First NBC is creating the American version of Top Gear and now the remake of Knight Rider?

Wait a minute, right now I am having a hard time trying to imagine just what the American version of Top Gear is going to look like, I mean I am a huge fan of the UK Top Gear that is airs weekly on BBC America, the show has three hosts and it works, but its more comedy than anything else. These three guys are not afraid to tell you what they really think of the vehicles they are test driving and that would including test driving the Chevrolet Corvette that in their minds is a good track car, but not a daily driver and the Shelby GT500 which didn’t impress them much because of the Suspension, it just wasn’t there. In the end they pointed out that the Roush Mustang that Jeremy Clarkson test drove, he would rather purchase that as it was better overall. The point is, NBC isn’t going to be able to duplicate this, I mean they are not going to be able to really voice their opinions on these cars, it would be interesting to watch, however I don’t see it.

Like I said, I am having a hard time trying to imagine just what Top Gear is going to look like when it is premiered and now they announce in there (month early) Upfront that a remake of Knight Rider in a weekly series is on the fall schedule. Wow, I mean I a huge fan of Knight rider and while I loved the look of the car in the remake movie let along the original KITT and the Knight Rider 2000 KITT, the movie wasn’t all that bad, but not good neither and here I thought that after a pair of KITT’s where auctioned off this past weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction in Palm Beach for $300,000 and I might add that that price includes the rights to the last 2009 Shelby GT500KR #1576, that was the end. Needless to say, I will check it out, at least they seem to be using the same cast as the movie and a bold Mustang, could make that perfect combination…

Staying with NBC’s upfront announcement, they not only introduced there fall schedule, but a look at the 52 week schedule which showed that a couple of my favorites were renewed after all including American Gladiators, The Biggest Loser, Lipstick Jungle, and The Celebrity Apprentice (which was good, however I would have rather seen Trace Atkins win last season then Piers Morgan, at least his charity the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund received $250,000 and that’s what it’s all about.) (Read more of the Upfront…)

Well I like the 52 week schedule, it tells me or gives me an idea of just what to expect not only next Fall, but both next Winter and Summer. Comments.

- Racedriven

A pair of KITT’s and the rights to the last 2009 KR gets $300,000 at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Car Auction.

A pair of KITT's from NBC’s Knight Rider Movie.


(Credit: Both Photos from Barrett-Jackson.com Website.)

This could have well been the final chapter in NBC’s Knight Rider Movie that premiered with high ratings and mix reviews. The movie left some Knight Rider fans including me asking why did you create this movie, the first time I heard that NBC was recreating one of my favorite television shows, I thought alright a Knight Rider rebirth television series, but the whole thing of just a two hours movie really didn’t interest me, if you are going to go recreate it, at least make it into a six one hours mini-series, that would have been better, however for what it was worth, the movie wasn’t bad at all, it was a nice touch to have the next driver be Michael Knight’s son.

As for the rebirth of KITT, keep in mind that there was already a Knight Rider Movie called Knight Rider 2000 and in it had a red Knight Industry Three Thousand (KITT) car in it, so it was a little weird seeing the next-generation KITT, however I loved the look of the new KITT, making the new next-generation KITT from a 2008 Ford Mustang GT was a little bit of a streight for me considering the original KITT was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am and the second version for the Knight Rider 2000 movie was a Pontiac Banshee prototype, so in reality the third version and beyond would be from Pontiac or at least General Motors, however the only version I heard of was a 2008 Pontiac Solstice wouldn’t have worked, however a new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro with some custom work would have worked for me, but considering this car isn’t out yet, so the 2008 Ford Mustang GT made to look like a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 KR worked for the part for me.

With that said, today’s auction as a little bit of a surprise to me for this pair of movie cars that only got a total of $300,000 with a couple of extras thrown in for a higher bid including rights to the last 2009 GT500 KR #1576, the first super KITT was built off of a 2008 Ford Mustang GT with a 4.6L V8 Automatic that was upfitted with a Ford Racing Whipple Super-charger to make 400 horsepower, GT500 KR fiberglass hood with KITT heartbeat light installed, and a lot more. The second KITT was the attack mode KITT car that that really looked the part with all Proceeds to benefit Salute To Education.

I would have expected $500,000 considering they are movie cars and proceeds go to charity, anyway good looking pony car that has that presence to it and this from a Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette fan. I wonder if NBC will make a Knight Rider Television series, that’s would count on it. Comments.

- Racedriven

So what did $1 Million dollars get you at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Car auction in Scottsdale?

Over the last couple of years, enthusiants have seen a surge at the Barrett-Jackson in terms of prices and popularity, however while 2008 saw even bigger popularity, the hammer prices really didn’t come close to the records that one thought each would bring. It seems that the 2008 Barrett-Jackson prices were more along the lines of what most auction around the US would bring as well as some including the announcers called bargin prices.

So after all of that, what did $1 Million dollars get you at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson and more so, who were the showstoppers and the star?

For the 2008 Barrett-Jackson, $1 Million dollars would have bought you a lot more then in past years, going into the auction I had thought that there were two vehicles that would bring in the big dollar amounts, first, in the car industry, there is one name that is huge with power, Carroll Shelby, last year, his personal 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” hammered down at a record-breaking $5 Million Dollars, so with that, what would his personal 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible that he’s owned since day one bring, well, surprisingly it didn’t tip a million, try $675,000, that was shocking and they tried too.


John Schneider's 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Coupe "Bo's General Lee" on stage at the Barrett-Jackson with John Schneider himself trying to get the crowd into this car. (Credit: Autoblog's cover of the Barrett-Jackson)

When you talk about the #1 most influential hot rod of all time (by Hot Rod magazine), one vehicle comes to mind, the General Lee, and this year, they had John Schneider's 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Coupe that was used in the original television classic the Dukes of Hazzard as well as in the Reunion and Hollywood movies that was signed by most of the cast and shocking enough, this car is worth at least $1 Million dollars, it hammered down for $450,000, damn.

Keeping with the childhood theme for a second after The Dukes of Hazzard that was made around the time I was born (1979), what about Robosaurus stand on the outside of the grandstands, all standing up and talking, I remember seeing this years ago in Providence with my father and what show, this one didn’t do so bad, its an off-piece, it went for a good $575,000… what would I do with it, I would put it behind my house, standing up with the head over the house and every now and then it would say “Do you really want to mess this house? that’s cool.

In the last couple of years, auctioning off low serial number vehicles for charity has been a hit, back in 2006, they hammed down a 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback that went for $600,000, that became the bench mark for future numbers and at this year, that bench mark was broken by one of Detriot’s big three, that each hammed down there own creations, Dodge put up Serial #01 of the new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 for $400,000, no big surprise, however Ford hammered down there own Ford Shelby GT500 KR for $550,000 with Carroll Shelby right there, but nothing would prepare everyone for Chevrolet’s new Corvette ZR1, the paint costs a fortune, and with Jay Leno on-hand, that one was hammered for $1 Million dollars, now that’s the way you do it.

And finally, we get to the stars, the showstoppers of the show, concept s and one-offs were huge this year and have been for many years and while no vehicle is really going to surpass the $3 Million Dollar 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 GM Concept Car that sold back in 2005 nor the even more top seller, the 1950 GENERAL MOTORS FUTURLINER PARADE OF PROGRESS TOUR BUS with only 12 built by GM went for a record-breaking $4 Million Dollars, this year, first a 1963 Ford Thunderbird Fastback that had been used as a daily driver in California for many years sold for $600,000, however nothing would top the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe named “Rondie” concept car that was the biggest seller of the 2008 Barrett-Jackson, it sold for $1.6 Million dollars, that’s good solid amount period.


The star of the show, an award winning 1928 Duesenburg J Dual Cawl Phaeton (Credit: All three photos - the Duesenburg, the “Rondie” concept and the Robosaurus were all from Barrett-Jackson.com)

But you know, no show would be complete without what the star of the show, an award winning 1928 Duesenburg J Dual Cawl Phaeton that even though it sold lite, what a vehicle to look at, Jay Leno should have been interested in this one, this one sold for $1 Million Dollars, believe me when I say it, it was easily a $1.6-2+ Million dollar vehicle period. Well that’s it here.

- Racedriven

Tony Stewart goes for big money for charity as Monster Garage is reignited at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Car Auction.

You know, first thing is I hope that headline makes since and second is what an interesting week it’s been at the Barrett-Jackson car auction so far and even though I am watching it unfold on SPEED, its always intriguing to see just what some of these unique and one-off vehicles will go for.

Earlier tonight, the man himself made an appearance, Tony Stewart and he did it in smoking fashion, yeah, doing a burnout straight onto the auction block, what a sight on television as the cameras were right there looking straight into the wheel wells, were do I get a photo of that… Smoke was on-hand to see his 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series winning racecar (three wins in 2006 - Kansas, Atlanta and Texas) with signed uniform and helmet go across the block, so, going, going, gone for … $300,000 all goes to the Darrell Gywin Foundation.

On the first two night’s (Tuesday and Wednesday night), the crowd of car enthusiasts on-han were treated to a different and yet funny, one-offs from the hit show Monster Garage made there way across the block, I often wondered just who would want to buy any of those, let along what they would go for and I have to say I was surprised, even with the television backing, most Monster Garage creations only went for between $6,000 and $19,500, however I wondered in my preview piece a couple days ago who would want a PT Cruiser Wood Chipper and so did, $12,500 it went for.

I found it really funning that every time one of these vehicles had crossed the block, the SPEED crew doesn’t know what to say, they look at it and laugh, saying, what is this all about? Like we should have to explain, its was built because we can. They don’t know how to describe most the vehicle, even the auctioneer laughs. I have to admit it is funning, but it’s cool to see.

During the broadcast and endless commercials, the announcers kept saying that each vehicle was only sold by Bill of Sale and it was the buyers responsibility to get register them if they wanted to. So what do you do with them, in most cases, I would say put them in your garage for all of your buddies to see, a museum or as they said, a parts car.

Wondering what the top 3 was, out of the two day event (a couple vehicles still to come tomorrow night - Saturday night), believe it or not, tied for third was the 72 Peterbuild trike which was the fantasy bid car and the Hotdog dragster both sold for $23,000, in second, the surfmobile, it’s a sort of like a doonbuggie which hammered down for $28,000 and the number one highest selling vehicle, the Baja 1000 Trophy Truck that when for $36,000, which if I remember from the series a couple years ago, that didn’t even come close to what it cost to build, but Jesse James did race this in the Baja 1000, however it did break. (Both photos are from Barrett-Jackson website)

What will go for more, the General Lee or Carroll Shelby’s personal 67 Shelby Mustang GT500?

- Racedriven

The 2008 Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale is on the horizon.

Every January, I always look forward to the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale on SPEED, its always exciting to see a large group of bidders and car enthusiasts under one roof and see who’s willing to put up the money for there dream car, let along it’s a giant car show of some of the most exclusive cars including one of my favorites, Shelby Mustangs.

When you look back at last year’s auction and consider what record amounts were hammered down last year, its amazing just seeing one vehicle go for so much, who really would pay anything over a half million dollars for a collector car, but when you consider the record from last year’s auction which was Carroll Shelby’s personal 1966 SHELBY COBRA 427 "SUPER SNAKE" with a 427 Supercharged engine attached to a 3-speed Automatic Transmission that puts down 800 horsepower that hammered down at 5 million dollars, that’s huge, of course, anything from Carroll Shelby is always a big seller. (Read Last year's highlights)

Keeping with the Shelby theme, a 2007 Shelby GT (Ford Mustang) Serial #001 that was black with two racing strips went across the block and equaled last years record set by a 2007 Shelby GT500 at $600,000. Concept cars went for a pretty penny last year as well, can you say 1 Million dollars for each of these concepts, the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II Convertible Concept Car and a 1954 Dodge Firearrow IV Convertible Concept Car.

With every years successes, you come across that one story that just says what is this? and following last year’s auction, a story did in fact break that was entitled the Ramcharger (a 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda) owner vs. Barrett-Jackson that ended up in court battle, personally, what was even more interesting was that during one of SPEED Channels live on the block shows, they had Barrett-Jackson comment on this story. What an aftermath.

Earlier today, the story broke that reads… (From Barrett-Jackson press release - “In the settlement, the judge (name removed by me) exonerated the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. of all allegations of wrongdoing in relation to a situation that occurred at the company's Scottsdale (Ariz.) event in January 2007,”) Read More. Personally, I’m leaving this story were it belongs, done and over with.

So what could be hammed down at this year’s auction, let’s start with the Detroit’s big three auctioning off huge vehicles for charity… a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, a Shelby (Ford Mustang) GT500KR that should surpass $600,000 from the last two year’s of Shelby’s and a Dodge Challenger SRT8, hopefully all should bring big money for charity.


The the ESCALADE ESV “Tailgater” (Credit: Barrett-Jackson Website)

One of my favorite discovery shows "Monster Garage", are auctioning off what looks to be almost the entire fleet of vehicle created on the show including the Corvette “Mud Bogger”, the ESCALADE ESV “Tailgater”, the F-150 “Nut-shaker” and of course the PT “Wood Chipper” Cruiser, what a cruiser for car shows, who knows when you need a wood chipper. Personally, the tail-gator would be the heavy-hitter, its perfect for NFL or NASCAR fans for tailgating in the parking lot including huge flip-down plasma in rear, this would be perfect for Tony Stewart.


Carroll Shelby's personal 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible (Credit: Barrett-Jackson Website)

The one to watch, that would have to be the 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible that just so happens to be Carroll Shelby’s personal car, this one might just hit the $3 Million dollar mark, that would be cool to see.


John Schneider's 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Coupe "Bo's General Lee (Image from ebay auction page.)

You just have to wonder, will we see another 5 million dollar record? It could happen, like I said, Carroll Shelby’s personal GT500 convertible could go for over 3 million dollars, the personal one for me out of them all including the Shelby GT500 Convertible would have to be John Schneider's 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI couple “Bo’s General Lee” (pictured above), I have all of the dvd’s of the Dukes of Hazzard and I wonder if this was the one that originally was auctioned off on ebay and was to go for $9.9 million dollars, that’s perfect. We will see starting on the 15th.

- Racedriven

Highlights from the 2007 Barrett-Jackson including an all new record of 5 million dollar bid for a Shelby Cobra.

(Image Credit: Barrett-Jackson.com Auction website)

After the last vehicle rolled off the auction block sold yesterday evening, I reflect back on just what happened, the busied night by far was last Saturday night in prime-time. There was one real record breaking event, but the two concept cars that everyone thought would the huge money makers really didn’t. I would say that the 2007 Barrett-Jackson belonged to one man, Carroll Shelby. Shelby, need I say more.

Do we hear 5 Million Dollars:
This bid was the highest bid in history, the vehicle was Carroll Shelby’s personal car, a 1966 SHELBY COBRA 427 "SUPER SNAKE" with a 427 Supercharged engine attached to a 3-speed Automatic Transmission that puts down 800 horsepower. This was not the vehicle that was most talked about in making a huge number, but it is now. I don’t know about anyone else, but having the choose of owning one of Carroll Shelby’s personal rides with an autographyed viser or a concept car, I would choose the Shelby hands-down.

Do we hear $600,000 again…:
Keeping with the Shelby theme, a 2007 Shelby GT (Ford Mustang) Serial #001 that was black with two racing strips went across the block and equaled last years record set by a 2007 Shelby GT500 at $600,000. This Shelby also came with a special edition matching guitar and the rights to purchase another 2007 Shelby GT Serial #002 that is white. One thing to note is that the bidder on this vehicle set a bid at $500,000 and then uped it to $600,000 to meet the record and I think the processed went to charty.

Do we hear a million dollars each:
Here are the two vehicles that everyone was talking about and the thoughts of what were going to be going for a huge some of money, a 1954 Dodge Firearrow II Convertible Concept Car and a 1954 Dodge Firearrow IV Convertible Concept Car, these two vehicle came after the record-breaking Shelby and would only come up with 1 Million Dollars each. Those two were not the only vehicles to come in at 1 Million Dollars each, a 1993 HUMMER H1 "CNN'S WARRIOR ONE" that was featured on the show Overhaulin’ with Chip Foose. All three, very interesting buys.

Paul Sr and Paul Jr from Orange County Choppers:
As a huge fan of the hit show American Chopper, these lots coming up next were interesting to me, Paul Sr and Paul Jr. both auctioned off vehicles from there personal collections. Up first was Sr’s 1967 SHELBY GT500 E FASTBACK (Yellow) made by Unique Performance as part of a trade for an OCC Shelby GT500E Chopper, his re-creation Shelby sold for $210k. Next up was Paul Jr’s 1967 SHELBY GT500 E CUSTOM FOOSE FASTBACK sold fro $225k

The heart of Sr’s collections came up next with his 1968 DODGE HEMI CHARGER 2 DOOR HARDTOP with matching OCC HEMI Chopper that sold together for $235k. The other one of his lots was a 1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE FI CONVERTIBLE that was driven up with Tony Stewart behind the wheel with matching custom Chopper that sold together for $160k. Finally the last one, a 2004 Shelby GT500E Custom Chopper sold for around $90k.

This was only a small highlight from what went down at this auction and what an auction its was, like I said, this years event was Carroll Shelby. I only wish that I was there in Scottsdale and I can’t wait to see if any vehicle can top 5 Million Dollars in 2008. With that said…..See Yeah!

Do we hear $4 Million for a GM Futurliner at the Barrett-Jackson?

The 2006 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction on Speed Channel was interesting to enjoy with all of these dream rides one by one heading across the block, but one vehicle was too big to go across the block and that vehicle ended up going for the most money, the previous owner wanted $1 million dollars for it, but that 1950 GENERAL MOTORS FUTURLINER PARADE OF PROGRESS TOUR BUS with only 12 built by GM went for a record-braking $4 Million Dollars.

The most waited for 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Concept Car that everyone though would go for more that last years record $3 Million Dollars, went for just below at $2.8 Million Dollars and worth every penny.

Therest of the record-braking top 5 selling cars were all over a million dollars with #3, a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda for $2 Million, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Drag Racing Car for $1.15 Million and rounding out the top 5 best sellers was a 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance for $1.1 Million Dollars.

A couple of very interesting cars that came on the block Saturday night was the 2007 Shelby GT500 Fastback for $600,000 that I detailed in a past posting, a Specially built on “American Hot Rod” by the legendary Boyd Coddington with design and fabrication input from Max Cohen, a Make-A-Wish kid created a 1963 Dodge Polara 2 Door thats powered by a new 572 CID Hemi crate motor. All proceedes of the sale of this magnificent Hot Rod go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation that went for $500,000 .

Also an amazing Chip Foose Designed and build by Unique Performance, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Custom 2 Door Couple that went for $240,000 — That should have went for a little more..

The 2006 Barrett-Jackson was incredible, spec on and what a show to kick off the 2006 year, great cars and one huge 1950 GM Futurliner that brought big bucks, how will they top this next year..but for us racing fans, this was only the start, next up is the start of the 2006 motorsports season with the Rolex 24 at Daytona next weekend live on Saturday at noon, the 24 hours of Daytona with Rusty Wallace and Danica Patrick in the Howard-Boss Motorsports #2 entry, thats going to be a great race and I can’t wait..

See Yeah!

Do we hear $600,000 for a 2007 Shelby GT500 Fastback?

(Photo from RSportsCars.com)

What a Saturday at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson so far for Shelby GT’s and you are seeing a 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback going for $600,000…

(from Barrett-Jackson) The most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history will take to the street next year, and it will be wearing the name of a legend, Carroll Shelby. Designed in the unmistakable image of Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the 2007 Shelby GT500 melds Ford SVT’s modern engineering with the big-block performance that made the original GT500 the “King of the Road”. At the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ in January 2006 be one of the bidders in a charity auction for an early VIN 2007 Shelby GT500 coupe, the first one offered for sale to the public. The car will be produced to the successful bidder’s specification, including the color and factory available options, for delivery when production begins later in the year. All proceeds from the winning bid will go in support of the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

What color and options will the winner get? is a convertible available? who knows…

Random Thoughts on this Saturday - Jan 21th

Welcome to the 2nd edition of what could become a weekly or so column for Racedriven.com, this is just a couple of things going on today.


John Force has released spy photos on his website and by an email he has sent to his fans (including me) of his new 2006 Ford Mustang for testing at Las Vegas. (Read)

NASCAR Headlines: Michael Waltrip and Doug Bawel has just announced the forming of Waltrip-Jasper Racing to field his #55 NAPA Dodge in the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season and has contracted BDR be the source of cars, engines and personnel. (from NASCAR.com)

NASCAR is planning to use a Sunoco unleaded fuel in 2008, according to a newspaper report. (Read)

Two stories that will not die: Toyota and the Car of Tomorrow…Now NASCAR is expected to make announces on both Monday that will be carried on Speed Channel… Basicly who knows what the big announcements are on Monday, it could be Toyota, COT, both or none of the above, I will try to catch this Monday on Speed.

Jimmie Johnson who won the NASCAR engine that was put up for auction with all the money going to the Randy Dorton Memorial Fund, today Jimmie Johnson and West Coast Customs unveiled at the Detriot autoshow live on the Today Show a 1969? Chevrolet Camaro Custom with the engine under the hood, I am looking for pictures and info.

Barrett-Jackson: So far at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction that is live on Speed, the highest priced car as of now is 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO 2 Door Hardtop for a grand total of $216,000.00, sold last night..is anyone watching and doing the fantasy bid? I am doing both, at least trying to put in a fantasy bid on the website when it works.

Tapscott Behind the Wheel has put up his CARNIVAL OF CARS posting, check it out.

General Motors Survey: One of the things that GM would like to better understand is the level of enthusiasm for rear-wheel drive versus front-wheel drive, particularly for young buyers of compact and sub-compact cars on their GM Fastlane blog. (also found on Leftlane News)

My Comment: I personal want a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive cars, living in Massachusetts with 5-6 months of winter driving, its needed to get around.

Thats it for now, can we please go racing now… the 2006 Motorsports Season is about to start in less than 30 days with the 2006 Daytona 500…See Yeah!

Random Thoughts on this Monday - Jan 16th

These are just some random thoughts on this cold monday night:

NASCAR Pre-Season Testing: is going on at Daytona thoughout this week..Sterling Marlin on top of the speed charts on Monday. Toyota, Honda and Nissan in NASCAR? Speed TV has rumors and comments on it..I don’t know with Toyota people in Daytona’s garage area looking at the Car of Tomorrow.

I just saw Kurt Busch on Speed TV being interviewed with his new Miller Lite suit on, thats weird to see, this will take some time..on a plus side, Rusty Wallace will be driving in the 24 hours of Daytona in the #2 Howard-Boss Motorsports with Danica Patrick as one of his teammates…Cool, can’t wait.

2006 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction: Tomorrow night at 7pm-11pm is the start of the Barrett-Jackson live on Speed with its 33 hours of coverage that goes from Tues thur Sunday. Last year three hotrod created on “American Hotrod” by Boyd Coddington sold at the auction for - The Alumi-tub for $155,000 , Crazy Horse (Ford Mustang) for $145,000 and one of the best hotrods every created, “Whatthehaye” sold for $500,000 dollars, the most for any streetrod at auction…what will be among the big sellers this year and much will they go for..

Dodge Challenger in Production?: (straight from Leftlanenews.com)…According to a report by Speed TV, it would take DaimlerChrysler 18 to 24 months to bring the Dodge Challenger concept to market, if it receives approval for production. Meanwhile, rumors have suggested it could take GM as long as three years to bring the Camaro to market.

(from Leftlanenews).. NBC will air a special on the 2006 NAIAS Detriot Show: Sunday, Jan. 22, 1-3 p.m. EST.

CJ: For readers of CJ’s Happy Hour, she has made it to North Carolina and unpacked somewhat, she has a couple of new postings up…congrads to her what is an interesting move, good luck and enjoy NC.

Well thats it for this cold night.. See Yeah!

An Oldsmobile F-88, a MaxHEMI and the Barrett-Jackson!

1954 Oldsmobile F-88 GM Concept Car sold last year at the Barrett-Jackon on Saturday Night for $3,240,000 total and now sits in a museum for all to see.
Credit: Barrett-Jackson.

I can’t vision buying a concept car for 3 million dollars, let along the one and only project F-88, that Oldsmobile created to complete with the Chevy Corvette, its makes you wonder why Oldsmobile/General Motors didn’t put this into production, but what a concept and it look very similer to the 1953-1955 Chevrolet Corvette and I love the first corvette..

The “MaxHEMI”: A Special entry built on “American Hot Rod” by the legendary Boyd Coddington with design and fabrication input from Max Cohen, a Make-A-Wish kid created a 1963 Dodge Polara 2 Door thats powered by a new 572 CID Hemi crate motor. All proceedes of the sale of this magnificent Hot Rod go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Read Lot Number with Photo).

I did watch these episodes of American Hotrod and a 1963 Dodge Polara would not have been the first car that I thought of to make into a hotrod, but thats what makes it so cool..its a hotrod that looks great and was designed by a 16-year old kid, great job.. Boyd Coddington is also auctioning off a 1942 Ford Woody featured on “American Hotrod” too.

Barrett-Jackson: Well its mid-January and that could only mean one big event for car enthusiants, the 2006 Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction Live on Speed Channel. Next Tuesday thur Sunday is 33 hours of live coverage and pure enjoyment, check out events here.

BTW: Two things..

The Auto Prophet just got back from visiting the 2006 NAIAS in Detriot anmd has published pictures with his own comments.. click here.

Tapscott Behind the Wheel’s CARNIVAL OF CARS: A Drive Around the Auto Blogs Block for Friday the 13th, 2006 that he publishes about everyweek.

The Chevy HHR

I have published this article on both this site and at The Blog for Auto Bloggers entiled The Chevy HHR, comments..

What does everyone think of the new Chevrolet HHR, including the unveiling of 4 custom HHR designed and built in a 6 week build-off covered on TLC’s RIDES, 4 shops were giving a stock HHR, Unique Performance, Darkside, YearOne and PTeaser Design. If completed on time, they each get a new Chevrolet SSR. Each one did something different including the adding a V8 engine or the ultimate tailgater.

- view photos click here

I watched the TLC’s Rides episode on these four shops building and liked the Darkside, for the simple reason of they kept the 4 cyl and supercharged, plus added a custom sunroof and a custom sound system. Its something just about anyone can get installed on there HHR.

Final thought: the HHR looks just like the pt cruiser, but if it is designed like the first Chevy SUBURBAN, they should have added AWD or 4wd and not front wheel drive. Interesting, but I would buy one of the customized ones.
See Yeah!

Domestic vs. Foreign/Imports

I have published this new article at The Blog for Auto Bloggers entiled Domestic vs. Foreign/Imports check it out..

Autoblog.com has a posted the latest numbers on November Auto sales for the major automakers. The report showed:
GM: -11.3 percent
Ford: -18 percent
DaimlerChrysler: -6.6 percent
Toyota: +5.5 percent
Honda: +6.4 percent
Nissan: -7.7 percent
Subaru: +.5 percent
Suzuki: +13.5 percent
BMW: +7 percent
Isuzu: -53.2 percent (Ouch!)
Domestics are down with Toyota, Honda, BMW and surprising Suzuki up.

So why?

“My Take” Simple put, the product and price, people are looking for QUALITY, RELIABILITY, and VALUE, including the RESALE VALUE. The differents between the two is price, domestics for the most part are a little higher sticker, but maintenance is lower with the parts being cheaper and more available, And the opposite for Foreign/Imports.

For my personal experience including looking at my family and friends, the domestics are cheaper in maintenance, (GM) Chevy’s are big in this family with 60% plus, so are Honda’s, plus a Suzuki, and others. The Foreign/Imports are more appealing in look and price, but the maintenance is a little higher.

I still prefer a domestic with lower maintance cost, but I also like a Scion xB, that’s Toyota.

One thing, Toyota and Honda are very popular in the U.S. and they are building more vehicles in the US too, more jobs. That’s a thought…

What does everyone think?