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AJ’s Car of the Day: 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Typ14 Convertible

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Typ14 Convertible

Car: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Typ14 Convertible

Year: 1959

What makes it special: Volkswagen’s Karmann Ghia is a sports car marketed in 2+2 coupe from 1955–1974, and 2+2 convertible from 1957–1974 body styles by Volkswagen. Internally designated the Typ 14, the Karmann Ghia combined the chassis and mechanicals of the Type 1 Beetle with styling by Italy’s Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built bodywork by German coachbuilding house, Karmann.

What made it famous: In August 1957, Volkswagen introduced a convertible version of the Karmann Ghia. The Type 14 was marketed as a practical and stylish 2+2 rather than as a true sports car. As they shared engines, the Type 14’s engine displacement grew concurrently with the Type 1 Beetle, ultimately arriving at a displacement of 1584 cc, producing 61 PS. In contrast to the Beetle’s machine-welded body with bolt-on fenders, the Karmann Ghia’s body panels were butt-welded, hand-shaped, and smoothed with English pewter in a time-consuming process commensurate with higher-end manufacturers, resulting in the Karmann Ghia’s higher price.

Why I would want one: I always loved the style of the Karmann Ghia, unfortunately try finding one: 1) No body rot, and 2) An affordable price nowadays.

Fun fact: American industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague included the Type 14 Karmann Ghia in his list of the world’s most beautifully designed products.

AJ’s “Badass Friday” Car of the Day: 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Coupe

AJ’s “Badass Friday” Car of the Day: 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Coupe

Car: Plymouth ‘Cuda Coupe

Year: 1970

What makes it special: The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda removed all its previous commonality with the Valiant. The original fastback design was deleted from the line and the Barracuda now consisted of coupe and convertible models. The all-new model was built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler’s existing B platform, called the E-body. The E-body Barracuda was now “able to shake the stigma of ‘economy car’.” The high-performance models were marketed as ‘Cuda deriving from the 1969 option. Barracuda options included decal sets, hood modifications, and some unusual “High Impact” colors such as “Lime Light”, “Bahama Yellow”, “Tor Red”, “Lemon Twist”, “Curious Yellow”, “Vitamin C”, “In-Violet”, “Sassy Grass” and “Moulin Rouge”

What made it famous: Three versions were offered for 1970 and 1971. The base Barracuda (BH), the luxury oriented Gran Coupe (BP), and the sport model ‘Cuda (BS). For 1970 and 1971, the Barracuda and Barracuda Gran Coupe had two six-cylinder engines available: A new 198 cu in version of the slant-6, and the 225, as well as three different V8’s: the 318 ci, the 383 ci with 2-barrel carburetor and single exhaust, and the 383 ci with 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust 330 hp SAE gross. The Cuda had the 383 ci 335 hp SAE gross, same as Dodge’s 383 Magnum as the standard engine. It also had the 440 ci 4-barrel Super Commando, the 440 ci Six-barrel Super Commando Six Pak, and the 426 ci Hemi. The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road. In 1970 and 1971 only, the shaker hood, option code N96, elastomeric rubber colored bumpers, and the Spicer-built Dana 60 rear axle were available. The shaker hood was available with 340, 383, 440 4-barrel, 440 six-barrel, and 426 Hemi engines.

Why I would want one: To me, the 1970-1971 ‘Cuda’s were the epitome of Pony/Muscle car.

Fun fact: The Barracuda was discontinued after the 1974 model year.

Phil’s Pigskin Podcast – Playoffs and Promos

Phil’s Pigskin Podcast – Playoffs and Promos

The playoffs are here, and Patriots are trying to play underdog. Andrew Krause was in with Phil to break down the matchups this weekend, the upsets from the Wild Card round, and why Dak Prescott is the most dangerous quarterback still playing.

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1959 Chevrolet C-1 Corvette Fuel-Injection

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1959 Chevrolet C-1 Corvette Fuel-Injection

Car: Chevrolet C-1 Corvette Fuel-Injection

Year: 1959

What makes it special: In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette succumbed to the look of the day. Starting with the 1958 model year and the four that followed, all had the exposed four-headlamp treatment and prominent grills.

What made it famous: For the 1959 model, engines and horsepower ratings did not change. Interiors were revised slightly with different instrument graphics and the addition of a storage bin to the passenger side. A positive reverse lockout shifter with “T” handle was standard with 4-speed manual transmission. This was the only year a turquoise convertible top color could be ordered, and all 24-gallon fuel tank models through 1962 could not be ordered with convertible tops due to inadequate space for the folding top mechanism. Rare options: RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension (142), RPO 686 metallic brakes (333), RPO 276 15″×5.5″ wheels (214), RPO 426 power windows (547), RPO 473 power convertible top (661). Optional engine choices included two with twin carburetors, including a 270 hp model with Carter 2613S and 2614S WCFB 4-barrels, and two with fuel injection. Power output for the highest rated fuel-injected engine was 290 hp. Displacement remained 283 cu in. 

Why I would want one: When I think of Corvettes, I generally think of the C-1.

Fun fact: It is commonly referred to as the “Solid-axle” generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray. 

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino Cobra

AJ’s Car of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino Cobra

Car: Ford Torino Cobra

Year: 1970

What makes it special: For 1970, the Torino became the primary model and the Fairlane became a sub-series of Torino. Ford moved away from emulating the boxy lines of the full-size Fords to a completely new body for the 1970 Torino/Fairlane line influenced by coke bottle styling. Ford stylist Bill Shenk designed the 1970 Ford Torino, and was inspired by supersonic aircraft with narrow waists and bulging forward and rear fuselages needed to reach supersonic speeds.

What made it famous: The 1970 Torino had more prominent long hood short deck styling, and was longer, lower and wider than the 1969 models. The sporty “Torino GT” was available as a 2-door SportsRoof and convertible. The performance model, the “Torino Cobra” was available as a 2-door SportsRoof only. The engine line-up received major changes, and only the 250 cu in Inline-6, 302-2V and the 351W-2V were carried over from 1969. Optional engines included the 302-2V, standard on GT and Brougham models, 351W-2V, the new 351 Cleveland available with a 2- or 4-barrel carburetor, and the new 429-4V 385 Series V8, standard on the Cobra models. The 429-4V was available in three different versions. Ram Air induction was optional on the 351C-4V, 429 CJ and 429 SCJ. The Ram Air option included a “Shaker Hood” where the scoop was attached to the top of the air cleaner assembly, and protruded through a hole in the hood. A 3-speed transmission was standard on all models except for the Cobra which came with a 4-speed as standard equipment. The Cruise-O-Matic was optional for all engines while the 4-speed transmission was available on all engines except the six and the 302-2V

Why I would want one: I have loved this body-styled Torino since it was produced. Its sport and muscle car all in one.

Fun fact: Ford also chose the Torino as the base for its NASCAR entrants, and it has a successful racing heritage.

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