Originally published in Motor Trend Presents 100 years of the Automobile in America (1995); republished by the author Henry Ford stands with the Model T Set the handbrake, open the throttle lever slightly, set the ignition timing lever at “full retard,” and close the carburetor choke by pulling a wire protruding through the radiator. Then, […]
‘57 Ford Stocker: NASCAR veteran runs again
History/track driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek November 13, 1986; republished by the author I pulled a knob on the dash turn on the ignition and pressed a button where the lighter had been to crank the starter. The engine fired with a blagga, blagga, blagga that echoed in my helmet like a headache remedy […]
Ford Model T sprint car: The red, white and blue roots of American racing
History/driving impressions republished by the author; originally published in AutoWeek February 24, 1986 The front wheels are dancing over the dirt, bumping, shaking and bouncing like Lula, the Snake Girl and Queen of the Midway, and there is more fight in the steering wheel then in a bar in a bad part of town. I […]
Shelby GT350H: Let Hertz put you in the (race) driver’s seat
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek January 25, 1988. “Business travelers who want a change in pace in motoring… Sports car owners away from home… Vacationers who consider driving an enjoyable holiday sport.” Lace up your stringback gloves, gentlemen. The Hertz Sports Car Club puts you in the driver’s seat of a GT 350 H […]
Ford Probe: Sporty econocar or Thunderbird stand-in?
Review originally published in Road & Track Car Buyer’s Guide 1997 Once destined to replace the Mustang as a properly down-sized, front-drive import-pretender, the Ford Probe instead became an in-house alternative to the rear-drive ponycar. Where the Mustang is bold, the Probe exhibits finesse. Where the Mustang is raucous, the Probe is harmonious. Where the […]
2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang track drive review: Flat-plane geometry and monster brakes
Car review originally published in CarBuzzard May 21, 2016 There’s a sort of chicane, and the 2016 Shelby GT350R Mustang tags the curbing on the right and then the left and then there’s a straight ahead. Put the hammer down. There’s a slight rise so the next corner can’t be seen, but it’s a left […]
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