Episode 86 of the Autocar podcast My Week In Cars finds our resident automobile hacks Matt Prior and Steve Cropley speaking a few road-going version of the Jaguar C-X75 idea automobile up to date by its designer Ian Callum, a Morris Minor set for a restoration, our pal Derek’s hairdresser and his Toyota GT86, observe daying an Alpine A110 and rather more in addition to, together with your correspondence.
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Matt Farah is not any stranger to a wild and thrilling car. Farah is a seasoned automotive journalist, recognized for his work with TheDrive, the place he crafts compelling content material for his or her channel in addition to his own YouTube channel TheSmokingTire. However, Farah’s affect extends far past movies; he has turn into a distinguished determine within the automotive podcasting world, and his written articles on Road & Track captivate fans worldwide. Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Farah is a visionary, as evidenced by his modern automotive storage facility in Playa Vista, a 14,000-square-foot automotive haven that mixes parts of a museum, workshop, and fortress.
In 2015, Farah confronted the myriad challenges that plagued sports activities automotive possession in Los Angeles, from steep driveway angles to the dearth of trusted service facilities. His answer was as formidable because it was sensible: the development of a cutting-edge facility that addresses each conceivable want of automotive aficionados. But Farah’s affect would not cease at infrastructure; his driving experiences are equally legendary.
From the unconventional Center Seat Twin-Turbo Porsche Boxster to a daft motorcycle-swapped Honda N600, Farah’s encounters with distinctive and boundary-pushing autos have solidified his standing as a driving aficionado. Each automotive he will get behind the wheel of tells a narrative of innovation, craftsmanship, and, generally, sheer madness. Join us as we embark on a journey by means of Farah’s exhilarating encounters with the ten craziest vehicles, the place each step on the throttle and switch of the wheel is a testomony to his timeless ardour for the automotive world.
There’s now a house for unique autos of every type within the L.A. space
In order to provide the latest and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producers, TheSmokingTire, TheDrive, together with their respective YouTube channels. Each car made it onto this record due to its absurd modifications or sheer energy and pace.
10Supercharged Lexus V8 Swapped 1975 Toyota Corolla
Reason For Ranking: Big Engine, Little Car
Starting off, considered one of Matt Farah’s most exhilarating drives is undoubtedly the supercharged V-8 swapped 1975 Toyota Corolla. Built by Mark Still, a Hollywood manufacturing fabricator with a penchant for previous Corollas, this canyon cruising machine is a testomony to ingenuity and ability. Still’s imaginative and prescient reworked the standard ’75 Coupe right into a roaring beast, with the center of a Lexus SC400 V8 and the added punch of an Eaton M112 Supercharger sourced from a Mustang Cobra. The integration of a T56 6-speed gearbox and a plethora of {custom} parts additional reveals the craftsmanship poured into this challenge.
Performance Specifications
Engine
4.0-liter supercharged V-8
Transmission
6-speed guide
Horsepower
~350 hp
Torque
~300 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
It’s a fusion of automotive historical past and cutting-edge efficiency, incomes admiration from fans and consultants alike. Farah’s encounter with this modified Corolla permits others to see that constructing a homebrew race automotive with what you might have round may end up in one thing superb. Mark Still was capable of get first at school at his native Hotchkiss autocross problem, proving that this automotive was constructed for function. Every side of the automotive, from its engine roar to its custom-built parts, tells a narrative of the relentless pursuit of automotive ingenuity.
Pros
Supercharged V-8 torque
180-degree headers to imitate a flat-plane V8 sound
Lightweight chassis
Cons
Lazy energy steering
Raw inside with naked necessities
Heat soak from giant engine and headers
9Twin Turbo Ferrari 348 Challenge
Reason For Ranking: Turning A Challenge Up To 11
Another of Matt Farah’s most daring drives exemplifies the fusion of custom and madness, combining twin turbo tuning with a Ferrari 348 Challenge. While purists would possibly balk on the concept of modifying a uncommon factory-built Ferrari 348 Challenge race automotive, Stacey Slead and Steve Maxwell noticed it as a chance to push the boundaries of efficiency. With solely 32 of those gems in existence, the choice so as to add twin-turbos wasn’t made evenly, but Slead and Maxwell’s unimaginable imaginative and prescient reworked this Italian icon into the final word Ferrari tuner automotive.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Transmission
6-speed guide
Horsepower
610 hp
Torque
500 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
3,100 lbs
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
Farah’s expertise behind the wheel of the twin-turbocharged 348 Challenge is a revelation. Matt actually leans into the harmonious mix of uncooked energy from the twin-turbos and refined dealing with from the 355 problem suspension. The addition of dual turbos elevates the automotive’s efficiency to staggering ranges, unleashing a torrent of horsepower that rivals the Ferraris of the modern era. It’s a real showcase of Slead and Maxwell’s ingenuity, proving that with the fitting experience and imaginative and prescient, even the rarest of Maranello’s creations might be taken to exhilarating new heights.
Pros
Twin-turbo Ferrari V-8
Gated 6-speed guide shifter
600 horsepower
Cons
Purity subsides due to modifications
Increasingly uncommon part-sourcing
Some will scoff that it’s nonetheless a 348
8VFR800 Swapped 1972 Honda N600
Reason For Ranking: Motorcycle Power For A Pocket-Sized Car
One of Matt Farah’s most unforgettable drives encapsulates the essence of automotive freedom. We are speaking a few easy however uncommon 1972 Honda N600. However, this specific instance defies conference with its unorthodox engine swap, that includes an engine from a Honda VFR800 Interceptor bike, operating by means of the bike’s sequential gearbox, and on full Mazda Miata suspension. With a staggering 12,000 RPM redline, this tiny automotive packs a punch that defies its small stature, all with a soundtrack paying homage to high-revving V8 Formula One vehicles.
Performance Specifications
Engine
0.8-liter V-4
Transmission
Sequential six-speed guide
Horsepower
108 HP
Torque
55.3 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
1,400 lbs
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
Farah’s drive with the modified N600 is nothing wanting a go-kart-like expertise. Its mix of energy, agility, and uniqueness left a staggering impression on Farah, prompting him to supply to buy it on the spot—an endorsement that speaks volumes concerning the automotive’s unimaginable expertise. With its mixture of heritage and fashionable engineering, this N600 embodies the spirit of automotive fans who dare to push boundaries and rework strange autos into extraordinary machines.
Pros
12,000 RPM redline
A 90-degree V4 sounds similar to an previous Formula One automotive
One of Matt Farah’s most adrenaline-pumping experiences behind the wheel comes from the cockpit of a 4G63 swapped Pontiac Fiero. Engineered by Mike Nasiatka, this homebrew observe creation is one more testomony to automotive ingenuity and fearless experimentation. Combining the heart of a crashed 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T drag automotive with the chassis of a second-generation Pontiac Fiero GT, Nasiatka has birthed a monstrous machine that rivals the sanity of Group B rally engineers. With a whole Eclipse drivetrain transplanted into the Fiero’s rear, force-fed with a 68MM Precision turbo producing a spine-tingling 700 horsepower on 35 PSI, this automotive is nothing wanting terrifying.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission
5-speed guide
Horsepower
~700 hp
Torque
~500 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
2,300 lbs
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
Farah’s nerve-wracking encounter with the 4G63 swapped Pontiac Fiero is a white-knuckle thrill experience from begin to end. With a restricted 500 horsepower unleashed on the wheels, the Fiero turns into a extra tame beast on the observe, nonetheless demanding respect and focus from its driver. Supported by Chevrolet Corvette C4 brakes, {custom} tubular management arms, Megan Racing coilovers, and a whole roll cage, this Frankenstein creation tears by means of corners, leaving an unforgettable drive in Farah’s reminiscence as he pushes its limits across the twists and turns of Gingerman Raceway.
Pros
Massive power-to-weight ratio
Very light-weight
Mid-engine rear-wheel drive
Cons
Low grip stage at most energy
Substantial turbo lag
Twitchy chassis traits
6Turbocharged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Reason For Ranking: Anti-Purist At Its Finest
Among probably the most eccentric entries on Matt Farah’s roster of pushed autos, the turbocharged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II stands out for sheer creativity and audacity. This 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, affectionately dubbed the Trolls-Royce, was crafted by proprietor and builder Corbin Goodwin.
While retaining the inventory 6.75-liter V-8 engine, Goodwin injected a dose of adrenaline into the Rolls by putting in a single intercooled turbocharger, boosting its output to an estimated 400 horsepower. Coupled with a T19 guide transmission sourced from a Ford Super Duty pickup truck and driving on Kings off-road shocks, this beast is as unconventional as they arrive.
Performance Specifications
Engine
6.75-liter turbocharged V-8
Transmission
5-speed guide
Horsepower
~400 hp
Torque
~500 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
4150 lbs
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
What units the turbocharged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II aside, nonetheless, isn’t just its jaw-dropping esthetics however its outstanding efficiency on the street. Despite its unorthodox look and absurd demeanor, this monstrous creation defies expectations by delivering an exhilarating driving expertise.
From its trunk-mounted radiator system with exterior plumbing to its unapologetically offensive presence, the Trolls Royce could also be an acquired style, however for these courageous sufficient to step behind the wheel, it guarantees an unforgettable journey crammed with adrenaline and pleasure.
Pros
Luxurious inside
Comfortable experience
Turbocharged V-8
Cons
Welded rear differential
An exterior coolant pipe might probably burn you
Brakes warmth up rapidly
5680 Horsepower Twin-Charged Lotus Exige
Reason For Ranking: Never Ending Quest For Power
Among the quickest machines on Matt Farah’s eclectic record of pushed vehicles is a compound-charged Lotus Exige, an absolute powerhouse constructed by Frank Profera. Over the course of six years, Profera has meticulously fine-tuned his Lotus to attain blistering pace, unmatched agility, and unparalleled stopping energy. Despite its featherweight stature of round 2,150 lbs, Profera’s creation roars with an explosive 680 wheel horsepower, courtesy of a twin-charged 1.8-liter engine—a feat that bestows upon it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals even the Formula One Lotus pushed by racing legend Mario Andretti.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.8-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission
5-speed guide
Horsepower
680 hp
Torque
600 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
2,150 lbs
(Data was collected from TheDrive)
The twin-charged Lotus Exige is a marvel of engineering, combining the most effective attributes of each supercharging and turbocharging to ship exhilarating efficiency on demand. With a lift pressure-activated alcohol injection system guaranteeing optimum octane ranges, this automotive is a pace demon that embodies Profera’s unwavering pursuit of extra pace. Matt Farah’s description of its acceleration as akin to being propelled by “liquid schwartz” from the film Spaceballs correctly captures the visceral depth of this machine.
This Lotus Exige Racecar is a loopy, street-legal, observe weapon, powered by a 6.2-liter AMG V-8
4RUF 993 BTR-2
Reason For Ranking: Rare, Refined, and Rowdy
Among the rarified air of Matt Farah’s pushed vehicles lies the 1995 RUF BTR-2, a car that exudes understated magnificence and spectacular rarity. Born from the conversion of a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2, the BTR-2 represents a singular mix of German engineering prowess and RUF’s distinct contact of customization. Powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine, which inherits its roots from the legendary 993 Carrera however undergoes a considerable improve with a single turbocharger, intercooler, modified camshafts, and different enhancements, the BTR-2 bumps as much as 430 horsepower.
Performance Specifications
Engine
4.0-liter supercharged V-8
Transmission
6-speed guide
Horsepower
430 hp
Torque
435 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
3,064 lbs
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
RUF cars occupy a special niche in the automotive world, revered for his or her radical powertrain modifications and blistering efficiency. The 993 BTR-2 is a narrow-bodied Porsche Carrera with a single turbocharged engine that outperforms Porsche’s personal twin-turbo 911 of the period in energy output.
Farah’s expertise behind the wheel of the BTR-2 paints an image of refinement and precision, with tight brakes and a easy driving demeanor. As a uncommon gem within the American automotive panorama, the chance to take the RUF BTR-2 for a spin is a privilege reserved for probably the most discerning fans.
Pros
Refined driving dynamics
Hard-hitting energy supply
Incredible collector worth
Cons
Turbo lag until 4,500 RPM
Extremely uncommon market
Steering is outdated
35.0-liter V8 Swapped FC RX-7
Reason For Ranking: Modern-Day Hot Rodding
Undoubtedly probably the most infamous entry on Matt Farah’s roster of pushed vehicles is a modified first-generation Mazda RX-7, a car that elicits a blended bag of reactions from onlookers. Farah’s colourful description of it as resembling a “schizophrenic homeless man” paints a vivid image of its unruly look.
Yet, beneath its tough exterior lies a powerful show of resourcefulness, courtesy of its creator, Corbin Goodwin. Utilizing unconventional supplies like leather-based belt straps for hood fasteners and wood boards for the chin spoiler, Goodwin has reworked the RX-7 into a real embodiment of creating probably the most out of what is out there.
Performance Specifications
Engine
5.0-liter V-8
Transmission
5-speed guide
Horsepower
~350 hp
Torque
~300 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
(Data was collected from TheDrive)
The coronary heart of this modified RX-7 lies not in its rotary engine, as purists would possibly count on, however reasonably a 5.0-liter V-8 sourced from a Mustang—a daring departure from custom that provides the automotive a newfound energy and ferocity. Despite its seemingly harmful meeting and unconventional modifications, this RX-7 defies expectations by delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Farah’s endorsement of its driving prowess solidifies its place among the many craziest vehicles he has ever pushed, proving that generally, probably the most unconventional creations are those that depart probably the most lasting impression.
Pros
Powerful V8
Lightweight chassis
Impressive dealing with
Cons
Rusty body
Lively grip stage
Hard to like exterior look
2Krowrx X-Tegra
Reason For Ranking: Lightweight Fun On A Budget
One of probably the most hair-raising entries on Matt Farah’s record of pushed vehicles is undoubtedly the Krowrx X-Tegra, a machine that defies conference and pushes the boundaries of automotive madness. Representing a brand new breed of sports activities vehicles inspired by the likes of the Ariel Atom and Exocet, the X-Tegra embodies the idea of the “body-off” sports activities automotive, taking the minimalist method to the acute. Rather than engineering a bespoke chassis to accommodate a typical powertrain, the minds at Krowrx merely strip the physique off of a 1997 Acura Integra, forsaking little greater than a cage and the necessities.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.8-liter four-cylinder
Transmission
5-speed guide
Horsepower
140 hp
Torque
120 lb-ft
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
Weight
1,200
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
Driving the Krowrx X-Tegra proves to be a white-knuckle expertise, as Farah’s testimony highlights the sheer terror of piloting this stripped-down beast. Despite its featherweight building, being handed by equally gradual autos on the racetrack serves as a sobering reminder of the X-Tegra’s unconventional nature and the adrenaline-fueled chaos it brings to the observe. It’s a testomony to the audacity of its creators and a stark reminder that generally, the craziest and scariest rides are those that present the place the restrict is on reaching race automotive qualities in a house brew machine.
Pros
Honda reliability
B-series VTEC soundtrack
Impressive look
Cons
Very obscure driving traits
Questionable cage design
No fenders to dam particles from the observe
1Center-Seat Twin-Turbo Porsche Boxster
Reason For Ranking: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
Securing the highest spot on Matt Farah’s record of craziest vehicles pushed is none aside from a center-seat twin-turbo Porsche Boxster. Born from the visionary thoughts of Bisi Ezerioha, famend for his mastery of engine constructing and chemical engineering, this radical construct started its life as a humble 2000 Porsche Boxster geared up with a modest 220-horsepower 2.7-liter flat-six engine. However, below Ezerioha’s sensible steerage, the Boxster underwent a jaw-dropping transformation, now housing twin 52mm Precision ball-bearing turbochargers and a complete array of cooling enhancements.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.7-liter turbocharged flat-six
Transmission
5-speed guide
Horsepower
420 hp
Torque
400 lb-ft
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Weight
2,550 lbs
(Data was collected from TheSmokingTire)
The humble Boxster can now reliably churn out a staggering 420 horsepower on E85, with overboost capabilities hovering to an eye-watering 525 horsepower. But the insanity would not finish there—Ezerioha’s phenomenal imaginative and prescient extends to the cockpit, the place the Boxster sheds its typical seating association to emerge as a single-seater, positioned squarely within the middle for optimum steadiness and efficiency on the observe. Matt describes the driving expertise as improbable whereas warming up round Button Willow raceway, hoping for extra pedal really feel because the brakes are not power-assisted.
While not almost as in style as The Simpsons, Matt Groening’s Futurama gathered a stable following over time, amassing 150 episodes over eight seasons. So in the event you’re a die-hard, you must try this tribute to the present’s Planet Express spaceship constructed atop a 2002 Honda Odyssey. It’s presently on the market on Facebook Marketplace in Commerce City, Colorado, for $2,500.
Eric, the vendor, personalized this Odyssey in late 2019. The exterior wears plenty of teal paint with a pink pinstripe identical to the Planet Express. Pictures of Futurama characters are on the faux portholes alongside the edges. The minivan additionally wears a set of fins to imitate the look of the spaceship. These items are detachable for transporting the Honda. A gun turret is on the roof, and a faux rocket exhaust attaches to the again.
For these simply catching up with the story, earlier than that try, he and his buddies did some key prep work to get the ‘Busa prepared for off-road driving. While their work included knobby tires, a skid plate, and a crash cage, it didn’t embrace addressing floor clearance points. So, aside from any incremental shifts which will have occurred due to the tire change, the bottom clearance might be at or very near inventory.
That added an additional ingredient of issue, however in the long run, what occurred within the final video is that the ‘Busa received stranded in a single day. One fall broke off the left handlebar, however the greater situation is that the bike did not need to even begin after that exact onerous touchdown. So, Spears and his buddies made the choice to go away it in a single day, then come again the subsequent day with instruments and a plan so they might try to rescue it.
This rescue video is from the subsequent day, when Spears found that every one the ‘Busa wanted to run was apparently just a bit nap. (Me too, ‘Busa, me too.) That nonetheless did not clear up the issue of the damaged left handlebar, however you realize what did? Bringing a buddy alongside who actually strapped the sucker again into place. Is it supremely sketchy? Probably, nevertheless it’s nonetheless often higher to have two handlebars than only one, so Spears determined to see if he may get it up Hell’s Gate anyway. Yes, even with a damaged, barely-holding-on handlebar state of affairs.
A crowd gathered to observe the actions, however one cool factor about that’s that there have been loads of folks round to assist when the bike ended up on its facet. It was a multi-stage effort, however in the long run, the chonky Hayabusa that might made its means up and out. More amazingly, it did so below its personal energy.
The Triumphant Return of Piggy, The Honda Gold Wing
If you had been on the lookout for the proper vacation current, it simply could be this video, as a result of the Gold Wing is again. In the large crash that stored it sidelined for the previous month, it misplaced a bunch of its entrance bodywork. But, as Spears factors out, that is simply weight discount.
Although it is heavier than the Hayabusa, how the ‘Wing carries its weight issues. As you will see within the again half of this video, Spears takes the ‘Wing on some tracks by way of Moab, the place he has to determine some totally different strains to take because of the width of the ‘Wing. It’s significantly wider than a thin dust bike, so there are some strains already marked for a lot narrower bikes that simply will not work for a Gold Wing.
Colby, the 85-year-old Moab dust bike professional, is again once more to prepared the ground, and also you like to see it. Getting the ‘Wing by way of could be a little bit of a special problem, however half the enjoyable (not less than) is doing issues that most individuals suppose cannot be completed, proper?
In June 2023, Matt Walksler from Wheels Through Time took viewers on the museum’s YouTube channel on a journey into the world of an extremely rare Harley-Davidson race bike. This particular bike is an answer to the question of what’s rarer than rare.
The bike in question is a 1942 Harley-Davidson FLTT, equipped with a highly uncommon 80 cubic inch racing engine. The factory mechanics of the time went all out on this bike, implementing every trick in the book. The engine features ported cylinders, shortened pistons, polished connecting rods, and lightened flywheels. The goal was to maximize speed and performance by reducing friction, shedding weight wherever possible, and reinforcing parts under intense stress.
In a recent video, the WTT team showcased their progress in getting this unique bike up and running. When it initially arrived at the museum, it was about 70-80 percent complete. However, as anyone who has taken on a project knows, it’s often the final hurdles that prove to be the most frustrating.
A significant contribution to the project came from Walksler’s extensive collection of parts that he has amassed over the years. His knack for recognizing useful parts proved valuable in this case, as he had the correct primary cover for the bike.
Despite all the effort put into assembling the bike and ensuring it was in good working order, it refused to start. Walksler attempted the process multiple times, but to no avail. The bike had great compression, spark, and fuel in the tank, so what was the issue?
In these situations, it’s often best to step away from the project and approach it with fresh eyes later on. Walksler and his team decided to leave it overnight and return the next day with a clear mind. They discovered that the carburetor on this bike differed from the standard unit found in other non-TT race bikes made by Harley at the time. Walksler suspected that the low-speed needle jet was screwed in too far, resulting in improper fueling and the bike’s failure to start.
The good news is that the following day, the bike started successfully, emitting a strong, healthy rumble from its race pipes. According to Walksler, the engine itself is relatively quiet, but the exhaust on the bike is quite loud. Fans of startup videos featuring ultra-rare bikes will appreciate the conclusion of this video, so grab your best headphones for the optimal experience.
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