Hudson

When the Chrysler K-Cars came out in 1980, they were great cars. As an owner of a 1982 Dodge Aries powered by the 84hp 2bbl 2.2L SOHC Chrysler four-banger (mated to the 4-speed manual), I cannot complain about the car or the drivetrain...and definitely couldn't defend calling the engine "horrible." Over the 94,000 miles my family put on this car and engine, we had only a few relatively minor problems. The car's "soft" camshaft was replaced early on and the engine continued on like a champ for the rest of our time with the Aries. The "terrible" carburetor had only one glitch (to my recollection) over eight years when the extreme cold temperatures froze it open while driving on the highway, but it closed up a minute later without incident. And carburetors in general during this period of emissions controls were suspect (and expensive), but I can't see how the Holley on the 2.2L should have been singled out as being worse than any other at the time. As a matter of fact, my car (and it's engine) was praised by nearly everyone who experienced my Aries 6-passenger 2-door. A schoolmate who (along with his father) restored Pontiac GTOs took a ride in my Dodge once and exclaimed how impressed he was with its power and acceleration. Granted, my 2,400 lb Aries was not slowed down by unnecessary accessories such as power anything or air conditioning (or cloth seats or padded dashboards or...). And the car returned an impressive 25-30 mpg day in and day out...which isn't bad considering the abuse I put the car through and the car's ability to haul around five of my friends at the same time. In hindsight (and especially at the time), the 2.2L Chrysler engine was anything but a flop. It powered a range of models including economy cars (Omni/Horizon, Sundance/Shadow), family cars (Aries/Reliant, 600/E-Class), pickups (Rampage/Scamp, Dakota....the latter, probably not the best use of the engine), minivans (Caravan/Voyager), station wagons (Aries/Reliant, Town & Country), "luxury" cars (New Yorker, limousines), and sporty coupes (Charger/Turismo, Daytona/Laser). It ranged in power from 84hp (carb'd) to 224hp (DOHC, turbo). And it was in production from 1980 through 1995 (as the 2.5L version) when the tooling was sold and continued in production afterwards. This engine was successful because it was a good (not great and not merely adequate) engine for its time and because it powered Chrysler from near bankruptcy to prosperity.

And the CHIEF reason they're looking into buying Ducati, besides the three superficial reasons given, is Ducati's expertise in developing lightweight engines.

It's the start of production, not sales.

"Recently at the Geneva Auto Show, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne expressed that the upcoming Dodge Dart compact sedan may have its release date rescheduled. Why? Well, Marchionne says the production launch will be moved around for no other reason except — and we’re not making this up — “to avoid being jinxed.” Previously the Dart was on track to hit dealers on April Fools Day, April 1st." Isn't this old news by now. When this quote was first mentioned in the news, it was mentioned that the reporters were too dense to GET THE JOKE! Marchionne wasn't serious...at no time were they planning to launch production on April 1. C'mon, guys...I expected more from you.

There were a few companies who have tried LP/CNG. Ford offered propane in the early 1980s as did Checker. Even Morgan did in order to get around emissions laws back in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

Posted elsewhere, here's my take on the XJ... http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3797

Yes, the passenger compartment was fine. But there was NO cargo room. Batteries took up all of the front of the Electrovair II. The Leaf, however, has cargo space AND passenger space. And I'm not so sure I believe the "6-hour" charging time or the "80-mile" range. The Impact I drove claimed similar numbers, but that was a much BETTER performer.

Styling is definitely a personal thing. I think the XJ is a beautiful car, but I can see how other people might have differing opinions. The XF is great looking and I just thought the XJ was an extension of that, kinda like the A4 donating its theme to the A6 and A8.

I didn't have a problem with the chrome, but I can definitely see your point. I have had cars where interior parts were TOO shiny and caught lights at bad angles.

Once again, I'm back to share another great ride with my friends here. I've always loved Jaguars and they've definitely had some bad ones over the decades, but this isn't one of those. This is a great car. What do you think of the new style XJ? http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3797

Try to make plans for the show this year. There's nothing quite like watching, hearing, and feeling these cars as they race up the hill.

In case you need it, here are some direct links to photos you might enjoy: MG TB: http://automotivetra...r.com/jump/3748 Porsche 356: http://automotivetra...r.com/jump/3749 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre: http://automotivetra...r.com/jump/3752 What are your thoughts? Are there similar vintage hillclimbs near you? Did you go to THIS one?

The day before The Elegance at Hershey, the same grounds hosted a vintage auto race. The Grand Ascent found antique cars, some over a century old, speeding up the hill behind the Hershey Hotel! It was a sight to see...but you should have been there HEAR and FEEL it! The deep bass of the Mercedes' exhaust could be felt in your chest! It was amazing. Check out the pictures at the link below. http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3745

Also a Buick LeSabre trim level.

I will look for you (assuming you'll be there on the 4th too?). Do they have the basement area this year? On the TV and radio ads they keep saying all one floor now that they opened the new section that was being built the past 2-3 years. I'm told everything is on one floor now, with the possible exception of the Dub cars...which is fine with me. The old cars (like those of the Burn Prevention show) are out front now. Should be busy. I won't be there on the 4th, though.

Wasn't the '41 pace car the Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl?

The old Gast Museum? Yep. I think that's where I saw my first one. There are a couple in a museum in Maine and two more at another musuem in Pennsylvania.

I'll be manning the Burn Prevention Concours booth Saturday night (5pm-10pm), if you want to stop by!

In case anyone's interested, here are direct links to the photographs... Full collection: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3722 1906 Lozier: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3726 1907 Fiat 60HP Targa Florio: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3727 1911 Locomobile: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3728 1911 Mercedes 37/90: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3729 1911 Palmer-Singer: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3730 1915 Peerless: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3731 1926 Hispano Suiza H6B: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3732 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3733 1928 Daimler Double Six Limousine: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3734 1929 duPont Model G: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3735 1929 Packard 640: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3736

This year's show is June 8, 9, and 10. The "Elegance at Hershey" is on Sunday, June 10 while the "Grand Ascent" vintage hillclimb will be on June 8 and 9. I'm hoping to volunteer (again) for Saturday and Sunday...maybe even Friday! Great people and great cars at a great venue. Hope to see you there!

Having missed Hershey this fall, I need to get back there for the AACA show. And let me know if YOU get there. As far as modified cars go, I've grown to appreciate them on their own merits. While interviewing for a job many years ago, the editor of a Corvette magazine said he rocked the Corvette world with his belief that it's your car/do with it as you please. The Historian in me had a tough time dealing with it, but the car guy in me fully understands.

I found pictures of a 1907 and a 1915 IHC, but nothing as old as you've mentioned. I know that you're right in that a GTO will attract a larger crowd than some (most) of the cars that excite me. Honestly, I can appreciate any car, but I tire of seeing relatively common cars. For me, the odder the better.

How many of us go to car shows for the performance characteristics of cars? Car shows are typically beauty contests. For me personally, I go to shows to find the most unique thing there...something I've never seen before. Sure, there are Corvettes and Mustangs that fall into that category, but even the rarest of them can't hold a candle to many of the cars that showed up this summer in Hershey. Automotive Traveler will post my pictures from the Grand Ascent, Hershey's hillclimb race where one hundred year old cars were put through their paces...and THAT is where you see some amazing engineering work. If I'm driving, give me a C6 Corvette or a Laguna Seca Mustang, but if I'm watching...get me as close as possible to the 1910 Mercedes that was at the Grand Ascent. Nothing beats the FEEL of the deep exhaust from that car!

As a few people on this site can attest, I love car shows. But how many times can you look at Corvettes or Mustangs and not be bored? This past year, a new car show was launched and it was stunning! Please check out some of my pictures from the show and let me know what you think. Perhaps you can make plans on attending this year's event. http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3722

Don't forget the 500 Japanese buyers and 100 South African buyers!