FLIGHT of the Getting a Custom Car Off the Ground DAEDALUS Page 28

RCNMag.com

AUGUST 2017 $4.09 US Car Shows from the UK to SoCal A “Marijuana Miata”

FLIGHT OF THE Getting a Custom Car Off the Ground DAEDALUS Page 28

Mystery Hirsch Solved! Page 16

Rumor has it Dick Thompson was wearing one of these when he crossed the line at Watkins Glen in 1963. You, too, can finish in first place in every race when you wear this “sporty” tee – marathons and 5Ks not included. Order 12 and we’ll send you a 13th free – we call it Duntov’s Dozen.

This limited edition tee shirt is only available until August 25, 2017. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Only $19.95 Short-sleeved • $24.95 long-sleeved • FREE Shipping! Mail to: Tee Style: � Men � Women Tee Size: � Small � Medium � Large � X-Large � XX-Large COLE Publishing PO Box 220 � � Tee Sleeves: Short Long Qty:____ | Qty:_____ | Qty:____ | Qty:____ | Qty:_____ Three Lakes, WI 54562 Notes: ______Sorry, no foreign orders, shipping to United States only. Fax to: 715-546-3786 Name: ______Please make checks payable to: Address: ______COLE Publishing City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Phone: ______Order online: Credit Card #: ______CC Exp: ______V-Code: ______NOTE: Orders ship 2-3 weeks after August 25th closing date. No foreign orders, shipping to United States only. RCNMag.com/tees Contents Advertiser Index

CONTINUATION, REPLICA AND LOW VOLUME AUTOMOBILES

502 Motorworks ...... 41 Published monthly by: THROTTLE STEERING 6 Pros and Cons B Rod or Custom, Inc...... 41 By Steve Temple, Editor RCN ONLINE 1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., PO Box 220 8 @RCNmag.com BAT Inc. / Mocal USA...... 66 Three Lakes, WI 54562 A preview of current online exclusive content. www.rcnmag.com

FYI SPOTLIGHT Craft Performance Engines ...... 68 © Copyright 2017, COLE Publishing Inc. 9 Mini-Ductor Venom No part may be reproduced without permission of publisher. Induction heater gets metals red-hot in seconds. In U.S. or Canada call toll free: 866-933-2653 By Dean Larson CRS, Inc...... 21 Elsewhere call: 715-546-3346 FEATURE CAR Email: [email protected] / Fax: 715-546-3786 Tale of the Dragon 10 CTECH Manufacturing...... 21 Ofﬁ ce hours Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CST Modernizing a Lister-inspired replica with Corvette mechanicals. 28 By Steve Temple Factory Five Racing ...... 2 READERS RIDE Serendipity 16 Fatboy Outdoors ...... 40 SUBSCRIPTIONS: A one year (12 issue) subscription to On the Cover Finding a Hirsch in a box of chocolates. ReinCarNation™ in the United States or Canada is free. Visit As told by Tom Pawlak Ever wonder what it takes to build a car completely from www.rcnmag.com or call 800-257-7222. scratch? Well, Kris Heil tells all in a lively account of his EVENT RECAP Forte’s Parts Connection ...... 66 Daedalus project. Photo by Steve Temple. 22 Diamond Anniversary Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to Gems at the 10th annual Factory Five Racing carefully selected companies whose products or services Huntington Beach Cruise-In. Hurst Driveline Conversions ...... 7 may be of interest to you. Your privacy is important to us. By Steve Temple If you prefer not to be a part of these lists, please contact 56 50 COVER STORY Nicole at [email protected]. 28 Flight of the Daedalus ididit, LLC...... 9 Lessons learned from getting a completely custom DISPLAY ADVERTISING: car o the ground. Contact Brad Bisnette or John By Kris Heil Koolmat ...... 66 Kendall at 866-933-2653 or FEATURE CAR [email protected]. Publisher 34 Land of Lincoln Levy Racing, Inc...... 6 reserves the right to reject any A ’47 Continental Kustom that’s positively presidential. advertising which in its opinion Brad Bisnette John Kendall By Joe Greeves is misleading, unfair or incom- EVENT RECAP MMG Motorsports...... 21 patible with the character of 42 Stoneleigh Rocks! the publication. And rolls too, as the UK’s largest kit show. Preform Resources, Inc...... 66 34 16 By Rob Hawkins EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Please send to Editor, FEATURE CAR ReinCarNation Magazine, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 50 Coming or Going? Race Ramps...... 63 54562 or email [email protected]. Virtually anything goes on the Dimensia concept — and comes, too! CIRCULATION: Average circulation is 15,000+ copies per By Joe Greeves Shell Valley Classic Wheels, Inc...... 9, 65 month (U.S. and Canadian distribution). FEATURE CAR 56 The Hempmobile Sterling Sports Cars, LLC ...... 67 e Renew Sports Car has a body made of cannabis ber. By Steve Temple

FYI Vintage Wheels...... 6 COMING NEXT MONTH Facebook.com/ReinCarNationMag 62 New Cars and Products 10 By Dean Larson Off-Road and 4x4s Yocum’s Signature Hot Rods ...... 66 Meyers Manx Dual Sport RCN Marketplace Instagram.com/rcnmag Exoskeleton with Miata mechanicals 66 ZGT Cars/Reaction Research, Inc...... 66

4 Contents Advertiser Index

CONTINUATION, REPLICA AND LOW VOLUME AUTOMOBILES

RCNmag.com | August 2017 5 DO IT YOURSELF

do it yourself

PRODUCTS

THROTTLE STEERING gen gas, my guess is that this Cobra owner had country for a shoot, but spotted several inadequa- to the headlights. And one Lambo replica firm been breathing something else. Let’s just say there cies right off. The salesman must have sensed showed up at an event with a bunch of funky REINCARNATION were other more pressing matters that prevented something was amiss by my unspoken reaction, fiberglass parts roped down to a flatbed trailer, plus me from pursuing his request any further. and tried to explain that even though the car had a plastic palm tree intended to dress up his Pros and Cons I recently came across a Cobra that the owner been molded off a Shelby, “The ‘fiberglass’ body of display. thought was an original Shelby, but certain details the original wasn’t very good.” (He apparently When I asked him about his product line he s is obvious from the lineup of car features “But why?” didn’t add up, so out of curiosity I checked out the didn’t know that Shelby Cobras from the 1960s all began to ramble on about including a “stimulated in this issue, I really appreciate custom We won’t name anybody in particular, in order car on my way through town. It was actually a fairly had aluminum bodies.) leather bra” for his cars. I never did quite figure Acraftsmanship. It’s truly remarkable how the protect the innocent (and guilty) parties, but decent piece, but several details immediately Besides Cobras, I enjoy rat rods, too, and recall out what he was talking about, but it was an unfor- much creativity goes into project cars, whether built looking back, a few strange birds do come to mind. indicated that it was a replica (the owner wasn’t a Model A with a grunge treatment, such as a beer gettable conversation to say the least. Last I heard from scratch or a component package. Either way, Some cars sounded pretty good at first, but were sure himself, so it was not a deliberate effort to can for radiator reservoir and a greasy rag wrapped he had to serve prison time for some sort of busi- car builders have all sorts of opportunities to express clearly a con job. deceive anybody). These include the lack of a CSX around the water hose (presumably to stop a leak). ness fraud. I wonder what he ended up doing for a their creative impulses. And I feel privileged to For instance, somebody once called me about chassis number, incorrectly shaped cockpit coam- There was white paint splattered on the rusty body living after his release. Making fake coconuts for provide both visual and written documentation of featuring a Cobra that had been “personally painted ings and fender lips, and a box-tube frame, among to simulate bird droppings, and a fake dead mouse plastic palm trees? just how much effort and ingenuity it takes to give a by Carroll Shelby” and was about to be stored in many others. (I plan to feature the car in a later in the passenger footwell. When I asked if the car Steve Temple vehicle a pro finish. “nitrogen gas” so it needed to be photographed right issue to delineate the differences between an looked that way when he bought it, he said no, Editor On the other hand, I’ve come across some “weird away. Well, I worked for Carroll and he never original and a replica). “It takes a lot of work to make a car look like crap.” Steve Temple Harold” cars over the years. While I’m not throwing handled a spray gun as far as I know. (I know he On the other hand, an infamous (and now Indeed. [email protected] rocks at anybody here, I do occasionally go from an waved a hammer at a race driver who wouldn’t come defunct) company was eager to have me check out Even more laughable was the owner of a initial reaction of “Wow!” to a secondary reaction of in for a pit stop, but that’s another story.) As for nitro- its new Cobra replica. I went all the way across Lamborghini replica who added molded eyelashes

Plus Quality Parts For Your Build

6 DO IT YOURSELF do it yourself

PRODUCTS

RCNmag.com | August 2017 7 NEWS & ALERTS Visit RCNmag.com and sign up for our newsletter. RCNmag.com Get exclusive content delivered @ right to your inbox. Visit the site daily for new, exclusive content. Read our daily content and get the most out of ReinCarNation Magazine.

1/2-Mile No-Fly Zone We tripped down to Rantoul, Illinois for two days of wide-open throttle at the Omega Motorsports 1/2-mile speed trap event. www.RCNmag.com/blog/1-2-mile-no-fly-zone

Mini-Ductor Induction Heater Blank-Canvas Byers By Dean Larson is rare Byers SR100 sports a period correct Ford Flathead V8 with hard-to- nd speed parts. Iron out the cosmetic details or drive it as is.

www.RCNmag.com/fresh-finds/blank-canvas-byers he Mini-Ductor has been improved in several ways Venom from Induc- over the original Mini-Ductor II. T tion Innovations is e new angled design with trigger designed to provide has improved ergonomics for hard- ameless heat to elec- to-reach places and the Coil Twist tronically conductive metals. e Lock function simpli es the instal- Well-Used Beck Lister hand-held induction heater uses lation and removal of coils. An LED is early Lister tribute build wears its 26,000 miles high-frequency magnetic elds to usage light has been added, which with pride, and bidders don’t seem to mind. heat ferrous, and some nonferrous, displays green under normal oper- metal objects, releasing them from ation and red under fault conditions. www.RCNmag.com/fresh-finds/well-used-beck-lister corrosion, adhesives and thread-lock If a fault condition occurs, a fault compounds. Signi cantly faster than override delay function has also been an open- ame torch, the Mini-Duc- added that starts a three-second lock tor is able to heat a 3/4-inch nut to out. e internal fan has also been red hot in 15 seconds. Each exible improved to reduce thermal cycle coil insert can last up to 300 uses time and a user-controlled switch and will not damage nearby non- for the LED work light has been Calculating mph/rpm/ conductive materials like rubber or added. e Mini-Ductor Venom and gear ratio/tire size plastic parts. e induction heater Mini-Ductor II are available in 110- is equation is older than the automobile itself, is ideal for suspension components, and 220-volt versions. but make sure you get it right the rst time with ywheel bolts, brake line ttings, these tips. exhaust hardware and other cor- roded or stuck fasteners. e unit VENDORS www.RCNmag.com/ has also been used to remove graph- Induction Innovations /d-i-y/calculating-mph-rpm- ics and sound deadeners with the Join the Discussion 877/688-9633 gear-ratio-tire-size optional mini-pad attachment and FB.com/ReinCarNationMag even aid in dent repair. www.theinductor.com e new Mini-Ductor Venom

8 NEWS & ALERTS Visit RCNmag.com and sign up for our newsletter. VINTAGE RCNmag.com Get exclusive content delivered @ right to your inbox. Visit the site daily for new, exclusive content. WIRES Read our daily content and get the most out of ReinCarNation Magazine. Old School Vintage Style Meets Modern Technology

⋟ Universal Ignition Wiring Kits 1/2-Mile No-Fly Zone ⋟ 7.8mm Braided Spark Plug Wires ⋟ Lacquer Covered Cotton Braid We tripped down to Rantoul, Illinois for two days of wide-open ⋟ Spiral Wound Suppression Core throttle at the Omega Motorsports 1/2-mile speed trap event. ⋟ EDPM Silicone Insulation www.RCNmag.com/blog/1-2-mile-no-fly-zone

Add vintage style to your but use proven spark-carrying engine while incorporating technology. Vintage Wires the convenience and safety of a ermarket ignition wires look modern wiring systems. Vintage great and can be used on a variety Wires Universal Wire Kits are of applications. Proudly use the popular choice for Vintage Wires on your vintage racers and other vintage car, motorcycle, classic projects as they boat or even use them mimic the old-school as guitar amp cords. e look of classic fabric wires possibilities are endless! Mini-Ductor Induction Heater vintagewires.com 517-424-0577 Blank-Canvas Byers By Dean Larson is rare Byers SR100 sports a period correct Ford Flathead V8 with hard-to- nd speed parts. Iron out the cosmetic details or drive it as is. www.RCNmag.com/fresh-finds/blank-canvas-byers he Mini-Ductor has been improved in several ways Venom from Induc- over the original Mini-Ductor II. T tion Innovations is e new angled design with trigger designed to provide has improved ergonomics for hard- ameless heat to elec- to-reach places and the Coil Twist tronically conductive metals. e Lock function simpli es the instal- Well-Used Beck Lister hand-held induction heater uses lation and removal of coils. An LED is early Lister tribute build wears its 26,000 miles high-frequency magnetic elds to usage light has been added, which with pride, and bidders don’t seem to mind. heat ferrous, and some nonferrous, displays green under normal oper- metal objects, releasing them from ation and red under fault conditions. www.RCNmag.com/fresh-finds/well-used-beck-lister corrosion, adhesives and thread-lock If a fault condition occurs, a fault compounds. Signi cantly faster than override delay function has also been an open- ame torch, the Mini-Duc- added that starts a three-second lock tor is able to heat a 3/4-inch nut to out. e internal fan has also been red hot in 15 seconds. Each exible improved to reduce thermal cycle coil insert can last up to 300 uses time and a user-controlled switch and will not damage nearby non- for the LED work light has been Calculating mph/rpm/ conductive materials like rubber or added. e Mini-Ductor Venom and gear ratio/tire size plastic parts. e induction heater Mini-Ductor II are available in 110- is equation is older than the automobile itself, is ideal for suspension components, and 220-volt versions. but make sure you get it right the rst time with ywheel bolts, brake line ttings, these tips. exhaust hardware and other cor- roded or stuck fasteners. e unit VENDORS www.RCNmag.com/ has also been used to remove graph- Induction Innovations /d-i-y/calculating-mph-rpm- ics and sound deadeners with the Join the Discussion 877/688-9633 gear-ratio-tire-size optional mini-pad attachment and FB.com/ReinCarNationMag even aid in dent repair. www.theinductor.com e new Mini-Ductor Venom

RCNmag.com | August 2017 9 Lister-Inspired Replica

TALE OF THE

Modernizing a Lister-inspired replica with Corvette mechanicals DRAGON Story and Photos by Steve Temple

10 Lister-Inspired Replica

TALE OF THE

Modernizing a Lister-inspired replica with Corvette mechanicals DRAGON Story and Photos by Steve Temple

RCNmag.com | August 2017 11 Lister-Inspired Replica

For more adjustability

of the car have the Bowers contacted Dragon Motor Cars, and ﬂ avor of a Lister, the after seeing the car in action on the track and dimensions have been driving one, he decided to bring his Corvette back altered for bigger tires from its untimely demise. He purchased the wrecked and a modern Corvette car from his insurance company, and began strip- Here are some shots of the drivetrain and suspension. ping off all the parts. Fortunately, only one wrecked ’93 Corvette used as a trailing arm had to be replaced. Even the radiator donor car for the Dragon project. was still intact.

he original Lister created back in For paint, Craig Wallace, a well-known 1954 was a remarkable car, with a T remarkable race driver — the one- local drag racer/painter, sprayed on PPG’s This new armed Archie Scott Brown. Th e car aptly-named Dragon Fire Red and was somewhat handicapped as well, gunmetal silver stripes. configuration has with notoriously poor drum brakes fi tted to a basic ladder frame with a De Dion rear axle. Th e engines weren’t all that great either, starting with a tuned hit a nerve, as it’s MG and later a 2-liter Bristol. Despite these imped- iments, Brown enjoyed great success driving the said that there are famous Knobbly Lister-Jaguars, and was known for smoothly sliding sideways through the corners. Other engines were used later on, both Jaguar more Dragons on and Corvette. Th e latter variant proved to be somewhat prophetic, at least in the case of the Dragon the road now than shown here, a loosely based replica of the Lister. Since the chassis uses a number of later-model original Listers. Corvette components, the wheelbase is about 9 inches longer and 6 inches wider, and the hood and grille are reworked as well. Th is new confi gu- ration has hit a nerve, as it’s said that there are more Dragons on the road now than original Listers. How did the owner, Craig Bowers, acquire the more modern mechanicals? Th at’s a story in itself. Back in 2003, he was cruising through the Gracing the dash are silver bezel AutoMeter gauges, along with

Gold Country hills of Northern California in his toggle switches on a machine-turned console plate. The Dragon ’93 Corvette when a Ford van crossed the logo decals were custom made for the horn button and wheel hubs. double yellow lines right in front of him. His only escape from a head-on collision was into the

12 Lister-Inspired Replica

For more adjustability

and a hunkered-down mountainside. Fortunately, Craig was not seriously stance, Craig Bowers chose hurt, thanks to the airbag system, but not so the QA1 adjustable coilovers Corvette. It was a total loss, and he fi gured it would instead of the Corvette’s never run again. Well, that’s not exactly what transverse-leaf setup. happened next. A few days later, still smarting from his accident, Craig came across an ad for a Dragon replica that’s built from Corvette C4 parts (it can now also use C5 or C6 components, or a Camaro straight-axle). Th e malaise he’d been feeling over the loss of his beloved ’Vette suddenly lift ed when he realized that it might find another life as a Dragon. Although Bowers’ line of work involves supplying the mortuary business, he’s worked on a number of muscle car and hot rod restorations in his spare time, and his spirits rose at the thought While the lines of a new project on his hands. of the car have the Bowers contacted Dragon Motor Cars, and ﬂ avor of a Lister, the after seeing the car in action on the track and dimensions have been driving one, he decided to bring his Corvette back altered for bigger tires from its untimely demise. He purchased the wrecked and a modern Corvette car from his insurance company, and began strip- Here are some shots of the drivetrain and suspension. ping off all the parts. Fortunately, only one wrecked ’93 Corvette used as a trailing arm had to be replaced. Even the radiator donor car for the Dragon project. was still intact. he original Lister created back in For paint, Craig Wallace, a well-known 1954 was a remarkable car, with a T remarkable race driver — the one- local drag racer/painter, sprayed on PPG’s This new armed Archie Scott Brown. Th e car aptly-named Dragon Fire Red and was somewhat handicapped as well, gunmetal silver stripes. configuration has with notoriously poor drum brakes fi tted to a basic ladder frame with a De Dion rear axle. Th e engines weren’t all that great either, starting with a tuned hit a nerve, as it’s MG and later a 2-liter Bristol. Despite these imped- iments, Brown enjoyed great success driving the said that there are famous Knobbly Lister-Jaguars, and was known for smoothly sliding sideways through the corners. Other engines were used later on, both Jaguar more Dragons on and Corvette. Th e latter variant proved to be somewhat prophetic, at least in the case of the Dragon the road now than shown here, a loosely based replica of the Lister. Since the chassis uses a number of later-model original Listers. Corvette components, the wheelbase is about 9 inches longer and 6 inches wider, and the hood and grille are reworked as well. Th is new confi gu- ration has hit a nerve, as it’s said that there are more Dragons on the road now than original Listers. How did the owner, Craig Bowers, acquire the more modern mechanicals? Th at’s a story in itself. Back in 2003, he was cruising through the Gracing the dash are silver bezel AutoMeter gauges, along with

RCNmag.com | August 2017 13 Lister-Inspired Replica

But he wanted to improve on the drivetrain, so For bodywork and paint, Bowers chose a local well-known he sold the factory LT1 engine and automatic trans- drag racer/painter, Craig Wallace, to apply PPG’s aptly-named mission for $3,500 to fi nance the purchase of an Dragon Fire Red and gunmetal silver stripes. While he was work- LT4 (Gen II, ’96 to ’97) and TREMEC six-speed. ing on the body, Bowers got busy bolting on the suspension. Th ey fi t into the Dragon’s 4-inch, round-tube frame Rather than using the Corvette’s transverse-leaf setup, he went in short order, as did numerous other components with QA1 adjustable coilovers. The slotted brake rotors fit behind from the Corvette. Team III’s Trans Am-type “banana wheels” running 17-inch Up until Bowers’ buildup, most Dragons had Sumitomo HTR35Zs in the rear and 40s in front. been fi tted with carburetors (hence the taller hood), As his Corvette was reborn as a Dragon, the build brought but he opted for EFI instead since he drives in the him a great deal of satisfaction. “I enjoy the details and the mountains. Th at change required installing a fuel custom touches that makes the car your own,” Craig relates. He tank from a ’97 Camaro on a custom-fabricated chose silver bezel AutoMeter gauges with toggle switches on a cradle made of wood and fi berglass, rather than machine-turned metal console, and kept everything simple and bolting in a fuel cell normally found in a Dragon. color matching. He had Dragon logo decals made for the wheel Another change he made was in the crossmem- hubs and the horn button for a more finished look. ber for the six-speed, instead of the recommended Craig scrapped the idea of having a top made, though. “One fi ve-speed. Lastly, he went with custom headers does not just get in the Dragon,” he explains. “You kind of put it from Dragon Motor Cars, along with the uphol- on, like putting on a shoe. Since it’s so low, I don’t ever use the stery package. (He sold the Corvette’s interior and door. I just step over and slide in. It does have a removable steer- stereo, which defrayed many of his expenses.) ing wheel, which is handy if I leave it for any length of time. I just lock it in the trunk.” Bowers also fabricated an air box and relocated the alterna- Rather than using his ’93 Corvette’s tor to the bottom, getting rid of all the extra serpentine pulleys.

LT1 engine and automatic transmission, Since there’s no top on the cockpit, there is not much need for Craig sold them for $3,500 to ﬁ nance AC when running in the foothills of Northern California. the purchase of an LT4 (Gen II, ’96 to Nine months later, Bowers’ Dragon emerged from its lair, ’97) and TREMEC six-speed. It’s been breathing fire on several competitors, including Ford-powered dyno-tuned and optimized reptiles of a different species. Which means that for Chevy guys, to deliver 430 hp. the Dragon is a viable Cobra fighter. “To me the LT4 is a great engine choice,” Bowers feels. “It has reliability, I get 28 mpg on the freeway, and it runs like a scalded dog. Up here in the two-lane twisty roads is more than fun as this low-slung sport car carves the roads with comfort and ease. I left off the power steering and power brakes because I don’t think I need them. The feeling of being connected to the road suits my taste. The car is light and easy to maneuver, and I can still lock up the brakes if I wanted to.” VENDORS Even so, he admits to missing his Corvette at times, but in a sense it’s still with him — only better. AutoMeter 815/895-8141 www.autometer.com Dragon Motor Cars 603/448-1477 www.dragonmotorcars.com Team III Wheels 510/895-8880 www.etmags.com TREMEC 734/456-3700 www.tremec.com

14 Lister-Inspired Replica

RCNmag.com | August 2017 15 Hirsch Roadster Reader’s Rides SERENDIPITY SERENDIPITY

ife is full of surprises, like that box of chocolates in Forrest was constructed with parts from a vintage era when things were not com- Finding a Hirsch in a Gump: you never know what you’re gonna get. plicated by electronic black boxes, made it a good candidate. L In June 2007, I went to look at an Austin-Healy Replica Aft er two years of earnest eﬀ ort, the Hirsch was at a point were it was box of chocolates that I was considering purchasing. Aft er evaluating the car, I very roadworthy. I had replaced the distributor with an MSD unit, plus realized that it was not as expected, and was about to leave installed a new radiator, water pump, alternator, shift linkage, brakes, gauges, when the owner said he had anther car for sale. When he pulled it out of Alden coilovers, and exhaust system. Th at is when I could really enjoy driv- As Told by Tom Pawlak storage, I was instantly taken with the shape of the body. ing it and attending car shows. Th e car has been driven as far away as 300 Called a Hirsch, I felt it had potential, and would be worth my eﬀ ort in miles with no issues. Photos by Steve Temple time and money. Th at I work on my own cars, and the fact that the Hirsch Even though I wanted to retain as much originality as possible, there

16 Hirsch Roadster Reader’s Rides SERENDIPITY SERENDIPITY

RCNmag.com | August 2017 17 Hirsch Roadster Reader’s Rides

a rear suspension from a Datsun 280ZX. Th e engine is a Ford 289 rebuilt with a 302 crank and mild cam, and backed by a BorgWarner T5 transmission. With four-wheel inde- pendent suspension, disc brakes on all four wheels, the Hirsch handles and stops great. Weighing just 2,100 pounds, it’s fast and a blast to drive. I have been fortunate enough to show the Hirsch at many car events, but no more historical info surfaced at them. Th ese included the Petersen Automotive Museum Fiberglass Day, Palos Verdes Concours, Fabulous Fift ies, Del Mar Concours, Estrella Wings & Wheels at Paso Robles Airport, Driving Museum, Coﬀ ee & Cars, parades, and numerous other car shows. Several years aft er Forgotten Fiberglass ran the article, however, out of the blue I received a call from the car’s designer and builder, Jeff Hirsch! We have had many wonderful conversations over the years, and I have learned much about the Hirsch from him. Jeﬀ started construction in 1989 and completed the car in 1999, aft er overcoming a number of technical hurdles and making several changes in the body. Th e Hirsch receives compliments wherever it is shown. One of my most memorable occurrences was when a young Under the hood is a a 289 Ford, stroked with a 302 crank and mild cam, and backed by a BorgWarner T5 transmission. couple approached the car at a Concours event. Th eir dif-

were some areas I felt compelled to change for drivability The body was narrowed during development reasons, and personal design preferences. Th e wheel com- to ﬁ t a Fiat Spyder windshield. pany PS Engineering made me a set of vintage rims, and Finish Line supplied the side mirrors and deck hinges. I replaced many items under the hood to dress up that area. Fortunately, the body, paint and interior were in fairly good condition, and were brought back fairly easily. One thing was still missing, though. Th e person who sold me the car knew little about the Hirsch’s history. Show- ing at car shows put me in contact with people with suggestions on how to fi nd out more about the car. Ron Biggerstaff of the Association of Handcrafted Automobiles spread the word to other members, and they provided some photos of the car being shown at a car show at Knott's Berry Farm in the 1980s (with the license plate “carmaker”). Another lead involved contacting Geoﬀ rey Hacker, who runs a website called Forgotten Fiberglass. He ran an article in his Mysterions category, and Hemmings Sports & Exotic ran an article in their December 2008 issue under “Lost & Found.” No immediate responses to those articles, however, until some time later, yielding yet another surprise. In the meantime, during the fi rst years of restoring the Hirsch, I was able to determine the following: the frame The cockpit treatment is was custom built, and the front suspension was Fiero, with clean and classic, no fancy frills.

18 Hirsch Roadster Reader’s Rides

RCNmag.com | August 2017 19 Hirsch Roadster Reader’s Rides

ferences in viewpoints were amusing. He had an “attitude,” while she was saying how graceful the lines were, just how plain good-looking it was. Then she asked him what it was. He replied, “Well that is a, um, ah — hell I don’t know!” She then laughed, saying, “And you’re ‘Mister Know-It-All.’” Well, as Forrest Gump discovered in that box of chocolates, life (and cars) can be really sweet even when you don’t know what you’re getting.

For more informationon the Hirsch, here’s a link to the story at Forgotten Fiberglass’s website: www.forgottenfiberglass.com/fiberglass-car-margues/one-offs/ the-stunning-hirsch-roadster-by-jeff-hirsch-a-mystery-no-more

VENDORS BorgWarner 248/754-9200 www.borgwarner.com Finish Line Accessories 888/436-9113 www.finishlineaccessories.com PS Engineering Vintage Wheels 714/278-1600 www.psvintagewheels.com

20 Hirsch Roadster Reader’s Rides EFFICIENCY - ORGANIZATION - STYLE

10% Discount - Standard Carts and Cabinets - Expires Aug 31st

Standard Products Ready to Order!

Call 715-355-8796 or visit www.ctechmanufacturing.com/contact/ and use Promo Code: STANDARD10 in the subject line. ENGINEERED LIGHTWEIGHT CARTS, CABINETS & DRAWERS FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS WWW.CTECHMANUFACTURING.COM ferences in viewpoints were amusing. He had an “attitude,” while she was saying how graceful the lines were, just how plain good-looking it was. Then she asked him what it was. He replied, “Well that is a, um, ah — hell I don’t know!” She then laughed, saying, “And you’re ‘Mister Know-It-All.’” Well, as Forrest Gump discovered in that box of choc- – continuation – olates, life (and cars) can be really sweet even when you – low volume – don’t know what you’re getting. – replica –

For more informationon the Hirsch, here’s a link to the story at Forgotten Fiberglass’s website: automobiles www.forgottenfiberglass.com/fiberglass-car-margues/one-offs/ the-stunning-hirsch-roadster-by-jeff-hirsch-a-mystery-no-more

VENDORS BorgWarner 248/754-9200 www.borgwarner.com Finish Line Accessories 888/436-9113 www.finishlineaccessories.com PS Engineering Vintage Wheels 714/278-1600 www.psvintagewheels.com [ rcnmag.com ]

RCNmag.com | August 2017 21 EVENT REVIEW Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY Gems at the 10th annual Factory Five Racing’s Huntington Beach Cruise-In Photos and Story by Steve Temple

22 EVENT REVIEW Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY Gems at the 10th annual Factory Five Racing’s Huntington Beach Cruise-In Photos and Story by Steve Temple

RCNmag.com | August 2017 23 EVENT REVIEW Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In

raditionally, a 10th anniversary gi is something made of tin or aluminum, but the mod- T ern-day present is now a diamond. Well, that’s tting for this year’s Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In, as we came across several precious gems at the show’s 10th anniversary, held April 29. e event had plenty of Cobras dressed in those timeless hues of Guardsman Blue with a Wimbledon White skunk stripe. But what we also appreciate is innovation and imagination. One of the great things about coming to an event where more than 100 Factory Five cars are gathered is having the opportu- nity to check out cool custom build ideas. A er all, who wants their ride to be just like everyone else’s? As mentioned during the awards ceremony, Last year there weren’t any what Factory Five basically does is provide a blank canvas on which customers can express their creativity 818s on display, so Factory Five and ingenuity. Many builders relate how they view brought out its sinister 818C with geometric their project car as merely a starting point; a way graphics and carbon ﬁ ber trim. But six other to express their own personal vision. We certainly 818s showed up this year as well. encourage this sort of innovation, since variety is the spice of life, right? Of course, that makes it tough for us to present an award, and it seems like every vehicle in attendance merits some sort of recognition. So we decided to high- light what’s possible, focusing on a slew of interesting Edelbrock has a new blower system for Ford’s and unusual nish details, to give you some buildup Coyote engine, which ﬁ ts nicely under the engine ideas for your own project. A er all, there’s more than bay and delivers 850 furious horses! one way to skin a Cobra.

Robert

Warren’s engine always draws a crowd — and won a Best Engine trophy too!

24 EVENT REVIEW Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In

Robert

Warren’s engine always draws a crowd — and won a Best Engine trophy too! EVENT REVIEW Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In

Among the many ﬁ ne coupes that came out this year,

this one, owned by Bob Hassett, has the vents from Factory Rick Walton’s gunmetal ’33 Ford has a hexagonal Five’s GTM hood to create a clean, updated look. mesh and polished trim for the sides of the engine bay.

One of the more unusual customizations we came across is on

Steve Dawes’ coupe, with metallic and pearlescent hues, and scoops on both the hood and sides, among many other custom touches.

Our Editor’s Choice went to Wayne Mills’ two-tone GTM, armed with

a Chevy LS7. We plan to catch up with him again soon for a full feature.

Not many original Cobras were

ﬁ tted with superchargers, but this replica from Neil Katz has a Kenne Bell twin-screw setup for plenty of boost.

26 EVENT REVIEW Factory Five Racing Huntington Beach Cruise-In

Among the many ﬁ ne coupes that came out this year,

One of the more unusual customizations we came across is on

Steve Dawes’ coupe, with metallic and pearlescent hues, and scoops on both the hood and sides, among many other custom touches.

Our Editor’s Choice went to Wayne Mills’ two-tone GTM, armed with

a Chevy LS7. We plan to catch up with him again soon for a full feature.

Not many original Cobras were

ﬁ tted with superchargers, but this replica from Neil Katz has a Kenne Bell twin-screw setup for plenty of boost.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 27 Aston Inspired Custom Reader’s Rides FLIGHT OF THE Lessons learned from getting a completely custom car off the ground As Told by Kris Heil Photos by Steve Temple DAEDALUS

28 Aston Inspired Custom Reader’s Rides FLIGHT OF THE Lessons learned from getting a completely custom car off the ground As Told by Kris Heil Photos by Steve Temple DAEDALUS

RCNmag.com | August 2017 29 Aston Inspired Custom Reader’s Rides

Editor’s Note: Regular readers of ReinCarNation might recall our May issue hen I was nearing retirement, I knew I was going featuring a number of aluminum-body cars. While they’re all spectacular, especially in naked to want a project. I was moving away from most metal, the Daedalus is something really special. It’s fittingly named after a master craftsman W of my friends and the cars I was helping them with, of Greek mythology, whose high-flying son Icarus came to an untimely end. This totally so I would be on my own. e project began with the engine. In 1999, I scratch-built car was created by Kris Heil, a retired fireman with a lot of time on his ran across a pretty rare cylinder head for a straight-six GMC. I hands. But he certainly put that time to good use, as related here. did some research and found that the GMC sixes — in 270 cid form, and later as 302 cid — were a hugely popular race engine The lines are an amalgam of several in the post-war period. ey powered most wartime trucks and classic sports cars of the 1950s. other vehicles, and were robust and plentiful. Local dirt-track racers and builders of Bonneville cars adopted them, ran them, and developed them to a high degree. ey were very competi- tive with the V8s until the Chevy small block came out. ere is a dedicated core of enthusiasts still racing the GMCs. e head that I found, a Fisher 12-port cross ow style, was last run at Bonneville. It was represented as being in great shape, fresh from a well-known shop. I have always admired the sports racers of the late 1950s, and was partly inspired by the Aston Martins of that era. ey were slinky and sexy and just looked cool. Most of them had cylinders in multiples of six; It became a natural choice to build a car in that style with an engine from that period. Over a period of ve years I accumulated some parts and made some concept sketches. I retired in 2006 and began work in earnest. Working around the Jimmy 6, a four-speed Muncie gearbox, and some C4 Corvette suspension uprights and di , I drew my car. I created a set of working drawings for both the body and the space-frame chassis. I then modeled the body in clay at 1/8th scale and the

30 Aston Inspired Custom Reader’s Rides

RCNmag.com | August 2017 31 Aston Inspired Custom Reader’s Rides Just about every single component was handcrafted, including the latches.

able to nd someone’s abandoned engine project with a Wayne The suspension is a combination of cross ow head (still super rare). A er building new inlet man- custom and Corvette C4 components. ifolds for the Weber 45DCOEs, the engine was good. e transmission was borrowed, so I replaced it with a Super T-10 with a better rst gear. Replacing springs on the coilovers was easy. I re-engineered the brakes for unassisted operation. I created a “big brake” system for a 16-inch wheel, something that doesn’t exist in the a ermarket. I spec’d custom oating rotors, hats, calipers and brackets. Once the engine was solid, I just upgraded the cooling system to a race car spec with a remote swirl tank. I found that there wasn’t an alternate pinion ratio for the One rare mill under the hood, a straight-six GMC. It was the engine of choice for racing in the post-war period before the Chevy small-block V8 came in the scene. Woodward rack, so I used a steering reducer in the column. I just replaced the speedo with another new one. It was probably stupid, but the Stewart Warner gauges had the look I wanted. chassis in balsa wood to be sure that I had the necessary sti - e car ran the way I wanted, the weight distribution was ness. I am not a CAD guy, so this was a pencil-and-paper proj- what I was shooting for (50/50), and I got it licensed under SB100 ect. I designed a suspension with a decent roll-center migration rules in California. en I took it all apart and sent the bits out and camber curves. for paint, powder coating and plating. Even though I had worked on road-race cars before and had e painter (the good folks at Gary’s Rods and Restorations a good idea what would work, building a street car is a whole in Watsonville, California) did such a stellar job on the body di erent animal. I found that the California Highway Patrol that I had to up the ante on the interior. I went to Finish Line had a brochure that listed all the vehicle requirements I had to Interiors in Santa Clara. Byron told me all the things he wanted Upon retirement from the ﬁ re department, meet and incorporated those in the design. me to change on the interior fabrication to get the car to the Kris Heil found a new life building custom cars. Mechanicals aside, the car was ultimately a design exercise. next level. I took a deep breath and did what he suggested. I was going to build the car that I could never a ord. I knew I When I came to all the chrome, I went to Sher’s Custom wanted to shape an aluminum body, but had never done that Plating in Sacramento. ey have a great reputation. I thought before. I took a few weekend classes and bought some DVDs I was doing a terri c job until I took them the grille. I had about (by Ron Covell). I built the MDF bucks, bought an English wheel a month’s worth of work in it getting it just right. I put it up on and some aluminum sheet, and taught myself as I went along. the counter and Dave just looked at it. A er about 10 seconds Over a period of 10 years I built the Daedalus. (Named a er he observed, “God Himself couldn’t plate this grill,” and he a gure in Greek mythology. e great perk of building your began the litany of all things I had done wrong. I started over, own design is getting to name it!) and three months later I had a beautiful, plated grille. When it was nally running I learned some important things I nished the car at the end of May 2016. It is a joy to drive, from the school of hard knocks: e cylinder head around which really quick, and looks exactly like my initial renderings. It is the car was designed was junk. e rack-and-pinion steering perfect to my eye. We have been invited to several shows and ratio was too high. e Corvette brakes were useless without a concours events, including a very prestigious one at Pebble brake booster. e spring rates were too sti , and the rst gear Beach in August. ratio was too high. e new Stewart Warner speedo didn’t work, I have already started the next car, a little street-legal track and the cooling system needed a rework. day item with a delta-wing shape. e suspension design is done Other than those items, it was great! So, I started xing the and I have a chassis mockup and a clay model. You might hear bad stu . anks to the GMC loyalists, “ e Inliners,” I was from me again soon.

32 Aston Inspired Custom Reader’s Rides Just about every single component was handcrafted, including the latches.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 33 ’47 Continental Kustom

LAND OF

LINCOLNA ’47 Continental Kustom that’s positively presidential Story and Photos by Joe Greeves

34 ’47 Continental Kustom

LAND OF

LINCOLNA ’47 Continental Kustom that’s positively presidential Story and Photos by Joe Greeves

RCNmag.com | August 2017 35 ’47 Continental Kustom

The bright orange cockpit contrasts

beautifully with the metallic gray paint, and is echoed in full-length pinstripes.

hat happened to Mike Case is a familiar tale of woe Since reliability and modern handling were items at the top — but with a happy ending. Many years ago, he of the list, one of the first steps required removal of the W tried to have his 1968 Camaro Z/28 restored, a car retrofi tted 1982 Buick station wagon chassis added years before. that he’s owned since he was 17. Aft er the fi rst and Th e CARS team came up with a unique recommendation for the then the second shop failed to get the job done, owner, suggesting a Lincoln Town Car as the donor, since it would Mike decided he could do it better himself. He hired two provide all the modern conveniences and then some. Th e idea talented mechanics and oversaw the restoration in his own was a hit, so CARS followed up with a rendering for the exterior family garage. Th at experience started the ball rolling on his styling that the owner also quickly approved. company, Classic Auto Restoration Specialist (CARS) in North Once a clear plan was established, techs at the shop began Fort Myers, Florida, and is now in a 20,000-square-foot facility the rebuild, using a low-mileage (14,000 miles) Town Car as with more than 800 completed cars to his credit. their starting point, adding Ride Tech air suspension for Ironically, the client who owns the beautiful 1947 Lincoln altitude control. The standard 4.6-liter V8 and automatic Continental in the photos ran into a similar problem trying to transmission have more than enough power to move the vehicle get his car restored, fi nding several shops which failed to get the smartly, and are serviceable at any Lincoln dealer. A cold-air kit One of the challenges job done. When it arrived at CARS, the old classic was in poor and a custom stainless steel exhaust system were the only mods. of ﬁ tting 70-year-old sheet metal was shape, having suﬀ ered indignities in the past from less-than- Once the power train was complete, the next step was preserving certain classic elements competent technicians. It was obvious that a complete overhaul adjusting the 70-year-old Continental sheet metal to fi t. It was such as the elegant grille was the only answer. important to retain the iconic elements of the car, such as the

36 ’47 Continental Kustom

The bright orange cockpit contrasts

beautifully with the metallic gray paint, and is echoed in full-length pinstripes. hat happened to Mike Case is a familiar tale of woe Since reliability and modern handling were items at the top — but with a happy ending. Many years ago, he of the list, one of the first steps required removal of the W tried to have his 1968 Camaro Z/28 restored, a car retrofi tted 1982 Buick station wagon chassis added years before. that he’s owned since he was 17. Aft er the fi rst and Th e CARS team came up with a unique recommendation for the then the second shop failed to get the job done, owner, suggesting a Lincoln Town Car as the donor, since it would Mike decided he could do it better himself. He hired two provide all the modern conveniences and then some. Th e idea talented mechanics and oversaw the restoration in his own was a hit, so CARS followed up with a rendering for the exterior family garage. Th at experience started the ball rolling on his styling that the owner also quickly approved. company, Classic Auto Restoration Specialist (CARS) in North Once a clear plan was established, techs at the shop began Fort Myers, Florida, and is now in a 20,000-square-foot facility the rebuild, using a low-mileage (14,000 miles) Town Car as with more than 800 completed cars to his credit. their starting point, adding Ride Tech air suspension for Ironically, the client who owns the beautiful 1947 Lincoln altitude control. The standard 4.6-liter V8 and automatic Continental in the photos ran into a similar problem trying to transmission have more than enough power to move the vehicle get his car restored, fi nding several shops which failed to get the smartly, and are serviceable at any Lincoln dealer. A cold-air kit One of the challenges job done. When it arrived at CARS, the old classic was in poor and a custom stainless steel exhaust system were the only mods. of ﬁ tting 70-year-old sheet metal was shape, having suﬀ ered indignities in the past from less-than- Once the power train was complete, the next step was preserving certain classic elements competent technicians. It was obvious that a complete overhaul adjusting the 70-year-old Continental sheet metal to fi t. It was such as the elegant grille was the only answer. important to retain the iconic elements of the car, such as the

RCNmag.com | August 2017 37 ’47 Continental Kustom

VENDORS Classic Auto Restoration Specialist (CARS) 239/543-0900 www.classicautoresto.com

distinctive grille, with the CARS craftsmen adding just a bit to the front fenders to match the Town Car wheelbase. In the rear, they blended a one-of-a-kind boattail with the original quarter panel and taillights, then added a subtle suggestion of the original Continental kit. Traditional fender skirts enclose the rear wheels and matching skirts up front now add an eye-catching design element. Stops were incorporated to limit steering travel slightly, but they can be quickly removed, along with the front skirts to completely change the car’s profile. LED headlights and taillights illuminate the way at night while the interior, trunk and chassis light packages create a soft glow when parked. The car’s interior was modeled after the 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn, with orange leather creating the ideal contrast for the platinum gray exterior on this open-air roadster. At the touch of a button, the driver can open the electric hood to display the motor. A second button raises the deck lid to show off the upholstered trunk. The suicide doors are shaved on the outside with the iconic Lincoln push buttons now activating the doors from Adding fender skirts gives the car inside. Sill plates with the Lincoln logo illuminate when the doors open. a digniﬁ ed, distinguished stance. A modern wireless hotspot, the car is equipped with three iPods, one up front and two in the seat backs, along with drop-down, Burl Walnut tray tables. The Pioneer stereo/NAV system is voice-activated and provides surround sound with component sets in the kick panels and subs in a custom enclosure hidden behind the back seat. The completed car is a joy to drive and attracts a crowd every- where it goes. Although the owner has received hundreds of photos during the multi-year build, he will get behind the wheel of the car for the first time in April 2017.

38 ’47 Continental Kustom

VENDORS Classic Auto Restoration Specialist (CARS) 239/543-0900 www.classicautoresto.com

RCNmag.com | August 2017 39 Keep stuff cold. Keep stuff dry. Keep stuff safe.

DOUBLE DRAIN DUAL STAINLESS FAST-DRAIN ALL STAINLESS OR FRICTION PLUG LOCKING CORNERS BUTTON ALUMINUM HARDWARE FEET

Order yours at FatboyCoolers.com

24 CANS + ICE FLOATS WATERPROOF RUGGED PADDED INSULATED REFLECTIVE HANDMADE ALUMINUM BODIED RECREATIONS 502 Motorworks is a constructor of highly detailed, FIA homologated, street legal*, recreations of vintage race cars. These are hand built aluminum alloy recreations of the original vehicles. FIA homologation allows you to vintage race them against the originals at venues like Le Mans, Mille Miglia, Laguna Seca and more. Taking orders now. Prices start under $100,000** Keep stuff cold. Keep stuff dry. Keep stuff safe.

MODELS OFFERED: 502 SPYDER, C - TYPE 502motorworks.com & 289 SLABSIDE [email protected] 502-254-3001 *check local laws **(chassis and body only) Louisville, Kentucky

DOUBLE DRAIN DUAL STAINLESS FAST-DRAIN ALL STAINLESS OR FRICTION PLUG LOCKING CORNERS BUTTON ALUMINUM HARDWARE FEET

– continuation – Order yours at FatboyCoolers.com – low volume – – replica – automobiles

[ reincarnationmag.com ] 24 CANS + ICE FLOATS WATERPROOF RUGGED PADDED INSULATED REFLECTIVE online: Order RCNMag.com/tees

RCNmag.com | August 2017 41 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show

he annual kit car show held at Stoneleigh has become the major event of the year over the T last 30 years. ousands of people and cars attend, along with major manufacturers keen to show o their skills. Held south of Birmingham in the middle of England, on Sunday and the rst Monday in May (a bank holiday in the U.K.), it’s also when most kit car clubs hold their annual general meeting. And if the weather is good, it o en turns into a barbecue and beer festival. All told, Stoneleigh is one rockin’ event! is year’s show didn’t disappoint. e weather held up, and the club elds were full of everything from Back in 1967, Volksrod became the ﬁ rst U.K. beach buggy manufacturer. exotic Beetle-based Novas (Sterlings) and 50-year-old

Some ﬁ ve decades later dune buggies are still a popular sight at Stoneleigh. beach buggies to rows of Cobra replicas and over 200 Lotus Seven-style West elds. Inside the exhibition halls, manufacturers from across Europe displayed their vehicles, including several new models. Highlights include two replicas of the classic Ferrari 250 California coupe, one from Mirage Auto Developments, and the other an entry- level rebody for the BMW Z3 from Tribute Automo- tive. Famed car designer Lee Noble (Ultima and Noble M10, M12 and more) returned with a new model that looks like a modern take on the beach buggy. e Mini- based Cox GTM was back, along with several varia- tions of FF Buggies that rst appeared in the 1980s. Everyone we spoke to was keen to export overseas, and many have agents around the world, including the STONELEIGH ROCKS! U.S. and Australia, making the biggest kit car show in And rolls too, as the UK’s largest kit show the U.K. open to a worldwide audience. So even Yanks Photos and Story by Rob Hawkins from the other side of the pond are invited to rock out at Stoneleigh.

42 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show

RCNmag.com | August 2017 43 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show

The all-new BMW-

based 250 from Mirage Auto Developments has Yorkshire-based MNR was one of the ﬁ rst

been seven years in the Seven-type kit car manufacturers to develop a making and ﬁ nally made Miata-based kit. It’s now available and selling its debut at Stoneleigh. well in the U.S.

The Zero from Great British Sports Cars sells

well in the U.S., and the body and chassis can be supplied as a completed assembly.

The GT40 Enthusiasts Club of the U.K. always

supports Stoneleigh with a mouthwatering assortment of quality replicas.

44 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show

The all-new BMW- based 250 from Mirage Auto Developments has Yorkshire-based MNR was one of the ﬁ rst been seven years in the Seven-type kit car manufacturers to develop a making and ﬁ nally made Miata-based kit. It’s now available and selling its debut at Stoneleigh. well in the U.S.

The Zero from Great British Sports Cars sells well in the U.S., and the body and chassis can be supplied as a completed assembly.

The GT40 Enthusiasts Club of the U.K. always

supports Stoneleigh with a mouthwatering assortment of quality replicas.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 45 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show The UK’s answer to the

supercar in component form is the Chevy-powered Ultima.

Nottingham-based Exo Sports Cars sell several

cars began with MGF/TF donor components, but has recently evolved to an Audi V6 and inline transaxle. BMW Z3 body kits are popular in the UK, and this

Tribute Kalifornia is built by Nubodi Automotive.

Surviving the test of time, Marlins

have been manufactured for nearly 40 years and are a useable daily driver based on Triumph, Ford or BMW components.

46 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show The UK’s answer to the supercar in component form is the Chevy-powered Ultima.

Nottingham-based Exo Sports Cars sell several

kits in the U.S., including the Yamaha R1-based Jazzed up with a “Purple People-Eater” tR1ke and Ford Zetec-powered Exotech. paint scheme, the Miata-based MEV Exocet is available in the U.S. and is one of the U.K.’s most popular project cars. Pie Valley’s replacement chassis for Beetle-based kit cars began with MGF/TF donor components, but has recently evolved to an Audi V6 and inline transaxle. BMW Z3 body kits are popular in the UK, and this

Tribute Kalifornia is built by Nubodi Automotive.

Surviving the test of time, Marlins have been manufactured for nearly 40 years and are a useable daily driver based on Triumph, Ford or BMW components.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 47 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show

Squealing tires rock the showgrounds at Stoneleigh,

caused by Westﬁ eld and their slalom rides for £10 a turn.

Once the dream machine in the early days of the

kit market, Beetle-based Novas, Sterlings and Eurekas still appear at Stoneleigh for their annual meeting, and they have a following in the U.S. as well. The VW Beetle-based Pilgrim Speedster can be updated with modern

Red 9 Design replacement subframe with rack-and-pinion steering, double wishbone suspension and coilovers that bolts onto the front of a Beetle ﬂ oorpan.

Lee Noble admits this prototype

While it’s still and work in progress has required a

early days for the Tritium big investment thus far, but it looks from Finland, the speciﬁ cation looks really promising and innovative. promising with carbon ﬁ ber bodywork.

48 EVENT REVIEW Stoneleigh National Kit Car Motor Show

Squealing tires rock the showgrounds at Stoneleigh,

caused by Westﬁ eld and their slalom rides for £10 a turn.

Once the dream machine in the early days of the kit market, Beetle-based Novas, Sterlings and Eurekas still appear at Stoneleigh for their annual meeting, and they have a following in the U.S. as well. The VW Beetle-based Pilgrim Speedster can be updated with modern

Red 9 Design replacement subframe with rack-and-pinion steering, double wishbone suspension and coilovers that bolts onto the front of a Beetle ﬂ oorpan.

Lee Noble admits this prototype

While it’s still and work in progress has required a early days for the Tritium big investment thus far, but it looks from Finland, the speciﬁ cation looks really promising and innovative. promising with carbon ﬁ ber bodywork.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 49 Dimensia Concept Car

reating a one-of-a-kind ride is a rare event that few enthusiasts ever even attempt, let alone accomplish. Most project cars are created from either a C component package or by modifying an existing vehicle, personalized to our taste but with the source vehicle still somewhat recognizable. Dimensia is anything but that! Inspired by the highly futuristic Lexus driven by a “pre-crime cop” played by Tom Cruise in the movie Minority Report, it is so unique that you can’t quite be sure whether this radical ride is coming or going. at odd visual is one of the things that car builder Mike Vetter liked about the design. He has been active in the replica and specialty car scene for more than two decades. Previously, he has built his share of Italian exotics based on stretched Fieros and other donors. Switching allegiance as the supply of Pontiac’s two-seater began to dwindle, Mike began investigat- ing Porsche as a possible source. Before long, his high-dollar Carrera GT replicas followed a similar plan, using a stretched Boxster donor chassis underneath those exotic German lines. Coming close to the best of both worlds, the GT combined supercar looks with genuine Porsche-level performance and the suite of Boxster amenities from the factory. But Dimensia is a distinct departure from the rebodies of the past. Unable to take a mold from an existing car, Mike designed the body from scratch, beginning in 2001. Armed with nothing but photographs and a block of plastic foam for the buck, he set to work, giving his creative impulses free rein. But then reality set in. e rst delay in the construction process began with the amount of room inside. Mike is tall at 6 feet 1 inch, and wanted to ensure that the low-slung two-seater would have ade- quate headroom. It also meant that his new personal car would have room for his wife or his daughter — but not both. As a result, the project was put on the back burner in favor of other less-complicated designs that had room for the family. Even so, from time to time Mike would return to the car, making changes, solving problems, and advancing the design. e original body shape went through a series of modifications, cut down the middle to make it wider and lengthened 14 inches to

COMING OR

At ﬁ rst glance, it’s a bit confusing as to which end is the front — or rear. Tip: GOING? look for the windshield wiper on the Virtually anything goes on the Dimensia concept — and comes, too! front, and rear license plate. Story and Photos by Joe Greeves

50 Dimensia Concept Car

COMING OR

RCNmag.com | August 2017 51 Dimensia Concept Car

correspond to one of Mike’s stretched chassis, from a 2002 Porsche Boxster. e width of the chassis is stock, but spacers and wider wheels were added to match the new wider body. All the Porsche amenities were retained, beginning with the DOHC 2.7-liter, 217 hp horizontally opposed six-cylinder Boxer engine and Tiptronic automatic transmission, along with all the standard Porsche safety and comfort features. Blending the two, Mike created a new tubular frame to support the handlaid berglass body, reinforced with 1-inch tubular steel and welded to the chassis in 20 locations for extra rigidity. “I can go over train tracks at 70 miles an hour and there is no shaking or rattling,” Mike says with understandable pride. e car rolls on 20-inch a ermarket wheels found on eBay, deemed radical enough to t the unique design. (But this is actually the third set of wheels he’s tried so far. Mike keeps adjusting until everything supports his vision for the car.) Looking through the spokes, the huge pizza-sized, 17-inch rotors are Mike’s own creation, and they’re coupled with a modi ed set of Ferrari 430 brake calipers. Mike cut them in half, stretched them until they were twice the original size, made a mold, and then added his own name in raised letters. e original Porsche discs are still there. ey’re just hiding Mike Vetter of The Car Factory is the twisted mind behind the Dimensia. behind the cosmetic versions. Once the basics were in place and the body was mounted to the chassis, the interior was next on the list. Entering through suicide doors, the driver and passenger perches came from a Honda S2000, modi ed to t. On the driver’s side, the oor pan was cut and a well created to provide Mike with the additional headroom he needs. Although visibility concessions have been made, multiple cameras located on the sides and rear feed twin monitors on the dash, giving the driver a surprisingly clear view of the surroundings. e Porsche air conditioning and entertain- ment center add to the enjoyment of a road trip.

“ I really wanted to create the look that it is going backward. It’s part of the process of making the car into something completely The interior is a tight ﬁ t for someone with above-average height, but it’s beautifully ﬁ nished different.” in upholstery that’s color-matched with the exterior. Mike Vetter

52 Dimensia Concept Car

RCNmag.com | August 2017 53 Dimensia Concept Car

Multiple cameras feeding a pair of dash monitors Note the rear wing that deploys or compensate for the limited visibility from the cockpit. retracts at predetermined speeds.

What’s the one comment about the nished car that Mike hears the most? e crazy design lives up to its name, since everyone wonders about which way is front and which way is back. Turns out that it was all intentional. “I really wanted to create the look that it is going backward,” he says with a smile. “It’s part of the process of making the car into something completely di erent.” e sloped windshield and wide A-pillar begin the illusion, along with the unique cutouts on both the front and rear fenders. Mike created his own windshield (breaking a few in the process) and used rear quarter windows from a Chevrolet Cobalt. e suicide doors (another forward/backward confusion element) are actually the rear doors from a Lincoln Town Car. Mike notes that the rear window was a little pricey, sourced from e nishing touch is the highly unique a late-model Jaguar. In this case, it was easier to shape the car to t graphic paint job, straight out of a Tron video the windshield than the other way around. game, created first with a rendering, then Mock solar panels on the roof add to the mystery. Like the sprayed by Mike and his friend, Jerzey Dream. VENDORS original Porsche, Dimensia has a rear spoiler that raises at 72 mph It’s the perfect out-of-this-world element for and tucks away at 42 mph. (For those still not certain which way is this otherworldly ride. The Car Factory forward, here’s a hint: look for the windshield wiper on the front, and Is this push me/pull you car (recall Dr. Doo- 321/431-8120 license plate on the rear.) little’s fanciful creature, the Pushmi-Pullyu www.mtvconcepts.com with a head at each end) as much fun to drive as it is fascinating to look at? e Dimensia actually sits 2 inches lower than a modern Corvette. “It’s a ball to drive, just like a little go-kart, skimming along close to the ground,” Mike proclaims. So far, the car is a one-of-one, with no plans to make another, although Mike has Those rotors required quite a bit of custom design and fabrication. considered making a lookalike car — except that the next one would be con gured to drive backward!

54 Dimensia Concept Car

Multiple cameras feeding a pair of dash monitors Note the rear wing that deploys or compensate for the limited visibility from the cockpit. retracts at predetermined speeds.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 55 Renew Sports Car

The Renew Sports Car has a body made of cannabis fiber Story by Steve Temple Photos by Francois Bota, Hemponair THE HEMP MOBILE

56 Renew Sports Car

The Renew Sports Car has a body made of cannabis fiber Story by Steve Temple Photos by Francois Bota, Hemponair THE HEMP MOBILE

RCNmag.com | August 2017 57 Renew Sports Car

This ‘marijuana Miata’ is a proof of concept, but it’s already created quite a buzz.

eems like what’s old is new again, as shown by the aptly named Renew Sports Car. You see, back in 1941, Henry Ford S unveiled a car partially made from plants; marijuana plants that is, since steel was in short supply during WWII. And he always had an interest in helping American farmers, too. is same line of thinking inspired Bruce Michael Dietzen of Renew Sports Car to create a Miata body conversion made from the same material. A ectionally called the Cannabis Car, it’s a “reincarnation of the rst-generation Miata, with an incredibly durable body made of carbon- negative cannabis hemp.” Just how durable? Well, Ford demonstrated the strength of his car by beating on it with a rubber-tipped sledge hammer, which pretty much just bounced o with no signi cant damage. Dietzen uses his st instead to demonstrate the cannabis body’s tenfold increase in dent resistance, he claims. He also points to the environmental advantages of using hemp as a body material, since it’s nearly carbon neutral. at’s because the raw material consumes CO2 during its growth process. And that aspect is not limited to the body.

58 Renew Sports Car

This ‘marijuana Miata’ is a proof of concept, but it’s already created quite a buzz.

RCNmag.com | August 2017 59 Renew Sports Car

Designer Bruce Michael Dietzen

of Renew has no problem leaning on his Cannabis Car, given its extra dent resistance.

The nose has a bit of Testarossa ﬂ avor, while the overall dimensions bring the Miata donor to mind.

Dietzen toured the country last year, running his car on a second-generation biofuel made from agricultural residue, just like Henry Ford’s car did, proving once again that cars can be nearly carbon neutral if they are made and fueled by plants. While the car shown here has an original 130 hp Miata engine, an electric version is currently under development as well. For performance enthusiasts, the car can be tted with either a turbo or a Chevy LS engine from Flyin’ Miata. Typically licensed and insured as modi ed Miatas, Renews are not available in kit form. Hemp is not as easy to work with as berglass or carbon ber, and 800 hours of labor go into making one. is “marijuana Miata” is a proof of concept, but it’s already created quite a buzz (sorry, but we couldn’t resist including at least a couple of hemp puns). So Renew is looking for a suitable manufacturer to assist with high-volume production — and has no objection to working with cannabis, of course. Somewhere, Henry Ford is smiling with approval, knowing his was right all along.

VENDORS

While the current engine is a 130 hp stock Miata, power adders such as a turbo or Chevy LS engine could be provided by Renew Sports Cars 305/394-1105 Flyin’ Miata. An electric version is in the works as well. www.renewsportscars.com

60 Renew Sports Car

Designer Bruce Michael Dietzen

of Renew has no problem leaning on his Cannabis Car, given its extra dent resistance.

The nose has a bit of Testarossa ﬂ avor, while the overall dimensions bring the Miata donor to mind.

VENDORS

RCNmag.com | August 2017 61 DO IT YOURSELF

do it yourself

PRODUCTS

THROTTLE AUGUS T 2017STEERING

Spinner 9-1-1 REINCARNATION Wheel spinners can become stuck on your vehicle for a variety of reasons: over Sterling Sports Cars under new ownership tightening, lack of anti-seize, debris in threads, etc. The Spinner 9-1-1 tool from Sterling Sports Cars was recently purchased by Fortvac Cobra Valley helps remove broken or stuck spinners without damaging wheels or Automotive Works in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 2010, wheel spinners. The tool fits onto most Cobra wheels and has protective rubber Fortvac grew from a small startup into the caretakers of the Cim- caps and nylon tabs to safeguard the wheel’s finish. Once the tool is in position, bria line of cars, the Viper 2000, and the Fortvac Bernardi. Fortvac the nut is tightened down until the spinner is loose, usually requiring 25 ft-lbs of currently stocks replacement parts and upgrades for Sterling cars torque or less. and is looking to introduce the next generation of the brand. While 262/673-4077 | www.performanceunlimited.com the specifics haven’t been released yet, expect a proprietary tube chassis with a front or mid-mounted V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and bodywork that honors the Sterling and its derivatives. While the Sterling is known for its hydraulic lift canopy, the new model Complete Unassembled Birkin will achieve more interior space, and ease ingress and egress through Birkin Direct-USA has added a new “complete unassembled car” option for the use of gullwing doors. customers looking to take some of the guesswork out of their build. By selecting the 302/407-6768 | www.sterlingsportscars.com option, customers get virtually every piece necessary to build their car, including an engine and transmission, which are supplied by a third party. The low-mileage 2-liter Ford Duratec engine and Type 9 manual transmission have been reconditioned and all supporting hardware is included, such as throttle bodies, ECU and wet sump system. The complete unassembled option can be added to any model offered by Vintage Wires Birkin Direct-USA. Braided spark plug wires from Vintage Wires mimic the old-school 970/376-5188 | www.birkindirect-usa.com look of classic fabric wires, but with modern safety and performance. The 7.8 mm wires start with a spiral-wound suppression core, for use with modern ignition components, sealed with EDPM silicon insulation. Wires are finished in lacquer-covered cotton braid with a variety of colors available. Universal kits come with wire, boots and terminals to build your own set, or custom sets can be built in-house. 517/424-0577 | www.vintagewires.com

Kenne Bell BOOST-A-PUMP In testing, Kenne Bell noticed that extra demands placed on your charging system while driving from headlights, radios, etc. can cause a significant drop in voltage at your fuel pump. These voltage fluctuations reduced fuel flow up to 15 percent. It was found that mod- erating voltage at the fuel pump could eliminate these fluctuations and increasing voltage at the pump could safely increase fuel capacity by up to 100 percent. The Kenne Bell BOOST-A-PUMP is designed to maintain a preset voltage at the fuel pump or safely increase pump capacity for fuel system modifications. The system works with return-less and return-style fuel systems with 12-volt pumps and 12- or 16-volt batteries and will not affect fuel pump life. Universal splice-in kits are available as well as plug-and-play kits for Fords. 909/941-6646 | www.kennebell.net

62 DO IT YOURSELF do it yourself

PRODUCTS

THROTTLE AUGUS T 2017STEERING

RCNmag.com | August 2017 63

– continuation – – low volume – – replica – automobiles

[ reincarnationmag.com ]

RCNmag.com | August 2017 65 » Want to place a RCN Marketplace ad? marketplace Call 866-933-2653 for complete details.

Oil Coolers & Performace Plumbing Oilwww.mocalusa.com Coolers & Performace Plumbing www.mocalusa.comOil Coolers & Performace Plumbing www.mocalusa.com

[email protected] (941) 355-0005 [email protected] (941) [email protected] (941) 355-0005355-0005

Rumor has it Dick Thompson was wearing one of these when he crossed the line at Watkins Glen in 1963. You, too, can finish in first Order Online: place in every race when you wear this “sporty” tee – rcnmag.com/tees marathons and 5Ks not included. Order 12 and we’ll send you a 13th free – we call it Duntov’s Dozen.

This limited edition tee shirt is only available until August 25, 2017. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

66 Only $19.95 Short-sleeved • $24.95 long-sleeved • FREE Shipping! Mail to: Tee Style: � Men � Women Tee Size: � Small � Medium � Large � X-Large � XX-Large COLE Publishing PO Box 220 � � Tee Sleeves: Short Long Qty:____ | Qty:_____ | Qty:____ | Qty:____ | Qty:_____ Three Lakes, WI 54562 Notes: ______Sorry, no foreign orders, shipping to United States only. Fax to: 715-546-3786 Name: ______Please make checks payable to: Address: ______COLE Publishing City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Phone: ______Order online: Credit Card #: ______CC Exp: ______V-Code: ______NOTE: Orders ship 2-3 weeks after August 25th closing date. No foreign orders, shipping to United States only. RCNMag.com/tees The closest thing to flying

without leaving the ground. READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE? Sterling Sports Cars is back! As the new owners, we’d like to thank all the guys who came before us to make this company truly great. When you’re ready to “fly” with your own versatile component car, give us a call. STERLING SPORTS CARS

Made with Sweat and Beers in Delaware, USA

302-407-6768 | [email protected] | www.sterlingsportscars.com