FORD FAIRLANE 500 SKYLINER

The Ford Sky liner’s retractable hide away hard top was one of the most audacious and memorable engineering gimmicks ever to find its way to an American car. A switch on the steering column started three motors that opened up the car’s rear deck, while another motor unlocked the top and another lifted the steel roof and sent it back into the boot space. The whole process took about a minute, but had to be done with the automatic transmission in Park and the engine running. Developed at a cost of $18 million, it was a traffic stopping party trick that required 610 ft (186 m) of electrical wiring and three separate motors yet, remarkably, proved reliable in service. It had its drawbacks; however with the roof retracted there was little luggage space and the complex mechanisms also cut into the Sky liner’s rear leg room. Many admired the Skyliner but few could afford to buy it, and it was dropped from Ford’s price lists after three seasons. The engine was very power with V8 and 5769cc, separate box chassis were included along with the Drum brakes. Three speed automatic and manual transmission was included and a independent suspension in front and rear live axle wheel to make the ride comfortable.

Other than its roof, the Skyliner was a fairly stock Ford vehicle of fashionably vast dimensions, available with a host of V8 engines ranging up to the 300 bhp 5.7 liter unit from the Thunderbird. A total of 12915 examples were built, and survivors are highly prized collectors cars today.

Mini Cooper S JCW

2002-2006 Mini Cooper S JCW

Mini doesn't really need to sell 2000 specially equipped models right now. The factory in Cowley, Oxfordshire, is already working 23/6 to keep supplies of its cubic cult car going out to the faithful. But keeping the Mini in vogue is the name of the game, and the extra profits from this new Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP kit (listed here for $31,150—$9700 more than a Cooper S) can't hurt.

The Mini GP—let's call it that, it's much less of a mouthful—is the highest-performing Mini for sale, with a revised Eaton blower, a less restrictive intercooler, recalibrated engine management, high-volume injector nozzles, and a freer-flowing exhaust system. The various mods bump power output to 215 horsepower at 7100 rpm and help propel the Mini to a 145-mph top-speed.

Throttle response and sheer thrust certainly feels healthy, with a determined burst of acceleration available from the moment the supercharger whine cuts in to the point when the car's red tach needle meets the 7000-rpm redline on the steering-column-mounted gauge.

We found that odd, since the car's output is said to peak at 7100 rpm, and its exertions are electronically limited at 7150. So you get 215 horses, but only for a brief moment before you have to shift to avoid the rev limiter. More important, then, is the spread of power, and this was enough to vault the car from rest to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. That's 0.5-second quicker than the 207-hp John Cooper Works Mini and just a tenth off of the 263-hp Mazdaspeed 3.

Coping with the extra joie de vivre is a retuned chassis, with specific spring, shock, and anti-roll-bar calibrations (plus aluminum rear trailing links), and model-specific 18-inch wheels and tires. As you'd expect from a Mini, the GP handles extremely well, pulling 0.90 g on the skidpad, a Mini record. Yet its ride, if anything, is no worse than that of a Cooper S of recent memory. It helps that the 2609-pound GP was 62 pounds lighter than a John Cooper Works Mini.

In a racetrack environment, however, it is all too easy to overdrive this willing little beast. As usual, the gearbox is perfectly calibrated for the two-pedal shuffle, although the cable mechanism demands full throws for certain engagement. A fraction less than that and you may miss a shift.

With only 415 Mini GPs coming our way, the prominent rear wing, unique color combination, body kit, and lack of a rear seat (a rear strut-tower brace now occupies that space) differentiate this car, making it instantly identifiable as an exclusive collectible. We do hope you got your deposit in on tim

Mini Cooper S JCW

Mini Cooper S JCW

Mini Cooper S JCW

2006 Mini Cooper S JCW

2006 Mini Cooper S JCW

Mini Cooper S JCW

Fiat Coupe Pictures

New Fiat Coupe

The Fiat Coupé (type 175, officially titled the Coupé Fiat) was a coupé produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1993 and 2000. The car was introduced at Brussels Motor Show in 1993.

It is most remembered for its distinctive, angular design, with unique scalloped side panels. The body was designed by Chris Bangle from "FIAT Style Center", while the interior was designed by Pininfarina. The exterior design would foreshadow much of late 1990s and early 2000s car design, acting as a precedent to both Bangle's somewhat notorious work at BMW, as well as futuristic angular designs by other marques such as Ford and Renault.

History

On its launch in 1993, the Coupé was available with a four cylinder, 2.0 L 16V engine, in both turbo (190 PS) and normally-aspirated (139 PS) versions. Both engines were later versions of Fiat's twin-cam design and inherited from the Lancia Delta Integrale, winner of the World Rally Championship a record six times. 1996 brought in a 1.8 L 16V engine (not available in the UK, 130 PS), along with a 2.0-litre 5-cylinder 20V (147 PS), and a 5-cylinder 2.0-litre 20V turbo (220 PS (160 kW; 220 hp)). With a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.3 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) the Fiat coupe was among some of the quickest European front wheel drive cars of its day.

Fiat Coupé 20v Turbo Model

The turbocharged 16 and 20 valve versions were equipped with a very efficient Viscodrive limited-slip differential to counter the understeer that plagues most powerful front wheel drive cars. Additionally, the coupe featured independent suspension all round: At the front MacPherson struts and lower wishbones anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam, offset coil springs and anti-roll bar; At the rear, trailing arms mounted on an auxiliary subframe, coil springs and an anti-roll bar.

1998 saw the release of the Limited Edition which featured red Brembo brake calipers at the front and standard red calipers at the back, a body kit, push-button start, six-speed gearbox, strut brace to make the chassis more rigid and Recaro seats with red leather inserts which offered better support than the standard 20VT seats. The LE was produced in Black (flat), Red (flat), Vinci Grey (Metallic), Crono Grey(Flat) and Steel Grey(Metallic). The bodywork of the LE also benefited from titanium coloured insert around the light bezels and the wing mirrors. Each Limited Edition ('LE') Coupé was manufactured with a badge located by the rear-view mirror which contained that car's unique number (it is rumored that Michael Schumacher was the original owner of LE No. 0001). Originally Fiat stated they were only to build approximately 300 Limited Editions. The final amount was much higher, with numbers as high as 1400 touted by some. This angered many of the owners of the original 300 cars and almost certainly impacted residual valu

fiat coupe tuning

fiat coupe tuning

New Fiat Coupe

fiat coupe tuning

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FORD THUNDERBIRD

Standing aside from the wallowing barges that ruled the roads of the USA in the 1950s, the Ford Thunderbird was created as a two seater, sporty ‘personal car’ with simple, elegant lines. Its fins were modest, its bumpers restrained, and the bright work was minimal. It wasn’t a sporty car in true European sense, more of a brisk, luxury tourer, but the image was right. The car scored over the contemporary Chevrolet Corvette, which it outsold handsomely in having a V8 engine under the bonnet. With 200bhp from a Mercury sourced 4.8 liter V8, the Thunderbird would steam up to 114mph (182km/h) and whisk you up to 60mph (96km/h) in under 10 seconds. Around corners, though, it was a different story, with its soft springs and low geared steering, but compared with the average Detroit barge it was actually reasonably nimble. There were automatic and three speed manual versions, with optional overdrive transmission available. There were also a powered soft top and an optional hardtop, and 1956 Thunderbirds also had the ‘Continental’ spare wheel. Three speed automatic and manual transmission was installed, along with independent suspension in front and live axle rear.

It wasn’t to last, of course. The grille and fins grew gawkier for 1957, and for 1958 Ford introduced a completely new Thunderbird, a bigger flabbier device with ugly squared up styling and a grille like a mouth organ. In the early 1960s the ‘bird regained some of its youthful good looks, if not its sports car pretensions. Today the 1955-57 cars have almost passed into legend, and deservedly, they are highly collectable.

FORD V8 PILOT

The first British built Ford V8s date from the early 1930s. Good for up to 80 mph (128 km/h), these were among the most acceleration cars on the road, with excellent torque from the smooth flathead V8. They developed throughout the 1930s into a range of saloon, convertibles and estate cars that, more or less, shadowed the changes being wrought to its American equivalent on the other side of the Atlantic. After the Second World War production started up again, but this time the car was known by a name rather than a number, the Pilot. It retained the hydro mechanical brakes and column change gearbox of its predecessor, but had a new, more upright radiator grille and the seemingly retrograde fitment of free standing headlights; previously these had been streamlined into the wings. There were no drop heads this time, but some extremely good looking woody estate cars were built on this rugged chassis, one of which was used by the British Royal Family. Rather than being a clear cut good guy car like the Dodge Diplomat, the Pilot was in a more grey area. It was very occasionally possible to see a Pilot vs. Pilot chase as discerning drivers on both sides of the law attempted to out do each other.

The engine was very powerful it was capable of 3622 cc, with 85 bhp. Some 22,000 V8 pilots were built before the model was effectively replaced by the new monocoque bodied Zephyrs. However, that number was more than enough to ensure that its legend lives on in the hearts and minds of its many committed enthusiasts.

Mini Cooper S JCW GP

2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

Motor sport has heavily influenced the engineering and development of these new MINIs that feature a larger twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection with common rail. The four-cylinder engine has had the same modifications as the MINI CHALLENGE race car, along with re-engineered brakes, suspension and strengthened gearing. Each upgrade combines to give the car a remarkable output of 132hp per litre combined with 40mpg. Production of John...

2004 Mini XXL Stretch Limo

MINI is taking the craze for personalisation to extreme lengths with a six metre long MINI Cooper S limo called the MINI XXL. The six wheel, four door, six seater stretch MINI Cooper S features the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit and was built by a specialist coach builder in Los Angeles. Fully loaded with all of the toys you would expect to find in a limousine, the MINI XXL comes equipped with a retractable flat screen TV, a DVD player, CD and radio,...

2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk

MINI will be unveiling a new addition to its Convertible range at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), when it presents the Sidewalk model for the first time on 6 January in Detroit. MINI Convertibles have always combined great handling characteristics with the thrill of open-top motoring, but when the Sidewalk hits MINI dealers from April 2007, MINI fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on a fresh model boasting a...

2010 MINI SPRINGS ETERNAL

MINI models are to benefit from a wide of technical advances and personalisation options with effect from spring 2010. At the top of the list are a new range of petrol engines that offer more power and torque while reducing both emissions and fuel consumption. In addition, a new MINI One Convertible will bring the thrill of open air MINI driving to a wider audience. MINI is also raising the customisation possibilities by offering a range of unique...

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Mini Cooper S JCW GP

• It is a unique model and power boosted.
• 218 bhps.
• Two seater with no rear seats. Additional body stiffening added to rear seats area.
• Bolstered front seats.
• No rear wash-wiper, optional air-conditioning (around 40 kg/88 lb) to reduce the overall weight.
• Enhanced brake, suspension, smooth under-body.
• Only come in one color which is Thunder Blue with Pure Silver roof.
• Red door mirrors, carbon fiber rear spoiler, unique body kit.
• Bespoke ( 2 kg lighter ) 4-spoke alloy wheels.
• Special badging, featured with decal on the roof of the car along with a plaque on dashboard.

Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP kit - interior

The limited edition of Mini GP with production of 2000 cars will become a collectors’ item just like the classic Mini MK5, Mini MK6, and MK7 generation.

The Aerodynamic Package (AKA Aero Pack, Aero Kit)
MINI offered an Aero Kit on the all the MINI models (Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S as well as the Mini Convertible) for the first generation/MK I. This package has come with:

• Honeycomb black grille
• Different front and rear bumpers and side skirts
• Aero spoiler
• Optional to buy separate components for the kit.

The offered package has make the matters a little bit more confuse, although often promoted together, the Aerodynamic Package is not related to the various “Works” tuning options.

MINI Cooper S R53 pre-facelift with Aerodynamic package

MINI Cooper S R53 facelift with Aerodynamic package. The black inserts on the car around the fog light area were optional stick on items and do not indicate a “facelift” MIN

Bugatti EB 112 Pictures and Wallpapers

Bugatti EB 112
When asked to design the EB112, the first new Bugatti more than forty years after the brand's last car, Giugiaro was inspired by historic car-makers' need, strongly felt at that time, to recoup the specific values of their culture. The reference models were the historic Bugatti berlinettas of the Twenties and Thirties, in particular the mythical Atlantic and the 2-door Type 55.

In complete compliance with Bugatti's styling tradition, Giugiaro preserved the sporting temperament of this two-box sedan prototype with coupé-like profile, with the typical dimensions of a three-box. The car is 5 meters long although, with its tapered ends and smoothly-rounded volumes, it appears shorter at first sight, an impression further reinforced by its very light, agile and compact styling and very flat, downwards-swooping profile.

The dominant styling cue of the nose is its horseshoe-shaped chrome-trimmed grille, isolated from the headlights, typical of Bugatti historic models and which makes the EB112 instantly recognizable. Three linear motifs lead out from the grille to sweep across the entire vehicle as far as the tail, in particular a central rib that recalls the crest of the Atlantic and divides the rear window and lid of the boot into two.

The bumpers also recall Bugatti's history, in particular when viewed from the side, with a non-integrated underbody structure which projects from the profile of the hood and detaches in the central part between the two lights, simple circular headlights arranged in line.

The steeply-raked windscreen and the angle at which the windscreen pillar fits into the hood are also reminiscent of the Bugatti style of the Type 55. The side glazing and the curve of the rear light and also the shape of the fender which acquires a muscular strength as it swoops down toward the tail are also reminiscent of the Type 55.

The same classic styling is also reflected in the design of the interior, with its leather and briarwood trim and exquisitely-molded shapes that convey a feeling of welcoming warmth and comfort: the four sculpted "bucket" type enveloping seats are lined with leather, a sporting feature also reflected in the dashboard with its round dials and the central console with its array of control levers.

The engine, a 6-liter 12V with 5 valves per cylinder, is located in front central position, within the wheelbase, to promote perfect counter-balancing of rear weights and improved driving stability. The aluminium bodyshell and carbon chassis represented a break-through for this type of vehicle. An authentic Bugatti that is a synthesis of the twofold vocation of this great brand, a top class sporting sedan.

Bugatti EB 112 Wallpaper
Bugatti EB 112 image
Bugatti EB 112 Car
Bugatti EB 112
993 Bugatti EB112
993 Bugatti EB112
993 Bugatti EB112
1993 Bugatti EB112
1993 Bugatti EB112

Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato

Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato

he Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato is a limited-edition grand tourer made by Aston Martin/Zagato. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October, 2002, the Zagato was immediately sold out. Only 99 examples were sold to the public, though one extra was produced for the Aston Martin museum.

Like the DB7 on which it is based, the Zagato is powered by a 6.0 L V12 engine and controlled via a 6-speed manual transmission. It has a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, statistics not entirely dissimilar to Aston's present day DB9.

Unlike the later DB AR1, the Zagato is built on a shortened chassis.

The Vantage Zagato coupe sold for a base price of US$250,000.

Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato

Following orders for every one of the 99 cars, production of the Zagato began in the middle mid 2003. The new car was based on a shortened DB7 Vantage Volante platform (60mm shorter wheelbase, 24mm from the front overhang and 127mm from the rear), the lightweight car (1740kg, 60kg lighter than standard car), was estimated to be capable of around 190 mph and able to reach 60 mph in comfortably under 5 seconds. The engine is a modified version of the familiar 6.0 litre V12 with a new exhaust system to produce an output of around 435 bhp. The modified DB7 Vantage Volante chassis was built in the UK, then shipped out to Milan for Zagato to hand fit the body panels, mostly of aluminium. So, thankfully, even in 2003, Aston Martin were still offering a 'coachbuilt' car in the best traditions of Newport Pagnell. With the reduction in length, the rear seats were deleted and the boot was rather small too - the Zagato is strictly a two seater.

Distinguishing features on the Zagato car include a new deeper variation on the classic AM grille design; the rear also mimicking the grille shape and a wonderfully shaped rear screen which my daughter christened 'the sunglasses'. Whilst both the headlights and front lights are straight from the standard car, the rear lights are pure Italian. Of course, the trademark Zagato 'double bubble' roof is a strong feature. The boot panel is an unusual drop down type.

99 production cars found happy owners, and a 100th car, a pre-production example was retained by the factory and can occasionally be seen at the Gaydon factory, BMHT museum also at Gaydon or the with the AMHT collection at the Barn