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    samedi 29 août 2015

    Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A wins ‘Best of Show’ at 2015 Pebble Beach Concours


    A 1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A owned by American collector Jim Patterson was chosen by the jury as the winner of ‘Best of Show’ at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in a return to the tradition of a pre-War car taking overall honours…
    Although the basis of the car was built in 1924, it only acquired its stunning sport cabriolet bodywork by Carrosserie Worblaufen in 1931, when it was acquired by the company. It was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1932, and went on to win the Grand-Prix d'Honneur at Cannes a year later. It’s now part of the Kentucky-based Patterson Collection; owner Jim Patterson is only the fourth owner in its lifetime. The Isotta Fraschini now joins an elite list of automobiles regarded to be among the most beautiful and best-preserved in the world.
    Photos: Rémi Dargegen for Classic Driver © 2015 
    All the news from this year's Monterey and Pebble Beach events can be found in our regularly updated overview.

    Honda CB450 – Steel Bent Customs


    Sunsets. A cold beer. Hearing that Nickleback have split up and been sent to prison. Life’s all about the simple things, and today’s bike is exhibit ‘A’ from the high court of less is more. With a über minimal approach, a slammed stance and a decidedly agrarian look, the latest bike from Michael Mundy and his Steel Bent Customs is one sweet knobbled bobber worthy of a Sunday ride or twelve. Meet the ‘Seven-1’.
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    ‘It’s a 1971 Honda CB450,’ says Mike from his Florida workshop. “Or more correctly, the ‘Seven-1’. About 5 or 6 years ago during the early days of Steel Bent Customs, I found the donor bike about a mile away. It was back when I was still building bikes in my home garage. Anyhow, I know fate when I see it.”
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    The 60s and 70s model 450s are rare, so Mike knew as soon as he saw the bike for sale that he wanted it. “I had to throw my 2-year-old son in the truck, attach the trailer and go grab it.” Start ’em young, that’s what we always say. “So off we went.”
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    “I brought the bike home and quickly realized that there wasn’t much that was salvageable besides the engine and part of the frame. Clearly a bobber was an easy choice, so I tackled the rear first. The pre-fabbed hard tail was originally built for the XS650, but I modified for the 450 frame. For a mix and match, I think it came out pretty good.”
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    Mike’s design for the seat support consists of an upside-down trailer leaf spring and subtle-yet-slick black suede seat. The tank is aftermarket Harley peanut unit, and the front end is off a CB650 which was selected for its longer downtubes. The handlebars are custom-made from a donor lower triple tree with some inverted levers.
    Finishing touches were added in brass to match the velocity stacks and the headlight which Mike sourced from an early model Ford. “The hubs are stock CB450s laced with stainless steel spokes to Harley 19″ rims front and rear,” notes Mike.
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    The tires are a Michelin dirt bike design and Mike notes that they create an nicely intoxicating ‘whirring’ sound as she rolls down the road at freeway speeds. The ‘oil bag’ holds the minimal wiring and a small battery. She’s kickstart only, and Mike notes that she’s surprisingly reliable for a 44 year-old bike.
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    “I’ve actually shredded the title. It’s a precaution to make sure I never sell her.”
    “She will always be very special to me. She’s followed me from the home garage to the current Steel Bent shop. I’ve actually shredded the title. It’s a precaution to make sure I never sell her. I figure if I ever fall on hard times, the trouble of applying for new paperwork will give me time to come to my senses and change my mind.” Smart man.
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    [Photos by Erick Runyon] via PIPEBURN

    demain les 4H de Valmont dans le Pays de Caux

    photos en 2014








    plus sur  rallying.blogspot.fr/2014/09/les-4h-de-valmont-en-pays-de-caux.html

    Pech takes early Barum ERC lead after Zlín super special


    Pech takes early Barum ERC lead after Zlín super special
    Václav Pech leads the Barum Czech Rally Zlín after setting fastest time on the opening super special stage around Zlín city centre, which was watched by thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
    On a stage delayed by yellow flags, the Mini John Cooper Works S2000 driver set a time of 7m08.3s on the 9.51 kilometre test, 3.6 faster than second-quickest Jan Kopecký (ŠKODA Fabia R5), who struggled to find grip on hard compound Michelin tyres.
    It was a disastrous stage for Sepp Wiegand who was slowed by an engine problem in his GPD Orsak Rally Sport-run ŠKODA Fabia S2000. With no power, he pulled over to let a faster car overtake, but in doing so hit some railings and broke the right rear suspension.
    Alexey Lukyanuk had no intercom, couldn’t hear co-driver Alexey Arnautov, and had to rely on his memory to guide his Ford Fiesta R5 through the stage, losing almost 10s.
    With all 129 starters doing the stage in reserve order, the last car didn’t cross the finishing line until after midnight – an hour later than scheduled. Unfortunately, that last car was driven by Kopecký, who will have less time in bed tonight than anyone else, as he is running first on the road tomorrow morning!