The Dale Debacle
About 40 years ago, the automotive world was struggling with the oil embargo imposed by the oil-producing Arab nations. People were turning away from the gas-guzzling muscle cars and looking for thriftier models. This was the economic and social climate that really helped the Mini take off and catch public imagination. But it also made people vulnerable to scams like the Dale debacle.
In 1974, newspapers and magazines were carrying articles (all based on press releases) featuring the “car of the future”: the Dale. The Dale was promoted very, very aggressively by someone called Liz Carmichael, who the press releases said was a widowed mother of five who planned on taking on the patriarchal automotive industry (this was the era of rampant feminism and burning one’s bra). The Dale itself looked sleek and space-age and got people drooling – although the single rear wheel behind the two front ones looks downright weird today. It claimed to be able to do 70 mpg (3.36 litres per 100 km), have a top speed of 85 miles per hour (136.8 km/h) and to cost only US$1995. It was supposed to be built of super-tough materials that would withstand crashes and were nearly bulletproof.
Holden On For Australia
It’s history now that Holden, Ford and Toyota have declared they’re closing up shop manufacturing wise from now until 2017. Today Holden unveiled some of its plans for the future, including keeping possession of its iconic handling and proving ground, Lang Lang, south east of Melbourne. Originally, talk was of Holden looking for buyers, yet the value was only of a few million allegedly so it makes more long term sense for Holden to keep it and use it to tweak the cars it will import to suit Australian roads.
The announcement also covered that Opel will return to Australia and once again will wear a Holden badge. Reading between the lines, however, it seems somewhat “co-incidental” that Opel closed its operations with Holden then announcing it would cease local manufacturing. There’s three cars; the Insignia, Astra (GTC and VXR) hatches and Cascada convertible. There’s still some Holden in the Insignia, however, with a turbocharged 2.8L V6 under the shapely bonnet.
BTCC 2014 Review: Unpredictable Weather and Titanic Battles at Donington Park
Following a volcanic return to form, the monumental BTCC machine thundered on to Donington Park. The first three rounds at Brands Hatch were filled with truly top class touring car action. Some of the biggest talking points included the surprising pace of the Honda Yuasa team, who were challenging for the top 3 places having claimed they would struggle. There was of course the stellar drive by reigning champion Andrew Jordan, taking two race wins, alongside Jason Plato who proved the MG was as competitive as ever. Further down the grid, Rob Austin had a legendary drive from the back of the grid, while also after a string of bad luck, returning legend Alain Menu charged from 16th to 5th in the final race of the day. On the other hand, Giovanardi and the rest of the Ford team lacked pace, while Marc ‘the man who beat Button’ Hynes failed to impress after a pre-season filled with hype and seemingly empty anticipation.
The championship moved on Donington…
Duelling Turbos: Kia Pro_Cee'd GT and Fia 500C Abarth Esseesse
Two households, both alike in dignity…..the opening line to Shakespeare’s evergreen “Romeo and Juliet” applies equally to two wonderful turbocharged vehicles A Wheel Thing squired for a week: the mental Fiat 500 Abarth Esseesse and Kia’s sublimely potent Pro_Cee’d GT.
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