GM to Re-Introduce The Legendary Z28 Camaro?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Camaros have always been a strong contender in the muscle car world. And nothing says Camaro power more than the legendary Z28!  When GM decided to release the COPO Camaro, many enthusiasts thought that the Z28 was to be forever put on the back shelf despite the years of talk that GM would be bringing the beast back. Once again, with some of GM's latest announcements...hope is in the air!

Chevy Camaro Z28 Concept
Photo Credit: motorauthority.com

We've noticed that the "new" Camaro is certainly making its mark ever since they were re-introduced in 2009. Just take a look at any drag strip around the country and you'll see a number of Camaros putting up good times. But the die-hard Camaro fans are wanting more, and certainly appear to be in favor of a Z-28 comeback! Guy and I are just loving the return to pure power in our cars.

There has been a lot of speculation over the years about whether the Z-28 will ever make a comeback, and the debate it has been out there for awhile. Just take a look at some of the Chevy Camaro forums out there. In 2010 you saw comments like:

• The minute this economy turns around and GM is back on track, the Z28 will be made for the next following production year. With money flowing again in the economy(if that will ever happen with the idiots in charge now)GM will get back to making cars like the Z! Hell, I bet we'll even see another bad-ass pickup like the SS 427.
• I think if they do the Z28, that they would wait for the Camaro 45 or 50 year Anniversary in 2012 or 2017. Did I just say 2017....god that sounds like we will never see that date, yet it is only 7 years away!
• They might make a z28, but I'd bet my brand new Camaro that they won't be, at least for this generation. GM stated that they want to keep the trend of "performance" trims for each of their cars... (E.G. Cobalt, Cobalt LT, Cobalt SS). So, this time around, the SS is going to be the Z28 of the generation, and the LT will be the SS. I guess you can call the LS the good ole stock "coupe".

And, last year 33 forum members responded to a GMInsideNews.com survey which asked the question: "Should GM create a Z/28 on the 5th gen or wait until the 6th gen?"  The results were pretty evenly mixed and probably reflect the uncertainty over rumors that have been flying for so many years and the desire to get what is available now.

• Waiting for the 6th gen would provide a more appropriate Z/28.     17   51.52%
• I'm not waiting 4 years, do what you can with the 5th gen.              15   45.45%
• Don't Know                                                                                    1     3.03%

I personally feel that most enthusiasts and Camaro fans would rather wait until GM "gets it right" and truly does justice to the Z/28's name and reputation.

Camaro Z28 Concept
Photo Credit: nextconceptcars.com

The big news is that General Motors has apparently filed a trademark application for the Z28 name, sparking rumors that the sixth generation Camaro will be a Z28. CamaroNewsBlog.com reports that, "The sixth-generation Camaro will be arriving in 2015, and will be built on all new Alpha platform designed specifically for it and the new Cadillac ATS. This new platform is meant to be a lighter, more nimble vehicle platform than its predecessor Zeta 1 that the current generation Camaro utilizes. 'This is a very successful car,' Oppenheiser said. 'In some ways it is actually going to be tougher' to create the new sixth-generation car. 'Do you make it look like a second-gen? ... do you make it look like the first gen?' What this means, thankfully, is that Chevrolet is taking this new Camaro design very seriously. It looks like the primary concern, in terms of technical production, is to lighten the vehicle. Of course, style is the ultimate thing that sells vehicles, but the Camaro crowd is performance minded and knows their stuff so it can't be the only thing."

Karl Stracke, General Motor's VP of Global Engineering, gave an interview to MotorTrend where he divulged that he Camaro Z28 would be a real thing. The article stated, "It seems that Karl Stracke is filling in the shoes of the old Bob Lutz and giving up GM's secrets to the media. Stracke's a pretty interesting character himself, as he drives a Corvette Grand Sport as his daily driver and rides a Harley, and is by no means afraid to speak his mind. He recently spoke out against the Cobalt, calling it "horrible" and questioning how it ever passed multiple departments and was considered a good idea. Well, Stracke also spoke his mind in a number of other ways recently. He claimed that the Camaro Z28, and Next-Gen Camaro as well, would be utilizing the new GM Alpha-Platform. Having his confirmation of the definitive nature of the Z28's future is definitely a good thing for all of us Camaro fans."



Most following the Z28 debate feel that if Chevrolet does bring back the Z28 as the new sixth generation power horse, it'll be in the middle of their power lineup somewhere between the SS-based Camaro 1LE and the "top-gun" ZL1. Right now General Motors doesn't have anything comparable to Ford's Boss 302 Mustang, and it is felt that the Z28 would do the job nicely. The ZL1 is geared to compete head to head against the Shelby GT500.



Camaro Z28 Concept
Photo Credit: motorauthority.com



Guy Algar states, "Rivalries like these are very beneficial to auto enthusiasts. Manufacturers all want to be top dog, and the competitiveness to earn that badge of honor ends up delivering quality performance vehicles that appeal to a large number of people who appreciate power. I hope that they do bring back the Z28. I had a couple of friends who had them back in the 1970's when we were all involved in drag racing, wrenching, and yeah, a bit of street racing. They're great cars. So far, I've been happy with the modern versions of the classic muscle cars. After decades of drought, GM, Ford and Mopar all have some great performance packages. I hope the trend continues."

Where did the Z28 get its start? Here's a brief overview of Camaro's history.

• The Z-28 model was introduced in December 1966. It was originally an option code for cars built to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series. Chevrolet created the Camaro in 1966 to be released to the public as a 1967 model. It shared many design features with the Chevy Nova due to release in 1968, and was offered in a base model, RS and SS versions. Buyers had a whopping six choices in engine configurations, and several transmission choices as well. The first generation of Camaros lasted for three years, through 1969.
• The second generation began with the 1970 model year, but was introduced much later than usual, going on sale in February of 1970. The redesigned second generation was said to have used a Ferrari-inspired design and offered a wide range of engine and performance choices that made it popular. Second generation Camaros utilized the same unibody structure, as well as its front subframe and A-arm front suspension. In 1974, Camaros underwent additional cosmetic changes and decreased engine choices. The Z/28 was cancelled from 1974 until 1977 when the Z/28 came back as a new model that concentrated on handling. The Camaro saw more cosmetic changes in 1978, and in 1981 the second generation ended.
• The third generation brought about many changes that included a new hatchback design. The new Camaro had modern fuel injection, 5-speed manual and 700R4 automatic transmission options, and utilized a four-cylinder base engine. They also introduced the ‘85 IROC-Z in 1985. This model came with a tuned port injection engine with four-speed automatic transmission. In 1987 the first convertible in two decades was offered. The 1LE road racing package was offered on the IROC-Z starting in 1988 and ran through 1990. The third generation ended in 1992.
• Fourth generation Camaros were completely redesigned using a new f-body, with either a V6 or with the same LT1 V8 engines used in the '92 Corvette. In 1998 the new LS1 engine was offered as standard in the Z28 and also in the SS. Performance of the Camaro was rather lackluster and in 2002 Camaro was taken off the Chevy lineup altogether.
• Fifth generation saw Chevrolet reintroduce Camaro in 2009 as a 2010 model year, available in base LT, LS and SS models. Many thought that the Z-28 would re-launch, but it has not materialized. The designers of the fifth generation models created a boxier car that held a true muscle car stance that made it instantly popular with enthusiasts. The fifth-generation Camaros are proving to be the most performance oriented cars since Camaro's first generation, bringing back models that were previously considered competition cars. The much anticipated ZL-1 debuted in 2012 as the most powerful factory Camaro ever, and with the 2013 model ZL-1 enthusiasts are drooling over the 2013 Camaro ZL-1 convertible that boasts 580-hp stock.

Did you watch our story on the Camaro video celebrating its 3 Million Facebook Fans? If you missed it, check it out!


REFERENCES / ARTICLE RESOURCES:
Camaro5.com - Camaro Forum
CamaroNewsBlog.com - The Latest Camaro News and Updates
CamaroZ28.com - Chevrolet COPO Camaro Goes from Concept to Production
Chevy High Performance - Camaro Z28 Concept
ConceptCars - From Concept to Production
GM Inside News (Forum) - 5th Gen vs 6th Gen Z/28 Poll (read all comments)
MotorAuthority.com - General Motors Trademarks Legendary Z-28 Moniker
MotorCrave.com - Camaro Z28 Confirmed
Road and Track - 2012 Camaro Z28
Wikipedia - Chevrolet Camaro

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
CamaroZ28.com - The Ultimate Source for ALL Camaro News, Info and Community
Chevrolet - 2013 Chevy Camaro / Performance Cars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Sneak Peak at New C7 Corvette?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There has been a lot of talk about what will be in store for Corvette enthusiasts as Chevrolet plans for the upcoming model change.  Yes, 2014 will mark a change to the seventh generation of Corvette, with a model they're apparently calling the C7.

Photo by: corvetteonline.com

But just what the changes are remains a mystery, and there are many stories out there. This one caught my eye, but it is real or is it photo shopped?

The article, which appeared on corvetteonline.com hints that the new C7 may indeed take some design influence from the very successful Chevy Camaro.  Time will tell.

What are your thoughts?

What would you like to see?

REFERENCE:
Corvette Online - Is This The Back End Of The C7 Corvette?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Classic car and muscle car thefts certainly appear to be on the rise, as quick as I can report on one, another goes missing. It's a real tragedy that, to an enthusiast, is much worse than having your modern daily driver stolen. A piece of history, a symbol of our youth, a life-long dream, a measure of acomplishment, whatever our reason for owning an old car or truck, we're deeply affected when we experience a loss.


Actual Sign!

"Boludo" =
Argentinian
slang for a--hole,
moron, jack---



For those of us who labored over the expense and time invested in a restoration, it is agonizing. The thought of our cherished ride ending up in some chop shop where they have no care or appreciation of the vehicle's sentimental value...only of the cash they can get for the parts.

We all know that it's a risk when we take our prized cars out into public places. There's no doubt of that. But, what many owners fail to see, or take action on, are the very real risks we take right in our own driveways and garages!

Effectively protecting your classic is a complicated array of choices, costs, and trying to keep at least one step ahead of the thieves. Last week we looked at the basic list of preventive steps. Today, we'll focus on an often overlooked prevention - knowing your enemy!

Know Who Your Friends Are

Professional car thieves can identify their victims quickly. For us, it's much harder to know who our enemy is. Thieves don't wear a neon sign that points them out. It can be a complete stranger you've never even seen, someone who has been watching you or watching your car, someone you've bumped into at a swap meet, talked to briefly at a party, someone you work with, a friend of a friend, or even an actual acquaintance, a relative or even someone you consider a "friend"!  Here are some potential "types" to look out for.

The Thief in Sheep's Clothing

Think back to car shows you've attended. Many people milling all around, with open access to dozens if not hundreds of classic cars, muscle cars, antique cars, vintage trucks, street rods, hot rods, old race cars, and often project cars offered up for sale. Here, an ounce of prevention is common-sense, but can be overlooked when we're supposed to be having fun with a lot of other like-minded enthusiasts.

This type of thief may actually engage you in conversation about your car, pulling useful information from you without you even giving it a thought. Most of us are eager to share our stories, and sometimes the stories contain information that can actually aid the thief in the theft of your car.

Actions to take:

• Don't reveal information about you
• Don't give strangers too many details on your car
• Never mention where you park your car
• Keep your stories general
• Never talk about or show your security strategies

The By-Chance Thief

Here, an opportunistic thief just takes advantage of a good situation. Depending on his/her experience and/or the degree of desperation they may have in making a "score", the opportunity may be viewed as "safe" or extremely "risky". We've all seen an episode or two of "bait car", where authorities intentionally leave a bait car running or leave it unlocked with the keys in the ignition, usually always in an area known for car thefts. While entertaining, we don't see ourselves vulnerable to this type of attack because we certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to do that! But, you don't need to leave the keys in the car for the opportunistic thief to strike.

Imagine you've pulled into the local hot spot on a Friday night where all the classic car buffs get together for a burger and car talk. You're standing around right near your car so you feel you've got an eye on things. But, you're accustomed to people walking about peeking into the car to see the great interior and all your fancy dashboard gadgets, so you don't pay any particular attention to the man who circles around back, quickly reaches into the open trunk, and makes off with your expensive concealed-in-the-trunk stereo. Things can happen in a flash. While it might be appealing to pop the hood and the trunk, roll down the windows and maybe even leave the door ajar for a better view, it's not always the safest thing to do. An opportunistic thief who is bold may even go so far as to jump into an unattended car and simply drive it off. With all the action at events where large numbers of people congregate, it's perfect cover.

Actions to take:

• Never leave keys in the vehicle - with or without the engine running
• Keep your windows up and doors locked whenever possible
• Don't leave easy-to-grab items in plain sight
• Keep your eyes on your car
• Stay next to your car unless it is fully secured
• Use motion detection alarms and/or cameras
• Make sure your multi-layer security system is always activated

The Bold 'n Brazen

Most professional thieves are not careless and they're not apt to do things that would draw attention to themselves. They've got too much experience to make senseless mistakes. But, when the thief is desperate for cash, a drug addict, gambler or in some type of trouble, they're apt to act very irrationally and do things that would be seen as extremely bold. I would consider carjackers in this category of thief. These thieves can be very dangerous because they can be unpredictable and act irrationally with no regard to your personal safety.

Actions to take:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid situations where you can become trapped
• Think ahead how you would handle an unexpected event
• Keep your cell phone handy with one touch dial to 911
• Brush up on self defense

The Stalker

We've all been guilty of doing this one. You go to the local movie theatre, beach, football field, outdoor concert, raceway or gun show. You don't want to leave any valuables in plain sight in your passenger compartment, so you move all your stuff to the trunk - locked safely out of view from prying eyes. You feel safe and continue about your event.

The stalker is someone who purposely waits in areas where people congregate for such events. They know that the event will run from 3-6pm. People generally start arriving a half hour to hour beforehand, and continue for another half hour or so for the stragglers who always arrive late. But, they've been watching. They look for people who have moved contents to their trunk, sending a loud signal that this is something valuable. They look for those who stuff things under the seat and other areas in the car. Once most everyone has arrived, and after having made note of the parking lot/security personnel routines, they're set to take action. They know exactly what cars to hit.

Actions to take:

• Don't move valuables after you've arrived
• Stow things before arriving if you didn't plan ahead
• Best - don't take any valuables with you

The Friend or Acquaintance

This is the one we never want to find. It may not devious at all. It may be that a friend has unintentionally brought awareness of your car to the wrong person, perhaps mentioning this "unbelievable car" that a friend has. It could be a co-worker that has heard us talking about the car show we took our car to, or the bank teller who has seen you at the drive-thru on a few occasions and mentioned it to her boyfriend. Bottom line is that the wrong person takes a fancy to our ride. The more rare or valuable the car, or the components on your car, the more you're likely to draw the wrong attention.

Face it, more people know about your car than you'd probably ever feel comfortable about. And, most often the information about the car, and you, is given freely because we all like to talk about our rides. We have a lot invested in the car, and we love it when someone takes interest. So, before you go bragging (not that we ever would do that) to a group of guys about all the bells and whistles you've put into her - you know, the 15 grand you sunk into the new engine, the custom concealed stereo system, the (drop whatever name you'd care to) performance upgrade, the fancy new security system, just know that in the heads of the wrong person, this information can mean a big loss to you.

Action to take:

• Be careful not to reveal information that is too personal (where you live, etc)
• Don't reveal your schedule or routines you always follow
• Never discuss your security system (even if worth bragging about)
• Always have your multi-layer security activated

We don't want you to get paranoid over your car. Everyone should be able to take their car out and enjoy themselves. After all, this is part of why we get into our cars in the first place. We enjoy the car talk, the stories, the community and the camaraderie. The best advice is to be aware of your surroundings, who you meet and what you talk to them about if you don't know them well. Take common sense preventive steps that will at least improve your chances of keeping your ride safe.

Keep Our Rides Safe, our weekly series, continues next Wednesday with the article How & Where You Store/Park/Garage Your Car.

REFERENCES:
About.com - Collector Car Theft Deterrents
Edmunds - Confessions of a Car Thief
Photo Credit:  Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
The Car Connection - Four Things Car Thieves Love To See
Wall Street Journal - Unlocking the Secrets of a Car Thief

RESOURCES:
Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture
Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car
No Nonsense Self Defense - Car Theft Prevention
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

New A/C Refrigerant Means Changes To Certification Test For Mechanics

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

A major announcement was made to certified technicians last week that ASE's testing on Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling will be modified due to upcoming changes in refrigerants that we use in A/C cooling systems.  This is the first substantial change to be made in two decades, and it will affect every shop in some fashion.


Automotive A/C System Diagram
Photo Credit: autotechsform.com

 ASE testing is administered to mechanics and technicians who are certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. ASE's testing is designed to have technicians demonstrate that they are properly trained and knowledgeable in various types of automotive service and repairs. Technicians typically certify themselves only in the area of specialty they have. The new regulations and test changes may not affect every ASE certified technician. A mechanic who works in a transmission shop may have ASE certification in transmissions, so A/C tests may not apply to them. There are rarely changes to the tests themselves unless there are major changes are made within the automotive industry, so when changes are made, it's news!

As you may remember, R-134a refrigerant replaced R-12 almost 20 years ago. The change was made in response to claims that R-12 was depleting our ozone, and a safer alternative was sought. A new refrigerant called HFO-1234yf (boy that's a mouthful) is making its debut this year in some new automobile models. Although it will be slow to fully integrate, the changes will most certainly be felt soon.

The reason? In order to comply with the EPA, dealerships and repair shops will need to comply with new regulations which will be released later this year. ASE is on-board with the program, and will be changing their tests to include questions on the new HFO-1234yf refrigerant. The Cadillac XTS is reportedly the first U.S. car that will come with factory installed HFO-1234yf system. Other makes and models will follow with the new refrigerant.

Why is the change being mandated? Simply put, because of the environmental initiatives which have become focused on global warming. Gases are all now categorized, being rated according to how they are believed to affect climate change. This rating is called the GWP, or Global Warming Potential. The lower the level, the less it is to affect climate change and thus global warming. R-134a has a GWP of 1300 and is considered too high. I don't even know what the rating on R-12 was, but I imagine it may have been even higher. The new HFO-1234yf is seen as desirable because it has a GWP of only 4.

Apparently there were other alternatives which European automakers came up with, one called R-744 achieving a GWP of 1, but their system relied on CO2 and needed operating pressures that were considered too high to integrate without having to use specialized components and requiring anyone handling the system to have specialized training. It is uncertain just how far regulations and guidelines will push change for older vehicles, or whether they will be grandfathered in as they've done in previous transitions.

Facts About The New HFO-1234yf System

The new HFO-1234yf system has unique service fittings, as well as different performance requirements. A dedicated refrigerant recovery and recycling machine will be needed for the new refrigerant. And, because the new recovery procedures, the machine will not be allowed to recover refrigerant until it first checks the purity. If the refrigerant does not pass the purity test, special recovery-only equipment must be used to evacuate the system until the refrigerant can be disposed of, again with new regulations on that. In addition to the new recovery-recycling machine, the new special recovery-only equipment, and equipment for the storage of non-pure refrigerant, new leak detectors and refrigerant identifiers will also be required. This will be a big cost for shops, regardless of their size, and will most likely increase the cost of A/C charging and A/C repairs dramatically. Unlike previous changes, it will be illegal to retrofit F-134a systems to the new HFO-1234yf system, and ASE literature warns, "the two refrigerants should never be mixed, no matter the scenario."

So, HFO-1234yf has won the hearts of those worried about global warming, and it is slated to have all the new regulations and guidelines for it by the end of 2012. In the meantime, ASE tests are being modified so that they will be in compliance with the new system requirements. Visit the ASE website for additional information on requirements for ASE Refrigerant Recovery Program, which is designed to meet the EPA's 609 Program, and the A-7 Heating & Air Conditioning tests.

RESOURCE:
ASE - Refrigerant Recovery Program
ASE - Auto & Light Truck Certification

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Carlisle Loses Lost Briggs Cunningham Corvette to Courts!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

An interesting twist to a story I have been following on a noteworthy collector Corvette. It was announced a short time ago that a Corvette with quite a history was to appear at the Corvettes at Carlisle events this month. What no one anticipated was that a controversy would develop that was so big it would lead to court!

The "Lost Cunningham Corvette" is one of those stories steeped in mystery, intrigue and rumor. For more than three decades one of three famous Corvettes which competed in the 24 hours of Le Mans over 50 years ago has remained missing. Then suddenly, with the Carlisle events gearing up in Pennsylvania, it was announced that the famous car would be in attendance!

The story starts in 1960 when three Corvettes were built to race at Le Mans by Briggs Cunningham, co-founder of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Cummingham was also a manufacturer and avid racer of cars and yachts. Cummingham personally drove the #1 car at Le Mans, along with his co-driver, William Kimberly. The car crashed before the end of the race and following the race "went missing". The #2 and #3 cars whereabouts were always kept track of, but the prized trio was always thought impossible to reunite.



#1 Cummingham Corvette (left) with #3 (right)
Photo Courtesy: motorauthority.com

 Up until recently when it was announced that the #1 Corvette had been picked up in 1972 by a man at a Florida junkyard sale. It is said to have been sitting in storage in St. Pete where it was found by Richard Carr, the man's son. Carlisle Events co-owner, Lance Miller, unveiled  the car, along with the history as he knew it. It certainly created quite the buzz in the Corvette world.

But, as most mysteries do, there was more to the story than first met the eye. After a brief showing, the car was taken away to an "undisclosed location" and further viewings were cancelled. News that ownership of the car was in question emerged, with details from Carlisle that the Corvette had been sold by Pamela Carr to Lance Miller, and that Miller then sold it to Kevin Mackay. A second owner had come forward. A man named Dan Mathis produced a Florida title for the car, claiming that the car had been stolen from his father back in the 1970's. Initial reports are that no police report was ever filed, and that the alleged title was not issued until August of this year!

It has been reported that each party has filed suit against the other, and that what was to be an incredible find of great importance to the Corvette "society" is now swirling in controversy. The case will be heard on September 26, 2012 before the U.S. District Court.

REFERENCE / ARTICLE RESOURCES:
Autoweek - Cunningham Corvette Battle Heads To Courts
examiner.com - Long Lost Briggs Cunningham Corvette Finally Sees The Light Of Day
motorauthority.com - The Battle For The 'Lost' Cunningham Corvette Heads To Court
New York Times - Long-Lost Le Mans Corvette, Found at Last?
Washington Post - Long-Lost Briggs Cunningham Corvette On Show At Carlisle

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carlisle Events - Carlisle Events website
SCAA - Sports Car Club of America website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Camaro Celebrates 3 Million Facebook Fans

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Yes, it's no surprise that Camaro's popularity is still running strong after 45 years. It's always been such a popular muscle car, and when Camaro's Facebook page reached 3 million fans, they decided to celebrate with a video recapping the history.

The timing of the release is, once again, ironic. Just as I wrapped up writing of my article on the Z28 Camaro which will run next week, I get this video in my inbox this morning at 5am! I thought it would be a nice companion piece, and perhaps wet your appetite for the Z28! (Shameless I know.)

Camaro's YouTube video:




There is no doubt at all that the Chevy Camaro has made an impact our lives. Most of us have either known someone with a Camaro, have owned one ourselves, or have always wanted one! Even die-hard Mopar and Ford fans probably grudgingly admire Camaro for the cars they've produced over the years. For most, there's at least one model in the lineup which we've admired and lusted after. The Camaro is a staple at car shows, races, car clubs and to those who simply enjoy the pleasures of owning and driving one.

It's a piece of American history that miraculously survived the ages, actually making a comeback after having had production stopped in  2002, only to be resurrected in 2010 with such fanfare that I'm sure General Motors was wondering why they succumbed to the pressures eight years before.

Camaro Timeline:

1st Generation - 1967 to 1970

2nd Generation - 1970-1/2 to 1981

3rd Generation - 1982 to 1992

4th Generation - 1993 to 2002

5th Generation - 2010 to Present

It appears that Chevrolet is aware of the tremendous support and loyalty they've earned from fans over the years. Reaching the milestone of 3 million fans on Facebook, they've put together a nice little video entitled, "Camaro's Greatest Hits," featuring not only significant Camaro events, but events in the lives of some of their fans.

I personally would have preferred the video to be a little longer, and to include a few more fan stories. I'm sure there are countless others that would be equally, if not more, entertaining and interesting. I can think of many great Camaro's that friends have had over the years, and their stories with their cars. I like a lot of cars. Some are Ford, most are Mopar or Chevy.  Lots of different makes and models stand out for me. Of the Camaros, I personally like the 1st and 2nd generation best, and I'm a big fan of the 5th generation as well. And yes, like so many other fans, my all-time favorite "old-time" Camaro is the 1969. I'm really hoping the 6th does what a lot of us want. Time will tell. In the meantime, doing stories like this make me smile!

Watch it yourself and see tell me what you think.

INTERESTING READS:
Chevy-Camaro.com - Decoding, Codes and More
Edmunds - Camaro History
GM Heritage Center - History of a Sports Car: The Chevrolet Camaro
Popular Hot Rodding - Chevy Camaro Fifth-Generation Concept Car
Top Speed - 1968-2001 Chevrolet Camaro History
Ultimate Performance Car - Camaro Facts (visit their other pages as well)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Classic Car Repairs: Using The Right Tools and Equipment

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Using the proper tools and equipment for a repair, fabrication, or modification on your classic car or muscle car is essential. However, it's an area that many do-it-yourselfers take shortcuts on because the proper tools and equipment can be outrageously expensive!

Because Guy Algar and I own a classic car repair shop, we use tools and equipment on a daily basis, and know the importance having and using the right tools.  We rely on these like we rely on our own hands, and have invested a lot of time and money into obtaining the equipment and tools we need and use each and every day. We see the value in these investments because it is our business. But how important are these tools to those that have a project car or project truck that they want to work on themselves?

Photo:
Fastenal

Not only will the right tools save you time, they help prevent damage to your precious vehicle, especially your stock parts and pieces. It disheartens Guy and I to see how often we get projects that someone else has worked on and see the hack jobs that have been done because the wrong tools were used, or were used incorrectly. Many tools and pieces of equipment are made to perform very specific functions, ensuring that that particular portion of the job is done correctly and safely.

Because purchasing these tools is expensive, we know it prevents many do-it-yourselfers from using the right equipment. Most homeowners do not get visits from their local Snap-On truck like our shop many others, and not everyone can afford the top quality mechanics tools they sell. However, a household tool kit is simply not designed to accomplish the job, and if you do attempt this, you'll soon be in over your head. Many resort to taking the wrong steps or using the wrong tools when they're in this predicament. This often results in poor results, damage to parts, and even getting hurt yourself.

While some tools can be rented from auto supply stores such as Advance Auto, O'Reilly Auto Parts or AutoZone, it is important that you receive instruction on the proper use of them. Not all tools are available, and undoubtedly, if you intend to do classic car repairs or classic car restoration work yourself, you will need to make a substantial investment in tools and equipment that is designed especially for the type of work you're planning.

Local stores such as Northern Tools, Fastenal, Sears, NAPA and others will have the basics of what you may need for mechanical repairs. If you're looking to do body restoration work, you'll need to look at Internet sites like Eastwood and others that sell quality tools and equipment that are specific to auto body work. Blast cabinets, welding equipment, drill presses, chop saws as well as specialty tools like pullers, etc. will quickly eat through your restoration budget, and you will need to consider these costs carefully when planning your project.

Shop Equipment is even more costly. Items such as lifts, blast cabinets, parts washers, compressors, grinders, drill presses, pipe benders, metal fabrication equipment, A/C equipment, welding equipment and so much more are available to make life easier, but for investing in quality equipment is costly. Here you have to take a hard look at how often you are apt to use this type of equipment, and how much your budget can afford. Some at-home gearheads like having a complete shop with all the bells and whistles and consider it their alternative to a sports fanatics "man cave". We can understand this!

Since we mentioned quality, it's important to note that all tools are not created the same! You've probably experienced the frustration from working with cheap tools. Not only will they give you a short-life, but they really don't perform as well as quality equipment. In our opinion, it's not wise to cheap out on your tools and equipment, especially if you plan on using them frequently. No, your average do-it-yourselfer doesn't necessarily need to spend top dollar for Snap-On tools and equipment, even though there is a certain prestige associated with the name. If you want bragging rights and have the money, go for it, but there are other quality tools that'll do the job nicely as well.

Our advice:  Do not attempt a classic car repair or restoration project without the proper tools and equipment. It could end up costing you both time and money.

RESOURCES:
Amazon.com - Auto Repair Tools - Assorted Brands
Eastwood - Air Tools, Body Tools and more
Fastenal - Automotive Specialty Tools
J.C. Whitney - Automotive Repair Tools
NAPA - Tools & Equipment On-line Catalogue
Northern Tool - Auto Repair Tools
Sears - Craftsman Auto Repair Tools
Snap-On Tools - http://www.snapon.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Preventing Classic Car Theft: The Big Picture

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

With classic car and muscle car thefts on the rise, car theft protection is more in demand than ever before. We all know that it's a risk when we take our prized cars out into public places, and it can even be risky parking in our own driveways and garages! But, many classic car owners are confused over the array of systems out there. Many do not want to do anything to diminish the value of an "all original" vehicle. So, what can you do?

You've probably read the stories on recent thefts. We had reported on a ProStreet Camaro stolen at a hotel near the car show the owner was attending for the weekend, and a fully restored 1954 GMC Pickup truck stolen right out of the owner's driveway. We also reported on a local car jacking. And, just as I was putting the final touches on this article, new a stolen car alert came out of Fort Worth where a 1937 Buick went missing from a gated townhouse community, and news of Dr. Phil's '55 Chevy Belair convertible being stolen from the shop he had taken it to for repairs! Owners have good reason to be concerned.

You may have already read or heard that Guy Algar and I, through Classic Car News, have launched a new series "Keeping Our Rides Safe". Each week we look at a different ways you can keep your classic car or muscle car out of the hands of would-be thieves! This is the first in the series, and will begin with an overview, an we'll take a closer look at each in more detail each week.

The very best protection is to stay ahead of the curve and put a multi-layer security system in place. By having more anti-theft measures in your arsenal, you make it "not worth the effort". And, you want to use these protection methods all the time - whether you are at home or on the road. With this in mind, we want to create a system that contains items from each of these categories of theft prevention and theft protection:

Know Who Your Friends Are

I can't wait for this article! Many of you would be surprised to learn that many theft victims have actually bumped into the person who stole their car!

How & Where You Store/Park/Garage Your Car

Some owners have their own garage where they feel safe. Others park in a driveway, while still others must park on-street, or even at a storage facility. We'll look at the safety of each, and steps you can take to maximize its safety.

At-Home Theft Prevention

In addition to home alarm systems if you're lucky enough to have a garage, these steps will include many common-sense but easily overlooked practices that you'll want to get into the habit of doing every day.

On-the-road Theft Prevention

Classic cars, hot rods, street rods and muscle cars are especially vulnerable when on the road. Because they're collectibles that others view as valuable, you're at risk of having parts, trim pieces or the entire car stolen in a flash.

Insurance Protection

Make sure that you have adequate insurance for your ride. We've reported in the past on all the benefits of having classic car insurance, and some of the typical options. We'll go into more detail in a future article.

Do-it-Yourself Theft Deterrents

This is a great category because it tends to include a lot of things you can do yourself at no cost or very low cost. It includes battery disconnect and so much more.

Alarms

Audio alarms, visual alarms, dispatch alarms, pager alarms and more will be discussed, along with lists and links of products.

Locks

Hood locks are just the start. Steering wheels, brake pedals, wheel locks and more offer protections that can slow a thief down. But what are the best? We'll take a close look and provide resources.

Car Theft Systems

There are many types of systems out there that are much more sophisticated than simple alarms that can be deactivated by ripping out a wire. Manufacturers are making it difficult, and we've got tips from some experts in having them installed the right way!

Cameras / Video

Hidden cameras can activate a paging device, provide a live feed, and/or record theft for use by police. Many are so small they're virtually undetectable. We'll look at a wide range that are available.

Tracking & Recovery Systems

GPS Tracking devices are offered by companies such as LoJack, OnStar, and others, and newer options include very sophisticated recovery system options.

As you can see, there is a lot to cover. Guy and I hope you check back each Wednesday for an article that will cover each of these topics and more. Our hope is to provide you with accurate, timely information that will help in Keeping Our Rides Safe.

If you have a story you'd like to share on a theft you've experienced, please take a moment to comment.

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Motorheads Do Exist Outside the United States

And their events are just as dangerous as ours!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Yes, there are countries outside the U.S. that take their motor sports as seriously as we do. Although sometimes different than the way we show appreciation for our automobiles, it is entertaining and even enlightening to take a look at how other cultures treat their auto obsessions.

Countries from just about every continent participate in motor sports very much like ours. In addition to car shows, fairs, auctions, museums and other automobile events around the world, most all are involved in racing. Formula One, stock car and drag racing are all popular in different countries, and while they may have their own variations such as road racing, it's not without the same type of challenges and perils, including injuries, we see here in America.



Brighton National Speed Trials
in the United Kingdom



Oldest Continuous Running
Event first run  in 1905



The Brighton National Speed Trials made news this earlier this month when a man and woman racing in a motorcycle with sidecar crashed.

Sadly, the 38 year old woman died. The driver, a 63 year man, was badly injured with a head injury. Remarkably, no other vehicles were involved and no one else was hurt.

The Brighton National Speed Trials in the United Kingdom is the oldest continuous running event for cars and motorcycles, and the event attracts men and women from all over the world in competition and as spectators. The tradition officially began in 1905 even though the event was first suggested in 1902. After just two events, a ban on racing on public roadways was made, and it disrupted the race until a new club called the Brighton and Hove Motor Club discovered that Madeira Drive, where the race was run, was not a public road. When the race was able to run again in 1932 it attracted a huge crowd of more than 100,000 spectators. Speeds reached 120 MPH over a half mile course. Since 1932, the Brighton National Speed Trials have run every year except during WWII, with more types of cars and even motorcycles being added to the racing lineup. It is now considered a national event.

Injuries have been spread throughout the racing world in 2012.

In F1 Racing this July, a Spanish test driver was left with what was described as life-threatening head injuries after a freak crash with a lorry. She was driving at low speed in the pit area when the collision happened, after just completing a lap of 200 mph speeds.

Earlier this year in Dublin, Ireland, a race car went out of control during a stage rally race, crashing into a crowd and killing two people. Seven others were seriously injured. Stage rallying is the most popular form of road racing in Ireland. Competitions are spread throughout the year with racers taking turns on the same course. Spectators sit or stand roadside, which make it a danger when things go wrong.

Two South African racers died in separate crashes in events early in 2012. A multi-champ driver Curt Alchin was killed at the Victoria Raceway. Motorcycle driver Wim Pretorius died at an unrelated event at Zwartkops Raceway on the same day.

And, UK newspaper The Sun reported on an accident at Le Mans this year, "Anthony Davidson broke his back in a 200mph horror smash at Le Mans and admitted: 'It felt like I was in an aeroplane out of control.' The Brit was challenging for the lead in the famous 24-hour endurance race when he clipped another car, flew into the air and smashed down into a tyre barrier." This year's race is now aptly dubbed, "Le Crunch."

REFERENCES:
BBC News - Brighton Speed Trials Crash: Woman Killed Named
BBC News - Woman Killed During Brighton Speed Trials
HuffPost World - Cavan Stages Rally Crash: Ireland car crash kills 2, wounds 7 in race crowd
SuperSport - Two SA racers dead in crashes
The Independent - F1 driver's life-threatening injuries after freak crash
The Sun (UK) - Anthony Davidson relives terrifying 200mph Le Mans smash
VisitBrighton.com - National Speed Trials

RESOURCES (A partial list around the world):
AFOS - Asian Festival of Speed
Brighton & Hove Motor Club - United Kingdom's motorheads
Asia Motorsports - Racing in China (site is in Chinese)
Asia Racing Team - Asian Formula & GT racing
CAMS - Confederation of Australian Motor Sport
Classic Car Tours International - European Touring Holidays
Essential Africa - A Directory of African Motorsports & Motor Sport Organizations
MotorSport South Africa - Official site of all motorsports in South Africa
MSport UK - Motorsport News from the UK
NAMSC - North Australian Motor Sports Club
RT - Russian Racing
The Racing Line - Motor Racing Circuits: Databases of Races Around The World

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

All-Electric Two Wheel Transport Is Untippable!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Every now and then, a piece of news that isn't really geared to classic cars or muscle cars comes to my attention and I'm compelled to share it. This is one of them. I have to admit the story caught my eye, even though it sounds more motorcycle related than car. But, it is interesting!


C-1 Untippable Electric Two-Wheel Vehicle by Lit Motors



 This new concept vehicle is an all-electric, fully enclosed two-wheel vehicle that is said to never tip over!



The C-1 is equipped with gyroscopic stabilization (remember playing with a gyroscope as a kid?), a technology which prevents the vehicle from tipping onto its side, even when drivers purposefully attempted to. Lit Motors, the company who designed the C-1, is based in San Francisco, California. They've created proprietary technology that they feel will appeal to the "cool", price-conscious crowd. It even has appeal to the green-conscious drivers because of it's all-electric power.

SDS Electric Motorcycle
Photo Coutesy: GizMag

Students at the College of Engineering at San Jose State University have begun work on what they call a Spherical Drive System (SDS) electric motorcycle, which instead of rolling on traditional tires, rolls on balls which are designed to keep it upright.

But, as you can see (photo at right), the look is quite different.

Danny Kim, Founder and President of Lit Motors, states that the small vehicle will, "ease traffic congestion, decrease fuel use, reduce CO2 emissions, create 2,000 to 10,000 green jobs, and allow people to get around quickly and efficiently." He envisions the C-1 as the "future of personal transportation." The vehicle is designed to hold up to two adults and may be an ideal alternative to cars in densely populated areas where driving and parking traditional vehicles is difficult.

Obviously, the vehicle has more appeal as an inner city vehicle because of its size, maneuverability and the fact that it will only handle up to 200 miles per charge. It is, however, still impressive in the fact that the top speed is 100-125 mph (with a time of 0-60 in 6 seconds), and the fact that it comes with an array of luxury items including A/C, power windows, air bags and more!

A project like this will definitely need consumer approval, and its success will rely heavily on the demand from drivers willing to pay the rather big initial price tag which is estimated to be anywhere from $16,000 to $24,000 when it becomes available to the public in 2014. Lit expects that the price will drop to as low as $13,000 by the year 2018 if the C-1 catches on.

While the C-1 has moved on from a paper dream to having an actual in-use prototype, it is still in the development/refining stage. As Lit Motors gets closer to the anticipated 2014 launch, I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the C-1. I think it will have a big appeal to everyone looking to reduce costs of transportation (gasoline expenses), and those who are fearful of traditional motorcycles because of the perceived risk of falling (i.e. tipping over). Since the C-1 addresses both of these issues, the only other obstacle would seem to be the price.



No, this isn't a "hot rod" by any stretch, but it is interesting that Lit has found a way to combine the efficiencies of a motorcycle, with the luxuries of a car, and the fact that this thing is untippable is just cool! What do you think?

RESOURCES:
Lit Motors - http://litmotors.com/home/
Lit Motors on Facebook
CNet TV - Lit Motors thinks we're just driving around too much (VIDEO)
GizMag - Lit Motors unveils functioning prototype of its C-1 self-balancing electric motorcycle
GizMag - Students designing an omnidirectional sphere-wheeled electric motorcycle
NY Daily News - The untippable motorcycle with car-like controls

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Feds Auctioning $1M in Classic Cars with Russian Ties

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

A bizarre classic car auction article surfaced this week. It appears that our Federal Government is auctioning off eight classic cars which had been purchased by an American with money that was embezzled from a Russian company. Not your typical auction by any means!

In an article appearing in today's Houston Chronicle, reports that "The federal government seized the cars after they learned Leigh E. Sprague, an American citizen, used fake emails and a shell company to divert more than $10 million from the Russian company Rusal, according to court documents."

These are the vehicles, which include several American made classic cars: 


      1937 Packard Super 8

1966 AMC Ambassador 990

1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

There are also several European classics as well:  

1962 Mercedes 220SE Cabriolet

1970 Mercedes Benz 280SE

1937 Bugatti 57C Berliner

(sold at Bonham in 2010 for $205,000)

1938 Peugeot 402BL Eclipse Decapotable

(one of 500 built, with only 50 left)

A unique and diversified collection of American and European classics.

Probably wanting to spare involvement in the case, Sprague's family apparently forfeited claim on the cars which is how the government is now in a position to auction off the vehicles. Reserves have been set by the US Marshals Service and will not be disclosed ahead of time. The auction, which is being held by Houston's Apple Towing/Apple Auctioneers, ends next week. You can contact them with any auction questions at 713-600-7778. Details, more photos, terms of auction and information on registration can also be found on their website below.

REFERENCES:
Houston Chronicle - Feds Auctioning Off Classic Cars Worth More Than $1Million
Yahoo - Feds selling $1 million worth of classic cars bought with embezzled Russian cash

RESOURCES:
Apple Towing - Houstin, TX - On-Line Auction for Seized Classic Cars
Houston Chronicle - News, Sports, Business and Entertainment

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.