By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

A good night shot is one of those holy grails of automotive photography–everyone tries to photograph their ride in the dark, and almost no one does it correctly. This shot from Ben’s ride page is close, and deserves props. Nice work!

By Ryan Porter

IN-N-OUT Editor

Any of you guys that are into watches probably know the name Rob Montana aka “The StrapSmith.” Well he never stops when it comes to innovation and bringing watch straps to life and his all new BMW M strap with custom buckle is a beautiful exhibition of just that. Now if we could afford a nice Panerai to go with it. You can see more of “The StrapSmith” at his website.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

How would you deck this out if it was yours? One of the guys over at VWVortex suggsted a hot tub in the bed and a red velvet interior. Check out it out on eBay.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Vaughn Gittin Jr. needs your help. He’s trying to pick the livery for the awesome new RTR-X and has narrowed it down to five designs. Check out the five options and leave a comment at Speedhunters to let him know which one you like best!

By Dan Strohl

Hemmings

very now and then, I think I’d like to get a tattoo. Sure, everybody and their grandmother has one nowadays, so they don’t carry the sailor-on-shore-leave stigma they used to, but a tattoo is more than a social statement. It’s an expression of commitment to whatever that tattoo stands for. While they look good on others, and while I’m sure others have thoroughly thought through their decisions to get a tattoo, I know that I had better be fully wedded to this symbol or depiction I’ll place on my skin. Because I picture myself five, 10, 15 years down the road, and I know that my tastes will change, that I’ll have new influences and commitments in my life. Will I really want this moment in time to forever alter me? Will I really want to face laser tattoo removal to reverse that one decision? You know what I mean? From the description of this 1948 Packard Super 8 offered for $9,000 on Hemmings.com:

Vehicle was completely stripped down to the framework. Engine was completely factory rebuilt and reinstalled. Many of the engine parts have been chromed. New muffler. Lambo doors. Hood has been modified to tilt forward. Wiring and interior still needs to be done. Headliner good condition, seats need recovered.

See the rest of the pics at Hemmings

By Speedhunters

Car Culture At Large

As I walked around the Eibach Meet earlier this month, I found dozens of Hondas that were spotlight or feature-worthy. From blinged out show machines to hardcore track cars, there was no shortage of cool vehicles. However, there was one car that really caught my eye – a very well executed EF Civic sedan. Ten years ago if somebody said “’80s Civic sedan” and “classic” in the sentence, I would have laughed. Now, over 20 years since this body style hit the market it definitely has a nostalgic feel. And I’m eating my words. Continue reading at Speedhunters

By Mike Garrett

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

It’s kind of an underhanded question, because I have to admit, there isn’t really anything I cheap out on anymore myself, which is why I’m usually broke. I used to go cheap-and-nasty on tires, until spending a year working for Firestone cured me of that. I tried cheaping out on reproduction body panels, but found that they needed so much bodywork to fit right that it was completely not worth it. Suspension wear parts I never mess around with–the last thing you want is some D-grade alloy in a crucial ball or stud that’s likely to shear off at 90 mph. And I learned my lesson on made-in-China junk electronics after a headlight switch tried to set my Eagle’s dash on fire. I guess I concentrate on getting the best possible deals–discounted or free–on top-shelf parts rather than trying to cut corners on quality. And I try to make up for it by buying bargain-bin consumables. 99-cent cans of brake cleaner? I’ll take a case!

But I have to be missing something–what car parts do you cheap out on, and get away with?

By Michael Berenis

Tampa Sports Car Examiner

Registering at a generous 236.7 mph in just a single standing mile run, the world record for fastest Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in a standing mile has been broken again. Previously owned by an Evo 2 at Texas mile, the new record shot past the old by nearly 40 miles per hour. Read more about the fastest Evo at Tampa Sports Car Examiner.

By Matt D'Andria

Motorator.com

Jim Wangers, the man most closely associated with the advertising and promotion of Pontiac during its glory days of the 60s and 70s, and the man affectionately termed the “Godfather of the GTO” has decided to “thin the herd.” Wangers is offering his prized collection of Pontiac’s for sale. Included is Wangers’ collection of Trans Ams—a complete set of Anniversary Edition cars—a ’69, a ’79, an ’89 and a ’99 Convertible. Check out the Wangers collection of cars for sale.

By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

During the Super Trofeo race in the Czech Republic, Giorgio Bartocci crashed his Gallardo LP 560, and was trapped in the car for a minute as it burned. I thought fuel cells were  supposed to prevent this kind of thing, and I really thought that the emergency crew would have gotten him out quicker. He sustained broken ribs and a broken leg in the crash, and has second degree burns over 40% of his body. Let’s hope he makes a full recovery. Via Jalopnik

Lamborghini LP 560-4 Super Trofeo Brno CRASH!