Random Picture: 1939 Napier Railton Special

Would you be happy sat there ahead of the front wheels with no crash protection traveling at 394mph with those two aircraft engines inches behind you screaming-

Random Picture: Motorbike Chariot Racing

I saw this picture over the weekend, I know nothing about the event but it just looks like an awesome spectacle to have watched and I really want to know how the bikes were controlled.

Random Picture- Vickers Reconnaissance Car 1926

Spotted this over on Facebook page, but not been able to fine out much more. One things for certain though it is a awesome looking thing-

Random Picture: 40' 1931 Studebaker President Four Season Roadster

Using the inhouse craftsmanship from the factory Studebaker built this huge wooden model as a prop for a nine-minute promotional film called Wild Flowers.

To read about the history of the car and what happened to it head over here-

http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2010/07/01/hmn_feature24.html

Random Picture: “Wild” Bill Gelbke’s Roadhog

I just love this picture, the way it looks like it could have been take at the turn of the century as well as the sheer size of that bike. It was however built as a one off in 1962 using aircraft specification tubing which held the 2.4ltr, 4 cylinder Chevy Nova engine with its 2 speed automatic transmission, that ran into a modified Chevy truck differential outback via a shaft drive. Add to that it was fitted with Corvette disc brakes and 4 hydraulic rams that drop down when it’s parked!!!! To get an idea of its massive size, its wheelbase is 126 inches and its turning circle 110 feet!!!!! Unbelievably despite its unwieldy size Bill covered a reported 20,000 miles within a year of completion.

Random Picture: Napier Deltic Engine

Piston arrangement for a Napier Deltic Engine, valveless and 2 stroke used primarily for diesel locomotives. Originally designed for navel use as it saved weight while increasing power-

For more information-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napier_Deltic

Random Picture: Chevron B36 Le Mans 1987

I think you'll agree that this is unusual, how many race cars do you know have a complete enclosed body including the front wheels!!!!! Well this one did race at Le Mans in 1987 driven by José Thibault and André Heinrich. Unfortunately it didn't finish crashing out just over 4 hours in. Apart from a few pictures I've not been able to find much out about it so if anyone does please get in touch-

Random Pictures: Making the UK’s 30mph limit signs

I didn’t realise until I read it on the BBC’s website that in this week 1935 the 30mph speed limit was introduced in the UK to try and improve safety. As a result a lot of new signage was needed, the picture below shows the preparation for this huge undertaking-

Random Picture- World Largest Airwheel

In the late 20’s Goodyear developed and massive 12 foot tall, 4 foot wide tyres were designed for aircraft but Goodyear modified two Buicks to allow them to tow one and promptly drove them around the US to publicise the new innovation. More information and pictures can be found here on “The OldMotor” website-

Random Picture: Running in

I love going to car shows, as you’ve seen on here, and seeing something that just takes you back to an earlier motoring time. At the recent Footman James Manchester Classic Car, I couldn’t help but be drawn to this “Running in” sticker, a staple part of buying a new car 30plus years ago to ensure your engine was bedded in correctly. It also highlighted to the neighbours that your car was brand new as well.

Random Picture- Drag racing old skool

Just one question, would you?

Random Picture: Ford Fairlane 500

I saw the one below at a recent visit to the Haynes Motor Museum, what surprised me despite the size of the boot how small the actual storage area was if you wanted to drop that hard top in. The sticker on the side of the box says it all-

Random Picture: Drag Biking

When I first say this picture over on the Pendine Landspeed Racing Club Facebook page I was just gobsmacked-

Randon Picture: Triumph 4 Door TR7

First off apologies for the quality of the picture, its the only one I could find, but it seems to show a 4 door concept version of the Triumph TR7 and to be honest its doesn't look half bad. Don't forget the TR7 came on the wave of the wedge so this would have been a perfect tool to modernise the Triumph offerings.

If anyone has better pictures or information then please get in touch.

*edit 20/02/14- Looking at the recent thread over on Pistonheads it looks like this is a Photoshop image rather than a concept model. Still I do quiet like it.*

Random Picture: Wagenhals Electric

I love reading old adverts and this one from 1913 just shows that electric vehicles are nothing new.

Random Picture: Snow Dragster

This definitely needs some future investigation-

Random Picture: Coach Building

Back from a time when cars were built, not assembled, by time served craftsman who fitted and adjusted parts to fit by hand with traditional tools-

Random Picture: VW SP2 Parts

The ultra rare VW SP2, well over on the Europe side of the pond

Random Picture- Alfa Romeo T33/6/12

The old saying goes “never bring a knife to a gun fight” well Alfa Romeo we’re hoping to take on Ferrari and Porsche with a rocket launcher. This was a secret project built in 1970 to take the GT crown. However it was a short lived story for this 6 wheeled, 5ltr, V12 monster as it was stolen from its garage at the Sebring circuit where it had been testing. The chassis was found a few weeks later but the engine went down in local folklore as being fitted to a hot rod and dominating all its races a few years later!!!!!
 

*edit 20/02/14- Trust me not to pick up on the dates, April 1^st yeah it’s a Photoshop, still cool looking though

Random Picture: 6 Wheel Mazda 323

6 wheel drive, 4 wheels steer, 2 rotory turbo engines and massive amount of awesomeness. Thats about all I could find out about the New Zealand racer, if you know more get in touch-