By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

You’d think that everyone running in the World Rally Championship would have factory support, giant trailers and dozens of mechanics. But while that’s the general rule, Bill Caswell managed to be competitive in a beater BMW that he got off Craig’s List for a whopping $500. Now, managing to finish would be quite the achievement, but he actually managed to come in third in class. How cool is that? Jalopnik has the whole story, and StreetFire has video of the Bimmer rounding a corner and crossing the finish line.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Today’s photo of the day was taken at an abandoned orphanage outside of Paris. Via Jalopnik. Keep those photo of the day PMs and e-mails coming!

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

Every so often, the prospect of a four-door Corvette rears its ugly head. The current set of rumors and renderings gets its heft from some comment made last year by Bob Lutz, who claims that the new Camaro is cannibalizing Corvette sales. The solution? A four-door, G8-based ‘Vette powered by a V6 for improved fuel economy, a great way to have your midlife crisis and still get the kids to soccer practice without running afoul of seatbelt laws. The General also believes the Fourvette to be the perfect ploy to draw in the female market, once again showing how sorely he underestimates us. Mr. Angry is concerned that these kinds of idiotic ideas have a way of snowballing into a production-ready vehicle before you know it, but I have faith that cooler heads will prevail. Why would GM cook up a competitor to its own Camaro? Why would this competitor take the form of the iconic Corvette, already a niche brand whose limited sales aren’t necessarily a problem? It all seems a little far-fetched, but stupider things have happened. Just mention the Panamera around any Porsche enthusiast and you’ll see what I mean. More at Ridelust and Autoguide.

By Brian Lohnes

BangShift.com

The first Long Beach Swap Meet of the spring of 2010 came with real “chamber of commerce” type weather. The sun was out and promised warm temps from the moment it peeked over the San Gabriel Mountains. Sunny days bring out the people and, oh my, did the crowds come to Long Beach.

We arrived late, just after 7 am, an hour after the gates opened, thanks to mis-remembering when daylight savings started. We were met with a packed car coral lot and nearly every vendor space filled with automotive baubles. We spent more time walking in side step and said “excuse me” more times than we could count, but it was worth the extra effort.

With so many gadgets, parts, project cars, and fully restored classics offered up for the taking and a limited amount of cash in our pockets; we really had to focus and prioritize our parts list. With a cruise and drag race coming up in the near future; spending money on window felts and trunk seals for another project car wasn’t going to get us to the track. Focus, BangShifter, focus. We would’ve been better served bringing along the naysayers instead of the enablers. The latter are always great help for spending your money.

Check out the gallery below to see the cars we wanted, dreamed about, and drooled over, but really had to control ourselves not to buy. Besides, our spouses threatened us with death and dismemberment if we dragged home another rusted out wreck.

Gallery: The March 2010 Long Beach Swap Meet

By Speedhunters

Car Culture At Large

The launch of the McLaren MP4-12C wasn’t just about the on-stage presentation – there was also unprecedented access to the production floor where the prototype cars are being assembled, and where the first customer cars are due to roll off at the beginning of 2011. As a factory, it’s perhaps a little disappointing. Grease? Pools of oil? No. More like hospital levels of cleanliness; stark white walls, ceramic tiled floors and gleaming work surfaces. Everything is white and sparkling. McLaren’s approach: if it’s white, it’s either clean or it’s dirty. And everything has to be all clean, all the time. Continue reading at Speedhunters

By Jonathan Moore

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Is this a new trend? Of course the old school domestic guys like me have always liked the look of a beefy sidewall. But could it be catching on with the tuner crowd, too? After all, those big wheels with low profile tires cost big $$$. Ryan hates this look but I love it. What do you think? More pics after the jump! See the whole thread at VWVortex

Continue reading "Let’s See Some Sidewall!" »

By Chris Bicknell

Bick66

Here in the Northwest, the first day of spring brought the warm breeze and blue skies that all car enthusiasts look forward to each year. Unfortunately I had committed weeks ago to helping my grandfather with a project that involved hauling a variety of tools across Seattle’s greater metropolitan area. But I still couldn’t resist taking advantage of all spring had to offer, so instead of loading up my Blazer like I normally would, I used my new toy as a slightly less conventional work truck.

How about you?  What did you do this weekend?

By Rob Krider

Racerboy

Earlier this week we showed you how the Car Domain entry (Krider Racing/Big Sausage Pizza Delivery) won the “Good Class” at the 24 Hours of LeMons Sears Pointless. Well, the team’s infamous Big Sausage t-shirt made an appearance on the newest episode of The Smoking Tire. Matt Farah donned one of the infamous red Big Sausage Pizza Delivery shirts as he test drove a red Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe V6 and the Creepy French

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

Up front, it’s running a built 350 that puts the power to the wheels through a 4-speed from a C4 and a posi rear end from a C3 ‘Vette. I’m sure it goes like crazy, though I’m on the fence about some of the exterior styling changes: the fender flares are cool enough, but I feel the Squareback’s smooth nose deserves a more carefully thought-out treatment than the grille slats and slapped-on front license plate. Very cool project, though! See the ad on Craigslist, via BringaTrailer.

By Fireball Tim

Movie Car Design Master

Very excited about this. Heading to Orlando, Florida next week for the Grand Opening of RIDEMAKERZ new store at Disney World. Chip Foose and I will be bringing some cool cars (including the Street Tuner Challenge MINI!) to be placed inside the store. Plus, we’ll be on hand to hang, do some signings and build cars with all who show up for the festivities.

I’ll be there Thursday (26th) and Friday (27th). Come by and hang with us, build your own Ridemakerz RC Car and check out all the cool cars inside!