Nate did an amazing job on this C/4 engine, after being apart for a number of years he went through all the boxes and created this 4 overhead camshaft monster. He did a great job on detailing the engine too, all the parts are plated in the correct finishes and his wrinkle finish on the cam covers is outstanding.  These engines have so many castings that bolt together and are sealed with some flimsy paper, it takes a pro to seal these things and there isn’t a drop under this engine.

A group of three approaches the top of the pass.

We have a very close relationship with Rich and Jean Taylor at Vintage Rallies, and I wanted to create a video to promote and build their events. So, earlier this summer we gathered some favorite customers and friends together for a spectacular day of enthusiastic driving on wonderful back roads. We closed down the shop, and Nate, Casey, Peter and I were actually able to enjoy the cars we work so hard on.

We made sure that every car had a camera and a co-driver to run it. The result, a brief, but fun piece that shows just beginning of some of the capabilities that these cars possess. Video after the jump (click here). » Continue reading “Vintage Rallies Close to Cannonball”

We took a Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Tourer down the road to listen to the gears – and it happened to be a splendid day to make a video. It amazes me that a pre-war car can drive so fast and so smoothly – though still being a good bit of work to drive.

Here is the BB engine, finished up and running on the stand with a link below to see it on youtube. No leaks! Needs a little more tuning but this is the second start up and it ran very well. Since this video was taken, we dialed in the carburetors and it sounds amazing.

Car Show Classics also put together this engine bay porn from Mille Miglia. It’s a lot of detail.

Car Show Classic did a piece with Marcel Massini on the 212 at Mille Miglia. This is a great description of the history of the car from the master himself.

See http://carshowclassic.com/car-models/classic-car/146 for more.

A few new videos snuck into the shop this week from Pebble Beach.

Concours d’Elegance from AutoWeek on Vimeo.

Pebble Beach Concept Cars from AutoWeek on Vimeo.

We just finished another 330 engine, 330 cubic centimeters per cylinder multiplied by 12 cylinders equals 4000 C.C.’s or 4.0 liters. Actually, Nate did most of the work and this one runs so well without the requisite head gasket leaks!!

Here is a YouTube clip of it running:

Crank in 330

Racing it is not, especially with Ruby who is such a cautious driver but she will get some more seat time later this summer. We are thinking of trading this original 1927 car for a couple of the reproduction “Pur Sang” cars so the kids can race around without worrying about destroying something  valuable.

The Bugatti type 52 performed beautifully and the hand operated brakes stopped the car with confidence, “my cars are made to go, not to stop”.

Read more about the Bugatti Type 52 here: http://www.ferraricraft.com/2010/03/baby-bugatti/