Marque1

DRIVING PONTIAC'S BONNEVILLE SSEi, A FUTURE COLLECTIBLE

When it comes to cars, including the classics, we all have our prejudices. I certainly did during the years when I was active in motorsports and the import car community. I preferred small cars and sports cars, automobiles I could toss around by the seat of my pants. I had no love whatsoever for the big Detroit boats of the 50s and 60s with their imprecise handling and exaggerated chrome trim. The Pontiac Bonneville was not exactly on my wish list.

One summer during the mid-90s General Motors agreed to loan me a car for the drive from Toronto to Montreal and back, about 325 miles each way along Highway 401, a boring run on a road with few bends and curves. The purpose of this trip was to attend the Canadian Grand Prix and as a side benefit several hours in Montreal with the beautiful Dolores Duquette, an ex-girlfriend. I'd hoped that the car would be something compact and sporting. A Corvette, maybe, or a Pontiac Firebird. Instead I was presented with a Bonneville SSEi, a large 4-door sedan, albeit Pontiac's top-of-the-line model. Needless to say I was disappointed, although the SSEi was a handsome car with alloy wheels, a full leather interior, a powerful supercharged 3.8 liter V-6, 4-speed automatic, and modified suspension.

By the time I'd returned to Toronto I was in love with this automobile, having discovered that it was an honest grand touring car in the European tradition. I hated to give it back. In fact it was such a pleasure to drive that after leaving Montreal I took the long way home, traveling the old Highway 1, which did have some interesting turns and even a couple of ferry rides. So much for silly prejudices.

Several years will pass before an SSEi is classified as a collector car but beginning in 2020 I predict that these Bonneville grand tourers will attract real money. They have the style, the performance, and even a degree of scarcity since they weren't produced in great quantities. And as we regretfully know, Pontiac, as a marque, is history. Is an SSEi worth buying now and keeping as a future investment? I think so; just look at the prices older Bonnevilles bring at auctions, albeit as convertibles.

FERRARI MATES WITH RAMBLER, FINDS NEW HOME IN MUSEUM

What happens when you combine a Ferrari with a Rambler? The very thought of it might cause Enzo Ferrari to turn over in his grave but on the other hand it would leave George Romney smiling. However you may feel about such a combination the car actually exists and is one of two unusual vehicles just donated to the LeMay - America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.

The Ferrambo, as it is known, is a one-off built by Mike Warn of Warn Industries. Warn said he wanted to create a car that combined American engineering and strength with European style and performance. It took him more than two years to construct but obviously was worth the effort, for his Ferrambo captured the prestigious Ridler Award at Detroit’s Autorama in 2008. That helped drive the estimated value to $750,000. And in fact the car is surprisingly attractive, though I've no idea how it drives.

The good news is that we can now see it at the LeMay, along with the second gift, a 1964 Buick Wildcat prototype donated by museum member Paul Ianuario. What makes this Wildcat so unusual is that the body is made from fibreglass. Apparently GM built it to complement the Impala SS as a high performance machine with the same then-exotic material as the Corvette.

Buick's unusual concept features a 401-cid "Nailhead" V-8 and, according to the owner, has a different cam and other performance upgrades. Ianuaro said that had it gone into production the Wildcat would have been offered with the two four-barrel, 425-hp-version. Unfortunately GM decided against producing it and as a result has only 3893 miles on the clock and, like the Ferrambo, is valued at $750,000.

Thanks to Old Cars Weekly for the lead to this story.

NEW LIMITED EDITION STAMPS FEATURE FAMOUS MUSCLE CARS

With muscle cars currently the hot item among collectors the United States Postal Service has chosen to honour the American automotive icons with a stamp series, adding five muscle car stamps to its America on the Move series. The limited edition stamps feature the ’66 Pontiac GTO, the ’67 Shelby GT-500, the ’69 Dodge Charger Daytona, the ’70 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda and the ’70 Chevelle SS.

I can imagine that selecting the cars must have required considerable research and discussion among the USPS creative team, for these five were not the only great muscle cars; perhaps, however, they were the most representative. The artwork was created by Tom Fritz of Newbury Park, CA, under the art direction of Carl T. Herrman of North Las Vegas, NV. Other issuances in the series — ’50s Sporty Cars (2005), followed by ’50s Fins and Chrome (2008) — were the work of artist Art Fitzpatrick of Carlsbad, CA.

The series launch took place at Sunday's Daytona 500, an appropriate venue, with seven-time NASCAR National Champion Richard Petty helping dedicate the America on the Move: Muscle Cars Forever stamps. Petty joined his son Kyle and Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe at the dedication.

"The Muscle Cars stamps celebrate an exciting era in American automotive history," said Petty. "These examples of raw power bring back fond memories for me and my family, a testament to how aerodynamics transformed racing. I’ve been around racing and muscle cars all my life. These stamps bring back the memories of our racing heritage in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This is a great way to share our stories, old and new, about the Petty history in racing."

"The muscle cars gave everyday Americans the opportunity to experience the rush of driving a fast, powerful car," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "Just looking at the stamps evokes a feeling of speed. As Forever stamps, they’ll always be good for mailing a First-Class letter anytime in the future. And when you think about it, that’s fitting. Because these stamps — just like the great cars they represent — are timeless."

The Muscle Cars stamps are being issued as Forever stamps in self-adhesive sheets of 20 (four of each design). Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. Well done, USPS!

[Photo:  © 2013 United States Postal Service]

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT YOU GET BORED WITH LOOKING AT CLASSIC CAR BODIES...

When I was a kid we used to sneak a peek at the nude and semi-nude girls in Esquire magazine and from them we formed our opinions of what the female body should look like. This was long before the days of Playboy so the girls were illustrations, not photos. Two very talented artists made themselves famous for their work, which had a unique yet similar style. The girls were named after the artists, hence we had both the Petty Girls and the Varga Girls.

I'd almost forgotten about those impossibly perfect ladies until I saw the photos of two vintage illustrations that Nigel Matthews sent from Barrett-Jackson's automobilia auction in Scottsdale, where he was attending auction week. What amused me, though, is that they were being sold at a classic car event. On the other hand, why not? Pretty girls have always been used to sell cars in advertising, right back to the turn of the century, and they still do in today's TV commercials.

But if the appearance of these ladies on Marque1.com startled you, wait until you see the other surprise in today's blog. As Nigel said, he would have bought it on his credit card: A 1976 Datsun 280Z coupe in superb condition, sold at the Russo & Steele Sports and Muscle Car Auction for just $9800!

This is a BRE Tribute car, painted like the #3 BRE team car which won the 1970 and 1971 SCCA championship. It features a rebuilt 2.8 liter engine, 5-speed transmission, rebuilt suspension with a custom exterior, a completely restored interior, factory air, plus a set of new Falken tires. Receipts for all the work came with the car. And get this folks; its after-restoration mileage was a mere 2000! How the potential buyers could have overlooked this stretches my imagination but I'll bet the seller regrets offering it at no reserve.

So yes, Nigel, you should have put it on your credit card. You and I could have had great fun driving it in retro-rallies in California and Nevada. Instead I'll go to sleep dreaming of Petty Girls and Varga Girls. And being twelve again.

[Photos: Nigel Matthews]

NIGEL SPIES A BARGAIN AT SCOTTSDALE

If there's anyone who can spot a bargain at a classic car auction it's our correspondent Nigel Matthews. As an international concours judge and national Sales and Marketing Director for Hagerty Classic Car Insurance in Canada he certainly knows vintage automobiles and their value. So when Nigel made his annual trip to the Scottsdale auctions I knew he'd whet my appetite with some cars that either of us would have bid on if our wallets had been in the right places.

Take, for example, the beautiful 1947 Cisitalia Aero Coupe shown above. It sold at the Russo & Steele auction for (are you ready?) a mere $31,900. Okay, it's a replica, but the car is beautifully built and worth far, far more. While not a candidate for international-level concours and competition events, this lovely coupe would be quite enjoyable on local rallies and tours, or just for fun blasts through the countryside. How on earth did this get overlooked? It's worth at least twice as much. As Nigel said, he'd have bought it in a heartbeat.

At first glance I might have overlooked this one, simply because I've little interest in trucks. But after perusing its history I can see why it caught Nigel's attention. And why, if I'd had the ready cash plus a suitable garage, I might have bid on it myself because this 1970 GMC Suburban is an ambulance conversion made for the Hiram Walker & Sons Okanagan Distillery in Winfield, BC. Hiram Walker produces the famous Canadian Club whiskey and being a Canadian I'd love to drive this baby in parades where I could have fun with the siren. Then go home and have fun with the whiskey.

But why did a distillery have an ambulance? During the late 60s and early 70s the province of British Columbia had a law stating that if a business was located more than 15 miles from a hospital it must have an ambulance standing by. I'm assuming, of course, the law referred to businesses of a certain size and not the corner store.

The truck is loaded with accessories including positraction, power brakes and steering, 3-speed automatic, block heater, heavy-duty battery, dual electric horns and "custom comfort equipment." The engine is a 350 c.i. V-8 putting out 255 hp. It has just 39,000 miles on the clock and is mostly original as restoration was never needed. It went for a mere $15,400. Enough to buy over 600 liters of Canadian rye whiskey. Hmmm... tough choice!

[Photos: Nigel Matthews]

FERRARI MATES WITH RAMBLER, FINDS NEW HOME IN MUSEUM

What happens when you combine a Ferrari with a Rambler? The very thought of it might cause Enzo Ferrari to turn over in his grave but on the other hand it would leave George Romney smiling. However you may feel about such a combination the car actually exists and is one of two unusual vehicles just donated to the LeMay - America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.

The Ferrambo, as it is known, is a one-off built by Mike Warn of Warn Industries. Warn said he wanted to create a car that combined American engineering and strength with European style and performance. It took him more than two years to construct but obviously was worth the effort, for his Ferrambo captured the prestigious Ridler Award at Detroit’s Autorama in 2008. That helped drive the estimated value to $750,000. And in fact the car is surprisingly attractive, though I've no idea how it drives.

The good news is that we can now see it at the LeMay, along with the second gift, a 1964 Buick Wildcat prototype donated by museum member Paul Ianuario. What makes this Wildcat so unusual is that the body is made from fibreglass. Apparently GM built it to complement the Impala SS as a high performance machine with the same then-exotic material as the Corvette.

Buick's unusual concept features a 401-cid "Nailhead" V-8 and, according to the owner, has a different cam and other performance upgrades. Ianuaro said that had it gone into production the Wildcat would have been offered with the two four-barrel, 425-hp-version. Unfortunately GM decided against producing it and as a result has only 3893 miles on the clock and, like the Ferrambo, is valued at $750,000.

Thanks to Old Cars Weekly for the lead to this story.

FOR SALE AT AUCTION: A MOVIE CAR THAT STEVE MCQUEEN LIKED SO MUCH HE BOUGHT IT

Judging by the number of cars and motorcycles owned by Steve McQueen that come up for auction, it's obvious the actor and part-time race driver had a very large collection (over 100 motorcycles). His cars were mostly high-performance racers, which makes this 1951 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Convertible seem out of character. But it seems McQueen liked the Chevy so much after driving it during his last movie, The Hunter, that he purchased it for his personal collection after filming wrapped.

Could it be that he suddenly discovered the romance of vintage automobiles? Unlikely, as McQueen already had several in his collection. But perhaps, faced with his own mortality (sadly, he died of cancer at the still-young age of 50), he preferred the relaxing style of an old, once-affordable convertible. The car is fitted with a 92 hp six-cylinder engine and a column-mounted three-speed manual. With something that pretty, who needs speed?

McQueen was a world class race driver who might have gone further had the studios and their insurance companies not interfered. Nevertheless, in the 1970 Sebring 12-hour race, Peter Revson and McQueen (driving with a cast on his left foot from a motorcycle accident two weeks before) won with a Porsche 908/02 in the 3-litre class, missing an overall victory by 23 seconds to Mario Andretti/Ignazio Giunti/Nino Vaccarella in a 5-litre Ferrari 512S.

Documentation includes an original McQueen Certificate of Authenticity signed by the actor’s late daughter, Terry and his son, Chad. It is presented for auction by its current owner, Rick Harrison, star of the History Channel’s hit reality series, Pawn Stars, who will be on hand at the March event to witness the car cross the podium. It will be offered at no reserve by Auctions America during the Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale sale, March 22–24, 2013.

Incidentally my favorite Steve McQueen movie is The Thomas Crown Affair, co-starring Faye Dunaway. In the film he has fun on a deserted beach with a dune buggy but his daily driver is an elegant Rolls-Royce. A perfect pair for the "King of Cool."

THE CROSSOVER, NOT SO NEW AS YOU THINK

Okay, I surrender. After years of resisting the very idea of "crossovers" I'm prepared to admit they're here to stay, but only if I first point out that some of its features have been around for a long, long time. As in the 1918 Buick above.

My aversion to crossovers was based on negative feelings about sport-utilities, a market trend that, thankfully, is now just a niche segment. But before carrying on, let's get a few things straight. I'll happily admit that 4-wheel-drive sport-utilities make sense when they're used as intended, which is to say, driven off-road and in extreme weather conditions. Unfortunately the marketing maniacs of Detroit stole this basic principle and, by hitching car-like bodies to truck frames created a category that would be acceptable to a broad range of consumers. Before long, every brand from Toyota to Cadillac had to have its sport-ute, whether it made sense or not.

Several factors contributed to the sport-utility's success. People were tired of the minivan, especially young men who saw it as something only soccer moms would drive. Station wagons, once the staple of families who needed more space than a sedan could provide, were out of favor in North America and had been for many years, again because of a negative image. If minivans were for young mothers, station wagons were for grandfathers.

There was a popular misconception that sport-utes were safer than cars. The extra weight would protect occupants in an accident, while 4-wheel-drive would provide traction and stability in all kinds of weather. Wrong. Crash tests have shown that well-designed small cars with multiple airbags can help passengers survive accidents with larger vehicles, and sport-utes do not handle as well as cars, nor are they as nimble when it comes to avoiding accidents. You only had to witness how many sport-utilities ended up in the ditch (or worse) in a snowstorm to realise that drivers expected more than their vehicles could deliver.

What led to the sport-ute's downfall was not that consumers became aware of these facts. It was the recession, combined with the high cost of gasoline. Manufacturers could not hide the truth about fuel consumption. Sport-utilities were gas guzzlers. Automakers needed something new to sell, yet consumers were not about to make a 90-degree turn and go back to sedans. Nor would they retreat to the familiarity of minivans, in spite of the fact that minivans are more spacious and easier to access than sport-utes. That "something new" would be the crossover.

Until then the automotive lexicon had never included the word. And it certainly wasn't created by a car manufacturer, since the public wouldn't have a clue what it meant. No, "crossover" was the invention of an automobile journalist, some poor sod like me. I've no idea who that person was but he or she certainly did not intend the word to become permanent. It was merely dropped into a paragraph to describe a vehicle that appeared to be part car and part sport-ute. Another journalist picked it up and in no time crossover was as common as rice pudding. And just about as interesting.

So what, exactly, is a crossover? Stand back folks, you may not like this. It's a station wagon. Or more accurately, a station wagon on stilts. It is also a form of hatchback, something I've long considered to be the most sensible of all automobile designs but one that, like minivans and wagons, was not on the radar of most buyers. A crossover, then, is a tall station wagon with a rear hatch. More compact and more agile than a sport-ute, and obviously more fun for the driver. Always with front-wheel-drive and in some cases, the option of all-wheel-drive. (The vehicle above is a 2013 Lincoln MKC concept.)

A long-time sports car enthusiast, raised during an era when a low center of gravity was desireable, I found it difficult to like these new machines. Now, however, I've changed my mind. First, because designers have finally learned how to make them attractive rather than merely functional. And second, because of the 1918 Buick featured at the top of this blog.

I've never been able to relate to vintage autos of that era. I'm old, but not that old. But I was watching one in a TV show and noticed how spacious it was, how it was tall enough that well-dressed ladies could step in without messing their wardrobes, and how the big wheels and ground clearance made it possible to be driven on the terrible roads of its time. "Gee," I thought, "that's just like a crossover."

I still think the name is rather silly and still doubt that many consumers know what crossover means but I can see this new vehicle category becoming the family car of the future. I'd even drive one myself, and that's the finest compliment I can offer.
[Buick Photo: carsofyesterdaysalesrentals.com]

AUCTIONS, CONCOURS, MOTOR RACING TAKE THE CHILL OUT OF WINTER

For me the month of January represents 31 days of survival, struggling just to keep warm during winter's chill. I say that even though I live in a place, Sidney, BC, where the temperature rarely drops below freezing and it's not unusual to see little or no snow. But for the car enthusiast January represents a bonanza of exciting events, some of which are televised while others receive ample coverage via the Internet.

It begins with the Detroit Auto Show. The media days have now ended, hence a seemingly endless supply of new car announcements and photos on the Net is available while the public pours through the doors of Cobo Hall. Just as the press packs its bags the Scottsdale auction week begins with five days of Barrett-Jackson's extravaganza. Closer to the end of the month the racing season starts at Daytona, where the 24-hour road race for sports cars and prototypes whets our appetite for more.

The Daytona 24-hours and the Barrett-Jackson Auction can both be seen live on Speed Channel. The former is fun to watch because some of the race takes place at night and because an international cast of drivers and manufacturers participate. The auction, by contrast, proceeds at snail speed, so you can tune in or out during the five days of mouth watering coverage. Incidentally, Barrett-Jackson estimates 300,000 visitors will attend, so don't let anyone tell you the collector car business is small-time. Remind them, also, that the week also includes auctions by RM, Gooding & Co., and Russo & Steele, where some of the most spectacular automobiles roll onto the stage.

Barrett-Jackson is offering an online preview of its TV coverage, featuring the fabulous Richard Hubbard collection. The Camaro up top is just one of his desireable cars. You can watch the preview by clicking here.

With so much happening in January, what's left for February? Plenty, if you live in Florida. There's the Daytona 500, of course; the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance; the Sarasota exotic and classic cars show (I'll be there for that one); the Winter Autofest at Zephyrhills; and several small but interesting affairs. Or, if you're seeking an excuse for a trip to France I highly recommend the Paris Retromobile, a huge indoor classic car show.

Now, uh... will someone please hand me my scarf and gloves?

REBORN: THE LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY

Ford's Lincoln division is now known as the Lincoln Motor Company. The naming is part of a planned rebirth of the famous marque, which has been in an intensive care unit for a number of years and nearly disappeared when there was doubt as to whether Mercury or Lincoln should be dropped. Now Ford plans to use Lincoln's lengthy background as a marketing tool in TV advertising and at auto shows, a technique questioned by some automobile journalists who believe prospective customers have little interest in the past.

I disagree. I believe that a brand's DNA matters. Just look at Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar as prime examples of keeping the past alive. Each has a unique image that goes back eighty years or more. Think of Mercedes and you think quality. Think of BMW and you think performance. Think of Jaguar and you think style. Think of Lincoln and... well, not much recently but a look through the decades reveals a parade of beautiful luxury automobiles with a history to match. 

This alone will not revive the patient. It's a great launch tool but after the initial campaign it needs to be scaled back. Not dropped entirely, just subtley integrated into print and TV advertising as a permanent reminder of where Lincoln came from. I'm assuming, of course, that the Lincoln Motor Company is going to build products to match. Not Fords with a different face (and please, no gargantuan crossovers) but cars that are distinctive and stand apart from the competition.

Oddly, both Lincoln and Cadillac were created by the same man, Henry M. Leland. After being associated with both Ford and Oldsmobile he introduced his first car, the Cadillac, in 1903. In 1909 Cadillac was integrated into the General Motors group under the direction of W.C. Durant, but the two men didn't get along and in 1917 Leland resigned. By 1921 he was back in the auto business with the Lincoln Motor Company, manufacturing a luxury car powered by an advanced L-head V-8. In little more than a year that company was in financial difficulties and was acquired by Henry Ford. Leland and his son Wilfred resigned a few months later.

Those early Lincolns soon developed a reputation for quality but a few years passed before the name was matched by styling that might be considered distinctive. Like all great classic cars of the era, Lincolns could be purchased as a running chassis to which custom bodies could be fitted and in 1933 the marque was fitted with a V-12 engine which in various stages of tune would power all Lincolns until 1949, when it was replaced by a 339 cubic-inch V-8.

If you were making prestige cars in the depression years the odds of survival were low, indeed, and Lincoln might have gone under if the division had not had the foresight to launch the smaller, popular-priced Zephyr. This very advanced car included unit construction, synchromesh transmission, headlights faired into the fenders, "streamlined" art deco styling, and an alligator-type hood hinged at the cowl. The engine was a 267 c.i. V-12 giving 110 hp. Typically, Henry Ford insisted on staying with his antiquated transverse suspension. Mechanical brakes finally arrived in 1939. A column shift followed in 1940.

The most famous Lincoln of all and certainly one of the most striking is Edsel Ford's Continental. Originally a one-off for Edsel's personal use after a trip to Europe (hence the name) it incorporated many of his own design ideas. The car was just too good not to be developed for production and consequently became Lincoln's standard bearer, a styling standout for many years.

Even in 1956 the Continental Mark II maintained a purity of line and sporting architecture, along with its European inspiration, a total contrast to the gaudy tri-toned, overchromed vehicles being offered by Ford and other American manufacturers. Some might say that it was the last "real" Continental, for the name was later applied to 4-door sedans and convertibles and for a lengthy period after 1961 all Lincolns were named Continental.

In 1961 Lincoln offered a 4-door convertible, the only American car of that type since the Kaiser Manhattan (Mercedes also built a 300 4-door convertible) and the last ever... in 1967. Both it and the 4-door sedan featured so-called "suicide doors" which alone made them stand apart in the market. Designed by Elwood Engel, the big Lincolns were arguably the last to be truly distinctive.

Downsizing in the 1970s probably had more to do with Lincoln's slide to near-obscurity than anything in modern times, as it began to share platforms with other Ford products and suffered styling to match. The Versailles, a gussied up Granada, is one unpleasant example. Rear-wheel-drive Town Cars later became a staple in fleet service, profitable but not an image suitable for a prestige luxury sedan.

Probably the last truly distinctive Lincoln was the Mark VIII series of 1993-98, an elegant Grand Touring coupe that featured 4-wheel independent suspension and a 4.6 liter dohc, 32-valve V-8 delivering 290 hp in its final year, with an advertised 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds. Since then it's been all downhill.

Nevertheless I believe Lincoln can make a comeback, not with a "retro" car but one that recognises what made it great in the first place, the ultimate American luxury car. As I write this the Detroit Auto Show is a week away and it wouldn't surprise me if Lincoln arrives with a sensational concept car amid a display that emphasises its heritage. Let's hope they get it right.

[Photo 1930 Model L: Russo & Steele]