From the Archive: Monster Engine

Several years ago I happened to see this flatbed pickup hauling an enormous V12 engine. I suspected at the time that this was a marine engine, for a speed boat or similar, but I really don't know. It's a short block (it doesn't have heads and may not have pistons or a crankshaft) which means it's being rebuilt. 

Going Postal!

Saw this trio of postal jeeps parked behind a post office in Corrales. While they weren't dripping with custom panache they're good examples of the iconic American off-roader.

The Jeep was originally developed by the Bantam car company in response to a call from the government for a lightweight scout vehicle. Bantam developed the original prototype but the government licensed the design to Willys and Ford to actually produce (thinking that Bantam was not large enough to build them in the quantities needed). The distinctive stamped grill was actually added by Ford, and kept by the Army for the production vehicles. 

Willys was the only manufacturer to continue building the jeep after the war, and were given the trademark for the name because of that. The brand went through many owners before ending up with Chrysler.

It is commonly believed that the name comes from the Army's original designation of General Purpose or GP vehicle. The original Bantam prototype was called the Bantam Reconnaissance Car or BRC; imagine if the iconic American 4x4 had been called the Brick!

South Valley Cycle Trail

There's a truly lovely bicycle trail along Albuquerque's bosque outdoor space, it runs fit approximately 15 miles the Rio Grande. The southern four miles or so run between the river and the back of farms or industrial/junkyard complexes.
We saw a really cool, but incomplete, Chevy Biscayne (I think), at least the straight 6 is still there.

The blue one, look at those fins!

As well as a several-layer-high wall of junk cars off in the distance.

 

The zoom will help us.

A little.

I truly recommend anyone local or visiting check out the with bosque cycle trail, the views and wildlife are outstanding, and the pavement and level course make it a leisurely and fun time.

Bird of Thunder

Ford's answer to the Corvette, still cool as heck. I believe this is a 1955 model, before they added the signature porthole windows.

And Now, a Coincidence

Hilariously, I also went to Madrid last week separately from that other guy that posts here.

Much of the population stepped out of the 60s directly into Madrid, and many brought their cars with them.

 I think this is a Nova II from the mid 60s.

I also trespassed on someone's property and saw this thing. Someone who knows more than nothing about these should probably tell me what it is. I believe it said "Shadow" on the tank.

The setting was so perfect I couldn't resist doing a doctored version of the photo.

Before anyone asks. No, I did not use Instasham.

Madrid, NM

We took a day trip around the back of the Sandia Mountains, stopped in Madrid on our way to Santa Fe. Along with beautiful scenery and some small town shopping we saw a few cool cars.

Like this early 60s Chevy Bel Air, looks like the paint is original, and the interior was gorgeous all-white vinyl.

There was also this 80s (I think) Porsche, with a whale-tail spoiler.

And this vintage GMC.

Junk yard finds

We visited the scrap yard of Coronado Wrecking and Salvage, here in Albuquerque. They demolish and haul away buildings (or what-have-you) and many of the materials end up in their salvage yard, which is open to the public six days a week. It's a bit hard to find but once you know the way it's quite easy, simply sign in at their office an explore the yard in your vehicle or on foot. I went with some friends and classmates we were looking for steel tubing, chain, sheet metal, and inspiration. We found most of these things, and more:

Resembles a luggage-tug from the airport. Could this have towed YOUR suitcases?

MASSIVE dump truck, put into proportion by our lovely model, Patrick, from PariahCycle.

Imagine changing this flat by the roadside.