Yank Tanks: The 50’s Cars in Cuba

A few days ago, I was too angry at my vehicles to give them any wrenching time, so I plopped myself down on the couch.  Before long, I found myself flippin’ through my Netflix account searching for car-related movies.  Among Two Lane Blacktop, Ronin, Bullit and Eric Bana’s Love The Beast, sat a movie that I had never heard of before.  It was called “Yank Tanks” by David Schendel, and it documented all of the 1940’s and 1950’s cars that are still in daily use in Cuba, along with the people that drive them.

Throughout the movie, dozens of car owners and mechanics are interviewed, along with the unique methods of repairing some of these old American rides.  As it turns out, the majority of the replacement parts for these old cars are smuggled into the country, made by amazing Cuban craftsman, or retrofitted from newer Russian cars.  From guys who build vehicles from metal scraps, to a shoeless dancing man that makes windshields, to painting cars with sponges, to one guy that makes his own brake pads with a secret formula of asbestos, you see it all.  The willingness to make any part of an old car is unlike anything that I have ever seen.  If you have a spare hour or so, I’d say it is definitely worth the watch.  The video above is the trailer for the movie, check it out!

Can’t see the video? Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNzIfN8rLso

Friday’s Automotive Video Celebration

Each week, Tony and I like to post up some cool / funny / impressive automotive videos that we come across. Here are this week’s!

Tony – “As a guy that grew up watching the Munsters, and being a huge fan of the Munster hot rods, this is my pick for the Friday video. It’s pretty darn funny!”

Jeremy’s – “I like loud, obnoxious engines. Hence, today’s video.”

Can’t see the videos? Here are the links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMLZNwezGFY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZmuoETiIzY

The AWD 4G63 Turbo Dune Buggy Lives!

Several months ago, we showed you Don’s absolutely fantastic AWD turbo 4G63 dune buggy project. Part 1 of the build can be seen Here, and part 2 can be seen Here.  Recently, Don brought the 4G63 buggy over to Dynotech Tuning in Seekonk MA to have a few things buttoned up on it. Yesterday turned into a major milestone.  It’s Alive!!

Can’t see the video?  Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKCGhJnM0k

With the dune buggy in Brian & Jamie’s capable hands at DTT, we can expect this thing to be an absolute monster in short order.  As soon as the driving / launching videos hit the internetzzz, the 1A Blog readers will be the first to know about it.   Keep up the great work Don & DTT!

More to come…..

Celebrate Friday With Some Great Automotive Mayhem.

First up, we have a burnout of epic proportion.  This is just how they do things in Australia.

Tony wrote – “Okay as a guy that’s been into circle track racing his entire life, I’ve never seen anything as crazy as this. Keep an eye on the car that hits the jump and pulls a Dukes Of Hazzard move over the car in front of him to gain a position. The best part about it is that theses guys didn’t skip a beat they just keep on racing… lol”

Lastly, we have Brian Ambrosini’s famous wheel standing Gremlin.  Driving this car must be like riding a bull…. that is very agitated….  while you’re on fire …… blindfolded.

Can’t see the Videos? Here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phKhxDSqi00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzFgGcfgjZ0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMsjRtOHXow&feature=fvwrel

What The: BMW Drifting Through Concrete Walls?

A few days ago BMW Canada tossed a video on Youtube that is pretty darn cool.  It shows a BMW 1M sliding “through” concrete walls.  Naturally everybody on the interwebs is questioning if they were real or not.  Honestly, even if they were styrofoam, the video would still be crazy impressive.  Considering the video is called “BMW 1M – Walls – MPowered Performance Part 1”, I’d guess that we will all have the pleasure of a part 2 as well.  Enjoy!

Can’t see the video? here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEvpnKRLDO4

Hill Climb Racing Is Horrifyingly Scary, Yet So Relevant To My Interests

If you enjoy the sights and sounds of engines revving to the point of explosion, cars doing 100+ through the middle of the forest, and drivers with a complete lack of fear, this video is for you.  It is 14 minutes of ridiculous BMW hill climbing that will get your adrenaline pumping.  By the time you are done watching it, you are going to need a shower and a nap.  Enjoy!

Can’t see the video? here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhmeVz5nVHU