It is a fact that our friends form Japan have the weirdest, most out-of-this-world ideas around from Anime to perversive porn. No, it is not all about that. The people from Translogic decided to film a series of docus led by Bradley Hasemayer. Like a team of Nat Geo journalsts, Hasemayer and his team talk to a group of people who love souping up their scooters. Soe of the 250cc scooters are geared up with everything from neon lights to full air suspensions setups.

From one mod to another, Translogic also peeped through the Kaido Racer scene. Its inspiration came from the old school FIA Group 5 racing league. Among the legendary cars include the Porsche 917, Ferrari 512 and the Ford GT40 Mk 1.

Hasemayer also dug up the van modding culture. As the video reveals, you can’t help but be shocked in awe as no words could experess the uniqueness of their creation which borders between disturbingly creative and inventiveness. See the video for yourself to get my drift.

Before today’s fast cars were cool, this beat-up 1915 American Lafrance Speedster was considered the “king of the road.” Starting out as a fire truck, this vehicle enjoyed a multitude of modifications to get it to where it was. Powered by a 14.5-liter, dual chain engine, this monster is able to hit 105 horsepower. That’s not bad for a vehicle considered to be a part of automotive history. So if you fancy owning a piece of the past, be sure to check out this beauty on eBay.

Source: Ride Lust

Yes, we know that the 1932 Roadster pictured above looks a bit ridiculous with all the decals pasted on its surface. However, let us remind you that it’s doing all this for a good cause. Jumpstarted by Mr. Dave Schaub, this classic ride is roaming every North American state (hell, it could be in your area right now) to promote the program Driving For Kids. The program is aimed to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House located at Stanford. In case you’re unaware, the institution works on providing a home for families with life-threatening illnesses. So if you’re interested in lending a helping hand, be sure to visit the Driving For Kid’s official web site. It contains info about the program and even lets you track the whereabouts of Dave and his ’32 Roadster. You also get to make donations online as well. So be sure to check it out today.

Sources: Jalopnik, 49in9

The Morgan 4/4 was considered Morgan’s first vehicle that sported a set of four wheels. That’s right, back then, a car with four wheels was considered a breakthrough in modern technology. Imagine how things were back then. Anyway, the popular version of the 4/4 during that time was the Morgan 4/4 Special 2-seater.

Introduced in 1936, the 4/4 2-seater sported a 1,122 cc Coventry Climax engine. This enabled the car to produce 34 bhp at every outing. The engine was then replaced in 1939 with an upgraded Standard Special 1267 cc overhead valve engine. This gave the car a boost in brake horsepower, enabling it to jump to 38.8 bhp. Complementing these engines were a four-speed Meadow gearbox , followed up by a Moss gearbox in 1938.

So if you’re looking out for a classic ride to add to your collection, make sure be on the lookout for a Morgan 4/4 Special 2-seater. That is, unless you already have one.

Source: Wikipedia

Although it was built during the 80’s, the Panther Kallista sported a unique appearance similar to cars built during the early years of the automotive industry. It’s because of this appearance that makes this vehicle one of the classiest looking vintage rides around.

Built to replace the Panther Lima during the 80’s, this vehicle sported a Ford parts including a 1.6 L straight-4 to 2.9 L Cologne V6 engine. This enabled the car to hit 60 mph in just 8 seconds. Aside from using Ford engines, the Panther Kallista also came with a unique aluminum body. This body was used to cover the car’s steel chassis.

So if you happen to see one of these Panther Kallistas on the prowl, be sure to keep your distance. You wouldn’t want to be eating its smoke when it blows right by you while your jaws are hanging open.

Source: Wikipedia

Every body is looking for that one big break. From your neighbor to your big boss, they all pray for that day when they get that chance to be catapulted to success. However, they’re not the only ones who aim for that. Even car companies look for that big break. And for AC Cars, that big break came when they unveiled the AC Ace roadster.

The AC Ace, which enjoyed a production run from 1951 to 1962, wasn’t an instant hit when it was initially released. It too got its big break in 1953 when AC Cars ditched its out-of-date 2-liter engines and had designer John Tojeiro work on the car. Tojeiro incorporated the use of a light, ladder-looking tubular frame, an all-independent transverse leaf spring suspension, and an open two-seater alloy body. Thanks to all these elements added to the car, the AC Ace became an instant success.

Aside from a change in design, further changes were made to the car’s engine. In 1956, AC Cars had the Ace equipped with a 2-liter straight six engine along with three carburetors. Paired with a four-speed gearbox, this allowed the Ace’s engine to produce 120 bhp, hit the top speed of 116 mph, and go from zero to sixty mph in just nine seconds. The use of this engine lasted until 1962 when it was again replaced with what would be its last two engines: a 2.6-liter Ken Rudd ‘Ruddspeed’ engine and a MKII Ford Zephyr 2.6-liter straight-6 engine. Each engine could be equipped with either a set of Weber or SU carburetors.

Despite not being produced anymore, that people still can’t get enough of the AC Ace. With its slick look and a performance that was ahead of its time, it’s no wonder that it’s still capable of making heads turn even until today.

Sources: Wikipedia, Madle

Designers can’t help but look back in time for inspiration. Some take a portion of an idea and incorporate it into their own. Others, take the whole thing and try to revive it. That’s what Dutch brothers Tino and Paul Huet did when they produced their very own retro-inspired vehicle. It may not be an actual vintage ride, but it certainly was inspired by one.

The roadster, dubbed the HB Special, takes its design cues from Le Mans and Mille Miglia race cars that were created during the 1950’s. The idea of these Dutch siblings was to create a small number of these roadsters and have them exclusively used in European classic motoring rallies.

In terms of construction, the Huet brothers gave the roadster’s a chassis that’s based on a modified version used by the Triumph TR6. They equipped the car with a 2.7-liter engine and had it accompanied by a brand new set of Honda pistons. As an added bonus, the brothers created three versions of the roadster’s engine to give buyers more options. The first one is able to generate 160 hp, the second is able to produce 180 hp, and the last is able to go above 210 hp, thanks in part to its supercharged capabilities.

On top of this engine option, the Huet brothers have added a special treat by giving prospective buyers the chance to indicate the type of color and interior trim they want. Also included is an offer to add a limited slip differential into the vehicle.

As mentioned a while ago, the Huet brothers have stated that the HB Special roadster will be very limited. And being true to their word, the brothers will start things off by producing only five of these babies. And on a yearly basis, they will limit the production of the roadster to maximum of only ten units.

Buyers (that could potentially be you) who are interested in ordering one, expect the 160 horsepower model to carry a price tag of 67,000 euros. The turbocharged version on the other hand is expected to hit the 80,000 euros mark.

Source: AutoBlog

Source: Wikipedia

Want to own a Lamborghini that wasn’t actually built by Lamborghini? No, your eyes don’t deceive you. The first sentence isn’t a typo. Apparently, there is such a car. And it’s currently up for sale. If you can’t quite figure out what type of model we’re referring to, don’t waste your time scouring the Net. That model is the Lamborghini Miura Roadster.

Going under the official name Lamborghini Bertone Miura Roadster, this vehicle was first unveiled at the 1968 Brussels Motor Show. It garnered positive reviews and was set to undergo production. However, the structural rigidity of the ride was too unsafe without a roof prompting them to scrape any plans for production. This led to the roadster jumping from one owner to the next. In 1969 (a year after it was produced), the Lambo Miura Roadster was acquired by New York’s International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO). It was given a repaint and equipped with as many zinc parts as possible, particularly its engine parts. There was even speculation that zinc was also used for its flooring and doors as a form of insulation.

After the ILZRO, the Lambo Miura Roadster again changed ownership until finally landing in the hands of one Adam Gordon. Gordon, who was a New York property developer, worked on reverting the roadster to its original Brussels Motor Show look. He then had the vehicle showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where the roadster garnered a second place awarding under its vehicle class category.

While it’s said to be in the market, no word has been released on how much its price tag will be. However, since restoration costs amounted to a whopping $330,000, we can bet it’s going to top the half-a-million price tag at the very least.

Oh, and about the issue of this not being a Lambo car even though it’s carrying the company’s name, well, here’s the story. The roadster was actually created by the Bertone design house. It wasn’t commissioned by Lamborghini but was given the name prior to its release in 1968. So, to make things simpler, just think of it as being more of a tribute to Lamborghini. That’s probably an easier way of explaining it.

Sources: TopSpeed