July 2017

Preston Tucker — The man and his scheme

By William G. Sawyer
Contributing Editor, The Virtual Driver
Automobile photos © Nostalgic Motoring Ltd.


(July 15, 2017) For some, automobile addiction is a fatal disease. It begins innocently enough. An exotic car catches our eye, a friend gives us a spirited ride, or we wander into an auto race that awakens urges we didn’t realize we had.  For many, the auto gene lays dormant from birth, waiting to be unleashed by that first whiff of gasoline and tortured gear lube.

Honda introduces all-new mid-sized Accord sedan for 2018

(July 15, 2017) DETROIT —  Honda on Friday showcased a new direction for its midsize sedan with the world debut of a more stylish, sporty and premium 2018 Honda Accord that launches this fall. The world debut was held in Detroit. The 10th-generation Accord is new from the ground up.

Ford creates Orange Fury ice cream sandwich with edible wrapper

(July 14, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Two cool classics come together this summer as Ford introduces a limited-edition Mustang-inspired Orange Fury ice cream sandwich, created using Coolhaus Premium Ice Cream — the nationally celebrated sweet-treat brand known for unique, sweet-meets-savory flavors you can’t find anywhere else.

Honda goes fashion forward with one-of-a-kind 'Minnie Van'

(July 14, 2017) ANAHEIM, Calif. — Attendees at this year's Disney D23 Expo: Ultimate Fan Event will get to enjoy Minnie's polka dots in a whole new way when Honda unveils its one-of-a-kind 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan in Anaheim. Inspired by the magic of Disney and the iconic character Minnie Mouse, Honda has created the MINNIE VAN for display at the 2017 D23 Expo.

The MINNIE VAN is a one-of-a-kind, pink-polka dot design inspired 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan celebrating Honda's partnership with Disney-ABC and the "Disney Unlock the Magic Sweepstakes:" www.Disney.com/unlockthemagic.

Jaguar introduces all-new E-Pace SUV with world-record barrel roll

(July 14, 2017) The new Jaguar E-Pace crossover vehicle has set an official Guinness World Record title during its world premiere. The compact performance SUV leapt into the record books with a 50 foot-long jump, complete with a 270-degree corkscrew-like "barrel roll." Demonstrating the agility, precision and performance of the newest Jaguar SUV, the feat was the final test for E-Pace after 25 grueling months of work across four continents to test extreme durability and that it lived up to the Jaguar ‘Art of Performance’ philosophy.

Jeep adds two models to Renegade lineup for 2017

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica

(July 13, 2017) Jeep entered the Renegade in the subcompact SUV market to a generally good reception for the 2015 model year, and for 2017 adds a couple of new versions to the portfolio, one of which is the Renegade Altitude that serves as the subject for this review.

FCA to end Viper production, close Conner Assembly Plant

(July 13, 2017) DETROIT — It was announced this week that Fiat Chrysler will permanently close its Conner Assembly Plant on Aug. 31, as production of the Dodge Viper ends. FCA had made it known in June 2016 that it would end production of the low-volume, high-powered $90,000 sports car.

The plant employs 87 people who build Vipers by hand. In a notice filed on June 30 with the state of Michigan, FCA said it expected it would be able to offer positions to all of affected employees at other locations.

A Missouri Falcon



The compact Ford Falcon featured a more squared-off look for 1964, the first year of its second-generation. The '64 Falcon came in eight body styles and with five engine offerings (three inline 6-cylinder models and two V-8s). Transmissions included a two- and three-speed automatic and a three- and -four-speed manual. This abandoned copy was found in Rolla, Mo.
(Photo By Jim Meachen)

Pappy Hoel named official campground for Harley Owners Group at Sturgis

(July 14, 2017) STURGIS, S.D. — Harley-Davidson and the Full Throttle Saloon’s Pappy Hoel Campground have partnered to name the Pappy Hoel Campground as the official campground for Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) during the 77th annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, SD, next month.

The partnership offers the following benefits to all H.O.G. members with a valid H.O.G. membership:

Wide range of Isotta cars to be featured at Pebble Beach

(July 13, 2017) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — From an unlikely partnership between lawyer Cesare Isotta and car enthusiasts Vincenzo, Antonio and Oreste Fraschini, came Italy's most opulent automobile brand: Isotta Fraschini (Ee-So-ta fra-Skee-nee). A wide range of Isottas, from the very first to the last cars built, will be showcased in three full classes at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Aug. 20.