Guest Paul Christ Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 How do you feel about "one-off" cars that are newly built, but in a style that makes them look old? Frequently the builders even incorporate vintage car parts in their construction, to complete the illusion of a vehicle that is an actual antique. One example that comes to mind is the Van Blerck Special...I remember seeing this car at Hershey last year, and was immediately awestruck. From what I recall, this monster is about 19 feet long and was built on an old firetruck chassis. A 17 liter Van Blerck marine engine provides power, and the body was custom built. A couple months later, this car was listed on Ebay for around $350,000. Just last month it brought $160,000 at auction but failed to sell. ** Auction Results HERE ** I'm intrigued by these cars, and think that it goes back to my childhood. As a kid, I can remember watching "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and thinking that it was the most beautiful car that I had ever seen. I dreamed of going for a ride in that car some day. As a historical footnote, not long ago I learned that the car in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was based on an actual auto (pictured below). Here's a link to more information; ** The Real "Chitty Bang Bang" HERE ** So, what do you think of this type of car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 I remember when a friend bought two of the Chitty movie cars a year or so after the movie came out. BOTH cars cost him a total of $35,000. and we thought he had lost his mind at the time. Today they and the Leslie Special and Hannabal Eight from The Great Race movie are the cars to try and equal IMO. You need a lot of money and the right parts to build something that has the right look. The Van Blerck Spl. is a mix of Brass era and mid 1920's components and misses the mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Wolk Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 I've competed against this car numerous times. IMO, it belongs nowhere on the showfield. While it is drop-dead gorgeous, the deign is contemporary, not classic. I believe it was designed in the '90s by a legendary designer using design cues developed since this '32 KB chassis was made. When found, this chassis had been used as a tow truck. The only parts that are original are the chassis and radiator shell.It's a beautiful work of art, but shouldn't compete against cars with original designs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest abh3usn Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 Most of these cars miss the mark. Many of them don't look period and only appeal to those who don't know what an antique car is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest windjamer Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 Barry im confussed, imho if it was built in the 90s useing a mixture of imho, garbage parts,how can it compeat at AACA meets or are you talking about a local show?? Once again IMHO, it just a BS car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Wolk Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 I'm talking about Concours competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul Christ Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 I absolutely agree that these cars have no place on a showfield next to original cars. I feel that they would be better placed in a show with customs and hot rods. Still, I admire the talent, creativity, and work that goes into building one of these autos. While they are not "technically" correct reproductions, I feel that some of these cars are works of art, and are pleasing to look at. One such car is the B-702, made by a company named Blastolene. This beast is powered by a 702 Cubic Inch GMC V-12, and has a 155 inch wheel base.Possibly Blastolene's most well known car is the Blastolene Special, which was purchased by Jay Leno. This car is powered by a military tank motor.Then there is Big Bertha, also made by Blastolene.Blastolene also made a car named the Indy SpecialWhile these cars will never be true "classics", I appreciate them for what they are, and enjoy looking at them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 The operative word here is "fantasy" cars. I see them no differently than the motorcycles made by Orange County Choppers. Barry, is right they don't belong beside original/restored cars. The Batmobile, the car that The Green Hornet drove, the Munsters car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, KITT. Those are all fantasy cars and part of automotive history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do you feel about "one-off" cars that are newly built, but in a style that makes them look old?</div></div>Harleys aren't exactly one off vehicles, but many of their bikes are built to look like the old ones. My bike looks just like a 50's full dresser but has the mechanical components of a new bike. I guess with that in mind, I can't say that I'm against it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 Yeah, These cars are great if that is your Fantasy....My Fantasy car would have to be a two seater....one for me....one for my date.... Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now