Latest Posts Under: History
In 1958, Ford Motors revved up with three all-new V8 engine families: MEL, FE, and FT, leaving the old “Y” block behind like a forgotten lunchbox. The MEL, aka “Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln,” sported a unique valve arrangement, resembling a Chevy big block but with a twist. Meanwhile, Mercury’s exclusive 383 cu in Marauder flexed its muscles, boasting horsepower that seemed to fluctuate like a temperamental teenager. And let’s not forget the FT, built to power trucks like a caffeinated bison.
Nissan’s 2014 GT-R is the supercar that doesn’t just roar, it purrs with feline grace! Equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, this beast offers a smooth 545 hp ride—or more, if it’s feeling frisky. With trims like the plush Premium, stealthy Black Edition, and the race-ready Track Edition, there’s a GT-R for everyone except your toddler (seatbelts, you know). This car’s performance is so impressive, it’ll have you looking in the rear view to check if you just left reality in the dust!
In Cuba, American classics—”Yank Tanks”—roam the streets, defying time and embargoes. Thanks to Cuban ingenuity, over 60,000 vintage cars thrive, often patched with Soviet parts. These vehicular relics, once the pride of American gangsters, now serve as workhorses on bumpy roads. With gas prices high, many have swapped engines for Soviet diesel ones. Strolling through Havana’s historic streets, you’re not just in a museum; you’re in a moving testament to resilience and a bygone era.
In the early ’60s, Oldsmobile unveiled the F-85 & Cutlass, aiming to blend practicality with pizzazz. With a unibody design, this compact wonder sported a lightweight 215-cubic-inch V8 engine, perfect for those who wanted speed without breaking the bank—or the speed limit! Despite its charm, critics found its suspension as soft as a marshmallow. The Cutlass grew in popularity, especially with the turbocharged Jetfire, which offered a thrilling ride, albeit with a few reliability hiccups.
For the 1969 model year, the Camaro was the belle of the SCCA Trans Am ball, equipped with Corvette-like stopping power thanks to four-piston calipers. Only 206 of these beauties sported the $500 JL8 option, making them rarer than a unicorn on a racetrack. The Z28 package was a powerhouse, boasting a 302-cubic-inch engine, and the COPO version went rogue with a 427-cubic-inch beast, courtesy of Don Yenko. And let’s not forget the ZL-1, an all-aluminum marvel, crafted with love and 16 hours of labor!
The Cadillac Series 62 from 1954-1956 was where luxury met innovation, with features like the “Florentine” rear window and headlamp visors giving it a style all its own. With options like power seats and auto-dimming headlights, it was the epitome of ’50s tech. Engines roared with 0-60 mph in a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” 17.3 seconds! By 1956, sales skyrocketed, helped by the addition of power steering and new models like the Eldorado Biarritz. This Cadillac was truly the king of the road!
