Classic Car Buyers Guide

Enter the 2008 Ford Shelby GT

2007-06-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

The much talked about 2008 Ford Shelby GT is now officially
launched by Ford, as Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby once again
bring open-air excitement to the road with the return of the
Ford Shelby GT this time, coming with a new convertible body
style and a new standard color combination.

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible is being formally introduced
to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts at the annual Mid-America Ford
Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.

And like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited
to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT coupe
and convertible will be available from select Ford dealers
beginning in August 2007.

In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing
collaborated to create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation
Shelby GT-H coupe called the Ford Shelby GT. Not more than 6,000
2007 models of the vehicle were produced, with every vehicle
available only in Performance White or Black.

For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new
striking paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and
the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.

Shelby GT models start out as a specially-equipped Mustang GT
assembled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock,
Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles
facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford
dealerships nationwide.

Each Shelby GT is built for performance. Extensive development
has been made in each model, with aerodynamics as a key factor
to the car's powerful, unique front fascia with an aggressive
lower air dam. The hood scoop comes straight from the famed
Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are located just
before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual
exhaust tips, and a Shelby badge graces the trunk lid.

Jamie Allison, Ford Racing Performance Group Manager says that
the partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates the
company's ability to work together to deliver some of the most
exciting Mustang's ever built, "Ford Racing has a full line of
performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Shelby GT
convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby
and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche
performance Mustangs directly to the customer."

And the numbers? First check out what's under the hood -- the
engine is improved with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to
increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330
lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe
crossover enables better power delivery and a throaty V-8
exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual
transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise
shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Also in the offing is a Ford Racing Handling Pack with
special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear
axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. To reduce
body roll the overall ride height was dropped while a front
strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis
structure. The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels
with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to
maximize the upgrades.

Around 2,300 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles are set to be
built for model year 2008, available with manual or automatic
transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on
the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood
for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles
production is scheduled to begin in August 2007. Pricing will be
announced as vehicles arrive at dealerships.

About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive
industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or
distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents.
With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants
worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands
include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and
Mazda parts. The company provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information
regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc. Founded by legend Carroll Shelby,
Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance
vehicles and related products. The company manufactures
authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA
and 289 street car component vehicles. The company has partnered
with Ford Motor Company to produce the Shelby GT, Shelby GTH and
GT500KR, which are based on the Mustang. For more information
about Shelby Automobiles, visit www.shelbyautos.com.

About the author:
Kraig Johanssen is a native of Connecticut and holds a degree in
Software Engineering. He now works at a software development
firm in Alabama. His love for writing and great interest on cars
makes him a proficient contributing author to various automotive
magazines.

Ten Classic Muscle Cars

2007-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

With the popularity of movies like The Fast and The Furious,
Gone in Sixty Seconds and The last Ride, there has been some
reference to the good old muscle cars which were immortalised in
movies like Bullit, Vanishing Point and of course The Dukes of
Hazzard series. This top ten list has a look at some of the
muscle car icons born from the late 60's and early 70's.

The main measure of these cars is power, with Brake Horse Power
(bhp) being the term flung around most commonly. What this
refers to is the power released by the engine before the
gearbox, generator, differential, water pump, and other
components sap its power. If you are used to Kilowatts, then
take into consideration that 250kw translates to 335.26bhp.

The 1969 Pontiac GTO

Conceptualised to gain appeal to the younger market, Pontiac put
a 6.3 litre V8 engine into the midsized Tempest shell, making
for a cheap fast car. To the surprise of Pontiac's marketing
team the GTO became massively popular and in 1969 they fitted it
with a 6.5 litre V8 which could kick out 366bhp. The Judge was
born.

The 1970 Buick GSX

Again the idea here was to squash a beast of an engine into a
midsized body, in this case the Buick Skylark. In 1967 the Buick
GS became recognised as a standalone model available as a sedan
and convertible.

The 1970 model was given a monstrous 7.5 litre engine capable of
producing 400bhp. The GSX body came in yellow or white only,
adding to the image which made this car a distinct classic.

The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro

There were various options available to those purchasing a first
generation Camaro, the Z28 package being the most exciting. With
a 4.9 litre engine, power steering, disc brakes on the front and
a four speed manual gearbox, the Z28 was made for racing -
producing up to 400bhp.

The Plymouth Roadrunner

Built to beat 14 seconds over a quarter mile, the Plymouth
Roadrunner was stripped down to the bare essentials, sacrificing
even the carpets in order to make this into a beast of a
machine. It featured a beefed up steering, brake and suspension
systems and a 6.3 litre engine which pushed 335bhp. An optional
boost came from the 7.0 litre version's 425bhp.

The Dodge Challenger

Hitting the market in 1970, the Dodge Challenger was a hit from
the get go, selling more than 80,000 in the first year. Although
various options were made available, the R/T is the model which
attracts the most attention with its 7.0 litre Hemi engine
kicking out 425bhp. Later models lost the plot, with the '72
model dropping to a measly 240bhp. See the Challenger in the
cult classic movie, Vanishing Point.

The 1966 Ford Fairlane GT

Launched in '62 with a 3.6 litre V8, the Ford Fairlane was given
a makeover in 1966, complete with a 6.4 litre engine capable of
335bhp. As if this were not enough they decided to upgrade to a
7.0 litre NASCAR engine with 435bhp. Rigid front suspension and
disc brakes gave the car better handling, and the brute power
kicked the dial over 60mph (100km/h) in six seconds.

Oldsmobile 442

The Cutlass model was equipped with a police specification
engine capable of 310bhp. The 442 refers to the four barrel
carburettor, four speed manual gear box and the twin exhausts.
The 442 had a reputation for its handling when compared to other
muscle cars, thanks to its improved springs, shocks and the
comforting safety of an anti-roll bar.

The 1968 edition was redesigned as a shapely coupe, with a 7.5
litre block blasting 390bhp.

Plymouth Barracuda

Although the Barracuda was launched in 1964, just a couple of
weeks before the Ford Mustang, it was not until 1970 that
Plymouth gained wider popularity with sexy lines and some
serious growl under the hood in the form of a 7.2 litre 390bhp.
The other choice was a smaller 7.0 litre Hemi block which
knocked out some extra power at 425bhp!

Even with a revamped suspension the power was so much that the
'Cuda gained a reputation for difficult handling.

The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The 1965 Chevelle SS sported a 6.5 litre block pushing 375bhp,
which was all too much for the front end of the car, making for
some pretty horrible handling. Luckily this was addressed with
the revamping of the suspension and the addition of disk brakes
on the front.

1969 saw the introduction of the top engine spec, which was
featured in the El Camio pick-up as well. The 1970 SS was
powered by a 7.4 litre V8 with 450bhp pulling the Chevell to
100km/h in just six seconds. Later models were adjusted for
unleaded fuel and the power output suffered considerably.

Dodge Charger

Bo and Duke's ride of choice, the Charger was launched in 1966
and some 37,000 cars were sold in the first year. A 7.0 litre
Hemi reputedly kicked out around 500bhp, though it was
officially rated at 425bhp. This monster reached 100km/h in just
five and a half seconds. The Hemi engine option was available
until 1972.

About the author:
MensLifestyle is a
site for men who are looking to live a lifestyle of health,
wealth and adventure. The idea is to bring together the tips,
tools and products that will help you make more money, live
healthier and enjoy your life that much more.

A Piece of Classic Car Buying Advice

2006-11-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Classic car-Buyers guide is a great site for Classic Car buyers advice You can can read up on how to buy classic and special interest autos .And dont forget,The Restorers Edge will soon publish a Ebook for classic car restoration and tips and techniques for classic cars!

Buying a collector/hobby car should be an exciting, fun thing to do. But,without the proper considerations,the results can be frustrating and financially disastrous.Always try to consider all the options you have before going out and buying "That Classic Car".Or let's look at it this way...You've got the drive to take on the restoration,the money and the time, and even "the vision."
But you've jumped the gun and it's come down to one simple but horrible mistake:You bought a pile of rusty trash with 4 wheels and it's going to take a lot more work to restore than the thing deserves.
The truth is, starting with a loveable rolling wreck or basket case, can be the most expensive way to do a restoration.It's fine if you've found a Cobra factory racer that will be worth millions when you're done or if you want to create a Hot Rod with all the trick one of a kind Hot Rod stuff.
But what if you've fallen in love with Aunt Eddna's old Plymouth Valiant?Well, you're probabley going to be upside down before you get the the thing off the trailer.