About JSievers

JSievers

I think Ford just captured themselves a big new piece of the market with an economical small pickup that seats four and has all kinds of well thought out features. Kudos.

JSievers · ‎19-05-2021

The Isuzu looks like a more production ready version of the Oldsmobile Aerotech speed record car.

JSievers · ‎12-05-2021

I got to see the old collection and it was overwhelming. There was building after building filled with hundreds of cars. There might be five or more versions of any given vehicle ranging from totally dilapidated to concours quality. The number of rare and one of a kind cars was amazing, and many of those wound up in the National Automobile Museum. The world will never see anything like the Harrah collection again, and I feel privileged to have seen it.

JSievers · ‎10-05-2021

Another Bill Mitchell styling masterpiece that still look great today.

JSievers · ‎04-05-2021

I beg to differ regarding the Mercedes instrumentation. IMO Mercedes instrument panels of this era, with large gauges having orange needles on a black background with clear white markings, are the most readable (and attractive) analog dashboards ever made. For similar reasons, the C6 Corvette ranks high in my estimation as well.

JSievers · ‎03-05-2021

I like the Telluride and its Palisade sister, but wish they were offered in an hybrid version that would improve their lackluster fuel economy. After having an EV as my daily driver I am now loathe to buy any vehicle with a purely ICE powertrain.

JSievers · ‎21-04-2021

Many automakers offer such body styles today, but for me the "improvement" in looks is not worth the loss of utility.

JSievers · ‎15-04-2021

True dat!

JSievers · ‎14-04-2021

The concept of this article is just dumb. The car is not a "fake" and it obviously exists. High end cars of the 20s and early 30s were often sold as bare chassis and had custom coachwork. Similarly, it was not uncommon for wealthy owners to rebody such cars if they desired a different look. This car was factory bodied, and the current body was built to factory specifications. Ergo, it is a real Duesenberg, albeit one that has undergone an extensive restoration.

JSievers · ‎12-04-2021

Good thing there wasn't a microphone in Mr. Bell's helmet as I'm pretty sure there were some choice words spoken as he was held up by the white 911 that refused to move over and let him by.

JSievers · ‎06-04-2021

I’m not sure why starting the turbine would be a “delicate” operation, provided there is oil in the lubrication system. Turbines have relatively few moving parts, and as noted in the article, Ford used the 707 in limited commercial duty so there must be someone still around who knows the start-up procedure. After all the work that went into the restoration it would be a shame not to see this beast move under its own power again. When the current owner is ready to let it go, Big Red definitely should become part of the collection at The Henry Ford museum.

JSievers · ‎05-04-2021

Restored, no. Repaired, yes. We bought a house where the previous owner had apparently tried to back out of the garage without first opening the metal-clad door. The result was a row of panels that bulged outward from those adjacent to them. An hour with a drill, some carriage bolts, washers, and Nyloc nuts and I was able to pull the panels back into alignment. A little touch up paint on the bolt heads and the door looks good as new for less than $20.

JSievers · ‎05-04-2021

Bertone designed some great concept cars in the 70s and 80s. Kudos to Mazda for restoring this one. It’s also cool that the car is driveable and not a static display piece.

JSievers · ‎30-03-2021

I've lusted after the Ferrari 275 GTB4 ever since I saw one listed for $17,500 in the R&T classified way back when. Couldn't afford it then, REALLY can't afford it now.

JSievers · ‎30-03-2021

Definitely real, but definitely not given to George Wallace, although that was the perfect closing line for one of Cosby's best routines ever.

JSievers · ‎29-03-2021

For under $100 you can purchase hardware (Bluetooth OBD dongle) and software to enable use of the I3’s full fuel tank capacity and provide manual activation of the REX at anything below 75% battery capacity. While the added fuel capacity is not great, it does provide a useful increase in range under REX operation.

JSievers · ‎29-03-2021

Debbie Lawler was definitely the better jumper, but Evel Knievel was unsurpassed as a self promoter who created a larger than life image for himself.

JSievers · ‎22-03-2021

Fantastic illustrations by Mr. Squires. Thank you.

JSievers · ‎22-03-2021

Canada would be an export car.

JSievers · ‎16-03-2021

An amazing time and an amazing drive. 150 mph in a mass production car on a public highway in 1961. Almost beyond belief for the time, and still incredible today.

JSievers · ‎16-03-2021

Probably the best article I (ASE Master technician) have ever read on head gasket problems; it is on the money in every regard. Two additional comments. Welding cracked heads is not the only solution. Sometimes it is better to drill, tap and install multiple threaded plugs to repair the crack, depending on its location and nature. Obviously, this is not a DIY project, but a job for a skilled machinist. Second, I have had success on more than one occasion using classic "pellitized" Bars Leaks to temporarily seal cracked heads and head gasket leaks. While definitely not a long term solution, it's amazing what this product can do, and using it may save you an extended layover for repairs while traveling.

JSievers · ‎13-03-2021

Three words. Shelves, bins, labeler.

JSievers · ‎01-03-2021

Lots of luxury models in the 20s and 30s were available with steerable auxiliary driving lights.

JSievers · ‎25-02-2021

It's "the violence inherent the system," but nice MP callout nonetheless!

JSievers · ‎24-02-2021

The Aerostar styling gave rise to use of the term "dustbuster" to describe certain minivans.

JSievers · ‎22-02-2021

I remember test driving the RX-7 when new. While not overly powerful, the smoothness and willingness to rev were truly memorable. I looked at several rotary-powered models around that time, but never did pull the trigger.

JSievers · ‎22-02-2021

Also might want to fix the reference to the blowers feeding the car's carburetor - it clearly has two 4bbls.

JSievers · ‎19-02-2021

An awesome improvement. I hope GM designers are not to proud to steal some of the ideas here for the next makeover. The more pronounced fender arches are a Corvette hallmark, and the slightly elongated roofline and sleek side windows really smooth, lower and streamline the car visually. Fixing the ugly air intake gash on the side was a no brainer, as was cleaning up all the extraneous "character" lines at both ends of the car. Like Chip, I appreciate the C8 for what it can do, but I don't love it for its looks. It's kind of like Chevrolet gave us the pain-jane sidekick, but Mr. Foose would rather we got the hot cheerleader. Draw on!

JSievers · ‎18-02-2021

I had a 58 Rambler with a "Knee Action" trunion front suspension. I knew from the noise it was badly worn, but what could go wrong, right? One night I drove over two sets of railroad tracks and suddenly heard the tire rubbing the bodywork. I pulled off the road ASAP and stopped. After a quick inspection that revealed nothing particularly suspicious, I put the car in reverse thinking I might be able to make it home. The car moved about one foot and the right front tire folded out like the car was auditioning to be a Lotus Esprit in a James Bond film! After a tow home and a call to the parts store the next day I discovered there was a repair kit available with modified parts that would prevent such a failure in the future. Thankfully the problem didn't occur on the freeway. God looks after the young and dumb!

JSievers · ‎18-02-2021

A very nice car. However, those seeking a performance bargain or everyday driver may want to consider a 1997 model with the LT1 engine, which made the same amount of torque as the 1998 LS1, but more than 1,000 rpm lower on the tach. Many road tests back in the day made mention that the newer engine (while far more modifiable today) had noticeably less low-rpm "punch" than the legacy small block engine.

JSievers · ‎18-02-2021

Ghandini has penned many stunning vehicles, but IMO none even come close to the Muira. What sets this car apart are its stance, wide and low with curves in all the right places, combined with its large wheel/tire size in relation to the body. Lots of concept drawings (even today) show cars with wheels and tires that dominate the side view, but the Muira has real-world rolling stock that actually fills the wheel wells (and then some) while not interfering with the bodywork. Perhaps it is modern-day sacrilege to say that tall profile tires enhance the look of an exotic car, but I would argue that the Muira (and one of my other period favorites the Ferrari Daytona) supports my contention. Who cares if the initial Muira's aerodynamics (not a thing in 1965) were suspect? To this very day the Muira exemplifies for me what a high-performance exotic car should look like, and every time I see one my pulse increases like the first time.

JSievers · ‎17-02-2021

The RS200 is actually a very attractive car when not decked out in race livery. For me, the homologation models sold to the public are better looking by far, not to mention that you can license and drive one on the street ... at least in Europe!

JSievers · ‎09-02-2021

Very nice cars that drive well, although the non-power top was a real shortcoming given the price of the car when new. While many say you should look for a 1993 model, which featured the first year of Northstar production, the 89-92 Allantes with the HT-4500 engine have almost as much torque (at lower rpm) and the head gasket woes of the 4100 engine were pretty much resolved.

JSievers · ‎29-01-2021

Things were indeed crazy at Kissimmee, although IMO the quality of the cars being sold was consistently well above that of prior years. Walking through the staging lanes it was just one exceptional car after another. It will be interesting to see whether the high prices at this event carry forward to other auctions as the year progresses.

JSievers · ‎21-01-2021

Agreed. Looks like a 328.

JSievers · ‎13-01-2021

We didn't get this model because the costs of federalization and shipping didn't justify the expected meager sales. Look at the sedan version of this car which was offered here as the Chevrolet SS. Sales were slow to say the least. Until recently, two-year-old new models were still available at some dealers.

JSievers · ‎07-01-2021

Perhaps it’s because I am a seasoned citizen with a less than bottomless pocketbook, but I find the Monte Carlo an attractive option. More than enough performance and drive it anywhere capability. What’s not to love?

JSievers · ‎04-01-2021

100% agree on the stupid "voice" used in the BAT vehicle descriptions. It sounds like someone trying to be authoritative, but as you point out, ends up instead sounding like someone trying to dodge accountability. They need to hire knowledgeable, professional automotive writers then end every description with a simple disclaimer that all information is provided by the seller who bears sole responsibility for its accuracy.

JSievers · ‎04-01-2021

Beautiful car and photography, although I would have parked the car 10" further left in the sideview shot. I may be in the minority, but I think the car looks sexy as hell in red; it's nice to see one in something other than BRG. Now where did I put that spare $7.5 million I had lying around?

JSievers · ‎30-12-2020

Great car and a really well written article with lots of on-point automobile mentions and even a Heinlein reference. Nice!

JSievers · ‎28-12-2020

The i8 will be missed for its technology and otherworldly design. The Rapide for its sheer beauty. The Mulsanne for its in-your-face opulence. The Ferrari for its everyday usability. And the Morgan for ... well, there will always being an England!

JSievers · ‎15-12-2020

Numerous grammatical and factual errors, but an interesting overview. Mercedes had an automated clutch with a fluid coupling and manual transmission in the 1950s (Hydrak). Porsche did the same thing with a torque converter the 1960s and 1970s (Sportomatic). Even Ferrari got into the act with the Ferrari Valeo model, which had an autmated clutch similar to the Saab Sensonic system. Of course the Ferrari F1 automated manual transmission and the (much unloved) BMW automated manual gearbox (AMG) were widely used in those marques for many years until relatively recently. A few current Hyundai/Kia models are available with an automated clutch, but not in the U.S. market.

JSievers · ‎09-12-2020

Wanted to buy a 2G Prelude when they came out but the dealers had waiting lists and big markups. It really was an exceptional car for the price. Wound up with a Dodge Omni GLH Turbo instead, which did go like hell and was tons of fun if not nearly as refined.

JSievers · ‎04-12-2020

Too cool!

JSievers · ‎04-12-2020

Clever, but gear oil pumps that fit standard quart bottles are available at your local auto parts store, or on Amazon, for around $10.

JSievers · ‎25-11-2020

Amen brother. Build what you like and drive the heck out of it. There's a place for garage queens (I have one myself), but you can often have a lot more fun with a tribute - and not suffer major financial pain if something bad happens.

JSievers · ‎20-11-2020

If you get the Hybrid you lose Stow-n-Go but gain real, comfortable second-row captains chairs - and a huge boost in fuel economy!

JSievers · ‎17-11-2020

Thanks Rob for another wonderful story that pulls be back to my youth. It's great to hear how you constantly attempt to balance cost with efficacy in the ownership of multiple vintage cars. Many of us have been there. Ona related matter, I've been fortunate to have had the the opportunity to drive a Europa, and if there is any car that would ever cause me to break my vow to NEVER own a British car, that's the one. However, as you discovered, Lotus' practice of adding lightness tends to exacerbate any suspension, tire and wheel issues. But when everything is right, I don't know if there is any other car that provides such a sublime connection between the driver and the road. The Europa is a car built with narrow English country lanes in mind, and driving it on modern American roads can sometimes be downright scary given the car's relative invisibility. But on the right road, it's magic unparalleled. Enjoy!

JSievers · ‎17-11-2020

The latest example of "too much is not enough!"

JSievers · ‎16-11-2020

Should be designated as a 300d (lower case), being the fourth iteration of Mercedes' range topping model in this period. The use of a capital "D" would signify diesel power, which is not the case for this car.