Automotive American

Yattendon Classic Car Day

June 25, 2017June 25, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

I took my Dad to his first car show today at the ripe old age of 81!

The show is an annual event in the beautiful Berkshire Downs village of Yattendon, only a few vehicles of American origin but nonetheless a nice local show in a lovely location with proceeds going to support the local Air Ambulance.

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One of the interesting exhibits was a Shelby 350H Mustang Hertz Rent a Racer, this looked genuine but I couldn’t check as I didn’t see the owner in close proximity. Yes, back in the day you could rent one of these beasts from Hertz Rent a Car!

Some background below from Wikipedia, including all shenanigans that went on

1966 Shelby G.T. 350 Hertz models

The deal with the Hertz Corporation to offer ~1,000 G.T. 350s for rental that, after their rental-car lives were finished, were returned to Ford, refurbished, and sold to the public as “G.T. 350H” models.

Most Hertz cars were black with gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes, although a few were white with blue stripes. The first 85 Hertz cars were available with four-speed manual transmissions and Hertz advertised them as “Rent-a-Racer” cars.

During rental, these cars were sometimes used as production class cars at SCCA events, and were rumored to have been returned to Hertz with evidence of roll bars being welded in.

Ford pushed another 800 models on Hertz with black paint, gold stripes and black interior, as well as automatic transmissions.

When the Hertz cars were returned to Ford to be prepared for sale to the public, the high-performance parts were often “lost” (presumably at the manufacturer) before final sale.

Other American cars that were on show can be seen below

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A Chevy Bel Air, Willy’s Jeeps and a Dodge

Crossing the Channel – Replacing 1929 Model A Ford Window Channels

June 22, 2017June 22, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

I’ve been meaning to sort out the perished windows channels on the Model A, so I headed over to John Cochran’s for some expert assistance.

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Once we had removed the door trims it was very interesting to find the details from the trim manufacturer from 20 years ago! I may research the detail to see if I can get a bead on who owned the car back then. I’ve tried writing to the owner listed on the title but sadly got no reply.

It was great to drive home with slightly less rattles thanks to John!

Puzzled: A Hot Rod Built From Spare Parts – Dave Thomas Rod Authority

June 21, 2017June 22, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

Interesting throwback “use what you got” build in an article from Rod Authority by Dave Thomas. Read about Randy Defrot’s rod Here

Shiny, Shiney

June 10, 2017June 10, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

Gave the A a bit of a wash and brush up after the indignity of the recovery truck a few weeks back.

Zymol, Meguiars, Autoglym — Shiny, Shiny Model A

Wash and dry, Zymol Wax Prep, Meguiars Wax and Autoglym Fast Glass

The History of Ford’s Iconic Flathead V8 – Ashley Webb – The Motorhood

June 10, 2017June 10, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

Interesting Flathead V8 article from Ashley good historic content and a timeline of Henry’s icon!

As you know I try to gather as much Flattie stuff here as possible, read Ashley’s article here

The American Dream Project – Film Series Netflix

June 9, 2017June 9, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

In this original, authentic and beautifully filmed series, we see James an adventurous Englishman and his pal Todd, an American photographer, embark on the ride of their lives. As they travel from coast to coast on their motorbikes, these two friends are determined to prove that the American Dream is not only still alive, but thriving.

Inspired to show the flipside to the negativity Americans encounter every day, James and Todd plot their route with the help of people they meet on social media. But with only $250.00 each, James and Todd must earn their keep. From the biggest cities to the smallest towns, we bear witness to the hardships and successes of real everyday people. While experiencing the grit, determination and optimism across the US, James and Todd document and showcase that The American Dream resides within all of us.

In partnership with Cole Haan, this series aims to unearth the goodness in the United States. We discover what it means to truly view life and all its idiosyncrasies through the American lens.

Interview with Keith Clements of the Jowett Car Club for Americas Web Radio

June 9, 2017June 10, 2017CharlvilleLeave a comment

My interview with Keith Clements, who is the current Competition Secretary, Webmaster and former Chairman of The Jowett Car Club can be found Here. It’s a great listen!

Keith has owned his Jowett Jupiter since 1969 and has competed in 27 countries with the vehicle over the years.

Keith has also made major trips in Jowetts across the USA, Artic Circle, and the east and west coasts of Australia and Tasmania.

In addition he has toured the North and South of Islands of New Zealand again in a Jowett.

Keith also helps to organise the fleet of Jowetts that act as the taxi fleet for the Goodwood Revival.

On the club side of things Keith has been a major part of the team that has been a three times best stand winner at the Practical Classics Restoration Show.

In 2012 Keith was voted Classics and Sports Car Club Personality of the Year

The club won the Club of the Year in 2013

Keeping things in the family Keith’s daughter won the Classic Car of the Year in her own self restored Jowett Jupiter in 2010.

The club website is Here