Rare Ranchero

 Of all the performance cars I ever owned, the 1970 Ranchero GT was the rarest, and also one of the most awesome performers. It was factory equipped with a 429 Cobra-Jet V8 and 4-speed transmission with T-handle Hurst shifter.  When I bought it, this machine was 15 years old, had only about 29,000 miles, but was in need of some engine work, and needed some new paint . 

I pulled and disassembled the engine and sent everything to the machine shop for cleaning and inspection. The block was cracked, but the rare heads and other CJ parts were in good condition. I had a plan for some modifications and engine blueprinting. I located a good 460 block and crank shaft, and delivered them to the machine shop. It was bored and stroked to 468 cubic inches, and carefully reassembled. I reinstalled it in the cleaned and detailed engine compartment.

Within a few weeks, it was well broken in and tuned, and the Ranchero had a fresh new paint job. When it hit the streets for some Friday and Saturday night cruising, it was awesome, and made it’s mark on the local car shows, and street racing scene.  The full story is in chapter 6 of my book.

 Check out my book and read sample pages at; Grab Some Gears

My Best Cars

 Over the years, I have been lucky enough to have owned many great cars. Many of them were pretty awesome performance cars, and some were pretty rare models. But, of all I have owned, one stands out as the most recognized example of famous performance cars. That would be the 2007 Shelby GT 500 that I owned and pampered for six years.

During the time I owned it, I only put 12,000 miles on it. It was never driven on a wet road, and was kept detailed and ready to show at all times. When it was not being driven, it was garaged and covered at all times. It was taken to many car shows, won a number of awards, and always got a lot of compliments.

It was mildly modified with after market air induction and exhaust. It was turned to about 575 horsepower,  and some interior trim details, like the Carroll Shelby autographed dash plate.

This was a very good example of the best cars I’ve ever owned.