tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84411409091017870852024-03-13T10:48:06.816-05:00Positive EarthA Blog for the South Alabama British Car Club & Enthusiasts EverywhereRodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.comBlogger615125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-42996730269275124422014-12-31T00:00:00.000-06:002014-12-31T00:00:02.475-06:00Hello and Goodbye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This humble blog came about in 2008 when the membership of the <a href="http://sabcc.org/" target="_blank">South Alabama British Car Club</a> elected me president and I thought it might be a quick way to disseminate information of interest to the group. It was warmly received so it stayed available for a period of time that exceeded my term of office. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was surprising that the eventual viewing audience came from all over the world with as many visits from the UK at times as there was from America. I was humbled to have the Positive Earth blog mentioned several times by the <a href="http://blog.hemmings.com/" target="_blank">Hemmings Daily</a> blog, the <a href="http://www.classicandsportscar.com/blogs" target="_blank">Classic and Sports Car </a>blog (these guys do it for a living) as well as a reprint of a post in the <a href="http://www.mossmotoring.com/" target="_blank">Moss Motoring </a>magazine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, after six hundred posts and nearly 85,000 visits, it's time to put it to rest. I've been appointed editor of the SABCC newsletter <i>Spark & Spanner </i>and I've been traveling more with my day job as an industrial equipment sales representative, so these demands on the waking hours will need to take a front seat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This particular blog platform allows a writer to remove it from search engine results, but I thought I'd leave it up since one or two posts may actually contain useful information for those involved in the hobby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you for your visits and I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors.</span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-21305657047066214362014-12-22T00:00:00.000-06:002014-12-22T00:00:05.186-06:00Merry Christmas from Positive Earth!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Merry Christmas, Positive Earth readers and thank you for spending your time here. </span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-31144043287598777452014-12-01T13:19:00.000-06:002014-12-01T13:25:07.306-06:00Be Wary of Automotive Forum Advice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kiwi, the mighty Mini from the Southern Hemisphere is a bit under the weather. The little car has been in my garage for nearly ten years and this is the first time that it's ridden on a roll back carrier. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's not my oil on the roll back. Jus' sayin'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While enjoying a drive in this late season warm weather on Sunday, the missus and I were confronted with a sudden case of cylinder deactivation- amazing technology in modern cars but not good at all in our older rides. We pulled over and I verified that I had sparks, fuel and air but the 3 & 4 cylinders were dead. I called Richard Cunningham who runs <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Motorcar-Services/364143667009317?sk=photos_stream" target="_blank">Classic Motorcar Services</a> in Daphne, Alabama and he surmised that it could be a head gasket failure between the two cylinders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Knowing that he was very likely correct, I called the folks at <a href="http://www.hagerty.com/" target="_blank">Hagerty Insurance</a> and they arranged a ride for us on <a href="http://tonys-towing.com/" target="_blank">Tony's Towing</a> of Fairhope, Alabama. Richard kindly allowed me to drop the wounded car off at his place and he quickly performed a compression test. It went like this:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cylinder 1 - 150 psi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cylinder 2 - 160 psi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cylinder 3 - nuthin' psi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cylinder 4 - still nuthin' psi</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Time to pull the head and have a look-see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today, I ordered a head gasket set from the folks at <a href="http://www.7ent.com/" target="_blank">Seven Mini Parts</a> in Northern California. Genuine Payen gaskets come highly recommended so that's what is on the way. Afterwards, I spent a little time browsing some of the Mini forums on the subject of head removal. Many of the members posted helpful information but one stood out as simply asking for trouble. I've included a screenshot below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm very far from being an expert in the ways of engine work, but sanding a head sealing surface with 240 grit paper seems to be an almost criminal suggestion. Granted, a plastic scraper and maybe some soft Scotchbrite might be OK but the coarse sandpaper would likely leave deep scratches that could lead to poor sealing. If you have used this practice and had success, please let me know, but for now I think I'll pass. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-35988454740945653082014-11-21T10:45:00.000-06:002014-11-21T10:51:33.651-06:00Give a Cortina a Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzjXtQv5TlU/VG9qxe3_xiI/AAAAAAAAKak/9atDhln6YZk/s1600/00L0L_5RkCUOVeg0Z_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzjXtQv5TlU/VG9qxe3_xiI/AAAAAAAAKak/9atDhln6YZk/s1600/00L0L_5RkCUOVeg0Z_600x450.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mk1cortina.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1" target="_blank">Mark I Ford Cortinas</a> are aren't exactly thick on the ground here in the US. In fact, many of them may have corroded back into the ground waiting to be mined again for some future iron ore use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An uncommon model of this uncommon car is for sale in Positive Earth's home turf of the American Gulf Coast. A Pensacola, Florida resident has one listed on Craig's List for an unmentioned sum. He claims that it is a 1966 model and the photos show that it is a station wagon (estate car) on <a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2010/09/rostyle-wheels.html" target="_blank">Rostyle wheels</a> (mostly).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ik7zrFyzyig/VG9qxdz7o2I/AAAAAAAAKao/4uAwGHCoVQM/s1600/00303_gkuO0uroM73_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ik7zrFyzyig/VG9qxdz7o2I/AAAAAAAAKao/4uAwGHCoVQM/s1600/00303_gkuO0uroM73_600x450.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As to be expected, the car is rather rough with various dents and scrapes. As far as corrosion goes well, you better act quickly while there is still an identifiable car. Yes, it's difficult to make a case for restoration but wouldn't an estate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Cortina" target="_blank">Lotus Cortina</a> clone be a hoot? As it is, it would be of value for parts harvesting only.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check out the <a href="http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/4748924959.html" target="_blank">Craig's List post here</a>. </span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-88307051622484519972014-11-03T15:42:00.000-06:002014-11-05T17:02:03.672-06:00Tom Magliozzi of "Car Talk" Radio Show Dead at 77<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Say it ain't so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Magliozzi, the tall, lovable goof of National Public Radio's "<a href="http://www.cartalk.com/" target="_blank">Car Talk</a>" radio show died </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">today according to an announcement by <a href="http://www.npr.org/" target="_blank">NPR. </a>Dispensing auto repair, car buying and occasional marriage advice on-air since 1977, Tom and his bother Ray made the show one of NPR's most successful ever to air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Car Talk" ended live broadcasts in 2012 and the show continues to run on NPR in a best-of format. The jokes may be old, but the laughs still come easily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Magliozzi, MG TD owner and a car guy's Car Guy. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tom Magliozzi's laugh boomed in NPR listeners' ears every week as he and his brother, Ray, bantered on Car Talk." class="img" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/10/19/tom1_wide-1deca903798e3cdc75d899f4c8ed25690a4072ba-s5-c85.jpg" height="223" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Tom Magliozzi's laugh boomed in NPR listeners' ears every week as he and his brother, Ray, bantered on Car Talk." width="400" /></td></tr>
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-90152147411586541712014-10-29T19:36:00.000-05:002014-10-29T19:47:37.559-05:00Mascots at British Car Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The pride of ownership of classic cars is often shown in the accessories intended to personalize those cars- to set them off from similar vehicles. At car shows, stuffed animals and other plush toys are common. We've all seen the <a href="http://home.centurytel.net/dand/bobbie.jpg" target="_blank">pouting toddler doll</a> that is mostly popular with the cruiser set. Thankfully they are rare in our corner of the hobby.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZGw6Jg6U-Q/VFGF9guzCTI/AAAAAAAAKZk/Vk-tpCMzWaU/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I took a few moments to take a few photos of some of the examples of mascots at British Car Festival 2014. Is yours here?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Jaguar Napping in a Jaguar Engine Bay</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Very Happy Bulldog in a MINI Engine Engine Bay</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Litter of Tiger Cubs in a Tiger</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Brit Bear - OK, It's Mine...</span></i></td></tr>
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-9581039882382429972014-10-25T21:54:00.002-05:002014-10-26T09:21:19.379-05:00British Car Festival 2014: An Unqualified Success<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 24th annual <a href="http://sabcc.org/" target="_blank">South Alabama British Car Club's</a> British Car Festival is in the books, and it was the club's most successful to date: 131 cars registered; 126 cars on the field, easily besting <a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2013/10/british-car-festival-2013-one-for.html" target="_blank">last year's record-setting car count.</a> And the day was one that dawned cool, bright and clear - perfect for a car show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the conclusion of last year's British Car Festival, the show committee leaders were informed that the South Lawn site at <a href="http://faulknerstate.edu/" target="_blank">Faulkner State Community College</a> in Fairhope would be unavailable to the club for the event due to the planned construction of a new pavilion and walkway system. While the college regretted the disruption, it simply could not be avoided. Once again, the show was in search of a home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The committee heard the participants of previous shows state that they enjoyed the show site closer to the fine shopping and dining district in downtown <a href="http://www.cofairhope.com/" target="_blank">Fairhope, Alabama</a>. The former site of the show along the shore of Mobile Bay was pleasant, but it was remote from the downtown area. The show committee faced a formidable challenge: find a site large enough to contain the expected entrants while remaining near the desired downtown area. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSbE7GKw7N8/VExcS8wp7cI/AAAAAAAAKXw/1yug7JpbHlQ/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSbE7GKw7N8/VExcS8wp7cI/AAAAAAAAKXw/1yug7JpbHlQ/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Featured Sunbeam Tigers</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Several committee members were associated with the leadership of <a href="http://www.fairhopeumc.org/" target="_blank">Fairhope United Methodist Church</a> and mentioned our plight to them. After a few conversations, the club had an invitation to conduct the show on the lovely campus of the church. And as a bonus, it is located just one block south of the Faulkner campus site- still close to the downtown area that the show participants enjoy so much. Once the site was confirmed, committee volunteers were solicited and planning began in earnest. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHOQMrwgVFo/VExcSkDcVuI/AAAAAAAAKXo/q9SqN1wYuOU/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHOQMrwgVFo/VExcSkDcVuI/AAAAAAAAKXo/q9SqN1wYuOU/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Big Healeys a Crowd Favorite</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The show committee was made up of volunteers who had served in positions on previous shows along with some newcomers wanting to help out. The experienced show committee chairs set to work with their groups to prepare for the day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIOp36HGqCA/VExcSAQF15I/AAAAAAAAKXk/IJhRzwsTonU/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIOp36HGqCA/VExcSAQF15I/AAAAAAAAKXk/IJhRzwsTonU/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Late MGBs</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First and foremost, the field layout required some professional help and we got it in the form of club member and civil engineer, Fletcher Thompson. Fletcher measured the site's various parking areas and drew up detailed drawings showing the committee how many cars could be parked in a given area. His professional opinion said we had room for 141 cars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now we needed to get the word out to public at large and SABCC'er Myra Evans worked with local media to make sure that our event was on the calendars of the many newspapers and magazines that serve the Mobile and Baldwin County area of south Alabama.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Registration is the most crucial part of the event and the committee ably lead by charter member Jack Ross kept the records correct for those pre-registered for the event and for those who chose to register on site. Registration is a daunting responsibility, and this year's field was set with little delay. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrZqFBR4rv8/VExcTpXFa1I/AAAAAAAAKYM/P7vFy34H82U/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrZqFBR4rv8/VExcTpXFa1I/AAAAAAAAKYM/P7vFy34H82U/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TR6s in Attendance</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course, it's always fun to win a drawing for something and door prizes have become a tradition of the show. Robb Ogletree worked with the club's membership to obtain a number of interesting gifts that were drawn for during the show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another tradition is the souvenir photo taken at the field entrance. David Turnipseed once again volunteered to shoot photos of the cars as they arrived. Since photos don't print themselves, Ron <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKITR8tfmZE/VExcTE6vVuI/AAAAAAAAKX4/T_DI5oxnUrw/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKITR8tfmZE/VExcTE6vVuI/AAAAAAAAKX4/T_DI5oxnUrw/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The High Rent District</i></td></tr>
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Wolverton played runner to the print shop and then organized their distribution to the participants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Becky Kramer stepped up to manage the sale of the event souvenir T-shirts along with a committee of able volunteers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Every event needs a "fixer"and SABCC's is in the form of Dick Bishop. Dick became the club's representative to city officials and the neighbors that surround the normally-quiet church campus. Of course, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdRXHcVCTFI/VExcTmAJy8I/AAAAAAAAKYI/XByPvVgEIEw/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdRXHcVCTFI/VExcTmAJy8I/AAAAAAAAKYI/XByPvVgEIEw/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Title Sponsor MINI of Pensacola's Display</i></td></tr>
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Dick was supported by a number of volunteers that assisted him in his tasks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If it's a car club event we will be eating and Frank Stabler raised his hand to take on the role organizing the day's cookout menu. Burgers, ribs and sides were available for purchase by the hungry show attendees. About a half dozen SABCC'ers worked all day cooking, serving,cleaning or making supply runs. Those who purchased lunch at the show were highly complimentary of the food.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LExr5PjnAg4/VExcTfwKECI/AAAAAAAAKX8/XF1JkiDzcus/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LExr5PjnAg4/VExcTfwKECI/AAAAAAAAKX8/XF1JkiDzcus/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Good Food Here</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The show committee was stunned by both the number and quality of the cars on the show field this year. Several pre-war vehicles were on display which, for this show, is unusual. It was a real delight to welcome no fewer than six Sunbeam Tigers- this year's honored car in observance of its 50th anniversary. Reflecting their popularity with American drivers, Triumphs and MGs were out in force, making up almost 50% of the total cars registered.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3suO_DwD5Vk/VExcSFbQYdI/AAAAAAAAKXc/d6-jdfsJ_4Y/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3suO_DwD5Vk/VExcSFbQYdI/AAAAAAAAKXc/d6-jdfsJ_4Y/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lovely MGAs</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaguar, too, was well represented with a couple new classes dedicated to the luxury performance marque. For the first time in several years, modern MINIs were numerous on the show field. The show included representatives of nearly all MINI models sold today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If unusual is more to your liking, we had a Caterham 7, Morgan Aero 8 and a Bentley Continental to name but a few. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNbcn5kd1FM/VExcUVSc39I/AAAAAAAAKYg/8dJjxkI6sSc/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNbcn5kd1FM/VExcUVSc39I/AAAAAAAAKYg/8dJjxkI6sSc/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Modern MINIs on the Field</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There was a constant stream of visitors walking through the show area and the car owners were there to answer questions and perhaps listen to a couple of "I had one like that..." stories. Most gratifying was the large number of young people who toured the site. Some of them found the cars on display fascinating. One young teen was overheard asking, "What's a Sunbeam car, dad? I've never heard of it." Speaking of young people, SABCC's highly creative Don Pritchett devised a Kid's Choice prize that was determined by the number of votes cast by kids visiting the show. The award went to the Caterham 7.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y6W-tuCzIA/VExcSEdTNoI/AAAAAAAAKXg/B9e-1XHRcXA/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y6W-tuCzIA/VExcSEdTNoI/AAAAAAAAKXg/B9e-1XHRcXA/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pre-War MG M-Type</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The afternoon sun was still high when the awards for the popular choice balloting were presented. Delighted owners were given a trophy in the form of a heavy glass double photo frame where a place placard and the souvenir photo can be displayed. These unique trophies have been an SABCC signature item for a number of years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After the awards ceremony, goodbyes and promises of getting together again soon were passed around by the participants. This was the signal for the tired but happy SABCC team to start cleaning up the area and packing away the show equipment until it is needed next year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It cannot be said strongly enough that without the unselfish volunteers that step up to own a task this event could not be possible. I ask you to think of it this way: While others all around are relaxing and enjoying the events of the day, these generous people willingly miss out just to make sure that the show participants are able to have a great time. From the guys in yellow vests directing cars to their spot to those who made sure that there was a pot of coffee on, we as club members and show entrants owe them a debt of gratitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you for making our day so successful! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Check back for links to the winners list and more photo albums. </i> </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-88024199890386355082014-10-23T23:24:00.000-05:002014-10-24T08:57:47.766-05:00British Car Festival Preparations Going Strong <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-IduXbwH38/VEnSpNVZrBI/AAAAAAAAKW8/uJFJH5gCEx8/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-IduXbwH38/VEnSpNVZrBI/AAAAAAAAKW8/uJFJH5gCEx8/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Goodies" Laid Out for the Bag Stuffing </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In any organization, the strength of the group lies within those who unselfishly offer their time and efforts in achieving the goals set.<a href="http://www.sabcc.org/" target="_blank"> South Alabama British Car Club's</a> British Car Festival is one of those events that runs solely on support of its members who volunteer.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Au5oeHi2oMY/VEnTDi13rpI/AAAAAAAAKXE/e43noTpecig/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Au5oeHi2oMY/VEnTDi13rpI/AAAAAAAAKXE/e43noTpecig/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Stool on the Assembly Line?</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the event this coming Saturday, October 25, you'll see many people doing tasks that they raised their hand to assume, but keep in mind that for every hour that the show runs, many more hours were spent in planning and performing tasks in preparation for the day. Dozens of SABCC'ers rounded up door prizes, solicited class sponsors, arranged printing or worked to obtain publicity. Tonight was one event that supports THE event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The club has always put together a hospitality bag of items of interest to visitors in our area and classic car enthusiasts in particular. Members contact business that they patronize to seek donations of small gift items or brochures that show participants would find interesting. And then the time comes to actually get the items in the bags. What better way than to call it a party and invite members to help?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MjYnw0c7MU/VEnTa2DtarI/AAAAAAAAKXM/UiFSZMhER3s/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MjYnw0c7MU/VEnTa2DtarI/AAAAAAAAKXM/UiFSZMhER3s/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not Up to Henry Ford's Standards</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This evening, about 20 members of the club got together in the spacious garage at the home of Richard and Donna Cunningham in Daphne, Alabama to assemble the guest bags. Folding tables were arranged in a line and the items to be stuffed were laid out. After a couple of announcements (and several stops at the snack table), the line workers stepped up to their stations and the empty bags started their trip up one side of the row of tables, then across to the other side and back down to the end where they were boxed up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During the proceedings, conversation about the upcoming show, British cars and inquiries about family took place while the "goodies" were loaded in the bags. Eventually, good natured ribbing about a co-worker's work ethic or filling technique broke out to much laughter all around. With friends and fellow enthusiasts, a task like this is never "work". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">British Car Festival 2014 is on track to absolutely smash all previous participation records. The club is truly excited and looks forward to a fine event. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-48432157450147679042014-10-21T07:43:00.001-05:002014-10-21T13:53:36.367-05:00Is an American-Built Jaguar in the Future? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ8jJag85EY/VEZUllV0eJI/AAAAAAAAKWs/RdzHs3ibb3U/s1600/2016-jaguar-xe-rendering-profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ8jJag85EY/VEZUllV0eJI/AAAAAAAAKWs/RdzHs3ibb3U/s1600/2016-jaguar-xe-rendering-profile.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaguar XE- To be American Built? - JLR Image</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reports out of the UK indicate that Jaguar-Land Rover is in talks with several southern US states about the construction of a new assembly plant. The <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/" target="_blank">Liverpool Echo</a> said that a mooted Jaguar-Land Rover production facility in Saudi Arabia would be shelved in favor of the American plant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Currently, the southeast US is the home of several assembly plants, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and Honda. The supplier infrastructure that supports these facilities is robust and their proximity would be of interest to Jaguar-Land Rover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Echo reports that South Carolina is currently the odds-on favorite. Read the <a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/jaguar-land-rover-dismisses-claims-7960097" target="_blank">full story here</a>. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-1011009989421181922014-10-17T12:38:00.000-05:002014-11-21T10:50:36.348-06:00Rocketman! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66fB5AdGFEo/VEFTDvpsffI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/dA2flQeKWiY/s1600/14-mini-rocketman-concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66fB5AdGFEo/VEFTDvpsffI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/dA2flQeKWiY/s1600/14-mini-rocketman-concept.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBdDLUvpoTw/VEFTDlayhyI/AAAAAAAAKWM/xHv3sUfXo3c/s1600/01-mini-rocketman-concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBdDLUvpoTw/VEFTDlayhyI/AAAAAAAAKWM/xHv3sUfXo3c/s1600/01-mini-rocketman-concept.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 2011 Geneva Motor Show was the site for the unveiling of MINI's Rocketman ultracompact concept car. This four seater, with innovations to make driving (and living) in congested cities easier, was one of the few "smaller" MINI concepts up to that point.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4Of5doop3U/VEFTDmyPKWI/AAAAAAAAKWU/jSQNQDC-xqM/s1600/Mini-Concepts-18211111136339461600x1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4Of5doop3U/VEFTDmyPKWI/AAAAAAAAKWU/jSQNQDC-xqM/s1600/Mini-Concepts-18211111136339461600x1060.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All: BMW- Click for Larger Images</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The MINI product line (and the MINI Hardtop itself) has grown over the years and enthusiasts asked for a model closer in size to the classic 1959-2000 Mini. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/" target="_blank">Motoring File</a> is reporting that the Rocketman is a go for production. Their inside sources tell them that a production version could be ready for sale around 2018 and could possibly share its unseen bits with another manufacturer's small city car. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/10/15/rumor-the-rocketman-is-a-go/" target="_blank">Get the full story from Motoring File</a>. </span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-86733554231020541992014-10-11T22:47:00.000-05:002014-10-18T22:21:04.787-05:00Behind the Scenes at a Magazine Photo Shoot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As British car enthusiasts, many of us subscribe to one or more magazines that cover the classic car scene. One of my favorites is <a href="http://www.hemmings.com/subscribe/current_issue.html?publication=HSX" target="_blank"><i>Hemmings Sports and Exotic</i></a> magazine - a title from the <a href="http://www.hemmings.com/subscribe/current_issue.html?publication=HMN&source=magazine1" target="_blank"><i>Hemmings Motor News</i></a> family of publications.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuKZiZNHePs/VDn2qQL7zGI/AAAAAAAAKVs/AwmqBR084es/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuKZiZNHePs/VDn2qQL7zGI/AAAAAAAAKVs/AwmqBR084es/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Richard Lentinello and Tony McLaughlin's Morgan Plus 8 </span></i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc0IBrRZEh4/VDn2qmiASVI/AAAAAAAAKV0/60rGFrXXLqg/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc0IBrRZEh4/VDn2qmiASVI/AAAAAAAAKV0/60rGFrXXLqg/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Richard Shoots the Cunningham Jaguar E-Type</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SABCC members may recall the fine <a href="http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2014/05/01/hmn_feature6.html" target="_blank">coverage of British Car Festival 2013 </a>in the pages of <i>Hemmings Motor News</i></span>. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The May, 2014 issue carried an account of the event written by Executive Editor <a href="http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/author/richard/" target="_blank">Richard Lentinello</a> along with some photos provided by club members. Richard asked us to stay in touch and keep him up to date about club happenings and possible stories of interest to <i>Hemmings Sports and Exotic Car</i> readers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jdo8JsSkZw8/VDn2qr1xWMI/AAAAAAAAKVw/d_1z1vCUiZE/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jdo8JsSkZw8/VDn2qr1xWMI/AAAAAAAAKVw/d_1z1vCUiZE/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mike Darby's Jaguar 240 Gets its Turn</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wrote to him in July with the dates for BCF 2014 in case he was interested in covering the show. Replying that he was booked elsewhere that weekend, he mentioned that he was looking for story suggestions to present to <i>Sports and Exotic Car</i> Editor<a href="http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/author/dave/" target="_blank"> David LaChance</a> and did I have any ideas that fit the magazine's editorial criteria? I submitted several suggestions and he said he would be in touch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, Richard emailed me saying that he would be covering an <a href="http://vicariauction.com/auctions/biloxi-ms/" target="_blank">auction </a>in Biloxi, Mississippi and he would be passing through South Alabama and gave me the list of story suggestions approved for publication. Could I contact the owners, find an appropriate location for a photo shoot and get everyone together for the day?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a few phone calls, the group was on board and we waited for the day arrive. In the end, Richard planned to photograph and write up stories about <a href="http://www.morganville.org/a-morgan-saga" target="_blank">Tony McLaughlin's owned-from-new Morgan Plus 8</a>, <a href="http://my64etype.com/" target="_blank">Richard Cunningham's recently restored Jaguar E-Type</a>, <a href="http://www.darbyclassics.com/" target="_blank">Mike Darby's highly original Jaguar 240 saloon</a> and<a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2012/02/silhan-ac-ace.html" target="_blank"> Bill Silhan's rare AC Ace roadster</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Frantic detailing of the chosen cars commenced as we watched the weather report in hope that we would have the kind of weather perfect for a photo shoot. It had been decided that everyone but Bill Silhan would meet at the<a href="http://www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-delta-resource-center" target="_blank"> 5 Rivers Delta Center</a> in Spanish Fort for photos. Richard would shoot Bill's car in Pensacola the next day on his way back to his home in South Florida. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We gathered at the appointed place and hour and Richard scouted out the spots he thought would serve his needs. Selecting his location, he began his methodical photo session. With an eye for minute detail, he requested parking angles, backgrounds and helped the owners with removing personal items from the frame. It was an education to watch him at work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the photo shoot's end, we caravaned to Richard Cunningham's home in Daphne where we cooled off from the heat of the day and shared in conversation about the old car hobby. Richard Lentinello is truly knowledgeable and passionate about classic cars. We certainly look forward to welcoming him back to our area again soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For those that do not subscribe to any of the <i>Hemmings</i> titles, I recommend that you<a href="http://www.hemmings.com/subscribe/?source=subscribe1" target="_blank"> check them out</a>. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-41026670955205483882014-10-10T07:11:00.003-05:002014-10-10T07:12:24.493-05:00How Does That Work, Anyway? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.gadgetswow.com/" target="_blank">GadgetsWow</a> blog recently put a series of animated gifs that help explain the operation of complex machinery. Some of the more interesting images include a rotary (Wankel) engine a radial engine and a constant velocity joint. You can check out the complete <a href="http://www.gadgetswow.com/2010/08/complicated-mechanisms-explained-in-simple-animations/#.VDXVkPldVW8" target="_blank">set of images here. </a></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FemzZfAugl0/VDfMSABElTI/AAAAAAAAKVc/6pe9UcCHG5E/s1600/FcwbK.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FemzZfAugl0/VDfMSABElTI/AAAAAAAAKVc/6pe9UcCHG5E/s1600/FcwbK.gif" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Four Speed Gearbox - - <a href="http://gadgetswow.com/">gadgetswow.com</a></span></i></td></tr>
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-39594787233367380982014-10-02T16:56:00.002-05:002014-10-03T15:19:02.366-05:00Is it Time to Give the TR7 Another Look?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How do you replace a Johnny Carson or Walter Cronkite or a deeply-loved sports car model? The simple answer is: it ain't easy. We still have a "Tonight Show" and a "CBS Evening News" but we do not have a Triumph TR. While the television shows mentioned came out OK after their changes, the car-buying American public (and automotive press) was torn over the replacement for Triumph's much loved TR6 roadster - the Triumph TR7.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">American auto safety regulations were running somewhat ahead of current auto technology in the 1970s. A raft of new standards put forward by the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/" target="_blank">US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> (NHTSA) meant that car makers were legislated into inventing equipment and systems that never before existed in order to be compliant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">British automakers in the form of <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/67416/British-Leyland-Motor-Corporation-Ltd" target="_blank">British Leyland</a> gamely kept up the "make do and mend" approach so finely honed by the British people during<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postwar_Britain" target="_blank"> postwar austerity.</a> Make do with larger rubber bumpers, "tamper proof" carburetors and complex fuel systems to keep the product in the American market and keep US dollars coming in. But a stiff upper lip wasn't enough to keep old deigns compliant and BL bet the rent money on a new sports car, but it wasn't a roadster. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA726jMSfCQ/VC3DHwqGcdI/AAAAAAAAKTU/jYw3QLphSqk/s1600/bullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA726jMSfCQ/VC3DHwqGcdI/AAAAAAAAKTU/jYw3QLphSqk/s1600/bullet.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Bullet" Prototype <a href="http://aronline.co.uk/">aronline.co.uk</a></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7fCt-C7C-4/VC3Ddk4uggI/AAAAAAAAKTc/SF38jQ2eqA8/s1600/lynx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7fCt-C7C-4/VC3Ddk4uggI/AAAAAAAAKTc/SF38jQ2eqA8/s1600/lynx.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Lynx" Prototype <a href="http://aronline.co.uk/">aronline.co.uk</a></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 1970 BL launched a sports car committee to create guidelines for a new "corporate" sports car designed to meet current and anticipated European and American safety standards. At the time, NHTSA had proposed rollover standards that were restrictive enough to effectively outlaw open top cars. The BL sports car committee moved forward with that understanding of American regulations and one of the new sports car's requirements was that it be a closed designed or minimally open hence, the Jaguar XJ-S and the TR7 were closed roof vehicles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BL moved forward with an internal competition to create the new sports car. The winning proposal would be sold under both the Triumph and MG badges. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2oJpFf7GzY/VC3D2b5PcuI/AAAAAAAAKTk/RDu2VCzQZA0/s1600/magna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2oJpFf7GzY/VC3D2b5PcuI/AAAAAAAAKTk/RDu2VCzQZA0/s1600/magna.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Magna" Prototype <a href="http://aronline.co.uk/">aronline.co.uk</a></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Triumph proposed two vehicles: a "Targa" roofed sports car code named "Bullet" and a slightly stretched four place version code named "Lynx". Both cars were attractive designs- the Lynx looking somewhat Italian in appearance and the Bullet looking similar to Porsche's 914. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meanwhile, MG (through Austin Motors in
Longbridge), having had <a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2009/08/mg-that-never-was.html" target="_blank">a pretty mid-engine</a> MGB/MG Midget replacement proposal rejected by BL management in 1970, put forward a two seat, hard top wedge shaped vehicle styled by Harris Mann that was internally named "<a href="http://www.fmagna.org.uk/" target="_blank">Magna</a>"- a harkening back to MG's prewar sports cars. It was this design that formed the basis of the TR7 at the decision of BL Chairman <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/lord-stokes-tough-industrialist-unfairly-blamed-for-the-failure-of-leylands-merger-with-the-british-motor-corporation-873785.html" target="_blank">Donald Stokes</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qX7iWnufGqM/VC3Emy8wSoI/AAAAAAAAKTw/kzdoKffdtqM/s1600/triumph_tr7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qX7iWnufGqM/VC3Emy8wSoI/AAAAAAAAKTw/kzdoKffdtqM/s1600/triumph_tr7.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Shape of Things to Come</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a radical departure for a Triumph sports car in that it was a unit body design, a first for a small Triumph sports car, but dimensionally it was fairly close to the TR6 it was to replace, almost identical in height and length. Inside, the new TR provided more shoulder room (3") and leg room (7") than the outgoing TR6. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pneZPfN_sJY/VC3IK04A5WI/AAAAAAAAKUE/TB-JDtPaIlE/s1600/TR7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pneZPfN_sJY/VC3IK04A5WI/AAAAAAAAKUE/TB-JDtPaIlE/s1600/TR7.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TR7 Roadster <a href="http://pistonheads.com/">pistonheads.com</a></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Chrysler Corporation took NHTSA to court over the proposed rollover standards and the court rejected them in 1972 stating that people who buy open top cars accept the risk inherent in driving <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFWQnflzCTc/VC3FO-jxwZI/AAAAAAAAKT4/12tb5JeN2GI/s1600/mf_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFWQnflzCTc/VC3FO-jxwZI/AAAAAAAAKT4/12tb5JeN2GI/s1600/mf_02.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TR7 in Java <a href="http://triumphtr7.com/">triumphtr7.com</a></i></td></tr>
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without a roof. This not only opened the door for a convertible TR7, but saved the rest of BL's sports car line in America. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BL called in Italian styling house <a href="http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2012/11/01/hmn_feature16.html" target="_blank">Michelotti</a> to handle the design and development of the TR7 roadster model. Michelotti had a long relationship with British automakers having designed the foldaway convertible top for the MGB and redesigned the Triumph TR3 body to make the TR4 series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The roadster was exactly what this last of the TR line needed, helping the TR7 to become the best selling TR ever.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqsjONlY5OE/VC3Iu8m76DI/AAAAAAAAKUM/Pn0QUMDeE3I/s1600/tartan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqsjONlY5OE/VC3Iu8m76DI/AAAAAAAAKUM/Pn0QUMDeE3I/s1600/tartan.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tartan Plaid Interior Trim <a href="http://mossmotors.com/">mossmotors.com</a></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Being a product of a huge firm run by marginally competent managers dealing with government meddling and a militant workforce, the TR7 had its problems. Poor build quality haunted the TR all through its life. US owners were not forgiving of nagging reliability problems and eventually the TR7 became a "<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3339/4626577821_88dcb4d7c1_b.jpg" target="_blank">throwaway</a>" sports car. As their reputation for problems grew, resale values fell until keeping one in good repair became a losing proposition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think its time to give this best selling Triumph (and the last Triumph sold in America) another look. The TR7's design has aged well. The low nose and high tail give it a look of speed even while standing still and the side creases pioneered on the TR7 can be found on<a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2011/05/shape-of-things-to-come.html" target="_blank"> cars on sale today</a>. The interior is comfortable for those of us who are buying belts by the yard these days and the dashboard could even be considered modern. The tartan upholstery may not be to everyone's taste but it was a product of its time and hey, even high end <a href="http://toddsclassiccars.com/images/lotus/int.jpg" target="_blank">Lotus sports cars</a> wore tartan, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Restoring a TR7 is not impossible if the project car isn't too derelict. Parts are available from the usual sources such as <a href="http://mossmotors.com/" target="_blank">Moss Motors</a> and <a href="http://victoriabritish.com/" target="_blank">Victoria British</a>, but be warned, there are a lot of "N/A"s in the catalogs. There are also <a href="http://www.thewedgeshopstore.com/tr8-tr7/" target="_blank">independent keepers</a> of the TR7 flame that can help, too. Of course, a wise restorer will have a parts car or three on hand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's a bit sad that we don't see many TR7s at Gulf Coast British car shows. I think they deserve better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-11212274875260693892014-10-02T12:16:00.001-05:002014-10-09T15:53:52.459-05:00British Car Festival 24 is Upon Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50EojW6jOcY/VC2ERx8R-hI/AAAAAAAAKSY/w-zJI1YYExw/s1600/SABCS141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50EojW6jOcY/VC2ERx8R-hI/AAAAAAAAKSY/w-zJI1YYExw/s1600/SABCS141.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, indeed it is October and the <a href="http://sabcc.org/" target="_blank">South Alabama British Car Club's </a>biggest event is just a few short weeks away. This year's show committee has worked harder then ever to make sure that the show participants have a great time. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05YzAAcoOV4/VC2Ge9PaSiI/AAAAAAAAKSw/zr3xNC-czcw/s1600/8861328647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05YzAAcoOV4/VC2Ge9PaSiI/AAAAAAAAKSw/zr3xNC-czcw/s1600/8861328647.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Third-gen MINI Cooper S</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you may have <a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2014/04/british-car-festival-2014-venue-change.html" target="_blank">read earlier</a> in this humble blog, BCF 2014 is moving to a new </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">venue due to planned (but ultimately delayed) construction at our usual </span> <a href="http://www.faulknerstate.edu/" target="_blank">Faulkner State Community College</a> campus in downtown <a href="http://www.cofairhope.com/" target="_blank">Fairhope, Alabama</a>. Instead, we will be just one block south at the campus of <a href="http://www.fairhopeumc.org/" target="_blank">Fairhope United Methodist Churc</a>h. Last year's show attendees who made it to the Friday night welcome party will remember it as the venue for that evening event. SABCC is indeed grateful for Fairhope UMC's invitation to conduct this year's show on their lovely, tree shaded campus.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ResK7IQdOBQ/VC2FsmeLsKI/AAAAAAAAKSk/7XcvMGti35E/s1600/obrientiger.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ResK7IQdOBQ/VC2FsmeLsKI/AAAAAAAAKSk/7XcvMGti35E/s1600/obrientiger.jpeg" height="212" width="320" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jim O'Brien's Sunbeam Tiger at BCF 2013</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Again, our friends at <a href="http://miniofpensacola.com/" target="_blank">MINI of Pensacola</a> will be displaying the new third-generation<a href="http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniusa/en.html" target="_blank"> MINI hatch</a> and other examples of the growing product line. The MINI folks will also have some cool swag on sale at their featured display area on the field. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtHembNKDSw/VC2H004wv6I/AAAAAAAAKS8/Pd1-qt8_1n0/s1600/MOPTOPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtHembNKDSw/VC2H004wv6I/AAAAAAAAKS8/Pd1-qt8_1n0/s1600/MOPTOPS.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do You Remember These Guys?</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The show will feature the <a href="http://www.tigersunited.com/" target="_blank">Sunbeam Tiger</a> in observance of the 50th anniversary of this Anglo-American hybrid (designed before hybrid meant electricity is involved somewhere) that was developed by <a href="http://www.carrollshelby.com/#/1923-1951" target="_blank">Carroll Shelby</a>. In fact ALL <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootes_Group" target="_blank">Rootes Group</a> marques will be honored and their owners will receive some special treats on the day of the show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where were YOU when the Beatles made their American debut? We'll also be remembering the start of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Invasion" target="_blank">"British Invasion"</a> in American pop music. We'll have some background music during the day that will certainly get you singing along with the best of Britain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sabcc.org/sabcc_website_new_3_019.htm" target="_blank">Here is a calendar of events</a> and details associated with the 24th annual British Car Festival:.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Friday Evening Welcome Party</b> 7:00PM at the Abundant Life Center building at Fairhope United Methodist Church 155 South Section Street in Fairhope. Meet fellow British car enthusiasts and enjoy some great homemade goodies courtesy of SABCC member families. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>British Car Festival 2014</b> 9:00AM at the campus of Fairhope United Methodist Church in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. Day of show registration closes at noon and popular choice ballots will handed out shortly thereafter. Balloting will close at 2:00PM and awards will be begin at 3:30PM</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To allow you to park your car quickly and with the least delay, we urge you to pre-register. You can print a form <a href="http://cvsteleproductions.com/sabcc/forms/2013%20BCF%20Registration.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and mail it in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing you at the 24th Annual British Car Festival. Stay tuned for news about next year's show, too - our 25th anniversary year event!</span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-79182603723386827092014-09-28T17:48:00.001-05:002014-09-29T13:41:32.998-05:00An MG Y-Type in a Nice Italian Suit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMVaZkF3_Po/VCiMv3hX3hI/AAAAAAAAKRo/vlLZ_L-SMlk/s1600/1948_Zagato_MG_1500_Panoramica_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMVaZkF3_Po/VCiMv3hX3hI/AAAAAAAAKRo/vlLZ_L-SMlk/s1600/1948_Zagato_MG_1500_Panoramica_01.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Zagato (L) and MG Y-Type (R)</span></i> -<a href="http://carstyling.ru/"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>carstyling.ru</i></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Italian automobile design firm Zagato is known for producing some achingly-beautiful specials. Their elegant, flowing bodies can be found on a number of high end cars that they've restyled including <a href="http://blog.topmotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/aston-martin-db4-gt-zagato6.jpg" target="_blank">Aston-Martin</a> and <a href="http://hauteliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Jag-Zagato_resize.jpg" target="_blank">Jaguar</a> from the 1950s through today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prior to the outbreak of the second World War, <a href="http://www.zagato-cars.com/contents/en-us/d557_The_Zagato_Company_-_Pre_WW2.html" target="_blank">Ugo Zagato</a> achieved fame by creating a number of highly streamlined bodies for competition cars. His experience gained through working an early Italian aircraft builder served him well; over thirty competitors in the 1936 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9cmFjoT_DY/VCiMwCYarWI/AAAAAAAAKRw/_Cskwdmk8kQ/s1600/ScreenHunter_06%2BSep.%2B28%2B17.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9cmFjoT_DY/VCiMwCYarWI/AAAAAAAAKRw/_Cskwdmk8kQ/s1600/ScreenHunter_06%2BSep.%2B28%2B17.32.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> Bristol 403-like Rear Quarter</i> <i><a href="http://mg-cars.org.uk/">mg-cars.org.uk</a></i></td></tr>
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Mille Miglia were bodied with Zagato designs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Zagato lost his factory to allied bombing during the war and set up shop in northern Italy where his firm produced produced military vehicles in cooperation with <a href="http://www.isottafraschini.it/eng/MondoIFM-Oggi_en.aspx" target="_blank">Isotta-Fraschini</a>. When hostilities ceased, Zagato returned to building custom bodies on other manufacturer's chassis. One of those post-war exercises was on an MG Y-Type.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The late 1940s and early 1950s saw <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3CJ4d496VI/VCiMvhanfII/AAAAAAAAKSI/AXKveblJ4oE/s1600/ScreenHunter_05%2BSep.%2B28%2B17.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3CJ4d496VI/VCiMvhanfII/AAAAAAAAKSI/AXKveblJ4oE/s1600/ScreenHunter_05%2BSep.%2B28%2B17.31.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MG's John Thornley (L) in Lugano</i> <a href="http://mg-cars.org.uk/"><i>mg-cars.org.uk</i></a></td></tr>
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Zagato design aerodynamically slippery bodies that included the use of a transparent plastic known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly%28methyl_methacrylate%29" target="_blank">Plexiglas</a>. This easily shaped plastic found extensive wartime use in aircraft canopies and windows due to its light weight and shatter resistance. The Zagato-MG show car was a product of the "panoramica" design language that was adopted by Ugo Zagato.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwV_YekB1Zs/VCiMwe7qAgI/AAAAAAAAKR0/8S1iVSR6R1I/s1600/ScreenHunter_07%2BSep.%2B28%2B17.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwV_YekB1Zs/VCiMwe7qAgI/AAAAAAAAKR0/8S1iVSR6R1I/s1600/ScreenHunter_07%2BSep.%2B28%2B17.32.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note the Zagato Emblem on the Bonnet</span></i> <a href="http://mg-cars.org.uk/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> mg-cars.org.uk</span></i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Zagato Y-Type made its public debut at the 1949 Lugano (Switzerland) Salon. The four-seat coupe body style was quite airy with the side windows and windshield curving up into the roof line. There was no exterior opening to the trunk space making what little space there was exceedingly difficult to access. Ask any Mk I Austin-Healey Sprite owner about this fun feature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The severely curved side windows meant that they could not be lowered into the doors - they remained fixed in place. The quarter vent windows were likely the only way to admit fresh air to the interior. Impractical, yes, but when did a show car need practicality?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MG's management viewed the car at the Salon with some interest, but unlike the <a href="http://www.coachbuild.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=50&g2_itemId=19808" target="_blank">Arnolt-MG</a> of Italy's <a href="http://www.bertone.it/?p2=home" target="_blank">Carrozzeria Bertone</a>, it did not go into production. The single Zagato Y-Type built is not known to exist today. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-43102570349071503922014-09-13T22:19:00.000-05:002015-01-24T20:44:23.649-06:00Designed on One Island, Built on Another<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When most modern Americans think of "imported cars", the brands that they are likely to name are Asian. Whether actually imported or built in factories in the US, Asian manufacturers (particularly Japanese firms) retain a significant share of the American automotive market. The post World War II era in the US was a completely different market with most small, economical cars coming from England. With the directive of <a href="http://www.britishpathe.com/video/export-or-die" target="_blank">"export or die"</a> hanging over their corporate heads British firms knew that the North American market was their key to survival. But with the arrival of a number of Japanese brands in the US, the days British mass-market car sales in America were numbered. The roots of this demise run deep into many different areas, but one deserves a close look by enthusiasts of classic British cars - Britain's assistance in creating the Japanese automotive juggernaut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The beginning of automobile production in Japan dates back to the dawn of the twentieth century with various home-built cars, some of which were <a href="http://www.prewarcar.com/magazine/previous-features/the-japanese-family-mystery-upd-yamabas-steam-car-1904-016143.html" target="_blank">steam powered</a>. The earliest series produced car was built by the <a href="http://shokai/" target="_blank">Shokai firm</a> with a production run of 10 cars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Japanese engineers were keen to learn about automobile production and many went to either find employment with, or observe, car makers world wide. Several of these missions ended with successful negotiations to build those maker's cars on Japanese soil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 1918 the British Wolseley firm licensed the production of their <a href="http://www.motorbase.com/picture/by-id/1675037802" target="_blank">A9</a> and <a href="http://www.wolseleyregister.co.uk/wolseley-history/vintage/" target="_blank">E3</a> cars and their CP truck to a consortium operated by the Japanese shipbuilding firm of Ishikawajima and Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company. For the sum of £80,000 paid over ten years - regardless of production numbers, profit or loss - Wolseley would assist in training, equipping and managing the factory in Japan.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfGgqmtUtac/VBUE8To7muI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/JBiK1g96Idg/s1600/Wosleley%2BCP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfGgqmtUtac/VBUE8To7muI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/JBiK1g96Idg/s1600/Wosleley%2BCP.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wolseley Type CP by Ishikawajima (<a href="http://jsae.or.jp/">jsae.or.jp</a>)</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first purely-Japanese built Wolseley did not appear until 1922 and it was more labor intensive to build than planned for. The resulting high cost meant that the selling price was much higher than the market would accept. Soon, financial problems meant that the payments to Wolseley were reduced. The <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-japan-earthquake-of-1923-1764539/" target="_blank">Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923</a> destroyed the automobile assembly line and the small finished stock of cars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The CP truck line was another story in that the Japanese military paid a subsidy to truck builders provided that they met certain criteria. The Japanese-built Wolseley qualified and went into full production.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The post World War II period saw the same devastation visited on Japan as central Europe. In addition to rebuilding their nation, the Japanese were ruled by the Allied military. Everything from the production of food, clothing and industrial output was tightly regulated. The first transportation need in post war Japan was trucks. Demilitarized trucks were used for rebuilding, shipping goods and personnel transportation. The demand for private cars was filled somewhat by sales of American cars owned by departing US military brass. Car production for civilian use did not begin until 1947 when 300 cars were allowed to be built.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMWqiRhKwrc/VBUGYZnkpVI/AAAAAAAAKRE/h7UTUcORBVk/s1600/austina40factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMWqiRhKwrc/VBUGYZnkpVI/AAAAAAAAKRE/h7UTUcORBVk/s1600/austina40factory.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Nissan/Austin A40 (<a href="http://earlydatsun.com/">earlydatsun.com</a>)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As the economy improved and military rule ended, Japan's automakers were looking for opportunities to produce larger, more desirable cars than the three-wheeled vehicles that made up most of the light car offering at the time. Once again, England steps in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 1952 an agreement between Nissan and Austin resulted in the Japanese production of the Austin A40. The agreement called for Nissan to purchase <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knock-down_kit" target="_blank">"completely knocked down"</a> A40 Somerset kits for assembly in Japan. Everything needed to assemble the car was contained in a large crate and Nissan workers unpacked the components and put everything together on a short assembly line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The terms of the agreement allowed Nissan to sell the finished cars only in Japan. No royalties were paid to Austin for the first year but the second year, the greater of 2% of the retail value of the cars or £10,000 would be due. The royalty would gradually increase over five years to the greater of 5% or £30,000.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24KzhgXYjh8/VBUGwm2Jn8I/AAAAAAAAKRM/_UWB-qCErjY/s1600/A50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24KzhgXYjh8/VBUGwm2Jn8I/AAAAAAAAKRM/_UWB-qCErjY/s1600/A50.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nissan/Austin A50 (<a href="http://austinmemories.com/">austinmemories.com</a>)</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 1954 Nissan signed an additional agreement with Austin to build the larger A50 Cambridge. The agreement also allowed Nissan to source locally produced components and delete them from the CKD kits. Parts built by Nissan were sent to the UK for validation. At the end of A50 production, the car was 100% Japanese, including the engines. Nissan went on to produce a slightly modified <a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2013/10/motivation-bmc-b-series-engine.html" target="_blank">BMC B-series engine</a> line until 1980.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.allpar.com/cars/adopted/rootes.html" target="_blank">The Rootes Group</a> was not to be left out of the running and in 1953 they signed a licensing agreement with Isuzu (the successor firm to the Ishikawajima consortium) to build the Hillman Minx, Commer vans as well as being the sole importer of British built Rootes vehicles. Isuzu paid Rootes a one-time fee of £50,000 and a royalty of £25 per car after the first 2,000 units. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoH6EcJMEfA/VBUHMODM0yI/AAAAAAAAKRU/QNiG6vgrL5Y/s1600/ScreenHunter_03%2BSep.%2B13%2B21.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoH6EcJMEfA/VBUHMODM0yI/AAAAAAAAKRU/QNiG6vgrL5Y/s1600/ScreenHunter_03%2BSep.%2B13%2B21.26.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Isuzu/Hillman Minx (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/60704211@N07/sets/72157626164434979/" target="_blank">Flicker User Vic Hughes</a>)</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Initially, Isuzu assembled Minxes from CKD kits, but the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry required that the Japanese partner in these so-called technology sharing agreements produce vehicles completely made of Japanese components within five years. This requirement opened the door for many well-known UK parts manufacturers to set up shop in Japan in a similar arrangement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That the Japanese auto industry grew into a world-beating production powerhouse is well-known. The irony being that as Japanese producer's world market share grew, Britain's declined. Eventually firms such as Nissan and Toyota opened assembly plants in the UK and Honda for a time allowed their Civic to be built by the remnants of British Leyland where it was <a href="http://sabcc.blogspot.com/2010/11/last-triumph.html" target="_blank">badged a Triumph</a>. Even into the early years of the 21st century, the majority of models produced by MG-Rover in England were Honda based. </span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-79731925764935880472014-09-05T14:28:00.001-05:002014-09-05T14:28:07.397-05:00Does Your Car "Talk" to You? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8letv0MkqYs/VAoOZwo1ilI/AAAAAAAAKQs/aF2QXtu7agI/s1600/Sprite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8letv0MkqYs/VAoOZwo1ilI/AAAAAAAAKQs/aF2QXtu7agI/s1600/Sprite.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-88435114265650473362014-08-09T22:53:00.000-05:002014-08-09T22:53:20.547-05:00A Classic Camera and its Classic Shots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD--dzO0sg0/U-br8EX9VWI/AAAAAAAAJfM/Cn12YCpThLA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD--dzO0sg0/U-br8EX9VWI/AAAAAAAAJfM/Cn12YCpThLA/s1600/image.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Film </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Foto Forever</span> </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">John Oliver runs the <a href="http://www.filmfotoforever.com/" target="_blank">Film Foto Forever</a> Web site where he posts articles about the joys of photographing with film in a related blog. John recently came into the possession of a Leica IIIC 35 mm camera that originally belonged to his wife's grandfather - Jack Holliday - who had passed away a short time ago. The camera came with a large number of slides that Holliday shot and John is painstakingly digitizing them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the first batches completed included <a href="http://www.filmfotoforever.com/blog/" target="_blank">a selection of photos</a> taken at the 1956 Watkins Glen Grand Prix. These photos captured a a series of candid moments of course workers, spectators and competitors. You'll want to bookmark his blog to keep up with the new posts. </span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-47107558699733858042014-08-07T09:28:00.000-05:002014-08-07T09:28:40.803-05:00The Names in Our Cars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIYD_HdF-Mo/U-OEyWLjEkI/AAAAAAAAJe8/e2WlOJdPWtM/s1600/Strut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIYD_HdF-Mo/U-OEyWLjEkI/AAAAAAAAJe8/e2WlOJdPWtM/s1600/Strut.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bbc.com</i></td></tr>
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Dan Carney of the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/autos" target="_blank">BBC's Autos Web page</a> posted an interesting feature about the names of equipment on automobiles that were derived from their inventors. For example, the MacPherson strut (shown) so common on today's vehicles was the brainchild of Ford of England's Earl MacPherson. <br />
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Check out the rest of the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20140804-do-you-know-this-man" target="_blank">feature here</a>. </div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-68512901710960477902014-07-28T14:04:00.002-05:002014-07-28T14:04:45.612-05:00Finally - A Web Site that Allows You to Browse Self-Service Scrappers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuYv6r7xOos/U9aehyICfOI/AAAAAAAAJes/FxZkAEEomVA/s1600/ScreenHunter_76+Jul.+28+14.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuYv6r7xOos/U9aehyICfOI/AAAAAAAAJes/FxZkAEEomVA/s1600/ScreenHunter_76+Jul.+28+14.02.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Haunting scrapyards is one of those activities that requires no explanation to those who "get it". On the other hand, for those who don't, no amount of proselytizing will win a convert. Count me (and most of my friends) in the first group. While browsing a yard in person is always the best way, some very smart types created the next best way: a Web site that lets you check out the inventory of 90 (as of this writing) yards across the USA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.row52.com/" target="_blank">Row 52</a> provides this vital service at no charge to the user. You can search by year, make and model, or you can check out any yard in the system in its entirety if you are so inclined. The site also has contact information for local "pullers" that will - for an agreed-upon fee - pull your specific part and ship it to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Useful tool or another time suck? You can thank me/hate me later. </span> </div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-68887831334639882782014-04-21T14:26:00.000-05:002014-04-21T14:33:09.083-05:00BCF 2014 Show Artwork and Theme<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naIU8hP8Ms4/U1VtJSnRZ7I/AAAAAAAAJd0/h-z05T7Ctio/s1600/SABCS141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naIU8hP8Ms4/U1VtJSnRZ7I/AAAAAAAAJd0/h-z05T7Ctio/s1600/SABCS141.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is my pleasure to unveil the official artwork for the South Alabama British Car Club's 24th Annual British Car Festival Supported by MINI of Pensacola. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you can see, the club is celebrating the half-century anniversary of the Sunbeam Tiger, that Ford V8 powered sports car from the pre-Chrysler Rootes Group. Last year's Festival drew an impressive six Tigers and we hope to top that number this year with a few tasty incentives for ALL Rootes Group cars on display.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2014 also marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Invasion" target="_blank">British Invasion</a> with the arrival of The Beatles on American soil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The show committee is working hard to make this our best show ever. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-36707182871573233352014-04-20T11:29:00.000-05:002014-04-20T11:30:55.636-05:00Oil Those Hinges<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IDJkc0GNSA/U1P1gCTQO9I/AAAAAAAAJdk/BVkBzPVNaHA/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IDJkc0GNSA/U1P1gCTQO9I/AAAAAAAAJdk/BVkBzPVNaHA/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you've never seen an MGB or MGC door hinge you might be surprised at the robust nature of it. While replacements are readily available (through Moss Motors,<a href="http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=65579&SortOrder=1250#118" target="_blank"> for example</a>) it's not something that you would enjoy replacing especially if it failed due to a lack of lubrication. Lubricating the MGB/MGC door hinges is a simple task, made so by the clever engineers at MG. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Open your car's door and look at the top of the hinge strap that bolts into the door itself. You'll see the word "OIL" cast into the hinge and a trough that leads into the part of the hinge you can't see deep in the body support. This trough is where you add a few drops of light oil. The oil follows this trough to the pivoting mechanism, keeping it squeak (and seizure) free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Door hinge lubrication can be scheduled at the same time you do an oil change and chassis lube. </span><br />
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-58113488173544326182014-04-11T21:57:00.001-05:002014-04-11T21:57:56.977-05:00Hemmings Motor News Reports on BCF 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5AOlNBSV2I/U0ioE_Y30ZI/AAAAAAAAJdU/3OtfwManmJI/s1600/HMN_sub.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5AOlNBSV2I/U0ioE_Y30ZI/AAAAAAAAJdU/3OtfwManmJI/s1600/HMN_sub.gif" height="200" width="173" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The May 2014 issue of <i>Hemmings Motor News</i> carried an article featuring the 2013 British Car Festival. The two-page spread included a write up by Executive Editor Richard Lentinello and numerous photos from the event. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Details in the article about the community of Fairhope, past cars shown at the event and dates for the 2014 event were included as well. I recommend that you purchase a copy from your favorite bookstore or newsstand, but if you can't wait, the nice folks from <i>Hemmings</i> have an excerpt from the feature that you can browse <a href="http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2014/05/01/hmn_feature6.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-47468741647846629422014-04-11T21:37:00.000-05:002014-04-21T16:25:20.228-05:00British Car Festival 2014 Venue Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After three successful years on the South Lawn of Faulkner State Community College in downtown Fairhope, 2014's British Car Festival is on the move. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last year Dr. John L. Borum, the college's chancellor shared the plans for development of the South Lawn. He told show officials that the school was to build a pavilion, restrooms and an attractive wall around the perimeter of the field. He stressed that he was doing his best to schedule the construction so that the festival would not be affected. It turns out that circumstances will not allow the site to be finished in time for the show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Site committee members reacted quickly and approached <a href="http://www.fairhopeumc.org/" target="_blank">Fairhope United Methodist Church </a>- the site of last year's Friday evening welcome party - about moving the show to their lovely church campus. The church leadership graciously agreed and British Car Festival has a site directly across the street from the college venue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=fairhope+umc&aq=&sll=32.576226,-86.680736&sspn=6.24705,13.392334&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&ll=30.519487,-87.902008&spn=0.006295,0.006295&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=fairhope+umc&aq=&sll=32.576226,-86.680736&sspn=6.24705,13.392334&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&ll=30.519487,-87.902008&spn=0.006295,0.006295" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The church site is shaded by old-growth oak trees and the show site is a mixture of well-maintained asphalt and fine gravel. There is a gourmet class barbeque pit near the site as well as restrooms and a dining hall open to the event. It is one block further south from downtown Fairhope so access to the shops and galleries will be just as convenient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SABCC is looking forward to another fine British Car Festival on October 25th as we celebrate the musical "British Invasion" of 1964 and the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of Sunbeam's V8 powered Tiger.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YrsbD74b4g/U1WMA8HunzI/AAAAAAAAJeA/pOoqv_E1mtg/s1600/ScreenHunter_74+Apr.+21+16.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YrsbD74b4g/U1WMA8HunzI/AAAAAAAAJeA/pOoqv_E1mtg/s1600/ScreenHunter_74+Apr.+21+16.21.jpg" height="157" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A partial view of the show site- Click for a larger image </span></i></div>
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Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441140909101787085.post-41347407326999134852014-04-01T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-01T00:00:10.474-05:00A Movement to Ban Jaguar E-Types<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A mothers movement has been established to remove the classic Jaguar E-Type from the nation's highways because it resembles a phallus. Wendy Bouffant, 41 of Dallas, Texas is a mother of three teenage daughters who was horrified to see what she calls, "a shocking resemblance between that car and the male sexual organ." </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9i2iVUE23c/Uy4hEc37t2I/AAAAAAAAJc0/cdVBtJdhpDQ/s1600/BeehiveBouffantDeluxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9i2iVUE23c/Uy4hEc37t2I/AAAAAAAAJc0/cdVBtJdhpDQ/s1600/BeehiveBouffantDeluxe.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wendy Bouffant </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ms. Bouffant's crusade began last year on <i>April 1</i> when she and her daughters happened upon a group of Jaguars parked outside a high-end restaurant in downtown Dallas. "We stopped on the way in to admire these old cars - they were all parked right at the front door - when my oldest daughter, Kaylee- she's 17, saw a long sports car and mentioned how much she liked its looks. I looked over at the car she was talking about and saw her running her finger down the fender of it and I was just dumbstruck," she said. "I was almost screaming at her to get away from it and don't touch things like that."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ms. Bouffant's cries were overheard by the maitre d' who rushed outside to offer his assistance. Upon hearing of the cause for her distress, he explained that these cars were owned by some of his most loyal customers and, having known them for many years, could vouch for their impeccable taste and community standing. Thoroughly nonplussed, Ms. Bouffant gathered up her daughters and left the parking lot, shielding her 13 year-old's eyes from the sight of the sports car that upset her sense of propriety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"When I got home, I started searching the Internet to see exactly what that horrible car was. I found out that it was called an XKE." </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhwhAWEwTqg/Uy4hWE8z3QI/AAAAAAAAJc8/X1Q-IjOPEhE/s1600/e-type_729-420x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhwhAWEwTqg/Uy4hWE8z3QI/AAAAAAAAJc8/X1Q-IjOPEhE/s1600/e-type_729-420x0.jpg" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Jaguar E-Type, Being Touched</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The more Ms. Bouffant researched the Jaguar, the more convinced she became that it was menace to the young women of America. "I knew instantly," she said snapping her fingers," that its first initial being an 'X' it had to be something smutty. I saw pictures of that car with <a href="http://automobilesdeluxe.tv/wp-content/uploads/home1/automob5/public_html/wp-content/uploads/wptouch/custom-icons/2011/04/jaguar-xke-v12-640x337.jpg" target="_blank">young women just draped all over it.</a> Let me tell you, it does not belong out in public. It's pornographic."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the counsel and encouragement of her pastor, the Reverend Will B. Dunn of the Congregation on the Edge in Dallas, Ms. Bouffant is organizing <i>Texans United to Remove Disgusting Sportscars</i>. Its mission is to ban the iconic E-Type from the highways of the state of Texas, "and hopefully, the rest of America, too," Ms. Bouffant adds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A core group of TURDS is bringing the issue to the attention of Texas state politicians via phone calls and face to face visits with state representatives and the governor. Ms. Bouffant stated that aides to Governor Rick Perry "listened closely and offered support for her fledgling organization. They told me that they have been investigating the possible connection of these disgusting cars to Obama's liberal agenda".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A rally on the statehouse steps drew tens of people to hear about this threat to the minds of Texas' young women. Ms. Bouffant stated that afterwards she was approached by several "like-minded, right-thinking people," for assistance in starting a chapter of TURDS in their hometowns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When contacted by this writer for a reaction to this story, a Jaguar Land Rover North America spokesman said, "Go away."</span></div>
Rodney McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684947103800880958noreply@blogger.com3