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Book Review: “Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years”

When you go to the magazine stand today, Hot Rod is one of the few automotive titles left. It continues to have a place in the North American (if not global) automotive consciousness, especially thanks to TV shows like Roadkill, so it’s amazing that a book on its history has not appeared until recently. Written by longtime automotive journalist and former Hot Rod editor Drew Hardin, Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years is a title for anyone interested in the post-war era development of drag racing, NASCAR, the muscle car era, and beyond

The Petersen archives are a treasure trove of American automotive history.

It all began in the 1940s when a photographer by the name of Robert E. Petersen formed a PR agency with fellow refugees from Hollywood studios. One of their clients was the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), an organization created to maintain a level of safety for both racers and spectators in dry lake racing. Petersen became responsible for selling advertising for the program of the SCTA’s First Annual Hot Rod Exposition and Automotive Equipment Display in 1948, so he traveled around Southern California visiting companies participating in the hot-rodding industry.

Dispelling the poor image of hot rodding was difficult.

As he got to know the proprietors of the likes of Edelbrock, Weiand, So-Cal Speed Shop, and more, he realized there may be a market for a periodical catering to this segment of the population. In a column in the inaugural issue, a credo was laid out: “Hot Rod is designed to inform and entertain those interested in automobiles whose engines and bodies have been rebuilt for better performance and appearance.”  

The 1960s had Detroit taking notes from the aftermarket.

The 1950s were the “Boom Times” for Hot Rod. The magazine’s first editor, Wally Parks, formed the National Hot Rod Association in 1951 after recognizing the need for organization in hot rodding activities. Bonneville also was hot, with many racers starting to evolve into the OHV engines as the limits of Ford’s “Flathead” were becoming apparent. Then, in 1955, the unofficial “Horsepower Race” began in Detroit, with V8 power going from a class-based thing to more of an egalitarian thing as now all of the “Low-Priced Three” now offered V8 power. Of special note was Chevrolet’s embrace of performance thanks to engineer and future Godfather of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov.

Pro-Stock taking shape in the 1970s, as well as a Top Fuel rivalry.

Like Rock ‘n Roll, automotive and hot rod culture joined 1950s popular culture and would only increase in recognition. Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years tells the stories of the magazine, the industry, the automobiles, and the personalities involved, through thick and thin, up to the present day. Even the Malaise Era is not just given lip service — the whole history during the 1970-80s is written with the same respect and density as the heyday.

The 1980s were not as Malaise as one might assume.

For anyone into American performance cars, Drew Hardin’s Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years is seminal in tracing the lineage of hot rods and American high-performance, as well as the magazine being the beacon through it all. The book adds color and depth to the past 75 years in ways you simply can’t get from being a decades-long reader or collector of the publication. For the definitive review of the publication and American performance history, Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years is essential.

As usual, California was giving Detroit a run for its money in its influence.

Note: The author of this review is a former Hot Rod staffer and has written for the book’s author. Every attempt has been made to remain objective.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

The Camaro has deep roots in the muscle car collector segment. I thought it fitting that since I recently wrote a recent AutoHunter Spotlight about a first-year 1967 Camaro, I needed to also delve into the merits of a Camaro that’s exactly 30 years newer. This well-kept fourth-gen Z28 convertible has driven only 52,995 miles since new and comes in a striking white finish with Hugger Orange accent stripes. It is being offered by the selling dealer in Phoenix, Arizona with a clear title, owner’s booklets, and service records.

In recognition of the Camaro’s 30th anniversary, Chevrolet rolled out a striking version of the fourth-generation Camaro: The Arctic White (paint code 10) finish came topped by dual Hugger Orange racing stripes. A power-retractable white top, along with color-matched white wheels, give the overall exterior of this convertible a consistent and attractive appearance.

Edition-specific treatment continues to the interior, where we find 30th Anniversary embroidery on the white leather bucket seats up front. Options include cruise control, air conditioning, a trunk-mounted CD changer, and a tilt-adjustable steering column. Darker tones for the console, belts, dash, and carpeting give a unique two-tone appearance to the cockpit.

Power under the hood comes from Chevrolet’s robust 285-horsepower LT1 5.7-liter V8 paired with a console-shifted four-speed automatic transmission. According to the CARFAX report, recent maintenance included replacement of an intake manifold gasket, oxygen sensor, and crankshaft position sensor in 2021. In addition, the Falken Ziex tires are new within the last 50 miles according to the selling dealer, so this Camaro is ready to roll.

Hagerty stated that just 979 units of the 30th Anniversary were produced for the United States and Canadian markets combined, so this car has “future collectible” written all over it, especially with its low accrued mileage. The accident-free CARFAX report spans ownership in California, Texas, and Arizona, so this car hasn’t seen harsh winters.

It is hard to believe, but the Camaro model name is now 56 years old, so in just a few years we will be ready for a 60th Anniversary iteration. Maybe Chevrolet should roll one out in Arctic White with Hugger Orange striping as a nod to this car from the late 1990s?

The auction for this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro ends tomorrow, August 24, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

1957 Jaguar XKSS sells for over $13M at Monterey auction

A 1957 Jaguar XKSS was sold last week by RM Sotheby’s at its auction coinciding with 2023 Monterey Car Week.

After some intensive bidding, the car finally sold for $13,205,000, which was right in the center of its estimate of between $12 million and $14 million.

The car, which bears chassis no. 707, is among the best preserved examples of the Jaguar race car built for the road. It features most of its original bodywork, plus an original engine block and head, and even two of the three carburetors, according to the auction listing. The odometer shows 25,535 miles, which is thought to be the actual lifetime mileage.

The original XKSS cars were D-Type race cars converted for road use and sold to customers mostly in the U.S., one of them being Steve McQueen. After winning Le Mans with the D-Type two years in a row, Jaguar chose to withdraw from racing at the end of the 1956 season. That left some spare D-Type chassis.

For the XKSS, Jaguar modified the bodywork, losing the distinct fin and adding basic amenities, including a passenger door, a windshield, side curtains, and a folding top, but the company kept the 262-hp 3.4-liter inline-6 engine and other mechanical hardware. The result was a road-going version of a still-competitive race car. The D-Type went on to win Le Mans again in 1957 with the privateer Ecurie Ecosse team.

Jaguar planned to build 25 examples of the XKSS, but only 16 were built in 1957 before a fire broke out at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory, with the unfinished cars either destroyed by the fire or later dismantled for parts. In 2016, Jaguar got around to building those final nine examples as continuation cars that were each sold for $1.5 million.

1957 Jaguar XKSS bearing chassis no. 707 – Photos: RM Sotheby’s

Chassis no. 707 was one of the original 16 cars to be built. It was imported to the U.S. originally for delivery to racing driver Lou Brero Sr., who selected a cream exterior and red interior. He died in a crash before taking delivery and as a result the car was sold to dealer Sammy Weiss, whose Sacramento dealership sold it to San Francisco resident and racer Sidney Colberg in 1960.

Colberg kept the XKSS for 15 years before selling it to British enthusiast Anthony Bamford. The car then remined in the U.K., trading hands a few times. Over the years, the original hood, dented in racing incidents, was replaced, as well as a rear bulkhead due to the original featuring holes once cut for roll bars. The car was also repainted at one point to its current metallic blue—a nod to the Ecurie Ecosse race cars.

1957 Jaguar XKSS bearing chassis no. 707 – Photos: RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s also sold a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 for $5.4 million in Monterey, as well as a 2003 Ferrari Enzo for just over $4 million, and a 1990 Ferrari F40 for $3.3 million.

The highest price fetched for a Ferrari in Monterey was a 1967 412P race car. It was sold by rival auction house Bonhams for just over $30 million.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: 1957 Jaguar XKSS bearing chassis no. 707 – Photo credit: RM Sotheby’s

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Ranking The Most Powerful V8 Engines In Car History (Buckle Up For Number 3)

In the world of automotive engineering, few innovations have left a mark on the industry as the V8 has. Revered for its power and performance, the V8 has been a driving force behind some of the world’s most iconic cars. This mechanical marvel has a rich history that stretches back over a century through a labyrinth of technological advancements and fierce competition. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of the V8 engine.

We’ll trace its evolution from its humble beginnings to the pinnacle of its power. The V8 engine owes its existence to the relentless pursuit of speed by early automotive pioneers. Its story begins in the late 19th century when inventors and engineers were in a race to develop more powerful combustion engines. As we delve deeper into auto history, we’ll take a close look at the most powerful V8 engines ever created. From classic muscle cars that roared to life in the mid-20th century to modern supercars that redefine the limits of speed, these engines represent the zenith of V8 engineering. Join us on this thrilling journey here.

Oldsmobile Tornado
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

Oldsmobile 455 CI V8 (7.46 L) – 350 Horsepower

Remember when Oldsmobile used to rule the roost in the auto world? Probably not. But for those who do, there was a time when Oldsmobile was one of the most prominent auto brands in the world. Oldsmobile built cars that people wanted to drive and they also innovated in the world of engines. The Toronado had one of the most influential and powerful V8 engines at the time. The Toronado’s 455 cubic-inch V8 (7.46 L) was rated at 350 hp (via Hot Cars).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

In terms of performance, the 455 V8 was an absolute powerhouse. Its 350 horsepower rating may seem modest by today’s standards, but in its time, it was a true marvel. This engine was known for its remarkable torque output, making it a tire-shredding force to be reckoned with. This is why many old-school enthusiasts still talk about the 455 V8 today, and it’s become a popular engine to modify and modernize.

The post Ranking The Most Powerful V8 Engines In Car History (Buckle Up For Number 3) appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Can You Identify These Dashboards?

Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting dashboards from cars currently listed on AutoHunter.

As command central for cars and trucks, the instrument panel is what we see more than any other part of our personal vehicles. However, knowing what other cars’ dashboards looks like is not the same (or as easy) as identifying a taillight. So, put on your thinking hat and type your answers in the comment section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Have fun!

Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year

Have an idea for another automotive puzzle? Don’t be shy to tell us below — Ron Drew wasn’t when he suggested this one!

Kim & Kanye’s Divorce Is Official: Check Out Their Insane Car Collection

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are two of the most notable celebrities in the world with an impressive combined net worth of well over a billion dollars. Their car collections are both notable and they’ve been building them before being married. Kanye’s collection has always been elegant and understated, while Kardashian tends to go with the flashier side.

Together, they had one of the most impressive car collections in the industry featuring everything from Range Rovers to Lamborghinis. Kanye’s never been one to showcase classic cars like most rappers, instead going for the high fashion-expensive vehicles. Kim and Kanye’s car collection showcases the fact that they were able to obtain many cars we can only dream about. Their car collection is a serious part of their divorce, so we looked at Kim and Kanye’s best cars right here.

Photo Credit Edmunds

Maybach 57 (Ye)

The Maybach 57 was one of the first high-dollar cars in Kanye’s collection. Inspired by the fact that his mentor Jay Z had one, he bought his own Maybach by the time his first album went platinum. Maybach was a high-end luxury brand and was the pinnacle of luxury for quite some time. Although the car wasn’t the most attractive to look at, it had the most luxury out of any car back then (via Motorious).

Photo Credit Edmunds

Maybach ultimately closed its doors until Mercedes-Benz acquired it, but the brand still built some of the most notable cars in the rap game. Many rappers preferred the old-school Maybach models because of their prestige and performance. West’s example was one of the first in Kanye’s awesome collection.

The post Kim & Kanye’s Divorce Is Official: Check Out Their Insane Car Collection appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Revolutionizing Speed: The Most Popular Turbo Engines In Car History

Automotive performance has always been one of the most exciting parts of driving a car. The turbocharged engine was one of the cornerstones of performance in the automotive world, separating itself from the big V8s of the past. The turbo was oftentimes a lot lighter, better on fuel, and outperformed the traditional V8. There have also been turbo-charged V8 engines (and even larger ones as well), changing the way that we drive.

So we looked at the most popular twin turbo and turbocharged cars that were ever built. Some of these cars didn’t fare very well with public perception while others sold amazingly well. The thirst for more performance is something that automakers and consumers always strive to achieve. These were some of the most iconic turbos to ever hit the market, so look back at the most popular turbos below.

Photo Credit: BMW M

BMW 2002 Turbo

Few cars in auto history are more important than the BMW 2002 Turbo. It was one of the original turbo-powered cars that ever hit the market, and it was one of the most important race cars in the world period. Before 2002, BMW wasn’t known as a performance car company. There was a stigma that hung around BMW models, but 2002 changed all that. The car had an impressive run on some of the most iconic racetracks in the world (via Classic Driver).

BMW 2002
Photo Credit: BMW

The BMW 2002 was a modest-looking car and one of the smallest BMWs ever built. But what it did do was leave the blueprint for what a compact performance car should be. The styling and the performance coupled with the excellent turbo engine were enough to make the car a piece of automotive history. Let’s just say that the 2002 Turbo firmly cemented BMW’s reputation as the ultimate driving machine.

The post Revolutionizing Speed: The Most Popular Turbo Engines In Car History appeared first on Motor Junkie.

David vs. Goliath: Cars With Four-Cylinder Engines That Can Destroy V8s

There are two schools of thought when it comes to building performance cars. The first one is defined by simplicity. This game plan involves putting a massive V8 in a vehicle, turning the power up to 11, and letting it rip. The second school of thought is more sophisticated. It’s based on using modern technology, lightweight construction, precision engineering, and balance. This strategy allows small displacement cars with four-cylinder engines that can match the V8’s power and performance.

So let’s dig into the world of compact cars that pack a mighty punch cane to deliver a unique driving experience sometimes even more exciting than roaring V8 engines. You may already know some of these vehicles, while others may surprise you. Let’s get started.

Photo Credit: Edmunds

Volvo V60 Polestar

This V60 Polestar station wagon is one of the best-driving cars in its class. As a spiritual successor to the classic 850 R Wagon, the V60 brings quality craftsmanship, stealth, and performance (via Piston Heads).

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with 345 hp and intelligent all-wheel drive. This combo is capable of 0 to 60 mph times of just over 5 seconds and still returning decent fuel economy and functioning just as any regular Volvo station wagon.

The post David vs. Goliath: Cars With Four-Cylinder Engines That Can Destroy V8s appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Pony Powerhouses: Performance Mustangs That Tamed Road and Track

The Mustang has always been synonymous with Ford Performance. However, despite that recognition, many of the Mustangs produced weren’t exactly fire-breathing machines. Indeed, some of them had nice but not overly exciting performances. Not all Mustangs were fire-breathing machines; most were just cruisers with owners who wanted the looks and bragging rights because they had a V8-powered model.

However, for those who wanted more, there was always a real beast of a car, the Mustang, that could truly gallop. These ponycars were equipped with high-performance engines, suspensions, and brakes to match, and also produced in limited quantities. Today, we’ll talk discuss those cars, the super-fast Mustangs that punched well above their weight. Check out the greatest performance Mustangs of all time here.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Ford Mustang 289 HiPo

Although the Mustang looked sporty and cool, it shared modest underpinnings with the economy Falcon. Its engine lineup at the time included mild versions of inline-six and smaller V8s. The power output was nothing special and performance was somewhat below expectations (via CJ Pony Parts).

Photo Credit: VMS

Ford responded with an exciting engine called the K-Code. The K-Code was the 289 V8 but with a milder, more street-friendly tune and 271 hp, which was more than enough for the performance the Mustang fans asked for. Introduced in 1965 and available until 1967, the 289 HiPo was the first Mustang that ran as well as it looked, especially if you ordered it in a gorgeous Fastback body style.

The post Pony Powerhouses: Performance Mustangs That Tamed Road and Track appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Aluminum-Bodied 1930 Ford Model A Speedster

This 1930 Ford Model A was acquired by the seller in 2022 and subsequently modified by fitting boattail-style aluminum bodywork with red accents. Power is provided by a 201ci L-head inline-four paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes low-back contoured seats trimmed in red vinyl in addition to 19″ wire wheels, an aluminum radiator, a 12-volt electrical system, electronic ignition, a 12-gallon fuel cell, and aftermarket gauges. This aluminum-bodied Model A is now offered with a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

Work completed in 2023 included fitting boattail-style aluminum bodywork over a tube frame that is mounted to the chassis. Mobil Pegasus logos adorn the vented hood. A driver-side Brooklands-style windscreen, cycle fenders, and a red-finished nose, tail, and rear cowl are equipped. The seller states the turn signals require wiring to be functional.

Red-finished 19″ wire wheels are mounted with 4.75/5.0 Excelsior tires, and a matching spare is mounted to the left side of the car. The four-wheel drum brakes are said to have been refreshed following the seller’s acquisition.

The cabin houses two low-back bucket seats trimmed in red vinyl.

A cord-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of an engine-turned instrument panel that houses a barrel-style speedometer as well as an AutoMeter tachometer and Smiths readouts for water temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 57k miles, approximately 100 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 201ci L-head inline-four is topped by a single carburetor that was rebuilt in 2023, per the seller. Additional service completed in 2023 has included changing fluids and installing a 12-volt electrical system, electronic ignition, and a 12-gallon fuel cell as well as an aluminum radiator and electric water pump.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.