Two Women and a 1930 Road Trip from West Virginia to Mexico -- from Ed Garten

Probably not for the blog (up to you) but this is a great photo that a cousin of mine just ran across.  This photo was taken in 1930 (detail of the auto's license plate shows West Virginia plates that say 1930).  These are late aunts who -- can you believe -- drove a car and as tourists and as women with no men along, from West Virginia to Mexico.  In this photo they are boarding some sort of ferry that has taken them or will take them across a small Mexican river.  Clearly the photo supports the argument that women took to the automobile -- even without men along -- and set out looking for adventure!  Note the sombaros two of the aunts are wearing (smile)

Bill Clinton' Opel Station Wagon -- a contribution from Ed Garten

So What Was Bill Clinton Driving When He Became Involved with Hillary Rodham During Their First Year at Yale Law School?

Answer: A 1970 Opel Station Wagon

Photos attached but not the actual car, but ones like it -- front and rear views.

Perhaps due to the fact that Bill had just returned from two years as an undergraduate at Oxford, he may have fallen for European cars?  Secretary Clinton recounts this in her recent biography "Living History."  One might disagree with her claim that the Opel was one of the ugliest cars ever manufactured as, indeed, it was little different in style from many other small European station wagons at that time.  Actually, it was a rather pleasant and generally dependable little car and in the United States sold through Buick franchises.

But in her book, our former Secretary of State observes:

"In between cramming for finals and finishing up my first year of concentration on legal issues related to advocacy for children, we spent long hours driving around in his 1970 burnt-orange Opel station wagon — truly one of the ugliest cars ever manufactured — or hanging out at the beach house on Long Island Sound near Milford, Connecticut, where he lived with his roommates, Doug Eakeley, Don Pogue and Bill Coleman. At a party there one night, Bill and I ended up in the kitchen talking about what each of us wanted to do after graduation. I still didn't know where I would live and what I would do because my interests in child advocacy and civil rights didn't dictate a particular path."

2013 Crossover Comparison -- Ford Escape, Mazda CX5, and VW Tiguan -- a contribution from Albert Tang

Crossover Comparison 2013

The crossover is a vehicle that combines the features of a sports and passenger car while at the same time giving the looks of a higher station wagon. This type of vehicle uses a uni-body construction layout rather than body on frame construction implemented in light trucks and wagons. These cars were introduced by the automobile industry in 1987 for the first time and were initially considered as a blend of a hatchback and conventional passenger cars. Some of the previous versions of crossover cars include Willys – Overland Jeepster, AMC Eagle, Fiat Sedici, and Honda HR-V.

Over the years, several improvements have been made in crossover car design and the latest 2013 crossover vehicles include the Ford Escape, Mazda CX5 and VW Tiguan. Today we have a closer look at these 3 cars.

2013 Ford Escape

The 2013 version of the crossover Ford Escape has been completely redesigned and is a compact version of older models of the Ford brand. In Europe the car is released under the name Ford Kuga. The Escape is available in three different types of engines:

·         2.5 Littre, 4 Cylinder Engine (168 HP)

·         2.0 Littre, Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Engine (240 HP)

·         1.6 Littre, Turbo Charged 4 Cylinder Engine (178  HP)

The Ford Escape offers a great fuel economy and you can choose between a diesel and petrol, and you also have the choice between manual and automatic transmission. Some of the other features of the Ford Escape include:

·         Advanced navigation system

·         Power lift gate

·         Stability control enhancements

·         Anti-lock braking

·         Automatic tire pressure monitoring

Moreover, the compact design, modern functional enhancements, advanced entertainment system and versatile aerodynamic shape differentiate the Ford Escape from other 2013 crossover vehicles.

Mazda CX5

This 2013 Mazda CX5 is referred to as a 2013 crossover car without comparison. It is one the finest outcomes of automobile engineering designs of this year. The comfortable drive, all-weather capability, spaciousness and advanced control features offered by this crossover make this vehicle modern and unique. The Mazda CX5 is equipped with the latest “Sky active” automobile technology that integrates the engine operations, transmission system, body and chassis attributes to enhance the vehicles stability manifold.

Some of the prominent features of the 2013 Mazda CX5:

·         2.0 Liter gas engine

·         Higher engine compression ratio

·         Improved Engine combustion delivering power up to 155 HP

·         Electronically assisted steering system

·         Reinforced suspension

The Mazda CX5 is unique in its interior design and handling capabilities as well. With smartly shaped wide opening doors, 34.1 cubic feet of luggage space, navigation touch screen, automatic HVAC controls and adjustable steering wheel are designed to provide ease and comfort while travelling over long distances. The Sky active technology further improves the vehicles handling and stability especially at high speeds and swift turns.

VW Tiguan

As far as 2013 crossover vehicles are concerned there is no better option than the 2013 VW Tiguan if you’re looking for a car with a simple design that focuses on practicality. Equipped with all the latest accessories known to modern vehicles, the 2013 Tiguan is no less good than any other crossover vehicles currently out there. Some of its features include:

·         2.0 liters, 4 cylinder engine

·         Cruise control enhancements

·         Telescoping steering vehicle

·         Keyless entry

·         Automatic transmission

·         Antilock disc brakes with traction and stability control

The Tiguan also gives improved fuel economy as compared to its older versions. It is an artistic piece of automobile engineering. Its interior design is attractive and unique although most people will probably agree that the Mazda CX5, and especially the Ford Escape, look more stylish. The front seats are firmer, heated on SE models, and they provide extra grip and support. The rear seats can provide three way split adjustments allowing the passengers to enjoy a comfortable long ride. The vehicle can also provide cargo spaces up to 23.8 cubic feet once the rear seats are pushed down. Also, the vehicle’s exterior body strength keeps the crash impacts limited and adds to the safety of the vehicle.

Overall, the 3 2013 crossovers mentioned above are great rides, are great examples of modern mobile engineering, and are designed to serve the multiple purposes of cargo and passenger travelling.

Author: Albert Tang is an avid automotive enthusiast, writer, and blogger for Las Vegas Honda Dealers.

Hatchback Comparison -- a contribution from Albert Tang

 Ford Focus

 VW Golf

Audi A3

Hatchback Comparison 2013

The name hatchback is generally used to refer a car that has a sloped back and a rear door that swings upward when opened. The automobile industry started manufacturing these cars as they wanted to provide cars that could seat 4-5 people and still offer a decent amount of cargo space. Some of the first hatchbacks released on the market are the Aston Martin DB2, AC Aceca, Chevrolet Nova and DB Mark III, which were introduced in the 1950’s and their improved versions were continually used later.

Most Popular Hatchbacks Today

Today hatchback cars are extremely popular. They make for great city cars, are not too expensive yet comfortable and are usually very fuel-efficient and thus very suitable for long journeys, too. In the early 2000’s the popularity of hatchback cars reached new heights when they became top selling cars in America. Some great new models released in 2013 are in example the Focus, Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. Let’s have a closer look at these 3 very popular cars.

Ford Focus ST

One of the most modern versions among hatchback cars, the Ford Focus is a classic piece of automobile engineering from the 20th century.  Some of the features of the 2013 Ford Focus include:

·        Turbo engine

·        Extended engine torque up to 270 Lb. – ft. in just 15 seconds

·        3000 to 4500 extended RPM

·        Electronically assisted steering system

·        Torque steer compensation

·        Throttling enhancements

This hatchback car runs much like a sports car. The Focus ST has an engine with efficient torque speed adjustments and is capable to switch among different modes of operation. While sports mode is active, it picks up the top speeds within fractions of a minute. Moreover, the guided features like water temperature, turbo boost indication and oil pressure gauge keep the driver up to date with different car statistics.

Other than having a highly powerful engine and a modified classic exterior, the ST has the most fascinating interior that other hatchback cars of 2013 might lack. Front seats are spectacular with techy cloth inserts and leather bolsters. Moreover, a meaty leather wrapped steering wheel and contrast colored dashboard enhance the interior looks of the vehicle.

Volkswagen Golf

Following the Focus ST, the 2013 Golf is also one of the more modern versions of 2013 hatchback cars. It is known for its superior handling and for being a secure ride. The 2013 Golf has a 2.5 liter five cylinder, 170HP engine which is exactly comparable to its rival Focus St’s engine. Golf’s engine can offer torque up to 177 Lb. –ft., which is somewhat less when compared with the Focus. However, this high power engine can compromise on fuel consumption which is somewhat better than the ST’s.

To improve the fuel economy a Golf TDI 2.0 liter diesel engine is highly recommended. This engine is more robust than the engine in previous versions of the Golf and can deliver up to 236 Lb. – ft. of torque. Some of the other features of Golf worth mentioning include:

·        Six speed manual transmission

·        DSG optional transmission (manual plus automatic)

·        Traction and stability controls

·        Antilock disc brake

·        12.4 Cubic feet of cargo area

Audi A3

The Audi A3 holds a leading position among the most consistent and light weight 2013 hatchback cars. Having a weight of only 1,175kg this car is significantly lighter than other hatchback competitors in the market. Some of the specs of the 2013 Audi A3 are:

·        180-200 HP, 1.8 TFSI engine

·        Electromechanical braking system

·        Power steering system

·        Radar assisted adapted cruise control

·        Automatic traffic sign detection

·        MMI navigation system

·        Adaptive shock absorbers and magnetic ride technology

·        ESC stabilization control

The 2013 Audi A3 offers a unique highly efficient electromechanical driving experience while the improved chassis design and wheel suspension imparts high stability and enhanced road grip to the vehicle. The ESC stabilization control system integrates an electronic differential slip, which makes the vehicles handling easy especially during swift turns and at high speeds.

You can rest assured knowing all three vehicles discussed did very well in the crash tests monitored by Euroncap. The 2012 Audi A3 showed 95% safety, the 2012 Ford Focus was rated at 92% and the 2012 Golf rated 94%. You can count on all 2013 versions of these cars being as safe as or even safer than the 2012 versions.

As you can see all 3 of the discussed 2013 hatchbacks belong among the finest pieces of automobile engineering and are competitive in technology, design, efficiency and performance.

Author: Albert Tang is an avid automotive enthusiast, writer, and blogger for www.lasvegashondadealers.com

1933 Ford Deluxe Coupe: A Garten Family Photo

A contribution from Ed Garten

 Its always a treat to be able to track down the history of an automobile that may have been in the family many years ago.  Recently I encountered this photo of my aunts and uncles playfully sitting on or hanging onto what appears to be an early 1930's Ford Deluxe.  Through conversations with elderly relatives and though some Internet searching for similar photographs, I discovered that this was a 1933 Ford Deluxe Coupe.  First the 1933 and then the 1934 Ford models are now considered iconic.  Of course not only were they favored by the general public, they were often the choice of bank robbers and gangsters due to their speed and good handling characteristics.

The 1933 revision of the car was substantial, especially considering how important the 1932 change had been. For its second year, the wheelbase was stretched, from 106 inches to 112 inches on a new cross member frame. The grille was revised, gaining a pointed forward slope at the bottom which resembled either a shovel or the 1932 Packard. Both the grille and hood louvers curved down and forward. The overall design and grille were inspired by the English Ford Model Y.  Power from the V8 was also increased in 1933 to 75 hp with a revised ignition system.

 

Have you ever wondered why so many family photographs from the 1930s on into the early 1960s found family members gathering around a family car or a relative's new wheels?  Today, how rare it seems that people are photographed standing beside or inside their automobiles.

The End of a Mercedes Gullwing

This is a photo of another Gullwing crash, taking place in Mexico.

The elite sports car, one of only 1400, was "completely destroyed" with estimated damages of more than $830,000.

The 26-year-old and his 19-year-old apprentice from Mechatronics — a high-profile Mercedes workshop — were unharmed after their joyride north of Stuttgart went sour.

Police said the speed limit of about 55 mph "was not observed, obviously," and the two seat car with 4-speed manual transmission went off the side of the road and rolled over.

The 300 SL was unveiled in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York and was voted “Sports car of the Century” in 1999. The distinctive gull wing version was only available from March 1955 to 1957.

The car is best known for being the first to inject fuel directly into the cylinders, making it the world's fastest production car of its time.

Der Spiegel notes that the owner of the 300 SL remained calm when informed. Both the car and the garage are insured against such cases, and GTspirit notes that the vehicle has a chance to be restored

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/super-rare-mercedes-gets-totaled-after-mechanics-take-it-for-a-joy-ride-2013-3#ixzz2Os9OZ52I

Photos of Abandoned Cars in the U.S.: Can you Identify?

 Route 66, Arizona, photo by Carol M. Highsmith

 Along the road in the southern U.S., photo by Carol M. Highsmith

"Gospel Car" near Kewanee, IL, photo by Russell Lee, August 1937

Photographs taken form collections at the Library of Congress