CAV America Honda CB450 'Manx Tribute'

Johann Keyser of CAV America, usually builds rather tasty looking official Gulf livered Ford GT40 replicas. In his spare time he has now built this 'retro mod' Manx Norton tribute Honda CB450 you see above. Intending to offer economy in the style of a cafe racer, Keyser has produced something which looks great and has some fantastic features, but what I want to know is when was a cafe racer ever meant to be economical?

A good effort in my opinion but if he wants my advice, he should stick to his gorgeous GT40s and maybe look into producing usable, reliable Tritons. Just an idea Johann..

1974 Ford Escort 1300 Executive

Famous for winning rallies the world over, Ford's beloved Mk1/2 Escort is usually photographed 'tail out' whilst screaming past cold looking spectators on a secluded section of an Irish Rally. Built in Cork and remaining in Ireland, Paddy McGrath's spotless Mk1 1300E has undoubtedly never seen a rally stage and with just 58,000 miles from new, this four door Executive is all the better for it.

Presented in original specification (except the body colour) Paddys Escort has the 1298cc ohv single cam engine, also fitted to the Sport model. Packing 74 bhp the Ford crossflow engine provides ample power for relaxed cruising in comfort.

Exclusive to the Executive Escort, the wooden dash trim, deeper pile carpets and period perfect vinyl roof have all aged well in this car, whilst the addition of a sportier steering wheel lends a sporty feel. This 'high spec' model also shares the flared front wings from the Mexico and Sport variants.

Paddy beleives the only way to originality is to remain original and with so many modified Escorts out there, his truly concours example is a rare sight.

Source: Speedhunters.com

Beautiful Brown

Brown cars. Now there's an ugly, slightly upsetting thought. Second to purple perhaps, brown is surely not cool I can hear you thinking. Well think again my petrol headed inter-webbers. Brown not only says I don't care if you're not looking at me, it also says I don't care if my car is the same colour as shit. Again, another upsetting thought.

Polished brown, contrary to popular belief, doesn't resemble a polished turd but displays a confidence, a certain 70s long haired confidence that along with facial hair and big rim spectacles says, try me, I'm not afraid of what you think. The fact that dirt is also brown means your car requires less cleaning, less effort and more lazy cool points.

Check out these poo coloured poser-mobiles and tell me, is brown the new black? Steve McQueen thought so..

Stills in Motion- Gallery of Motorsport

For more great images go to Speedhunters.com