The 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII

One Of My Dad's Favorite Classics

 

     Hello everyone. Today I'll be talking about a classic car from Britain's 1963. That car is the legendary Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII.

     The Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII is a British luxury sports car equipped with a 2.9 liter C-Series I6 that was improved upon the older 3000 to produce 150 hp. Top speed of the 3000 MKIII is probably around the low 100 mph area. However speed like that was considered quite fast for 1963. The engine is coupled to what I'm guessing was either a 4-speed, 5-speed, or 6-speed manual. I'm going with the 4-speed since that seems to be the most obvious in my opinion. 

     While I don't know what the Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII was made out of I can tell you how the 3000 MKIII got extra power from its predecessors. The 3000 MKIII got its power from what was considered to be new valve springs, and a new camshaft at the time. Also delivering extra power were twin SU 2" HD8 carburators, and a brand new exhaust system design. The 3000 MKIII also used servo-assisted brakes as standard. 

      As far as optional extras go there were very few for the 3000 MKIII. The standard interior trim was replaced with Ambla vinyl which is something that could've angered some or all of the purists, and it came with leather as an extra.  

      During 1964 a new version of the 3000 MKIII called the Phase II was given given ground clearance by installing a new modified rear chassis. By '65 the car was given separate indicators. 17,712 MKIIIs were created.

      The price of an Austin-Healey MKIII back in the day is unknown to me, but today a good or bad example could cost you up to $50k to $60k.

      I hope you enjoyed this Austin-Healey article Dad.

The 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque 

One Of The Most Exclusive Zondas

 

     Have you ever bought a Zonda then thought "this is a great car, but I want more exclusivity?" In 2009 Pagani revealed a new special Zonda called the Cinque which is Italian for five. This is no coincidence as only 5 of these cars have been made, and all 5 have been sold. Sorry to let you read that. Maybe some facts on this incredible car will make you happier.

     The Pagani Zonda Cinque is an Italian Supercar equipped with either a 6 liter, 7 liter, or 7.3 liter AMG V-12. I'm not exactly sure which engine exists in the Cinque but I do know that the top speed of the Cinque is 221 mph. The horsepower count is at 669 hp. Naught to sixty-two takes 3.4 seconds. The engine or engines are coupled to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Horacio Pagani himself oversaw the production of this car to make sure it came out perfectly. (I couldn't get a picture of the engine without getting in trouble for copyright claim. I'm sorry.)

     The Pagani Zonda Cinque was the first Pagani, and quite possibly the first car ever to use carbon-titanium in the bodywork. Other differences from standard Zondas are the use of magnesium and titanium components for the suspension, a longer front splitter, new rear diffuser, side skirts, bumper canards, a more flatter underside, and a roof-mounted air intake scoop.    (side by side comparison)   

     The price of a single Pagani Zonda Cinque in America is $2,193,070, and 1 million pounds in Britain. Be thankful such a car isn't even more expensive given that there are only 5 of them.

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Stingray's Little "Big" Brother

 

     Are you a 2014 Corvette Stingray owner and thought "nice car, but it could use more powaahhh?" In 2015 your prayers were answered when Chevrolet decided to sell a similar looking but more powerful alternative to the Stingray. That car is the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. 

     The 2015 Corvette Z06 is an American supercar equipped with a supercharged LT4 V-8 with 6.2 liters that gives one of America's finest 650 hp and a top speed of 205 mph estimated. Naught to sixty takes either 3.3 or 3.5 seconds. The engine is coupled to a seven-speed manual. 

     The 2015 Corvette Z06 uses many new features than the older Z06 that Jeremy Clarkson drove on Top Gear UK. The Z06's tires and wheels were replaced with what Chevy says is a better set. The front and rear fenders were widened. And finally the rear of the car had its taillights pushed approximately 3 inches farther apart.

      To assist with downforce due to the extra power of the 2015 Corvette Z06, Chevy added spats around the front wheel openings, a new front splitter, a new rear spoiler, and it's very own carbon fiber hood with a larger vent.

      As for optional extras, Chevy will offer the customer a new carbon fiber aero package that comes with a carbon fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and finally a bigger rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill that apparently gives increased downforce.

      Another upgrade package called the "Z07" package will give customers bigger winglets to the front splitter, and an adjustable, see-through section on the rear spoiler for people who want to take their car out on a track day. The Z07 package also offers extra aero components for better downforce, new Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires, and Brembo carbon-ceramic matrix brake rotors that both reduce braking distances and lower unsprung weight.   

      The interior of the 2015 Corvette Z06 is also different from its brother the Stingray. These differences include the choice of GT or Competition Sport seats with both seats frame structures made of magnesium for increased strength and less weight. Also included as possible options are Napa leather, carbon fiber and micro-suede, and aluminum. (Aluminium for my British readers.) The Z06 also comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel that is unique.

      The tires used on the 2015 Z06 are Michelins, possibly Pilot Sports, and the brakes used are Brembos that feature two-piece steel rotors. The rotors are assisted by six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston fixed calipers in the back. The Z06 is also offered with a standard electronic limited-slip differential that apparently shifts torque in a unique algorithm that factors in the Corvette's speed, steering input, and its throttle position. 

      The price of the 2015 Corvette Z06 as standard is $78,995 and it comes with 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ trim colors. 

       America has really come a long way in making good cars, much to a certain someone's annoyance i'm sure. (Jeremy Clarkson reference.)