2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 "Kowalski Edition"

A lot of us may be too young to remember the glory days of auto movies in the 70s, but for those old enough to remember a movie called Vanishing Point starring Barry Newman, this little tuning project may be if interest. In the movie, Newman plays the role of Kowalski, man who makes some sort of bet that he could take a white 1970 Dodge Challenger and drive it all the way the from Colorado to San Francisco in just 15 hours. Apparently, Vanishing Point was one of the most iconic car movies of the era, having enjoyed cult status to its fans, including one Bob Frederick.

As the dealer of New Wilmington Dodge and a long-time fan of the movie, Frederick decided to do something really cool to pay homage to one of his favorite flicks by unveiling a special edition model of the 392 Inaugural Edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 and calling it the “Kowalski Edition”.

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1961 Lincoln Continental Coupe. One of my Faves!

In the absence of a brand-new chop, here's one of my all time favorites, a "Continentalized" '61 Lincoln Continental. Besides losing the two rear doors, I re-proportioned every panel on the car for a long-hood, short-deck design. I shortened overhangs and made the C pillar a bit thicker for that proper contemporary look as well. I enlarged the wheels to 20-inches, the new "modern" 15-inchers, but would style the wheel to replicate the original clean wheelcovers. It might be cool to see a set of 20-inch tires with an aspect ratio of perhaps 50, tall for a "20," and have it include a 2-inch whitewall...

I photoshopped this car early last year, and it has appeared in The Autoextremist, and CarSpyShots.

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FF Sharkfin: Trompe L'oeil Roof Pillar Comes to Ferrari

My take on the recent "sharkfin" floating roof pillar treatments, as seen on this 4-passenger Ferrari FF variant. The A pillar and roof rails, as well as the top part of the C pillar, are polished unpainted aluminum. Taken as a whole with the body color lower C pillar and beveled glass side windows, the profile of a classic barchetta are revealed in this taller, more upright "family" Ferrari.

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2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake

The legendary Ford Mustang line has spit out many iterations in its decorated history, but of all the versions of that line, none has been more powerful than the Shelby GT500 Super Snake.

First introduced in 2008, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake has been the crown jewel of the Mustang line, a car that blends torque-twisting muscle with a supercar-like power that very few American-made cars can reach.

This month, the latest incarnation of the Shelby GT500 Super Snake will slither its way to New York when it makes its official debut at the New York International Auto Show.

The car’s debut in New York is symbolic of the rich history between the annual event and the American marquee. According to John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc., the New York International Show holds a special place in the hearts of Shelby. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H," he said. "This year, we’re returning with one of the most powerful and important Shelbys ever built."

Needless to say, we’re all gearing up for the New York Auto Show, especially for the unveiling of this American icon.

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Volt Coupe: Controversial Beltline Trim Enlarged

2012 Volt Coupe by Chevrolet. Expanding the controversial black painted belt line, the Coupe extends this trim to the taillights, effectively isolating the Volt's roof from the bodysides creating a "floating" C pillar. Evocative of GM's '59-'61 "Vista" wraparound 4 door hardtop roofline? Bright work is expanded on the lower belt line as well. Wheels are enlarged but use the Volt's aero-tuned wheel design for maximum efficiency. Larger chromed nameplate is positioned to emphasize the Volt's inset door design and argent-colored composite rocker panels. Click on image to enlarge, as always.

An earlier chop of mine went the other direction with the black belt line panel, deleting it, Volt sedan left, Cruze right. I also straightened out the rocker panel trim, adding a dark section to the doors, and running a chrome strip along the top.

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Past Blasts: Fairlane Victoria 4-Door "Coupe"

V8 or Hybrid EcoBoost Versions; Both RWD, Both Same Trim, Both Same Price

Classic Fairlane "Checkmark" is molded into the sheet-metal smart blanks for this 21st century take on the original Mid-Century Modern '55-'57 side trim. 

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Past Blasts: Talismans From Detroit et Boulogne-Billancourt*

Cadillac Talisman crossover wagon, chopped in 2006. When I saw this article at Autoblog, for a Hamptons beach cruiser, I thought of this radical Caddy wagon courtesy early casey/artandcolour. This example has tiny slivers of wood at the bases of the doors.

This Talisman is equipped with the optional brushed stainless steel door skins.

 Wallpaper from 2001

This Talisman is from France's Renault. It was a concept car from 2001, and I photoshopped this wallpaper for it that year. Ten year old photoshopping skillz in the house!

* Boulogne-Billancourt is where Renault's World Headquarters is located, a suburb of western Paris. For Wiki's short history of Renault, click here.

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