not only a winning driver (27 career wins) but who famously boycotted tracks that he deemed unsafe until the organizers made improvements. Jackie was instrumental getting safety improvements in cars–like seat belts.
Or Nigal Mansell, who broke his neck in a junior race and came back for 31 win career. In 1984 Dallas Grand Prix Nigal’s gearbox failed in his last lap so he jumped out of the cockpit and pushed his car toward the finish line until the Texas sun made him colaps from heat exhaustion. If that isn’t great, what is?
Well, when all else fails, who won the most races?
Lewis Hamilton
With an impressive list of wins, in fact as the only person to have more than 100 pole positions AND over 100 wins we can’t leave Lewis Hamilton offa list of greats to remember. One of the aspect that catch a fans attention is that Hamilton followed a 94 win career by Micheal Schumacher that everyone assumed would stand for decades. Schumacher drove Ferrarris, which at the time were clearly superior to all comers. That’s not to say he didn’t excell at wringing every pound of torque out of them. However, Schumacher had some controversies around his dominance as well.
Lewis Hamilton maintained a pretty clean reputation as a driver and as a human being. Hamilton was born to race. As a teenager he raced remote control Karts, defeating adults with more experience–before he could drive a real car. Will Hamilton’s record stand, or will newcomers like Max Verstappen race past him? Only time will tell.
Stunt Driving
Now race car drivers aren’t the only ones who do amazing things in a drivers seat.
Buddy Joe Hooker
We can’t talk stunt drivers without talking about Buddy Joe Hooker. His is the name that pops up first when Hollywood thinks about the “second unit.” Buddy Joe actually started out as a child actor with rolls in Gunsmoke, Father Knows Best, and Leave it to Beaver. He also appeared on the dating game where he was sellected by Farah Fawcett.
His transition to stunt work came when he doubled Rock Hudson on the movie, “Tobruk.” He soon added stunt coordinating to his career, doing shows like “To Live and Die in LA,” “The Outsiders,” and “God Father III.”
In 1977, Burt Reynold’s stared in a movie called, “Hooper,” loosely based on Hooker’s life. Ironically, Buddy Joe did stunts for both stars on the film, Burt and Jan Micheal Vincent–breaking records in a rocket-powered car jump.
His most famous stunt, as a coordinator and as a stunt driver, came in the movie “Death Proof,” where Director Quinton Tarantino asked for a head-on collision between a 1970 Nova and a Honda Civic at 120km/hour causing a flip and roll (150 meters) at night. No problem.
Adam Kirely
Speaking of rolling a car. Adam Kirley was hired to roll an Aston Martin for the James Bond flick, “Casino Royal.” The problem came when DBS Aston Martin provided for the film wouldn’t roll. He hit a ramp designed to launch the car, at 110km/hr and unlike similar sized BMW practice cars, the DBS settled back onto it’s wheels. Kirley had to resort to a stuntman’s friend–an aircannon, which takes perfect timing. Kirley got the car to roll and even set a new record by rolling it one more time than had ever been done before. Adam Kirly is fine BTW, his only coment after coming out of the destroyed car was, “That was a fairly violent ride.”
Loren ‘Bumps’ Willard
Speaking of Bond Film Stunts…one of the most impressive stunts in cinema history comes to us from one of the least exciting Bond films, “the Man with the Golden Gun.” In complete reverse of the fancy Aston Martin from Casino Royal, Bond mastermind Cubby Broccoli decided to use an AMC Hornet. Yes, a Hornet! You read it right.
Action fans everywhere watched in dismay as our slick spy barrol rolled a car they kind of wished would crash, artfully over a dinky creek and back onto it’s tires–to the accompaniment of a slide whistle. Imagine the most expensive steak served to your cold with catchup on it. So amazing, yet so undersold.
It felt like a last minute sub for a more impossible stunt they decided against doing, but no they meant to do this. They even consulted computers, in the 1970’s, to model the stunt repeatedly until they were sure they could do it without killing anyone.
The most remarkable thing about this stunt is that the original driver had to fly home for a family emergency so, a mechanic on set named Bumps Willard volunteered to do it. He did it perfectly the first time and was rewarded with a wad of $100 bills by Cubby Broccoli.
Jophrey Brown
In terms of unusual stunts we give the great driving award to Joseph Brown for his work in the movie, “Speed.” He took on the job of jumping the bus. Not jumping it with a motorcylce, but flying all 40,000 pounds of it at 65 mph off a ramp so it would soar roughly 35 meters to it’s landing…and utter distruction.
A little known side effect of most cars that jump in film is that they’re frames break. Despite driving away unscratched in the film version, the real car stops pretty quickly and pretty perminently. That’s nothing compared to the bus which essentially flew apart. It was the opposite of the elegant GMC Hornets barrel roll, but it was much more entertaining.
Anything Outside the Box?
Well, yes. We’ve just posted an entire series on the topic of drifting in Japan. Covering legends like Kuni-San, and outlaw Drift King, Keiichi Tsuchiya. We also covered the crazy film, “Pluspy” (+P) Option Magazine did of Seiichi on the mountain roads, called “Touge.” The film was very illegal, which gave the technique of drifting it’s “outlaw” reputation and popularized it with street racers everywhere.
At the Kicker, we try not to glorify street racing, but as a matter of history we should note that “Pluspy” wasn’t the only truely amazing underground street race to be filmed. In Paris, a man called Claude LeLouch, produced a film called “C’était un Rendezvous.” In it, someone drives a Mercedes 450SEL 6.9 through the streets of Paris from one side to the other in about 8.5 minutes.
The feat was done at 5am and reaches speeds over 230km/hour, running redlights and flying through blind intersections. There’s no edits in the film, but the sound track wasn’t throaty enough so the filmmaker dubbed sound from his Ferrari 275 GTB over the top. Most likely this means, the potentially disasterous run was undertaken a second time–once with the Ferrari for the sound and again with the Merc for a more stable camera platform.
The driver was reported to be an undisclosed F1 driver, but it’s commonly believed to be LeLouch himself. He deserves our respect for his driving skills…and some jail time for his bad judgement.
Best of the Web: Chiron Super Sport ‘57 One of One’ pays homage to an icon
If you happen to have either of these cars…please contact the Kicker Blog as we’d love to feature you and your lovely car in our blog. PLEASE!
- The Chiron Super Sport ‘57 One of One’ pays homage to an icon – the Type 57 SC Atlantic
- After being gifted a Chiron Super Sport for her 70th birthday, its owner was invited to Molsheim to spec it
- Having first seen the Type 57 SC Atlantic 20 years ago and falling in love with it, the birthday girl decided her Super Sport was going to celebrate the Type 57
Restoring Classic Cars: A Step-by-Step Guide
For many people, classic cars hold a special place in their hearts. Whether it be for their unique design or rich history, classic cars have gained a loyal following over the years. Restoring them can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be a daunting task for beginners. This guide is designed to help you with the restoration process and provide valuable tips along the way.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Before you begin restoring your classic car, it is important to have a plan in place. This includes setting a budget and timeline for the project. Once you have your plan, take some time to research the car you will be restoring. Find out the common issues that arise and review troubleshooting options. You can also make a list of the parts you will need and begin sourcing them. There are many online resources where you can find classic car parts, such as eBay and specialty parts websites.
Step 2: The Restoration Process
The first step in the restoration process is to remove all of the parts from the car. This allows you to thoroughly clean and assess the car’s condition. Begin by cleaning the exterior and interior of the car with a mild detergent and wiping it dry with a soft cloth. Then, start disassembling the car, taking pictures and labeling parts as you go along. This will help you during the reassembly process.
As you disassemble the car, make sure to inspect each part closely. Look for any signs of rust or damage and note what needs to be repaired or replaced. Keeping records of the parts you need to replace will streamline the restoration process. You can then source or order these parts while you work on other areas of the car.
Step 3: The Reassembly Process
Once you have all of the necessary parts, you can begin the reassembly process. Reassemble the car in the reverse order that you disassembled it, starting with the larger parts and working down to the smaller ones. Make sure to follow a sequence to ensure that everything is installed properly.
As you reassemble the car, make sure to lubricate moving parts and check the torque for bolts and nuts. This is also a great time to install any upgrades, such as a new stereo or air conditioning system. As each part goes back on to the car, take pride in knowing that you are restoring its original beauty.
Step 4: Maintenance
Once your classic car is restored, maintaining it properly is essential. Regular maintenance can help to prevent damage and extend the life of your car. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and washing your car frequently. It is also important to store your car in a dry and cool place to prevent premature aging.
Conclusion:
Restoring classic cars can be a fun and rewarding project for beginners, but it requires planning, patience, and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can restore your classic car to its original beauty and maintain it for years to come. Remember to take pride in your work and enjoy the process!
Auto Trim Package Series: Model T’s?
Series began with this post on Trim Levels and we started looking at the popular car makers best selling model with the Dodge Charger. Now we conclude part 3 of Ford because tthe Ford “F-Series” is their best seller, which isn’t really One Single Model, right? Just because it’s a fun thought to realize the Model T is still their third best seller over all, we decided to cover the trim options that Ford made available for this highly versatile vehicle that they made for decades in the founding years of the motorized vehicle era.
PS you can see Part 1: F-Series & Part 2: Ford Escort at these links.
Ford Model T Trim Options
The Ford Model T, also known as the “Tin Lizzie,” is a legendary automobile that revolutionized the automotive industry during the early 20th century. Mass-produced in the United States from 1908 to 1927, this iconic vehicle was made available in different models and colors that catered to people of various socioeconomic backgrounds. One of its distinctive attributes is its trim package, which provided various levels of comfort and luxury to the driver and passengers. In this blog, we will dive into the original trim packages of the Ford Model T and what made them special.
Standard Trim Package
The standard trim package of the Ford Model T was the most basic and affordable option. It was a minimalistic design featuring a single bench seat, little-to-no interior or exterior accessories, and a simple black paint finish. Despite its lack of frills and convenience features, the standard trim package was perfect for those who needed an affordable vehicle for daily use.
Henry Ford is famous for say, “they can have any color they want as long as its black.”
Touring Trim Package
The touring trim package, on the other hand, offered more space for passengers and storage. It was designed with people who like to travel or go on outings, with more accessible entry and exit points and more legroom. Touring models had curtains installed to protect passengers in inclement weather and were often customized by individual buyers to suit their specific needs.
Roadster Trim Package
If you were looking for a sportier ride, the roadster trim package was the way to go. It had a sleek design with a low-cut windshield and a raiseable convertible top, offering a wind-in-your-face driving experience. The interior had a more premium seating area, and the car’s exterior was more extensively customized, including brass headlamps and nickel-plated door handles.
Coupe Trim Package
For its time, the coupe was considered the most luxurious model of the Ford Model T. It came with better upholstered seats, a fixed hardtop roof, and superior finishings in the interior and exterior. It provided better privacy, protection from the weather elements, and a quieter cabin ambiance than the touring or roadster models.
Delivery Wagon Trim Package
The final package, delivery wagon, was developed as a workhorse to transport goods. It featured a cargo compartment built on the chassis of the Ford Model T, and some versions had front-facing seats for the driver and cargo bed attendants. The cargo space could be enclosed or left open, and the delivery wagon was very adaptable to different uses and environments.
In conclusion, the Ford Model T was a vehicle that brought affordable and reliable transportation to many people. The trim packages that were developed offered various levels of comfort and luxury to suit different people’s needs. Despite being over 100 years old, the Model T is still a beloved icon and a significant part of automotive history. Now that you know about what made each Model T trim package unique, next time you spot a Model T, you can marvel at its history and unique trim package!
Crazy Pickups that No Longer Exist (Part B)
Since we couldn’t seem to cram it all into our first post let’s get back to the topic of Pickups that made an impact on our world and then vanished.
Travelette
Okay we’re pretty obscure now, but hang with us. Travette was a sub-devision of the International Harvester series of light-duty pickup trucks. They were only made from 1957 to 1975 in 2 and 4 wheel drive. In a beauty or beast competition this one sits under the beast category, at least to look at. They were innitially a three door truck but starting in 1961 you could also get a 4-door version.
Essentially International made an SUV called the Travelall Wagon, as ususal to compete with Jeep. By steeling a little room from the Wagons cab and extending the frame 126 inches they managed to slap on a full-sized bed. While being somewhat ahead of their time designing with a crew cab, they were heavy and fuel inefficient compared to light trucks from the big 3 automakers. Targeting the work truck market worked for awhile, but the fuel crisis of the mid 70’s would be too much to overcome.
International Harvester quit making light trucks entirely in 1975 thus ending the Travelette, but in 1976 they started making a two-door truck called the Scout II Tera, which targeted the off-road crowd. Four-door compact pickup trucks weren’t introduced in North America until the late 1990s though makers outside the US took the Travelettes ideas and made popular versions that were smaller with better gas mileage.
Studebaker Champ
When you think Studebaker, trucks probably don’t leap to mind, but they did build several models of trucks before going out of business in 1966. The last truck they made, and aruguably the prettiest pickup truck ever made, was the 1960 Champ. The design team faced a tought challenge from the board of directors. The truck design hadn’t been updated in a long time but money was already tight so they were given a budget of $900,000 to make a “new” model. By incorperating as many parts of existing Studebaker cars as they could, the design team was able to produce a fresh looking light pickup truck that sold for a pretty affordable price, that competed with other trucks of its time for power and performance.
The Champ has a ladder frame and fixed front and rear axles, all typical to it’s vintage, but the Cab was all kinds of different–from other pickups at least. Examine the Photos to the right. Yep, that’s correct. The design team noticed how close the size was between the latest model of Lark and the truck frame they were making and meshed the two together. They had to chop it in half behind the door and create a new sheet metal stamp for the back of the cab, but otherwise this was a super efficient choice. They also replaced the mesh grill with horizontal bars to toughen up the look, but that’s it.
(If you are thinking these photos aren’t exactly twinsies, the Truck is ’72 and the Lark is a ’73 Deytona model after the wraparound window was abandoned. Its the closest pics we could find.)
The original Champs offered a choice of classic narrow box or a wider box (licenced from Dodge) in a short wheel base or long wheel base. By 1962 you could only get short or long box in the wide Dodge style. The significance here is that the Champ was the first pickup to offer comforts more commonly found in a car, like a comfortable bench seat. Studebaker also pioneered putting a back window in the cab of their Champ which helped with ventelation. The choice to use a car body meant they used a fiberglass shell instead of all metal, which beat Dodge (the #2 Truck to do so) by 27 years.
The type of transmission you got depended a lot on the engine size you sellected. Studebaker offered the Champ in an assortment of engines. For 6 cylindars you had a choice of either…
A) their 245 cubic inch engine from the Big Six car they were making back in 1930. The advantage here is power and reliability.
B) the same 170 cubic inch they put in the Lark.
If you wanted V8 power you could choose between Studebaker’s 259 cubic inch and the 289 cubic inch engines with either a two- or four-barrel carburetor. While the V8s remained reliable the entire time they made the Champ, in 1961 Studebaker released their upgraded 170 cubic inch V6 with Over Head Valves, which brought the horsepower up to 112. This seemed like a clearly better choice and they finally quit making the Big Six engine entirely. Unfortunately if you didn’t maintain the gaps well the cylanders would overheat and crack–putting this style of engine in the category of reliable but finicky. Though you still had the smart option of picking V8 instead of the flat 6 OHV, the Champ got a bad rap for reliability.
When Studebaker closed the South Bend plant in 1964 they sold off the truck line and their Avanti to Nate Altman and Leo Newman who never made the Champ or any of the other trucks they’d bought the tooling for, instead converting the plant for military use. Studebaker continued in Canada for a time, but this was the end of the Champ.
Luv
LUV is an acronym for “light utility vehicle.” And the Chevy Luv is essentially a rebadged Isuzu Faster, made for and sold by Chevrolette in the Americas. Sales in America started in 1972 and ended in 1980. A second series started in 1981 which sold as the Chevy s-10, then a third series in 1988 based more on the Isuzu Rodeo. The fourth rendition would be based more on the Isuzu D-Max in in 2005 and ran until 2012. So the arrangement has been pretty lucrative over all.
So why are we counting the Luv among the discontinued, odd, and otherwise innovative pickups? Innitially the Isuzu Faster was created to fit the Japanese demand for compact vehicles. It was based on their Florian which was based on their Wasp, which was derrived from their Bellet. Exporting it to the US was purely a trial balloon since other small Japanese vehicles were finding success in the US based on the need for better fuel economy. While the Isuzu Faster was available in several engine sizes, the Chevy Luv was only available with an in-line four cylinder.
Imports began in 1972. It sold well and soon the upgrades and varieties began. Disc brakes, and automatic transmissions led to four-wheel drive and a Motor Trend magazine Car of the Year Award. They even made double cab, four-door versions. Pretty fancy for a compact truck.
So why highlight the LUV and not the the Datsun and Toyota pickup or Ford’s Courier for that matter? All were available in 1972. The LUV just seemed to garner a cult like admiration from those who bought it. It’s not clear why it stands out, aside from being the first to 4-wheel drive in that size, but it somehow does.
Crazy Pickups that No Longer Exist
Trucks embody the soul of America. They are rugged, versatile and resilliant, and they’re as culture-defining as the cowboy/cowgirl. So many cars and car makers come and go, but we haven’t talked too much about pickup trucks so in this post, The Kicker Blog will cover some of the fun trucks of the past–some that died a noble death and some that were put out of our misery.
The Raider?
When you start researching the Raider Pickup you quickly figure out that this is an example of car companies trying to leverage strategic deals for manufacturing and losing their identity in the process. Mitsubishi needed to fill a gap in their line up when they discontnued the “Mighty Max.” While intending to design and build their own truck in this popular size class, Mitsubishi hired DiamlerChrysler to build a version of their Dodge Dakota and rebadge it as the Mitsubishi Radier, so hey could start building a brand in the luctrative US truck market. They truck they would go on to create was sold as the Triton in Japan and the Strada in the US. Why didn’t Japan just import the Triton right away? Lindon Johnson slapped a 25% Tarrif on Imports called the Chicken Tax in 1961. As for the Raider, Chrysler made just under 3,000 units in 2005, which sold so poorly they made less than 300 units in the 1st half of 2006. Sometimes when you avoid the chicken tax you end up making a turkey.
Rapid
Of course you’ve heard of the Grabowsky Motor Company. No? We’ll it was founded by the Grabowsky brothers in Detriot, in 1900. They reformed in 1902 as Rapid Truck in Pontiac, Michigan, they began cranking out one ton trucks. Rapid would become the first Truck to conquer Pikes Peak in 1909 just as General Motors finished acquiring the company. The short burst of publicity cause GM to delay completely shutting down the name Rapid until 1911 when they finished building the truck branch into would quickly become known as GMC.
Reliance
Beginning around the same time as Rapid and also in Detroit, Reliance Motors became the other half of what GM would turn into GMC. Reliance made cars and trucks innitially, designed by EO Abbott and WK Ackerman, previously of Cadillac.
Jeep Honcho
Okay, officially the J-Series of Jeep trucks, the Honcho was basically a trim package in the mid to late 1970’s. It ended when AMC took over Jeep and had successors like the Jeep Comanche. You can argue that the package “look” jeep created is very dated, but you can’t argue that they failed as anyone who looked at a Jeep Honcho and the car jeep made those years, the Eagle, would easily tell you they were related.
Desoto & Fargo
Hayes and Glenn Fry and V.H. Van Sickle, L.M. Field, and H.J. Clark created Desoto Motor Company in 1912 as a subsidiery of the Zimmerman Manufacturing Company of 1886. They became a devision of the Chrysler Corp in 1928 and were discontinued in 1961. In that time they produced and sold more than 2 million cars and trucks.
The brand was named after the Spanish explorer believed to be the first European to cross the Mississippi River. For Chrysler, the model line fit their mid-level brand between Dodge and Plymouth. Since Dodge trucks were so popular Chrysler promoted Desoto Turcks to offer the market another price point. As time went on the Desoto Truck devision became something manufactured over seas for sale over seas, where there was market opportunities like Australia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom and of course Argentina. As Chrysler sunset the Desoto brand they divested themselves of their over seas efforts as well. Turkey was the last country to make Desoto Trucks in the early 1970’s
Chrysler sold trucks under the brands – Fargo, Desoto, Dodge, Graham, Plymouth and eventually Ram.
Fargo Motor Company was born in 1913 and ran independently until 1922 whenthe brand and factory went into moth balls. It was reborn 6 years later when Chrysler bought Fargo to have a truck devision. Chrysler soon bought Dodge, which had a much better known reputation and ironically kept producing Fargo trucks for several years–in name only. These rebadge Dodge Trucks were made in Chicago and sold well until 1930’s when Chrysler realized how many brand names they were selling trucks under.
By 1942, Fargo trucks ranged from light- to heavy-duty, in 68 variants on 12 wheelbase lengths. You’ll also find some commercial trucks, like fire trucks badged Fargo in countries like Canada and Russia. Basically the same time that Chrysler sold off their Desoto truckline to Askam of Turkey they sold their Fargo Line as well. Through a weird turn of events Dodge Ram Broke into Dodge cars and Ram trucks which lasted until Chrysler restructured after bankrupsy. That’s a story for it’s own post.
Kaiser
You might need to search under Kaiser Jeep for more information. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, Jeeps were developed for the US military and have been “made” by any number of companies over the years–not all of whom were US based. The story of the Kaiser is also due in part to a military need.
The US military of 1965 wanted a line of Militeraized COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) vehicles. The thinking was that the best way to be able to tool up for war would be to have existing industry be ready to make military versions of vehicles they were making for civilian use, as opposed to purpose-built military vehicles.
Of course this ignored the reality that companies love their fat government defence contract and quickly set about to make vehicles to military specs that “might or might not” also sell to civilian commercial buyers. The Kaiser was based on the Jeep Gladiator (SJ) and is often referred to as a five-quarter (5/4) ton vehicle as it can carry 1&1/4 ton payloads.
Known by the military as the M715, the Kaiser was bult to replace the purpose-built Dodge M37 just in time for the Vietnam War. The challenge was that it was underpowered and fragile, and generally inferior to the Dodge M37. The Kaiser guzzled oil and had a hard to maintain overhead cam that didn’t belong in war zones. The real issue was a front winch with a faulty drive shaft that would fail and take the steering with it. By 1976 the military went another direction, or should we say they returned to Dodge and bought the next version of the M37, called the M880, which to be fair was Dodges take on a COTS vehicle.
Kia still makes a version of the Kaiser under license from the US, for the South Korean Military. Tata is trying to do the same for the Indian Military. Mopar has floated some editions they call the Nukizer for rally racing but it’s not caught on yet. Why? Because they look cool. Let’s face it, Jeeps just look cool.
10 Cool Cars That Have Made History
History is full of cars that sponsored change in the industry, or reshaped the desires of what the public wanted in a car. Here’s a list of 9 such cars as voted by our staff. Why name this 10 cool cars? We reserved a slot for you. After you read what we picked out you’ll see what we were going for. Let us know if you dissagree with our picks and tell us what you think should be car number 10 on this list.
1. Ford Model T:
The first mass-produced car, commonly referred to as the “universal car,” the Ford Model T was the first mass-produced automobile in the world. It was produced from 1908 to 1927 and revolutionized transportation for millions of people around the globe. After its launch, it quickly gained popularity because of its affordability, ease of use and reliability.
Of course most of us associate the Model T with the Production Line, but we’re not focused so much on manufacturing techniques, etc. as we are the impact it had on cars from that day forward.
In this case, the model T was much more affordable than other vehicles of its time, which made it available to a wider range of potential car buyers. Its fuel efficiency was also far better than any other car on the market at that period. In many ways, it marked the beginning of an automotive revolution that continues to this day.
2. Volkswagen Beetle:
An iconic German car with a unique shape that has remained in production for over 70 years, the Volkswagen Beetle was a beloved car that found its place in American hearts. Produced from 1938 to 2003, it has become an iconic vehicle that is still fondly remembered by many today. Its rounded shape and small size made it perfect for maneuvering through tight city streets and parking spaces while also offering plenty of stylish flair.
It was also famously reliable, with many models lasting well beyond the 200,000 mile mark. Many people drove their Beetles across continents, making them a symbol of adventure and exploration for generations. Even today, the Volkswagen Beetle stands as an important figure in automotive history, one that will never be forgotten.
3. Chevrolet Corvette:
The Chevrolet Corvette is commonaly thought of as the first American made sports car, with many distinct features that set it apart from other cars. It is one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced. From its powerful V8 engine to its sleek body design, it quickly became a symbol of American muscle.
First released in 1953, it has been redesigned and updated throughout the years but still retains its classic style and performance capabilities. With classic features like power windows, air conditioning and modern technology such as touchscreen infotainment systems, the Corvette offers a luxurious ride for the driver.
On top of that, its speed and handling performance make it one of the most sought-after sports cars in existence. To this day, the Chevrolet Corvette remains a timeless classic that will continue to be revered by motor enthusiasts everywhere.
4. Porsche 911:
The classic design of this iconic German sports car has been popular since its introduction in 1963. The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that has come to represent true luxury and performance. Designed with an iconic silhouette and renowned for its powerful engine, the 911 is one of the most recognizable cars in the world. It is one of the most highly sought-after cars for its combination of style, speed, and precision handling. The 911 comes in a variety of models ranging from coupe to cabriolet, each one as beautiful and capable as the last. With so many customization options available, it’s easy to make your Porsche 911 look exactly how you want it. In short, the Porsche 911 is a timeless classic that offers both beauty and power in one incredible package.
5. Ford Mustang:
The first “Pony” car, and a major success for Ford after its introduction in 1964. The Ford Mustang has been an iconic car since its introduction in 1964. It was designed to be smaller, lighter, and more affordable than other muscle cars of the era. The design quickly caught on with both men and women alike, and it became a symbol of freedom and style. Even today, over five decades later, the Mustang’s influence is still seen in car designs.
It set the standard for affordable performance cars and has been credited with helping popularize the modern muscle car. Its aesthetic style, its long hood and short deck design, has become a classic look that is still seen on countless cars. The Mustang was also an early adopter of new technologies such as independent rear suspension, and its engine design has been copied by many other automakers. There’s no question that the Ford Mustang is one of the most influential cars ever created and continues to be an icon in the auto industry.
For more about Mustangs search our site for the category “Mustang Mondays.”
6. Lamborghini Countach:
This Italian supercar defined the “wedge shape” style of sports car and became an icon of the 1980s. (Some of our editors insist that the 80’s were the pinacle of style.)
The Lamborghini Countach is another iconic sports car that was first released in 1974. It quickly became known for its unique and aggressive styling, making it one of the most recognizable cars in the world. With its V12 engine and low-slung chassis, the Countach is capable of incredible performance on both city streets and off-road trails.
From classic features like ground-effects lighting to modern features such as all-wheel drive, it is easy to see why the Countach has become so beloved by car enthusiasts around the globe. On top of that, it also looks stunning from any angle, making it a true icon of Italian automotive design. Whether you’re a fan of classic or modern cars, the Lamborghini Countach is sure to be a hit with everyone who appreciates speed, style and luxury.
For more about the company that makes the Lambo you can search our AutoMakers series for Italian Car Makers. Part A & Part B.
7. BMW M3 E30 (E36):
The original fast sedan that blurred the line between a sports car and luxury sedan, the BMW M3 E30 (E36) is a legendary sports car that has come to define generations of racing enthusiasts. From its iconic silhouette to its powerful inline 6 engine, the M3 E30 (E36) offers a driving experience unlike any other.
It is also sought-after for its exceptional handling, making it an ideal track car for those who want ultimate performance on the racetrack. With the E36 model boasting more power than ever before and improved features like ABS, traction control and sport seats, there’s never been a better time to experience what makes the BMW M3 E30 (E36) so special. Whether you’re looking for a thrill ride or simply wanting to own a piece of automotive history, the BMW M3 E30 (E36) is sure to please even the most discerning enthusiast.
8. Honda NSX (Acura NSX):
This rvolutionary Japanese supercar, combine engineering excellence with beautiful styling. The Honda NSX (Acura NSX) is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. From its aerodynamic body to its powerful V6 engine and sophisticated all-wheel drive system, this car has set the standard for performance-focused sports cars for decades. Its lightweight construction and advanced suspension technology provide unparalleled levels of cornering grip and driver control, allowing you to take on any curve with confidence.
Like many Japanese cars, the NSX also enjoys extremely reliable build quality and Japanese-style reliability, making it a great choice for those looking for an exhilarating sports car experience that won’t let them down. Whether you’re looking to join the ranks of auto enthusiasts who revel in the NSX’s legendary performance or simply want a reliable vehicle that will last through the years, Honda’s original supercar is sure to amaze.
9. Tesla Roadster:
A modern electric vehicle with performance capabilities rivaling those of traditional gas-powered cars, the Tesla Roadster is a revolutionary electric supercar that has redefined the way we think about performance vehicles.
From its zero-emission powertrain to its cutting-edge battery technology and extreme acceleration, the Roadster offers a unique driving experience that can only be achieved with an all-electric car. Its lightweight design and enhanced aerodynamics make it one of the most responsive cars on the road, while features like Autopilot and Summon make it incredibly user friendly.
The Tesla Roadster also stands out with its luxurious interior, complete with handcrafted materials, a massive infotainment system, and state-of-the-art safety features. With unbeatable performance, exceptional luxury, and the convenience of zero emissions, the Tesla Roadster proves that electric cars can be more than just eco-friendly – they can be truly exciting.
10. ??? what will you pick ???
So there you have it, our well-argued over list of the most iconic, industry shaping cars, that could also be called, “cool.” It’s your turn to join the discussion. Reply to this post and let us know where we’re wrong or missed. What’s your pick to be in the number 10 slot?
Auto Maker Series: Mexico (10A) EU & US Brands
Blog Introduction: Mexico is home to some of the best car manufacturers in the world. From brands that have been around for generations to those that are just emerging, Mexican automakers have made a name for themselves in the automotive industry as a great place to build cars. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest and most successful carmakers in Mexico.
Volkswagen de Mexico
Established in 1964, Volkswagen de Mexico (VW) is one of the oldest and largest automobile manufacturers in Mexico. With its roots as part of the German automotive giant Volkswagen AG, VW has built a reputation for quality and reliability with its vehicles. Despite being based in Germany, VW produces many cars specifically for the Mexican market, including small hatchbacks and sedans. VW produces over 500 models each year and employs more than 10,000 people across their Mexican factories.
General Motors de Mexico
General Motors de Mexico (GMM) is another major player in the Mexican car industry. Founded in 1925, GMM has become one of the most successful automakers in Latin America. GMM manufactures a variety of vehicles from small cars to luxury SUVs, such as their popular Chevrolet Blazer model. In addition to manufacturing cars for sale within Mexico, GMM also exports its vehicles to countries all over the world.
Nissan Mexicana
Nissan Mexicana is one of Nissan Motor Company’s largest operations outside Japan. Established in 1961, Nissan Mexicana has become one of the top-selling automakers in Latin America with more than 500 models produced per year. Nissan Mexicana specializes in producing small vehicles like hatchbacks and sedans but they also produce luxury SUVs such as their popular Nissan X-Trail model. Nissan Mexicana employs thousands of Mexicans across their factories located throughout the country.
Conclusion:
Mexico is home to some of the biggest and most successful car makers in Latin America – Volkswagen de Mexico, General Motors de Mexico, and Nissan Mexicana – who have come together to produce some amazing cars that are exported all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a small hatchback or a luxury SUV, there’s something out there from these great Mexican automakers that will fit your needs perfectly! So, if you’re looking for an amazing ride from south of the border – these are your go-to brands!
Automakers Series: Sweden (9B) SAAB/Scania
We begin our journey of Swedish car makers with SAAB, even though they are now defunct, because to the American mind, SAAB is one of the two big car makers in Sweden (alongside Volvo which we already covered in Part 9A.) As you will soon see, the whole saga is quite the soap opera.
SAAB
A defunct car manufacturer that was founded in Sweden in 1945. The first production model, the Saab 92, was launched in 1949. In 1968 the parent company merged with Scania-Vabis, and ten years later the Saab 900 was launched, in time becoming Saab’s best-selling model. In the mid-1980s the new Saab 9000 model also appeared.
In 1989, the automotive part of SAAB Scania was spun off into a company called Saab Automobile AB, which GM soon bought half of. This era gave birth to two landmark models the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5. In year 2,000, GM bought the rest of SAAB Auto AB. In 2010 they flipped it to Dutch automobile manufacturer Spyker Cars N.V.
A year later the company struggled to remain solvent. They attempted to sell to a Chinese manufacturer, but GM blocked the deal, as they objected to the possibility of their technology going to China.
SAAB The Beginning
To understand a little of what happens next we must go back to the very beginning. SAAB started it’s life “Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget” (Swedish for “Swedish aeroplane corporation”), a Swedish Airplane Maker that would eventually become an aerospace and defence company. In 1937 however, the company formed expressly for the purpose of building aircraft for the Swedish Air Force to protect the country’s neutrality as Europe moved closer to World War II. (History buffs will tell you how that turned out.)
As the market for fighters began to peter out, the company began looking to diversify. Cars were a natural choice and part of the Trollhättan factory was converted to build Project 92. BTW SAAB 91 was a single engine trainer aircraft. They pragmatically moved right to the next project.
Side note: While the aircraft headquarters remained in Linköping the car division would eventually be run entirely out of Trollhättan.
The company made four prototypes named “Ursaab” or “original Saab”, numbered 92001 through to 92004, before designing the production model, the Saab 92, in 1949. 20,000 cars were sold through the mid-1950s. In 1955 the thoroughly redesigned and re-engineered SAAB 93 gained a third cylinder and what would become a trademark grill shape.
1960 brought another big makeover, the SAAB 96, which would be the first car widely exported. The car was both odd and popular, selling nearly 550,000. All these early models of SAAB featured the 3-cylinder 2-cycle engine, which required adding oil to the gas tank, and all were front-wheel drive. They also featured “freewheeling” a clutchless column shifter.
Finally in 1968, SAAB designed their SAAB 99 which was not only a complete break from their early models, it introduced most of the hallmark features which would be included in all subsequent models. Features like wraparound windscreen, self-repairing bumpers, headlamp washers and side-impact door beams.
SAAB did have a stint with Scania which will be detailed in the Scania Section below.
The End of SAAB
After many years establishing a sound engineering reputation and ultimately a luxury price tag, Saab failed to build its customer base beyond its niche following. June 2012, a newly formed company called National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) had bought Saab Automobile’s bankrupt estate. NEVS’ plan was to build only purely electric vehicles with an electric version of the current 9-3 model available in 2013/2014, as well as to continue development of the replacement to the 9–3, the PhoeniX. GM continued to refuse licensing of the technology in the Saab 9-5 and 9-4X, so these models would not be produced.
Full production restarted on December 2013. These were gas-powered 9-3 Aero sedans just like before the bankruptcy. The goal was to restart supply chain re-establish distribution while attempting to develop new, all Electric, NEVS-Saab products. NEVS lost its license to manufacture automobiles under the Saab name in the summer of 2014 (SAAB aerospace retained that authority). NEVS was able to create an EV version of the Saab 9-3, which will go into furthur below, but the name SAAB on cars appears to be gone forever.
NEVS
It won’t surprise you that the company headquarters is in Trollhättan, Sweden as the company formed to buy SAAB and create a line of EV’s on the 9-3 design. They were set to start manufacturing in 2017. To do that they formed a few strategic partnerships starting in 2015 with a collaboration agreement between them and the Chinese company Panda New Energy. They also signed a battery contract with Contemporary Amperex Technology in 2017.
There were some bumps along the way as in early 2019, NEVS acquired a 20% stake in Koenigsegg for €150 million, which Koenigsegg has since bought back. Also in 2019, Chinese Real Estate Conglomerate, Evergrande Group bought 51% of NEVs. (Technically through one of their subsidiaries which was no more connected to the auto industry either.) Evergrande expanded to full ownership in 2020 and decided to privatize, however, by 2021 Evergrande, the parent company, was in deep financial trouble. They began looking to sell off their car investment. When they do, the marque will likely change.
Scania AB
Maskinfabriks-aktiebolaget Scania (I know, gesundheit), was a Swedish bicycle manufacturer established in Malmö in 1900. The company rapidly expanded to manufacture other products like precision gears, vacuum cleaners, cars and trucks (and engines). They officially went defunct in 1911 when they merged with Vabis, to form Scania-Vabis.
We’d could just jump to Scania-Vabis except that the story of how Scania Manufacturing got into cars is interesting and really where our story begins.
British bicycle manufacturer Humber & Co started a Swedish subsidiary in Malmö in 1896, but moved their operations to Stockholm in 1900. Local entrepreneurs taking over the Malmö workshop and continued making bikes under the new name Scania, which was the term the romans gave to Skåne.
The Scania A1, their first car, was prototyped a year later and went into production in 1903. It was soon followed by their first line of trucks. By importing engines, gearboxes and other parts imported from France and Germany, the company made and sold their first 70 automobiles by 1908. At that point they began making their own engines.
The first export sale of a Scania truck was in 1910, to Saint Petersburg, Russia to be used as a cable repair truck for its tramway. A group of six factory reps drove 1.8 tonnes of cargo, 520-kilometres in three days (Malmö to Stockholm) which was the first long distance motorized cargo trip in Sweden. It’s considered a huge achievement.
The engines were the most successful part of the business for Scania, so they stopped making anything else, including bikes, and started looking for a coach builder to partner with. Enter Vabis.
Steel manufacturer Surahammars Bruk, opened Vabis (Vagnfabriks Aktiebolaget i Södertelge) in 1891, but his coachworks business was in bad shape by 1910. The companies merged to form Scania-Vabis (later Scania AB) Vabis was based in Södertälje and the Scania part of the business eventually migrated there (ironically out of Skåne.)
Scania-Vabis
Today Scania AB is a major Swedish manufacturer of commercial vehicles—specifically heavy lorries, trucks and buses as well as large diesel engines for marine and industrial use. They are a worldwide operation with production facilities in Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Thailand, China, India, Argentina, Brazil, Poland, Russia and Finland.
Scania has modern Scania is a subsidiary of Traton, part of the Volkswagen Group. But the early years were interesting.
Sweden had plenty of cheap import cars in the early 1910’s so Scania_Vabis decided to focus on luxury cars and sports cars. Their limos were pretty successful but profits were stagnating when WWI broke out and the company shifted to war vehicle production to supply the Swedish Army.
After the war, Scania decided to continue building trucks. Sadly, it put them in competition with all the surplus trucks from the war. By 1921 they were broke. An infusion of cash from by the Wallenberg family by way of one of their banks.
Scania-Vabis manufactured briefly in Denmark and Norway as well as Sweden, but WWII shifted them to military vehicles.
They expanded their target market in the 1950’s becoming agents for the Willys Jeep and the Volkswagen Beetle, even rivaling Volvo with their 1954 L71 Regent truck. By the end of the 1950s, their market-share in Sweden was between 40 and 50%, (70% in the heaviest truck sector). Exports accounted for around 10% of sales in 1950’s but they expanded that to 50% by 1960.
Part of their success was a Norway based company called Beers. After becoming the official importer of trucks for Scania-Vabis, Beers offered things like training programmed for both mechanics and drivers, free twice-yearly overhauls of their customers vehicles, and mobile service throughout the Netherlands with their custom-equipped service trucks. After Beers took this concept to 20% market share in Norway, Scania began rolling out similar programs at home and in other countries where they had dealerships.
The 60’s brought massive growth to the company beginning with a plant in Brazil. Aside from their early attempts to build in nearby Denmark and Norway, all vehicles were made at the original plant in Södertälje. The new plant in Brazil took two years, but was so successful at growing their sales, they built another in Zwolle, Netherlands, from which they could deal trucks more effectively into France and Germany. Expansion continued from there, not just new factories, but also by buying up companies that had once made parts for them and their competitors.
After a lawsuit from Mercedes forces a logo change in 1968, Scania rebranded and dropped Vabis from their name. They also gave new model designations to all vehicles produced afterward.
Saab-Scania (1969–1989)
In 1969, Saab AB merged with the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania-Vabis AB to form Saab-Scania AB, under the Wallenberg family umbrella.
The 99 range was expanded in 1973 with the addition of a combi-coupe model, a body style which became synonymous with Saab. The millionth Saab automobile was produced in 1976.
Saab entered into an agreement with Fiat in 1978 to sell a rebadged Lancia Delta as the Saab 600 and jointly develop a new platform. The agreement yielded 1985’s Saab 9000, sister to the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema; all rode atop a common Type Four chassis. The 9000 was Saab’s first proper luxury car but failed to achieve the planned sales volume.
1978 also was the first year for the 99’s replacement: the Saab 900. Nearly one million 900s would be produced, making it Saab’s best-selling and most iconic model. A popular convertible version followed in 1986, all of which were made at the Saab-Valmet factory in Finland, making up nearly 20% of 900 sales. Even today, the “classic 900” retains a cult following.
Scania Post SAAB
After the SAAB era, Scania survived two takeover attempts. One by Volvo in 1999, which would have created the second largest Heavy Truck manufacturer in the world. The second in 2006 when German truckmaker MAN AG launched a hostile offer. MAN AG later dropped its hostile offer, but managed to increase voting rights to 17% in 2008.
Volkswagen gained ownership of Scania by first buying Volvo’s stake in 2000. then bought out Investor AB in March 2008, raising its share to 70.94%. Apparently this time the EU didn’t step in to block the VW from a monopoly like they had Volvo, and by January 2015, Volkswagen controlled 100% of the shares in Scania AB.
Footnote: Shockingly this VW monopoly would be accused of price-fixing by 2017 and fined 880 million euros. One wonders if the fine was paid to the same entity that allowed the monopoly. To be fair the scandal also hit cartel partners Daimler, DAF, MAN, Iveco and Volvo/Renault.
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