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    mardi 22 juillet 2014

    Timeless Classics: Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale


    It’s a distillation process: identifying the crème de la crème… de la crème, until you finally arrive at a car so superlatively special that, to quote one expert source, its sale “sends shockwaves through the community of automotive enthusiasts around the world”.
    Ferrari is a badge most car-lovers would be proud to wear on the grille, whatever the model. But even among the top Ferrari collectors, the 275 GTB – unveiled at the 1964 Paris Motor Show – is a very special, beautifully proportioned, race-inspired successor to the 250 GTO that commands huge interest (and prices) today. Especially the lightweight competition versions. But the competition versions were themselves based on the remarkable 275 GTB/C Speciale, of which only three were built by the Ferrari factory – specifically for FIA homologation and factory racing development.
    All three Speciales could boast super-lightweight aluminium bodies that utilised smaller, lighter tubes, along with a race-style, 3.3-litre, dry-sump engine sitting low in the chassis, and topped by six Weber carburettors (as seen in the 250 LM). 

    A remarkable racing machine – as proved at Le Mans in 1965

    What this meant in practical terms was an extra 70 horsepower over the standard 275 GTB road car, packaged in a much lighter chassis. It was a remarkable racing machine – as proved at Le Mans in 1965. Prepared by Ferrari for the Belgian team Ecurie Francorchamps, and painted in the team’s traditional yellow, chassis no. 06885 was driven by Willy Mairesse and Jean Blaton in the GT class of the famous 24-hour race. Not only did the car win its class with supreme confidence (gaining the first Le Mans victory for a 275 GTB), it was also placed third overall: an astounding result.

    Eyebrow-raising rumours

    The Le Mans car, chassis 06885, has been owned since 1970 by renowned enthusiast Preston Henn and is of almost unguessable value. Henn has stated that he has no intentions of selling his prized Ferrari but there are rumours that – if ever it did come to the market in future – it could perhaps be the first car in the world to sell at the magic ‘nine-figure’ level. Since it’s not for sale, there is no way to establish the truth of such an eyebrow-raising rumour, and nor is the third and final car built, chassis 07185, about to see the auctioneer’s gavel. It remains firmly part of a private collection.

     The crème de la crème (de la crème)

    But that leaves the first 275 GTB/C Speciale built, chassis no. 06701, the car pictured here. The latest news running through the collectors’ market like wildfire is that this superlative Ferrari is indeed being put up for sale – by RM Auctions, at its Monterey sale on 15-16 August 2014. With a meticulously researched and well-known provenance from new, with – of course – an original, matching-numbers engine, we wait with baited breath to see what this crème de la crème (de la crème) Ferrari will achieve on the world auction stage.
    Photos: Darin Schnabel © 2014 courtesy RM Auctions
    This article is part of the 'Timeless Classics' feature series that is presented and supported by our friends at RM Auctions.

    OILY RAG KZ400 TRACKER


    Oily Rag Kz400 1
    Oily Rag proved there was much more to their repertoire than producing top quality motorcycle themed clothing when they created their flagship Triumph Bobber back in 2013. Now the Cotswold based brand have once again stepped away from the haberdashery and back into the Shed to produce their second stunning custom build. As with their T-shirts, Oily Rag have refused to pigeon hole their biking pleasure; bobbers, cafe racers, scramblers and trackers all feature in their great designs. This cracking little Kwacker tracker now provides them with a completely alternative ride for when the roads turn to tracks and their hard tail Trumpet can go no further.
    Oily Rag Kz400 2
    “I’d always fancied a Harley XR750 but with the silly prices they go for, that just wasn’t an option.” says David Sutton, Oily Rag Owner and Chief Designer. So with flat track style and a tight budget in mind David took to ebay where he uncovered this 1977 Z400, dismantled and in boxes, with a few bits and pieces absent. The Zed set him back a mere two-hundred and forty pounds, or about one percent of the price of that dream Harley Davidson XR750.
    Oily Rag Kz400 3
    David had been a fan of the green machines from the land of the rising sun since first he took to two wheels aboard a trusty Kawasaki AE50. “Of course there was only one colour she could be.” With style and colour decided David set to the nitty gritty of the fabrication work. “I am passionate about design, whether it be designing an item of clothing or a motorcycle”. His attention to detail and eye for the completed product is plainly evident in the finished bike which he exhibited in all its glory at BSMC 3. It yearns to be ridden every bit as much in the metal as in the pictures.
    Oily Rag Kz400 4
    “The frame was chopped off and shortened at the back and all brackets and unimportant parts were cut off.” David avoided the route of bolting on an XR replica tail piece, instead opting for a more classic seat. The rear end may hint at twin shock motocross style, but the bike as a whole screams of dirt ovals. A Kawasaki 250 tank with a DT175 bung welded in to allow for fitment of an 80’s screw in petrol cap exhibits the lengths David went too in the pursuit of his desired details.
    Oily Rag Kz400 5
    “High ride pipes were made by a specialist to give her that McQueen look. The front mudguard was cut down and an alloy trials mudguard was used on the back.” On a bike designed to get dirty chrome was considered misplaced so the wheels were sent to Central Wheel Components who applied a “chrome powder-coat” which dulled them down. Honda motocross foot pegs were grafted on along with a custom bash plate cut with a bespoke Oily Rag design.
    Oily Rag Kz400 6
    Fripperies such as lights and clocks were done away with in exchange for the ultimate cleanliness of a flat track front end and a daylight MOT. The only electrics present are merely those required to turn her on and off. The side panels proudly bear the Oily Rag monicker and no doubt remind David to get back to work after his ride.
    Oily Rag Kz400 7
    Builds of this quality show that Oily Rag are far more than a manufacturer of trendy T’s. They are a brand evolved from their true love of bikes and riding. It is unlikely that you will wrestle this machine from Davids’ skilled hands, so the Vintage Kwacka Works T that he has made to match will have to do.
    We look forward to seeing the inevitable next bike from David, and the threads too!
    via The Bike Shed

    Expedition Vehicles For Off Roading & Camping - Bug Out-Mobiles


    by 
      Contributors: Manufacturers, Tom Lowell

    Expedition-Ready Wheelers

    Phil Raymond's '75 Volvo out exploring.
    Back in The April issue we featured a Volvo truck that was fully outfitted as an expedition truck by its owner ("Volvo Roamer"). The response was overwhelming on this truck, so we decided that an overview of expedition-type vehicles might be perfect. The idea of quitting your job (or getting fired) and hitting the road to explore every nook and cranny of the country has crossed the minds of every staff member at least once (if not multiple times a week), and we're sure it's the same for many of you. This, of course, is hard to swallow when you consider all the bills, family, and other obligations that life holds, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. We've heard of many families that have saved up the funds, sold or rented out their house, started home-schooling their kids, and hit the road to explore and see the world. Yes, it's a long shot, but it's not impossible. So read up, tell the boss you need the next week or year off, and hit the road.
    Think Globally
    Mercedes-Benz Unimogs are considered some of the most capable vehicles in the world. Global Expedition Vehicles (GXV) has recently launched its Safari Expedition model built on a Unimog U-500 chassis. Powered by a Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder (6.4L) diesel engine and based on a 154-inch wheelbase chassis with fully synchronized 16 forward and 12 reverse gears in the transmission, it has portal axles with selectable differential lockers front, rear, and center; a coil-spring suspension; and a sandwich-panel composite walled camper coach attached to the chassis frame. The extreme GXV is a rugged 4x4 expedition vehicle.
    The GXV also has premium solid wood cabinets, a four-person dining area that converts into a bed, a stainless steel refrigerator and freezer, a two-burner diesel cooktop, a convection microwave and grill, LED lighting, a dry-bath with separate shower and toilet, another queen-size bed, two LCD TVs with a full sound system, and plenty of storage space. Not bad for a vehicle that is able to clamber over rocks or fallen trees and still reach 70 mph on the highway.
    Pros: Luxury living anywhere you want, built to customer specifications
    Cons: It's a big truck (26 feet long) and it comes with a big price tag.
    Price range: $180,000 for light-duty; mid $300,000 for loaded medium-duty
    Global EXpedition Vehicles
    417.582.5050
    www.globalxvehicles.com

    See The World In A Sportsmobile
    A Sportsmobile 4x4 Van just might be the perfect vehicle for the off-road enthusiasts looking for a tow/trail/travel machine that can still be a daily driver. The 48-year-old Sportsmobile company builds 4x4 Ford and Chevy vans for the enthusiast or outdoor athlete looking to haul gear in a capable machine. And since both the Ford and GM vans are available with factory diesel engines (Power Strokes or Duramax), they are great for towing a dedicated trail rig or buggy or traveling long distances in barren lands on their own.
    The Sportsmobile 4x4 Vans use well-known, proven products from the off-road world like Dynatrac Pro-Rock Dana 60 front axles, Atlas transfer cases, Warn hubs and winches, custom Old Man Emu suspensions, and Transfer Flow 46-gallon tanks. Then to make them suitable for up to four occupants, they can be outfitted with diesel-powered generators, refrigerators, sinks and water tanks, and a full toilet. Plus there are more minimalistic versions with a Thetford cassette toilette, designed for at-home comfort without all the holding tanks required when dealing with gray and black water.
    Sportsmobile has built more than 1,000 vans to the owner's specifications. Whether you want an emergency response vehicle or a daily driver that can be hooked to a trailer Friday after work, tow your rock buggy to the mountain and then offer a comfortable place to sleep and eat when the nights get cold, Sportsmobile can make your dream machine come true.
    Pros: Great for hauling or towing gear across extreme terrain. Smallish, yet still roomy enough for two occupants to live comfortably. Complete bathroom and kitchen facility available. Built to customer specifications.
    Cons: Expensive, but can be financed like a motorhome, making it within reach.
    Price range: $50,000 for basic 4x4 conversions, $85,000 to $150,000 for the ultimate camper van party-wagon with tons of stereo, GPS, and computer equipment.
    Sportsmobile
    559.233.8267
    www.sportsmobile.com
    Go Wheeling With A Gowesty VW Syncro
    Pound for pound, the Vanagon Syncro pop-top camper might be the most agile, versatile expedition vehicle in the world. At GoWesty, they build Syncros designed for just that: travel to exotic locales.
    Volkswagen built these wonder-buses from 1986 to 1991 and delivered the Syncro with an all-wheel-drive, viscous-coupler-based 4x4 system, 14-inch wheels, undersized brakes, and an anemic 2.1L engine that produced a mere 117 lb-ft of torque. GoWesty improves upon this stock platform by installing a 2.5L high-output version of the original engine that puts out 50 percent more torque. The viscous coupler is replaced by a solid billet straight shaft and decoupling system for true on-the-fly, selectable 4WD. By adding its custom-geared transmission and lower final drives (front and rear) to offset taller, 16-inch wheels and 29-inch tires, and by adding on-command, fully locking front and rear differentials, GoWesty transforms the vehicle from soccer-mom-mobile to a backwoods base camp for the Scout troop.
    GoWesty also outfits the Syncro with larger, ventilated front brakes, which add increased stopping power and GoWesty-exclusive H&R German-made, progressive 2-inch lifting springs with Old Man Emu shocks on the fully independent suspension; undercarriage reinforcement and skidplates; an onboard compressed air system; a solar-powered auxiliary battery and refrigeration system; greatly improved front and rear lighting; a custom double swing-away carrier for fuel, water, and a fullsize spare; and creature comforts like Recaro seating, LPG interior furnace, deluxe awning, and a top-of-the-line DVD and stereo system.
    Pros: Small size and weight. High agility and maneuverability. Comfortable and fun.
    Cons: Not a tow rig. Not fully self-contained (no shower or toilet). Not designed to be a rockcrawler (but some owners do anyway). Built to customer specifications.
    Price range: Cheap for a broken-down beater or $75,000 to $125,000 for a fully built and ready-for-anything Syncro.
    GoWesty
    888.469.3789
    www.gowesty.com

    Unique In Your Unicat
    Unicat is one of the premier builders of expedition vehicles worldwide, if not the premier. These are the toys of the megarich, but with that price tag comes some awesome hardware. Unicat expedition vehicles are known for their ultra-modern interior living quarters for two, four, six, or more occupants. The vehicles are fitted with full kitchens, bathrooms, showers, and a private master bedroom. Plus the company's years of experience have resulted in a proven three-point kinematic attachment system so that chassis flex is allowed without worrying that your camper/living compartment is going to twist and break.
    The latest offering from Unicat Americas is the Amerigo line of vehicles based on a USA-legal chassis. The Amerigo line of vehicles is built on the International 7400 4x4 chassis, the Unimog U500 chassis, or aftermarket 4x4 or 6x6 Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, and other chassis. These vehicles are for individual or group adventure travel, scientific exploration and research, environmental studies, photography, and professional uses such as search-and-rescue, escape/survival, and racing support. Unicat prides itself on its ability to scour the globe for the finest components, and if it can't find what it needs, Unicat manufactures it. Pricing starts at around $500,000 for the smaller 4x4s and goes up to around $3 million for fully customized 6x6s or even 8x8s. As for options, the sky's the limit. Yes, they can armor or gold-plate this mansion-on-wheels if your checkbook can afford it.
    Pros: Unique, with a proven heritage. Ready for 'round-the-world travel. Five-star living quarters. Built to customer specifications
    Cons: Costs more than a house. Big. Not inconspicuous at all.
    Price range: $500,000 to $3 million
    Unicat Americas
    415.515.6644
    www.unicatamericas.com
    Earthroam Your Home
    EarthRoamer has two main platforms.The EarthRoamer XV-LT is based on the Ford Super Duty F-550 four-wheel-drive cab chassis and is designed for two adults and two children camping for extended periods. Equipped with up to 90 gallons of diesel fuel and 85 gallons of fresh water, it is your own luxury condo on the move with granite counters, a convection microwave, air conditioning, a king-size bed, and an enclosed shower/bathroom. With a 17,950-pound gross vehicle weight rating and 10,000-pound towing capability, not only is the XV-LT a great camper, but it's also a great tow rig.
    The other EarthRoamer variant is the XV-JP, based on the Jeep Rubicon Unlimited. Designed to carry two adults on technical four-wheel-drive trails to remote camping locations, this pint-sized camper/crawler has a unique Loftop camper that can be deployed to provide nearly 9 feet of interior stand-up space and a queen-size bed in the loft. The XV-JP comes with the capacity to hold 25 gallons of fresh water, an inside cassette toilet, an inside shower, and a sink. Plenty of light and ventilation is provided by an abundance of screened windows. An electric fan and the forced-air furnace will keep you cozy or cool.
    Pros: There's a model for everyone, whether you want a burly towing home or a nimble crawling condo.
    Cons: The Jeep could probably use more engine for big mountain climbs, or better yet a diesel.
    Price range: XV-JP $110,000 baseto $125,000 well optioned; XV-LT $208,000 baseto$255,000 well optioned.
    EarthRoamer
    720.304.3174
    www.earthroamer.com

    Build Your Own Mini
    From 1990 to 2006 GM offered the Chevy Astro Van and GMC Safari Van with an all-wheel-drive transfer case. Though not as wild and exotic as some of the 4x4s we mentioned here, these vans do make for a great entry-level expedition truck in a small package with used prices between $1,500 and $4,500. The stock full-time BorgWarner transfer case puts a 60/40 split to the rear solid axle and front independent suspension axle, which is fine but can be upgraded to the NP231-C or later stronger electronic-shifting NP233 from a 4x4 S-10 pickup or Blazer, allowing for part-time use and a low range. The 10-bolt rear has plenty of gears and lockers available, and the 7.2-inch front axle is very similar to those from an S-10 truck and Blazer and can be geared down to 4.56 and equipped with a Lock-Rite locker. Every all-wheel-drive variant of these vans came with a 4.3L V-6, but V-8 swaps aren't uncommon and both the 700R and later 4L60E overdrive transmissions are great for long-distance exploring. Now don't expect to be rockcrawling the gnarliest trails just yet, but when fitted with some more aggressive tires, these vehicles could take you exploring backroads that leave other minivans crying to Momma. And if you do want to rockcrawl it, then know that there are quite a few Astros and Safari vans out there with solid axles swapped in under their full frames.
    If you think building one of these vans is in your future, then Overland Vans (overlandvans.com) and AstroSafariVans.com should be your first two stops. Overland offers both 2- and 4-inch suspension lifts with new rear leaf springs and either new torsion-bar keys (2-inch) or a new front spindle (4-inch) to clear bigger tires and keep your rocker panels out of the rocks. Overland also offers bumpers and roof racks. AstroSafariVans.com has a forum where owners of both street and trail vans can discuss their build ideas, buy and sell parts, and show off their wheeling pictures.
    Researching these budget backcountry explorers has a few of us considering one for a project vehicle. Email us if you think that's a good idea.
    Pros: Cheap to get into. Great power. Parts are asy to find in the U.S.
    Cons: Low-strength drivetrain needs upgrade to stronger bolt-in parts.
    Price range: $1,500 to $4,500 as base purchase.
    AstroSafariVans.com
    www.astrosafarivans.com
    GTRV Pop-Top Campers
    888.332.9602
    www.gtrv.com
    Overland Vans
    866.DIRTVAN
    www.overlandvans.com

    Gar Wood 28' Triple Cockpit Runabout "Katie's Choice"


    To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM’s Motor City event, July 26, 2014. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmauctions.com/.
    Estimate:
    $250,000 - $300,000
    Model 28-40. 200 bhp, Scripps Model 202 six-cylinder engine. Beam: 7 ft. 2 in. Length: 28 ft.
    • Originally built for Logan T. Wood, the brother of Gar Wood
    • Documented by the Gar Wood Society
    • One of a few 28-40 Open Runabouts built for 1930
    • Powered by its original Scripps Model 202 engine
    • Beautifully restored and presented
    Garfield Arthur Wood was one of the first rock-star industrialists in America. After inventing and patenting the hydraulic mechanism for dump trucks, Gar Wood Industries became a successful enterprise. World War I increased demand for the hydraulic devices, as army trucks that were building and repairing roads under enemy fire were able to deposit their loads quickly and avoid harm's way.
    It was not until after war's end that the Detroit-based Wood began to realize his dream and passion of dominating powerboat racing. He purchased Miss Detroit, the winner of the 1915 Gold Cup, which began a six-year boat-building partnership with Chris Smith, of Chris-Craft. Gar Wood would go on to win the Gold Cup Championship from 1917 through to 1921, at which time the rules committee outlawed the use of aircraft engines to try and lessen Wood's domination of the sport, but they were unsuccessful.
    Behind the speedboat racing champion and boat-building entrepreneur was his equally talented family. Together, his eight brothers were all very much involved in both Gar's successful racing career and his industrial activities. Logan T. Wood, one of the younger brothers, was extremely important to Wood's remarkable success, as he was the one who took on the responsibility of running and managing the daily operations of the Wood Hoist Company. He was a brilliant businessman, a tireless administrator, and a skilled negotiator, who expanded the business and turned it into a major manufacturing operation. It was also Logan's business skill that allowed his brother, Gar, to devote great amounts of time and money into advancing his racing skills and pursuing his true passion without restriction.
    As business was booming, Gar Wood Industries opened their purpose-built manufacturing plant in Marysville, Michigan, on New Years' Day in 1930, just two months after the stock market crashed. Optimism was in order, as the boat company had built 224 boats in the old, cramped facility in Algonac the previous year. The full effect of the economic crash had not yet been felt, but the new facility was judged capable of accommodating two to three times the previous production volume. However, only 193 boats were produced in 1930, and six more years would pass before Gar Wood surpassed that production volume again.
    This 28-foot Open Runabout was one of those boats built at the new plant. More importantly, it was built exclusively for Logan Wood, president of the Gar Wood Industries at the time. As documented by Anthony Mollica, president of the Gar Wood Society, this Model 28-40, equipped with a 200-horsepower Scripps engine, was completed and shipped to Detroit, Michigan, on April 9, 1930, which is also corroborated by the original sales records in the society's possession. Only 52 examples of the 28-40 Open Runabout were produced in 1930, and at $4,700, it was a handsome sum to pay even for the most well-to-do during the Depression era. As the boat was earmarked for Logan, it was built with several non-standard features, such as heavy-bottom construction, a one-man top, wing windows, and a foot rest in the second cockpit, as well as a locking engine hatch and gas filler cap. One option not included was the ice chest, as it seems that Logan was a tea drinker. Nevertheless, Logan enjoyed his Runabout for five seasons, until 1936, when he received a new 28-foot Runabout.
    With Logan running the industrial operation, Gar Wood was making vast sums of money. However, when Logan suddenly passed in 1938, the industry he guided so astutely would never reach the same level of brilliance or profitability again. Ultimately, Logan Wood was the quiet hero behind the scenes of his brother's great business and racing success.
    Following Logan's ownership of this boat, it has resided with a number of respected enthusiasts in the hobby. In the late 1960s this boat was acquired by Ted Valpey, of Vintage Boat & Motor Car Company in Holderness, New Hampshire. Ted acquired this example, as well as several other Gar Woods, from a boatyard in Detroit. Following Valpey's tenure, this vessel was acquired by William C. Smith, of Morristown, New Jersey, in the early 1970s. Smith, a founder of the Antique Classic Boat Society (ACBS), and his wife, Barbara, placed the 28-foot boat into storage at Morgan Marine Base on Lake George. The boat, then known as Zelda, sat in storage for the better part of 30 years, until it was purchased by Maria and Roger Johnson from Mrs. Smith.
    The restoration of this Triple Cockpit Runabout was started in 2003, and it was completed to the highest standards by Lance Wilson, proprietor of Runabout Restorations, who is considered one of the foremost vintage boat restorers in the world. From the wind wings to the engine compartment, virtually every detail has been inspected carefully by the professionals at the Antique Boat Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, who consider this to be an authentic, show-quality boat throughout.
    Aside from its lovely presentation, the boat was fully sorted mechanically in preparation for its photography session in the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair in early June of this year. As expected, the boat performed flawlessly, with both RM and Antique Boat Center specialists present. Also on hand were the descendants of Logan Wood, who thoroughly enjoyed being reunited with a tangible piece of their extraordinary family history.
    Along with the finest Chris-Crafts and Hackercrafts, Gar Wood's boats aren't only attractive, they also benefit from the pedigree of one of America's greatest sportsmen. Gar, a gentleman racer, won countless Harmsworth Trophies and Gold Cups, and he was intimately connected to the industrial might of the Motor City. The offering of Katie's Choice, his brother's personal boat, is certainly a special opportunity for any enthusiast.
    Please note that specialists from both RM Auctions and the Antique Boat Center are on hand at the auction to answer clients' questions regarding the maintenance and easy operation of such wooden boats. 
    1930 Gar Wood 28' Triple Cockpit Runabout "Katie's Choice"