Aftermarket action
When mainstream won’t cut it
Equus Automotive (no, it isn’t Hyundai-related) of Rochester Hills, Michigan, has created a bespoke luxury-oriented muscle car called the Bass 770. The mostly aluminum-bodied coupe resembles a 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 fastback that has received a nose graft from a 1971 Plymouth Satellite. Beneath the skin is a custom-fabricated, racing-inspired aluminum chassis. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. It generates an impressive 640 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque. Equus claims that the 3,460-pound street beast will hit 60 mph from rest in 3.4 seconds. Prices start at $290,000 and head up to $340,000, depending on equipment. Full details at www.equus-automotive.com.
Desk lets you work on wheels
Many people work from the driver’s seat, and Diversified Products is there to assist with a variety of in-vehicle desk units. For example, the $190 RoadMaster Auto Exec car desk provides plenty of space for laptop and tablet-style computers and its adjustable pivoting 25.5-inch-by-21.25-inch surface makes it ideal for writing and editing documents. There are even slots for hanging file folders, storing cellphones and various accessories, as well storage space for stationery supplies and business cards, etc. AutoExec also makes a Truck Desk version for larger vehicles.
See it and the full line of in-car desks at www.mobileofficedesk.com.
One car had a jet engine
Before automakers began developing alternative-fuel vehicles, Chrysler Corp.’s engineers tinkered with jet-turbine propulsion. Author Steve Lehto documented their efforts in his book, “Chrysler’s Turbine Car, The Rise and Fall of Detroit’s Coolest Creation.” The creation Lehto refers to is the 1963 concept car designed and built by Ghia of Italy. Fifty-five Turbines were built and loaned out for testing by prospective buyers, or used as dealer demonstrators. Chrysler ultimately decided against turbine power, and all but nine of the vehicles were destroyed. (Comedian and car collector Jay Leno owns one of the surviving Turbines.)
Order Lehto’s book in paperback for about $15 ($8 in Kindle e-reader format) at most major bookstores or through online resellers such as www.amazon.com.
Horsepower for your finger
Rings are often used to show love; even love for cars in the case of Cruzin’ World. The company’s website displays a selection of rings that feature Chevrolet V-8 engine designs produced to scale. The motor collection includes both carbureted and fuel-injected engines along with a few supercharged — or “blown” — hot rod V-8s. All rings are made of sterling sliver with added brass for the valve covers, carburetors and blower scoop. Prices range from $300-$450, depending on the intricacy of the design.
Check them out at www.cruzinworld.com.
