ZZ Top - Gimme All Your Lovin'

Agent Provocateur Fleurs du Mal

What not to miss at Rétromobile 2015 03 February 2015

Over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the 40th Rétromobile classic car extravaganza in Paris this week. To save you covering all 40,000 square metres of the event, we round up the most important exhibits…

The Goddess’s birthday

Unsurprisingly, there’s a distinctly French flavour to proceedings at the 40th edition of Rétromobile. Citroën will be honouring 60 years of the DS with three variants of its timeless classic, plus two SMs – including a metallic beige example formerly owned by King Hassan II of Morocco. Meanwhile, Peugeot will celebrate 50 years of the ‘X04’ family styled by Paul Bouvot, and pay tribute to the 30th anniversary of its first World Rally Championship title by showing one of the Works 205 T16s. Other French fancies include a trio of Bugatti Royales brought from Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse – including Ettore’s own “Boss’s car” – and a Matra exhibition. Renault,Alpine, Shelby, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz will also be in attendance, with the latter showing a rare magnesium-alloy 300 SL alongside a recently unearthed 540 K Streamliner.

The Golden Boy and friends

No fewer than 12 cars from Corrado Lopresto’s stunning Italian collection will form a special display, with another exhibition dedicated to short-lived Spanish marque Pegaso. Further underlining the show’s diversity will be a pair of tanks: a German Royal Tiger, and a 1962 AMX 30 with a 720HP Hispano-Suiza engine.

As always, a host of European dealers will be showcasing their treasures. Movendi will unveil its latest high-end wares: a Porsche 906 recently prized away from a private collection after 30 years, and a unique Maserati Sebring. Fiskens will unveil no fewer than 14 cars for sale – one of which we’ll present to you in detail later this week – while JD Classics’ display will include the Quail Lodge class-winning Jaguar XKSS, a Maserati 3500 Vignale Spyder and a stunning burgundy 250 Lusso. William I’Anson plans to showcase the Bugatti Type 35TC with which we recently acquainted ourselves, as well as a 1932 ex-Works Prototype Aston Martin, a Bugatti Type 23 Brescia, and a 1898 Panhard et Lavassor, claimed to be one of the oldest racing cars in existence. Other dealers on location include the Ascott Collection, Classic Sport Leicht, Classic Spirit, De Widehem Automobiles, FA Automobile, HK Engineering GmbH, Historic Cars, Opus – The collection, Serge Heitz Automobile Consulting, The Gallery Brummen and E. Thiesen.

All eyes on the auctions

Of course, this year’s Parisian auctions will form a spectacle in their own right. Alongside the much-publicised Baillon ‘barn-find’ collection, Artcurial’s notable cars include one of two ‘Honecker’ Citroën CXs built, and an all-white ‘Rambo Lambo’ LM002. RM Auctions is offering the 1990 Daytona 24 Hours-winning Jaguar XJR-9 and a Tatra T87, while Bonhams’ catalogue includes no fewer than five variants of the Alfa Romeo 6C – you can read our full auction preview elsewhere in the magazine.

Photos: Rétromobile / Classic Driver / Artcurial / Bonhams / Tom Wood © for RM Auctions 

TRAILERS UNDER 10K

Published on January 8th, 2015

Looking to get into an off-highway camping or utility trailer, but faced with a tight budget? For many folks welding up a home-built trailer from scratch is the answer. But for those of us who lack the necessary skills, tools, or a decent workspace here’s a list all-terrain trailers that can get you fully outfitted and on the road for under $10,000.

Note: this list will be updated as we become aware of more options. If we have missed something please leave a comment and let us know! Thank you and enjoy the list!

Dinoot Trailers

Dinoot is a relatively new player to the game but certainly makes cost their big consideration. For simplicity we’ve decided not to list each individual model and option as pricing can vary widely depending on how you choose to build your trailer. What we can tell you is buying the tub alone can be as affordable as $785 to $890 depending on the model, with DIY frame kits or plans available to drop off at your local welding shop. We have yet to get our hands on a test model, but customer feedback looks promising for this DIY kit. Find out more on their website here. 

M.O.A.B Fort by Bivouac Camping Trailers

Package “C” comes fully equipped for $8,495 with 30″ all-terrain tires, cargo rack, Tepui Kukenam tent, sliding rear galley with two burner stove, water basin with drain, basin water bottle, swing-out tire carrier with dual folding food prep counters, fuel can, and a mounted shovel & axe. Details on the BCT website.

Explorer Off-Road Trailer by CVT

For just under $6,000, the Cascadia Explorer includes an independent suspension, stabilizer jacks, onboard battery, water tank and pump, stove, and even the kitchen sink. Just add a tent and your gear and hit the road. For more information visit CVT.

The Basecamp by Jackwagon Off-Road

The Basecamp comes standard with 33″ all-terrain tires, multi-axis coupler, and a large work table for cooking. The cargo box features three doors (one on each side, one in the rear) and a hinged lid for easy gear access. Pricing starts around $6,500 plus options. More info on the Basecamp is available at Jackwagon Off-Road.

XV-1/1A by Xventure Trailers

Xventure has been better known for their quality construction and downright luxurious setups, but recently they have released two trailers coming in at the under 10k mark. The XV-1 which is a base model trailer with a tongue box and removable tailgate, independent suspension, electric brakes, and standard tie downs, starts at $6995. The XV-1A, which includes all of the previously mentioned items plus an ARB roof top tent, ARB annex with room extension, ARB 8′ awning, and a painted tub comes in at $9995. Check them out on their website here.

BushRanger 200XT by Kakadu Camping

The “XT” package upgrades the BushRanger 200 with everything it needs for trail duty, including 29″ all-terrain tires on 15-inch wheels, TorFlex® independent suspension (Timbren Axle-less optional…and recommended), side steps and beefier fenders, a heavy duty extended draw bar, and an optional MAX Coupler. The BushRanger’s centerpiece is the massive OzTrail Ridgeline Zenith, one of the most comfortable and convenient trailer tents on the market. No fridge, stove, or galley are included, but with a base price under $6,000 there’s still plenty of room in the budget to add them. Visit Kakadu Camping for details.

Utility by Manley ORV

Manley’s “Utility” model adds 31″ all-terrain tires, recovery hook, trailer rack, bed mat, and a soft tonneau cover to keep your gear clean and dry, with prices starting at $6,495. Visit Manley ORV for details and options.

Ruger Offroad Trailers

Ruger’s 5- and 6-foot models start at $3,995 ($4,895 for the 6-foot) and feature standard 31″ tires (33″ on the 6-foot), recovery points, and cargo tie-downs. Visit Ruger Offroad Trailers for complete specs and options.

A/T Off Road by Tentrax

A great option for smaller vehicles like 2-door Jeeps and Samurais, the A/T Off Road version of the Tentrax trailer can be picked up well outfitted and ready to hit the trail for under $6,000. See Tentrax for complete pricing and options.

The DIY Chassis by AT Overland

If you’re a handy DIY’er but simply lack the space or tools to build a trailer completely from scratch, AT’s new DIY Chassis could be the answer. Three different sizes of complete rolling chassis are available starting around $3,500, leaving you plenty of budget to customize to your heart’s content. Visit AT Overland or call 877-661-8097 for details.

The Chaser by AT Overland

The AT Chaser trailer is reminiscent of the classic lines of the military 416 & 101 trailers, but with modernized suspension and high quality craftsmanship. Options abound and with a quick glance you’ll realize that boosting your out the door price to the high teens is an easy task if you’re not careful. A base price of $7,672 buys you the following.

• Trailing Arm Air Suspension, TAAS 4.0
• Heavy duty laser cut chassis, powder coated plus corrosion protection
• 2” Receiver type tongue and 2” rear accessory/recovery receiver for accessories up to 150 lbs
• 14 gauge steel laser cut and formed trailer body, powder coated plus corrosion protection
• Stainless steel hinges and latches throughout
• Gas strut assisted cargo lid
• Interior cargo tie down points
• Cargo floor rubber mat
• D.O.T. compliant LED lighting and reflectors
• Standard textured black chassis and suspension, high reflective white body components

See more online here.

XTender Explorer by VMI Off Road

This sturdy, compact ligthweight (only 600 pounds) starts just under $7,000, a great deal considering its all aluminum construction. VMI offers a long list of factory options and upgrades for matching the Explorer to your needs. Visit VMI Off Road for details.

So-Cal Teardrops Buzz-Off

While not your traditional style of off-road trailer, the teardrop offers some distinct advantages including hard walls, insulation, and easy setup and breakdown of camp. While just making it into our under 10k category, the Buzz-Off comes equipped at $9,535 with heavy duty Old Man Emu leaf springs, sprung under a 3500 lb axle with 10″ electric brakes and 9-way adjustable Rancho RS9000XL. The cabin is outfitted with a single curb side door, cabin light, 12v outlet, cubbies and flip down shelves. Sadly the Buzz-Off doesn’t include a rear hatch or galley but the fenders are wide to accommodate cooking.

Trailers Under 10K

Published by Expedition Portal Staff on January 8th, 2015

Pobeda M20 Bonneville

via Solifague Design

LAND ROVER-POWERED FERGIE

Yes, it’s a tractor, a very rapid Land Rover-powered tractor. Mark Saville lets rip in a Welsh field.

What's the story?

Yes, I know this isn’t a Land Rover, nor is it a pristinely rebuilt classic or even a particularly rare tractor, but this wonderful 2.25-litre diesel Land Rover-Ferguson hybrid, created by a fanatical Welsh hill farmer, harp maker and Land Rover tinkerer, displays all the character and ingenuity you could wish for. It goes like the clappers too.

Owner Richard Jones says: ‘I bought the Fergie about two years ago. I’ve had plenty of these lovely little tractors but they’re just too thirsty with the petrol engine these days. As for showing them, with half a million made, it’s not that spectacular to show, to be honest.’

‘Initial plans were V8 power, but then I thought I’ve got a couple of 2.25s kicking about and I knew this one was good, so in it went. This one puts out 62bhp and the original made 20bhp.’

This is the only 2.25 Land Rover diesel-powered Fergie Richard knows of, so there wasn’t anything he could copy. Once he’d decided to mate the 2.25 diesel engine to the Fergie’s gearbox, the hard work really began, making two lumps of engineering fit together properly and work well. The heart of the conversion is Richard’s beautifully made conversion plate.

The final big challenge was refitting the front axle, which mounts directly onto the block via two custom-made brackets.

Our favourite bit?

Mark says: ‘I just had to have a go on this fantastic machine. I wasn’t disappointed. The results are awesome, especially in fourth gear. It sounds like a Land Rover but drives like a tractor. Best of all, Richard says it should be perfectly feasible to fit a 200 or 300Tdi engine to a little grey Fergie. His mate is seriously thinking of doing just that!’

And the verdict from LRO writer Mark Saville?

This is a terrific thing to drive. Richard’s skill and engineering know-how are remarkable. He’s created a unique Land Rover-Ferguson hybrid, which is exactly what he set out to do. This could be the exception that proves the rule – sometimes engine transplants are indeed better than the original. Now, who’s for a race?

Tech spec

Model: Ferguson TVO l Engine: 2.25 four-cylinder Land Rover diesel l Transmission: Ferguson four-speed manual l Tyres: Great for ploughing, not parking

Where can I read more?

The full story was in the January 2014 issue of LRO. Download a digital issue, or order a back issue by calling 01858 438884.  

‘05 Honda XR400R – Benjie’s Café Racers

Written by Marlon Slack.

I’m sure all Pipeburn readers were caught up in the outpouring of emotion that swept the community when Honda discontinued the XR400R. I personally remember lighting a candle and settling into bed early, listening to the radio address from the Pope lamenting the passing of one the tidiest mid-range enduro bikes to be manufactured. No? You didn’t hear about it? Well, you wouldn’t be the only ones who missed the mid-range trailbike’s departure. With its relatively light weight and moderately powerful air cooled single-cylinder engine the Honda XR400 is probably the kind of bike that would suit most people’s riding, but is usually overlooked – but not by the guys at Benjie’s Café Racer, who have spent no small amount of time turning this 2005 model into a beautiful, but practical on and off-road commuter.

For those of you who don’t know much about the XR400, I can’t blame you. Built from 1996 to 2004 it occupied a strange place in Honda’s product line up – between the diminutive entry level XR250 and strong-as-the-balls-of-Thor XR650R. The 400 is often overlooked by many riders, being too large for beginners to fall off, too slow for the Monster Energy drink crowd and too small for Ewan McGregor-esque cross continental expeditions of narcissism. But it’s still a dependable, easy to service bike with a good amount of usable horsepower.

And there’s a few more ponies in this particular example – when they first got their hands on the XR it had already undergone the ‘Super Commuter’ treatment, with 17” Talon wheels, Akrapovic exhaust, 450cc piston kit and hi-lift cams. The guys from Benjie’s Café Racers removed all the faded old plastics and spent no small amount of time planning the best way to turn this practical bike into a neat custom bike.

One of the first things they tackled was the front end of the bike – and there’s a surprising amount of work that goes into getting an enduro bike set up with a stance like this. The standard long-travel XR forks were swapped for a pair from an early model Honda CBR600 which, while lowering the front end and bringing the wheel closer to the frame, yielded its own set of challenges – the steering stem had to be modified, a new front axle fitted and a new brake caliper mount had to be milled.

The lower front end raised the Honda’s tail like a flirty moggie so a new, flatter rear subframe was manufactured to bolt into the existing mounting points. A flat tracker seat was fabricated out of carbon fibre, with LED brake and indicator lights mounted on a small brushed aluminium plate. The upholstery was finished in durable Alcantara suede, double-stitched in gold to match the tank.

And Benjie’s Café Racer didn’t go the easy route with the tank either – deciding to make their own teardrop-shaped polished aluminium number from scratch. Finished with an understated black and gold scallop and a tidy little gas cap they also made themselves it looks beautifully proportioned and light – and as someone whose attempts to build an alloy gas tank resembled something like an after grog bog from Wall-E I’m especially impressed. Their fabrication skills didn’t stop there – the bars were bent out of 7/8 stainless steel and the front number plate was also made in-house out of aluminium, strategically cut to allow air flow to the oil cooler. The oversized header pipe is also their creation – left with a brushed finish with exposed welds.

The guys from Benjie’s Café Racers have taken a humble XR400R enduro and made an ordinary bike really special. They’ve shed a lot of weight, replacing parts with aluminium and carbon fibre bits of their own fabrication and managed to keep the lines flowing beautifully. And the finish is fantastic too, with just the right mix of polish of measured restraint. This XR looks to be a bike that would not only looks gorgeous but would be terrific fun to ride – which can be a rare mix on the custom bike scene.

[Photos by Ben Chan and Dante Dizon]

via PIPEBURN

The Porsche-built racing car that didn’t race for 34 years

The beauty of this Porsche 914/6 GT is that it’s a proper, factory-built race car, but it never raced in period – and hence it’s quite possibly the most original 914/6 GT in existence. You can judge it for yourself at Rétromobile, where it will appear on the stand of FA Automobile…

Waiting in the wings

So how is it that a Porsche-built racing car never took to the track? The intriguing history of this Canary Yellow car, chassis 9140431571, began when it was ordered by Portuguese Porsche importer and distributor Messrs AS Motors Sociedade. Yet after the car’s completion in April 1970, and for reasons that aren’t fully known, it was never delivered. Instead, it was retained by thePorsche factory and converted to full FIA Group 4 (914/6 GT) specification – with the race model’s characteristic bulging wheelarches and powerful, highly developed 2.0-litre engine. 

This was the year, after all, when the lone 914/6 GT entered at Le Mans – supposedly a poor cousin of the 917s on which all Porsche’s attention was focused – blew every 911 into the weeds and finished an astonishing sixth overall (and, unsurprisingly, first in class).

Finally given the chance

No doubt the model’s stunning Le Mans result was at least partly responsible for the decision by team managers Richie Ginther and Alan Johnson (of Bozzani Porsche-Audi Inc. of California) to buy the unraced example still owned by Porsche, in June 1971.

But still the Canary Yellow car didn’t get to race, and the following year it disappeared into a static collection. We have to move on more than 30 years, to an era when originality has become the holy grail of the collecting car world, until the as-new, mid-engined Porsche finally gets the chance to run on track. In what must surely be the car’s most exciting year to date, 2004 saw it entered in both the Tour Auto and the Le Mans Classic – fortunately, at a time when the team behind it aren’t going to casually swop engines and body panels.

Every component original

Today, it retains every original component from its 901/26 racing engine (number 6400636) and competition gearbox, to the suspension, interior – and even the paintwork. If anyone doubts its authenticity, the current owner has a copy of the factory bill of sale to its first owner, listing the car’s from-new racing specifications. And there’s every reason to think that its recorded 11,395km is accurate, too.

You can enjoy seeing the car in the metal – arguably the world’s most original Porsche 914/6 GT – on FA Automobile’s stand (P090) at Rétromobile 2015 in Paris.

Photos: Rémi Dargegen for Classic Driver © 2015

You can find several Porsche 914s for sale in the Classic Driver Market.