Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Report: Rapper <i>The Game</i> spends $200K on leather wrapped Ferrari F430]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/15/rapper-the-game-spends-200k-on-leather-wrapped-ferrari-430/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/15/rapper-the-game-spends-200k-on-leather-wrapped-ferrari-430/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/15/rapper-the-game-spends-200k-on-leather-wrapped-ferrari-430/#comments

If you're a rich musician and wrapping your supercar in chrome is just a tad too tacky for you, fear not, for there is a "classier" option, as rapper The Game demonstrates. The rapper spent US$200,000 on this Ferrari F430 wrapped in premium black leather.

All we have to ask is...why? We don't imagine the leather will be too happy with rain, sunshine, road debris, etc. You know, all the things a regular car has to put up with.

Game tweeted ""Maybe I'll regret it tomorrow.. Maybe I wont !!!" upon receiving his creation. Unless this is another supercar destined for a few spirited drives before being succumbed to a garage for the rest of its life, then yes, he probably will regret it.

Continue reading Rapper The Game spends $200K on leather wrapped Ferrari F430

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Rapper The Game spends $200K on leather wrapped Ferrari F430 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 15 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sun, 15 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch this drag car's clutch explode [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/watch-this-drag-cars-clutch-explode-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/watch-this-drag-cars-clutch-explode-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/watch-this-drag-cars-clutch-explode-w-video/#comments

Drag racing, like any sport involving high speeds and gasoline, has its fair share of crashes, burns, broken bones, amputations, etc. You get the idea. It can be dangerous - Something this drag racer experiences first hand when his clutch goes up in smoke...then flames.

Typically, drag cars need something called a scattershield to prevent this exact situation. Some of you may have heard of a man named Don Garlits. He's considered by many to be the father of drag racing. Garlits, in 1970, found himself in a similar situation. The two-speed transmission in his drag car exploded, severing part of his right leg and shattering the left.

It's unclear why there is no scattershield in this car, but at the very least, the driver seems to be moving around at the end of it all, which hopefully means they're okay.

Hit the jump to see the video for yourself.

Continue reading Watch this drag car's clutch explode [w/video]

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Watch this drag car's clutch explode [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Car History - July 10: Three-Point Seatbelt invented]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/car-history-july-10-three-point-seatbelt-invented-by-volvo/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/car-history-july-10-three-point-seatbelt-invented-by-volvo/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/car-history-july-10-three-point-seatbelt-invented-by-volvo/#comments

On this day in 1959, a Swedish inventor by the name of Nils Bohlin invented a staple of the automotive industry that lingers on to this day, and likely won't retire any time soon. Bohlin invented the standard 3-point seatbelt you buckle up every time you get behind the wheel (unless of course your car has a harness).

Bohlin, working for Volvo at the time, put his invention in a 1959 Volvo PV 544, the first production car to receive a 3-point belt. That same year, Volvo's 122 received Bohlin's belts as standard.

Bohlin received tremendous praise for his invention and was inducted in to the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Safety and Health Hall of Fame and posthumously, the National Inventor's Hall of Fame.

It's interesting to note that Bohlin also worked on the development of ejector seats for Saab's jets.

Transport Canada estimates seat belts save at least 1,000 lives per year on Canadian roads, and that 93% of Canadians are well strapped in while behind the wheel.

Continue reading Car History - July 10: Three-Point Seatbelt invented

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Car History - July 10: Three-Point Seatbelt invented originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Mein Auto: Man unintentionally buys Nazi Benz]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/mein-auto-man-unintentionally-buys-nazi-benz/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/mein-auto-man-unintentionally-buys-nazi-benz/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/mein-auto-man-unintentionally-buys-nazi-benz/#comments

Every car has its history. Whether it's seen the inside of a garage its whole life, seen a family grow up, or even something more notorious, there's no doubt that every vehicle has a story behind it.

Fred Daibes is the owner of a classic 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet D. Imagine his surprise when, after running the VIN, Mercedes told him he was the owner of Adolf Hitler's automobile.

A small insignia, the Nazi eagle, indicated the car was made for the Nazi regime. Some believe this was Hitler's personal vehicle, but according to Adam Paige, a Mercedes-Benz spokesman, this isn't the case.

Read on after the jump.

Continue reading Mein Auto: Man unintentionally buys Nazi Benz

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Mein Auto: Man unintentionally buys Nazi Benz originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch the <i>Top Gear</i> crew pull off a record breaking stunt [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/watch-the-top-gear-crew-pull-off-a-record-breaking-stunt/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/watch-the-top-gear-crew-pull-off-a-record-breaking-stunt/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/watch-the-top-gear-crew-pull-off-a-record-breaking-stunt/#comments

Whether it's racing jet fighters around their track or just flat out offending people, the boys of Top Gear are no strangers to the limelight. Now, a recent stunt they pulled off at Top Gear Live in South Africa is putting them back in the spotlight, and the record books as well.

Dubbed the "Deadly 720," the stunt in question sends a car not through one loop, but two. Get it? 360 + 360 = 720. Most of the time on Top Gear, things like this usually end up in smoke and twisted piles of wrecked metal. Sometimes though, things work out.

Rowland French, the creative director for TG Live, was holding his breath the entire time, saying "we'd tried this stunt three times pre-event practice and failed on all three attempts."

Watch the world record in motion after the jump.

Continue reading Watch the Top Gear crew pull off a record breaking stunt [w/video]

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Watch the Top Gear crew pull off a record breaking stunt [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>durbanJames MayJeremy ClarksonloopRichard Hammondsouth africastuntstunt drivingstuntstop geartop gear liveSun, 17 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch <i>Top Gear</i> race a Saab and a Jet on their track]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/16/watch-top-gear-race-a-saab-and-a-jet-on-their-track/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/16/watch-top-gear-race-a-saab-and-a-jet-on-their-track/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/16/watch-top-gear-race-a-saab-and-a-jet-on-their-track/#comments

Clarkson, May and Hammond are no stranger to all sorts of crazy stunts involving cars and this is no exception. Briefly seen in the season preview montage aired at the start of Series 18 of Top Gear, this race was, for reasons unknown, cut out of the final broadcast.

Luckily, we've got it here for you. Here, Jeremy races a Saab 9-3 against one of the company's own jet fighters. This was all part of their film tribute to the car company that went bankrupt, but again, it didn't make the final cut.

Check out the unaired clip after the jump.

Continue reading Watch Top Gear race a Saab and a Jet on their track

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Watch Top Gear race a Saab and a Jet on their track originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>James MayJeremy Clarksonjetjet fighterraceRacingRichard HammondSaabsaab 9-3top gearTop Gear UKukSat, 16 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Diesel fumes cause cancer, says World Health Organization]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/diesel-fumes-cause-cancer-says-world-health-organization/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/diesel-fumes-cause-cancer-says-world-health-organization/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/diesel-fumes-cause-cancer-says-world-health-organization/#comments

Diesel technology has come a long way. Volkswagen's TDI lineup remains a fairly popular alternative for those feeling the squeeze at the gas pumps, and now BMW is putting the stuff in an M-car. Diesel is, no doubt, filling a larger role in the automotive world.

A recent study by the World Health Organizations is making car manufacturers nervous however, as the WHO unanimously agrees that diesel fumes are causing cancer in humans. The organization moved the fumes to what they call Group 1 - substances that have a definite link to cancer. The same category as asbestos, arsenic and mustard gas.

The auto industry however, argues the risk classification should be lower, given the extremely tight nature of modern emissions standards and the billions invested in order to meet them. Despite the report, experts say it's unlikely this will affect the expansion of diesel vehicles in North America.

The Star reports that diesel sales in North America take up about 5.5 per cent of total auto sales, but that number may increase to nearly 10 per cent by 2015.

Continue reading Diesel fumes cause cancer, says World Health Organization

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Diesel fumes cause cancer, says World Health Organization originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Latest <i>Depth of Speed</i> profiles 12-year long Skyline dream]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/latest-depth-of-speed-profiles-12-year-long-skyline-dream/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/latest-depth-of-speed-profiles-12-year-long-skyline-dream/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/latest-depth-of-speed-profiles-12-year-long-skyline-dream/#comments

"I bought it to drive it. I bought it to enjoy it." Those are the sentiments of Eric Bauer, the subject of the latest in Josh Clason's Depth of Speed series, and owner of this classic Nissan Skyline. Bauer says he dreamed of owning this car for 12 years and finally, when the time was right, it was time to, as he put it, "take the plunge."

Bauer teaches 3D modeling where he helps his students get a start on a career in car design. To him, this vintage Skyline is a perfect blend of shape, sound and history. Bauer says he's having the opposite of buyer's remorse, and we hope that feeling lasts.

To see the beautifully shot video, hit the jump.

Continue reading Latest Depth of Speed profiles 12-year long Skyline dream

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Latest Depth of Speed profiles 12-year long Skyline dream originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicsdepth of speedhakosukajdmJDM LegendsJosh ClasonnissanSkylineTue, 12 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Car History - June 1: Nissan is born]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/car-history-june-1-nissan-is-born/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/car-history-june-1-nissan-is-born/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/car-history-june-1-nissan-is-born/#comments

It was on this day in 1934 that the "Jidosha-Seizo Kabushiki-Kaisha" (translated to Automobile Manufacturing Co. Ltd.) took on the name we now know it as - Nissan. The name comes from a shortened form of Nihon Sangyo, the company that became the 100% investor at a stockholder's meeting.

Just a year later, Nissan already had its first full assembly plant up and running, producing the Datsun Model 14. They also settled on a logo. Unfortunately, with World War II just around the corner, Nissan Motor Co. would then become Nissan Heavy Industries, producing vehicles for the Japanese Army.

It wasn't until 1949 that Nissan would again become Nissan Motor Co. where over the next several years, they would form a "technical cooperation" alliance with Austin of England. It was also around this time when Nissan would acquire the Prince brand. You may not have heard of them, but it was Prince that came up with the original Skyline in 1957. For reference, the Skyline above is a 3rd generation. Without them, we might not have the Godzilla GT-R we know and love today.

Despite the continued use of the Datsun name, Nissan dropped it entirely in the 1980s, but not before slapping the badge on the legendary Z-cars. Nissan is bringing the name back, but only for developing markets.

More after the jump.

Continue reading Car History - June 1: Nissan is born

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Car History - June 1: Nissan is born originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>240zDatsunGT-Rgtrjdmnissannissan gt-rnissan skylineprinceSkylinez-carFri, 01 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Car History - May 30: First Indy 500 [w/ video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/car-history-may-30-first-indy-500/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/car-history-may-30-first-indy-500/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/car-history-may-30-first-indy-500/#comments

It was on this day in 1911 that the very first Indianapolis 500 race was held. Driver Ray Harroun took his Marmon Wasp (pictured above) to victory.

The now iconic race took place on the equally famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track was originally proposed several years earlier as a test track for new cars by local dealer Carl Fisher. According to Fisher, the poor development of the road systems in place didn't allow for rigorous testing of new automobiles.

The track broke ground in 1909 and really, what better way to test a manufacturer's mettle than a race? First starting as small, quick races, the idea came in 1911 to focus on one long 500 mile (800 kilometre) race per year and thus, the Indy 500 was born.

On the dawn of the first race, 40 cars, with primarily American drivers, lined up on the grid. Despite a multi-car crash on the 13th lap, the race ended with Ray Harroun taking home the prize of US$14,250. Harroun's car had an advantage that no other did at the time - a rear view mirror. Perhaps also somewhat of an advantage to Harroun, he didn't have a technician on board meaning reduced weight. Indeed, every other race car held two people - the driver and a technician. Harroun averaged around 120 kilometres per hour. Though that was quick at the time, just 10 years later, a speed like that wouldn't get you anywhere near 1st place.

Hit the jump for some footage from the first race!

Continue reading Car History - May 30: First Indy 500 [w/ video]

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Car History - May 30: First Indy 500 [w/ video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 30 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>historyindianapolis motor speedwayindyIndy 500indycarmarmon waspmotor sportsmotorsportsraceracesRacingray harrounWed, 30 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Mike Conway's bad luck, and his crash with Will Powers [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/mike-conways-bad-luck-and-his-crash-with-will-powers-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/mike-conways-bad-luck-and-his-crash-with-will-powers-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/mike-conways-bad-luck-and-his-crash-with-will-powers-w-video/#comments

Mike Conway can't seem to catch a break. He seems to have bad luck following him. Back in the 2010 Indy 500, Conway had an unfortunate crash on the very last lap that set him airborne and left him injured.

Fast forward two years to the 2012 Indy 500 and Conway tragically made an encore performance. On the 79th lap between turns 1 and 2, Conway lost control of his Honda. He was sliding about when Will Power, the driver right behind him, struck the squirreling Conway and sent his car into the wall.

Conway's car lost a tire that struck the front of Helio Castroneves' No. 3 Chevrolet, according to the Detroit Free Press. The publication also reported that during a pit stop, Conway accidentally struck a crewman and as a result, damaged the front wing of his car.

Fortunately, Neither Conway or Power were injured in the accident. Conway was apologetic to the sponsors and the cars. Hit the jump to see video of the crash from various angles. Footage from Conway's point of view starts at 1:20.

Continue reading Mike Conway's bad luck, and his crash with Will Powers [w/video]

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Mike Conway's bad luck, and his crash with Will Powers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 28 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolethondaIndianapolis 500Indy 500indycarMike ConwaymotorsportspenskeRacingWill PowerMon, 28 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Hear the BMW Zagato Coupe Concept [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/hear-the-bmw-zagato-coupe-concept-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/hear-the-bmw-zagato-coupe-concept-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/hear-the-bmw-zagato-coupe-concept-w-video/#comments

The BMW Zagato Coupe is the latest production from the legendary Italian style house. It's a fully road legal, tested and aerodynamically optimized concept car that BMW presented at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este (which happens to be sponsored by the Bavarians).

The Zagato Coupe concept is based on BMW's latest Z4, the E85. This one however is lighter and more powerful. The engine has reportedly been modified to produce 400 horsepower while the car itself is 200 kilograms lighter than the standard Z4.

First, we showed you photos of the Zagato Coupe, then we showed you video of the car in action. Now, for your aural pleasure, we're happy to present to you the lovely exhaust notes this stunning German in an Italian overcoat produces.

Hit the jump to hear for yourself. Video uploader Marchettino says the car is being driven by Andrea Zagato, nephew to the company's founder.

Continue reading Hear the BMW Zagato Coupe Concept [w/video]

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Hear the BMW Zagato Coupe Concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 28 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw z4bmw zagato coupeconceptConcorso dEleganza Villa dEsteConcorso Italianocoupeitalyzagatozagato coupeMon, 28 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Car History - May 26: 15-millionth Ford Model T rolls off the line]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/car-history-may-26-15-millionth-ford-model-t-rolls-off-the-li/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/car-history-may-26-15-millionth-ford-model-t-rolls-off-the-li/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/26/car-history-may-26-15-millionth-ford-model-t-rolls-off-the-li/#comments

Way back on this day in 1927, Ford's iconic Model T reached the end of its production on the assembly line. Henry Ford marked the occasion with the car you see above. The fifteen-millionth Ford Model T, and indeed, the 15-millionth ford, because unlike today, that's the only model they were making on the line at the time.

The Model T enjoyed an incredible 19 years of production over the course of its life. It was no doubt a special vehicle. It's what made Ford into the icon he is remembered as today. To mark the special occasion, Ford and his son Edsel climbed into the Model T and drove 22 kilometres to the Dearborn Engineering Lab where he parked it next to two other icons - The very first car Ford built in 1896, and the 1908 prototype for the Model T.

Ford reportedly went for a spin in all three of these cars, perhaps a bit teary-eyed because he knew this marked the end of the car that brought him his success. The Model T was not the first car, but it was important because its efficient mass production made cars accessible to the average person. The Model T would be succeeded by the Model A.

Hit the jump for a related video taking you through the Henry Ford Museum.

Continue reading Car History - May 26: 15-millionth Ford Model T rolls off the line

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Car History - May 26: 15-millionth Ford Model T rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 26 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblyEdsel FordfordHenry Fordhistorymodel aModel TprototypeSat, 26 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: See the BMW Zagato Coupe in action [w/ video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/see-the-bmw-zagato-coupe-in-action-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/see-the-bmw-zagato-coupe-in-action-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/see-the-bmw-zagato-coupe-in-action-w-video/#comments

Earlier today, BMW unveiled the Zagato Coupe concept at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. As we mentioned previously, though the car is a concept, it has undergone full German road registration, aerodynamic optimization and high speed testing at BMW's facilities.

Unfortunately, unless you happen to be at the show, you won't get a chance to see the car in action. Luckily, BMW has you covered. They've released a short 2-minute promo for the Zagato Coupe.

The video lets us see the car in motion, but not before highlighting some of its lines and features. Hit the jump to see the video in full.

Continue reading See the BMW Zagato Coupe in action [w/ video]

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See the BMW Zagato Coupe in action [w/ video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwconceptConcorso dEleganza Villa dEsteConcorso ItalianocoupezagatoFri, 25 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Car History - May 25, Pt. 2: John Lennon takes delivery of psychadelic Rolls-Royce, and the car's Canadian connection]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/car-history-may-25-pt-2-john-lennon-takes-delivery-of-psych/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/car-history-may-25-pt-2-john-lennon-takes-delivery-of-psych/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/car-history-may-25-pt-2-john-lennon-takes-delivery-of-psych/#comments

On this day in 1967, John Lennon's Rolls-Royce Phantom Limousine received a repaint that shocked the world - in good ways and bad.

The car started out as a Phantom, serial number 5VD73, painted in Valentine Black. However, even in this state, this wasn't any old Phantom (as if one could say that about a Rolls). This was John Lennon's phantom. He had the rear seat modified to convert to a double bed, a custom interior, a Sony television, phone, and even a refrigerator. Being a rock star, he also had a turntable and loudspeaker system installed. This is especially impressive considering it was done in the 60s.

The Beatles would use the car for their various doings, but it wasn't long until Lennon probably got bored of the drab black paint. He needed something more suited to his own flamboyant lifestyle. Inspired by an old gypsy's wagon he had purchased for his garden, Lennon decided a bright yellow finish with all sorts of colourful flowery patterns is what the car needed.

Read more after the jump.

Continue reading Car History - May 25, Pt. 2: John Lennon takes delivery of psychadelic Rolls-Royce, and the car's Canadian connection

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Car History - May 25, Pt. 2: John Lennon takes delivery of psychadelic Rolls-Royce, and the car's Canadian connection originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british columbiageorge harrisonjohn lennonlimousinePhantomrolls royceRolls Royce Phantomthe beatlesthe rolling stonesFri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Car History - May 25: Stainless Steel inventor forms Haynes-Apperson Auto company]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/car-history-may-25-stainless-steel-inventor-forms-haynes-appe/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/car-history-may-25-stainless-steel-inventor-forms-haynes-appe/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/car-history-may-25-stainless-steel-inventor-forms-haynes-appe/#comments

On this day in 1894, Elwood Haynes, the inventor of stainless steel, joins with Elmer and Edgar Apperson to found the Haynes-Apperson Automobile Company. Chances are, this company will not sound familiar to you, but if you own or have owned a car in the past 30 years or so, Haynes' legacy will be familiar. We'll get to that in a minute.

Elwood Haynes' interest in cars began after the 1893 Chicago World's Fair where he encountered a one-horsepower engine. Overcome by fascination, Haynes ordered one and set it up in his kitchen. After some cranking, the engine started and chaos ensued. According to Haynes, it "ran with such speed and vibration that it pulled itself from its attachments to the floor."

Haynes made an agreement with Edgar Apperson to let him work in an Apperson owned machine shop where he and the Appersons eventually built what he advertised as "America's first car." Haynes and the brothers formed a partnership and began work on a car called the Pioneer II. It was set to compete in the Times-Herald race, the first car race in America. Damage from an earlier accident prevented entry.

Keep reading after the jump.


Continue reading Car History - May 25: Stainless Steel inventor forms Haynes-Apperson Auto company

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Car History - May 25: Stainless Steel inventor forms Haynes-Apperson Auto company originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminiumhayneshistoryRacingvulcanFri, 25 May 2012 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Greatest Hollywood Car Chases, according to a stunt driver]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/the-greatest-hollywood-car-chases-according-to-a-stunt-driver/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/the-greatest-hollywood-car-chases-according-to-a-stunt-driver/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/the-greatest-hollywood-car-chases-according-to-a-stunt-driver/#comments

There's something about a car chase that just draws people into a movie, whether they're car fans or not. The amount of careful orchestration chases require means there isn't much margin for error because...well...cars crash.

Wired spoke with Hollywood stunt driver and stunt coordinator Darrin Prescott (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Drive) to find out what he, as a professional in the business, thinks the best on screen chases were.

Click through the gallery to see his picks, and if you have any favourite scenes, post them in the comments below!

News Source: Wired

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The Greatest Hollywood Car Chases, according to a stunt driver originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullittcar chasecelebritychasedriveFirebirdHollywoodMustangstuntstunt drivingThu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Car History - May 22: Oldest Grand Prix driver finishes sixth at Monte Carlo GP]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/car-history-may-22-oldest-gp-driver/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/car-history-may-22-oldest-gp-driver/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/car-history-may-22-oldest-gp-driver/#comments

On this day in 1956, a French Grand Prix driver became the oldest person to ever compete and finish in the sport at the ripe age of 55. That driver was Louis Chiron.

Chiron was born in 1899 in Monaco where as a young boy, he became smitten by the latest craze - the automobile. After serving as an artilleryman in the first World War, Chiron eventually began a driving career by racing for a man named Ettore Bugatti, whose legacy you are probably quite familiar with.

Over the course of his life, Chiron would race Ferraris, Daimlers, Alfa-Romeos, Lancias and of course Bugattis. After the second World War broke out, Chiron was again enlisted in active service. We can't imagine fighting in both world wars is in any way easy, but Chiron's love for racing persevered over the course of both wars.

After the war, Chiron and other pre-war drivers struggled to re-emerge on the racing scene, but they didn't find it easy. They were just too old fashioned. Chiron lost one of his best friends in a practice run when a car rolled over. The younger drivers of the time all wore helmets, but in Chiron's time, helmets weren't a staple.

The 1956 Monaco Grand Prix would be the stage of one of Chiron's most impressive feats. Here, as a 55-year-old man, Chiron would drive his Lancia hard and finish in 6th place, becoming the oldest driver to land such a feat. Although Chiron continued racing for the next five years, he didn't meet much success.

His last Grand Prix took place at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix where he unfortunately did not qualify. Chiron retired in Monaco and died there in 1979.

More after the jump.

Continue reading Car History - May 22: Oldest Grand Prix driver finishes sixth at Monte Carlo GP

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Car History - May 22: Oldest Grand Prix driver finishes sixth at Monte Carlo GP originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattichironF1FerrariGPgrand prixlanciamonacomotorsportsRacingsportsTue, 22 May 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: How brand new Austins ended up underwater 60 years ago]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/how-brand-new-austins-ended-up-underwater-60-years-ago/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/how-brand-new-austins-ended-up-underwater-60-years-ago/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/how-brand-new-austins-ended-up-underwater-60-years-ago/#comments

As Canadians, we incorporate some degree of British culture into our own. Whether that's food, drink or music, chances are we all have at least a little bit of Brit in us. Another aspect of their culture we were happy to adopt were their cars.

One Vancouver based dealership, Fred Deeley Motors (pictured above) was the province's main distributor for the Austin company. They started in 1932, selling cars such as the Austin 7 compact and the Austin 18. These were poor choices in BC's terrain and shifting weather conditions and thus, sales suffered.

Despite this however, Fred Deeley Motors wanted to continue selling Austins. They managed to convince Austin to build a left hand drive model of their upcoming vehicle, the Austin Devon A40. The A40 featured a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine and was well equipped for the time.

Read more after the jump.

Continue reading How brand new Austins ended up underwater 60 years ago

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How brand new Austins ended up underwater 60 years ago originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austindevonfirehistoryunderwatervancouverMon, 21 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Car History - May 20: Ford wins right to call new car "Falcon"]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/car-history-may-20-ford-wins-right-to-call-new-car-falcon/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/car-history-may-20-ford-wins-right-to-call-new-car-falcon/http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/car-history-may-20-ford-wins-right-to-call-new-car-falcon/#comments

On this day, 53 years ago, one of Ford's earliest successes almost didn't make it into inception...with the name "Falcon." Chrysler had been working on a concept, also called the Falcon, two years earlier, but unbeknownst to them, Ford had requested and registered the Falcon name before Chrysler.

One account says Chrysler, in a last minute scramble, held a contest with its employees to determine a new name for their car and they ended up with the Plymouth Valiant. Another account says "Valiant" was the result picked from a survey of over 2,000 owners from 15 cities.

Ford's Falcon was a hot commodity for the company, outselling other compact vehicles from the likes of GM and Chrysler. It saw production the States, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, Chile and our very own Oakville, Ontario.

Ford made several other cars based on the Falcon platform, including a very special Canadian market only variant of the Falcon called the Frontenac. The Frontenac was pretty much the same as a standard Falcon, but it sported some unique trim including a unique grille and red maple leafs on the wheels. Sales were strong, but it was only made for a single year.

More of Ford's history after the jump.

Continue reading Car History - May 20: Ford wins right to call new car "Falcon"

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Car History - May 20: Ford wins right to call new car "Falcon" originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 20 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicsFalconfordFord FalconFord Motor CompanyfrontenacMercuryOakvillevaliantSun, 20 May 2012 20:00:00 EST