The Restoration of a 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe

West Coast Auto Enthusiasts presents

The Restoration of a 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe

The classic Ford Mustang; a car that stirs nostalgic memories for many.  We have the opportunity to restore a 1967 coupe to its original glory.  This coupe is a two owner Oregon car that came to us 46 years after its creation and it is ready to begin on a new journey.  We are having our friends at Superior Performance do the restoration and we are pleased that it is in very capable hands.  Updates of the restoration will be posted soon!

A little on the 1967 Ford Mustang

The 1967 Mustang received its first major redesign since the original came out in 1964.  Domestic manufactures were generating stiff competition, and Ford needed to make the Mustang a little larger, aggressive and more powerful to keep up.  There were three body styles including a coupe, fastback and convertible.  There were around a third of a million coupes made in 1967 and had a retail price of $2,500.  There were five engine options available excluding the Shelby series.  They ranged in size from a 200c.i. inline six, to a 289c.i. V-8 and the most powerful option being the 390c.i.   The 6 produced 120hp, the 289 created 200hp, 225hp, or 271hp depending on the configuration, and the 390 pushed out a thunderous 320 ponies.  This body style lasted through 1968 then the 1969 Mustang changed to keep up with the ever developing muscle car market.

Not only does Superior Performance happen to be right down the street from us, they also “have a passion for 60’s Muscle Cars and take pride in restoring history.”  Superior Performance says it best themselves: “From the humble beginnings of our garage in 1996 to one of the largest Auto Collision Repair Facility in Oregon, Superior Performance has been providing the highest quality in Collision Repair and Restoration and Modifications.  Family owned and operated in beautiful NW Portland Oregon.”

The Range Rover

Range Rover is the premium brand of Land Rover, now part of the Jaguar Land Rover Family. Land Rover started making off road vehicles in the late 1940s. The Land Rover website states, “In the 1960’s, the company became convinced that there was a market for a more luxurious four-wheel drive vehicle; a vehicle which would combine saloon car performance, handling and comfort with the 4×4 ability of a Land Rover.” The first official Range Rover hit the market in 1970 but the United States did not receive Range Rover until early 1987 (except for gray market vehicles). There are now 4 generations of Range Rovers as well as the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque, but we will concentrate on the Range Rover.

The first generation Range Rover “Classic” ran from 1970 to 1995. The 1970s Range Rovers were all two door setups with 3.5 liter V8s and coil springs. Even the first Range Rovers had disc brakes all around and permanent four wheel drive. The first 4 door model appeared in the early ’80s as well as an automatic transmission. When the Range Rover was launched in North America in 1987, it also came with a more powerful fuel injected V8 engine. In 1992, the LSE with a 4.2L V8 was also given electronically controlled air suspension. Over 300,000 units of the first generation were produced.

The second generation “P38A” was in production from 1994 to 2002 (1995 in the U.S.). Even though the Range Rover Classic became more luxurious during its 25 year span, the P38A presented a more advanced level of luxury. Also the P38A was given an improved electronic air suspension that offered automatic or manual height adjustment. After 1996, two different engines were offered, a 190 horsepower 4.0L V8 and a 225 horsepower 4.6L V8. A partial list of the standard equipment includes leather, burled walnut trim, automatic climate control, and power front heated seats.

The third generation “L322” Range Rover was introduced in 2002 (2003 in the U.S.) and just ended in 2012. The third installment of Range Rover was designed and engineered by BMW while it still owned Land Rover. This fact is evident by the new interior/exterior styling, BMW entertainment system electronics, and the M62 4.4L V8 that produced 286hp. The third generation was also the first Range Rover made with a unibody design and four wheel independent suspension. In 2006, the 4.4L engine was replaced with a healthier Ford/Jaguar V8 producing 305 horsepower and a primer 4.2L supercharged V8 making 400hp.

The fourth installment was just introduced in 2013 and it is by far the most powerful Rover yet and it lost around 700 pounds in weight. The standard Rover has the 5.0L V8 that now produces 375hp, but the supercharged version now puts out a ground pounding 510hp and does the run to 60 in 4.7 seconds. The interior boasts first class build materials and the latest technology. The fourth generation Rover still has outstanding off road capabilities, if you choose to take it there, with full-time four wheel drive, low range gearing, and adjustable suspension.

This uniquely British SUV has a strong enthusiast following here in the USA and especially in the Pacific NW. The changes that Range Rover make are no doubt unhurried, but the product is like no other. We have a beautiful third generation 2004 HSE example in the showroom currently. If you would like to see it up close feel free to stop by.

Three Rivers Casino Cobra Giveaway

The Three Rivers Casino in Florence, Oregon is having a Shelby Cobra Giveaway raffle.  What makes this raffle special is that it features West Coast Auto Enthusiasts very own 1965 Shelby Cobra Replica.  The entries for the Cobra can be earned from June 17^th through July 28^th.  The drawing for the winning entry will take place on July 28^th and you must be present to win.

This 1965 AC Cobra MK-II Replica was built in 2004 with a new crate 302 that produces 340hp.  That power is transferred to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.  A parts car or donor car was not used in the manufacture of this Cobra, so all parts are crate new.  11 inch disc brakes all around give it tremendous stopping power and the coil-over suspension will allow tight hugging of curves.  As expected, ground rumbling side pipes and a beautiful red paint job are sure to turn heads.

We know that this Cobra will be adored by the lucky winner and it sure will be missed by us at West Coast Auto Enthusiasts.

2013 Portland Historic Races

As many Pacific Northwest auto enthusiasts already know, the annual Portland Historic Races are just around the corner.  This year’s Historic Races will be held at the Portland International Raceway June 28^th – 30^th and they will be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of Corvette.  Racing is divided into 7 groups and starts at 8:30am and runs till 5:00pm daily.  The races allow enthusiasts the rare opportunity to see over 250 prestigious vintage race cars in their element, on the race course.  In the open grass paddock, there will be more than 700 classics, exotics, and hot rods on display.

The historic races are produced and sanctioned by the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA).  The 2013 races will be the 37^th annual event and will be bigger than ever.  As well as racing, there will be autocross events, vendors, food, and family fun events (children under 12 are free).  More than 25,000 people will make their way to PIR for arguably the Northwest’s best vintage car experience.

2013 Beaches Cruise-in Events at PIR

This beautiful spring weather has us at West Coast Auto Enthusiasts itching for the start of the Beaches cruise-in season at the Portland International Raceway. The first cruise-in of 2013 will begin at 4:00pm on Wednesday June 5th. The gathering of over a thousand classic cars, hot rods motorcycles and exotics will continue on every Wednesday evening through September 25th, all starting at 4:00pm. There is also live music, food and drag racing of all kinds. The PIR website says that pre-1974 cars and trucks, Corvettes, Vipers, motorcycles and exotics are welcome on the show field. Free parking outside the gates for everyone else and two shuttles run throughout the evening if you don’t want to make the short walk in.

The Beaches cruise-in is one of the largest weekly cruise-ins in the country. The first Beaches cruise-in was at the Beaches restaurant parking lot in Vancouver, WA in 1995. It grew in popularity and in the late 90’s the cruise-in was moved to the Pearson air park not far away. Pearson used to draw hundreds of classics and also brought in many unique aircraft that would fly in just for the event. Even the Pearson airport was too small for the crowds, so in 2000, the Beaches cruise-in moved to its current venue at the Portland International Raceway just across the Columbia in Portland. Beaches Restaurant’s philanthropic mission makes the cruise-in even sweeter with proceeds going to many different organizations to mainly help young people in the community.

AC Cobra Kit cars by Factory Five Racing

1965 AC Cobra MK-II Replica – AC Cars started making automobiles 60 years prior to the fateful letter from Carol Shelby that started the legendary Cobra saga.  With only 1,003 Cobras ever made, demand for the super muscle car had far exceeded the supply.  Naturally, the Shelby Cobra was prime for the replica “kit” car market.  Factory Five Racing was started in 1995 with the mission of making the highest quality kit cars at an affordable price, and now they are the largest kit car manufacturer in the world.  AC Cobra replicas are Factory Five’s specialty, and they make an outstanding kit.  Many builders choose to start from scratch with all new engine/transmission and other parts instead of using used parts off a “donor” car.  This allows the builder to obtain the performance they want without being constrained by the factory limits of the donor car.  Factory Five currently offers six different kits including the gorgeous Type 65 Shelby Coupe.  With over 9,000 kits sold to date, Factory Five has a wealth of experience and they are a trusted replica car manufacturer.  For more details on the Shelby Cobra that is at our showroom, please visit our website at www.WestCoastAutoEnthusiasts.com

MINI – First and Second Generations

BMW made a smart move by taking full control of the MINI project from Rover during the late 1990’s. What BMW ultimately created was an amazing combination of performance, style and cult culture that is MINI. The first generation MINI Cooper debuted in the US in 2002 (2001 in Europe) and quickly earned a devoted following. They were so unique and popular that it was common for early MINI owners to honk and wave at each other as they passed by. BMW knew that they had a good thing going, and expanded the line to include convertibles, 3-doors, and 4-doors with optional AWD, roadsters, and 2-seat coupes by 2012.
While most people may not notice the slight differences between the first and second generation MINI’s, the two are fairly different, including large changes in engines. The MINI also grew a little, including 2.4 inches in length and some in height. In the interior, MINI added a larger, easy-to-read gauge pack, more seating style options, and a more user friendly layout of switches.

The first generation MINI Cooper (R50) was in production from 2002 – 2006. It is easily identified by the three levels of lights on the front end. Headlights, turn signals/running lights and fog lights are all in separate housings. Also the headlight housings are directly attached to the hood. The base MINI Cooper has a 1.6L Brazilian-built (Chrysler and BMW developed) Tritec engine that produces 115hp. Two transmissions are available, a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic and they aid in the MINI’s high fuel efficiency numbers. The “S” model (R53) has a small a supercharger with the 1.6L engine that bumps the power up to 168hp and is transferred to the front wheels through a GETRAG 6-speed manual or an automatic with paddle shifters. The S has many enthusiast fans due to the incredible handling, quick mannerisms, and the symphony of sounds from the exhaust, supercharger, and the electric power steering.

The second generation MINI Cooper hit showrooms in 2007 (R56) and remains through the 2013 model year. All front lights are split into two sets of housings with the headlight assemblies attached directly to the chassis. The Base Cooper has a new 1.6L British built Prince motor that was developed by BMW and Peugeot. The standard engine produces 118hp, a slight bump over the first generation helped by BMW’s Valvetronic technology. Either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission is still available. The new S engine receives direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger that produces more power than the previous generation’s supercharged engine; 172hp and 191 pounds of torque over the previous 168hp and 162 pounds of torque. In a car the size of the MINI, that is a big difference. The power delivery is also smoother and is still transferred through either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Although many fans of the old S will miss the supercharger whine, the sound of the quickly spinning turbocharger can still be heard over the pleasing exhaust note.

Both the first and second generation MINI’s have many luxury features and options that are rare in a car of this size. They both provide good looks, outstanding performance, and great fuel economy. Driving a MINI on a windy road in the hills can be as rewarding as effortlessly parallel-parking one of these in a tight space parking space in the city. We love MINI Coopers and usually have both generations on display. Feel free to visit our website at www.WestCoastAutoEnthusiasts.com for the current inventory of MINI’s and other enthusiasts automobiles.

The E55 Versus the E63

AMG is to Mercedes as M is to BMW or RS is to Audi…sort of.  Like BMW and Audi, the AMG letters represent the top of the line performance model for a particular vehicle.  AMG takes it to a higher level.  From the first stages of a cars development, AMG engineers are involved customizing exterior features, body, suspension, drivetrain and of course engine specifications.  In fact, every AMG engine is hand built in Affalterbach, Germany and every highly skilled technician builds one engine at a time from start to finish.  AMG calls this “one man, one engine” and their signature is placed on the engine plate of each motor he or she builds.

Having over 500 horsepower and/or over 500 pounds of torque is extremely rare territory for any car, let alone a 4-door sedan.  Mercedes Benz has been playing in this lofty range since 2003 with the introduction of the E55 AMG.  The Stuttgart factory gave birth to another similarly powerful brute in 2007 with the introduction of the 507hp E63 AMG.

The E55’s power is generated from a supercharged V8 that produces 469hp and a thunderous 516 lb-ft of torque.  This hand built beast is force fed an immense amount of air via a Lysholm-type, twin-screw supercharger.  The belt driven supercharger produces a maximum of 11.6 psi and profoundly assists in giving the 5.5 liter V8 516 lb-ft of torque as early as 2650 rpm.

The E63 introduced change into the AMG family.  The torque and horsepower numbers were practically reversed, causing some experts to wonder if they would miss the torque crazy E55; their fears were happily nulled by the 507 horses mated to an all-new seven speed automatic transmission.  The new engine produces a still impressive 465 pounds of torque and has many technological advances.  Even with the reduced torque numbers, the greater horsepower and new drivetrain propels the E63 to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, quicker than the E55 at 4.5 seconds 0-60mph.

Mercedes did not disappoint loyal followers of the E55 with the E63, in fact, they were pleased.  The new naturally aspirated V8 is a remarkable addition to the AMG line, and it is sure to keep the E63 at or near the top of the ultra-powerful sedan market.  We are proud to have both examples in the showroom.

2013 Portland International Auto Show

It is one of our favorite weekends. The 2013 Portland International Auto Show opens this Thursday the 24thand runs through Sunday the 27th. It is being held at the Oregon Convention Center, nearly all manufacturers will be represented and showcasing their 2013 models. This year, eight manufacturers including Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Scion will be offering the best hands on experience – test drives.

The “Luxury Loft” is new this year and will be home to luxury and exotic brands. This is where we will be spending a lot of time looking at the newest German vehicles from Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes. New models including the BMW X1, Mercedes SL550, and the Audi Allroad will be on display.

Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser has the longest running history of any Toyota vehicle that is still in production, dating back to the 1950s.  The Toyota brand was created roughly 25 years prior to the first Land Cruiser.  This iconic go anywhere vehicle has earned a top position in the hearts and minds of many Enthusiasts.

The beginnings of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser began in January of 1951, with the first prototype called the Toyota BJ Jeep.  The BJ Jeep was powered by a 3.4L inline six that produced 75hp. Toyota produced a “Jeep” like prototype in response to pressures to create a domestically manufactured four wheel drive compact truck.  After some initial difficulties with orders, in 1953, Toyota began large-scale production of the BJ Jeep.  One year later, the Willys Company claimed a trademark violation, and in response, Toyota renamed the BJ as the Land Cruiser.

Growing sales of the BJ Land Cruiser provided positive reinforcement that Toyota was headed down the correct path.  In 1955, Toyota began a second line of Land Cruisers, called the 20 series, to grow alongside the BJ.  The 20 series Land Cruiser was created to strengthen international sales and to attempt to gain United States contracts for the Korean War.  There were 10 variations of the 20 series, ranging from the small truck FJ25 to the long body FJ28V.  Toyota also created the 30 series in 1958 that had a longer wheelbase and would precede the future successful 55 series.  Production of the 20 and 30 Series ended in 1960.

Toyota was so confident in their new Land Cruiser that it was used as the primary vehicle to be introduced to foreign markets.  The tactic proved very successful, and Toyota was able to export their full line of vehicles to many developing foreign markets due to the positive reputation of the Land Cruiser.

The 20/30 series was replaced by the classic 40 series in 1960.  Although similar looking to the 20 series, Toyota made many advancements with the 40 series, creating a completely different 4X4.  A 125hp engine was mated to a more advanced 3-speed transmission with a low range sub gear that increased the Land Cruiser’s off road prowess.  Popular models included the FJ40V hard top, FJ43 and the FJ45V.  Toyota increased the utility and versatility of the 40 series by offering a hardtop, pickup and wagon type body styles.  During the mid 1960s, the 40 series was such a success that it became the highest selling Toyota model in the United States.  The 40 series had a long run; they were manufactured until the mid 1980s.

The popularity of the FJ45V spurred the creation of the FJ55V, which was the first real purpose-built four door wagon to wear the Land Cruiser badge.  The 50 series “Moose” earned the proud nickname in America, but was also sold in Australia and Japan.  The FJ55 had many technological advances over the FJ45V, including a box-type enclosed structure for the side frame, a redesigned more powerful motor, and increased safety standards to meet American requirements.  One eye-catching feature of some FJ55 Land Cruisers is a two-tone paint job.  The FJ55 started production in 1967 and wrapped up in 1980 with the 60 series waiting in the wings.

The FJ60 arrived on scene in the newly developing SUV market.  Although it shared much of the same frame and suspension design, the FJ60 looked very different from the FJ55.  Toyota needed a car-like interior and an advanced 4WD system to compete against other SUVs like Land Rover.  Toyota succeeded with the FJ60 and later the FJ62.  The FJ60 was built from 1980 to 1987 and is easily identified with its two round headlights.  The FJ62 was built from 1988 to 1990 and it has two pair of square headlights with low and high beams in separate housings.

The FJ60 was introduced with a carbureted 4.2L inline six capable of producing 135hp and was mated to a four speed manual transmission.  The FJ62 was even more refined with a fuel injected 4.0L inline six that produced 155hp that transferred that power through an electronically controlled four speed automatic transmission.  The FJ62 also came with more creature comfort options like power windows, power door locks, and a power antenna.

All of the classic Toyota Land Cruisers had stellar off road capability as a top priority.  Land Cruiser succeeded in domestic and international markets with a combination of dominate 4WD performance and Toyota reliability.  Land Cruisers are held in high regard by off road enthusiasts and we have a very special place for them in our hearts.