Valentino Balboni has been ripping around in Lamborghini’s since the late 1960’s. He’s driven every model there is and his input to the factory has helped make the raging bull what they are today. You see Balboni has the greatest job in history as he is Lamborghini’s top test pilot. Maybe thats why the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 is such an amazing automobile. Lamborghini went back to basics by offering only rear wheel drive as an option, a proper 6-speed manual and an engine that sounds like a symphony. This is something that the guys at Motortrend Magazine found out first hand when they had the chance to take this new bull for a spin.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is an embarassment of riches; no matter where you turn, there are amazing cars as far as the eye can see. The organizers do a good job of providing content for everyone, from early “horseless carriage” cars all the way through contemporary street and race cars. Want the eclectic? You’ll find one-of-a-kind prototypes and concepts alongside multi-million dollar Duesenbergs and Bugattis.
I’m not going to get into the technical aspects about why the V8 engine was, is and always will be the king mill amongst car guys. What I’d rather do is simply explain why these big lumps of iron draw respect and admiration from the millions and millions of people who have owned them. There are those of you that after reading this, are going to comment and tell me that I’m wrong, that I have no basis for my comments or that you have some 4, 6, 10 or 12 cylinder plants that can blow the doors off of everything… and that’s fine. It’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it. I’m writing this article because I simply felt the need to tell you mine.
For those of you who don’t know who Big Willie Robinson was, let me give you a quick introduction. Big Willie was a SoCal street racer and Vietnam Veteran with the Army Special Forces who, in the late 1960’s formed the Brotherhood of Street Racers. This was an organization that catered to all forms of gearheads and it mattered not what color you were or what car you drove. Willie was the Brotherhood’s president and was known for running a wicked 1969 Dodge Daytona.
Missed your chance to buy a new McLaren F1 back in the 90s? Got a spot in your garage for a mid engine, rear drive 600 horsepower supercar, but want one that’s easier to live with on a daily basis than the original McLaren F1? Then get your financing in order, because the McLaren MP4-12C may be just the ticket. More pics after the jump.
A few weeks ago I brought you a quick taste of Tanner Foust’s new video where he drifts around Mulholland Drive in California. For those of you who don’t know about this wicked road it follows the ridge line of the Santa Monica mountains. I’ve been here and have driven it with both two and four wheeled vehicles and to say that this stretch of curves is EPIC would be an understatement. It’s tight, twisty and technical and if you don’t know your way around you could do some serious harm to yourself. Tanner Foust is a stunt driver, TV host and Formula Drift champion and when the opportunity came up to drift Mulholland I can only imagine that he was as giddy as a 4 year old boy. Check out the above video and enjoy.
Now this is what I like to see! People reading and taking action to further their love for the automobile. Yesterday I posted up a piece on “What’s Your Favorite Photo? ” and honk my hooter if the masses haven’t started to respond. You see, this is why I love my job…
• John William’s 1998 Ford Ranger:
“I attached a picture of my baby, it’s a 98′ Ranger with nothing on it but a CD player. I still love it though. I drove almost an hour to a small cliff near Malibu, California to take this photo. I made the sunset just in time.”
Dude, I’m totally jealous you live in CA… NY sucks right now so enjoy that weather.
Norman Timbs was a gear head, just like you and I. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Timbs wanted to create a unique ride for himself, from a blank sheet of paper. He began work on his dream car in 1947, and finished it in 1948. The car was ahead of its time in both style and function; starting with a tubular space frame, Timbs used aluminum for the body to reduce weight. Despite the car’s length of nearly 18 feet, it weighs a surprising light 2,300 pounds. Put this in perspective; a first generation Miata was about 13 feet long and weighed in at 2,100 pounds.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to do what few others get a chance to. I drove a 45 foot, completely optioned out, half-million dollar motor coach. I left Friday morning and made a 650 mile run down to Concord, NC to Tom Johnsons Camping Center. Now, this was no little car lot, but a facility that deals in some of the finest luxury motor coaches in the industry. Rigs ranging from $30,000 to well over a million. It’s also located right at the entrance to the ZMax Dragway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. This will be a multi-part segment as there is just too much to write about in one post.
Automobile design is a very subjective thing. To the designer, that carefully crafted shape may be their crowning achievement, the public however may just see it as terrible. Some designs are inviting, they bring on carefree feelings and let the world know that you are always in a good mood. Others look downright angry and pissed off and exude attitude and presence. These are my favorites. I spent a few moments digging through the internet to bring you some seriously wicked looking automobiles. Cars that look as though they’d not only beat up your car on a whim, but afterward they’d go back to your house, beat up your Dad and kick his Oldsmobile in the grill. They’re mean and nasty looking with an “FU” attitude… in short, they’re awesome.
