Ridelust Review: 2013 BMW X6 M
Three carbs, solid axle suspension and a chopped roof. Yep, this just seemed like the right way to close out the weekend, don’t you agree?
Check it out after the jump.
KSP-PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.
Hot Rod: Circa 1953
The American hot-rod is an icon. It was crafted out of rebellion, ingenuity and the will to be different. They were meant to go fast, get looks and at days end, announce to the world that you had arrived in style. The truth is though, in the last 60 years not a whole lot has changed. Sure technology has advanced, but deep down the basic DNA has always remained the same. Levi’s recently launched a great ad that not only transports us back to a time when life was a little simpler, but reminds us why cars, of any vintage are all masterpieces just waiting to be turned into hot-rods.
Source: RalfBecker.com
ZZ Top – I Gotsta Get Paid
When it comes to beards, bad-ass rides and babes, ZZ Top has had the market cornered for over 30 years. Back in 1983 front man Billy Gibbons had a wicked 1933 Ford Coupe built that was known by fans as the, “Eliminator”. It was red with alloy wheels and the “ZZ” graphics on the side and for hot-rodders around the world, this WAS the car to own. Fast forward to 2012, a mere 29 years after the original “Eliminator’ was built and ZZ Top’s new single, I Gotsta Get Paid. Granted the car is not there, but it’s essence lives on right to the very end.
Source: Youtube.com
Depth of Speed: Something from Nothing
If you were ever wondering what the best part of hot-rodding was, let me enlighten you – it’s the people. Hot-rodder’s in general share things like busted knuckles, broken parts and the understanding that our beloved vehicles are not perfect. We’re salt-of-the-earth people and go to extreme measures to make sure our rides are always running. In “Something from Nothing” Josh Clason visits TBC Hot Rods and Bikes in Fayetteville, NC, talks to Tim Bradham and gains the realization that automotive enthusiasts everywhere may need a little more old school in their diet.
Source: RalfBecker.com
American Street Car Series: Run to the Coast
Camaro, Challenger, Javelin, Mustang and Cougar. These are just some of the legendary names that came out of the muscle car era. They were big, brash and in your face and during the golden era of the Trans Am Racing Series (1968-1972) they could be seen banging fenders on circuits like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen and Road America.
Nowadays seeing a muscle car on a road course is like seeing a unicorn in the flesh. There is however one man who is hell bent on bringing these classic beauties back to the track. Bill Howell is the creator of the new American Street Car Series, a gathering of events that not only encourages people to bring their vintage iron to the track, but to run them full-tilt with the single goal of having as much fun as they possibly can.
The Reetz Epic Adventure
If there’s one thing that I’m an authority on it’s the road trip. You see I’ve traversed the United States in just about every way possible. From North to South, East to West and even diagonally and I’ve done it many, many times. Taking a road trip is one thing, but taking a road trip in an old car is something else entirely. New cars factor out many of the variables that make for a great adventure. Things like break downs, crappy mileage, lack of creature comforts and of course, the availability of parts. Now some of you may ask, “Why would you ever want to put yourself in a position where any of those things could come into play?” Well, the fact of the matter is this. Running an old car over thousands of miles gives you a sense of accomplishment.
It makes people stop, stare and ask questions and at days end, it’s also just more fun. The Reetz family recently took part in a West coast road trip in a 1930 Model A Coupe with a Miller OHV system and a carburetor and even though they brought a support vehicle you can bet it was one of the most memorable journeys they’ve ever had. Click through for the video and enjoy.
Source: RalfBecker.com
Chip Foose had a Volkswagen Rabbit?
In the annals of modern hot-rod design there is no question that Chip Foose is amongst the best in the business. His cars have been featured on television, in magazines, online and at some of the greatest car shows around the world. However, before Foose got into hot-rods he was, get this, a Volkswagen guy. That’s right, he drove a 1985 MkII Golf GTI, a car which he says, was one of his favorites and the car that provided him with much of his early inspiration. I suppose it should come as no surprise as the VW Golf, like the Porsche 911, is one of those rare automobiles that has simply evolved over time. Through the years it’s gotten better and better, and like Chip Foose himself, it’s never lost any of the emotion that the original one set forth all those years ago.
Source: RalfBecker.com
Pixeleye Presents: Bottrop Kustom Kulture 2011
As odd as it may seem Bottrop, Germany is home to one of the biggest moto-culture car shows in all of Europe. For 2011 Pixeleye Interactive shot this little number for Dickies Clothing and in doing so managed to capture some of the coolest pre-1965 cars, trucks and motorcycles out there. Aside from the vehicles the Kustom Kulture Show in Bottrop also showcases some of the best known hot rod artists the world has to offer, as well as an 1/8th mile drag strip where show entrants can drag their rides.
Hmm… I might just have to put this baby on my international bucket list.
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15 Stunning Pro-touring Cars
Over the last ten years or so automobile manufacturers have been jumping on the retro bandwagon. Volkswagen kicked things off early with the release of their retro Beetle back in 1998 and since then others have followed. Ford for example released the beautifully restyled retro Mustang in 2005, Dodge then followed suit in 2008 with the redesigned Challenger, and then in 2009, Chevrolet hit us with the new Camaro. Now while all these new versions of our old favorites are wonderful, there is still something to be said about owning an original. There is however one caveat to this… that being, the old muscle cars from the late 60′s and early 70′s were simply horrible to drive on the open road. Manual drum brakes, a lack of power steering and horrible fuel economy were just some of the issues, so to combat this, those of us who wanted new age performance in an old wrapper went the pro-touring route. Nowadays it’s not uncommon to see 1968 Camaros running around sporting LS7′s and Z06 brakes, or 1969 Dodge Chargers being motivated by new 6.1 or 6.4 liter fuel injected HEMI’s with 6-piston calipers, full suspension work and enhanced safety features. Granted these cars take time and money to set up properly, however when complete, the results can be simply fantastic. Below are 15 examples of pro-touring cars done right – click through and enjoy.
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Regal Roadster’s 1939 Lincoln Zephyr
There’s just something about cars from the 1930′s, 40′s and 50′s that’s magical. Seeing those cars today makes one think about a time when life was less complicated, when automotive innovation actually meant something, and when the spirit of the open road was alive and well here in the United States. The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr is one of those cars and when viewed in person the only thing it evokes is pure emotion. Today’s automobiles, while packed with reliability and technology simply don’t, in my opinion, possess the same amount of style and flare that their bygone brothers do. It’s a shame really, but in a society where cost is key and styling is secondary, automotive manufacturers really have no choice but to compromise on everything. That’s where custom shops like Regal Roadsters of Madison, WI come into play. These guys recently took the aforementioned 1939 Lincoln Zephyr and get this… fitted it with an Aston Martin V12 engine, full airbag suspension and Magnaflow exhaust. We think the result is simply stunning, but just to make sure click play on the video and decide for yourself.
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