Tag Archives: appreciation

Motorsport

Aston Martin Doesn’t Want The Valkyrie To Be A Garage Queen

In the world of million-dollar supercars, there is a growing appreciation for those who do more than just park their prized possessions in climate-controlled garages. While owning an automotive masterpiece is undoubtedly a symbol of prestige and luxury, the true essence of these incredible machines lies in their ability to be driven, whether it’s on a daily basis or as hobby cars on the weekends. Aston Martin understands this sentiment and aims to encourage Valkyrie owners to unleash this beast on the road rather than keeping it as a collectible.

“Ultimately, it is up to the customer what they choose to do,” says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s creative boss, in a recent interview with Top Gear. “If they want to buy a Valkyrie and display it in a museum, that’s great. But we want people to hear and see them. We want to see Valkyries driving through tunnels in Instagram feeds. That’s why we make them. We want people to enjoy them.”


Motorsport

Watch a Chevy Camaro V6 from the 1980s Get Its First Wash in 12 Years

Chevrolet Camaros from the third generation are gaining recognition in the collector world. The IROC-Z and Z/28 models are selling for over $20,000 in good to excellent condition. In some cases, these cars can even fetch up to $50,000 when they are in pristine condition with very low mileage. Even the base model Camaros can have a significant value, reaching into the low five-figure range with the right options.

However, this particular Chevrolet Camaro won’t be joining the ranks of those highly-prized cars anytime soon. After sitting outside for twelve years, the car’s surface is covered in what appears to be fungus or mold spores, giving it the appearance of being covered in barnacles. The WD Detailing crew has the challenge of bringing this car back to life, both in terms of getting it cleaned up and getting it running. While the Camaro is not in as bad shape as the Austin Healey they previously restored earlier this year, it is clear that they have their work cut out for them.

Fortunately, the spores can be removed with a thorough pressure wash. Despite the fact that General Motors had issues with paint peeling in the 1980s and early 1990s, the red paint on the Camaro remains mostly intact, except for the rear deck, which still looks weathered and faded. However, after some sanding and polishing, the paint begins to shine once again.

Under the hood, this Camaro is equipped with a fuel-injected 2.8-liter V6 engine. With a multi-port electronic setup, the fuel injection system boosted the engine’s output to 135 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Although the performance of this engine was not particularly impressive in the 3,300-pound Camaro, it was typical for the era when even the “hot” engines produced only 225 horsepower.

After sitting for twelve years, the V6 engine is currently not producing any horsepower. However, with the help of Robby Layton, who stopped by the WD Detailing shop, they were able to get it started, despite dealing with corroded fuel lines and gas tank.

Moving inside the car, it is in rough condition with lots of debris and at least one dead mouse. However, with some cleaning, the Camaro begins to look presentable. Although the V6 may not have the same appeal as the 1983 Camaro Z/28 featured previously, it still has the potential to be a nice car for cruising around.