More Mystery Mags

BeaterBlog has acquired more Magnesium wheels of mysterious origin. Last month Matt discovered his Falcon sported Sampson Engineering magnesium wheels, but these rims have a more obscure source. The resemblance to E30 BMW "bottle cap" wheels is more than a similarity, they're direct copies.

In the Garage: 1991 Miata Runs!

Project Miata was purchased as non-running and the seller's only clue as to the issue was "it might be fuel". Well it was fuel. Adding two gallons of regular unleaded and the battery out of the LeMons car got the roadster started.

BB Crashes Prom, Punch Spiked and Odd Odor Noticed in Lavatory

The NAIAS Charity Preview is Detroit's unofficial prom and the only time I'll be caught in a bow tie. Its also a good time to see the show when the floor is merely crowded with people and not packed shoulder to shoulder. Detroit's elite apparently make a showing, but the only celebrities we rubbed shoulders with where Miss Michigan and Bob King. Overall, the preview is a lot like the regular show with a dress code and a little cheap champagne. The few bars inside Cobo began running out of glasses or booze around 8pm so if you came to drink arrive early. Being a bit tipsy isn't a bad condition for exploring the Acura booth.

North American International Auto Show Day 1

January in Detroit is a special time of year. Its when everyone who's important in the auto industry gathers in Cobo Hall and tries to convince members of the media how cool and important their new special edition wheels are. As you can imagine, we're not actually invited. But to bring our readers unbiased views on what really matters, our man risked all to breach security and bring you these blurry camera phone images. This is more or less what these cars will look like on CL when I can finally afford one.

Marketplace Feature: 1986 Citroen CX Wagon

Although this isn't the first Citroen CX to appear on BB, it is the first one on this continent. From the sparse CL add, I can't tell whether or not this french car has aged like wine or cheese. It appears clean, the miles aren't ridiculous, and the owner claims its been serviced by a reputable Citroen mechanic. On the other hand, the front ride height looks awfully tall (load leveling issue?) and it'll be difficult or expensive to find parts for the cosmetic work needed. Either way, I wish it wasn't on the other side of the country and the seller should have listed a price.

Los Angeles Craiglist

BeaterBlog Product Review: Mothers Headlight Restoration Kit

Back in the 80's sealed beam glass headlights where systematically replaced by plastic headlights with aerodynamic shapes. After years of UV radiation and too many miles those clear plastic lenses turn an opaque yellow and your headlights get dramatically dimmer. Mothers kit promises to make you car both more attractive and safer. Results inside.

Marketplace Feature: 1971 Opel Manta

The appreciating prices of European Capris hasn't rubbed off on GM's equivalent car, the Opel Manta. Opel GTs are nice and cheap too, but I like the Manta's styling better and its as close as I'd like to come to owning an F-body. It has a few issues, but none of them seem too difficult. If there aren't any hidden defects and the car looks good in person this could be a good buy. I also like the very 1970's brown paint.

Detroit Craiglist

Mystery Car Update - Solved: LaDawri Castilian!

Update - The mystery car is a late 50's fiberglass special based on a period Corvette called the LaDawri Castilian!

Spotted next to a pole barn in Granville County, North Carolina is this car constructed from mixed fiberglass and steel components of unknown origin. Most likely it's a low volume 60's kit car from a US-based manufacturer but any ideas that could point to it's identity are welcomed.








Here is what's known about it:

• 5 lug wheel, small bolt pattern (maybe Ford)
• 3 Wipers indicate possible E-type Jaguar cowl
• Hood looks like it could be steel

I was afraid to get any closer to it as it was fenced in and I know enough about Eastern NC to approach these kinds of situations with at least some degree of caution. I didn't want to be 'that guy who's tryin' to stove up my Maserari'.

Feel free to put in your two cents below!

Happy New Year From BB and 2012 Resolutions

2011 is officially over, so its time to set goals for 2012. My resolution is to make some serious progress on all of my projects. While 2011 was a lot of fun, my garage accomplishments were limited to keeping the fleet running and whatever race prep was required for the coming weekend. Follow the link to see where each project stands.