The Ardennen Rennen– subtitled The Gentleman Racer Reunion– is a new rally event held in the renowned Ardennes region of Spa, Belgium.

I’ve been entailed with air-cooled cars for over ten years currently, as well as in that time have participated in all the large themed occasions around Europe. So when I obtained a welcome to photograph Ardennen Rennen– an event focussed on driving as well as appreciating uncommon ‘old speed’ (AKA duration correctly tuned) air-cooled autos, I was hyped to say the least.

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The coordinators of the Ardennen Rennen are not just air-cooled Volkswagen and Porsches followers, they live and breathe them. Frederic(Freddy)as well as Mike are outright legends in the European air-cooled scene as well as are very well recognized for their various other occasions– the European Bug-In, Freddy’s Revival Files and also the Das Drag Day. These are all widely prominent, weekend-long get-togethers, focused on air-cooled autos and also classic drag racing. As you ‘d expect, both Freddy as well as Mike have each obtained a variety of intriguing air-cooled lorries over

the years, and also driving their’old speed’vehicles with the Belgian Ardennes area around the well-known Spa-Francorchamps circuit inspired them to organize this event. The Ardennen Rennen pays tribute to the roadway rallies of the past, as well as for the very first occasion charted a course from Liège to Bastogne and also back again over the

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training course of a full day’s driving. Rivals fulfilled on Saturday mid-day at R-Hotel in Aywaille, and set off first thing Sunday morning.

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It’s not just About vehicles. The event commemorated the whole vibe of 1960s’gentleman racers’, so vehicles plus duration apparel and even old-fashioned navigating. This very first running of the Ardennen Rennen was attended as well as enjoyed by 16 teams (vehicle driver as well as co-driver). Equipped with classic stopwatches and also tripmeters, they covered around 200kms of incredible roadways, albeit primarily in damp problems.< img course =”alignnone

“src=” http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20040714/1_SH_DSC05186-680×453.jpg “alt=”1_SH_DSC05186”
data-attachment-id=”578315″data-go-fullscreen=”http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20040714/1_SH_DSC05186.jpg”data-can-print=”real”data-attachment-url=

“http://www.speedhunters.com/2022/10/ardennen-rennen-the-gentleman-racer-reunion/1_sh_dsc05186/”data-src=”http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20040714/1_SH_DSC05186-1200×800.jpg”> I think it’s risk-free to claim that most timeless Volkswagen and Porsche owners would favor to keep their autos completely dry and warm, so chasing them around the ache woodland roads of the Ardennes was an absolute blast. Collin Tiemens Instagram: fuegocarculture Even more IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER posts How To sign up with the IATS program: We have actually constantly invited visitors to call us with examples of their work and believe that the best Speedhunter is always the person closest to the culture itself, right there on the street or neighborhood car park. If you believe you have what it takes and also would like to share your deal with us then you should relate to become part of the IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER program. Read how to get entailed below.

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For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet check out Community Chevrolet TODAY!


Mike Murillo LaFawnduh Fire Aftermath Pt. 1: The Tear Down, What Went Wrong, And Future Plans

Last week we shared the frightening fire video from Mike Murillo Racing, where his renowned LaFawnduh Mustang shed really badly. Thankfully Mike was putting on safety equipment as well as was able to leave the car without injury. However the vehicle is no longer the exact same, that’s for sure. It got real hot as well as is most definitely worse for wear. We’re just thankful that Mike was fine after the fire, and also love that he as well as the team are sharing the reconstruct process. There is plenty to talk about with regards to what went wrong, what is currently harmed, and also what it’s going to require to repair.

IF YOU MISSED THE FIRE VIDEO, CLICK HERE

Video clip Description:

We get Lafawnduh out of the trailer at our purchase the very first time as well as start to take her apart to be ready for repair service, come follow us on this journey that will certainly take alot of time, persistence as well as effort! Love all the followers for the messages and support!


  • Share This 0 That Makes The Best”Ratcheting”Wrench? Craftsman, GearWrench, Blue Point, Proto, Wera, DeWalt, SK, Williams


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Old tools and also equipment are incredible, but often they require a refurbish to look or perform their ideal. When it comes to old milling devices as well as lathes, they often work ideal however are cosmetically tested after decades of use. So how tough is it to recover one so it looks amazing in your shop? I’ve never ever done it, however I simulate enjoying videos on it so I’ll know what I’m up versus when I discover the appropriate bargain for my very own equipment.

In this video clip, a really cool old turret gets some love as well as appears looking pretty great. This is one I would certainly be proud to have being in my shop. How around you?

Video clip Description:

This is my first lathe, it is fully functional, no play, the bed is in very good condition. The lathe is virtually 70 years of ages, so it currently looked very bad, the previous proprietor dealt with the equipment so I did not have to replace the bearings, or remedy the geometry of the machine elements.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Claremont Toyota TODAY!

1921 Haynes, Cars of 1912

1912 Haynes

Fun thing to think about: 1912 was Chevrolet’s first full year on the market. Now, 111 years later, Chevrolet is still around, but most of the brands seen below are not. It’s odd to think that this gallery is filled with the cars that Chevrolet buyers in 1912 either passed on, or simply could not afford.

Michigan Auto Ad

Excerpt from Michigan ad seen below.

Take special note of the Michigan ad. Until I read this particular advertisement, I was not aware that cars were lumped into categories based on horsepower. Or, maybe they weren’t. The auto industry was still evolving, and comparisons between brands were often difficult to make, as many of these cars were sold regionally, and could not be easily had in every market.

And, reviewing the ads below, it occurs to be that Detroit Electric would make a fine brand to bring back into action.

More classic ad

The Cars of 1912

1912 American

1912 American

The Cars of Metropolis

1912 Detroit Electric

1912 Detroit Electric

Five Great Car Logos—For Tattoos

1921 Fiat

1912 Fiat

Favorite Car Ads: 1959 Rolls-Royce

1912 Flanders

1912 Flanders

Market Crash Madness! A Gallery of Depression-Era Car Ads

1921 Haynes Model 22

1912 Haynes

Big-Top Madness! Clowns in Classic Car Ads

1921 Havers

1912 Havers

Droëwors Madness! A Gallery of Classic South African Car Ads

1921 Michigan

1912 Michigan

Dead-Brand Madness! 10 Classic DeSoto Ads

1921 Pope-Hartford

1912 Pope-Hartford

National-Pastime Madness! A Gallery of Baseball-Themed Auto Ads

1912 Stevens-Duryea

1912 Stevens-Duryea

Listen to the very-entertaining Car Stuff Podcast

Cars of 1921 Gallery

Click below for enlarged images.

Cars of 1912

Streamline Madness! A Gallery of Automotive Aerodynamics in Print Ads

Cars of 1912

Car Stuff Podcast

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Gardena Nissan TODAY!


Take A Look At All The Photos We Posted From LS Fest East! They Are All Right Here!

If you missed out on any one of our Drag Racing, Drifting, Car Show, Off-Road, or Burnout pictures from Holley’s LSFest 2022, after that utilize the web links below to examine them full blast! In this way you can see whatever we published so you ensure you do not miss out on anything!

(Photos by Wes Allison) Holley’s LS Fest occasions are currently spread out throughout the nation, however the one that began it all is held in Bowling Green Kentucky as well as has been going on for 13 years. I’ve been the voice of this occasion because the start and also have actually seen it expand from a small little celebration to among the most significant and also baddest events on earth over that time. We’re discussing an event that commemorates all that is the LS engine, and does so by welcoming anything and also whatever that has LS power to come out for the program, the drags, the autocross, the road course, the off-road track, the drifting, the dyno as well as obviously the fatigue contest. Yeah, there is a lot going on at this location. As well as it’s remarkably rad.

Fortunately our intrepid digital photographer Wes Allison was on hand all weekend long shooting pictures like a mad male and also we’ve got gallery after gallery to share with you over the following week or so. We’ll have numerous photos to share, due to the fact that no one brings you a lot more event images than we do here at BANGshift.com.

I can inform you that there are a number in these galleries that would have made my short list of faves. Why don’t you look into this very first gallery as well as allow us know which cars and also vehicles are your faves and also we’ll maintain bringing you extra all week.

LS Fest East 2022 Photo Coverage:

Car Show, Drags, Autocross, Off-Road, And More!

LS Fest East 2022 Photo Coverage: Our LSFest Off-Road Coverage Starts With Camaros Flying!

LS Fest East 2022 Photo Coverage: Our Drag Race Photos Start NOW!

LS Fest East 2022 Photo Coverage: Lowrider Hopping WHILE Doing Burnouts, Burnouts, And More Burnouts!

LS Fest East 2022 Photo Coverage: Sideways Tire Smoking Action From The

Biggest LS Event On The Planet! LS Fest East 2022 Photo Coverage: Bad Ass Corner Carving Muscle LS Fest East Photo Coverage Continues: More Drag Racing Action From LSFest In Bowling Green LS Fest East Photo Coverage: LS Swap The World! Look into More Cool Rides From The Show LS Fest East Photo Coverage: LS Swap The World! Have a look at More Cool Rides From The Show LS Fest East Photo Coverage: Tire Smoking Burnout Contest Action From Bowling Green

. LS Fest East Photo Coverage: Sideways Tire Smoking Drift Action LS Fest East Photo Coverage:

Autocross Action Means Sideways Corner Carving Fun LS Fest East Photo Coverage: Our Final Corner Carving Gallery Of Pro Touring Machines LS Fest East Photo Coverage:

Powerwheels Downhill Racing At LSFest! LS Fest East Photo Coverage: More Drag Racing Action From LSFest In Bowling Green

LS Fest East Photo Coverage: Check Out More Cool Rides From The Show!

LS Fest East Photo Coverage: Our Final Gallery Of Racing Shots!

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  • 0 What Happens When You Add an Alternator To An Electric Car? Extensive Range? Jeremy Fielding Explains

  • For GREAT deals on a new or used Land Rover check out Land Rover Ventura TODAY!

    Quick Spin: 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge Extended Range

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription in Silver Damon(a$695 color option) 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    Extended Range Class: Premium Compact Crossover Miles Driven: 998 Gas Used: 27.0 gallons Real-world gas

    economic situation
    : 37.0 mpg *

    CG Report Card Room and Comfort

    B+ Power and Performance A- Fit and Finish A Gas Economy B+Value C+Report-card grades are originated from a consensus of test-driver analyses. All qualities are versus other vehicles in the very same course. Worth grade is for details trim level reviewed, and might not mirror Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model schedule. Big & & Tall Comfort Big Guy A- High Guy A- Big & & Tall convenience rankings are for front seats just. “Big” score based on male tester considering around 350 pounds, “Tall” ranking based on 6’6″-high male tester. Drivetrain Engine Specs 455-hp 2.0 L Engine Type 4-cyl turbocharged
    plug-in hybrid Transmission 8-speed automated Drive Wheels AWD

    Driving mix: 25% city, 75% highway

    EPA-estimated gas economy: 63 MPGe/28 mpg (city/highway integrated)

    Fuel kind: Premium gas suggested

    Base rate: $62,250 (not including $1095 destination charge)

    Choices: Climate Package ($750), Advanced Package ($2050), metal paint ($695), Bowers as well as Wilkins premium stereo ($3200), 4-corner air suspension ($1800), 20-inch 8-spoke black alloy wheels ($800), power tailgate ($200)

    Price as tested: $72,840

    Quick Hits

    The great: Standard safety attributes; extremely classy interior products

    The good: Profound velocity; fuel-economy potential and eco versatility of plug-in crossbreed powertrain

    The not so excellent: Complicated touchscreen controls; optional tools swiftly increases the bottom-line price; not fairly as nimble or athletic-feeling as some performance-focused class competitors

    CG Says:

    We’re no strangers to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and we understand that identifying any kind of type of real-word gas economic climate with a PHEV is difficult. This, due to the fact that fee possibilities– as well as total gas mileage driven– are different for every customer, and also is it turns out, every Consumer Guide editor also. Consequently, our analysis of the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge, seen here in topline Inscription trim, includes an asterisk alongside our reported gas mileage above. A lot more on that particular momentarily.

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription The XC60 Recharge crossbreed system was upgraded considerably for 2022, and flaunts greater battery electric-only array and even more power because of this. For’22, the Recharge battery is bumped from 11.6 to 18.8 kWh of capacity, prolonging variety from 19 to 35 miles, hence the Extended Range addition to the lorry’s proper name. Note that”standard-range “versions of the 2022 XC60 recharge

    are additionally offered, however will not be offered for 2023. Spin: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription With the bump in battery ability comes a bump in power, up from 400 to

    455. Not that the standard-range Recharge was wanting for muscle, but the Extended-Range version offers thrilling velocity, and seamless power shipment. The included array and also power have actually not jeopardized the XC60 Recharge’s overall goodness, and also Volvo’s compact crossover continues to be a fine 4-passenger transportation, boasting a roomy, well-equipped cabin, superb flight top quality, as well as just enough handling expertise to finish with various other European automobiles in the same course. You can learn more regarding the XC60 Recharge drive experience here.

    Test Drive: 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription As for our gas economic situation, plugging in as usually as possible, we balanced 37.0 mpg over 998 miles. Below’s the offer, that number consists of a 468-mile Chicago-Indianapolis-Chicago trip throughout which on the house happened. Fuel economic climate for only the city-to-city ride came to just 27.9 mpg– reducing our standard reported gas mileage considerably. But, exclude the road trip, and also our typical gas mileage leaps to 57.5 mpg, not also far off the EPA approximated number.

    Examination Drive: 2021 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription At more than $ 72,000, the XC60 Recharge in Extended Range Inscription trim strikes as pricey, but the included array and high-end cabin do a great deal to assist justify the cost. To draw out the maximum value from your plug-in crossbreed, devote to connecting in as commonly as you can. There’s no factor in hauling around a hefty, expensive battery if you’re not going to profit it.

    Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

    2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription

    Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

    Volvo XC60 Recharge Gallery Click below for enlarged images.

    Test Drive: 2022 Lexus NX 450h + F Sport Automobile Stuff Podcast

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    The business’s top-of-the-line SUV, the brand-new 2024 Volvo EX90, has actually been revealed. According to the first pictures, the Concept Recharge will certainly work as the motivation for the exterior layout. So, the new automobile will certainly be sleeker than the XC90, but it will certainly still have special Volvo attributes like LED headlights that resemble Thor’s hammer as well as taillights that punctuate.

    We unfortunately do not yet understand anything about the EX90’s engine, battery capacity, or driving variety, however we prepare for that it will be geared up likewise to the C40 Recharge SUV. According to the firm, the next generation of Volvo’s vehicle driver help systems will certainly likewise remain in the EX90.

    2024 Volvo EX90 Exterior

    A prime picture of the Swedish layout style is the existing version of the Volvo XC90. Hence, the new 2024 Volvo EX90 will debut with a trendy grille panel, a collection of headlamps appearing like Thor’s Hammers, and also edge air vent inlays.

    The Recharge Concept from the previous year likewise sporting activities the very same style. Straight light comes from a C-clamp system installed vertically as well as covers the entire size of the back.

    Modern and Spacious Interior

    Inside, the new 2024 Volvo EX90 will be modern and roomy. This SUV will have greater percentages, similar to the substantial three-row crossover. This is mainly many thanks to improved foundations. It’s intriguing to note that the interior features a horizontally themed dashboard with a substantial infomercial screen organized in the type of a picture. Regardless, we stopped working to find a cockpit console in front of the vehicle driver.

    Consequently, we believe that a head-up display screen system or a steering-column screen might be used to offer the vital vehicle driver’s information. As far as we understand, the brand-new Volvo EX90 will certainly also consist of a few of the brand-new vehicle driver support systems. The best part of this SUV is a new system that will have the ability to detect a resting baby’s soft breathing and also activate the climate control to avoid hyperthermia, or heatstroke.

    2024 Volvo EX90 interior

    2024 Volvo EX90 Motor Specifications, Battery Size, and also Range We’ve heard that the upcoming 2024 Volvo EX90 will certainly utilize both a single and a twin electric motor setup. What we expect as the output is between 400 and also 455 horsepower.

    In regards to battery storage, a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that supports an 800-volt design is what we prepare for. This will make it feasible to have an affordable DC fast-charging system as well as a series of more than 372 miles (600 km).

    2024 Volvo EX90 rear

    Pricing as well as Availability We anticipate that the gasoline-free EX90 will be a lot more expensive than the XC90 SUV on a basic level, although that pricing and possible packages are still unclear. We forecast that the EX90 will certainly keep the brand-new arrangement as Volvo just lowered the variety of offered trim degrees. According to some rumors, this brand-new configuration could include the Core trim as the entry-level choice, with rates beginning at $70k.

    A Plus model is the medium option, as well as an Ultimate design will certainly consist of more amenities. Sales of the brand-new Volvo EX90 ought to begin some time following year, probably in the autumn, and the automobile will certainly make its launching on November 9 in Europe.

    — The brand-new SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award will exist at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to an influencer who has actually made a positive influence on the automobile market — See

    a video concerning all the finalists listed below!

    DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2022)– SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) introduces the finalists for its first-ever SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year honor. The brand-new program recognizes content makers and social media influencers who have actually significantly sustained as well as assisted develop enthusiasm for the auto market as well as auto society. The brand-new award will exist to one of the top-five finalists at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer that has built an involved audience and also used his or her system to favorably affect automobile fanatics of every ages.

    The 5 finalists for the 2022 SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award are Larry Chen, ChrisFix, TJ Hunt, Adam LZ, and also Alex Taylor. The award is an outcome of the rise of material creators’and also social media influencers’influence on the market. Finalists for the award were selected based on their visibility as well as influence throughout social media sites networks, consisting of YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, as well as a lot more. The desirable SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will organize the finalists and acknowledge their influence on growing the$50.9 billion vehicle specialty-equipment sector.”These influencers and designers have actually developed a significant voice to aid promote, form, and also shield the automotive industry,”stated SEMA Chairman James Lawrence.” Each of them has the capability to share their stories as well as connect

    with their fans in a personal as well as impactful means. They additionally create tons of exhilaration and also enthusiasm for the auto industry. They are a huge part of being a vehicle fanatic today, as well as it’s time we acknowledge them for their payments.”Sustained by the SEMA Show’s power and also interest, influencers will certainly head to Las Vegas during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and contractors, discover new products, witness car unveilings, and also participate in industry celebrations while sharing their experiences for the globe to see. “Automotive influencers embody the enthusiasm that makes being a vehicle individual so special,”proceeded Lawrence.”The material they create is an excellent representation of what automobile culture is all about.”The SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year honor victor will certainly be introduced at the recently spruced up SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 3. The banquet, which is the annual party of the specialty-equipment industry, will certainly also provide the backdrop for the presentation of various other sector honors, consisting of SEMA Person of the Year and also SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year.

    For GREAT deals on a new or used VW check out East Hills VW of Sayville TODAY!

    2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature

    2022 Mazda CX-9
    Signature in Machine Gray Metallic(a$595 shade option)2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature Class: Midsize Crossover Miles driven: 1330 Fuel utilized: 57.3 gallons CG Report Card Space and also Comfort B
    +Power as well as Performance B Fit and Finish A
    Fuel Economy B+
    Value B
    Report-card qualities are stemmed from a consensus of test-driver assessments. All grades are versus various other lorries in the exact same course. Worth grade is for specific trim degree evaluated, and also might not mirror Consumer Guide’s perceptions of the entire model lineup.
    Big & & Tall Comfort
    Large Guy b-
    Tall Guy B+
    Big & & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats just. “Big” rating based on male tester considering approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-high male tester.
    Drivetrain
    Engine Specs 227/250-hp 2.5 litre
    Engine Type Turbo 4-cylinder
    Transmission 6-speed automated
    Drive Wheels AWD

    Real-world fuel economic situation: 23.0 mpg

    Driving mix: 40% city, 60% highway

    EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/26/23 (city, highway, incorporated)

    Fuel type: Regular gas

    Base rate: $47,210 (not consisting of $1225 destination fee)

    Options on examination automobile: Special paint ($595),

    Price as checked: $49,030

    Quick Hits

    The fantastic: Upscale luxury-level ambiance inside and out; smooth designing; stylish driving character for a three-row midsize SUV

    The great: Robust acceleration, much better than expected gas economy

    The not so good: Some laborious infomercial controls; some midsize three-row class competitors provide better overall interior room

    More Mazda CX-9 price and accessibility information

    5 Cool Things About The 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature

    Fuel Economy:

    Compared with various other 3-row crossovers reviewed by Consumer Guide over the previous year approximately, the CX-9 returned the very best gas economic climate. Those crossovers consist of the Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, as well as Volkswagen Atlas.

    Power:

    The CX-9’s turbocharged 4-cylinder isn’t the most-refined engine in the group, but it develops lots of useful torque for quick launches from a quit and pleasing passing and also merging maneuvers.

    Handling:

    Like other versions in the Mazda schedule, the CX-9 manages far better than most of the competition. Credit stylish framework adjusting and fast, specific guiding for the CX-9’s athletic personality.

    Long-Haul Comfort:

    Though the 4-cylinder engine generates a fair amount of noise when pressed, it works out in perfectly at highway speeds. The huge Mazda is comfortable at highway speed, with a well-controlled however comfortable flight.

    Luxury:

    Thanks to high quality workmanship as well as a charitable dose of high-end product, the CX-9 cabin, specifically in Signature trim, checks out like that of a luxury-brand lorry. That claimed, at just over $48,000 as examined, the CX-9 is likewise priced near to some premium crossovers.

    2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature

    2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature Gallery Click listed below for enlarged pictures.

     

    For GREAT deals on a new or used INFINITI check out Circle INFINITI TODAY!

    On an otherwise unremarkable night in my office, my mobile went off, pulling me away from some sort of procrastination. Flipping it over it was a message from fellow Speedhunter, Mark Riccioni.

    In my experience, Mark is generally good for two things: The first is making all of us feel extremely fiscally responsible and sane through his SH Garage project car updates; the second is shooting some of the coolest automotive projects to hit the internet.

    “Got some time, mate?” the message started.“I need you to write about two cars from Chris at Ruffian”.

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    Two-car features are always a bit of a challenge, especially two-car features where each car can stand confidently on its own. Nevertheless, the glutton for punishment that I am I replied, “Sure, no problem”. Both cars in this instance come from the mind of Chris Ashton.

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    Chris, prior to building cars, devoted much of his life to digital creativity. As design director and co-founder of Turtle Rock Studios, his handiwork can be found in a number of popular gaming titles. As an on-again, off-again developer myself, I can relate firsthand to the mental release that comes from working in the physical rather than digital. Manipulating pixels and code requires a vastly different skillset than what’s necessary to shape metal.

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    Yet, therein that difference lies the challenge.

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    Studying a flat piece of metal and figuring out how to shape it with hand tools can be both fun and incredibly rewarding. Any frustration along the way is only further justified by the satisfaction that comes from being able to run your hands over the finished product.

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    Stepping back in admiration to exclaim, ‘Yeah, I built that’ never gets old.

    Welcome To The Stable

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    The Mustang was Chris’s first fully custom vehicle so we’ll start there. It’s the reimagining of a 1970 model and its presence is nothing short of impressive. The olive green colour (a Porsche hue) is somewhat reminiscent of the car from Bullitt, but the bodywork screams Trans Am race car.

    That’s deliberate because Chris set out to build a race car for the street when he initially tore the Mustang down for its rebuild.

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    As an autocross enthusiast, Chris didn’t just build the car to look functional, it is functional.

    Suspension from Street or Track is used both front and rear. In the front, tubular control arms replace the standard stamped steel units, and the front struts were also shortened an inch to give Chris his desired ride height. At the rear, the Mustang sports a matching Street or Track 3-link setup.

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    The bodywork quite obviously isn’t stock and the all-steel fenders were made by Chris himself. Construction started with wire templates which were covered in masking tape, and that shape was then created in steel using a planishing hammer. Chris was careful to not change the shape of the fender openings too much, so things don’t look too out of place.

    From design to conception each fender took roughly 10 hours apiece. On Chris’s first go no less. Not bad at all.

    Wide 315/30R18 and 345/30R19 Toyo Proxes R888R tires wrap around double-staggered Signature ONE 18×11-inch and 19×12.5-inch wheels, and behind these sit Wilwood 13-inch and 12-inch 4-piston brakes.

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    Chris’s design skills worked wonders on the colour pallet. The satin black wheels match the Boss-style stripe that runs around the bottom of the car, while the red-accented calipers match similar accent striping and lettering throughout.

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    The red matches the valve covers of the 625 horsepower 427ci LS3 V8 under the hood.

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    Yes, this car is LS powered. It might be an unforgivable sin to Ford fans, but if it’s any consolation, I don’t think there’s a single blue oval badge on this car.

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    The year is 2022 and there’s no need to justify an LS swap anymore, but Chris does offer up packaging as a significant contributor to his decision. Coyote motors are roughly six inches wider across than LS motors, and Chris rather likes his factory strut towers.

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    Backing up the LS is a T56 Super Magnum 6-speed transmission and oil-cooled Ford 9-inch rear end with TrueTrac 4.11:1 gears.

    DSC05185

    The interior, meanwhile, is elegant in its simplicity.

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    Save for the OEM-style wood-rimmed steering wheel, the cabin features a mostly a muted colour pallet.

    Around the permitter snakes a custom 10-point roll cage, and Corbeau harnesses slide through Cobra seats. For extra occupant safety, there’s a three-nozzle fire impression system, and for comfort, Vintage Air provides climate control. A retro-style control box between the seats houses the various switches for items like the fuel pump, fan and ignition.

    AutoMeter Carbon Fiber Ultra-Lite series gauges provide vitals in white and amber.

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    Outside of the obvious modifications, Chris has spent time nipping and tucking the car in less initially obvious areas.

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    The previously faux vents on either side of the headlights are now functional and routed to the car’s air intake system, and the front fenders have been pie-cut to give the car a forward lean. This is both an aesthetic choice and an aerodynamic one, an idea borrowed from Trans Am race Mustangs.

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    The front chin spoiler is another hand-built effort.

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    As is the rear spoiler; Chris also taught himself how to TIG weld during its construction.

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    The Mustang is menacing at every angle and would be enough car for most people to be happy with on any given day. Most people.

    The Ruffian40

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    Not to be outdone by, well, himself, the other Ford in Chris’s rag is his GT40. The Mustang turned out better than Chris intended it too, so it’s really not surprising the GT40 is an absolute weapon as well.

    If you can believe it, this car is actually the result of a routine motor and transaxle install that went wrong.

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    Or right, depending on which side of the fence you sit on. And don’t worry blue oval fans, this one is still Ford powered.

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    Behind the passenger compartment is a Ford Racing Aluminator 52XS V8, good for 800 horsepower and 445ft-lbs of torque. The headers are equal length 180-degree units with a vacuum-operated muffler bypass.

    Both the headers and intake have been coated bronze, which is the same colour that carries through to the stripe that runs down the center of the car’s exterior.

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    The intake does a very obvious ‘u’ toward the front, and with the hood on is encased in a custom-made scoop. Scoop one was made of metal and weighed nearly 20lbs, while the version currently on the car is a carbon fibre piece of less than half that weight.

    Quad exhaust tips exit through the back bumper where twin tips are more typically found. This was an effort to update the rear end to look a little more symmetrical.

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    The headlights are another complex exercise in aesthetics and performance. None of the retrofits on the market suited the car, so Chris 3D-modelled his own headlights and then printed them himself. The projector lights themselves are actually designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

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    You’ve probably already noticed that the car is right-hand drive. What’s rather interesting is that Ford GT40s remain right-hand shift, despite the steering wheel located on the opposite side.

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    The gauges are Speedhut units, red-faced with a reverse-sweep speedometer.

    Like the Mustang, red flourishes inside the interior are matched by red pops on the exterior.

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    Also like the Mustang. the Ruffian40 sits on Signature wheels. These are center-lock THREE models in 18×11-inch and 19×14-inch.

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    Toyo Proxes R888R tires are used again in 295/30R18 and 345/30R19 fitments front and rear respectively.

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    The fenders and front spoiler were designed by Kasim Tlibekov and produced in carbon fibre by Competitions Carbon. Without the widened fenders the wheels wouldn’t have a chance of fitting in a way that would leave the car functional.

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    Toyota fans, you’re not mistaken the colour is Cavalry Blue.

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    Bilstein provides dampers all around with a lift system helping with harsh inclines.

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    Similar to the Mustang, this car sees its fair share of hard driving. It wasn’t built solely just to park about and look at. It sure is mighty fine to look at though.

    Ruffians

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    Both the GT40 and Mustang feature ‘Ruffian’ in their name and badging. The label was originally used for the Mustang; that project needed a name, and while looking for inspiration Chris noted ruffian was a common name for racing horses.

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    Sure, that might be a little on the nose, but it fit the ethos of the Mustang; ruffians are rebellious by nature and the car is too. The Ruffian40 simply follows suit.

    Modifying both cars as extensively as Chris has can be divisive. Each is beloved in its factory form so many would prefer enthusiasts tread lightly.

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    No intending to be a jerk about it, Chris doesn’t seem to particularly care nor mind what detractors might think about his creations. They are the versions of iconic cars he wants to build.

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    If it wasn’t obvious I’m quite the fan of both.

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    Chris has the means to have these cars built for him, but he’d rather do it himself to stay true to his vision. So much so that he’s now grown Ruffian Cars into an operation that has outgrown the garage in which it started.

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    The setting may have changed slightly but Chris is still learning as he goes. Now he just has a few other folks learning with him.

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    Their next effort will be a track-ready Ford Galaxie 500. That’s over 3,500lbs of Ford to make into a track vehicle, so consider my interest well and truly piqued.

    Dave Thomas
    Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom

    Photos by Mark Riccioni
    Instagram: mark_scenemedia
    Twitter: markriccioni
    mark@speedhunters.com

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