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    Find of the Day: This 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Purrs Like a Kitten

    The 2008 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster handles and drives exactly how it looks from the exterior: seriously fast and equally luxurious. The 4.3-liter engine is capable of 380 horsepower and 302 lb-ft. of torque, which is quick enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. What the roadster lacks in power when compared to its competition, it makes up for in style, character and exclusivity. Even its seductive low rumble at idle and roar at full throttle is enough to make knees quiver.

    2008 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster engine

    According to the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, only 3,020 4.3-liter roadsters were made in 2008. This car, currently up for auction on Hemmings, is a clean, low-mileage example of the Vantage Roadster. The seller confirms that the engine is original, starts immediately, and purrs like a kitten with no smoke, weeps or leaks. It’s equipped with Aston’s optional six-speed Sportshift transmission, which has an automatic mode if the driver doesn’t feel like paddle shifting through the city.

    2008 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster interior

    The luxury sports car’s exterior and interior is described as being in excellent, like-new condition. Everything works as it should, including the power-adjustable heated seats, power windows and locks, navigation, and Bluetooth audio system. It has just 13,132 and reportedly has always been garaged and has never been driven in the rain. Find the full details and over 40 detailed photos at this link.

    Alfa Romeo to offer 1,000-horse Giulia Quadrifoglio

    Do you lust after an Alfa Romeo but are afraid to buy one? No one wants to get stuck with a car the way Car and Driver did several years ago. Like a mate you simply couldn’t leave, the Alfa’s charms had a way of worming into their sense of judgement: “We would continue coming back to the Giulia, no matter how it betrayed us,” the magazine said in 2019. So, with Alfa now hinting at what’s in store for the 2025 Giulia, is reliability a hump that can be overcome?

    Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

    According to Car and Driver, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has confirmed the Giulia’s lineup will switch to electric powertrain for 2025. The base version will offer 350 horsepower, while the Veloce will produce 800 horses, and the Quadrifoglio will be closer to 1,000. Unfortunately, that means the current flavor-of-the-day, the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 in the Giulia Quadrifoglio, won’t make the transition, though the current Quadrifoglio offers half the horsepower of what is expected for 2025.

    These cars will be built on Stellantis Group’s STLA Large platform, which is based on the Giorgio platform on which the current Giulia is based. It will utilize 800-volt architecture with fast-charging, and be capable of a range of up to 500 miles.

    Is twice as much horsepower enough to get over the trance of piston-popping perfection? It remains to be seen … as long as it stays out of the shop.

    Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets

    Supercars are among the strangest of all segments of the automotive industry. These unique cars are made to look outrageous, go insanely fast, and be notoriously difficult to live with. Either way, if a driver has one (or more), they are usually the pinnacle of car collections. Supercar owners are proud of these cars that serve primarily as conversation starters for bragging. However, there are several failed supercars that wasted their owners’ money rather than starting a conversation for them.

    So not all supercars are sought-after by their owners or well-publicized by the media. There are some models that, despite being fast and extremely good-looking, couldn’t justify the prices and are left forgotten. Today, we’ll look back at the supercars that wasted their owner’s money. If you have the cash for a car at this level, these models should be avoided. Find out which failed supercars are best left in the garage below.

    Photo Credit: Supercars

    Cizeta-Moroder V16T

    In 1988, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T had the potential to become the next big thing in the world of supercars. It was made by a group of ex-Lamborghini engineers led by Claudio Zampoli. He partnered with famous music composer and supercar fan Giorgio Moroder. The car had celebrity endorsement, an Italian background, an exotic name, and technology. The main feature of this obscure beast was its monstrous V16 engine. It was basically two flat-plane crank V8 units. All supercars have engines installed longitudinally. But Cizeta-Moroder chose a different route, resulting in a very wide rear track and complicated assembly of its five-speed manual gearbox (via Goodwood).

    Photo Credit: Supercars

    The V16 engine had six liters of displacement and delivered 560 HP. This was a fantastic number for the late ’80s. The performance was equally impressive, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph. Even today, those numbers will draw attention from the supercar crowd. The base list price was close to $300,000. Production stopped after only 20 examples which is why they are a scarce sight today. It was simply too expensive and weird for most supercar owners.

    The post Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets appeared first on Motor Junkie.

    For Sale! 1964 Aston Martin DB5 project car

    I can’t imagine there are a lot of Aston Martin DB5 project cars floating around anymore. Scarcity (1,059 DB5s were produced from 1963 to 1965) and the appeal of being James Bond’s preferred car has led to few and fewer unfinished DB5s floating around, but RM Sotheby’s is offering one it describes as a “metaphorical blank canvas.” It’s a bit rough around the edges but has potential.

    1964 Aston Martin DB5 'Project'
    1964 Aston Martin DB5 ‘Project’

    The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 ‘Project’ (Chassis No. DB5/1736/R) has a matching-number chassis and engine (Engine No. 400/1724) and is documented with a certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT). It’s a right-hand drive DB5 featuring an automatic transmission with a 3.54:1 rear axle ratio and is available at Sotheby’s Villa Erba auction in Lake Como, Italy on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

    1964 Aston Martin DB5 'Project'
    1964 Aston Martin DB5 'Project'

    “First finished in Sierra Blue over an interior trimmed in grey, the Aston Martin was despatched nearly a month later to the London dealership, Brooklands of Bond Street,” the listing states. “While the DB5’s early history is largely unknown, by November 1989 the car was acquired by an enthusiast based in Georgia, USA. This owner retained possession for at least 16 years, as is reflected by registrations available to view on file. By this time, the car was refinished in the current configuration of Midnight Blue with a beige interior.

    1964 Aston Martin DB5 'Project'
    1964 Aston Martin DB5 ‘Project’

    “In more recent years the Aston Martin has been kept in storage by its consigning owner, an esteemed car collector. For the marque connoisseur interested in overseeing a full DB5 refurbishment, this car presents an enticing opportunity. Poised to make the transition from long-term storage to touring enjoyment—or potentially even concours presentation—this Aston Martin should appeal to any enthusiast seeking to put their own stamp on a quality DB5 restoration.”

    1964 Aston Martin DB5 'Project'
    1964 Aston Martin DB5 project

    No estimated sale price has been put forth by Sotheby’s, but a similar 1964 DB5 project car (DB5/1678/R) was sold by the online auction platform Collecting Cars for $502,000 (£416,900) on February 11, 2022.

    Coolest Custom Pickup Trucks from the 2023 Detroit Autorama

    The 2023 Detroit Autorama show had something for everyone, from muscle cars and sports cars, to race cars and off-the-wall customs. Pickup trucks were prominent in the mix, with an abundance of build types that represented several niches. Plenty of show trucks made an appearance, including mini trucks, dazzling customs, heavy haulers, monster trucks, race trucks, and preservation pickups.

    Two top-of-the-line custom trucks, a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 and 1958 Chevrolet Cameo, were nominated in the Great 8 finalists, but did not receive the 2023 Ridler Award. Here are more pickups out of the 2023 Detroit Autorama that you may not have seen.

    1941 Ford Truck

    2023 Detroit Autorama Pickup Trucks

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1941 Ford Truck

    Built by Samson Design for owners Brian and Monica Tuell, this Axalta Magic Red pickup rides on its original frame with a Heidt’s front suspension. The 350-ci engine is dressed with custom painted air cleaner and valve covers to match the exterior tones. Inside, the plush, soft leather seats are finished with diamond stitching and stylish Classic Instruments gauges keep the driver informed.

    1992 Ford Ranger

    2023 Detroit Autorama Pickup Trucks - Custom Ford Ranger

    This brilliant blue custom Ford Ranger caught our eye from aisles away. Concept and design by Kevin Urbanowicz and Steve Dalton and paint and bodywork by Urbanowicz and Ryan Collier, the truck has a long list of modifications executed by the team. Some of the most noticeable changes include shaving of the Ford grille, firewall, cowl, drip rail, door handles, gas door, taillights, tailgate, locks and emblems.

    1992 Ford Ranger

    This brilliant blue custom Ford Ranger caught our eye from aisles away. Concept and design by Kevin Urbanowicz and Steve Dalton and paint and bodywork by Urbanowicz and Ryan Collier, the truck has a long list of modifications executed by the team. Some of the most noticeable changes include shaving of the Ford grille, firewall, cowl, drip rail, door handles, gas door, taillights, tailgate, locks and emblems.

    1992 Ford Ranger

    This brilliant blue custom Ford Ranger caught our eye from aisles away. Concept and design by Kevin Urbanowicz and Steve Dalton and paint and bodywork by Urbanowicz and Ryan Collier, the truck has a long list of modifications executed by the team. Some of the most noticeable changes include shaving of the Ford grille, firewall, cowl, drip rail, door handles, gas door, taillights, tailgate, locks and emblems.

    1948 Chevy Hydrogen Truck

    1948 Chevy Hydrogen Truck 2023 Detroit Autorama

    Performance industry expert Mike Copeland has always been the type of innovator who strives to push the boundaries of automotive technology. He led the teams that developed the hydrogen-powered ‘48 Chevrolet pickup. Diversified Creations built the truck itself, including adaptations for hydrogen fuel, and Arrington Performance built its supercharged 6.2-liter LS engine to run on hydrogen. The truck is appropriately dubbed “Zero” for zero carbon emissions.

    1948 Chevy Hydrogen Truck

    1948 Chevy Hydrogen Truck 2023 Detroit Autorama

    Performance industry expert Mike Copeland has always been the type of innovator who strives to push the boundaries of automotive technology. He led the teams that developed the hydrogen-powered ‘48 Chevrolet pickup. Diversified Creations built the truck, including adaptations for hydrogen fuel, and Arrington Performance built its supercharged 6.2-liter LS engine to run on hydrogen. The truck is appropriately dubbed “Zero” for zero carbon emissions.

    Mini Truck Madness

    Mini Truck Madness 2023 Detroit Autorama

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    Mini Truck Madness

    A slew of mini trucks hit the ground for this year’s Autorama, and although they sat lower than other builds on the show floor, they stood out with each having unique custom details. Here, a blue 1995 Chevy S10 sported shaved handles and tailgate, custom graphics and grille, among other mods. A deep green 1993 Mazda B2600 displayed eye-catching roof panel paint, and a brilliant white 1989 Ford Ranger GT boasted a seemingly endless list of modifications.

    1960 Mack B-61 “Rat Mack”

    1960 Mack B-61 u201cRat Macku201d 2023 Detroit Autorama

    This beast of a hauler attracted crowds in the basement level of the Detroit Autorama car show. Owned by Shannon Brown and built be Trackside Auto Custom Restoration and C. Miller Customs, the Rat Mack sits on a 1980 GMC Motorhome chassis with Ride Tech suspension. A 12-valve 5.9-liter Cummins Diesel engine provides the torque and horses required to haul precious cargo.

    1960 Mack B-61 “Rat Mack”

    This beast of a hauler attracted crowds in the basement level of the Detroit Autorama car show. Owned by Shannon Brown and built be Trackside Auto Custom Restoration and C. Miller Customs, the Rat Mack sits on a 1980 GMC Motorhome chassis with Ride Tech suspension. A 12-valve 5.9-liter Cummins Diesel engine provides the torque and horses required to haul precious cargo.

    1960 Mack B-61 “Rat Mack”

    This beast of a hauler attracted crowds in the basement level of the Detroit Autorama car show. Owned by Shannon Brown and built be Trackside Auto Custom Restoration and C. Miller Customs, the Rat Mack sits on a 1980 GMC Motorhome chassis with Ride Tech suspension. A 12-valve 5.9-liter Cummins Diesel engine provides the torque and horses required to haul precious cargo.

    Gallery: More custom trucks from the 2023 Detroit Autorama

    Gallery: More custom trucks from the 2023 Detroit Autorama

    Gallery: More Pickup Trucks from the 2023 Detroit Autorama

    AutoHunter Spotlight: 2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO

    Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologato) powered by a 5.2-liter V10 paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle. Features include the sport exhaust system, adjustable front splitter, Contrast Pack, Travel Package and embroidered upholstery. Finished in black and green with matching Alcantara interior, this Huracán STO is offered by a dealership with a clean CARFAX report and clear Florida title.

    The lightweight body is largely made of carbon fiber and comes finished in Nero Noctis accented by Verde Selvans from front to back. Features include adjustable front splitter, front air ducts, NACA air intake, diffuser, carbon fiber engine bonnet and other trim, manually adjustable rear wing, LED front and rear lighting, dual matte black exhaust outlets and STO decals.

    The forged, matte black 20-inch HEK wheels are wrapped in staggered-width Bridgestone tires.

    The two-seat cockpit is fitted with Nero Cosmus and Verde Fauns Alcantara-covered carbon fiber bucket seats. Amenities include touchscreen infotainment system with rear-view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, multi-function Alcantara steering wheel with paddle shifters, STO embroidery and Huracán-inscribed aluminum door sills.

    Instrumentation includes a digital speedometer, 10,000-rpm tachometer and customizable gauges for additional vehicle vitals. The digital odometer reads 850 miles, which is in line with the most recent mileage listed in the CARFAX report.

    The naturally aspirated mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 was rated at 631 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. The CARFAX report shows that a service was performed in November 2022 at a Lamborghini dealership. Power is fed to the rear wheels via an LDF (Lamborghini Doppia Frizione, or“Lamborghini double clutch”) seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle plus limited-slip differential.

    Steering is performed by an electro-mechanical power rack connected to a four-wheel steering system. The suspension uses front and rear double-wishbone setups along with anti-roll bars. Handling and traction is aided by electronic stability control. Stopping is provided by carbon-ceramic anti-lock disc brakes with green calipers. The front suspension can be lifted to clear speed bumps and driveway entrances.

    The CARFAX report shows this is a one-owner vehicle with an accident-free history.

    The auction for this 2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO ends on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (MST)

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

    YouTuber Josh Mazerolle Talks Tech on His LS-Swapped Pre-Runner Cadillac Whoop-DeVille

    Josh Mazerolle doesn’t smoke, never has, never will. Regardless, he said the Marlboro-inspired paint scheme for his 1982 Cadillac Sedan DeVille was just too spot-on to pass up.

    “The car’s already shaped like a pack of cigarettes,” he said. “Plus it’s got that cream paint with some patina, it was kind of a gross car.”

    Thus with some simple masking, some red paint, and liberal appropriation of the Marlboro font, the Whoop-DeVille was thrust upon the Internet in a blatant effort to, as Mazerolle said, “instigate a emotional response,” “make it look cool without sucking a lot of my life away,” and also provide Mazerolle with a winter ride that he could also drive to Holley’s LS Fest and feature on “Deathwish,” the car build show he stars in on Amazon Prime.

    “And it’s gotten a lotta laughs, that’s for sure,” he said.

    The Cadillac, to the best of Mazerolle’s knowledge, started out as a Florida car before eventually migrating north to New Hampshire, where Mazerolle lives. Rust wasn’t a problem for it, but the “notoriously bad” 125hp 4.1-liter V-8 with Digital Fuel Injection was, and with a bum engine, the car nearly met its fate at a local salvage yard.

    “Apparently it was going across the scales when the junkyard owner’s son said, ‘Nope, it’s mine,’ and stuffed a junkyard 5.3 in it,” Mazerolle said.

    Whoop-Deville engine bay

    The early LS-based engine – most probably a 285hp LM7 out of a GMT800 Chevrolet Silverado – more than doubled the 4100’s power rating without any modifications and fit neatly and easily into the DeVille’s engine bay. The swap was nearly finished, too, when the junkyard owner’s son put the Cadillac up for sale.

    “I figured it was an easy thing for me,” Mazerolle said. “It just needed an exhaust and a brake caliper.”

    He fully intended to fix it and drive it just the way it was, but as he started in on the caliper, a case of the might-as-wells sprang up. He’d often wondered what a GM B-body car would look like with a Ford Twin I-Beam or Twin Traction Beam axle (what he calls “whoop scissors”) under the front of it, so he figured if he had the front end of the Cadillac apart, he might as well grab one of the Ford setups to see how it’d fit.

    “I’m an off-road guy, and those TTBs get a lot of wheel travel without having to spend much money,” he said. “It’s not a really good setup, but it’s cool.”

    Whoop-Deville twin traction beam front suspension

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    In the end, he sourced two Twin I-Beam setups from a pair of two-wheel-drive 1995 Ford F-250s just to use both passenger-side axle arms, which he then mounted to a single pivot in the center of the car, giving the setup the exact width that Mazerolle wanted. He kept the Ford disc brakes and eight-lug spindles but rather than try to fit the Ford coil springs, he fabricated mounts for Profender bypass shocks with position-sensitive dampening and custom-fabricated control arms that gave him 20 inches of wheel travel. To ensure zero bump-steer with the suspension setup, he custom-built a steering system with long tie rods that also share a common center pivot.

    “In my head, it fit better than it actually did,” he said. “It took building the car to realize I’m an idiot.”

    Around back, he matched the front end’s new height with an eight-lug GM 14-bolt rear axle fitted with disc brakes and suspended on 1999 Chevrolet S-10 ZR-2 springs with custom-length shackles. Seventeen-inch Hummer H2 wheels bolted right up to both the Ford front spindles and the 14-bolt rear axle. Falcon Wildpeak M/T tires provided appropriate knobbiness for what Mazerolle calls a “trophy car.”

    Whoop-Deville parking lot transmission swap

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Whoop-Deville

    Other than adding a complete Flowmaster exhaust, the LS engine remained untouched. So did the Cadillac’s stock TH200-4R transmission, and Mazerolle instantly came to regret leaving it so when he discovered it had given up the ghost on the Whoop-DeVille’s test drive to the gas station to fill up for the trip to Kentucky for last year’s LS Fest East. Rather than turn around, Mazerolle limped the car to Gearstar Performance Transmission in Akron, Ohio, where he convinced them to let him swap out the stock transmission for one of Gearstar’s Level 5 TH200-4R performance transmissions in the company’s parking lot. “The LS will get a supercharger, so I wanted to make sure we were prepared for that,” Mazerolle said. “We’re just not there yet.”

    Still, he managed to make it to the show, get plenty of social media exposure for the car, and dial in the front suspension on the off-road course. Since then, he’s followed through on his intention of making it his winter driver, though he’s also considering not just adding the aforementioned supercharger but also taking it desert racing out West. “I think it’d be cool on a short course,” he said.

    Romain Dumas to pilot 1,972-hp Ford Supervan up Pikes Peak

    Ford’s Pro Electric Supervan concept is set to tackle the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the Blue Oval has teed up current Pikes Peak record holder Romain Dumas to do the driving.

    The French racing driver posted a blistering time of 7:57.148 in 2018 behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s ID.R electric time attack special, and while the Supervan isn’t expected to set a new record, it may come close.

    The concept was unveiled at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed with a powertrain consisting of four electric motors that together deliver 1,972 hp, more than Rimac’s Nevera hypercar. The multiple motors enable the wild van to sprint to 62 mph from rest in less than 2.0 seconds.

    The concept is based on Ford’s E-Transit Custom electric van but shares very little with that production model. For example, its unique body is made from composite materials, and the platform is a purpose-built steel space frame with front and rear subframes housing unequal-length double wishbone suspension front and rear.

    Ford Pro Electric Supervan

    Ford built the concept to serve as a demonstrator for new technologies, both in electric powertrains and in connectivity and other digital features that can benefit businesses. Similarly, the automaker in 2020 presented a Mustang Mach-E with 1,400 hp, and earlier this month it teased another EV performance concept, this time expected to be based on the F-150 Lightning.

    The 2023 Pikes Peak is scheduled for June 25. This will be Dumas’ eighth appearance at the Race to the Clouds. His first outing was in 2012. Ford’s history at the annual race just outside of Colorado Springs goes back to 1916, when a Model T made the climb up to the finish at 14,115 feet above sea level in a time of 28:03.

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

    Pick of the Day: 1959 Ford Custom 300

    Not every classic car is a concours-ready example. Some enthusiasts would rather start out with a car that need a little work and allows them to customize or finalize the restoration in their own tastes.

    The Pick of the Day is a 1959 Ford Custom 300 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Laveen, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

    “Excellent candidate for restoration,” the listing begins. “This Ford is an AZ original car, very straight and clean.” The Custom and the Custom 300 slotted below the Fairlane models beginning in 1957. While the base Custom was targeted specifically for fleet buyers, the Custom 300 sat just above it and offered some value. The model was phased out by 1960 so its lifespan was short-lived.

    Whenever a seller includes a photo of a car’s data plate in the photo gallery, it’s interesting to run the information through an online decoder. The trim tag on this Custom 300 can be decoded as follows:

    • Serial Number: C9PG174799
    • Engine Code C: 292cid V8
    • Body Series 58E: Custom 300 Fordor
    • Assembly Plant P: Twin Cities, Minnesota
    • Production Sequence: 174,799
    • Color LC2: Surf Blue and Wedgewood Blue
    • Trim 02: Blue Ribbed Vinyl Bolster and Blue Block Fabric
    • Date 08F: June 8, 1959
    • Trans 2: Overdrive
    • Axle 3: 3.70 Ratio

    Here’s where things get interesting: The seller states in the listing that power comes from a 332cid V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. This information conflicts with the trim tag since the car left the factory with a 292cid motor and an automatic transmission. It’s not uncommon for cars to receive motors and transmission swaps, especially when they are 64 years old. And regardless of the current drivetrain setup, the seller asserts that mechanical condition of the car is sound. “Always starts and runs great,” the seller says. “Clutch is smooth, car starts good, and runs great.”

    Cosmetically, the car looks a little worn although it is complete and rust-free. The exterior is finished in two-tone blue and is dressed in brightwork for the bumpers, side moldings, and badging. Footwork comes from steel 14-inch wheels with Ford-branded chrome hubcaps.

    This car looks like a great canvas for further restoration or customization, and the price is reasonable. The seller is asking $12,500 or best offer for this Custom 300. Best of all, it looks like the car comes with a set of blue fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.

    To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.