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    Racing Legend Travis Pastrana Qualifies for the 2023 Daytona 500

    Just when we think Travis Pastrana has dominated everything on wheels, from jaw-dropping gymkhana stunt driving to motocross and rally racing, the motorsports master jumps on another bucket list dream: to race 200 laps the Daytona 500. He moved closer to this goal by qualifying for the 2023 Daytona 500 this week.

    Pastrana has never started a Cup Series race, but he did make 42 starts in the Xfinity Series during 2012 and 2013. In 2013 he also reached four top ten Xfinity finishes, placed ninth at Richmond, and won the pole at Talladega. Most recently, he accomplished five Truck Series starts in 2020. He has proven that he can go fast on two or four wheels, on pavement and on dirt, even during death-defying stunts. When his sponsor, Black Rifle Coffee Company, pushed him to reflect on what he wanted to tackle next, his reply was, “Well… The Daytona 500.”

    Being the dream chaser that Pastrana is, he didn’t waste any time. Despite having less stock car experience than others in the field, he strapped in to win his place on Wednesday. Pastrana raced alongside other drivers who dedicated their lives to rising up in the NASCAR ranks. Racing against a 40-car starting grid, he finished second against the six open cars, only to be beat by Jimmie Johnson, seven-time Cup Series champion with 83 wins and 686 career starts, who sped around the track in 50.202-seconds. Pastrana’s time was clocked at 50.802-seconds, topping out at 179.254 MPH in 23XI Racing’s No. 67 Toyota.

    As he climbed out of his car after qualifying, the media captured the team’s celebrations. “We just qualified for the Daytona 500! You’re the freaking best!” Pastrana gushed to the crew. “Thank you, thank you! Yes! Hot diggity-dog!”

    Pastrana’s new venture will bring many new supporters to the NASCAR playing field. Sunday’s main event will air on Fox, while most of the week will broadcast on FS1.

    What sort of future did Triumph have in mind with its XL90 concept?

    Dredging up older predictions about the future in automotive form can prove both entertaining and enlightening, and Richard Bartrop suggested another one to look at: the 1967 Triumph XL90. “Presented as the car of 25 years hence, it was almost a dead ringer for a Chevy minivan from 1992,” he wrote.

    Indeed, the XL90 looked futuristic and thus nothing like Triumph’s contemporary crop of cars. With its one-box format and heavily sloped front, it did have the look of a Dustbuster U-body minivan—itself often described as futuristic—but it was meant more as a prediction of what advanced technologies might be incorporated into automobiles rather than the look and shape of them. Designed in-house by Triumph engineer Ed Pepall, the XL90 ostensibly included a “sealed-for-life” drivetrain, pneumatic controls for suspension and brakes, “handgrip” steering, ultrasonic windshield cleaning, and automatic guidance and speed control.

    Exactly what any of those meant or how practical those features would be is anybody’s guess. As Claus Ebberfeld at viaRetro noted, Triumph’s suggested powerplant for the XL90 was its own 2-liter six-cylinder, an engine that would not easily fit anywhere in Pepall’s design or go more than a few thousand miles without servicing. Then again, if the drivetrain is sealed, then the lifetime of the drivetrain becomes the lifetime of the vehicle, and perhaps the XL90 was (and all cars of the early 1990s were) intended to be far more disposable than vehicles of the late Sixties.

    Automation and driver-assist systems have long been fantasies for automotive prognosticators, and given that experimental versions of those technologies appeared in British Leyland demonstration vehicles by 1971, it’s likely those systems were already in development when Pepall designed the XL90. Pneumatic suspension was nothing new either, though perhaps Pepall envisioned a less costly and less problem-prone system than Cadillac’s late-Fifties Air Dome feature.

    The windshield cleaning system sounds intriguing. Ostensibly, the windshield would vibrate at a specific ultrasonic frequency that would shake off raindrops and dirt and make windshield wipers unnecessary. Makes sense that a British carmaker would be on the forefront of rain-deflecting technology. To our knowledge, nothing along those lines has been proposed or tried in other concept or production vehicles—windshield wipers are a proven technology, after all—though McLaren claimed to do something similar with the windshieldless Elva and its Air Active Management System which directed a stream of air claimed to protect the occupants of the open-topped car.

    1967 Triumph XL90 side view

    1967 Triumph XL90 rear view

    1967 Triumph XL90 interior layout

    u200bEd Pepall with the 1967 Triumph XL90

    Ultimately, the XL90 proved to be little more than idle speculation. While it appeared at the Earls Court Motor Show that year, perhaps more people saw it in a print advertisement in which the company billed it as “the shape of Triumph to come,” claiming that “its ideas are so advanced that many of them are still only sketches in a designer’s notebook. Or experiments in the earliest stages of laboratory research. But all of them could be—and probably will be—the talking points of Triumph cars at the Motor Show of 1992.”

    Nobody ever saw the XL90 as a full-size vehicle. Instead, it was a scale model cleverly photographed to look larger. That model today exists in the British Motor Museum in England.

    American Beauty, Buick Super Convertible Coupe


    1955 Buick Super Convertible for sale

    Quintessentially American, and one of the great and abiding brand names in the USA, the Buick marque started as long ago as 1899, set up by David Dunbar Buick. At Beverly Hills Car Club at the moment we have an example of his heritage:

    A distinguished 1955 Buick Super Convertible featuring body by Fisher and finished in a beautiful color scheme of Cherokee Red complemented with a matching color interior.


    1955 Buick Super Convertible interior

    But who was David Buick, the founder of this legendary marque? There is something rather brusque about the name, so it is almost not surprising to learn that Buick was a Scottish-born American inventor, born on 17 September 1854, in Arbroath, Scotland.

    At the age of 2, he had moved with his family to the United States, where they settled in Detroit. Working at first in a plumbing company, he and a partner took over the business in 1882. Quickly David Buick demonstrated acumen as an inventor, his several innovations including a lawn sprinkler and a method for permanently coating cast iron with vitreous enamel, allowing the production of ‘white’ baths at a lower cost, a method still used today.

    1955 Buick Super Convertible rear view

    -Alex Manos, Owner – Beverly Hills Car Club

    Looking to Sell Your Classic Car? Let’s Talk!

    Find of the Day: This Fire-Breathing Custom 1980 Dodge Van is a VIP Room on Wheels

    Today’s find brings us back to the days of big hair, roadies and rock and roll, but with a bit of modern flair. This dual axle custom van has been displayed at the Museum of Automotive Icons, Inc. for the last four years, but it’s time for it to hit the road, so the museum can make room for new additions.

    “This custom-built 1980 Dodge B-series van is the epitome of artistic flair,” the curator of the Museum of Automotive Icons, Inc. states. “It’s airbrushed medieval-fantasy-themed exterior sets it apart from others, and the interior is just as outrageous with a full-length bar, numerous insulated ice bins, richly textured bench seats that line the entire driver’s side and rear of the van, dual flatscreen TVs, dual air conditioning units, and LED and fiber optic lighting. Its massive sound system rounds out the multimedia functions, making this Dodge the ultimate party machine.”

    The majestic mural set above sparkling chrome side pipes is what custom van dreams are made of. Fully armored knights, horses, castles, wizards, and mysterious orbs surrounded by billowing fiery clouds create a powerful fantasy land that is a beacon for attention. The overall condition of the paint is reported to be in excellent condition, with some minor scratches and paint chips on the lower rocker areas.

    According to the listing, the odometer shows just 3,262 miles. It has only been driven 15 miles since in the museum’s possession. The 360-ci V-8 appears to be the original engine, though that has not been confirmed. Minor modifications include an aluminum intake manifold, headers, and, of course, those sweet side-pipes. The seller states that the van runs, drives and shifts smoothly through all the gears as it should, as shown in the below video.


    1980 Dodge Custom Van

    youtu.be

    The luxurious, party-ready interior is fully functional, including color changing fiber-optic lights, working sunroof and power windows, dual flat screen TVs, dual air conditioning units, and massive sound system. The full-length bar holds insulated ice bins to keep the party going.

    Who will be the next to own this club VIP room on wheels? Click this link for more details and photos.

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    1980 Dodge D-Series custom van

    455-Powered 1935 Buick Series 60 Model 68 Victoria Coupe

    This 1935 Buick Series 60 Model 68 Victoria is a two-door coupe that was refurbished and modified following its acquisition by the seller around seven years ago. Finished in metallic red over tan and brown upholstery, the car is powered by an overbored 455ci Buick V8 mated to a Turbo-Hydramatic four-speed automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end with a limited-slip differential. Additional features include power-assisted front disc brakes, power steering, Nova-spec front suspension, power-adjustable front seats, air conditioning, front driving lamps, and widened body-color steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. This modified Buick is being offered with a removable rear luggage rack, manufacturer’s literature, and a clean North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

    Finished from the factory in Saint Regis Green (353), the body was fitted with a ridged roof panel that was reportedly sourced from a later-model station wagon and welded in place prior to a repaint in metallic red. The seller notes that the car has been fitted with a reproduction Goddess of Speed hood ornament. Exterior details include dual Trippe Speedlight driving lamps, a rear tire cover, chrome headlight buckets, 455 badging, and chrome horns with body-color accents. The windshield wipers are said to be inoperable, along with one of the parking lights. The seller notes exposed screw holes on the passenger-side door. A body-color removable rear luggage rack is included in the sale and can be seen in the gallery below.

    Body-color 15” widened steel wheels with blue pinstripes and chrome hubcaps are mounted with 225/70 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires. Braking is through power-assisted front discs and rear drums, and the car rides on Chevrolet Nova-spec front suspension with a 1” dropped front axle.

    The cabin houses aftermarket power-adjustable front seats and a rear bench that are upholstered in tan leather with brown leather inserts. Lighter tan upholstery covers the door panels and kick panels, and the floors are lined with dark brown carpets. Woodgrain trim is found throughout the cabin, and amenities include lap belts for front occupants, a Vintage Air air conditioning and heater system, power steering, an analog clock, engine-turned accents on the dash, and a hidden Panasonic AM/FM stereo wired to aftermarket speakers. Note that a mark present on the passenger’s kick panel has since been removed.

    A leather-wrapped steering wheel sits ahead of an engine-turned instrument panel housing a Classic Instruments 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The six-digit odometer shows approximately 30 miles, though total mileage is unknown.

    The 455ci Buick V8 reportedly dates to 1973 and is said to have been rebuilt, bored .030″ over, and fitted with an upgraded camshaft prior to its installation during the build. Additional features include a Quadrajet carburetor, a Magnaflow dual exhaust system, an aluminum radiator with an electric fan, and Buick-branded valve covers.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Turbo-Hydramatic 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission and a 12-bolt 8.5” rear end housing a limited-slip differential with 3.55:1 gearing. Additional underbody photos are provided in the gallery below.

    The car is titled using the Virginia Assigned Identification Number shown above.

    350-Powered Ford 3-Window Coupe Street Rod

    This 1932-style Ford three-window coupe was built under previous ownership with Redneck Street Rods fiberglass bodywork finished in Electric Blue Pearl over gray leather upholstery and is powered by an Edelbrock Performer RPM E-Tec 350ci V8 crate engine mated to a 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a Pete & Jakes chassis, a drilled I-beam front axle, Super Bell finned backing plates, coilover rear suspension, a Winter’s polished rear axle housing, Wilwood disc brakes, Vintage Air climate control, an Ididit steering column, cruise control, power windows, a concealed Bluetooth-capable receiver, and Classic Instruments gauges. The car was acquired by the seller in 2019, and subsequent work consisted of rebuilding the transmission. This Ford coupe is now offered with a clean Iowa title in the seller’s name listing the car as a 1932 Ford Coupe.

    The fiberglass coupe body is said to have been sourced from Redneck Street Rods and is finished in Electric Blue Pearl. Features include a louvered hood, white side molding striping, exposed hinges, reverse-opening doors, electric wipers, partial front and full rear fenders, polished grille and windshield moldings, and dual mirrors. There are rock chips on the rear fenders, and scuff marks in the door jambs.

    The staggered Bonneville-style wheels wear spinner center caps and are mounted with Nankang tires up front and Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires out back. The car is fitted with a Pete & Jakes chassis, a drilled I-beam front axle, Super Bell finned backing plates, and a coilover rear suspension. Braking is provided by Wilwood discs at all four corners.

    The cabin features a bench seat upholstered in gray leather joined by a color-coordinated headliner, door panels, and carpets. Equipment includes Vintage Air climate control, a Lokar shifter, a Ron Francis wiring harness, cruise control, power windows, and a concealed Bluetooth-capable receiver. The fuel tank and filler are mounted in the trunk.

    The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a V8-branded horn button and is mounted to a tilt Ididit steering column. Center-mounted instrumentation consists of a Classic Instruments 140-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and battery voltage. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 11k miles, approximately 2,600 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

    The Edelbrock Performer RPM E-Tec 350ci V8 crate engine was installed under previous ownership and features a Demon four-barrel carburetor, an MSD electronic ignition system, Sanderson block-hugger headers, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan.

    Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 200-4R four-speed automatic transmission and a polished Winter’s rear axle center section with 3.70:1 gears. The chassis, rear axle, and suspension components were painted to match the body. The transmission was rebuilt in March 2022 with upgraded components.

    The car has been assigned identification number DRMVB0000158424MO by the state of Missouri, which aligns with the VIN listed on the Iowa title.

    Custom 1940 Mercury Eight Coupe 3-Speed “Stardust”

    This 1940 Mercury Eight coupe was acquired by John D’Agostino in the 1980s and modified by Bill Reasoner’s Classic Auto Body of Walnut Creek, California. The body was chopped, nosed, decked, and shaved as part of the build in addition to installation of a Mustang II-sourced front suspension and rear air shocks. Dubbed “Stardust,” the car is powered by a replacement overbored 255ci flathead V8 that features an Offenhauser intake manifold and cylinder heads as well as three Stromberg carburetors. Additional equipment includes a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission, a brass radiator, a dual exhaust system, Appleton spotlights, rear fender skirts, and 15″ steel wheels with Cadillac-branded “sombrero” covers. The car was acquired by the current owner in 2007 and subsequently refurbished with work involving repainting the body, reupholstering the interior, and rebuilding the engine. This custom Mercury Eight is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with refurbishment photos and a clean California title in the name of the owner’s trust.

    Body modifications performed as part of the aforementioned 1980s build are said to have included chopping the roof five inches up front and six inches out back as well as installing an oval rear window sourced from a 1941 Mercury. The hood and trunk were nosed and decked, the door handles and hinges were shaved, the doors were rounded, and smoothed running boards were molded into the body as well as the modified fenders. According to the seller, the car was disassembled by Roy Brizio Street Rods of San Francisco, California, and repainted in its current Black Cherry finish by Vintage Color Studio of Concord, California, following the current owner’s acquisition in 2007. Further custom touches include Appleton spotlights, Buick-sourced rear fender skirts, and Ford-sourced chrome bumpers with overriders up front as well as integrated taillights out back.

    Steel 15″ wheels wear Cadillac “sombrero” wheel covers and are mounted with BFGoodrich Silvertown wide-whitewall tires. The car features a Mustang II front suspension with power rack-and-pinion steering and front disc brakes. Air shocks are installed out back and connected to an onboard compressor. The suspension was reportedly overhauled as part of the refurbishment performed under current ownership.

    The interior is said to have been reupholstered by the Sid Chavers Company of San Marcos, California, and features two rows of bench seating trimmed in maroon and cream leather that extends to the headliner and door panels.  The car features a column-mounted shifter, and additional details include lap belts, red carpets, and a clock mounted within the glovebox door.

    A custom-made translucent red steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a horizontal-sweep 110-mph speedometer along with auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and battery level. The five-digit odometer shows 48 miles, and total mileage is unknown.

    The replacement flathead V8 is said to have been sourced from a 1948 Ford and overbored to displace 255ci as part of the modifications completed in the 1980s. The engine was subsequently rebuilt in 2007 by Roy Brizio Street Rods, according to the seller. Additional parts and components include an Offenhauser intake manifold and 24-stud cylinder heads as well as three Stromberg carburetors and a brass radiator.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end. The transmission was reportedly rebuilt in 2007, and the car features a dual exhaust system with headers.

    A collection of photos documenting the refurbishment work completed under current ownership are presented in the gallery.

    The seller is unable to locate the chassis number on the vehicle itself, but the VIN on the title—99A175918—is consistent with that of a 1940 Mercury Eight coupe.

    Interesting Finds: 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III Convertible (4K)

    Over at the Journal, we’ve had a lot of discussion recently about the difference between Continentals and Lincoln Continentals. In honor of this 1956 Continental Mark II (not a Lincoln) sold on AutoHunter this week, we want to share the AutoHunter Cinema Interesting Find featuring the open-air enjoyment of a 1958 Continental Mark III by Lincoln. The short-lived Continental brand was axed when it was decided to discontinue the $10,000 1957 Continental Mark II, with the redesigned 1958 Continental Mark III now being under Lincoln’s tutelage and selling for $4,000 less. This particular Mark III is powered by a 430ci V8 producing 350 horsepower paired to a Turbo-Drive three-speed automatic.

    Click above to watch the video on YouTube