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Monday, March 24, 2014

America's Sports Car: The Chevrolet Corvette

One of the most classic American sports cars is the Chevrolet Corvette, which was first introduced in 1953. It was the first completely American sports car built by an American car company, which is why it is often referred to as "America's Sports Car".

Today, Corvettes are manufactured in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky, where they are created with great care. Though the main complaint with the car was its handling, Corvettes' handling has been continually improved to be on a par with popular European sports cars. However, they still remain relatively affordable, which is perhaps another one of the reasons why they continue to be such popular sports cars.

Corvettes are also created to be far simpler than the technical sports cars seen in Europe, which is one of the reasons they are cheaper. Due to their simplicity, Corvettes tend to be smaller and weigh less than sports cars manufactured abroad. The famous car designer Harley Earl was the person who originally designed the beloved Chevrolet sports car. He noticed that soldiers after the Second World War were bringing back European sports cars and that America didn't really have one. At the 1953 Motorama car show, the Corvette that Earl designed was finally unveiled to the shocked public.

The body of the car was originally made with fiberglass, which was brand new at the time. The performance of the car was similar to other Chevrolets produced at the time, but when Chevrolet released it with the first V8 engine in 1955, it became more powerful and therefore quite popular.

Since it was first introduced, there have been six different generations of Corvettes. The first version of the Corvette had about 290 horsepower and a relatively new fuel injection system. There were several options available to it, including power windows and a convertible top. The second version of the Corvette is also quite important as it was known as the Corvette Sting Ray and had four-wheel disc brakes. There are only five of these coveted models left in existence.

The third version had the oddest introduction of the entire group, as it was shown to the public through Mattel's Hot Wheels line, which had been released a few weeks before the actual car was meant to be shown. The fourth generation was praised for its aerodynamic design, which was uncommon at the time. The fifth generation celebrated the Corvette's fiftieth anniversary, but also improved the car's power in nearly every area. The sixth generation Corvette was recently released and has focused on improving the power of the car, rather than creating a new look.

Even though the Corvette name has been around for over fifty years, it continues to be noteworthy to automobile enthusiasts. In 1984 and 1998, it won Motor Trend's Car of the Year and has appeared on dozens of Ten Best Car lists. The car truly is a piece of automobile history. In fact, the oldest Corvette in existence recently sold at an auction at the price of one million US dollars. The classic American sports car truly is the Chevrolet Corvette, which is why it has been able to survive and remain popular for over half a century.

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

The British Sports Car

A review of The British Sports Car, covering development, features and technical data of each chosen model, from the Mini Cooper S, Jensen Healey, Daimler Dart, to the McLaren F1.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at British Sports Cars, an excellent example of a collection of some true classics, which were manufactured during the period 1959 to 1996.

Mini Cooper

John Cooper, who built Formula One and rally cars, was well aware of the tuning potential of the A-Series engine used in the Mini.

After extensive discussion and collaboration, the Austin and Morris Mini Cooper sports car made their appearance in 1961.

The Morris Mini used an 848 cc engine. However, with tuning, and giving it a longer stroke, the capacity could be increased to 997 cc. Power would increase from 34 bhp to 55 bhp.

The Mark 1 Mini Cooper had two SU carburettors, a close ratio gearbox, and front wheel disc brakes.

In 1964, the original 997 cc engine was replaced, in the Mark 2 Mini Cooper, with one using a shorter stoke and a capacity of 998 cc.

In 1992, the Rover Mini Cooper used a 1275 cc engine, with fuel injection replacing the SU's.

Sales of the Mini Cooper were: 64,000 Mark 1 and 16,000 Mark 2.

Mini Cooper S

In 1963, more powerful versions of the basic Mini Cooper sports car were debuted under the name of Austin and Morris.

The first was the 1071 cc Mini Cooper S, with a modified crankshaft and stiffened main bearings, to allow for further tuning.

It had enlarged servo assisted disc brakes, and was designated the Mark 1 Mini Cooper S. It was built for only one year.

In 1964, the 970 cc Mini Cooper S was launched, designed for racing in the under 1000 cc class.

However, it was not popular, and was only manufactured for a year. It was designate the Mark 2 Mini Cooper S

On the other hand, in 1963, the 1275 cc Mini Cooper S was introduced, and was an immediate success, with continuous production until 1971.

There was a Mark 1, 2 and 3 version. This model was designed for racing in the under 1300 cc class

Sales of the Mini Cooper S were:

19,000 Mark 1 (combined 970, 1071 and 1275)
6,300 Mark 2 (1275 only)
1,570 Mark 3 (1275 only)

A Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967.

Jensen Healey

When production of the Austin Healey 3000 sports car ended in 1967, there were discussions between Donald Healey and the carmaker Jensen.

From the resultant collaboration was born the Jensen Healey sports car.

At the prototype stage, a number of engines were evaluated from Vauxhall, BMW and Ford. However, none were acceptable.

Finally, Jensen approached Lotus who had a new, but untested engine which met the requirements.

It was a 2-litre, twin overhead cam, 16 valve, aluminium unit called the Lotus 907.

The result was offered as a two seater convertible or coupe, with front disc brakes and rear drums. It used coil springs at the front, and a rear live axle.

European export models had two, twin choke carburettors, whilst US models had a single Stromberg, for emission requirements.

The Jensen Healey was popular in the US, but less so in the UK. A total of 3,777 were sold.

To offset financial difficulties, the Jensen Healey GT was introduced in 1975. It was a 2+2 coupe with a limited rear view.

Jensen went into receivership in 1976.

Jensen Interceptor

In 1966, the Jensen Interceptor sports car was launched.

It was offered as a two door, four seat hatchback, convertible or coupe.

The Mark 1 version used a 6.3 litre (383 cu in) Chrysler V8 engine, developing 325 bhp.

It had a distinctive, very large, wrap around rear window that also acted as a tailgate. It had disc brakes on all wheels, independent front suspension, and rear leaf springs.

In 1969, the Mark 2 was introduced with styling that was slightly revised.

In 1971, a larger Chrysler 7.2 litre (440 cu in) V8 engine was used with three, twin choke carburettors, developing 330 bhp.

This version of fuel delivery was called the SP, and was also available on the 6.3 litre engine, developing 385 bhp.

In 1972, the 7.2 litre engine now used a single 4-barrel carburettor.

In 1973, the Mark 3 had further minor styling changes.

Daimler Dart

By the late 1950's, the luxury carmaker Daimler was in financial difficulties.

As a result, the company decided to enter the US sports market with their own model.

Hence, the Daimler Dart, later known as the Daimler SP250, was born. The "SP" referred to Sports, and the "250" to its 2.5 litre engine.

Launched at the New York Auto Show in 1959, it was well received.

It was described as a 2+2 sports car, with a fibreglass body on a steel chassis.

Its engine was an all new 2.5 litre, hemispheric combustion chambered, overhead valve, V8 unit, with two SU carburettors.

The chassis in the original A-spec sports car had a tendency to flex on hard cornering, causing the doors to open.

However, this was rectified in 1960 with the introduction of the B-spec car.

In 1963, the C-spec version appeared, with luxurious extras as standard.

Daimler was acquired by jaguar in 1960 and, sadly, since the Dart had to compete with the E-Type, it wan't given the attention it deserved, which had an adverse affect on sales.

Mc Laren F1

In 1988, a simple drawing of a three seater sports car formed the basis for creating the ultimate sports car. Hence was born the F1.

In 1992, the McLaren F1 was presented at The Sporting Club in Monaco.

It used a glass fibre monocoque chassis.

It was decided that the engine should be normally aspirated since turbochargers and superchargers added a degree of complexity which might affect the drivers' level of engine control .

The final choice of engine was a BMW 6.1 litre, V12. It used an aluminium block and cylinder head, four overhead camshafts, and variable valve timing.

The road version had a compression ratio of 11.1.

In 1998, the McLaren F1 was the world's fastest road car, reaching 231 mph, with its revs limited, and 243 mph when able to rev freely.

Only 106 F1's were manufactured:

64 of the standard street version (F1)
5 were tuned versions (LM's), referring to Le Mans
3 were road cars (GT)
5 were prototypes (XP)
28 were race cars (GTR)
1 was an LM prototype

This marked the end of my review of the British sports car.

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which British Sports Car is Your Favourite

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, this range of British sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1959 to 1986.

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

Monday, March 3, 2014

Why 2006 Was a Good Year For Sports Cars

In 2006 there were a few great sports cars that stood out from the crowd. The cars below stood out from the crowd. Even in the sports car industry there is a lot of competition, I love talking about sports cars and why they are so good or so bad. 2006 was the year of some cracking little sports cars.

The Audi A3 2 litre Turbo has enthusiasts on the edge of their seats and the Audi's responsiveness and how well it sticks to the road, but not only that the Audia A3 is a beautiful car the exterior the interior its just perfect.

The Audi A3 is powered by and intercooled turbo charged engine, the two litre engine is not by any means massive but with its 16 valves the Audi manages to get up to 197mph which is nothing to be sniffed at. Audi's just seem to get better and better and the introduction of the six speed transmission and front wheel drive gives great handling and a gear for every possibility.

The next car that has stood out from the crowd is the Honda Accord and with its fresh new look with the interior being completely redesign, the rear and the front of the Accord has also changed a lot an it is looking very nice.

When you buy a Honda it will always hold its value so when you go to resell it in the future you will not lose as much money as you might have thought. The high resale value is because Honda have such a good reputation for over engineering cars which can only give great reliability. The Honda Accord also comes in a V6 version which comes with a state of the art suspension stability system that gives better handling and road holding.

Those of you who have started to get to know me will know that I love Porsche, and the Porsche Boxster is a great car it takes all the great things from the 911 and twists them to make this fantastic looking car. The twenty four valved double over head cam engine with 2.7 litres is just a massive power plant for such a small car. With the perfect weight distribution it makes the Porsche Boxster an incredible car to drive. With Boxster the performance is not just in the engine it also has massive stopping power which is so important with a car of the Boxster's performance.

Over the course or history sports cars have just got better and better and they styling a lot more refined. But as long as there is competition there will always be great sports cars. The Car enthusiasts will be kept happy for many years to come. Sports cars are just going to get better and better.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Indulge Yourself With A Sports Car Rental

Have you ever driven an exotic sports car? Have you ever had the experience of cruising down the road in a foreign sports car, feeling the raw power through the steering wheel, and knowing that you are the envy of everyone who sees you drive by?

It is a great feeling, and it is a feeling that you can have, if you want to. There are hundreds of places across the US that will rent a sports car to you by the day or even by the week. Yes, it will cost a bit more than the typical Ford Taurus or Chevy Cavalier to rent, but for the unforgettable experience of driving such a fine piece of powerful machinery, it will be worth it, if for no other reason that bragging rights to your friends as well as the wondering eyes of your neighbors when they see that beauty parked in your driveway.

What are your options? If you do a bit of searching, you will likely find a business that does sports car rentals pretty close to almost any major city. Finding a Corvette or a Mustang Mach 1 is probably very simple. Even a Cadillac, Range Rover, Hummer H3 or Mercedes Benz would not be too difficult to find. But if you're going to do this, then do it right. If your tastes are a bit sportier or you want to show off with European sports car flair, you can do that too. For example, you could rent a Ferrari 348 Spider, Ferrari 355/360 (6-speed & F-1 paddle shift), Porsche Boxster, Viper GTS, Prowler, Alfa Romeo, a Jaguar XK, a BMW, the Aston Martin Vantage, or even a Lamborghini Gallardo or Rolls Royce.

Just imagine what it would be like to be driving one of those for a few days or even a week. The local streets around your home town would be a totally new experience for you. Think about using that sports car rental to take that new client to lunch one day. Even better, think about picking up your significant other in this beauty to celebrate a special occasion. Hint for you guys: maybe it's a birthday or an anniversary, but if you make that special occasion the anniversary date of the first time you ever went out with her, the combination of that exotic sports car plus the fact that you actually remembered that date will win you countless brownie points.

Since this is pretty much a "premium" sports car rental, you can expect premium service to accompany those premium prices. Most places will deliver the car to you at the airport or at your hotel. Be sure to make your reservation ahead of time to ensure that the car you want is going to be available when you want it.

No, it's not cheap, but the thrill and the experience will indeed be memorable. Life is short, you work hard, so take the time occasionally to indulge yourself and treat yourself to a taste of how the other half lives.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Pictures of Sports Cars: See Yourself in the Driver's Seat and the Car Becomes Yours

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So imagine this...

A beautifully framed picture of a sports car: you're in the passenger seat, enjoying the ride.

No. That's too limited. Let's go for broke. Visualize yourself as the driver in this sports car picture. You are definitely behind the wheels, confidently cruising down the highway. Can you see it? Do you have in your mind's eye an exotic sports car picture? Moreover, to be even more specific, make it the picture of a fast sports car speeding down the highway.

And while you're having this vision, why not extend your imagination a little further. Close your eyes. There you are. You can see the sports car picture. So you're looking at the picture of a Ferrari. Let's say Ferrari F430 Spider. No?

Well, what sports car picture do you want to visualize yourself driving? What photo do you want to put in this picture of the sports car?

Lamborghini picture? Not to your taste? How about the Jaguar XK8 Convertible? Or why not a picture of the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible? Perhaps you'd like something more classic, like the Austin or the Lotus.

But for the moment, let's just settle and agree on the picture of the Ferrari. You can change your mind later, at any time you want. After all, this is your visualization. Put any picture of fast sports car you want in your dream.

Now, moving on to selecting the color in the picture of the sports car. We'll make it red. Of course, with your imagination you can make it any color you want--perhaps your favorite color.

So there's your complete visualization picture: You, behind the wheels of your own luxury sports car, breezing along a long stretch of almost deserted highway. Ah, what a beauty this car is. The driving pleasure. The power. The freedom. And oh, what a great feeling--the contentment as the cool wind kisses your face while you lose yourself in this experience of driving the sports car of your dreams.

But wait. Look who just pulled up alongside you. Me. You didn't know I was sharing this vision with you, did you? And I'm driving my new, red Ferrari F430 Spider.

In my sports car picture fantasy, my car was in my favorite color--purple, but it wasn't immediately available in that color (and it would be too much of a long wait) so I accepted the red, my second choice.

Oh, and I see you decided on a different car and color for yourself. No problem. It is, after all, your visualization. And you do look good behind the wheels of your yellow Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Wow, when you dream, you really do dream big. But then, that's as it should be. You do deserve it. And it sure suits you--you and your Ford Mustang GT.

This is one magnificent sport car picture, isn't it?

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Sports Car Rental - When a Hired Car Just Has to Be More Than Good

You are planning to finally realize that dream vacation. You are going somewhere great and you want to have the best of everything - even for a short period of time. One of the things that you have to consider is the means of transportation that you will get when you finally reach your destination. One option that you can consider is getting a sports car rental. With a sports car rental, you can fully enjoy the vacation that you have planned for so long.

Renting one from a well known car hire company is not unusual. In fact there are many sport car lease agencies which offer great cars like sports cars and exotic cars. This type of option is offered to various kinds of consumers and you do not need to have a special reason to get one.

If you want to drive a unique car that runs fast then you might want to consider a sports car rental. This can be a very interesting thing to do especially if you are used to driving one. If you are planning to take your grand vacation somewhere then getting into a sports car like your own would be the expected action you will take. If, however, you are not used to driving a sports car, then it is high time that you get to have the cool experience even only for the duration of your well-planned vacation.

If you have always been used to driving the usual sedans or SUVs back at home, then it is about time that you experience your blood rushing with excitement as you drive your own, even temporarily. With a sports car rental, you can choose to drive any car you want. You can finally have the feel of a sports car's steering wheel in your full control. You get to enjoy every moment especially since you will be paying for rental services.

You know that your dream vacation will only be completed if you have the best of the best cars available from a car hire company. Since you want to have a complete perfect vacation picture, then you would not want to settle for something less by getting an ordinary car similar to the one you have.

When getting one, you can get added savings of your rental payment by maximizing great deals and offers. Examples can range form long term rentals, early reservations, loyalty club memberships and even a holiday discount. It would also be practical for you to check with your favorite rental company if they offer coupon code discounts for a sports car rental. You might also want to consider getting insurance to go with the rental agreement.

Always remember that you sometimes deserve to get the best even if it is a new idea. Get to drive your dream Lamborghini even through a car hire service. Since you want to have the perfect vacation, do not hesitate in acquiring the best services and the best cars. With a rented sports car for your trip then you can be assured of a vacation worth remembering for years.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

The Art & Spirit of the Exotic Sports Car

Anyone who has seen the Lamborghini Reventón or the Aston Martin DBS knows that unmistakable feeling. It's the thrill & the allure of the exotic sports car, overhauled & updated for the 21st century. Since their inception, sports cars have continually pushed the boundaries of both engineering & art. These are the cars that exemplify speed, power and beauty.

Alfa Romeo: The Grandfather of Exotic Sports Cars

Alfa Romeo first began producing racecars in Milan, Italy in 1910. Their first endeavor, the HP 24, turned some heads with its superior speed and handling. Chief Designer Giuseppe Merosi worked on all Alfa Romeo models from 1910 to 1923. When Merosi retired, racecar driver Enzo Ferrari persuaded Vittorio Jano to leave Fiat and take over Merosi's work.

In 1925, Alfa Romeo unveiled the P2 Grand Prix Car, Jano's first car with Romeo and widely considered the first "supercar." The P2 was powered by a straight-8 cylinder supercharged engine, and placed first in 14 Grand Pix races between 1924 and 1930. Today, the P2 Grand Prix is considered one of the most rarefied of the collectible antique cars, with less than a dozen still intact.

This year marks the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States. Their current sports car, the 8C Competizione, is stunning with its sleek lines, 4.7L 6-cylinder engine & a top speed of 181 mph. This car is destined to send ripples throughout the US market.

Ferrari: High Performance, Luxury Cars

After racing Alfa Romeos in the 1920's & 30's, Enzo Ferrari decided that he wanted to build his own racecars. He prototyped a few models in the 1940's, but it wasn't until after World War II that he found success. Notably, Ferrari's exotic sports cars took first place in the Formula 1 World Championships, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championships throughout the 1950's.

Ferrari's Gran Turismo series remains its most successful lines, with the 2007 599 GTB Fiorano bringing even more luxury and innovation to the table. Patrons of the Ferrari Club of America cite performance as the primary reason for purchasing a Ferrari over other collectible cars.

Lamborghini : Exotic Sports Cars for a New Generation

Ferruccio Lamborghini had a successful business building tractors in Italy before his eyes turned to the exotic sports car. And it wasn't a love for performance that stirred his fire, but a disdain for Enzo Ferrari.

According to Lamborghini's family, Ferruccio purchased a Ferrari 250 GT in the early 1960's and was unhappy with the handling & response of the clutch. He brought it into Ferrari's factory and met with Enzo Ferrari to voice his concerns. Ferrari was immediately upset with Lamborghini's complaints so he mocked Lamborghini and sent him away. Lamborghini went home, dismantled the car and discovered that the clutches installed in Ferraris were from the same manufacturers he used for his tractors. He installed a new clutch and vowed to create a higher-quality, luxury sports car than Ferrari.

While Lamborghini has countless models that produce awe and wonder in car enthusiasts, it's the 1974 Countach that remains their most iconic. Designer Marcello Gandini, then just beginning his career, placed his focus on style over aerodynamics. With its scissor doors, sharp lines and low, wide frame, the Countach raised the bar for Lamborghini. The Diablo, the Murciélago, and even the 2008 Reventón follow in its wake.

Aston Martin: Unforgettable Collectible Cars

Britain's Aston Martin was founded by Lionel Martin & Robert Bamford in 1914. They designed exotic sports cars and drove in competitions, but it wasn't until David Brown became managing director of the company in 1947 that they were able to establish themselves as a maker of high-quality, high-performance sports cars. They introduced the DB line (DB standing for David Brown) in 1950, and many of their models have become synonymous with antique and collectible cars.

Newer DB models include the luxurious DB-7, which was designed by Ian Callum and produced from 1994 to 2001. This model won the Jim Clark Award in 1995, and remains Aston Martin's most successful car to-date.

Where to Find Collectible Cars for Sale

Buying and selling exotic sports cars is a specialized process that requires a credible and secure collector car trader. Some of the best experts are other exotic sports car owners. To find out more about buying and selling antique cars or classic collectible cars the first place to look are exotic sports car clubs such as http://www.lamborghiniclub.com or [http://www.exoticcarrental.com/FerrariClubs.com]

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Classic Sports Cars

Why do so many people spend so much of their time and money buying old sports cars, and restoring and taking care of them? Because a classic sports car is like an old tune, a vintage wine or a black-and-white photograph--timeless, priceless and nostalgic. A classic sports car is a 'classic' because it traces its lineage to the first or second generation of sports cars and is at least 30 years old. Cars from the 60s are especially popular due to their flamboyant design and trademark engine roars that call attention to their power.

The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac GTO, Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-Benz 300SL and Alfa Romeo Monza Spider are a few famous classic sports cars that wowed generations of auto enthusiasts with their sleek tailfins, chrome plating and grilles, bright, happy two-tone colors, jet tube taillights, wraparound windshields and plush upholstery.

Classic sports car collectors either lovingly restore and drive their cars or simply keep them in prime condition in their garages. Many love to show off their cars in shows and win trophies. And why not? These handsome cars are the epitome of style.

If you plan on buying a classic sports car, it is advisable to go for a car that's reasonably priced and is simple but nevertheless interesting. American cars offer great value for the money when compared to cars from Europe, in terms of availability of spare parts for restoration. Most American classics come equipped with power windows, air-conditioning and power steering. On reliability, too, American cars tend to score better, as they require lesser maintenance and do not need frequent servicing.

Yes, it's possible to get yourself a piece of history and some of that romance, without having to rob a bank, win a lottery or inherit a fortune.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Sports Car Rental - You Know You Want to Drive One

We have all had the same dream of driving an exotic sports car, the wind blowing out hair making us the envy of everyone that sees us driving. Now in reality not everyone can afford to drive a sports car. So how do you make you the envy of the open road, the answer is a sports car rental.

This is a feeling like no other, and there are hundreds of places across the us that will rent you a spots car. Now of course this will cost a little more than if you was to rent a normal car like a Taurus, or another economy sized car. But with looking like you are something there is a price and that price is well worth it in the end when you can make your friends jealous and your neighbors curious as to what exactly is going on.

So you may be asking yourself exactly what your options as far as what you can drive when it comes to a sports car rental are. Well the answer is simple the options are wide open, there really is no limit as to what kind of car you can drive. Almost every major city has at least one place that deals with sports car rentals. These places have a wide range of cars that are often times available to people who want to rent them.

Now sit back and imagine yourself cruising around the streets of your city making people take a second look at the car that you are driving. If you are single then a sports car rental is almost a guarantee way to get a womans attention, now how long the love affair goes on after she discovers that you are driving a rental I can't tell you. The important thing to remember is that this will give you even if it's just temporary a status symbol that will make people take notice.

Of course a sports car rental also has other perks like it being delivered right to your door at either the airport or your place of current residence. Think about the possibility of impressing that client that you have been trying to land for the longest time. Nothing will get them to sign with you then to be driven around the city in a sports car rental.

Now of course all of this luxury does come with a price. You can expect to pay a nice weekly or daily rate for your temporary status symbol. In addition you also can expect that there will be more restrictions about renting than with an ordinary rental car. These restrictions are just a small price to pay for the looks and attention that you will receive when you are driving your new sports car rental.

In the end it all comes down to you, do you really want to pay that price for just a few days of making people jealous of you or can you achive the same results with another means that will give you the same satisfaction as a sports car rental.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

The MG Sports Car

A review of the MG Sports Car, focusing on the development, important features, and technical data of each model in the MG range, from the MGA to the MG RV8.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the MG Sports Car, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1955 to 1995.

In 1955, the MG T-series was finally phased out in favour of the MGA, which symbolised a styling breakthrough in respect of its predecessors. The MGA 1500 sports car mounted a separate body to a rigid frame, and used a 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine with two carburettors. It was a two door, two seater model, available as a convertible or fixed head coupe. There were drum brakes on all four wheels.

In 1958, the MGA Twin-Cam sports car was introduced. It used a 1.6 litre, high compression, double overhead cam, aluminium cylinder head engine. An unreliable engine, which suffered from detonation problems and burning oil. A low compression version developing 100bhp was later added.

In 1959, the MGA 1500 had its engine uprated from 1498cc to 1598cc. It was renamed the MGA 1600. Apart from minor changes to the trim, the two cars were similar, externally.

Finally, in 1961, the MGA 1600 Mark 2 was introduced. It used a larger 1622cc engine, a higher back axle ratio for smoother high speed driving, and a grille that was inset.

The introduction, in 1962 of the MGB sports car represented a radical change in design. It used a monocoque structure, instead of the body being attached to a chassis as was the MGA and MG T-types. The result was a more resilient assembly. It was a two door, two seater convertible. Later, in 1965, a 2+2 version was added. It incorporated a 1.8 litre engine, with two SU carburettors, and a four speed gearbox. The suspension was softer for a smoother ride, and there was an optional overdrive unit.

In 1965, the MGB GT was introduced. It had a fixed roof, and was marketed on the basis of its distinctive hatchback style. It was, essentially, a 2+2 design combining a rear bench seat and substantially more room for luggage, compared with the roadster. The only difference was in the suspension springs and the addition of anti roll bars. The specification and performance was as per the roadster.

In 1967, production of the Austin Healey 3000 was scheduled to end. Accordingly, a suitable replacement could involve adding its 2.9 litre, straight 6-cylinder engine into the MGB. This heralded the birth of the MGC sports car, available in both GT and convertible versions. From the outside, the only difference was a noticeable bulge in the bonnet to allow for the relocated radiator. The heavy engine and revised suspension had an adverse effect on handling.

Near the end of 1967, the MGB Mark 2 was launched following a number of technical changes, including:

A gearbox with synchromesh on all forward gears
An optional automatic gearbox
A new front grill
The use of an alternator instead of a dynamo
The addition of reclining seats

Otherwise, the specification and performance was as per the original model. Additional changes in 1972 led to the introduction of the MGB mark 3. These included:

A new facia
The chrome bumper over riders being substituted by rubber one

Furthermore, US emission regulations resulted in the power output being reduced to 84bhp. Production of the MGB ended in 1980 with nearly 90% being exported, mostly to the USA.

In 1973, a version of the MGB GT, incorporating the Rover 3.5 litre, V8 engine, with an aluminium block and head, and two SU carburettors, was launched. It was designated the MGB GT V8. Since this unit was lighter than the 1798cc engine, it only required minor chassis changes, and handling was unaffected. This model was never exported to the USA.

In 1992, the original MGB was updated by the addition of new body panels and a modified suspension. The chosen power plant was a 3.9 litre version of the Rover aluminium 3.5 litre V8. The result was the MG RV8. Sadly, it retained rear drum brakes and leaf spring suspension, and as such was regarded as old fashioned. Over 75 % of production was exported to Japan.

This marked the end of the classic MG sports car.

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which MG Sports Car Is Your Favourite

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of MG sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1955 to 1995.

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

An Expensive Sports Car Can Be Protected With the Right Insurance

In a view of a sports car buyer, speed and looks are the most important aspects. However, both of these aspects need protection against the risk of damage and loss. The speed, at which a sports car is driven, increases the chances of an accident. A sports car has a stylish look and is embedded with expensive accessories that tempt thieves. Since qualified servicing and repairs facilities for cars are few and spare parts are difficult to source, maintaining such car can cost a fortune.

Car insurance saves money for sports car owners

1. A large portion of these ownership costs of a sports car can be eliminated by auto insurance. It may seem to be an additional cost but auto insurance is actually a timely investment for your car.

2. Car insurance shoulders the cost of repairs and loss that your sports can incur despite your best intentions while driving and your care for it. It covers the cost of repairs to the other car that has been damaged in an accident your sports car is involved in.

3. Medical costs of treating injuries in accident are also within the scope of the sports car insurance.

Car insurance premiums for sports cars

1. Be careful while choosing car insurance for your car as auto insurance policies differ for different vehicles. Since sports cars symbolize luxury and thrill, they are likely to be driven fast and thus, increasing the chances of an accident.

2. As discussed earlier, they are costlier to repair. Also, being an expensive vehicle, there are chances of its parts or the car itself being stolen. As the chances of an accident and the cost of loss or repairing damage are higher, higher insurance premiums are charged to offer coverage for cars.

3. Also, the difference between third party coverage and comprehensive coverage may be more as compared to other types of cars due to the inherent risk of damaging a sports car or losing it to theft.

But you can locate the best deal by looking up your options online or speaking with agents. It will help to bring up a clean driving record during such a conversation to strengthen the case for a favorable pricing of the car insurance premium. Also, the older you are, the easier it is to get a better deal on sports car insurance as you are perceived to be a safer driver. Some cars also have an owners club whose members have special privileges and discounts for auto insurance. Consider becoming a member of such a group. At the same time, make every effort on your part to ensure safety of your vehicle. This can be done by parking it in locked premises and fitting special gadgets that offer resistance to theft.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Exotic Sports Car Rentals - Gotta Get Me Some!

I don't know about you, but I've always wanted to drive one of those really extreme high-end sports cars. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mazerati... the list goes on. I've never sat in one of these kinds of sports cars, let alone driven one - all that power transmitting itself from the tires all the way into the palms of my white-knuckled hands, seeing the looks of envy on the faces of everyone I pass by.

Oh What A Feeling

What a feeling that would be. I thought I'd never get to have that experience, but I found you I actually can! Turns out there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of exotic car dealerships all over the United States and all over the world. For a week, a day, or even just a few hours, that exotic, luxury sports car can be yours, along with the feelings of superiority that come with it! True, it will set you back more than the average compact car rental. But what an experience! Being behind the wheel of a sports car, a TRUE sports car that's normally only seen on the race track, is something most people will never experience. The bragging rights alone are worth the price of admission!

OK I gotta Have One. Now What?

So where do you find the sports car rental of your dreams? You'll have to look around to see who's in your local area with sports cars to rent out (or the area you plan to be visiting if you're thinking of doing a vacation sports car rental). Jump onto the internet and search for something like "sports car rental Your City" replacing "Your City" of course with... your city! Depending on what you want, you'll find it quickly or not. If you just dream of a convertible Porsche for example, that's probably not all that hard to find. But a Lamborghini Diablo might take a little more hunting. If you look around enough, you'll eventually find that almost every model of exotic sports car in existence can be had for a price. Ferrari, Viper, Alfa Romeo, Mazerati... they're all out there.

You Want HOW Much For That?

Now let's be clear - this is a serious luxury, and it's going to command a luxury premium price. You can expect to pay several times what you would pay for a "standard" rental car [http://lasertargeted.com/carrental/car-rental-savvy-company-losing-money-rent-car.html], though with these luxury sports cars they will often deliver them to you at your home, office, hotel, etc. When you pay this much - you get service! It's not cheap, but then how many things that are really worthwhile, are cheap? Rent an exotic sports car, live a little. It's your life - live it!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Tips on How to Get a Cheap Sports Car

When buying a sports car you need to assess what you want first but even more importantly you need to decide how it will fall into your budget. Basically can you afford to not only buy a sports car but can you run one? However there are some options available to you to enable you to buy cheaper but valuable sports car.

If you take a look at your local newspaper to see where the local auction house is and when the next auction is. However a real life auction is pretty daunting and not for someone that is shy its is most definitely not for the faint hearted! Just like any other auction whether it is online or in the real world it's a fast pace adrenalin fueled place that is very stressful if you can I would advise to visit an auction a few times before you even attempt to try and bid on something just to get an idea of how it works and how it falls into place. The only downside with offline auctions is you cannot test drive the car before you buy it so you need to have your wits about you and hope that its a good car.

In the UK you can get a lot of car warehouses which basically means they buy a lot of cars and shift them at low prices and not only that they tend to be a lot cheaper than main dealers and because you are buying a used sports car it's a buyers market so you have the upper hand and you can normally negotiate a really good price. I try and search around the internet and see what they have to offer first but there normally is a fast stock turnaround so if you are not quick you might miss out.

The private seller is always a great place to buy cheap sports car as people may find themselves in a financial emergency so they need some quick cash. Their precious sports car has to go and that can only mean good news for the buyer. Be aware and watch out for some crazy good deals.

The only down side of buying from a private seller is that there is no come back and the buyer buys the sports car on a "sold as seen" basis. You cannot run back to the seller and complain.

There are some really great sports cars out there that every seems to ignore or even take for granted, this is normally due to trends in the sports car industry. This is a good thing for the buyer because they can pick up a cheap sports car and great value for money.

Sports cars are luxury cars and because they are a luxury it does not mean that they have to be expensive or have to set you back an arm and a leg. There is a lot of good deals out there you just need to hunt them down. At the end of the day when buying a cheap sports car you need still remember that quality needs to play a big part in your decision.

Monday, November 18, 2013

The Sports Car Review

"Do You Have A Favourite Sports Car?"

"Your favourite sports car". What are the things you look for? By following their development across the decades, the features of each, such as body styling and performance, can be compared to find which you think is the best.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the sports car highlights covering the memorable period of the 1940's to the 1980's, which featured the introduction and development of many classic cars, some of which are household names.

The 1940's

By the end of WW2, many European car manufacturers looked to the US as a means of generating sales since the home markets had, in many cases, been almost wiped out.

Furthermore, affluent post-war Americans were developing a taste for the sports car which they had acquired whilst in Europe during the war.

Leading the European charge into the US market, in the late 1940's, were the following:

MG TC Midget, MG TD Midget, Triumph Roadster, Aston Martin DB1, Jaguar XK120

Classic cars of distinction from the 1940's included:

Healey Silverstone - 1949
Allard J2 - 1949
Ferrari 166 Inter - 1948
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 - 1947
HRG 1500 Aero - 1945

The 1950's

During the 1950's, the economy in the US was growing rapidly, which generated additional demand for sports car ownership.

By now, a multitude of British and European models were being showcased for both home and export markets. Important amongst these were the following:

Austin Healey 100-6, Triumph TR2, MGA, Lotus Elite, Porsche 356

Other manufacturers, who were very active in the 50's, included such memorable names as:

Alfa Romeo, Bristol, Maserati and Morgan

In the latter part of the 1950's, the import of European sports cars into the US was now widely accepted, and they now represented a permanent feature of the US auto scene.

Classic cars of distinction from the 1950's included:

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa - 1958
Ferrari 410 Super America - 1957
Jaguar D-Type - 1954
Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa - 1956
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato - 1959
Jaguar XKSS - 1957
Porsche RSK Spider - 1957
Ferrari 250 GT - 1959
Aston Martin DB3S - 1956

The 1960's

In the 1960's, one of the features of the market for classic cars in the US was that of specialist models, which incorporated a number of features copied from their European rivals.

Typical examples included the Ford Mustang and Corvette Stingray.

Some of the most memorable models produced in the 60's included the following:

Jaguar E-Type, Corvette Stingray, Daimler SP250 Dart, Ford Mustang, AC Cobra

Classic cars of distinction from the 1960's included:

Ferrari 250 GTO - 1962
Alfa Romeo Giulia Duetto - 1967

The 1970's

The oil crisis of the 1970's created a shift away from "gas-guzzling" cars to the more fuel-efficient.

Although this had an effect on the sales of certain sports cars, their development was maintained with some exciting new models, including:

TVR 2500M, Lotus Elan, Triumph TR6, Marcos 1600, Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Classic cars of distinction from the 1970's included:

Lamborghini Miura P400SV - 1971
Ferrari 365 BB - 1973
De Tomaso Pantera GTS - 1971
Maserati Bora - 1979
Ferrari 512 BB - 1976
Lamborghini Coutach LP400S - 1977

The 1980's

The 1980's started on a sad note with the demise of the MGB and Triumph TR.

However, some of the most significant models in this period included names that will always be remembered with pride:

Aston Martin Vantage, Lotus Esprit Turbo, Morgan Plus 8, Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet, Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster

Classic cars of distinction from the 1980's included:

Ferrari F40 - 1987
Ferrari 288 GTO - 1984
Porsche 959 - 1987
Lamborghihi Countach 5000 QV - 1985

The 1990's

Finally, to conclude my summarised roll of honour, consider those that featured prominently in the 1990's, a further period of affluence which, once again, created new demand for the sports car.

Although they may not be regarded as classics, they nonetheless constituted an important milestone in sports car memorabilia:

Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar XJ220, Aston Martin DB7 Volante, Porsche 996 GT3 RS, McLaren F1 regarded by many as the finest sports car ever produced

This marked the end of this classic car review

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, the original question:

Do You Have A Favourite Sports Car?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, these and many other sports cars which featured in the memorable period spanning the 1940's to 1990's

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

Saturday, November 16, 2013

The MGB GT V8 Sports Car

A review of The MGB GT V8 Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the eighth model in the new MG range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the MGB GT V8, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1973 to 1976.

In the latter part of the 1960's, a number of sports car makers were experimenting with the idea of adding a large engine to a small car.

At the forefront of this trend was the AC Cobra and, to a lesser extent, the Sunbeam Tiger.

In the UK, the existing small sports cars with their equally small engines were out of touch with the major export markets.

The first models to try to break the mould were the Triumph GT6 and MGC, but both failed.

Ken Costello, a well respected private entrepreneur, realised the potential of adding a larger engine to the MGB.

In fact, the car was originally designed to use a V4 engine, which was larger than the B-Series unit finally chosen.

In the early 1970's, he was successfully marketing some 200 MGB convertibles and GT's with a 157 bhp version of the Rover V8 engine, and at a premium to the selling price of the later MG production model.

MG subsequently asked him to produce a prototype MGB GT V8 sports car using the Rover 3.5 litre V8 engine which they had recently developed.

He modified this engine to produce a unit that developed an impressive 180 bhp. However, prior to the final launch of the new MGB, the supply of Rover V8 engines to him was withdrawn (to prevent competition).

In 1968, with the advent of British Leyland, MG decided to fit an alternative engine into the MGB in response to the mistakes made with the MGC.

They had the choice of two different V8 engines - the Rover 3.5 litre unit, and Triumph's own 3 litre unit as used in the Triumph Stag.

However, the latter engine was beset with technical problems, such as heads that tended to warp due to incorrect head gaskets that restricted the flow of water, so leading to overheating.

On the other hand, the Rover engine successfully powered a number of cars, such as the Land Rover and Morgan Plus 8. In fact, it was initially fitted to the Rover P5B 3.5 litre saloon car, back in 1967.

Furthermore, it was decided to incorporate this engine only in a fixed head coupe version.

The reason behind this was that, since the US was seen as the principal export market, the advent of their stringent emission and safety regulations could result in the demise of the convertible.

Another reason was that fixed head coupes were often perceived as being more elegant than the corresponding convertible.

However, for use in performance cars, the original V8 engine would need modifications to strengthen the block, together with further improvements.

Since the Rover V8 engine used an aluminium block and cylinder heads, it actually weighed less than the steel B-Series unit used in the MGB.

The car's engine bay could easily accommodate the Rover unit without the significant chassis modification necessary when the large 3 litre, 6-cylinder engine was added to produce the MGC.

The result was that the presence of the V8 engine did not, in any way, adversely affect the handling characteristics of the car, as was the case with the MGC.

However, MG decided that a less highly tuned version than that produced by Ken Costello would be appropriate.

The final version that was used in production developed 137 bhp at 5000 rpm and 193 lb/ft of torque, and two SU carburettors were added.

It has been suggested that the reason the company chose a Rover engine with a lower compression ratio and a correspondingly lower 137 bhp output was to create, for marketing purposes, a separation between the new MGB and the more expensive Triumph Stag.

In 1973, the MGB GT V8 sports car was launched.

The main criticism at the launch was that both it and the standard MGB BT were too alike, externally, especially since the new car cost more.

No left-hand drive models of the MGB GT V8 were ever built for export to the US.

British Leyland indicated that production capacity would be insufficient to satisfy the additional requirements of the US market.

An alternative explanation was that BL management was concerned that the new MGB would draw attention away from other models being produced, especially the 3 litre, V8 engined Triumph Stag.

The fact that the new car had to be withdrawn prematurely was linked to it being launched during the worldwide fuel crisis of 1973, which was the death knell for many large engined cars.

Sadly, the MGB GT V8 sports car was no exception, since it returned only 20 mpg.

Furthermore, since Rover did not offer the V8 engine in a variant that satisfied US emission regulations, this precluded it from export to the US, a vital and necessary market.

Initially, the new car was well received by the motoring press in the UK but, by 1976, and the introduction of black polyurethane safety bumpers, sales plummeted.

In fact, in 1976 when production ended, only 176 of the cars were built.

This marked the end of the MGB GT V8

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which MG Sports Car is Your Favourite?

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".