Pour one out for this 1952 Chevrolet two-door sedan. It’s completely filthy and exhibits proof of a crash in some unspecified time in the future in its lengthy life, but it surely’s what you possibly can’t see that issues most. After sitting on a concrete barn flooring for the final 48 years, its body is rotten.
This Chevy is destined for the crusher, but it surely’s not going to its closing resting place with no closing wash. The automotive is the middle level for the newest cleanup challenge from Detail Dane, who found this relic not removed from his Northern Michigan store.
The proprietor’s father acquired the automotive within the Seventies when he purchased a home by a tax sale. It was sitting within the storage and subsequently trailered to the barn, the place it was began and pushed “a little bit” across the constructing earlier than going inside. That was in 1976, and that is the place it stayed till Dane arrived along with his trailer and a video digital camera.
Clearly this Chevy’s been parked for many years, however previous snow tires on the again recommend it was parked throughout winter. In Michigan, which means highway salt. And sadly, it seems this automotive wasn’t washed previous to its lengthy slumber. There’s appreciable rust beneath, with corrosion a severe toll on the acres of chrome. It rolls out of the barn with out a lot fanfare, although, and at a look, seems to be candidate for restoration.
Then the cleanup begins. The exterior is so filthy {that a} vacuum is known as in earlier than the facility washing begins. An enormous mouse nest is discovered within the trunk, and the inside is crammed with mildew. It’s there the place the sedan’s mortal wounds are found. After eradicating the seats we will see the ground is rotted by. We may see large holes within the body not seen from beneath. Bummer.
body could possibly be sourced for restoration, however a 1952 Chevrolet two-door sedan (in Styleline Deluxe trim) would not command huge cash like these from later within the decade. And with the filth cleared away, it is apparent this automotive had some collision harm and a repaint in some unspecified time in the future. Add all of it up, and you’ve got a crusty basic that simply is not value saving.
That doesn’t suggest its story is over, nonetheless. In the video, Dane says he purchased the automotive and may do one thing a bit loopy, like drop it on a 4×4 body to make an enormous off-roader. Parting it out can be an possibility, however no matter occurs from right here, its life as a humble Chevy sedan is effectively and really over.
Aston Martin has been making the Vantage for 74 years. The present technology of the two-door GT automobile has been on sale since 2018, and after six years available on the market, it is receiving an enormous replace. Think of it like a daily mid-cycle facelift, however stuffed with mechanical stuff you really care about. New camshafts, revised gearing, chassis alterations, that kind of factor. It additionally appears to be like means higher.
The finish results of these adjustments is of course spectacular. The Mercedes-sourced 4.0-liter V8 engine within the Vantage now produces an enormous 656 horsepower (665PS), 153 horses over the outdated automobile. This is not the results of only a couple extra kilos of increase, however of the aforementioned cams, greater turbos, and an altered compression ratio. A complete of three new warmth exchangers have been added to handle each coolant and cost air temperature. The oil cooler can be greater. Seems like there’s quite a lot of warmth occurring right here.
The AMG V8 is backed up by the tried-and-true 8-speed ZF computerized transmission, which sends energy to the rear wheels by way of an digital limited-slip differential. The ultimate drive on the diff has been shortened to 3.083:1 to allow faster acceleration, but it surely hasn’t affected the Vantage’s long-legged high pace. The new Aston can’t solely dash to 60 mph in simply 3.4 seconds, however attain a high pace of 202 mph.
The new Vantage, like the old car, is glued collectively. In the automotive world, they name this bonding. The nature of the method permits for some flexibility within the chassis building, which Aston has determined to reap the benefits of. The new automobile has acquired a revised underbody that provides torsional rigidity. The firm has additionally repositioned one of many main entrance cross-members, which it says will increase the stiffness of the suspension mounting factors and improves steering really feel. The strut brace is lighter and stiffer, too. Who would not like a lighter and stiffer strut brace?
Chassis rigidity has likewise been improved out again with a wide range of adjustments, which allow the automobile’s new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers to carry out even higher. It’s exhausting to quantify on paper what all of this provides as much as, however Aston insists that behind the wheel there are tangible variations between the brand new and outdated setups.
Just about everybody remembers the Dodge Ramcharger. The huge two-door SUV arrived for the 1974 mannequin 12 months and would stay in manufacturing for US patrons by the early Nineteen Nineties. What you could not know is that Plymouth additionally had a model of the off-roader: The Trail Duster. That’s the main target of this new video from Dead Dodge Garage on YouTube.
When we are saying model, we imply the Trail Duster was principally a Ramcharger with a special badge. The our bodies had been the identical, a lot in order that even a eager eye could be hard-pressed to identify the variations. Badges determine this explicit 1978 mannequin as a Trail Duster Sport, which incorporates fake wooden trim as a result of hey, it was the ’70s. Of higher curiosity is the 400 cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 below the hood, topped with an aftermarket Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor.
The Trail Duster was not too long ago present in Washington, the place it had been sitting for 16 years. The video paperwork the trials and tribulations of bringing the forgotten Dodge again to life, which is rarely a simple job for one thing with decade-old gasoline within the tank. However, with some fuel-line patches and a rebuilt distributor, the previous Plymouth’s engine does certainly hearth up. It’s unclear if a full restoration is within the SUV’s future, however the present proprietor is no less than having some enjoyable with it for now.
Whereas the Ramcharger stayed in manufacturing by the early Nineteen Nineties, Plymouth dropped the Trail Duster on the finish of the first-generation run in 1981. It’s believed roughly 36,000 had been made, which does not precisely make it uncommon. But unfold out over a six-year manufacturing run, it is not almost as widespread as its Dodge stablemate.
Chevrolet missed an opportunity to bring back the K5 Blazer as a two-door SUV, but Flat Out Autos created a modern version that looks like it came straight from Chevy.
The converted Silverado, known as the KR2, is not only visually appealing but also functional, with wider fenders, off-road suspension, and a removable carbon fiber roof.
While a modern K5 Blazer would likely be popular and profitable for Chevy, their focus on EV development may prevent them from investing in a new internal combustion engine vehicle like the Blazer.
When Chevrolet introduced the current Blazer in 2018 for the 2019 model year, it was reinvented as a two-row midsize crossover with Camaro-inspired sporty looks. It’s not a bad model, per se, but since it was yet another crossover in an already crowded segment, it never particularly stood out, either. Therefore, we think it was a missed opportunity for Chevrolet to bring the K5 Blazer back as a two-door body-on-frame SUV like the original model and be a formidable competitor to the Jeep Wrangler. But alas, It was Ford that was able to capitalize on this first with the Bronco, and this window of opportunity for Chevrolet to introduce a Wrangler rival is slowly fleeting.
But what if they actually did revive the Blazer as it was intended to be—a two-door or available four-door body-on-frame SUV with off-road chops that match or exceed both the Bronco and Wrangler? Well, there’s no need for us to do any imagining because Flat Out Autos turned a Chevrolet Silverado into what they call the KR2—a modern take on the K5 Blazer that the American automaker should’ve made, but decided to make the Blazer a nondescript crossover for the modern times.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including GM Authority, Chevrolet, and Goodcarbadcar.
Related: Chevrolet’s SUV Lineup, Pricing, And Features
If Chevrolet Made A Modern-Day K5 Blazer…
We’re impressed by the fact that the automotive shop’s conversion of a Silverado 1500 pickup looks like an OEM-quality job. It’s as if Chevy themselves actually made a modern K5 Blazer. In order to achieve this, it involved more than just improving its looks, but also doing some structural revisions to make it look better proportioned and make it look like a modern-day K5 Blazer.
Not Just A Looker, But Also Functionally Better
The affordable Silverado 1500, base WT (Work Truck) in regular cab to be precise, has been fitted with wider FiberwerX fenders that add seven inches to its width, putting it on par dimensionally with the Silverado ZR2 crew cab. A set of 17-inch Method Race Wheels wrapped in 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires have also been fitted to improve both the looks and the off-road performance of the truck.
It’s not only a better pickup from the looks department, but it also is functionally better as well thanks to long travel off-road suspension by Dirt King, while the removable roof that truly harks back to the original K5 Blazer—which, by the way, is made out of carbon fiber, comes from Sankuer Composite Technologies. Topping it all off is a RIGd Supply rear tire carrier just to fully complete that SUV look.
Better Performance On And Off-Road
Take that carbon fiber roof away, and you’re left with seating for two at the rear bed. This exposes the roll bars as well as the red leather seats to spruce up the interior of what was otherwise a barebones interior since this is the WT trim of the Silverado. It’s also worth mentioning that if you carefully check out the photos, the proportions of the Silverado have also been altered.
Apart from the wider fenders, the shop also made alterations to the vehicle’s chassis itself. The chassis has been shortened by 22 inches and to achieve that open-air rear section that the K5 Blazer had, Flat Out Autos cut the back of the cab open for the open-air back seats.
Specifications
Engine
5.3-liter V-8
Transmission
10-Speed Auto
Horsepower
467
Torque
440 lb-ft
Driveline
4WD
(Specifications Sourced from Flat Out Autos)
If you think this is just a conversion from a pickup into a modern-day take on the K5 Blazer, Flat Out Autos will also improve the pickup’s performance by adding an optional Whipple supercharger under the hood. The Silverado WT base vehicle is fitted with a 5.3-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 and is fitted to a 10-speed automatic. According to Flat Out Autos, with the supercharger, the engine produces 467 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Related: Chevy Duramax 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine: Everything You Should Know
What It Would Take For Chevy To Build One
Velocity
Now that we’ve seen what’s possible if the K5 Blazer was brought to modern times, what would it take for Chevrolet to bring it to market? Actually, from a capital investment perspective, probably not much, but this is just pure speculation. That’s because just as with Ford’s Bronco, the K5 Blazer won’t need a completely new platform from scratch.
Take Advantage Of What Chevy Already Has
As demonstrated by Flat Out Autos, the Silverado’s GMT T1XX platform already serves as a solid foundation for what could be possible for a modern-day K5 Blazer. The resulting vehicle is bigger than a Bronco or a Wrangler, but the K5 Blazer was also a full-size two-door SUV in the first place.
Not A Lot Of Capital Investment Is (Probably) Needed
With the existing GMT T1XX platform, Chevrolet doesn’t need to do a lot of major engineering in order to make it fit into a modern K5 Blazer. This is why we think that the American automaker doesn’t need to spend a lot of money to mass produce an all-new K5 Blazer. The Bronco, for instance, uses the T6 platform of the Ranger and in overseas markets, the Everest.
Ford’s T6 platform is already a solid foundation to start with and with the popularity of the Bronco, we think that the capital investment poured by Ford into the Bronco’s development program was easily recuperated. Not to mention the fact that the engines that the Bronco uses are also in the Ranger, and Chevrolet could do the same thing with the Silverado and the modern K5 Blazer.
Related: A Brief History Of Chevy Pickup Trucks
Why Chevy Probably Won’t Build One
Chevrolet
Considering these scenarios, it would be a no-brainer for Chevrolet to not build a modern-day Blazer K5, right? Actually, when you think about it, this vehicle will most likely increase the sales of its SUVs without spending a significant amount of money on development. Especially with the fact that Chevrolet already has the right engines and platform for a full-size two-door SUV, the parts commonality will also mean not a lot of investment would be needed in terms of production.
Today’s Blazer Isn’t A Stand-Out Model
The Blazer in its current form doesn’t suck, but it isn’t a standout either. The market is already full of midsize crossover SUVs with both two and three-rows, while the market for rugged off-roaders is still popular and should be a room of opportunity for growth for Chevrolet. Ford says they’ll be releasing more Bronco variants as sales of its off-roader continue to close the gap with the Wrangler. Chevy releasing a competitor in the segment, especially one that builds upon the iconic image of the original K5 Blazer could surely be a hit–even more so than a run-on-the-mill two-row crossover you can get in dealers today.
But GM Is Also Laser-Focused On EVs
However, as you’ll probably notice, Chevrolet’s parent company General Motors or GM has been very aggressive in its push for electric vehicles (EVs), with the most recent being the new Equinox EV. Though this is just a theory, we think that the intense capital that they’re pouring into battery plants, supply chains, as well as the BEV1, BEV2, and BEV3 platforms using the Ultium electric drivetrain and battery architecture means that fewer dollars and manpower are being allocated by the automotive group to the development of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Then again, EV sales have been slowing down (albeit still growing), which led GM to likewise reduce its speed in adding more EV models to its lineup, as well as delay the production commencement of new EVs such as the new Silverado EV and even a Blazer EV.
Related: 10 Reasons Why The Chevy Blazer EV Is Special
Here’s Why Chevrolet Needs To Build A Modern-Day K5 Blazer
The sales of midsize off-roaders remain strong, and with the K5 Blazer having a strong fanbase, we don’t see the market for this segment to saturate, either. It’ll most likely once again attract Chevrolet fans who haven’t bought a vehicle from the brand, probably waiting for a successor to the K5 Blazer for decades already.
Not A Lot Of Investment For A Potentially Popular SUV
Because of this, a modern-day K5 Blazer will also help add more growth to Chevrolet’s bottom line without a lot of capital investment. From a business standpoint, the amount of potential profit relative to what the automaker will invest will be good. In addition, today’s Blazer isn’t just another two-row midsize crossover that barely stands out in its segment. However, the automaker also has its hands full in the development and production of EVs, which means that their priorities are probably shifted away from ICE vehicles.
Opting For Conversion Isn’t Cheap
There’s another reason why you would also want to wish for Chevrolet to make a modern-day K5 Blazer successor–affordability. That’s because the Flat Out Autos conversion isn’t cheap. If you want this converted Silverado, you have to fork out $178,000. Add the superchargers, spare tire, and bed cover, which are also optional extras, and you’re looking at $202,000 for what is essentially a heavily modified base-level Silverado WT.
When it comes to modern performance cars, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Among the many two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupes available, a recent YouTube video showcases an unexpected matchup between a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and a 2023 BMW M2.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces an impressive 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the BMW falls short in terms of power. However, the Camaro’s extra power comes with a trade-off, as it has a higher curb weight of 3,886 pounds.
The 2024 Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition is a hot hatch offered only in a two-door body style with a six-speed manual transmission. It provides an analog driving experience in a world dominated by digital technology. However, this special edition comes with a significant price tag. The base price starts at $45,300, and you will need to add a mandatory $995 destination fee, bringing the total cost to $46,295.
For comparison, the standard Mini Cooper two-door hatch starts at $26,795, while the Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) variant starts at $36,395. Mini offers the 1to6 Edition with the Iconic option package, which includes various features such as a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, navigation, and a heads-up display. This package adds $7,400 to the total cost, and the 1to6 Edition itself adds another $2,500. It’s worth noting that this special edition comes with a fixed specification, meaning there are no additional options to choose from.
In the 1970s, Lamborghini produced just over 1,200 units of the Espada, a two-door, four-seat grand tourer with a powerful V12 engine. One of such unique models has spent the last 15 years locked away in a barn in England. The precious Lamborghini, a 1971 Espada S2, was last driven in the mid-2000s before being hidden away in the same building where in 1605, conspirators had planned to assassinate King James I in the Gunpowder Plot.
The V12 engine was serviced before the car was stored, which makes starting it a breeze. The 3.9-liter engine has six twin-throat Webber 40 carburetors and is matched with a five-speed manual transmission. It was capable of producing 350 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque when it was brand new. The mechanicals have been largely preserved but some issues, like damage caused by rodents that chewed on the carpet and left droppings as well as fuel lines and connectors in rough shape, may pose some challenges during future restoration.
The car can be started with relatively little effort, and it settles into a comfortable idle. While the fuel leaks make it unsuitable for road use, it is driveable and can be cruisable on the property at low speeds.
The original dark blue paint of the car was replaced with Euro Mexico paint at some point, but the original red interior remains intact. The car’s door cards, instrument gauges, and headliner are in excellent condition, although it shows signs of animal damage. The Lamborghini Espada is just the latest fantastic barn find that showcases a slice of automotive history. Earlier this month, a fleet of Ferraris abandoned during Hurricane Charley, which hit Florida in 2004, was unearthed in Indiana.
Today, the carmaker’s preferred choice for those looking to have at least four seats is the Urus. Although it has four doors and a different engine, the Urus is just as impressive. In the new Performante trim, for example, the crossover makes almost double the Espada’s horsepower, producing 666 hp and accelerating to 62 miles per hour in just 3.3 seconds. Urus models are so popular that they have accounted for over 50% of the firm’s sales, with 5,367 sold in 2022 alone.
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