mod@tech

According to published figures, this four-speed, Ram Air, 428 Cobra Jet-equipped 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible is one rare cat. Combining its color combination with the muscle car’s powertrain options narrows its production number to just one example in existence.

Let’s break it down: Just 66 XR-7 convertibles were built with the 428 CJ engine for the 1970 model year. Only 17 of them, like this one, were equipped with the four-speed manual transmission. That’s not all: The Marti Report reveals that two of those 17 muscle cars were sprayed with Competition Blue paint from the factory, and just one received black leather interior. This is that car.

This rare Q-code Mercury Cobra Jet also received a long list of factory options, including a black power top, center console, power front disc brakes, power steering, intermittent wipers, and more. It received a rotisserie-type restoration in 2015. According to the auction listing details on Hemmings, the car was finished to a concours-level, sticking as closely to factory specs as possible down to its blue paint. It has only seen 200 miles since completion.

The restoration included the installation of a confirmed period-correct (but not numbers-matching) 428-cu.in. Cobra Jet V8. The engine was enhanced with hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel compatibility, and the build included balancing and blueprinting. The mean muscle machine produced 391 horsepower and 485 lb.-ft. of torque during dyno testing.

From the factory, the 1969-1970 428 Cobra Jet engines packed 335 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 440 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 RPM. Ford 428 Cobra Jet power was also available in a handful of other models from 1968 to 1970, including the 1968-1970 Ford Mustang, 1968 and ‘69 Ford Fairlane, 1968- ‘69 Ford Torino, 1969 Ford Cobra, the 1968 and ‘69 Mercury Cyclone and CJ, 1969 Mercury Montego, and the 1968 Mercury Comet and Shelby GT500KR. Muscle car enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find such a unique Cobra Jet-equipped car on the market than this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible.

The folks at Carlisle Events are gearing up to celebrate their 50^th anniversary and as most know, they serve up some exceptional domestic brand specific shows. While those events usually draw in massive like-minded crowds, the Import & Performance Nationals fills in the void by mainly covering foreign manufacturers, while also addressing the broad spectrum of the aftermarket for many of those vehicles.

This year’s show, which took place on May 12-14, drew a sizable crowd and as with any open-air show, the weather usually factors into the equation. While bright sunny skies bathed the fairgrounds on Friday, the following day folks were treated to ominous cloud and light rain – usually a decisive blow for many events. We’re happy to report that this show defied those odds with an exceptionally strong turnout.

These Renault Alliances could easily pass as French-built vehicles, but they were actually built in the United States with roughly 75% domestic content between 1983 and 1987. This was due to Renault’s stake in American Motors…Renault designed the exterior, and the interior was handled by AMC.John Machaqueiro

One of the aspects of this gathering that makes it unique is that it also serves as a meeting place for many car clubs to hold their annual get-togethers. This year there were a total of 37 clubs spread out across the showfield, with the two largest contingents having a decidedly Swedish flavor in the form of Volvo and Saab, with the latter regularly taking home top bragging rights with over 250 cars in attendance.

Every year the organizers also feature a specific brand, or theme in the various buildings on the property. Elegance and opulence could be found on display in Building Y with a fine example of Rolls-Royce automobiles, while Building T had a mix of Audi, Honda, and a number of other manufacturers.

This 1958 DKW Schnellaster (German: “Rapid Transporter”) was the first product built after World War II by the newly-formed Auto Union company. Produced between 1949 and 1962, they were assembled in many different configurations along with slightly different displacement engines. John Machaqueiro

As with all Carlisle events, the swap meet area is always part of the overall equation and numerous vendors were on hand selling parts, and in some cases complete cars, while the Manufacturers Midway catered to the aftermarket vendors.

The 2024 edition of the Import & Performance Nationals will take place on May 11 -12, 2024 at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

After a Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak owner announced that Dodge denied a $36,000 warranty claim for his muscle machine’s blown engine, stating damages were not covered due to a muffler modification, Dodge disclosed further information to answer the public’s questioning. Long story short: making any changes to the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module will leave a permanent, detectable mark.

When CarScoops reached out to Brennon Vinet, the aforementioned Challenger SRT Hellcat owner, Vinet claimed Dodge denied a full report on the reason why his damages were not covered, so the publication circled back to Dodge for questioning. Dodge began by stating that “tampering with any emission control device could end up causing a denial of coverage depending on what the issue is.” Dodge had valid reason to believe that Vinet’s Hellcat was tuned. But how?

“The warranty claim was rejected after a Stellantis Calibration Engineer ran Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics and confirmed that the vehicle’s PCM was tampered with and contained non-factory software,” a Dodge spokesperson told CarScoops. “I haven’t seen anything on our end regarding mufflers,” he added.

According to the spokesperson, the Dodge dealership runs a series of diagnostic tests, one of which is a report that reveals whether the car’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been tampered with, for example, if unauthorized software has been installed. Even if the Dodge is flashed back to its factory settings, the car’s PCM sets an internal code, essentially a red flag that tells Dodge that the system has been tampered with. Vinet’s claim was ultimately declined due to PCM and emissions tampering.

It’s not uncommon for companies to deny claims over non-factory tuning, among other vehicle modifications. Vinet’s story is a cautionary reminder: tune vehicles under warranty at your own risk.

Amazon Studios announced the return of The Grand Tour in a new special titled “Eurocrash,” scheduled to air on Friday, June 16th, on Prime Video. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will reportedly play out their antics during a 1,400-mile journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. The information revealed by Amazon is limited, however, teaser images hint toward which vehicles the stars chose for their central Europe road trip.

One photo shows the trio standing by three unlikely road trip candidates. Hammond is leaning on a bright yellow Chevrolet SSR, the short-lived retro-designing pickup produced between 2003 and 2006. Clarkston brings a one-of-500 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, a ‘90s Japanese creation inspired by the Nissan Silvia S13 (Nissan 180SX). On the far left, James May is posing in front of a Crosley convertible, a microcar that was manufactured in Ohio from the late-‘30s to the early-’50s.

A second photo shows Clarkston piloting the Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, presumably racing against someone on horseback. I

In the third image, the trio is at a racetrack looking perplexed, with Clarkston wearing a well-fitting racing helmet.

The Grand Tour “Eurocrash” special promises plentiful escapades, plus an appearance of a famous racecar driver and snippets of “Soviet style” Formula 1 racing.

There are rumors spreading across the internet that question whether Amazon will continue airing the The Grand Tour series after the currently commissioned episodes are complete due to Clarkson’s controversial commentary regarding Meghan Markle, which he since publicly apologized for. Regardless, fans still have four more Grand Tour specials to look forward to, plus a third series of the critically acclaimed Clarkson’s Farm.

The Gambler 500 is an off-road navigational challenge and scavenger hunt event held annually in the United States. The event is open to anyone with a car that costs $500 or less, and participants must link pre-determined checkpoints using only public roads, forest service roads, and designated trails. While the event is about off-road rally navigation, the Gambler is also changing the way we think about wheeling.

Rally Racing…With A Twist

The origins of the Gambler 500 trace back to 2014 in Oregon, as a way for a group of friends to explore the backcountry in their cheap cars. Organized by Tate Morgan and Jim Davis, they wanted to create a low-budget rally that would encourage people to experience their local trail systems, while also helping maintain them. Over the years the Gambler name has caught plenty of traction, cleaning up trash-ridden backcountry areas across the United States, Canada, and even Iceland.

The “Chop Top Challenge” team used their Jeep Grand Cherokee as a trail-going garbage truck, with team members acting as ride-on garbage men during the event.Hunter Madison

One of the key principles of the Gambler 500 is “Leave No Trace”. Participants are expected to respect the environment and leave it as they found it, and any trash or debris brought in or found must be packed out. In most cases, the event “winner” is the participant that packs out the most garbage from the trails. The Gambler has partnered with organizations such as the National Forest Foundation, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to promote responsible use of public lands, and even companies like Ford.

The rally itself takes place over two days, with a different route every year. The organizers provide a list of checkpoints that the teams have to reach, but the exact route taken is up to them. These checkpoints are usually located in remote and scenic areas. Participants have to be prepared for all sorts of challenges, from mechanical failures to extreme weather conditions. The rally can be grueling, with long hours of driving rough terrain and river crossings.

Don’t Miss The Mad Max memo…

Participants are also encouraged to decorate their vehicles in creative ways, with many choosing to go with a “Mad Max”- like post-apocalyptic theme. The event has become known for its unique and quirky atmosphere, with participants often dressing up in costumes and decorating their cars with wild designs.

Jeremy Frizzell’s six-inch lifted, twin-turbocharged V6 Ford Mustang sits with a similarly-modified Lexus LS400 at the start of the event.Hunter Madison

The Gambler 500 has spawned a whole subculture of car enthusiasts who share a love for adventure and a do-it-yourself spirit. Many participants have formed teams and built their cars together, creating a strong sense of community and friendship. The event has also inspired similar rallies in other parts of the country, with participants putting their own spin on the concept, such as the HooptieX racing series.

“Always Be Gamblin'”

The Gambler 500 has become a popular event for car enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. It offers a unique and affordable way to explore and maintain the beauty of the backcountry, while also promoting a sense of community and camaraderie among participants.

One of the bigger items removed from the trails was this decrepit Airstream trailer that was filled full of old tires and trash. The trailer was dragged back to camp.Hunter Madison

In a world where high-performance cars and expensive racing events dominate the automotive scene, the Gambler 500 stands out as a refreshing and inclusive alternative. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned off-roader or if it is your first time treading off of the paved path, the Gambler 500 will put you in the driver seat and directly onto the trail.

Make sure to look for a Gambler 500 event in your state, to earn your own “Litter Gitter” title!

The sixth annual 2023 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance attracted a field of incredible classic and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, earlier this month, May 5^th through the 7^th. A 1928 Auburn 8-115 Speedster earned this year’s Best of Show trophy. Owner Richard Harding accepted the award, which was made by glass artists at Lamp Light Glass Art at The Greenbrier.

The Auburn 8-115 Speedster was originally built in Auburn, Indiana by the Auburn Automotive Company. Its sleek design features a raked windshield, doors and hood louvres and the famous “boat tail” rear end to give the impression of speed. This bright green example was found in an Ohio field by Richard Harding’s father in 1992, who spent many years collecting parts and bringing it back to life. After his father passed, Harding began and completed the vintage car’s frame-off restoration. He did all the work himself apart from paint and upholstery.

“First, I thought of my dad,” said Harding to show organizers while reflecting on his reaction to hearing his named called for the day’s top award. “He would be surprised. We had never had an opportunity to show a car here before for one reason or another, but the facility is just fantastic. I had never been to a resort like this. It’s just unbelievable. I would encourage anybody to come here for a visit. It was an honor just to be here.”

Harding’s meticulously restored Auburn was one of 11 other class winners parked on the picturesque show field. “We had some incredible cars and there was such a wide variety that our judges had to consider,” said Phil Neff, Chief Judge, The Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance. “Their jobs are never easy, because of the quality of the cars in the field, but I’m proud of the job they did. We have an amazing team.”

According to the event’s press release, the 2023 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance Best-in-Class winners are as follows:

• Personal Luxury: 1965 ISO Rivolta GT (John Gailey; Malvern, Pennsylvania)
• Foreign Sports Cars (Closed): 1963 Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe (Thomas Zarella; Gloucester, Massachusetts)
• Foreign Sports Cars (Open): 1970 Porsche 911E Targa (Brad Shisler; Columbus, Ohio)
• Race Cars: 1957 Ferrari 250 FT LWB (Frederick Fischer; Wildwood, Missouri)
• Pre-War Cars: 1912 Cadillac Torpedo (Jim Elliot; Yorktown, Virginia)
• Motorcycles: 1971 Honda SL350 (James Gannon; Hico, West Virginia)
• Post-War Convertibles: 1967 Pontiac 2+2 Convertible (Richard Larabee; Farmington Hills, Michigan)
• Muscle Cars: 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible (Steven Race; Cumming, Georgia)
• Classics: 1929 Dusenberg Model J Roadster by Murphy (Dwight Schaubach; Carrollton, Virginia)
• Packards (Open): 1923 Packard 126 Single Six Runabout (Dwight Schaubach; Carrollton, Virginia)
• Packards (Closed): 1938 Packard 1608 Twelve Town Car by Rollston (Bob Tiffin; Red Bay, Alabama)

Twelve other special awards were also presented, including:

• People’s Choice: 1959 BMW 600 (David Lowen; Roanoke, Virginia)
• Chief Judge’s Award (Selected by Phil Neff): 1958 BMW 507 (Thomas Pesikey; Wilmington, Delaware)
• Duke of Windsor Award (Most Elegant Closed Car): 1938 Packard 1604 Super Eight Coupe by Mayfair (Ralph Marano; Garwood, New Jersey)
• Princess Grace Award (Most Elegant Open Car): 1940 Packard 180 Custom Super Eight Darrin (Greg Ornazian; Rochester Hills, Michigan)
• Dorothy Draper Award (Most Stylish Interior): 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (Jared Aiello; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Sam Snead Award (Best Country Club Car): 1956 Continental Mark II (John Keesee; York, Pennsylvania)
• Eisenhower Award (Best Cold War Era Car): 1946 Packard Custom Super Clipper LWB Sedan by Henney (Don Wood; Johnson City, Tennessee)
• Artist’s Award: 1948 Jaguar Mark IV 3.5-Litre Drophead Coupe (Roger Crawford; Tallahassee, Florida)
• Most Historically Significant Road Car: 1973 Jaguar XKE Convertible (Ralph McGee; Concord, North Carolina)
• Most Historically Significant Sports or Race Car: 1979 Spirit/AMX (Michael Weaver; Joppa, Maryland)
• AACA “Spirit of the Hobby” Award: Entire Motorcycle Class (James Gannon; Hico, West Virginia)
• Bill Davis Memorial Award (Best Car from West Virginia): 1951 DeSoto Custom Convertible (Timothy Holbert; Bridgeport, West Virginia)