There are some things Car Guys just don’t say. Ever. Here’s a compilation. – Gee, thanks Hagerty

Source: HagertyKnowsClassics.com

I kinda have a thing for Mazdas. Even the lowliest Mazda dances like a Braavosi sword master . But most Mazdas aren’t what you’d call beautiful. This 1972 Mazda 1800 sedan, however, is simply stunning. And for good reason: It was penned by one of the most legendary automotive designers in history. Here in the US, the 1800 is exceedingly rare. Only 2100 or so were imported. This 1800 is for sale on Craigslist for the low price of $4500.

In Japan the 1800 was known as the Luce (pronounced lu-che). The name is derived from the Italian word for “light” and the little sedan certainly shines. You see, the Luce was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1965. Yes, that Giorgetto Giugiaro. The man behind the Ferrari 250, the De Tomaso Mangusta, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT , the MK 1 Golf and even the freaking De Lorean.

The Luce was one of Giugiaro’s earliest efforts, a luscious piece of work with soft curves and sharp angles in all the right places. It’s drop-dead gorgeous and arguably the most beautiful Mazda ever made. Until you see the coupe version:

Initially the Luce was powered by a peppy 1500cc inline four good for about 78 horsepower. By 1972, the Luce had a positively brawny 105-hp 1800cc four. In 1969 the Luce coupe was fitted with a screaming 1300cc rotary good for 126 hp.

1972 was the last year of production for Giugiaro’s Luce. This example, for sale on Craigslist in Port Angels, WA, is said to have just a touch over 60,000 miles on the odometer. It seems to be in fabulous shape and it’s just dripping with style.

Unfortunately, the column-shifted slushbox gives it the slightest scent of geezer. Everything else about the car, however, just screams suave.

What do you think? Is it a worthy collector?

Source: Bring a Trailer

The beautiful thing about the automotive hobby is that anyone can get into it. It matters not if you’re a male, female, young or old – all are welcome. In the past the concept of hot-rodding was dominated predominately by men, as of late though it seems as though things are changing. Take this group of women for instance who have started their own coed Lowrider club called “Estilo Bajito” down in San Antonio, TX. Now models posing on cars is one thing, but for my money I’d rather be associated with women like these any day of the week.

Source: RalfBecker.com

We all had to have it start somewhere right? For some it started when they picked up that first car magazine, for others it was when they saw that shiny chrome bumpered beast rumble by, yet for others still it was a family affair. The automotive hobby is wonderful in that it truly does bring people closer together. Cars get passed down from generation to generation as does the know how and experience that comes with ownership. In Stephen Brooks short video “Una Familia” he explores a little bit of the low rider culture from a family perspective and helps us understand why keeping these cars on the road is so important.

Source: RalfBecker.com

There is no denying that the American hot-rod is not just a fixture of American culture, but pop-culture all over the world. These garage built machines have busted up knuckles all over the planet and by the looks of it they have no intention of stopping. Don’t believe me? The following get together took place at Honmoku Hill Top Park in Japan and with it came some of the coolest hot rods you’re ever likely to see.

Source: Chromjuwelen.com

Dan Wood's MGB GT

We all dream of owning vintage iron, of rumbling along in a piece of automotive history, of being the envy of car nuts everywhere we go. Well, we can. There are truly affordable classics out there. And I’m going to find them. Welcome to Classic Review.

Don’t fear the MGB GT. It is not a finicky piece of questionable British engineering possessed by the Prince of Darkness, Joseph Lucas. It is a beautiful little beast, a punchy and snarling sports car with the refined manners of a grand tourer.

I’ve always loved the MGB GT. The little hatchback lured me in at an early age with its low-slung body and toy proportions—it’s just the right size for a 10 year old. It had a permanent spot in my fantasy garage next to 240Zs, Opel GTs and anything else on my scale.

As I grew, I recognized the brilliance of the GT. It’s simply stunning, the perfect union of British sports car purity and Italian aesthetics. MG had Pininfarina pen the top half of the GT and it is, arguably, the best-looking shooting brake ever made.

Mechanicals

The MGB was released in ’62. It’s a mishmash of modern automotive engineering and stodgy British mechanicals. It was one of the first cars to feature a lightweight monocoque body with crumple zones. It had disk brakes up front and precise rack-and-pinion steering. But it stubbornly held onto leaf springs in the rear, quirky lever shocks and an iron OHV engine.

The engine is a torquey little pushrod mill with two valves per cylinder. The only thing that makes it sporty is a pair of SU carbs. It’s rated at 95 hp at 5,500 rpm and 105 torques at 2500 rpm.  The engine is backed by a four-speed manual transmission with an optional overdrive unit.

An Armstrong lever shock. They were actually engineered to leak oil. Still, they're compact and effective.

Variations

In 1973, MG decided that they’d had enough of the Jag guys’ snickering and stuffed a honking-great aluminum 3.5-liter Rover V8 under the GT’s bonnet. At the time it was the lightest mass-produced V8 in the world, weighing just 318 pounds. It produces 137 hp and 193 torques. The combo makes a vengeful little monster that can easily dice it up with Jags and Astons. Unfortunately, the MGB GT V8 was only sold in the UK.

The MGC was sold in the sates, however. It has a 2.9-liter straight six that puts out 145 hp. But the engine is heavy—200 pounds heavier than the stock four and the MGC isn’t much quicker than the MGB. Some say the added weight throws the MGC’s handling off.  Others say the six delivers silky smooth power across a wide power band, making the MGC a fantastic tourer.

MGCs are around, but they’re rare. MGB GT V8 conversions are also available, featuring everything from aluminum Buick 215s to SBCs. For this review, I stuck with the base four-cylinder MGB. It’s the most common, and thus the most affordable, variation.

Test Drive

When I decided to write these classic car reviews, the GT topped my list. To find one, I hopped on the MG Experience, a site for chaps and dames committed to keeping old British sports cars in tip-top shape. Within a few days I had a Central Oregon MG expert on the horn.

Dan Wood is a retired engineering and construction genius with his very own private auto shop. And he knows MGs—every lever shock, leaf spring, carb, cam and conrod ever used in the little cars. His current obsession is a slinky little 1970 MGB-GT in arrest-me red. It’s not stock, but it’s not far off. Upgrades include better shocks and brakes, some engine tuning, a rumbly exhaust, new wiring (of course) and a nice set of wheels and tires. It’s the kind of car that begs to be tossed through turns, to be driven with a combination of anger and glee.

Once you’re behind the wheel of the MGB GT you realize that the engineers at British Leyland knew what they were doing. The engine growls and pulls like an English bulldog. The steering is light and precise. The ride is smooth and body lean is minimal. The thing drives like an angry NA Miata. It’s a blast.

Bringing the little car to a halt, however, can be harrowing. Earlier GTs lacked power brakes, requiring Herculean effort to stop 220o-pound car in a hurry. It’s not that the brakes are bad. We’ve just grown weak on a diet of power brakes. Thankfully, power brakes can be added, giving weak-legged guys like me a much-needed boost.

Overall, the MGB GT is a pleasure to drive. It’s quick, nimble and smooth. It easily matches the NA Miata in the fun category and is more practical to boot. The little hatch hides quite a bit of storage space and the rear shelf/seat can accommodate a small child (just install proper seat belts and drive safely). In fact, I would say the MGB GT would make a fine daily driver.

What’s that? Reliability? Oh, yes. Reliability may be an issue.

Maintenance

MG maintenance is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. You just need to be involved, invested, maybe a little obsessed. These cars were made to be tinkered with, to be maintained by loving owners. Jeremy Clarkson once joked that MG owners enjoy getting oil under their fingernails more than driving. If you buy an MG, you better like wrenching. Fine-tuning carburetors and replacing worn wiring is part of the ownership experience and it creates a bond between car and owner.

Plus, MGs are easy to work on. We’re talking basic tech here and parts abound. An MG is fantastic car for someone who wants to learn about wrenching. And there are plenty of great teachers out there to help you learn.

I spent a weekend with Dan and a crew of other MG owners who drove their machines in from all over Oregon. The crew rallied around the hydraulic lift to scrutinize suspension bits and brake parts. The density of mechanical and automotive knowledge in that shop was at white dwarf levels. These guys know their stuff—and more. After the repairs and upgrades were complete, we talked cars, airplanes, boats, steam trains, tanks, WWII, computers and more late into the night. I mention this because these are the type of guys who own MGs and if you ever buy one, you’ll be invited to join the club. The community is a huge part of owning an MG and, in a word, it’s awesome.

Pricing

So let’s talk price. Based on Craigslist, eBay and MG Experience browsing, nice MGB-GT drivers can be found for between $3,000 and $5,000. Restored MGB-GTs go for around $8,000.

The elephant in the room is, of course, the Miata. Nice NA Miatas can be had for the same price and they won’t require even a fraction of the wrenching. They’re faster, handle better and stop better. They’re incredibly fun cars. With such a plentiful supply of awesome Miatas out there, why would anyone buy an MGB GT?

If you’re asking that question, an MG is not for you. Yes, it makes more sense to buy a Miata. But Miatas do not have the same affect on the respiratory and nervous systems. They do not take your breath away. They do not make your ventricles ache. They do not create a happy chemical imbalance in your brain. Purchasing a classic car like the MGB GT does not make logical sense. But it does make emotional sense. And when it comes to cars, what matters more?

Passion. That’s what it takes to own an old street rod. They take time, patience and in the end, a love for all things automotive. Some may think that these are just cheap old cars that are held together with duct tape and zip ties, and let’s face it, sometimes they are. More than that though these cars are a lifestyle choice that are kept in service by a certain demographic of people who simply don’t give a shit about modern conveniences and would rather live life on their own terms. This bagged 1953 Lincoln is a perfect example of this, and in our opinion is f*ckin’ brilliant.

Source: RalfBecker.com

Jay Leno's Bugatti Type 51. Image: Jay Leno's Garage

Even if you’re not a fan of classic cars and pre-war racers, I dare you to watch the video below and not come away wanting to drive Jay Leno’s Bugatti Type 51. I’m in agreement that the car’s supercharged, 2.3-liter straight eight engine is one of the best sounding mills ever created, and the direct mechanical connection between car and driver is strangely appealing. Value of the car aside, you’re not going to be texting behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 51, since keeping the car running will demand your full-time attention.

We’ve grown accustomed to the conveniences of modern cars, and most drivers today don’t even know what a choke is used for. The Bugatti Type 51 requires a ritual to start it, beginning with building fuel pressure via a hand pump. There’s the supercharger’s oil tank to open, and then you’ve got to advance the timing. Next, you’ll need to prime the carburetor, and there’s a very fine line between “too little” and “too much.”

If you’ve done it correctly, the Bugatti will fire up with a sound unlike any other in the automotive world. Keeping it running is no simple task, either: timing needs to be set back, gears are pre-synchromesh and require double-clutching, and then there’s the need to occasionally re-pump oil from a storage tank into the crank case.

I wouldn’t trade a modern car for the Bugatti, since it’s far too impractical to drive on a regular basis. Still, I can name several internal organs I’d be willing to part with for just a single afternoon behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 35 or Type 51.

Source: Jay Leno’s Garage

My Grandmother used to have this green carpet in her house that was perfect for rolling my Matchbox and Hotwheels cars around on. It was low cut and green and for some reason it left imprints of the wheel marks in it when I would run them through it. That was over 35 years ago and believe it or not but that carpet helped cement me as a die-hard car enthusiast. It’s funny what gets us into cars. Perhaps a particular event in time sparks our interest. Or maybe it was a person or situation. Other times though it could simply be the sound of a well tuned engine. The following video is the story of Roger Gisseman and his love of British cars. Gisseman is the type of enthusiast who not only keeps the hobby going strong, but thanks to his eclectic taste, makes it a bit more enjoyable for everyone by throwing in a little variety.

Source: RalfBecker.com

Over the years automobile manufacturers have spent millions upon millions of dollars with ad agencies trying to figure out how to pimp their latest and greatest to the masses. They’ve used explosions, catchy jingles, scantily clad women and of course, good ole’ rock and roll. Sometimes the hit with a true winner, other times however they simply screw the pooch and produce something like the ad you’re about to see here. Back in 1967 Chevrolet released one of the most iconic cars to ever grace the tarmac. It was the Camaro, and back then it took the automotive world by storm. It had a stout bulldog stance, multiple high performance engine choices and a beautiful shape which in turn helped it to become an instant automotive icon. What’s even more amazing however is that this is the ad that Chevrolet used to debut the car 44 years ago… man how times have changed.