Buick history

Buick originated as an independent motor car manufacturer, the Buick Motor Company, incorporated on May 19, 1903, by the Scottish-American David Dunbar Buick in Detroit, Michigan. Later that year, the struggling company was taken over by James H. Whiting (1842-1919) [1], who moved it to his hometown of Flint, Michigan, and brought in William C. Durant in 1904 to manage his new acquisition. Buick sold his stock for a small sum upon departure, and died in modest circumstances twenty-five years later.
Between 1899 and 1902 two prototype vehicles were built[2] in Detroit, Michigan by Walter Marr. Some documentation exists of the 1901 or 1902 prototype with tiller steering[3] similar to the Oldsmobile Curved Dash.
In mid-1904 another prototype was constructed for an endurance run, which convinced James H. Whiting to authorize production of the first models offered to the public.[4] The architecture of this prototype was the basis for the Model B.
The first Buick made for sale, the 1904 Model B, was built in Flint, Michigan.[5] There were 37 Buicks made that year, none of which survive. There are, however, two replicas in existence — the 1904 endurance car at the Buick Gallery & Research Center in Flint, and a Model B assembled by an enthusiast in California for the division's 100th anniversary.[6][7][8] Both of these vehicles use various parts from Buicks of that early era, as well as fabricated parts. These vehicles were each constructed with the two known surviving 1904 engines.
The power train and chassis architecture introduced on the Model B was continued through the 1909 Model F.[9] The early success of Buick is attributed in part to the valve-in-head engine [10] patented by Eugene Richard. The creation of General Motors is attributed in part to the success of Buick,[11] so it can be said Marr and Richard's designs directly led to GM. [12]
The basic design of the 1904 Buick was optimally engineered even by today's standards. The flat-twin engine is inherently balanced, with torque presented to the chassis in a longitudinal manner, actually cancelling front end lift, rather than producing undesirable lateral motion. The engine was mounted amidships, now considered the optimal location.[13]
Durant was a natural promoter, and Buick soon became the largest car maker in America. Using the profits from this, Durant embarked on a series of corporate acquisitions, calling the new mega-corporation General Motors. At first, the manufacturers comprising General Motors competed against each other, but Durant ended that. He wanted each General Motors division to target one class of buyer, and in his new scheme Buick was near the top — only the Cadillac brand had more prestige. This is the position Buick occupies to this day in the General Motors lineup.
Buick logo history

Ferrari 166 Inter

166 Inter
This was Ferrari’s first 12-cylinder engine to reach 2-litre capacity. As in the case of the 159 S, bore sizes and strokes were both increased, and as usual both open-wheel and full bodywork models were produced. This model proved successful and was one of the first to do well outside Italy, helping to build a reputation for Ferrari in the all-important American market.
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Engine
Typefront, longitudinal 60° V12
Bore/stroke60 x 58.8 mm
Unitary displacement166.25 cc
Total displacement1995.02 cc
Compression ratio6.8 : 1
Maximum power66 kW (90 hp) at 5,600 rpm
Power per litre45 hp/l
Maximum torque-
Valve actuationsingle overhead camshaft per bank, two valves per cylinder
Fuel feedsingle Weber 32 DCF carburettor
Ignitionsingle spark plug per cylinder, two coils
Lubricationwet sump
Clutchsingle-plate
Chassis
Frametubular steel
Front suspensionindependent, unequal-length wishbones, transverse leaf spring, hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear suspensionlive axle, semi-elliptic springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakesdrums
Transmission5-speed + reverse
Steeringworm and sector
Fuel tank72 litres
Front tyres5.50 x 15
Rear tyres5.50 x 15
Bodywork
Typecoupé, cabriolet, 2+2 or two-seater
Length-
Width-
Height-
Wheelbase2620 mm
Front track1250 mm
Rear track1200 mm
Weight900 kg (dry, coupé)
Performance
Top speed150 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h-
0-400 m-
0-1000 m-
Note to the Technical Details
The listed details are those published by Ferrari at the model’s presentation. For the models produced in the participating in these two categories) and Gran Turismo. (the road-going cars, many of which also took part in various international races).
first years no external measures of the body were given, because those could vary from car to car. All models from Ferrari have been divided into three categories: single-seater, Sport/Prototype (theThe year of all the models’ introductions is the debut in competitions for the single-seaters and Sport /Prototypes and the official presentation as far as the Gran Turismo are concerned.

Elena Basescu vs Pantene Pro-V

Stai in statia de tramvai si meditezi...e reclama de sampon sau afis electoral?

Funny cars

Funny cars pictures to put a smile on your face

Ford history

FORD

The Ford Motor Company – founded by Henry Ford in 1903 – began experimenting with the commercial vehicle models some 3 years after its very creation. Despite its huge success in the passenger car sector with the Model A, the company used the Model C chassis to launch the Ford Delivery Car in 1905. It was later followed by the Model N-based Ford Delivery Van (1907) but both models were sold in less than 20 units.

A new generation of utility vehicles was introduced at the beginning of the 1910s, with the Commercial Roadster and the Model T Delivery Car hoping to attract more buyers on the American market. Both trucks were practically Model T cars featuring slight modifications to increase loading capacity, but not even a Model T lookalike could convince the general customer of its utility on the public roads. Sales were again very low and did not sustain the construction of a new plant aimed strictly to build commercial-purposed vehicles.

During the mid-'10s, Ford used the successful Model T chassis to build passenger cars, delivery cars and fire trucks. Also, Henry Ford himself tried to build his own tractor based on the Model T, having to modify several engine and bodywork components in order to make it reliable.

Having seized so many opportunities thanks to the multiple usage of his Model T chassis, Ford finally decided to enter the commercial vehicle market. The next step was to provide a newer version of the Model T, purposed for higher-loads transportation. The Model TT chassis and the new Ford tractor were introduced in 1917.

During the First World War, most of Ford's plants began producing military-purposed vehicles, all of them being based on the same Model T chassis. Ambulances or Paddy Wagons (for military transportation) were being shipped to serve the U.S. Army war operations. Also, a new reinforced Model T chassis able to support a 1 ton worth of load was built to satisfy the Army's need for war-material transportation.

Despite WWI ending, Ford's Model T chassis was still very much appreciated in terms of commercial usage. Having passed the ultimate test of military-purposed bodies, it was now used to support ice cream trucks or for public transportation. Also, the production of Fordson tractors grew during 1922, as a result of new funds being invested in the River Rouge Complex. 

In 1924, Ford decided to build a new plant whose purpose was to manufacture truck bodies – as he previously sold the Model T chassis to independent companies and didn't care much about the future utility of the chassis. The very same year, Ford introduced a brand new Open Cab, designed for the one ton Model TT chassis. The cab was later fitted with both passenger and industrial transportation vehicles.

Ford introduced its first pick-up truck in 1926, the Model T Runabout. It was practically the last big representation of the Model T chassis, as the company decided to cease its production in 1927. It was replaced by the brand new Model A and Model AA (for high-loading capacity trucks). 

The new models featured closed-cabs, improved 3-speed transmission and 200-cubic-inch engines (with 40 bhp outputs). Once the new chassis was ready, Ford developed a new light-duty truck, called the Station Wagon. The Model B chassis was also used to sustain a closed-cab pick-up bodywork in the late '20s, helping the company to increase sales and top all-time rival Chevrolet.

The beginning of the '30s saw a much more style-looking Model As, with lots of improvements in terms of cab comfort, transmission (a 4-speed gearbox was introduced on the AA) or bodywork design (Deluxe trim). Also, in 1932, Ford developed a new V8 engine – as a response to Chevrolet's V6 – that was to be fitted in the Ford Station Wagon. The new 221-cubic-inches engine would produce 65 bhp but buying any truck powered by it would also come at a rather high cost ($600, considering we were in the middle of the Great Depression).

Soon enough, though, as the US economy started to get back on its feet, the V8-powered AA and BB trucks started to become a big hit of the mid-'30s. The BB chassis would also become highly-used in public (school bus), commercial and industrial transportation. 

The 40's brought a brand new look to Ford's commercial vehicle line, with most of the cabs featuring series-car styling. More importantly, though, was the introduction of a brand new V6 engine, a much more powerful and fuel-consuming alternative to the now-old V8. By the mid-'40s, almost every heavy & medium duty models were powered by these economical V6 engines. 

Following the beginning of World War II, all plants were ordered to stop the production of passenger & commercial vehicles and focus on military-purposed products. This way, Ford started developing some interesting military trucks and brought an immense contribution to US Army's war efforts during the early-to-mid-'40s. The company's efforts were well repaid towards the end of the war, as the US government allowed Ford Motor Company to produce heavy-duty trucks for civilians use in limited editions.

In 1945, soon after the war ended, Henry Ford stepped down from Ford Motor Company's management and was replaced by grandson Henry Ford II. 

As the US automobile market started to stabilize after WWII, Ford took advantage of their 1942 models and 're-launched' them with new high-performance V8 engines and improved payload capacities. Also, the new cab-over-engine Fords featured reinforced springs and larger tires, while the 'Half-Ton' pickups lacked the spare-tire look they had in the pre-war era (due to rubber shortage).

Soon after Henry Ford's death on April 7, 1947, Ford Motor Company launched a brand new commercial-purposed line, the F Series (or the Bonus Built Line). It featured a large fleet of trucks, starting from pickups and ending with extra heavy-duty models. The labels for each trucks followed the weight ratings: F-1 (½ ton), F-5 (1 ½ tons) and F-6 (2 tons). The last two chassis configurations were powered by 95-bhp V6s or 100-bhp V8s.

In 1951, Ford introduced two levels of cab-trim: the Five Star Cab and the Five Star Extra Cab. Along with these updates, new design changes are implemented on all truck models. The F-7 and F-8 extra heavy-duty models were the only trucks in the F-Series to feature 336-cubic-inch engines and 5-speed transmission. They were also known to the general public as 'The Big Jobs'.

Starting 1953, the F-Series changed their designation, adding '00' to every available model (therefore, the F-1 would become the F-100). The F-2 and F-3 would receive the F-250 designation (¾ tons), while the former F-4 was now called F-350 (one ton). Also, the F-Series featured new technical & design changes, with longer hoods and brand new automatic transmissions.

The year 1954 brought the end of the flathead V8 engine, as it was replaced by the new overhead-valve V-8. A piece of innovation was introduced by Ford for their extra heavy-duty models, the tandem rear-axle setup, while also extending the range of automatic transmission availability to F-250 and F-350 models. 

During the 1960s, Ford decided to develop all new truck models on series-car configurations. The first step was introducing the Ford Ranchero pickup truck (based on the new Ford Falcon), which proved a great investment by Ford's commercial vehicle department. Its sales grew by more than 50% in the after-launch year.

In 1961, Ford launched the brand new Econoline Series (also known as the E-Series), with a production fleet including a cargo van, passenger van and a pickup truck. As for the heavy-duty sector, the American manufacturer also introduced the H Series, designed for semi-tractor-trailer use (continuing the tradition of the C-Series). The next year brought significant updates to the H-Series models, including a larger Cummins diesel engine that produced no less than 220-bhp.

In 1963, Ford launched yet another truck series, the N-Series, consisting of medium and heavy-duty models. The new line of trucks joined the H-Series as the only Super Duty models to feature standard diesel engines. The following year, a new generation Ranchero was launched.

The 8th decade saw Ford open a new truck manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Its main purpose was to produce the new L-Series trucks, a heavy-duty line aimed to replace the old N-, F- and T-Series. Its fleet included all types of trucks – medium, heavy and extra-heavy duty models – and would later become one of the most successful production lines in the history of the marque.

The light truck sector was also renewed with the introduction of the Ford Ranger XLT (it featured chrome front bumpers), a Bronco sport-utility vehicle, a Econoline Club Wagon, a F-Series Camper Special and a sportier version of the Ranchero GT. The following year – in 1973 – Ford launched a brand new Mazda-designed Courier model, aimed to take over from the Ranchero and the Bronco and challenge the light-pickup trucks market manufacturers. Also, at the end of the year, the W- and F-Series underwent minor design modifications.

The 1980's began with a new engine option for medium and heavy-duty trucks: running on liquid propane gas. Also, the F-Series and the Broncos featured a new facelift, while also undergoing front suspension updates (to twin-traction beam independent). The Courier went out of production – being replaced by a new Ranger pickup – and new longer SuperCabs were fitted to F-Series trucks. In the heavy-duty sector, Ford's LN-Series were now offered a brand new Caterpillar 3208 V8 engine, producing up to 200-bhp.

The Ranger truck was introduced in 1983 and featured new V6 diesel engines and 4-wheel-drive. One year later, Ford renewed its Bronco model with the new generation Bronco II sport utility vehicle. 

The beginning of the 1990s saw the discontinuance of the C-Series Tilt Cab trucks, as the 1957 model was replaced by the all-new Ford Cargo. In 1993, Ford launched the Lightning model, a utility truck designed to offer the same handling performances as a series car. Also, the Ecostar was one of Ford's most courageous projects, claiming to function for 100 miles on its sodium-sulfur battery pack (never went into mass production, though). The Ranger model received a new rounded design the same year.

The 2000s began with a brand new project for Ford, whose commercial vehicle department launched the Harley Davidson F-150 pickup truck in joint venture with the famous motorcycle manufacturer. The vehicle was powered by a 260-bhp 5.4-litre V8 engine and was available only in black-painted cabs.

The F-150 received a new SuperCrew version in 2001 (featuring 4 full-size doors). The new cab was adopted on short notice by the Harley Davidson model, while also being offered to the F-650 model as the Super CrewZer.

Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003,

Audi History

The history of Audi is one of the most diverse in automotive history. In 1932, the four brands of Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer amalgamated to form Auto Union AG, with the symbol of the four rings as the company emblem. This merger made Auto Union Germany's second-largest car manufacturer in the 1930s. The wide-ranging brand portfolio that was synonymous with the four rings at that time is represented in Essen by the following exhibits: the exclusive Horch 670 Sport Cabriolet with 12-cylinder engine (120 bhp at 3200 rpm) from 1932, the nippy two-seater DKW F5 Roadster (20 bhp at 3500 rpm) from 1937, the sporty and elegant Wanderer W 25 K Roadster (85 bhp at 4000 rpm) from 1938, as well as a best-selling model from 1939, the Audi 920 Cabriolet with a 6-cylinder in-line engine (75 bhp at 3000 rpm). Rekindling memories of DKW's motorcycle glory days, meanwhile, is the DKW UL 700 sidecar combination from 1936: this was the year that this very combination won the German Championship, before going one better in 1937 and taking both the German and the European Championships.

At the 19th Techno Classica, Audi Tradition is showcasing three motor sport rarities from the time before Audi quattro turned rally sport on its head: the winner of the 1954 European Rally Championship, the "Rallye Monte Carlo" edition of the DKW 3=6 Sonderklasse F 91, the Audi 80 GLE Group 2 rally version from 1979, as well as the Audi 80 GLE, winner of the 1980 European Touring Car Championship.

Audi history

Audi history

The Audi history begins with a man called August Horch, who founded the Company HORCH & CO in 1899.He invented his first car 1901 with the help of 15 fellow workers. The car had a max. speed of 32 km/h. In 1909 Mr. Horch had to leave his company due to major problems with the commercial management and founded another company called Audi. " Audi" is the Latin translation for "Horch" and he took that name because he wanted to build cars under his own name. So the brand "AUDI Automobilwerke GmbH" was registraded in 1910. Until the First World War some of the cars built under the Audi name won several rallies, which helped to establish the name worldwide. During the first war Audi was forced to produce vehicles for the war effort, and then after the war the recession was also a tremendous problem for the company. Therefore the founder August Horch left the management in 1920. The company managed to get through the hard times from 1927 to 1930, but in 1931 the management recognized that only a union with other vehicle manufacturer could keep Audi alive. At that time the AUTO UNION was founded, the members were DKW, HORCH, WANDERER and AUDI. The new companies insignia to show the union of the four companies was the now familiar 4 rings , which are still used by Audi today.
The new union had great success in motor sport in the ensuing  years. The most powerful car that was build before the 2nd world war was a 6 litre V 16 engine with 382 KW( 582PS) in 1936. In the years during the 2nd world war the AUTO UNION once again were forced to build vehicles for German military. Many motorcycles, engines, different war vehicles and even parts for submarines were build until 1945. At that time all factories in Germany were completely destroyed by American bombers. 
After the war had ended there were about 60 000 DKW military vehicles worldwide that needed spare parts and maintaince. This was the reason a new start in Ingolstadt, southern Germany was made. Soon after the war there were again many cars produced, the most important for me was the DKW Munga, a four-wheel jeep with 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine. Invented in 1956 for the German military, there were only 250 cars produced for testing purposes. On of these cars made a trip around the world and  drove over 240 000 km without major problems. This was the beginning of the later concept called Quattro. Nearly 57 000 Mungaswere built until 1968.