No Fenders Movie Choices: The Medals Round

As we’re finally down to finding out who’s on the podium…

 

If you’re still reading this riveting No Fenders prose, then congrats! As we’rve finally made it to the No Fenders Movie Choices Closing Ceremonies, Yeehaw!

 

(No. 5) Bact to The Future

Release Date: July 3, 1985

In lane five representing Canada is this epic film that ultimately spawned a trilogy, a la this ever continuing No Fenders story, Hya!

 

As I’m not sure who became the bigger star, Marty McFly or His radically altered DeLorean (DMC-12) time machine?

 

Arse-sumedly Y’all know the plot about Canadian born actor Michael J. Fox inevitably driving His friend “doc’s” (Christopher Lloyd) DeLorean time machine back to 1955 and almost causing His parents not to meet and ultimately marry…

 

As fox is best known for prominent roles on television’s Family ties and Spin city, along with All three Back to The Future movies. But is probably best known today from suffering from Parkinson’s disease, having retired from acting in 2020.

 

As the only question is. Will Marty McFly be able to reach 88mph before the stripe in order to induce time travel, grab the Gold medal and return in time to stand atop the podium?

 

(No. 4) American Graffiti

Release Date: August 11, 1973

Starting in lane four, this relatively low budget film directed by George Lucas and produced by Francis Ford Coppola went on to gross nearly some $200 million! With a cast that includes the likes of Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford and Mackenzie Phillips to name just a few. Oh yeah, how could I forget the Wolfman, as in Wolfman Jack Baby!

 

As the film chronicles several teenagers struggles with lives during the early 1960’s in California revolving around the burgeoning rock ‘n roll music and the automobile, i.e.; Hot rodding scene, including the requisite Drag race. As somehow, you’d think that the Wolfman would have won a medal…

 

(No. 3) Bullitt

Release Date: October 17, 1968

This is the film that started this whole idea some Gory four years ago now, Yikes! When I stumbledinto it one lazy afternoon during the COVID-19 Lockdown…

 

As this is the film that cemented Steve McQueen as a true Bad Arse for me! Regardless if He used it’s popularity to film His epic Le Mans movie two years later…

 

McQueen plays San Francisco police Detective Frank Bullitt chasing the Mobsters who’ve killed a wintness He was assigned to protect. But I’m not sure who’s more the star of this movie, McQueen or His nasty 1968 Ford Mustang!

 

As we All know this film involves arguably the best ever car chase scene, with McQueen, Err Frank Bullitt jumping His Mustang thru the streets of San Francisco All the way to the Bronze medal!

 

(No. 2) Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Release Date: June 9, 2000

For Mwah, this is one film’s remake that far out tops the original. For which I’ve seen the original 1974 film on TV more than once. And should have been smitten with it’s starring automobile “Eleanor”. Then a 1971 Ford Mustang modified with ’73 parts to loosely resemble the fleeting Mach 1 in School Bus yellow, even if others said it was Ford’s medium yellow gold.

 

Briefly toyed with saying the remake starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie  was representing Germany. Since I vividly recall the opening scene beginning with a brick being thrown through the window of a Porsche 911, it’s car alarm loudly shrieking as the thief gets away with the stolen Porsche!

 

Having Seen the 2000 version on Ye Big screen, and getting quite a rush from that opening scene!

Naturally, now nearly a quarter century later, I cannot recall if it was the targeted 911 twin turbo or the 996 model?

 

The plot based upon the 1974 movie revolves around stealing 50 targeted vehicles in a short amount of time (72 hours) for delivery dockside to awaiting transport in a cargo ship at the Long Beach docks.

 

Yet in the remake, once again the Mustang code named “Eleanor” becomes the trouble vehicle! This time being represented as a 1967 pepper gray with white twin Le Mans stripes Shelby GT500 replete with nitrous oxide. With is “G-O” button’s concealed underneath the top of the shift handle, which retired car thief Randla “Memphis” Raines (Cage) has saved for last on the list of fifty vehicles.

 

Memphis’ jumps the “Shelby” with the assistance of the engine’s “laughing gas”, but somehow doesn’t quite get away, or does He? Leaving this film netting the silver medal.

 

(No. 1) Smokey and The Bandit

Release Date: May 19, 1977

Are you really surprised by this choice? I mean like come on, Y’all couldn’t of guessed this, Eh? As we’re All Eastbound and Down, Righto?

 

As how can I even adequately surmise this great film that stars a legendous’ 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a Flying Chicken on it’s hood!

 

Not to mention box office Hunk Burt Reynolds along with Sally field. Or the legendary Jackie Gleason playing Buford T. Justice shackled with His whimpering son.

 

Along with good ‘Ol Cledus Snowman’ Snow (Jerry Reed) puttin’ the Hammer down in His 18 Wheeler in order for Him and Bandit (Reynolds) to deliver Thar precious cargo just-in-time and easily take the Gold medal!

 

As “We’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get there,

I’m Eastbound just watch ol’ “Bandit” run!”

 

As sing it Snowman, I’m Eastbound & Down…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOgUaFkpS3Y

 

Since probably everybody has an opinion or three upon Thar own Top-10 movies rendition, or who should have won the gold medal . Here's just one such listing I perused to help me focus on my own choices along the way…

 

https://www.thedrive.com/opinion/12313/top-10-car-movies-of-all-time 

No Fenders Movie Olympics: The Chase continues

As who’ll advance to the mythical Finals round?

 

Yessiree Bob, bob’s your Uncle, Oh Never Mind! As we’re finally dipping into some of our “Finals” contestants Y’all…

 

(No. 11) Christine

Release Date: December 9, 1983

Since I typically refrain from “watching”, Err listening to any of the Olympics, be it summer or winter. I thought a movie about “terror” was totally Apropos for these Nofendersville Games!

 

As I’d have to say I’m more a Fan of Graveyard Carz’ Christine recreation with it’s 1,000bhp “Hellephant” Mopar crate engine propelled ’58 Fury. Even if I can no longer find the show on thy Telie…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2020/05/autos-few-tv-car-show-rewinds.html

 

Yet Stephen King’s classic Horror novel turned into film by John Carpenter revolving around the red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury name Christine with it’s possessive, jealous nature and having a mind of it’s own is a true classic.

 

As who knows. Perhaps Christine can persuade me to tune into some of this year’s Paris Olympics Mon Cherree?

 

(No. 10) Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Release Date: August 12, 1988

This movie has always intrigued me, albeit I’ve never “seen” it. Thus it falls just outside of making the Finals round.

 

The movie was a “Pet” project of Francis Ford Coppola, whose father had been a stock investor in the company and bought a Tucker 48 during it’s short lived production.

And while film critics said Jeff Bridges who starred as Preston tucker was fantastic. Nevertheless, it was considered a Box Office failure…

 

(No. 9) Who Killed the Electric Car

Release Date: June 28, 2006

Having seen this film on the Big Screen, I enjoyed Martin Sheen’s wonderful narration. And was surprised to rediscover that Tom Hanks (recorded) and Mel Gibson were in this film.

 

The movie is centered around the General Motors EV1’s short lived production. Specifically built to meet the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) mandate of the 1990’s for All major Automobile manufacturers to offer Electric Vehicles (EV’s) to the public in their state in order to continue selling their gasoline production models.

 

Yet due to relentless pressure from the Oil Industry, CARB eventually relented and scrapped this rule, with GM then hauling off it’s fleet of EV1’s to the Crusher!

 

Although I believe I once saw one of these on display at Tacoma‘s wonderful Americas Car Museum? Where I know there was a Chevrolet Volt on hand during an Electric Vehicles exhibit…

 

(No. 8) The French Connection

Release Date: October 7, 1971

And now we’re down to our final eight contestants, making the finals. And in outside lane number eight is the sole representative of France. Hey, we’ve gotta have at least one French film in this Summer’s movie choices, Righto?

 

Yet I must confess I cannot recall seeing this movie. Although I knew Gene Hackman was in it. Starring alongside Roy Scheider and Fernando Rey.

 

As the theme sounds vaguely familiar. With two Detectives trying to catch and break-up a Herroin Drug Ring. With the requisite car chase scenes in it. Along with the drugs being cleverly hidden in once such vehicles rocker panels…

 

(No. 7) (Mad Max 2 ) The Road Warrior

Release Date: December 24, 1981

Representing our Down Under Aussies’ is this epic classic. Although Mad Max will probably attempt driving over the other finalists from His outside lane seven starting position!

 

Although I enjoyed the original Mad Max movie, this sequel is my favourite. Having never seen any of the other later Franchise movies…

 

As Mad Max, played by Mel Gibson driving the last of the V-8 Interceptors cruises the roads in search of the ever elusive, precious “Black gold”, better known as petroleum.

 

As Max ultimately helps a small community with one of the few working Oil wells escape to a safe fefuge while leading the gang of savages who want the contents of a weaponized Oil hauler that Max valiantly drives as the decoy while the others escape in a school bus…

 

(No. 6) Thunderbolt and Lightfoot

Release Date: May 24, 1974

Suppose I telegraphed this choice making it into the Finals. Y’all know, previously musing when beginning this long ago Top-10 montage; Thunderbolt and Lightfoot sprang to mind…

 

This has always been one of my favourite Clint Eastwood films, even if Eastwood felt that co-star Jeff Bridges stole the show!

 

As it’s Americana at it’s best during the 1970’s. With Lightfoot stealing multiple cars, Thunderbolt being the older, wiser Bank robber and the usual irony of the two men who are having a Bromance’ ultimately finding the missing money, before one dies due to previously being Pistol whipped by one of Thunderbolt’s former Gang members… 

Alain De Cadenet: 1945-2022

As this Swashbuckler was an expert on Stamps, vintage Aircraft and Racing Cars…

 

Was listening to The Guardian via my NFB Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service last Tuesday evening and was surprised to Hear the Sports section say that former racer Alain De cadenet had died at Age 76. For which I was able to listen to the Whole story vs. the You Must Register Now to Keep Reading “firewall” version below…

 

As I only know Messer De Cadenet’s work as a Talking Head, er Presenter from the long ago Great Speed Channel Show Victory By Design, which De Cadenet Hosted, which I always thought was a Brilliant Show! Even if I found Alain to be somewhat Bombastic and slightly full of Himself. As I know I tired of His immense Self Inflating attitude later on other various Motor Racing Broadcasts. Most notably Me Thinks Speed’s coverage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and 24 Heurs du Mans TV Broadcasts.

 

And whilst I was totally aware that De Cadenet had raced multiple times at Circuit de la Sarthe. As I believe the Obituary says He contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans 14 times. And also knew He’d raced aboard His own De CadenetSports Cars.

 

I didn’t know that He’d had famed Formula 1 Designer Gordon Murray “Pen” Him a racecar! Which apparently came about after Il Commendatore, nee Enzo Ferrari refused to sell Him one of His top flight racing Sports Cars!

 

As De Cadenet made His Le Mans Debut in 1971 behind the wheel of a Belgian entered Ferrari 512M, driving with just one good working Eye! His other having been injured in a motor race previously.

 

Then when Enzo wouldn’t sell Him a Ferrari for the ’72 event, He commissioned Murray with the backing of Duckham’s Motor Oil to turn a Brabham Formula 1 car into a two seater Le Mans Sports Prototype, which He ultimately finished 12^th Overall with longtime co-Driver Chris Craft behind the Keyboard of their Duckham’s LM72 3.0 liter Cosworth DFV V-8 entry.

 

For 1975,De Cadenet acquired a Lola T380 Sports Car also powered by Ford’s ubiquitous cossie’ (Cosworth) DFV V-8(“Double four valves”) variant, which gave Alain His Best finish at Le Mans. When De Cadenet and Craft finished third Overall at the 1976 24 Heurs du Mans…

 

While I have to give De Cadenet His Due, since He raced in earnest, and enjoyed racing at such classic, challenging venues as the Mighty Spa, aka Spa Francorchamps and the Green Hella’, nee Nurburgring’s famed Nordschleif! Not to mention shocking the Sports Car fraternity by winning both  the 1980 1000km of Monza and Six Hours of Silverstone with Desire Wilson!

 

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jul/05/alain-de-cadenet-obituary 

Three Slices ‘O Corvette Carmania Carved Up’

As should I go for the Pumpkin, Mincemeat or Cheesecake for Dessert? Uhm, may be a slice of All three, Wee-wee Mademoiselle, Mon Cherrie?

 

Ah, the Aroma ‘O Stuffing, did somebody say Stuffing? Uhm, Turkey, Pigskin and Pumpkin pie. Now All we need is a Chevrolet Corvette or three and Apple pie? Oopsdaisy, Think that’s a different Holiday?

 

As what better way to celebrate Turkey-Lurkey Day this year than with three vastly different topics wrapped around three slices ‘o Americana, Uhm Uhm Finger lickin’ good? As here’s the Main course Folks…

 

Cunningham Crusader’s

Although I never know when they’ll be on, meaning I miss many of their TV Airings, recently I caught two episodes of Motortrend TV’s Autobiography over thou Halloween weekend. The first was about Briggs Cunningham taking three 1960 Corvette’s to Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans, France. As this was the first year ever that those Thunderin’ front engine American V-8’s raced in le 24 Heurs du Mans. (61 years ago)

 

Whilst the second episode was All about that Manson Fellah’ and those Beach Boys Ferraris…

 

Funny, but when I think of Briggs Cunningham and Le Mans, for reasons unknown, I invariably think about his earlier creations, most notably his le Monster! When Briggs ran a pair of modified  Cadillacs in the 1950 event. Although I tend to forget that Cunningham was also a prestigious racer, and I believe this was the first of his many outings at Le Mans as a driver, then Age 43.

 

And whilst I tend to only think of Briggs Automotive accomplishments, arguably his biggest claim to fame was Skippering the winning yacht Columbia in the 1958 America’s Cup challenge.

 

Messer Cunningham led the most privileged ‘O life’s, having come from a family of considerable wealth, beginning with his Grandfather’s River Boating and Shipping concerns. As his father Briggs Sr. moved from the Meat Packing business, later becoming President and Founder of the Citizens National Bank, Director of the Pennsylvania Railroad and later Chief Financier of the Proctor and Gamble Company.

 

And that was before marrying into further Money when tying nuptials with Lucy Bedford, an heiress of the Standard Oil Company, her Grandfather E.T. Bedford being a Co-Founder and Director of the Oil Company! As Briggs attended his very first motor racing event, the 1930 Monaco Grand Prix on their Honeymoon.

 

Briggs ran his own Car Company aptly called BS Cunningham Cars between 1950-55 before shuttering it, due to running Afoul of IRS Tax laws requiring Boutique Constructors to show a profit after five years of business.

 

As Cunningham campaigned  his team’s Cunningham C Designation racecars, the C2R-C6R at Le Mans with modest results, before the catastrophe of the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans along with his Tax issues saw him taking a brief respite from motor racing.

 

Wasn’t aware that Briggs was a founding member of the American Racing Club Association, )ARCA) the forebearer to today’s SCCA, but do know that Cunningham entered cars won the 1954-55 Sebring 12 Hours events, arguably his biggest accomplishment in racing…

 

And whilst Cunningham made his last appearance as a racing driver at Le Mans in 1963, then 56 years old.  The focus of the Autobiography TV show was upon the three 1960 Corvette’s he entered for that year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, with the cars being numbered 1-2-3.

 

As these chassis were extensively modified as the Godfather of Corvettes Zora Arkus-Duntov just so happened to have an experimental 283cid Small Block V-8 with Rodchester Fuel Injection on his Hands that he wanted tested in racing competition. Even though General Motors (GM) along with the other major American Manufacturers had pledged not to participate in Motor Racing as part of the AMA Ban following the 1955 Le Mans tragedy.

 

The TV show basically retraces the history of each car by denoting them according to their racing number at Le Mans. As the No. 2 car was the first to be reclaimed and is in the hands of noted Car Collector Bruce Meyer, who claims his is the most “Authentic” car since it was restored using many original parts.

 

If I remember correctly? Since it’s been awhile now and I didn’t scribble any notes immediately afterwards. The No. 1 car caught on fire at Le Mans and then was subsequently discovered in a Wrecking Yard!

 

The No. 3 Le Mans Corvette was the most elusive and hardest to find, before finally being uncovered when a 70,000sq ft Warehouse was being Cleaned out over a decade ago.

 

Coolest part about the #3 chassis was that after it was restored, it went back to Le Mans for the Vette’s 50^th Anniversary complete with then 91 year old John Fitch at it’s controls! As Fitch and Co-Driver Bob Grossman had finished eighth Overall and 1^st in Class in 1960!

 

Although I’m slightly Cornfused, since apparently John Fitch Died at the Age of 95 on October 31, 2012, which would have only been two years later…

 

As Y’all can read my previous No Fenders attempt at briefly chronicling Corvette’s History at Le Mans in the following story link below.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/07/retro-celebrating-americas-sports-car.html

 

Or you might enjoy this Youtube video of Bruce Meyer with another of his Corvette racecars, the Nasty ’09 C6.R…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iggdcWBl2OI 

A Thanksgiving’s Automotive Dark or White Yarn’

As Don’t forget about the Brussel Sprouts and Cranberry Sauce. Uhm, did somebody say Sprinkles?

 

Unlike John Lennon’s So It’s Christmas Again song, for which Thars’ an ominous connection below to Ye Fab Four’. First we need to celebrate Turkey-Lurkey Day, or as Rick Mears famously notes: “To Finish First, First You Must Finish!”

 

Manson Madness

Originally “Watched,” Err listened to Motortrend TV’s Autobiography episode upon Charles Manson’s Automobile exploits, appropriately the night before Halloween, following the Briggs Cunningham Corvette’s episode. Arse-sumin’ it was being shown prior to Fright Night  for obvious reasons, cue the Count Dracula music…

 

And Don’t Fret Folks, I’m Not going Anywhere “Dark” Here, since I’ve Never been even remotely interested in Charles Manson’s Horrors! Although as I’ve previously scribbled here on No Fenders, I was unaware of the connection to The Beatles Helter Skelter song or what a Helter Skelter in Jolly ‘Ol England was. Which Y’all can investigate for yourselves, since U2 mentions it briefly in their cover version…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLdvK7KuMcc

 

Instead I was curious what the TV Show would have to say Automobile-wise? For which I’ll try “loosely” recanting, since it’s All a ‘lil Fuzzy now…

 

Manson who’d finally made his way to California from Ohio, whith one of his many Illegal exploits being trying to Steal a Car out of the Prison-yard he was Incarcerated in! Reportedly made friends with a “Preacher” and his Daughter and eventually talked him out of his piano, which Manson then promptly traded for a VW Microbus, since they needed transportation so the Story goes.

 

Meanwhile Dennis Wilson of The Beach boys picked up two young women Hitchhiking on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles and took them back to his house on Sunset Boulevard. As the pair just so happened to know Charles Manson, who began Hanging out with Wilson who happened to own a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB.

 

While Manson reputedly was also “practicing” music with Dennis Wilson during the Summer of 1968 when Manson and his Entourage were living in Wilson’s house, and was also pursuing a Recording Contract with Dennis’s help.

 

It appears in truest Hollywood fashion, that Autobiography takes “license” with the next part of this Drama, since it seems to have insinuated that it was Manson who takes Dennis’s Ferrari out for a Joy ride before the vastly more powerful Ferrari is promptly Rolled! With the front engine V-12 “Saloon” having massive Body Damage done including Crushing it’s “Hindquarters” and Roof!

 

Yet the story Doesn’t end there, since naturally Dennis’s brother Brian Wilson, leader and Songwriter of The Beach Boys also owned a matching ’66 Ferrari 275 GTB which also the Manson “Gang” took out for a Spin and promptly got involved in another “Fender Bender!”

 

For which the Show also claims that a Mercedes Benz was allegedly wrecked during this period. That Manson Cost Dennis a Cool 100 Grand ($100,000) and ultimately Dennis was simply “spooked” out of his home by his “House Guests!”

 

http://ferrari275gtbc.com/accident.html

 

Crusty ‘Ol Bonneville…

Another Autobiography TV episode I was able to catch recently was titled The Fear of Speed or something to that effect. And began by chronicling a few of the countless Speed Record attempts taken at Utah’s legendous’ Bonneville Salt Flats over the past decades.

 

Soon one of the two Hosts was Foaming Ah-Mighty’ over another vehicle I hadn’t heard of, simply known originally as the Duesenberg Special built in the early 1930’s by Ab Jenkins and began setting Land Speed Records  in 1935 Me Thinks.

 

As the original “One Off” Speed record Special was built on a Supercharged Duesenberg J rolling chassis with a highly tuned engine. In October, 1935 Ab Jenkins set a One Hour record of 153.97mph and 24 Hour record of 135.27mph at Bonneville.

 

Yet the car being slobbered over was it’s later incarnation as the Mormon Meteor, for which two versions were built. As the Mormon Meteor I had it’s original 12 cylinder Duesenberg lump’ replaced with a Curtis Conqueror V-12 Aircraft engine and promptly broke it’s existing speed records.

 

As the name comes from a Newspaper   contest to rename it after it’s Curtis transplant with the Duesenberg Special becoming the Meteor I, and it’s the Meteor III that’s probably the car being talked about today? Since the Meteor II was prone to Understeer at High Speed and thus a new chassis was built for it. With the Meteor III resetting more speed records including the 24 Hour Average to 157.27mph in 1937 with some Co-Driver named Louis Meyer,. Which it’s Funny since I first thought that’s gotta be the same Louis Meyer of Meyer & Drake Fame, Righto?

 

As Silly Me! Since Indianapolis 500 Diehards will know that Louis Meyer was the first ever Three-times Indy 500 winner and the first driver to ever drink Buttermilk in Victory lane…

 

They also noted that the Pontiac Bonneville automobile  is an extremely rare car, claiming only 630 examples were built. Which is Funny to Mwah, since I’ve long known about Pontiac naming a vehicle after the famous Bonneville Salt Flats. Although I had to look up what year this Uber low volume was produced? Can Y’all say the Debut 1957 Star Chief Bonneville Convertible?

 

The show noted how Sir Malcom Campbell was the first person to go 300mph! In a true Automobile before speeds kept increasing and suddenly were they really cars any more? As the record books claimed you needed to have four wheels to classify as a car, but where does the record books lines blur with the advent of Jet engine propulsion?

 

As they briefly touched upon Craig Breedlove and his many Jet engine Spirit of America’s vs. Art Arfon’s Green Monsters, also propelled by the then ubiquitous General electric J-79 Jet engine. As I thought they claimed that Arfons bought his Jet engine for $600 from a Junk yard?

 

As they briefly covered Breedlove v Arfons desires to be the Fastest Man Alive whilst eclipsing the 400, 500 and ultimately 600mph Absolute Land Speed record marks! Which Amazingly, both men walked away from some seriously nasty Accidents!

 

As I’ve chronicled some of those exploits in a previous No Fenders tome titled The 700 Clube…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2010/06/700-club.html

 

But they quickly sped pass the current Land Speed Record Holder ThrustSSC’s accomplishment in 1997 on the Black Rock Desert and focused upon the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) El Mirage Dry lake bed exploits instead, including the crazed Belly Tank racers of past and present.

 

Although the first idea came from the P-51 Mustang, it’s “Belly” tank was only 165 gallons, whilst the P-38 Lightning’s 350 gallons Drop tank was the perfect size! Hence being the preferred Drop Tank for aspiring Hot Rodders.

 

Some Dude named Alex  Xydias, founder of the original SoCal Speed Shop and builder of this legendous’ 1948 Belly Tank racer noted how He’d Shredded one of it’s Firestone racing slicks at 192mph!

 

As Xydias claims when he asked a “Flinstone” Rubber Company representative about his tyre failure, he was informed that said Firestone tire was only rated for 175mph, before Alex went 210mph the following year!

 

Naturally, Automotive Collector Bruce Meyer, who seems to be one of Autobiography’s “go To” Interviewees, and has featured in several episodes now just so happens to own thee Belly Tank racer in Question…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoRAT_qVr_8

 

As the programme ends by the Autobiography co-Hosts noting that the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats appear to be Disapearing! Claiming that in the past forty years the Salt has gone from a depth of 18-inches to now only a miniscule two inches!

 

As Y’all can read about Bruce Meyer’s other cars, the Kremer K3 Porsche 935 and Ferrari 250 TRC Testa Rossa in the following No Fenders tome…

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2019/04/retro-notorious-porsche-and-ferrari.html 

No Fenders remains Stuck in Limbo...

Although Surely, Hey Don't Call me Shirley, Hya! No Airplane Jokes Here! Y'all Haven't been Holding Your Collective Breaths, Righto?

Or turnin' Bleu', or is it Purple? Like those loveable but forgotten Smurfs, Eh? As Hello once again my loyal, remaining No Fenders readers...

For those who care, I'm Still Stuck in 1st gear, or is it Reverse? Since my winDOUGHS 10' Confuzers' been back to Ye Computer Shop again for a Gory Third time, and now all I need is a new winDOUGHS 10 compatible Monitor, Printer and presumably switching over to Zoomtext Fusion 2020, albeit I've never successfully mastered the plain 'Ol Zoomtext 2020 Screen reader Software which reputedly Don't work since I've fought against the Planned Obsolescence of buying a Bitchin' New Rectangular monitor as Randal', Thy Monitor King would croak; URGH!

And Yeah, I won't pull too many "Iceman" Puns upon Yuhs. Y'all Don't know who the Iceman Kuh-Kuh-Kuh-Choo' is? As I stole that witty repartee from a recent Mark Thee Iceman" Worman episode of Graveyard Carz from awhile ago now, which is one of the few TV Shows I currently watch weekly - whenever it Airs. Mostly in Deference to it coming outta my adopted Backyard, nee Springfield Oregon just 90mins away from Ye Coast, But I Digress...

AUTOS: A Few TV Car Show Rewinds

As Hopefully they haven't been ravaged by the Fires Engulfing Oregon! since I've got Zero Clue how close the Holiday Ranch Fire was to Springfield, but my 'lil Transistor Radio was Squawking multiple Emergency alerts towards being prepared to Evacuate for several Days!

Having already seranaded Y'all 'bout the ridiculously Idiotic travails of why I haven't been posting any riveting, Uhm ramblin' eclectic thoughts 'bout Der Vurld' de Motorsporten; Ja-Ja! Here upon No Fenders lately, with the exception of the few Blogmeister Miguel's been kind enough to post for Mwah before Dislocating his Shoulder; YOUCH!

As Thanks Microsoft, Zoomtext and Most of All, Google; NOT! For which the "New & Improved, Wink-Wink, Nudge-Nudge" Hideous Blogger Platform's interface I'd used for nearly 14yrs to post everythingys' now affectionately known here on Nofendersville simply as Blooger' since it's now a Piece 'O Shit!

Technology Rears its Ugly Head Again...

Or for an even more Scathing post upon Ye gOOgle Monster's STUPIDITY! Uhm, ergo Brashness of turning Blogger into another Rotting Corpse, Yikes! For which I'd really like to Shake the Head Clown in Charge's Hand; Err Slap Him/her on Thee Back for this Mega Clusterfuck!

Google's New Blogger Interface Does Not Work Properly

Although trusty Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen who's told me many Ah-Time 'bout how one day civilization will discover this unique Tex-Mex' Jumbaliah 'O Word Smithing I've used here upon Ye Isle 'O Nofendersville for over a Decade now as Tomasan' and simply wonder in Amazement what it means; Aye!

But on a somewhat more serious note, she asked why can't I simply do like Emily Dickinson did whilst awaiting solving my Myriad 'O Confuzer' nee Computer problems, Eh? Notably how winDOUGHS 10 and Zoomtext 2020 currently won't interface correctly on my machine with each other, before I can even "SEE" if it'll work on the new P.O.S. Graphically "Enhanced" Blooger blogging platform?

As I'd never heard of Emily dickinson before, which is somewhat strange since she's lauded as being America's Best ever Female Poet. And I was surprised to learn her story some Gory 134 years following her Death in Bloody 1886; Aye Karumba! Having Died at the Age of 55 on May 15, 1886.

Having never heard of Miss Dickinson before, Mary Ellen told me the story of how she prolifically wrote some 1,800 Poems unknown, which were only discovered by her younger sister after her Death and then subsequently published! Although somehow I Doubt this will occur for Mwah...

Emily Dickinson's I Felt A Funeral in My Brain

Alas, as the Time-Space Continuum merrily continues marching on uninterrupted, regardless of what's happening in our life's. Having just finished listening to my Debutante Tom Robbins tome Tibetan Peach Pie, his only work available in thoust preferred 'Ol School CD Audiobook format from ye local Library.

'Ol "Tommy Rotten's" Sardonic travails of his life ultimately as a successful Novelist made me proclaim that Writing my No Fenders Blog is a Privilege, not a Necessity, albeit I enjoy doing so as my Daily Ritual, which I suppose is why I'm so tied in Knots over Not being able to easily do so on Microsoft's latest creation, BARF!

And whilst Name Dropping, Messer Robbins notes his various encounters with the late Timothy Leary, claiming they became friends, which weirdly made me immediately Flash Back to a Great Old Groovy classic tune by The Moody blues.

VIDEO: Moody Blues - timothy Leary's Dead

Whilst Messer Robbins wraps up his latest novel by briefly mentioning the terms Manifestation vs. Imagination, which I suppose is totally Apropos in All walks of life along with the Serendipity of Coinciding nicely with Ye late Messer Leary, Righto?

As Robbins mention of Leary, plus his partaking in visiting Hate Ashbury in 1967 during the "Summer of Love," which he and his Girlfriend visited made me Flashback to Arse-sumedly Jefferson Airplane's GURR-REATEST' Song? Or at least my favourite, simply titled White Rabbit; Sing It Grace!

"One Pill Makes You Larger

One Pill Makes You Small

And the Ones Mother Gives You

Don't Do Anything at All

Just Ask Alice

When She's 10 Feet Tall

And if You go Chasing Rabbits..."

VIDEO: Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit

Obviously Ye Indy 500's come 'N gone since my Blogging career was temporarily Derailed, for which I've got another riveting Two-part Harmony, Err 2 Part No Fenders tome Ah-Waitin' posting. But as previously mentioned above, I've got ZERO Clue when this will happen, as Thanks Blooger', Bastardoes!

And that was before All of the West Coast Caught on Fire during and following the traditional ending of Summer, i.e.; Labour Day weekend. For which I know California's in way worse Devastation, but Over 10% Oregonians have been Forced to be under Evacuation orders to Depart their Domiciles at Moments Notice; SHEISA!

Not to mention the Horrific Smokeyness we've been enduring for over a week's time when I was trying to finish this ramblin' tome.

As it looked like the consistency 'O Chocolaty Brown Milk whenever I went outside the first few days when Thar weren't No Sun!

Not to mention it took me three days to realize there weren't any Bird noises coming from my Pine trees...

Alas, enough of Ye Debbie Downer' talk I suppose, Eh? As Ye World of Sports has been transfixed by Football; Hut-Hut Omaha! Since Arse-sumedly All of Gory Americre' is now Foaming at the Mouth over some professional Pigskins being tossed about and Motor Racing takes it's proverbial Backseat, Righto?

Although I must confess I've somewhat enjoyed the Self Enforced Sabbatical from Blogging Blooger's provided Mwah, especially since it's the worst time 'O year for when I Cannot S-e-E the Gory Confuzer' Screen and what I'm working upon during Summer's transition to Fall.

But I do still plan to continue Blogging here at No Fenders one day soon in earnest again, when I'll be fully 100% Functional, which now is my Goal for 2021 when Hopefully we'll Ring in a Much Better Year!

As Thanks Y'all for your Continued Patience...

Tomaso

VIDEO: Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up

Partial Song lyrics from:

Jefferson Airplane

Song: White Rabbit

Album: Surrealistic Pillow

Year: 1967

 

Ant Anstead: Master Mechanic

As Bloody Hell, I'm always suitably Impressed by Anyone who can Build His own Car from the Ground Up!

I suppose in some small way, it's ironic, Isn't It Alanis? Err Karmic or more likely symbiotic that I began Scribblin' this on the very same day Jolly 'Ol Silverstone was hosting the 70TH Anniversary Grand Prix.

Which was won seven decades ago by the very same racing car that Starred in the Motortrend TV television show Ant Anstead Master Mechanic that I watched all six weeks of its two half hour vignettes from May 20th until June 24th "Encore" presentation.

If you're a Formula 1 Diehard like Mwah, then you'll already know that the car in Questione is none other than the All Conquering Alfa Romeo Tipo 158. Having enjoyed Domination of the Sport A la Mercedes is currently enjoying, albeit for a far shorter duration "technically" if only considering the beginning of our current Formula One World Championship in 1950.

although it was as every bit Uber Dominant a la Mercedes over its very long racing tenure, beginning in 1937 thru 1951, interrupted obviously by World War II. Racking up a most impressive Win Tally of 47/54 Grands Prix outings! Not to mention the only racecar to go Undefeated in a season, winning 11 of 11 Races in 1950 Me Thinks...

As Giuseppe Farina and Alfa Romeo won the inaugural Formula 1 race of the modern day F1 series sanctioned by the FIA held at Bloody Silverstone Wayback on May 13, 1950, which I've previously chronicled in the following No Fenders tome.

Birth of the modern F1 championship

Ant Anstead is a most interesting character to Mwah, since although I like the main cog of Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer, it's Anstead which keeps me tuned into Ye Motortrend TV show, as I just find him to be hugely charismatic.

As Ant, whose first name is Anthony was previously a British Constable, reportedly one of the youngest to become a member of the Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) permitted to carry a Firearm in Bloody England!

Whilst he also played Semi Professional European "Football," what us Yanks refer to as soccer here. First as Goalkeeper and then moving to Striker for Ryman for 15 years, claiming to have made over 700 Caps.

As I particularly enjoyed him telling about his extremely modest beginnings when he Quit the Police Force in 2005 to chase his Dream of becoming a Car Builder. Noting he'd made a Deal with Arse-sumedly a Farmer, that if he made his One room Cow Barn fully functional, i.e.; lighting, heating, Cleaning etc. He could have the Barn the first year rent Free.

As the premise of the show which was produced in 2019 was that Anstead has three months (12 weeks) to build his Dream Car. As he'd better be Done by then because he's got a Son on the way! For which Hudson was born on Sept 6, 2019.

Ant's Dream Car is the aforementioned legendary Alfa Romeo Tipo 158, for which he muses how he'd like to have been a part of those Heady late 1930's era, presumably as a Mechanic at Alfa Course, fabricating the magnificent voiturette Tipo 158's.

Whilst a few times when mentioning how much larger he was than Juan Manuel Fangio, noting how El Maestro appeared to be almost spilling out of the Alfa's Cockpit, anstead mused he was 6 Feet two inches and 230lbs, I immediately muttered Out-loud He's a Big boy!

The series began with Ant having acquired a Knackered Out 1950's era MGTD, for which wisely includes rack & pinion steering, for which he effectively Chucks everything minus the front suspension and ladder chassis frame rails, which is the basis of his new racecar. As Ant then takes it to a nearby Bead Blaster, where he goes into the Blasting Shed himself to "Sand Blast" his frame, using walnut shells I believe.

My favourite episode follows, as Thars a Hilarious bit 'O Slapstick when he goes to retrieve what he thinks will just be a live rear axle. As the Auto Wrecking Shop's proprietor plays along Beautifully, telling him, Yours is Outside. To which Ant says Deadpan, you Didn't tell me it's still on a Car!

Then he ends up taking the Clapped-out Alfetti Spyder for a brief spin. Growling there's No clutch Pedal, before merrily Grinding Gears with the proprietor saying I Hope he Doesn't take it on the Freeway!

As I think it's really Cool that Ant ended up using much of the Alfa Spyder's Guts for his racecar, i.e.; engine, transmission, rear axle with locking Differential, and many of the car's gages and various sending units et Al.

Next Anstead flies Across Thee Puddle, back to his former European Workshop where he just so happens to have an Alfa Romeo 158 Fiberglas Mold in Storage, from a previous One-off he built for a charity Drive.

While I'm still Cornfuzed over how exactly he Detached his Bicep muscle playing Football? Which adds extra Drama to the Car's build Deadline. Along with one Episode's "Intro" having him whisper Never Wake a Sleeping Pregnant Woman," i.e.; his wife Christina, a TV Actress who previously co-Hosted Flip or Flop on the HGTV Network, and subsequently has her own TV Show aptly titled Christina On the coast on the same television network.

Meanwhile Anstead's back in California and the show takes a few Detours, notably visiting somebody with a "real" Alfa Romeo 158, albeit I could never discern if it's a replica somebody built? Since the apparent owner said it took four years to build, and claims is worth a cool $20m as in Millions, Aye Karumba!

Although apparently this Alfetta is a real Honest-to-Goodness Racecar, having all aluminum panels and being built from a Treasure Trove of left over surplus Alfa Romeo 158 Bits that came up for sale several years ago.

Birth of an Alfeta: The Alfa Romeo 158 Made from Spare Parts

As I've never heard the name Peter Giddings before, who reportedly was the guiding force and Backer behind the exquisite Tipo 158 creation, who succumbed to Cancer in January, 2019...

Peter Giddings Racing Bio

Along with visiting the Car Collection of a noted Ferrarista owner. Since Thars Michael Schumacher's F2002 on-hand, presumably that year's f1 Championship Winner. Along with a Ferrari F40, F50, Enzo and la Ferrari...

Ant has his Alfa Romeo two-litre straight four rebuilt by an engine specialist who does serious porting, polishing and rebuilding work to boost the 'lil Four-banger's Horsepower, including converting to Dry Sump lubrication. Which naturally Ain't what real Tipo 158's have.

Although Ant cleverly pays Homage to the magnificent Gioacchino Colombo 1,479cc Straight 8-Cylinder Roots Supercharged Formula 1 lump' by adding four fake exhaust headers to his Bundle 'O Snakes pipes exiting the side of his fiberglass bodied replica.

And while Ant's anxiously awaiting the arrival of his Alfa transplant lump', he sets about welding together his integral Space Frame amongst thou myriad 'O tasks still awaiting completion.

As Ant wisely upgrades All four corners with Disc Brakes, along with separate Master Brake Cylinders for the Front/Rear Brakes, with a slick Cockpit adjustable Brake Bias lever. And also upgraded to new modern era Shock Absorbers; Err Dampers.

Then for the car's paint scheme, Anstead consulted his Pal', renown Automotive Designer Chip Foose, who does a quick rendering and gives some tips regarding potential liveries, including a mustache on the nose? Telling Ant whatever you do, it has to reflect you...

As the race was on for the car's public Debut no less than at the 2019 United States Grand Prix Formula 1 race at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, for which Anstead claims got much praise over the race's weekend, since they weren't allowed to bring any cameras inside the circuit.

As the only part of the whole build that puzzles me was the brief mention of how he'd be running lights on the racecar, Huh? Like does this imply he was adding headlights to it? Which makes No sense to Mwah for a Track Only vehicle.

As the show concludes with him spending the day at Willow springs raceway I believe? Running the car Solo, for which I seem to recall him saying he needed to add an extra silencer to the exhaust since it's too Bloody L-O-U-D! Whilst we're left watching 'N listening to the soothing sounds of his tweaked Alfa Romeo two litre Four Banger singing around the race course...

Ant Anstead Drives his Alfa Romeo 158 Replica for the First Time video

As I highly recommend watching the whole 12-part series, which weighs in at 6hrs running time if you're a Car Nut, as the whole show's quite entertaining...