Tag Archives: 1973

ToyotaUk

Hidden Gems: A Spotlight on Five Never-Before-Seen Projects from CALTY Design Research

Since its establishment in 1973, Toyota has been a leader in creative automotive innovation. The talented team at Toyota’s design studios in California and Michigan has been responsible for many of the company’s groundbreaking designs that have shaped the future of mobility. Some projects move quickly into production, while others remain in the archives.

Regardless of their status, the ingenuity and brilliance behind these designs and projects deserve recognition. It’s never too late to celebrate innovation, and the following models are prime examples of exceptional excellence.

From a late 1980s future high-performance concept to the Baby Lunar Cruiser, the following designs and projects from CALTY Design Research (Calty) have not been seen before and are noteworthy. These cutting-edge designs have not only paved the way for today’s vehicles but have also served as inspiration for future designs.

Towards the end of the 1980s, the Calty team was on a roll, producing one radical design study after another, many of which were performance/sports cars.

The unique Future High-Performance Concept, created in 1989 and shown above, featured an engine that emerged from the body. With the push of a button, the mid-mounted powerplant raised from the vehicle, offering a cooling effect while driving. The two-cockpit design featured a driver-side windshield that could be completely closed when parked. This advanced concept embodied the flash and flair of the 1980s.

Prior to the widespread use of groundbreaking vehicles like the Prius and other electric vehicles (EVs), Calty created an EV concept to showcase what such a vehicle could look like.

Their design was a compact, lightweight vehicle with outstanding aerodynamic qualities for maximum driving efficiency. The energy-efficient vehicle, designed for city commuting, stood out with its wind-cutting profile and thin tires. Despite being purely an advanced design study, this car represented Calty’s initial venture into the EV genre.

Following the launch of the Scion FR-S, Calty was inspired to utilize the vehicle’s unique platform and package in a new way, incorporating the flat-4 engine and all-wheel drive.

Created in 2012, the conceptual study, the X86D, transformed the svelte coupe into a four-door shooting brake. The distinctively shaped rear end gave it a hot rod-like appearance from the side and rear.

The cabin, modeled after the cockpit of a race car, was designed to center around the driver. The low position of the boxer engine allowed for a low hood line, contributing to the design’s pure sports car aesthetic.

The 2012 NYC Concept was inspired by exploring future transportation trends in big cities. An internal project, it incorporated several unique and innovative features, including a “fence seat” for front passengers.

In this concept, front-seat passengers leaned against a support in a unique semi-seated/standing position, similar to leaning against a wall or a fence, offering the same eye level with pedestrians and increased eye contact near crowded walkways. The compact design with a distinctive vertical proportion was ideal for navigating busy streets, offering good utility.

In envisioning a capable 4×4 for the year 2030, Calty designers looked to the Lunar Cruiser for inspiration, a vehicle designed for driving missions on the moon.

The Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) is built on a conceptual EV platform with in-wheel motors powering all four airless tires. Its body was designed from an engineer’s standpoint, making every component grounded in reason and functionality. With a self-driving function and an augmented reality-based “drivetainment” system that converts the vehicle into an interactive video game, the BLC embodies futuristic off-roading. The AI system enables the BLC to perform tasks once thought impossible, making it a vehicle designed for both Earth and beyond.

Toyota’s continuous pursuit of improvement and innovation positions the company as a leader in mobility, well-prepared for the future.

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The Weekly Feed: Limited Edition Rieju ISDE, Product Special, and the 1987 Honda CR250

Jaroslav Falta participated in the 1973 Carlsbad USGP riding a CZ motocross bike, which was considered a highly trick and advanced machine at the time. However, during this suspension revolution, Willy Bauer and his upgraded Maico shocked everyone with their superior suspension. Despite this, Falta won the 1974 Superbowl of Motocross event on a CZ and was on his way to winning the World Championship in 1974. Sadly, he was penalized for jumping the starting gate, which cost him the title. This photo was taken at the District 37 Enduro held at Charlie’s Place.

Rieju MR 6Days Argentina

Rieju has launched a limited edition bike called the MR 6Days Argentina 300, which is based on the MR Pro 2024 model. The design of the bike pays homage to the Argentinean flag, as it will be the host country for the FIM International 6Days event in 2024. The MR 6 Days Argentina comes with several interesting features, including a complete FMF exhaust system, Crosspro extended crankcase cover and silicone blue cooling hoses. It is also equipped with KYB suspension, X-Trig clamps, Renthal Twinwall bars, and Nissan brakes.

$10,999 BEFORE FREIGHT AND SETUP

LIMITED SUPPLY

www.rieju-usa.com

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Interesting fact with this Suzuki Ad, John Desoto’s brother is Ron, not Don.

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This was a great year for the Maico 490!

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FMF Legends Jersey

The FMF Legends Red/Yellow Jersey, also known as the Since 73′ Legends Jersey, is a highly iconic jersey worn by numerous motocross legends in the early days. To celebrate its heritage and the 50th Year Anniversary, FMF has brought back this jersey with improved performance and classic style. The jersey features a vintage 70s moto feel with modern fit and materials, including custom dyed micro mesh fabric for maximum airflow and updated moisture-wicking fabric for dryness. It also showcases the classic FMF logo on the front and back.

The Since 73′ Legends Jersey

-$78.00

-Available in sizes XS through 3XL

-Made with custom dyed micro mesh fabric for maximum airflow

-Features updated moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry

-Classic FMF logo on the front and back

-Available at WWW.FMFRACING.COM

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Fasthouse.com

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The 2023 linkage pull rod nuts are not self-locking and are prone to fall off/come loose. Our replacement nut is a Fuji-style self-locking nut that will replace the 2 OEM nuts on the linkage pull rod. The front linkage nut has a flat flange on one side that sits against the frame, and our Fuji-style self-locking nut does not need this flange as we go from the 19mm with a flange stock to a 22mm with no flange providing more clamping force and a self-locking feature that will give you peace of mind.

nihiloconcepts

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Click here to shop Hebo

The Honda CR250 in 1987 was an excellent bike, especially in the desert enduro world. It had a powerful and smooth motor, making it versatile for different riding conditions. The bike performed well in both motocross and off-road scenarios. The photo shows the bike outside of Charlie’s Place during a District 37 Enduro event. It’s worth mentioning that the following year, Honda made changes to the bike that affected its performance negatively, such as fitting an Upside Down Fork and modifying the chassis.

Motorsport

This Modified Nissan Z Is The Ultimate Retro Rally Machine

The Datsun 240Z achieved back-to-back victories in the East African Safari Rally in 1971 and 1973. To honor these triumphs, Nissan has created a modern Z with design cues inspired by the iconic competition car for the upcoming 2023 SEMA Show. In addition, a replica of the original will also be showcased at the event.

Designed by Tommy Pike Customs, the Safari Rally Z Tribute pays homage to the 1971 East African Safari Rally winner. It sports a sleek dark red body with a black hood. The front of the vehicle is adorned with extra lighting on the lower bumper, hood, and A-pillars, while a small tubular guard and skid plate are mounted to the front end.


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THE WEEKLY FEED: BEACH RACE MADNESS • HOWERTON HQV DAYS • SOCIALLY APPROPRIATE DIRT

Photo by Mark Kiel

Kent Howerton came into the spotlight in 1973 when he raced just a few AMA Nationals in his rookie kickoff. The  Texan finished in with a 4th at the Lake Whitney 250 National (CZ mounted) and then a 5th overall in the Open class at  Houston. In 1974, Husqvarna mounted Howerton won his first 250 AMA National  in New Orleans and finished 6th overall in the 250 Motocross Championship.

Howerton signed his first factory contract with Husqvarna in 1975 for $8,000. He finished second behind Tony DiStefano in the 250cc championship, and was 5th in the 1975 AMA 500cc Motocross Championship. 1976 was a pivotal year for the Texan. He battled throughout the 500cc series with Gary Semics, winning the open class championship. He tallied a 4th overall int he 250 class and won one round in the Trans-AMA series.

Husqvarna would not win another AMA Motocross championship for 27-years!

Editor’s note: Love the Hallman gear and the Fox Airs!

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2024 HARD ENDURO SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

The FIM and Hard Enduro World Championship promoters have announced a provisional 2024 HEWC calendar with eight rounds scheduled including a British round and a return to TKO.

Joel Robert and Torsten Hallman. Two world champions who forged the path of the burgeoning motocross world.

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This is a fun spoof on the original barn stormer “On Any Sunday”

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WESTON BEACH RACE: MAYHEM IN THE UK!

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Billy Bolt racing the Weston Beach race! This is epic!!!

Note: the actual race footage starts at around 8-minutes in, and for parents there is a bit of language coming out of the popular Brit. 

Fasthouse

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Bullet Proof Designs KTM/Husqvarna/GASGAS/Sherco 21”/18” Wheel Set

Bullet Proof Designs new Wheel Set is lightweight and strong, using 7000 series aluminum rims, 6061 billet aluminum hubs, stainless steel HD spokes and nipples. The rim is sharp satin black anodized finish and hub is clear anodized aluminum finish. Three axle size spacers for rear are included for 20,22, and 25mm axle size.  Two spacers included for the front axle (22mm,26mm). Sherco wheel spacers included.

Price: $679.95

  bulletproofdesigns.com

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Nihiclo Concepts has the Billet throttles housing for all late model KTM/HQV and GasGas 2 and 4 stroke machines

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Tom Webb found this on his garage wall. It’s his ticket stub from the 1976 Super Bowl of Motocross. Check out the price of admission!
This is one of my favorite shots ever! Mark Kariya shot this, it was day 4 at the John Zinc ISDE Qualifier and was the final moto, and a muddy one at that. I had a great moto, though did land in a hole nearly sending me over the bars. I saved it, but my shoulder popped out of the socket. I rode for a half a lap howling, until it popped back in. I made the team that year, but struggled with the shoulder all the way through the Czecho ISDE.
Motorsport

1973 Mercedes S-Class Owned By King Of Sweden Up For Sale

A unique opportunity awaits car enthusiasts as a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280S, previously owned by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, is going up for auction. The vehicle, which was part of the Royal Stables’ collection, will be available for bidding starting on September 21. Bilweb Auctions, the seller, has estimated a price range of $10,750 to $13,442 (equivalent to 120,000 to 150,000 Swedish krona).

In 1973, the same year King Carl XVI Gustaf assumed the throne, the Royal Stables acquired this Mercedes. As the country’s longest-serving monarch, he recently celebrated 50 years of reign, making him the first in Swedish history to achieve this milestone, as reported by ABC News.


Motorsport

1976 Toyota Chinook Pop-Top Camper: A Cool Way to Travel

The Toyota Chinook was a recreational vehicle made by Toyota in the 1970s. Created by Chinook Motor Coach, this compact camper featured a fiberglass shell built on a sturdy Toyota truck chassis. Around 15,000 of these campers were produced by Toyota and Chinook, but now, nearly 50 years later, they have become quite rare.

This particular 1976 Toyota Chinook, which is showcased on Bring A Trailer, has been recently refurbished. While maintaining its 1970s decor, it has been updated with new brick-patterned wallpaper, woodgrain flooring, and a foldable Naugahyde sofa bed. It has also been equipped with modern features like solar panels, a hidden Porta-Potti, and a backup camera.


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THE WEEKLY FEED: ICONIC DECOSTER • SUPER MX/HARD ENDURO VIDS


Iconic Roger DeCoster on his 1973 RH72 370 Suzuki works machine. Roger signed with Suzuki in 1971 and proceeded to win the 500cc World Championship for two years in a row. In 1973, the FIM changed the weight limit rules, which effectively ruined Roger’s new machine which was 30-pounds under the weight limit. They were forced to add ballast, throwing off the balance and handling traits of the machine. Roger battled with Maico’s Willie Bauer, who was piloting a long travel machine which out handled the Suzuki equipment. DeCoster won his third consecutive World title when Bauer’s machine had a DNF at the final GP giving him the title by two points.

The Elsinore GP is back!

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It doesn’t get much better than this incredibly well-maintained 1976 Honda 125 Elsinore ‘Full FMF’ for sale at iconicmotorbikeauctions.com.

For more info click here

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THIS IS A SUPERB VID! ‘Behind the Bullet’- Jeffrey Herlings

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SOME NASTY VIDEO OF BILLY BOLT AND JONNY WALKER PRACTICING HARD ENDURO

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Precision Concepts has years of experience building race bikes to compete at the highest level. For instance, every Factory Honda off-road race bike between the years of 2000 and 2008 was built in our shop. Furthermore, these championship-proven bikes were ridden by the likes of Johnny Campbell, Steve Hengeveld, and Kendall Norman.

Since then, our in-house race team bikes from 2009 to present have all been built right here at Precision Concepts. These include Ricky Brabec’s 2014 National Hare & Hound, BITD, and SOCRE championship-winning race bikes. Additionally it includes Robby Bell’s 2013, 2015 and 2016 WORCS championship-winning machines.

If you don’t have goals of competing for championships at the pinnacle of our sport, that same level of motorcycle preparation is available to you for any style of riding that you choose.

nihiloconcepts

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THE BEST DEAL ON THE PLANET!

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Ah, the 1994 ISDE held at the Zinc Ranch in Tulsa. I was racing a 501 Husaberg, a machine that I did well with in the Qualifier series. Husaberg brought me a new machine from the factory, I fit on my Race Tech valved Marzocchi fork, Ohlins shock, bars and seat. Unfortunately they had modified some of the internals, giving it way more ‘hot rod’ than the production bike. The bike flamed out constantly, was a brute to ride in the rocky tight woods and would backfire and blow the carburetor right out of the manifold. I houred out on day two, when I couldn’t get it to start. On a side note, I rode chase for Dick Burleson who finished on Silver, racing one of our magazine test bikes, a KDX200. So, 13 years after his official retirement, at the age of 46, Burleson became the only American to ride in both American ISDT/E events. The AMA recognized that accomplishment by naming him Amateur Athlete of the Year for a record third time. My total hero.