#cars4start

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Where's the Calais we know and love?

Untitled #cars4start

What is it?

It’s a vehicle from a brand that was once regarded as being as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.

Holden relied on its trusty Kingswood for a decade, but was forced to downsize the car in response to the oil crisis.

Its replacement came from Europe and was called Commodore for the local market.

Forty years later Holden has stopped building cars locally.

They’re sourced from around…

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@cars4starters: Dominos deliver, #autonomous #cars #cars4start #dominos #driverless #pizza #Ford #Miami https://t.co/jWVvRowPjT https://t.co/7sqVjfeqdx

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Tough road ahead for classy Sonata

Sonata #cars4start

What is it?

HARD to believe that Hyundai’s Sonata dates back to 1985, because the mid-sized sedan seems to have been around forever — but in its latest form it’s as fresh as tomorrow’s tweet from The Donald.

The car is a visual stunner with an all-new body, the fresh Kona-like grille, sleek headlights and a new transmission and updated interior too.

The model range has been reduced to two,…

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By any measure the Vauxhall Caleche is a rare Australian convertible.

Built by Holden from 1938 to 1951 it featured an imported British Vauxhall chassis, grille, bonnet and front mudguards.

From the firewall back Holden fastened a wooden frame to the chassis.

The frame supported thin metal panels.

Covering it all was a canvas convertible top.

It was a car built to a low price.

Creature comforts were sparse, even by the spartan standards of the day.

No wind up windows here.

This little gem had curtains that were fixed to the car with press studs.

No exterior door handles either.

Oh, and the windscreen folds down, like a world war two Jeep.

1940 Vauxhall Caleche convertible

1940 Vauxhall Caleche convertible

1940 Vauxhall Caleche convertible

So how rare is a Caleche?  

Peter Sara’s immaculate 1940 model is believed to be one of only 15 or so still in existence.

“There’s not too many of them about,” Peter says.

In fact, Peter’s car is doubly rare.

Research suggests that it went down the production line on the opening day of Holden’s brand new factory at Pagewood in Sydney on February 16, 1940.

Car production ceased soon after and Holden swung over to war material production.

Peter bought the car in 2008.

The previous owner had acquired it 25 years previously with every intention to restore it.

Its ownership history before that is less clear.

“I’d like to find out who the first owner was,” he says.

The car was not in good shape when Peter put it in his workshop.

“It was pretty rough,” he remembers. “There was no interior, the engine and associated mechanicals were inoperable, the steering was woeful and the suspension needed replacing.

“AND the brakes did not work”.

It took Peter six years to restore the car to as-new condition.

On the road the 1.4-litre four cylinder engine copes well with suburban traffic, but the 80km/h top speed restricts its use on a freeway.

“You would not want to go that much faster in it anyway” he says, obviously reflecting the lack of side windows.

The word ‘Caleche’ has various meanings but in general terms refers to a fashionable horse-drawn carriage or the folded hood of a horse-drawn carriage.

David Burrell is the editor of retroautos.com.au

CHECKOUT: Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Monaro John Schinella

CHECKOUT: Rob bought it on eBay

1940 Vauxhall Caleche #cars #cars4start #Retro #Vauxhall By any measure the Vauxhall Caleche is a rare Australian convertible. Built by Holden from 1938 to 1951 it featured an imported British Vauxhall chassis, grille, bonnet and front mudguards.

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Supra bound for Botany Bay

#cars4start #Supra #Toyota

Surprise, surprise. Toyota has confirmed the next generation is bound for Botany Bay.

The fifth-generation Supra, code named A90, is expected to arrive here in the third quarter of next year.

No word on the price yet, but there will be no shortage of eager customers — not with the promise of a 220kW 3.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder engine and performance to match.

Boosted by a twin-scroll…

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Toyota throws the hybrid switch

Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid #cars4start

What is it?

Toyota’s latest foray into hybrid vehicles comes in the form of a revamped Corolla hatch range.

There’s a new three level choice: Ascent Sport, SX, and ZR.

There is also a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or 1.8-litre hybrid powertrains, with a manual transmission offered with only one — the Ascent Sport. Otherwise it’s a CVT across the range.

There’s been some real sheet metal changes,…

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WA's new breed of white pointers

WA's new white pointers #cars4start #Kia #stinger

The customary police Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons that cruised the streets of Perth and other centres of Western Australia for decades are in the process of being replaced – by high performance Kia Stingers.

WA Police will get 50 bi-turbo V6 Stingers to replace the last of the Commodore and Falcon traffic patrol and pursuit vehicles in the course of the next 12 months.

WA is the second…

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Silent killers stalk pedestrians

Watch out -- e-bike #bikes #cars4start #electric

In London, Sakine Cihan started crossing a road near her home — but never made it to the other side because a man riding a bicycle crashed into her.

She didn’t see or hear it coming, London’s Mail on Sunday reports.

As the 56-year-old woman, lay injured, the cyclist fled the scene.

Two weeks after the accident, she died.

What makes it unusual is that she is the first person in the UK to have…

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Those clever boffins from Coventry have come up with a way to put new tech in old cars.

A new infotainment system brings modern functionality to classic vehicles in an authentic-looking, classically-styled, head unit.

Single DIN-sized Classic Infotainment System units incorporate customisable satellite navigation in up to 32 languages, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity and dual DAB/DAB+ digital radio, as well as FM and AM analog reception.

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Four distinct branded versions of the Classic Infotainment System will be offered specifically for Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, with a choice of black or chrome faceplate finishes to suit Jaguars, and a choice of black or silver brushed aluminum for Land Rovers.

A generic unit will also be offered for the owners of any classic or vintage car, but may require some expertise to fit.

Controlled by a 3.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen integrated between traditional rotary controls and buttons, the navigation system’s route guidance can be displayed as 2D or 3D maps, or as turn arrow instructions, and includes TMC traffic alerts.

Other key features of the Classic Infotainment System include:

Telephone functionality, including phonebook transfer via Bluetooth, supports up to four devices, with 1250 contacts per device

Internal microphone

System languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian

Up to 32 languages available for navigation function

All versions of the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Infotainment System are available to purchase from September 24, 2018 at www.jaguarclassicparts.com  priced from £1200 (no word yet on Aussie pricing).

A fitting service is offered at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Warwickshire as well as select Authorised Jaguar and Land Rover Retailers.

CHECKOUT: Highland fling in Jag wagon

CHECKOUT: E Pace plays to a new order

New for old #Jaguar #LandRover Those clever boffins from Coventry have come up with a way to put new tech in old cars.

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High five a show of confidence

High five a show of confidence #cars4start #Honda #warranty

Peer pressure. We’ve all felt it.

It’s the effect the group has on an individual, who is encouraged to tow the line and adopt the attitudes, values or behaviours of their peers so they conform to those of the influencing group.

One could be forgiven for thinking Mazda has just caved into peer pressure.

It’s just announced that it will be offering a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty on all of…

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Skoda RS245 ups the ante

#cars4start #Octavia #Skoda

The smart money has always been on Skoda Octavia RS.

Buy one of these cars and you get most of the goodies from the Golf GTI in a cheaper and arguably more practical package.

Starting next month the Octavia which comes as a sedan (really a liftback) or wagon will also be available in two spec levels — RS and RS245.

Priced from $39,990 the RS accesses the 180kW/370Nm version of the EA888…

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It’s big, it’s bad and it’s got factory backing.

The RAM 1500 is now on sale in Australia, in right hand drive and priced from $79,990 driveaway.

Powered by 5.7-litre petrol Hemi V8, the 1500 is a clear tonne in front of anything else in the market, rated to tow 4.5 tonnes and that fact alone is sure to win it many new friends.

RAM has been a stand-alone division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles since 2009.

The trucks are imported and converted to right hand drive by importer Ateco Automotive, in partnership with Walkinshaw Performance in Melbourne.

Ateco claims the finished product is better than any other American ute currently imported and converted for sale here.

At 5.8 metres long and a little over two metres wide, the RAM 1500 is significantly larger than other Utes in its market sector and this translates into more space inside and outside and a much larger towing capacity. 

The conversion process takes three days from go to whoa, with the chassis and body separated as part of the process. 

A re-engineered RHD specific steering system is fitted, then a new dashboard is installed that has been designed, developed and produced in Australia.

Then a RHD-specific heating and ventilation system before the body and chassis are re-married to produce the final product.

The finished product is backed by a three year/100,000 km warranty, with roadside assistance and requires a service every 12 months or 12,000 km.

The RAM 1500 is available with a choice of two cabin sizes as well as two tub sizes, and unlike the majority of the utes currently offered for sale has four-wheel disc brakes.

“The RAM 1500 is built and equipped to meet the changing demands of the Australian ute buyer who are demanding more towing capacity, more space inside and out, and better performance,” General Manager of RAM Trucks Australia, Alex Stewart, said.

The company also offers the larger 2500 and 3500 models, but they are obviously more expensive — priced at $139,950 and $144,350 a piece.

CHECKOUT: Benz ute a game changer

CHECKOUT: Meet the cheapest damn ute in Australia

#cars4start #RAM It's big, it's bad and it's got factory backing. The RAM 1500 is now on sale in Australia, in right hand drive and priced from $79,990 driveaway.

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Electric cars still years away

Auto Draft #cars4start #electric

Research in the UK reveals buyers have no plans to make the switch to electric cars any time soon.

A survey of 1000 motorists reveals many drivers are looking to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles, but lack of charging infrastructure and confusing terminology remain significant barriers.

With the long-awaited publication of the Government’s Road to Zero report, new data from the UK’s…

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Inferior interior hobbles sleeker Colorado

Untitled #cars4start

What is it?

The Colorado car is just like its land-bound namesake. Diversity and choice are the two key components, with two and four-door styles that meet cab-chassis and utility tray body work.

There are two and four-wheel drive versions, with transmissions that are suitable for those with two or three legs. The vehicle tested here is the 4WD Colorado LTZ four-door auto, with all-wheel drive…

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Punch drunk Porsche still a honey pot

Porsche #cars4start #Porsche

A 959 Porsche is a very rare bit of kit, with just 292 made because they were primarily designed as Group B rally cars — and homologation rules meant at least 200 had to come off the production line.

They’re worth about $1.5 million nowadays, but how about one that’s been in a serious prang?

Well, such a 959 fetched an eye-watering $638,000 in Australian folding stuff when it went to auction at…

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Liberty a reflection of personality

Liberty review #cars4start #Liberty #Subaru

What is it?

Take a look at the Subaru Liberty, and the term ‘understated class’ comes to mind.

It’s a conservatively styled, medium-sized sedan in a market being eroded by SUVs, but it attracts around 150 buyers around Australia each month and sits halfway in the medium sector sales chart.

That makes a strong case for the many folk who like to drive a car that reflects their personality, people…