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Posts Tagged: South Africa

The Acadian 1962-1971

by Ross Mills

The Acadian 1962-1971: When the Pontiac Tempest went AWOL in Canada, GM Canada whipped up the Acadian to fill the void. A Chevy II in disguise, it had more personalities than a soap opera character, with trim levels like Invader, Canso, and the swanky Beaumont. It shipped out from Oshawa to places as far-flung as Chile and South Africa, proving it’s not just a car, but a global ambassador. Canada kept it all under wraps until 1971, when it was replaced by the Pontiac Ventura II, ending its quirky run.

1965 Shelby AC Cobra by Backdraft Racing Stock

by Ross Mills

A real 1965 Shelby Cobra now costs well into seven figures, so Backdraft Racing built a hand-finished recreation instead — one that can pack up to 535 horsepower, far beyond anything the factory ever offered. Every body is shaped and gel-coated by hand in South Africa before it ever reaches a chassis. See how close a modern turn-key Cobra recreation actually gets to the legend.

Sunbeam Tiger—Need for Speed

by Ross Mills

In the wild world of the Sunbeam Tiger, needing speed had its quirks. With just 7,128 units roaring out, this car was more “British brawn meets American brawn.” It boasted a 260 and 289 engine that made even the Metropolitan Police want a piece. The Tiger tried LeMans but preferred breaking quarter-mile records instead. Maintenance was a mechanic’s yoga class, and Chrysler’s intervention swapped “Powered by Ford” to “Sunbeam V8.” When Ford engines ran out, the Tiger’s production purred to a stop.

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