tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277751832024-02-28T08:11:32.879-05:00My Barn Find“I found my classic car in a barn down the road”<p>
This site is dedicated to stories of automobile discovery! Read great stories about how people found their classic car in the most unlikely places. Submit your story with at least one picture to <a href="mybarnfind@gmail.com">mybarnfind@gmail.com
</a>and we’ll post it for you! If you need assistance in the restoration of your car, you can share your email address in the post.<p>
The site is updated weekly so bookmark us today!</p></p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-68428345939333195952011-12-06T20:59:00.000-05:002011-12-06T20:59:35.495-05:00Studio GT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyrnJztCf6Nv3Wv-uOsDz43RvYVkyvtf2QI0y7VO6Zb0ooVVH9MAnvi98pnz8erMs5nzUqcy5d_d-BJwHZ9oHZnIUJ5zm7LFBExT1z5yP8WlnGWJiOFu8ZWf08Qq0Kuy13UgB/s1600/Studio+GT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyrnJztCf6Nv3Wv-uOsDz43RvYVkyvtf2QI0y7VO6Zb0ooVVH9MAnvi98pnz8erMs5nzUqcy5d_d-BJwHZ9oHZnIUJ5zm7LFBExT1z5yP8WlnGWJiOFu8ZWf08Qq0Kuy13UgB/s400/Studio+GT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This, my friends, is a one-off Italian GT designed and built by Neri & Bonacini in the late '60s. I'll get more details on the car but it is a rear-engine configuration with Lancia power. The car is a runner although it hasn't been seen in public for quite a few years. The owner's have a treasure trove of all things Italian and I'll be posting about them more frequently.</span></i>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-11657987322201606212011-01-30T11:03:00.008-05:002011-02-04T13:24:41.470-05:00My Alfa Romeo GT1300 Junior FindI starting looking for an Alfa Romeo "Scalino" or step-nose about nine months ago. A new obsession I guess. Step nose refers to the depression or "step" that leads from the nose to the edge of the hood. Giorgetto Giugiaro designed this little detail in as it was his first assignment as a designer at Bertone. It was abandoned in 1967 for GTVs and in 1970 for Juniors. The Scalinos are prized by collectors. I followed the usual methods using marque specific bulletin boards and contacting friends in the business. Through the Alfabb.com board, I met an internet friend also looking for a step-nose. He had been looking longer than me and had seen pretty much every car I had a shred of interest in. He called me to tell me he had bought a car in Buffalo, NY. Not a likely place for any sports car (no letters please). A week later, he called again telling me he passed on the car because the seller had lost all of the paperwork verifying it as a low-mileage two-owner car. I was free to open a dialogue with the seller if I didn't care about provenance. I bought the Junior sight unseen later to find out the paperwork was found. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9UKCNllF8Gv8oOSPjpdUQh8G9CuJ3jg79y3MQ678lcCk9ycyHSS6Jqkf36DvRUnsyuh3-lOQZP-TwQuf7JysPcJcRQESgUQKNe6g2qqGayW__KPd-iJ8h9dz16b38cfEI3T2/s1600/ALFA+on+Arrival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9UKCNllF8Gv8oOSPjpdUQh8G9CuJ3jg79y3MQ678lcCk9ycyHSS6Jqkf36DvRUnsyuh3-lOQZP-TwQuf7JysPcJcRQESgUQKNe6g2qqGayW__KPd-iJ8h9dz16b38cfEI3T2/s400/ALFA+on+Arrival.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upon Arrival<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUjQE4uVqisG69UhSnGeTFr-nKlquyn_8vLXbKf-AjN4p_FKQw56V8vSa5YtMExrRTY4vJAabOcxbDgGoLtxHqBDwMHt7XexfUnDSQc02wPrVYLxuguDyx8_n4dm-Vo8tgwak/s1600/ALfa+Yikes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUjQE4uVqisG69UhSnGeTFr-nKlquyn_8vLXbKf-AjN4p_FKQw56V8vSa5YtMExrRTY4vJAabOcxbDgGoLtxHqBDwMHt7XexfUnDSQc02wPrVYLxuguDyx8_n4dm-Vo8tgwak/s400/ALfa+Yikes.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did it get like that?<br />
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</tbody></table>It arrived and it was a bit scruffier than I had hoped but it ran nicely. The interior was soaked so I immediately threw out the jute mats and dried as best I could relieved to find a solid floor in the process. Like all obsessive people, I embarked on a quick refurbishing with the help of my friend Mike. I've got the interior and exterior where I want it and I await a slot at Alfas Unlimited in Norfolk, Conn. to get the front suspension and brakes re-built.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyt-htOwpLkMmDdYASs1HrjmjMqvQSxsEwACVRTAStG64SyFLCKB-Xk5Ubos4kQj26TZ4htMqPplS9YRWf-fUKCt6UZYwDf_Cc-7N2XJYyLL0cVImo-H1LuqX9IqYFKK8tpFC/s1600/AR_Fancy_Rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyt-htOwpLkMmDdYASs1HrjmjMqvQSxsEwACVRTAStG64SyFLCKB-Xk5Ubos4kQj26TZ4htMqPplS9YRWf-fUKCt6UZYwDf_Cc-7N2XJYyLL0cVImo-H1LuqX9IqYFKK8tpFC/s640/AR_Fancy_Rear.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Keith Goring, a well regarded Alfa pro, drove the Junior and deemed it pretty cool and very original. That further verifies the low mileage for any skeptics.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since I had the original owner's</div><div style="text-align: justify;">information, I decide to reach out for him. What a nice man. He was happy to hear his much loved Alfa has a good home. He owned it for 34 years accumulating only 36,000 miles primarily because he always had a job that came with a company car. A week after he purchased the Junior at a Toronto dealership he lost his job. To tide him over during the next job search he sorted mail at the Toronto Post Office.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Done<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I heard about "year of manufacture" license plate permits from my friend Mike. If I could find a set of plates from 1970 I could drive legally with them on. I posted a wanted ad on Craigslist and got a call about 20 minutes after the post. I now have a pristine pair mounted on the Alfa and it really completes the restoration. </span></div><br />
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</div>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-11303985935335087082011-01-30T10:42:00.002-05:002011-01-30T10:42:56.879-05:00What is it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietEIvMmbgLwDwn_CJh0jUYS7m8KIhI7lqPrn-nP6jKCki72tgdqlgTnMlDKKRQQl3wa5P7rrtCpU15XEO0LFBc2k24AUZ1-pgGz12WOD6Kda2hNPw3QFq1tygMlweSC2DOtDq/s1600/Bring_a_Trailer_Whatzit_German_VW_Wendler_Martini_Special_Bodied_Porsche_NSU_Mystery_Car_Cabrio_resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietEIvMmbgLwDwn_CJh0jUYS7m8KIhI7lqPrn-nP6jKCki72tgdqlgTnMlDKKRQQl3wa5P7rrtCpU15XEO0LFBc2k24AUZ1-pgGz12WOD6Kda2hNPw3QFq1tygMlweSC2DOtDq/s320/Bring_a_Trailer_Whatzit_German_VW_Wendler_Martini_Special_Bodied_Porsche_NSU_Mystery_Car_Cabrio_resize.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Taken in Garmisch, Germany in 1956…</em></span>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-70662127772510088162010-02-22T09:45:00.000-05:002010-02-22T09:45:35.624-05:00Almost a Classic but What a Find?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD10HofqJpYncmjTuryxu9HlkULLi6iSQjWmYO5BSbwZJ7-RvtLK9CmF459wLdwfTpR2h0IvDMtsyTMXc7dseIsFsGSX1L8AkH1UA9lXCNhsUGtZ9QNEFplUPvBymj4QJtlLhb/s1600-h/Backup+iPhone+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="25" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD10HofqJpYncmjTuryxu9HlkULLi6iSQjWmYO5BSbwZJ7-RvtLK9CmF459wLdwfTpR2h0IvDMtsyTMXc7dseIsFsGSX1L8AkH1UA9lXCNhsUGtZ9QNEFplUPvBymj4QJtlLhb/s320/Backup+iPhone+006.JPG" /></a>Okay, I know what you're thinking. "That isn't a classic". But if you love Land Cruisers like I do you'll appreciate this find for what it is. About 4 years ago, I visited the home of a local collector in New Preston, CT. He has about 15 cars, mostly Porsches and Mercedes-Benz. That's why I went to visit his garages. I wanted to see some cool cars. But in garage number 3, parked in front of a low mileage 560SL (3,800 miles) sat this beautiful, fully equipped, 1993 Land Cruiser. In his family since new, it had accumulated only 62,000 miles and was PERFECT in every way. Again, if you know Land Cruisers, 62,000 is break-in miles for one of these beasts. I asked if he would ever part with it and the answer was a resounding NO!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, 4 years later, he calls me and says he wants to sell the Cruiser. I was there that afternoon with a check. Now, after selling my old red 1987 FJ60, I am back in the Land Cruiser family. This time with A/C, Sirius Satellite radio, disc brakes, ABS and the very rare front and rear diff locks. I am very happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-40303313454110853332008-10-07T08:09:00.000-04:002008-10-07T08:12:27.481-04:00Morgan Video!!!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lD7EY7XlGNE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lD7EY7XlGNE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-53822292760008452332008-09-02T08:33:00.003-04:002008-09-02T08:36:39.376-04:00Norway comes through with a great one!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEj__EYNZnrgGxWz5x6tcTNxYM8WAujP-7uHTYfUcu9dyBPazaYZj7MWeBH7bktDOtylmipQx5UQY0z2Qqsms7HE0XplK1l86Hsp-bVAOfFn2P-HPnhl0wido_hcTU0dPOey-4/s1600-h/Kubel+01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEj__EYNZnrgGxWz5x6tcTNxYM8WAujP-7uHTYfUcu9dyBPazaYZj7MWeBH7bktDOtylmipQx5UQY0z2Qqsms7HE0XplK1l86Hsp-bVAOfFn2P-HPnhl0wido_hcTU0dPOey-4/s320/Kubel+01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241401513586502802" border="0" /></a><br />This October 1943 Kubel spent all it's life with one family since being sold at post-war auctions here in Norway in 1946. Parked in a barn from 1961-1995. Behind this garage from 1995 until May of 2008. I finally managed to buy it after several years of persuation. Matching numbers, including the engine.<br /><br />Attached is also a picture from the old family album, showing this car in use.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVWIu5-O4Yp4o1aOZ778sBvWIknp25B8B5ERpty6XZKEYOkVHnwrIYM96bbU5WyWXy7Kw-V6ap19I4-0O34u-oodspEsrKXc20XvtH_XKE2qYPNaEc6LFHWm-YnG08l2z_jUD/s1600-h/Kubel+02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVWIu5-O4Yp4o1aOZ778sBvWIknp25B8B5ERpty6XZKEYOkVHnwrIYM96bbU5WyWXy7Kw-V6ap19I4-0O34u-oodspEsrKXc20XvtH_XKE2qYPNaEc6LFHWm-YnG08l2z_jUD/s200/Kubel+02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241401619521594402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Regards,<br />Oystein Asphjell<br />NORWAYAutomotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-63111900746088324992008-03-15T10:28:00.006-04:002008-12-09T16:22:57.212-05:00The Morgan Plus 4: Now for sale to a good home.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBAMpdONwXkKckEEUNkM-TQO6ML_lyYTsrepu9jSBOuk9Op2x5hJci1cE4eE7ejYkD1JYu94QRXs22tNZL_Ii1otH-nHFNI0Eu7CM3F2ZAklrsM3lsfoFN3sgs4b47NrwryXH/s1600-h/Morgan+Plus+4+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBAMpdONwXkKckEEUNkM-TQO6ML_lyYTsrepu9jSBOuk9Op2x5hJci1cE4eE7ejYkD1JYu94QRXs22tNZL_Ii1otH-nHFNI0Eu7CM3F2ZAklrsM3lsfoFN3sgs4b47NrwryXH/s400/Morgan+Plus+4+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177975678554643970" border="0" /></a><br />We enjoy living in rural Connecticut but the winter months do tend to drag on a bit. But when spring arrives we are rewarded with having some of the best country roads to enjoy a proper British sports car. So the cover is off the Morgan and no surprises. I keep it my wife's studio so the temperature never gets below 50 degrees. It fired right up and we went out for a little ride up the road. No drama just a perfect precursor to a wonderful season.<br /><br />What a great season it is. Now September, the evening chill is a welcome relief to a hot summer day. This weekend I took the Mog to Lime Rock Park to watch the Rolex Vintage Races. A great event and a chance to see Morgans on the track at full race speeds. Of course my Morgan attracts a lot of attention where ever we go. I enjoyed the races but I am not sure if I enjoyed the drive to and from better. What a fine running sports car. Unusually tight and well behaved. But I must part with it and it is available for local, domestic sale or I will ship overseas. Morgans of this quality are rare anywhere. Email me if you are interested. I have many unbiased experts in the area that can perform a pre-purchase inspection. I can also upload a video to YouTube for you to see. too.Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-78581878446373796262007-09-26T08:56:00.000-04:002008-12-09T16:22:57.723-05:00Fast Cars of CaliforniaI've known of Mike Long for some time. I even tried to buy an E-Type Coupe from him a few years back but I missed the opportunity. He's had some great experiences searching and finding those super, rust-free California cars we all dream about. Now he has added these stories to his site for all of us to enjoy.<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSnTaxS8DcOLzI_m1Dd-eA_ESmVs5Dm4ulluQggveVi04vx3xMv0LUGUDEP7ksi0_DPoUX6YnWSIFQI9QjBxqETTeQbp3yDjPU7V1aBqfVqQ7glTHa60pAHkUdtu34P1d-9oD/s1600-h/leftfrontside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSnTaxS8DcOLzI_m1Dd-eA_ESmVs5Dm4ulluQggveVi04vx3xMv0LUGUDEP7ksi0_DPoUX6YnWSIFQI9QjBxqETTeQbp3yDjPU7V1aBqfVqQ7glTHa60pAHkUdtu34P1d-9oD/s200/leftfrontside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114498284641152146" border="0" /></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEYe7eYJxkgmL6SABJtZaNHcm3j-IxNzt6jtVsX4GDIvWDLTGMpm4M9O2j-fGEh6vUiz4qk43vl8jiOkwi_rAm08L9JZPTpjYR9QRFArnsNncTfiyzis6lLo7tVVT0sdYHVkp/s1600-h/7197scd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEYe7eYJxkgmL6SABJtZaNHcm3j-IxNzt6jtVsX4GDIvWDLTGMpm4M9O2j-fGEh6vUiz4qk43vl8jiOkwi_rAm08L9JZPTpjYR9QRFArnsNncTfiyzis6lLo7tVVT0sdYHVkp/s200/7197scd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114498087072656514" border="0" /></a>How about finding Ricardo Montalban's XK150 in someone's backyard? How cool is that!<p>Take a look at the rest at Mike's site.<p><a href="http://www.vintagesportscars.com/vintage_car_barn_finds.html">www.vintagesportscars.com/vintage_car_barn_finds.html</a></p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-60810965451882507692007-08-31T09:19:00.001-04:002008-12-09T16:22:58.488-05:001987 Toyota Land CruiserThis is my personal find! Offered for sale is one of the nicest, coolest FJ-60s available at a reasonable price! I bought the truck 2 years ago <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vu2A_GKGkY2uV6H4YSQTaftt-2cgSfur48eos-VsyEvJWT2nwZ8JUZrIeLLsDIK2oYJi9bK9lBus2yFgXKfHeuNvUKGuYiMl5lug1c020idho5wYvSxhcCnVOX0Imq5yLq7D/s1600-h/Maddalena87+Landcruiser.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104854679987454690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vu2A_GKGkY2uV6H4YSQTaftt-2cgSfur48eos-VsyEvJWT2nwZ8JUZrIeLLsDIK2oYJi9bK9lBus2yFgXKfHeuNvUKGuYiMl5lug1c020idho5wYvSxhcCnVOX0Imq5yLq7D/s320/Maddalena87+Landcruiser.jpg" border="0" /></a>from a family in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:place>Southern California</st1:place>. It was their station wagon and it even had white wall tires on it. I had it shipped east to my home in rural <st1:state><st1:place>Connecticut</st1:place></st1:state> to serve as our country “special use” vehicle. That means I drive it for fun and occasionally hauling some stuff around town. My son drives it to high school most days and the kids say he has the coolest car. <p><br /><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p>Let’s begin with the negatives and get them out of the way. The A/C stopped working but I don’t really need it. The next owner can buy a used compressor and it will be fine. The carpets are worn. I have heavy-duty mats over them so I don’t see the holes. The rear carpet has been replaced by a carpet underlay material. Not a great solution but it works for us. The dash has a crack in it. It has a small oil leak (what a surprise). That’s it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoLGQeufxdiFdU1wKuXt5E8GtAHxgge4ma9kdh_K-TMeGh09SCFpcAYdG4zpkcHKRUGuBNKEvL3Q3Xvv6fPw3HiZiq8y6CcFVrgywtEES3_ocx56cyVuSKx2O1dn_dBRHunDx/s1600-h/LC_engine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104854972045230834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoLGQeufxdiFdU1wKuXt5E8GtAHxgge4ma9kdh_K-TMeGh09SCFpcAYdG4zpkcHKRUGuBNKEvL3Q3Xvv6fPw3HiZiq8y6CcFVrgywtEES3_ocx56cyVuSKx2O1dn_dBRHunDx/s200/LC_engine.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /><o:p></o:p>Besides running strong and being reliable, the car has a near perfect body and chassis. The benefits of life in <st1:state><st1:place>California</st1:place></st1:state> and no winters here in <st1:state><st1:place>Connecticut</st1:place></st1:state>. That means no rust now or ever. None. I believe the paint to be original. The right front fender may have been replaced at one time. There are a few small scratches and an occasional ding. Did I say no rust?</p><p><br /><o:p></o:p>I’ve added a few great, expensive accessories. The seats are covered in <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4juvoPLtVkgNCAQTjCK56_Vdx8sqJ9Cwcw2gY2HuTlt9DoKEK-w33-7UqMFHlBFuz_eP0YLAHpD9Ur5VnNJU-9z-c6QsQo7-3tuuTw0dE0jpj8KCcPAbgff81H9oVsN1FlCSr/s1600-h/LC_DS_Interior.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104855165318759186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4juvoPLtVkgNCAQTjCK56_Vdx8sqJ9Cwcw2gY2HuTlt9DoKEK-w33-7UqMFHlBFuz_eP0YLAHpD9Ur5VnNJU-9z-c6QsQo7-3tuuTw0dE0jpj8KCcPAbgff81H9oVsN1FlCSr/s200/LC_DS_Interior.jpg" border="0" /></a>Wet Okoele neoprene, two-tone seat covers. I have an ARB bull bar, pair of driving lights, Hella maplight and Sirius Satellite radio (by subscription only). I have recently added 2 OEM Aussie side mirrors that cost over $200.00 each and new hub covers.</p><p><br /><o:p></o:p>The car goes mostly to the local <st1:city><st1:place>Toyota</st1:place></st1:city> dealer for service. We’ve repaired the power steering pump, air pump, brakes, Old Man Emu medium duty shocks all around and OME steering stabilizer plus 5 Bridgestone Dueler Revos (spare in new). I just had the oil changed at 143,387. The truck passed <st1:state><st1:place>Connecticut</st1:place></st1:state> emissions with ease.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSSqSBx5AJuIiud4ZvkeFRrk9PXGbSJczPVlTbuw0jrNe82w3YPrU7Uh9mF5TFvIhhRwEjMqjXd7vdx2FpPJoQeT9tl5LpCuVniPw8ou59LVQy4CUCipSU8zSq3r2OU4UjyJk/s1600-h/LCDS_Chassis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104855079419413250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSSqSBx5AJuIiud4ZvkeFRrk9PXGbSJczPVlTbuw0jrNe82w3YPrU7Uh9mF5TFvIhhRwEjMqjXd7vdx2FpPJoQeT9tl5LpCuVniPw8ou59LVQy4CUCipSU8zSq3r2OU4UjyJk/s200/LCDS_Chassis.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><br />Call me on my cell here on the east coast (203) 417-6856. SOLD and I feel sad. I loved this stupid truck!</p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-51648856261503998322007-07-04T08:49:00.000-04:002008-12-09T16:22:58.759-05:00Not Really Lost But Found: 2002 Classic Speedster Replica<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2-lvSkoIczUcS8W4Sp26ac811R8TVF6DCukJU28dL7qe6lEkvp6OG4lpEG3IePFNZRgApTj9FeOVbBV92LUsznvXcwzadwjuVXWgtnupiBEOpYVp9PhikalNe3NYM318WZJH/s1600-h/Wasserstein+029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2-lvSkoIczUcS8W4Sp26ac811R8TVF6DCukJU28dL7qe6lEkvp6OG4lpEG3IePFNZRgApTj9FeOVbBV92LUsznvXcwzadwjuVXWgtnupiBEOpYVp9PhikalNe3NYM318WZJH/s320/Wasserstein+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083324293196157938" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">Don't hate me for posting a tidbit on one of these! This little recreation is kinda cool. The owner who commissioned it owns about a dozen Porsches so maybe he has paid his dues. This is a faithful reproduction of one of the most sought after classic Porsches. This car has covered only 2,300 miles and now it is time to sell.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finished in Porsche Missen Blue, this roadster is powered by a 1776 cc VW engine with dual carbs. With its lightweight body, the performance is exhilarating. In addition to the specially tuned engine, the Speedster has front disc brakes, special exhaust, full weather protection and leather interior. Badged like a real Porsche, the Speedster is an inexpensive and reliable way to enjoy our beautiful <st1:state><st1:place>scenic </st1:place></st1:state>roads. Asking $19,500.</p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-19974317698211698232007-07-03T08:42:00.000-04:002008-12-09T16:22:59.558-05:00That Was Then...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW0EjQPRSIZmaEbtOZawyzB6ud-MfbQN5BEElwlh3kyEjLhUrKK6hagl5nXfSlQd0cMOl6GHHSB3EjYVdxi41MFnRK66vXbEPhbBLe40F8bgsoxyt-g_wMjOsmwEeIQaQRt1T/s1600-h/Morgan_restoration_DS_dogleg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW0EjQPRSIZmaEbtOZawyzB6ud-MfbQN5BEElwlh3kyEjLhUrKK6hagl5nXfSlQd0cMOl6GHHSB3EjYVdxi41MFnRK66vXbEPhbBLe40F8bgsoxyt-g_wMjOsmwEeIQaQRt1T/s200/Morgan_restoration_DS_dogleg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082951898056758130" border="0" /></a>Sorry for my long absence but I've been busy with work and restoring the Morgan Plus 4. As always, when you start a body off restoration, you discover everything about a car's history.<p>In the Morgan's case, it was pretty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEutNJuP51XgFFYT0XvFM9vPQ3wwRAzvCahcbt_UFDY5bRhQ77W-Zq4c4JX_QsoEbwMaIro4_Mjm7uCDfb7stBTjf2QKbipoZlnW94VoU-ypMratYhG2exczo6KXRuCh5JlZsp/s1600-h/Morgan_Restoration_MorganMotorsPS_Repair_Tub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEutNJuP51XgFFYT0XvFM9vPQ3wwRAzvCahcbt_UFDY5bRhQ77W-Zq4c4JX_QsoEbwMaIro4_Mjm7uCDfb7stBTjf2QKbipoZlnW94VoU-ypMratYhG2exczo6KXRuCh5JlZsp/s200/Morgan_Restoration_MorganMotorsPS_Repair_Tub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082952761345184642" border="0" /></a> much as expected except for a case of chassis "kick-up" which is common in well used Mogs. Amazingly, the body panels were entirely rust-free and all original. That made me feel great. I found evidence of the original factory color red as well as navy blue and yellow although it looks like those colors were part of some trial and error at the factory. The chassis and wood repairs were made by my local Morgan authorized dealer in Copake, NY. They did a great job and yes, it was more than twice the cost anticipated.</p><p>I spent months cleaning and polishing all of the bits that came off to insure a quick re-assembly. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6F_cN6kSwfzUNhxs1lom99KxdOrna0xNGb69XW2kj02l0c_bBpf2mms0t2lk2LBRJ-t1lkKaNsUtgisokb3ZSO6LOe61r7cPIbEksi6R_RNfJgwk-53r3hKl4VSBTldUstdK/s1600-h/Semi_Completed_65_Morgan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6F_cN6kSwfzUNhxs1lom99KxdOrna0xNGb69XW2kj02l0c_bBpf2mms0t2lk2LBRJ-t1lkKaNsUtgisokb3ZSO6LOe61r7cPIbEksi6R_RNfJgwk-53r3hKl4VSBTldUstdK/s200/Semi_Completed_65_Morgan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082953345460736914" border="0" /></a>The body panels were stripped, primed and ready for paint in 6 weeks time. By early May, it was at The Hot Rod Shop in New Milford, CT ready for paint. I really sweated the color selection. The Morgan factory build sheet said red so red it would be. But what shade of red? I searched and decided on the perfect color; Ferrari Rosso Barchetta fit the bill perfectly.</p><p>By mid-June, the parts and chassis were back in my garage and assembly began earnestly. It went together very nicely as my instructions to not straighten any of the original bends in the sheet metal were followed.</p><p>After a flurry of last minute parts orders the car was ready for a test drive. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2p-EMQ-dycmURh9KRPN2Ooece6YjClkM25Q5Uk2Z2IpYR-0k1B7-OI3O47GF1FjA3h5-CGOOaQlxrpF-Kh4iSn9vJr8ekW5VKmKYz1zkpy6LCWLaQlA26FxvT8ZQNAIMOGro/s1600-h/Morgan_restorationPre-test+front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2p-EMQ-dycmURh9KRPN2Ooece6YjClkM25Q5Uk2Z2IpYR-0k1B7-OI3O47GF1FjA3h5-CGOOaQlxrpF-Kh4iSn9vJr8ekW5VKmKYz1zkpy6LCWLaQlA26FxvT8ZQNAIMOGro/s400/Morgan_restorationPre-test+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083683799138702354" border="0" /></a>We discovered that the carbs were pitifully out of synch causing stalling and hot start issues.</p><p>With a little effort and faith plus proper timing set, that as resolved itself nicely. My first long trip was to a Hemmings car show at Lime Rock Park. That's 25 of the most beautiful miles in Northern Connecticut. I am really lucky to live here full time! No problems yet but it is an English sports car so I joined AAA.</p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1169664830993478252007-01-24T13:37:00.000-05:002007-01-24T20:07:31.376-05:00Morgan Motor Cars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/210/2931/1600/739561/Maddalena%20Mog%202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/210/2931/320/792923/Maddalena%20Mog%202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br />I've always wanted a Morgan...not sure why. Perhaps it was that Plus 4, 4-seater I walked past on my way to work in Brooklyn Heights. I thought to myself that if a person would endure all of the hassles of driving an English sports car every day than it must be quite an experience.</p><p>Now 25 years later I have my Morgan (and an BMW X3 as backup) and the romance is budding. I'm really getting to know my '65 Plus 4, Roadster as I disassemble it for paint. How incredibly simple can a car be if there are no concerns for human safety. Thoughts of a preoccupied mom barreling down on you in a Suburban come to mind. Yes, I guess all you need is a seat cushion or two tossed into the car. Why not put it on a wooden box for additional comfort? Jolly good idea. Back rest adjustment you say? Just loosen a few bolts and move the wood bar back a few inches.</p><p>I sent an email to The Morgan Motor Company to find out a little information about my car. The next morning, an email arrived with everything I could want. My new friend even offered to help should I need anything else. A week later, I received a certificate from Charles Morgan, grandson of H.F.S Morgan, confirming the information. Try that with Porsche. They are too busy trying to buy Volkswagen.</p><p>So now I'm hunting for a proper steering wheel, the original having been replaced by a previous owner. I'm sure that's not the only thing I'll need.Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1164761880565371322006-11-28T19:48:00.000-05:002007-01-24T14:14:07.850-05:00A Leap of Faith for a Sweet Speedster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/210/2931/1600/674811/042106_1746b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/210/2931/200/935980/042106_1746b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This car was found by a fellow in Pollock Pines California while browsing at a garage sale. He noticed an open Porsche in the backyard under a covered porch. The fellow put a message on Pelican parts asking what an open car was worth. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/210/2931/1600/750575/071006_1752a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/210/2931/200/192776/071006_1752a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I contacted him telling him I would purchase the car and give him a finders fee. He agreed and went to the owners house and left a note offering to purchase the car. There was no response for months. I tried him again and he tracked down the owners place of work an spoke to him directly. He offered him the amount I suggested. he declined and said he wanted to keep the car. I asked him not to give up and raised the price to twelve thousand. It sparked his interest and he stated there was another party interested and he would have to contact him first. To make a long story short it went back and forth to 20,000. I ended up with the car and it is in my garage waiting for resto to begin Jan 2007. The first picture is the one he sent me from his phone if you look way in the background you can see just the top of the windshield. That is what I used to make my decision.Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1154735563292904072006-08-04T19:40:00.001-04:002008-02-29T17:37:47.183-05:00'66 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Cabriolet, Los Angeles 2 Connecticut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/LL250SE%20PS%20Profile.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/LL250SE%20PS%20Profile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/LL250SE%20PS%20RearProfile.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/LL250SE%20PS%20RearProfile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/LL250SEClock%20Dash.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/LL250SEClock%20Dash.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When you drive this particular car, you really have a sense of what Mercedes-Benz was all about. You glide effortlessly using the three pointed star as your compass. I discovered this particular car lakeside in a small affluent town in rural Litchfield County, CT. The owners brought her here from years spent in southern California where its current owners lived. They are in the film business and so it was a frequent visitor to studios throughout Los Angeles.<br />Her devoted owners need to consoldate there collection of cars to only the most necessary so they asked me to find the Cabriolet a new home. It has always been lovingly maintained with no evidence of rust or accident damage. It is a driver so there are some cosmetic issues typical of a 40 year old car but nothing major. It shows 65,000 miles and it may be accurate. They have service records back 20 years which tracks on target. It has been recently serviced and drives great.<br />If you have interest in this Cabriolet, give me a call. (203) 417-6856 SORRY, SOLD!Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1153145871312180002006-07-17T10:07:00.000-04:002006-07-19T09:19:47.550-04:001975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL with 10,000 original miles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Speedo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/Speedo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/MW450SL%20front%20ps.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/MW450SL%20front%20ps.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/MW450SL%20rear%20PS.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/MW450SL%20rear%20PS.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The family named her "Blue Belle". Actually the daughter did when she was only 7 years old. The family enjoyed the car for a few summer seasons and parked her when daughter #2 came along. They couldn't part with her and stored it carefully in one of their barns on the property. The car is maintained devotedly by the family's full time mechanic. Alas, the daughter who named her "Blue Belle" is the new owner of the 450SL. She has other priorities now and will let her go to be enjoyed by the next family. It is as perfect as the day it came home from the dealer. If you want to know more, please contact me by email or call 203-417-6856.<br />MichaelAutomotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1152624449089585942006-07-11T09:17:00.001-04:002008-02-29T17:39:24.126-05:00'71 Mercedes-Benz 280SL<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Wisdom%20280SL%203%20Qtr%20Rear%20DS2.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/Wisdom%20280SL%203%20Qtr%20Rear%20DS2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Wisdom%20280SL%203%20Qtr%20Front%20Garage.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/Wisdom%20280SL%203%20Qtr%20Front%20Garage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It is in a barn but what a barn! I met this gentleman through a friend and he has quite a collection of special cars scattered around his beautiful property. I was lucky to be there with my camera to take these pictures of his elegant 280SL. He has owned the car for 15 years and has every document accompanying it including the factory build sheet! The 280SL is now on the market making this a great opportunity to the knowledgeable collector. Prices for Pagoda roof M-Bs has finally taken off and the 280SL is clearly the most coveted model. Email me at info@mybarnfind.com or call 203-417-6856. Sold to a new owner on Long Island!Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1150212481186814662006-06-13T11:24:00.000-04:002006-06-13T11:28:01.203-04:00'58 Corvette Fuelie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Out%20of%20Vette.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/Out%20of%20Vette.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/In%20the%20barn%20Vette.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/In%20the%20barn%20Vette.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Back around 1970, my buddy Tom was in California riding his Harley and enjoying his lifestyle. He ran into this kid with a Corvette that he wanted to sell. Tom worked out a trade for his Harley and now was driving a Corvette home. The motor was burning oil but it ran pretty good yet. Tom started his trek home to Minnesota. Tom was scoffed at by a couple of guys with '57 Vettes along the way telling him what a mistake he made because the '58s were "junk and undesirable." Apparently, the factory added some more chrome and a washboard hood that made the car with a lot of "one year only" pieces. Tom started thinking that he had made a mistake. I think those guys were a little biased. <br /><br /> He got home about 25 quarts of oil later. He drove it around for the summer (maybe a little longer) before parking it in his shed and thinking of working on the motor and fixing it up a little.<br /><br /> Around 1977 or so ( I still didn’t know Tom all that well and I was just a “hang around”), I stopped by Tom’s house and while in his shop, I drooled over the Corvette. It was so cool to me as a teenager. I don’t think I had ever been up close to one at that point in my life and Tom was allowing me to climb in and take a look. What a dream! <br /><br /> Tom, like so many of us, had a million projects to take care of. The Corvette got put under a canvas tarp and put to the side. Over the years, I visited Tom now and then and we became good friends. I would always look at the exposed rear fender of the Corvette, but we didn’t talk about it much. Tom had promised to give some of his best friends first option to buy it if it did go up for sale. He had told me that several times. I just figured that the Corvette was out of reach for me. I knew that it was not for sale -- and I didn’t have the money to buy it anyway. <br /><br /> Around 1991, I told Tom I would help him get it on the road if he wanted but he declined. He was too busy with other projects at the time and couldn’t swing extra money for the Corvette. <br /><br /> In 2004, I had gotten the Corvette fever with a 1969 Corvette I found in Carlsbad, CA that had been on blocks in a gal’s garage for 18 years. I flew down there and got it running and drove it home. That was one of those lifetime experiences that turned into a great and fun education. A couple of months later, I was checking out a barn fresh 1963 Corvette that I happened upon. I offered the guy way too much money for it the way it was, and he wanted another 6 or 7 grand yet. I wonder if he ever got someone to buy it.<br /><br /> A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving in 2004, I happened to be in town and stopped by to see Tom. He had just bought a farm and was in the process of moving all of his stuff out there. While in his shop, I saw that the Corvette was uncovered. I just had to take a closer look. It had been 20 some years since I had seen it uncovered. I checked it out and asked Tom if he would ever sell it. He replied that he would if someone ever offered him the right money for it.<br /><br /> Now, many people had tried to buy his Corvette over the years, but they apparently were never serious enough. I remember asking how much he wanted for the car years earlier and the price was way out of line. He told me that he would keep it until he got that price.<br /><br /> I asked him how much it would take to buy the Corvette. He replied with the price he had placed on it years ago. I asked him, “Would you really let it go if someone gave you that much?” He replied that he probably would. I just left it at that and we went about normal conversations and then I went home.<br /><br /> When I got home, I did a little research on the car and called my Uncle Carl. Uncle Carl has been building cars for a long time and I consider him a person to be reliable and to bring me back in check when I get “feverish” about cars I find. I called Tom that night after checking my availability to cash in my bank accounts.<br /><br /> “Hey Tom, done working for the night?” “No, I’m still at it. I have a lot to do.” “Tom, I want to buy the Corvette from you.” “Well, I thought about it after you left and I don’t think I will sell it.” “I’m talking cash tomorrow.” Long pause………. “Tom, are you still there?” Long pause. "Yes, I’m here. I’m just thinking about it.” “I have cash and I’m definitely willing to make the deal.” “I think I’ll just sleep on it and give it some thought first. I’m not really interested in parting with it.” “OK Tom, just let me know if you change your mind.” “I’ll call you tomorrow and let me know one way or the other.” “All right Tom. Later."<br /><br /> I hung up the phone disappointed. I should have known that Tom wouldn’t sell the car. The next day around 3 pm, I checked my cell phone messages and Tom had called. I figured that Tom was just calling, like he said he would, to tell me he would keep the car. I knew he couldn’t separate himself from that car. I was wrong!<br /><br /> Tom’s somber message went like this: “Hey Steve. Tom here. I’ve been thinking and decided that I would sell the Corvette. You have more time to work on it than I do and a better place to work on it. I guess I’ve had it long enough. Later. Bye.”<br /><br /> I called Tom back and told him I wanted to get the car that night. He replied that he wouldn’t be able to get the car out of where it was that quickly. I just told him that I would help him. It would be fun to work along Tom to dig out the Corvette.<br /><br /> I had 15 minutes left of work and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. I ran to the bank and got cash. I ran home and got the truck and trailer and went to Tom’s house which was about an hour away.<br /><br /> When I got there, Tom already had the car dug out and pushed into the yard back in the alley. We shook hands and went into his house to make the deal. Tom had the original California title, Minnesota title and all paperwork to the car. He had the previous owner's name, address and phone number, and every piece of paper that belonged to the car. I counted out the bills to Tom and told him to recount them. He didn’t count the money and told me that he knew me well enough to know that it was all there. We talked for about an hour and made out a proper receipt and signed it over.<br /><br /> We got outside and got the trailer ready. I was surprised at how light that car was when we pushed it onto the trailer. We got it winched down and we stood there looking at it. I think both of us were near tears. I was amazed that Tom sold it to me, and Tom was amazed that the car now belonged to someone else. We stood there looking at it with arms on each others shoulders. I asked Tom why he decided to sell it to me instead of one of his best friends. Tom said, “We’ve known each other for a long time, Steve. I’m glad the Corvette is going to a home where I know it will be appreciated instead of some collector who will put it in his climate-controlled living room to look at it. I know you will take care of it and drive it. This should also tell you that we might be closer friends than you think.” I just looked at Tom and felt a bond that felt amazing. <br /><br /> I hated to leave and wanted to just hang out with Tom but it was getting late. I had to get back to work and I wanted to make sure the car was secured right away that night. Now, Tom nor I are the kind of guys who hug other guys, but we did -- and it was right man!<br /><br /> I called my brother Merle and told him I needed to put a car I bought in his garage for the night and that I was stopping by his house. When I got there, he about fell down when he saw Tom’s Corvette on the trailer. "Did you buy it? Why did he sell it to you, I’ve known him longer than you?" "I guess you just had to be there, Merle. I don’t think it was about the money."<br /><br />1958 Corvette, 290HP Fuel Injected, 4 speed w/posi rear end and bothAutomotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1149014334567060362006-05-30T14:36:00.000-04:002006-05-30T14:38:54.576-04:00Kentucky Bronco<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/149929711_ca0ae944f4.4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/149929711_ca0ae944f4.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My father-in-law knew I was a fan of early broncos - and he stumbled upon this about 10 minutes from his house. So, he called me one day a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to help him on a "project" and kind of chuckled. That weekend, he drove me to this old barn in the middle of eastern Kentucky, stopped, and said - "look inside." After I quit smiling, we agreed to split the cost and take it home. We got an amazing deal...<br /><br />These photos were taken the day we pulled it out of the barn - and everything is covered in years of barn crud. Fired up on the first try and we drove it home...we have it currently hidden in the mountains of eastern Kentucky as we begin the journey.<br /><br />Any thoughts on where to begin or what to do first? We're going to get the engine running strong and replace all the fluids, transmission/rear-end and begin from there.<br /><br />The fun part should be watching a retired engineer and an illustrator/graphic designer work on this project together. I'm looking forward to working on the truck, and more importantly spending the time with him.<br /><br />Daniel<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/149934058_5df26bdc31.5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/149934058_5df26bdc31.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147714133300747752006-05-15T13:17:00.000-04:002006-05-15T13:31:23.086-04:00CT to PA to BC, a Porsche 356 C's Odyssey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/recent%20back%20in%20bc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/recent%20back%20in%20bc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/door%20on%20car%202003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/door%20on%20car%202003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was only 25 when I bought this matching numbers car #221146 C coupe sky blue with red interior. A year after looking for projects and roadsters that were soaring in price. In its day it was driven seldom in Glastonbury, CT from 1965 to 1969 where I'm told (by 2nd owner) was involved in some race crash and taken off the road (original miles then in 1969 is 19,983). I have a few emails from old CT Porsche mechanics who remember a car like it then crashed the same way. Owned by a European couple, it now had some right side rear end damage and transmission damage, (axle tube severely bent). The car had a panel-repair (bondo) and quick repaint, and was resold then to the 2nd Owner, a real-estate agent from PA who was in town the time on business, bought the car from an estate sale, as the European couple were going back to Europe and then had it shipped to his PA house. He told me the car looked great then but drove poorly so he drove it up the driveway, and there it sat motionless until 2001. He told me he never drove the car except for that. Off the car carrier and down the street and up the driveway. A mistake he wishes he had corrected. In 2001, it exchanged a few hands quickly, from him to Bruce Baker (who could not in good faith chop it up due to its low miles and solid body) to Parker Tyler, who actually drove down to PA to get it from Bruce, and then towed it into Nova Scotia for me in 2003. <p>It was caught in Hurricane Juan, Sept in 2003 and soaked with water. When I got the car Oct 2003, I disassembled, sandblasted, and after a 2 year restoration, a proper rear end repair and colour switch and some leg work to contact all party's except 1st owners, I am left with a great low mile solid coupe today. I continue to talk to the 2nd Owner on a regular bases and he is very envious and notes he is first in line to buy the car back. He holds the cars original tool kit still as ransom, and jokes only to reunite if he gets the car back. It lost a few pieces in the transaction but I have been able to refit with some things and have all registrations going back to 1969, with proof of mileage. A 12,000$ metal work and paint job and some serious weld work and an amateur floor job done by myself. I am now back in Vancouver BC and it still has a few hiccups but I am intent on racing it in the local vintage events and driving on sunny days. Mileage now is 20,007 miles at the time of this story, and sounds nice running. (when it wants to start that is. Wife has named the car "Ooter" and I its safe to say "Ooter" is a little miffed he hasn't been driven in so long and the trials and tribulations he has gone through. Thus the trouble he gives me.) I have only driven a few miles in the last three years, basically around the block a few times and to the gas station, but when he goes he pulls great. Some carb tuning needed, but a great find for my first 356.<br /><br />The little low mile coupe is the envy of a few old mopar and corvette neighbors who poke their head in and a nice addition with a 1959 Convertible D I have picked up, which has a story just as interesting.<br /> <br /></p> <p>Sean-Christerfer Longhi<br /></p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147468328686610412006-05-12T17:04:00.000-04:002006-05-12T18:00:29.250-04:00A Connecticut 1967 MGB MK I<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/PICT0052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/PICT0052.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Mikes%2067%20B.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/Mikes%2067%20B.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I found this tired but complete MGB at a shop across from venerable Lime Rock Park Race Track.<br />It had the usual rust issues but not as bad as most I had considered. I did all the repairs myself except for the welding. Don't need to burn down my house now do I!<p> Well 3 years later it is quite spectacular and one of the most reliable cars I've restored. It's parked next to my Alfa Giullietta Spider and gets some infrequent exercise. I'm ready for another project if you're interested!!!<br /><br />Mike M.</p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147467893036607122006-05-12T17:02:00.000-04:002006-05-12T17:59:14.986-04:00The California Porsches Part III: 1967 Porsche 912 Targa Soft Window<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/SW%20Targa.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/SW%20Targa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The soft-window Porsche 912 Targa is a rare bird having been produced only from 1967 until 1969. Yes '69, after Porsche went to the longer wheelbase. Porsche offered the soft-window as a no cost option but few buyers took the opportunity. If you find a good soft-window like this one it can be a really enjoyable sports car to own.Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147467721772493962006-05-12T16:52:00.000-04:002006-05-12T18:06:48.873-04:00The California Porsches Part II: The Rare 597 Jagdwagen "Hunter"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/bruceJAD2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/bruceJAD2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;" >The Jagdwagen was similar to the four-wheel-drive Volkswagen Kubelwagen. It featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled, four-cylinder opposed engine. Early versions employed a Porsche 1488-cc unit; later, a 1582-cc unit was used, detuned to 60 horsepower with a single carburetor and a 6.5:1 compression ratio. A clutch on the front propeller shaft allowed an advanced feature: The four wheel drive mechanism was shift-on-the-fly via a lever on the floor.</span><br /> <span class="text"> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="text"> From 1954 to 1958, Porsche built the 597 Jagdwagen, or Hunter. The 597 was designed primarily for military use, with hopes of spinning off a civilian version. But the project never gained momentum, and only 71 Hunters were made. Porsche fans will enjoy knowing that the Hunter was built in the factory race shop, assembled alongside 550 Spyders.</span></span> </p> <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></span>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147467161448333822006-05-12T16:49:00.000-04:002006-05-12T16:52:41.456-04:00The California Porsches Part 1: 1958 Speedster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Brucerobertson1.4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/200/Brucerobertson1.2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/graphic_org_pub.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/graphic_org_pub.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />These all belonged to a long-time Porsche fanatic and time-speed-distance rallyist. I married his niece in 1978; John died in 2002. I bought three of his seven Porsches from the estate and began the long process of bringing them back to life. So the cars weren't lost and I certainly didn't find them. John liked the Porsches but never quite had the ambition to get them running again. When one starting having troubles, he merely parked it and bought another.Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147285680205601972006-05-10T14:20:00.000-04:002006-05-10T14:28:00.216-04:001961 Pontiac Ventura<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/Casado%20Ventura.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/320/Casado%20Ventura.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>As a young,17 year old, car crazy kid from the west coast,<span style=""> </span>I had the chance to drag race a brand new<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ‘61 </span><st1:place style="font-weight: bold;"><st1:city>Ventura</st1:city>, <st1:country-region>Honduras</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Maroon, 4 speed with a quick change rear end</span>.<span style=""> </span>That experience was one of highlights of my youth.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><p> </p></span>Fast forward 30 years and by chance I discovered the car again in a small town outside of <st1:city><st1:place>Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>By this time it was a worn out example of itself, but my memories of the good times made me do it. I bought the car without even driving it around the block.<span style=""> </span>I was just happy to get it.<span style=""> </span>If it turned out to be a planter box for flowers, at least I could look revisit my memories.<span style=""><p> </p></span>Today, 40+ years later “the car of my dreams” is totally restored and making those wonderful noises again (in my driveway). </p> <p class="MsoNormal">- A Real <st1:city><st1:place>Ventura</st1:place></st1:city> Guy<br />(Thanks for the opportunity to share my story!)<br /></p>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27775183.post-1147127534818552402006-05-08T18:26:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:32:14.826-04:00'94 SL 500 Mercedes-Benz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/1600/M-B%20SL500%20%20DOpen%20TD%20Dside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/210/2931/400/M-B%20SL500%20%20DOpen%20TD%20Dside.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had to find an upholstery man to repair a chair that we bought on ebay. I dropped off the chair in front of the upholstery man's home workspace (we're out in the countryside in Connecticut). He opens up the door and reveals a beautiful black and tan '94 SL 500 sitting on an oriental carpet with only 28,000 miles on it! "I gotta sell it 'cause I never use the damn thing" he says. A week later I drove it home. The Mercedes dealer in our area said it is the nicest '94 SL 500 they have ever seen.<br /></span>Automotive Archeologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14507342421859961232noreply@blogger.com0