When talking about classic cars, one should not forget the luxury brand of yesteryears - the Pierce-Arrow. Similar to Duesenberg, the Pierce-Arrow brand did not make it to modern times. But its inability to weather the ages does not tarnish the beauty of the cars it has sold in the past. With beauty comparable to Porsches of today and performance better than Plymouth cold air intake-equipped vehicles, or one with a Toucan cold air intake for that matter, the Pierce-Arrows of the past remains a remarkable part of auto history.

Pierce-Arrow is an American automobile manufacturer which started producing luxury vehicles in 1901. The company decided to call it quits in 1938 but not before leaving its mark in the annals of the auto industry. The company was based in Buffalo, New York and does not only produce luxury car but also manufactures commercial trucks, fire trucks, camp trailers, motorcycles, and bicycles.

It was in 1903 that the company decided to focus on the production of large and luxurious cars. This is the time that the company started its quest to become one of the most respected carmakers in the world. The cars that the company produced were tailor made for royalties and for the head of states. According to Wikipedia, here are some of the most notable owners of Pierce-Arrow vehicles:

• Emperor Hirohito of Japan
• The Shah of Persia (1930 - $30,000 parade car featuring gold, silk, Siberian wolfhound fur and a jewel-encrusted Royal Crest)
• King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia
• King Albert of Belgium
• President Woodrow Wilson (including a Model A4-66 with 13.5 liter inline-six)
• President William Howard Taft

Aside from these head of states, other famous people who owned Pierce-Arrow vehicles include:

• John D. Rockefeller
• George F. Baker
• Mrs. Andrew Carnegie
• Mrs. Sarah Winchester
• Orville Wright
• Babe Ruth
• John Ringling
• Richard Dix
• Thomas Mix
• Ginger Rogers
• Ransom E. Olds - Founder of Oldsmobile and REO automobile companies
• Kenneth R. Kingsbury - President, Standard Oil Company of California (now Chevron Corp.)
• Frank Bunker Gilbreth - Efficiency Engineer, subject of the book Cheaper by the Dozen
• Max Adler - Vice President, Sears, Roebuck & Co.
• M.H. Aylesworth - President, National Broadcasting Company
• Paul Carus Author - philosopher & scholar of eastern religions
• Hubert T. Parson - President, F.W. Woolworth Company
• Earl C. Sams - President, J.C. Penney Company
• Robert A. Franks - Vice Chairman & Treasurer, Carnegie Corporation of N.Y.
• Lawrence Lowell - President, Harvard University
• Melvin Purvis - American lawman and FBI agent
• Fatty Arbuckle - (actor) owned a 1921 cream colored custom bodied touring model.

Muscle cars! The only definition I know is Ford Mustang! The Mustangs are one of my favorites since I had this awareness for cars and stuff. The latest Mustangs are definitely awesome, but what is more appealing is their origin, especially the models from the first generation Mustangs way back to the 1971-1973 models.

The ’71-’73 Ford Mustang models have resurfaced as larger and heavier muscle cars during this era. After the culmination with the 1971 to 1973 models, Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen was named Ford’s new product design manager. Prior to that, he originally came from General Motors.

Knudsen’s turn as the new design manager saw the last high-performance big-block Mustang - 1971’s 375 hp (280 kW) 429 Super Cobra Jet. A 460 in the Mustang was planed by Ford as well. Unluckily, the very similar body styling that was designed for the sole idea of installation versions of the big block was only limited to 351 in³ (5.8 L) in 1972 and 1973 because of enormously strict emission control regulations of U.S and high insurance premiums was needless for big block muscle cars.

There were 2 additional high-performance engines that were introduced in 1972 - the 351 "HO" and the 351 Cobra Jet. The two models were outstanding performers, but it was way off compared to the standards of the Boss cars and the original Cobra Jet. In 1972, torque and power ratings were altered from "gross" to "net", which corresponded with manufacturers that made low-compression motors with unlikeness, way beyond restrained induction systems. As a result, it turned out to be difficult as when compared to power and torque ratings. It was way different compared to the 1964 models and Ford was flooded by thousands of mails from enthusiasts of the original car who generally asked to bring back the Mustang the way it has been before.

I have always been fascinated with vintage cars - they bring a memory of what the auto industry like before there were Nissan car bras and things like that. One thing I love about vintage cars is that they never seem to be outdated. Sure, they may not have what it takes to catch up with modern cars such as BMWs and Porsches or even a Honda Accord with performance parts like a Jet Chips cold air intake system, but in the way that they look, even the sleek Bugatti Veyron cannot a hold a candle to vintage cars.

I am most fascinated with Duesenbergs because they have always been a personal favorite since I’ve seen pictures of them when I was still a child. That is why I grew up looking for museums where these timeless classics are now housed. Then I came across this piece of news online which told me that there is a Duesenberg Museum in Northeast Indiana. The haven for these Duesenbergs has just recently celebrated their recognition as a National Historic Landmark.

Congressman Mark Souder of Indiana’s third district has this to say during the celebration at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum: “Because of its art-decco show room, because of its design center, because of the National Truck and Automotive Museum, it’s considered the premiere example of any auto facility in America. This is a tremendous compliment to Auburn.”

As we’re on the subject of Duesenbergs, I would like to share some interesting facts about my favorite vintage car. According to Wikipedia:

• Jay Leno owns multiple Duesenberg SJ’s, one of which is Murphy-bodied.
• In the musical Annie the character Daddy Warbucks has a line ordering his butler to get the Duesenberg ready.
• Likewise, in the musical High Society, Bing Crosby’s character comments on something being ‘a doozy.’
• On the television show The Simpsons, Mr. Burns’ car is a Duesenberg, model unspecified.
• In the novel Pimp: The Story of My Life, the author witnesses a pimp by the name "Sweet Jones" riding in the backseat of a Duesenberg

So if you are like me - a person very much drawn to Duesenbergs - you may want to visit the museum yourself. For more information about the museum, check out this site.

You heard that right guys. We are so aware of the past of these two companies. Starting January, Ford and Navistar were having this strained relationship. Well, of course, it’s all because of the engine units being supplied by Navistar for the domestic car maker.

Navistar has been the engine supplier of Ford for a long time. But months ago, a lawsuit was made because of the matters regarding the unreasonable price increase of the engines supplied by Navistar. However, after weeks of interrogations, Ford and Navistar have agreed to continue their business - with Ford to receive the engine from Navistar and the engine supplier to continue supplying the US auto brand with the engine.

After months, here they go again. The battle continues because of the engine… Again.

We all thought that the lawsuit would patch things up with Ford and Navistar. But now, another lawsuit has been made and has been filed. Before, they were negotiating about the large 6.4L Power Stroke, but this time, they are fighting over the smaller 4.4-liter diesel engine which is intended for the upcoming F-150 which is scheduled to be sent out this coming 2009 or maybe 2010.

To recall, Navistar sued Ford for breach of contract because of the 4.4-liter engine which was made available on the market. But this time the engine maker is questioning whether Navistar will be designing the new engine. That is the big question. They believe that another contract will have to be signed but, in any case, these two companies will end up messing up with each other.

Why doesn’t Ford give up with Navistar anyway? I guess Ford should find another engine maker to build the smaller 4.4-liter diesel engine for the upcoming F-150 model. With their break-up and make-up relationship, I guess there is no future for both companies to stick together.

Anyway, like any other products, car parts like the Geo cold air intake and jet chips cold air intake are also available online. So, avoid that hassle of ordering directly from stores in your vicinity. You can just sit there in front of your computer and with a few clicks of your mouse, walla! The car parts are delivered right at your own home.

Come June 17, classic cars will gather for the Father’s Day Rolling Sculpture Show and Shine in Canmore in Canada. For all those who are interested, like me, on the beautiful cars of yesteryears, the event is a good place to hangout on Father’s Day. Last year, it was reported that 54 vehicles of all types graced the event with their presence. This year, the organizers are expecting to host more of these vehicles which, to me, look even better than modern luxury cars like the Lexus with their Lexus cold air intakes and whatnot. According to the men behind the event, vehicles made before 1979 are welcome to the event no matter what body style they have been fashioned into. Motorcycles are also invited to attend the event for those who are in tuned to two-wheel driving.

Last year, the star of the event is a 1948 Monarch convertible. That particular car is only one of the six of its kind in Canada. Since these vehicles were released a long time ago, few literatures remain which means that restoring a vehicle from that time surely took a lot of time and effort. It’s not like you can just buy spare parts and accessories for the Monarch as easily as you can find EBC Redstuff brake pads.

With the promise of classic cars gathering at the event, I am willing to shell out money for a trip north off the border to witness the gathering of the cars I so adore. For those who are looking for a great gift for their father, a trip to the event would surely be appreciated. Not only will you be going to please your dad, you will also be helping a good cause. That is because the event raises funds for the Food for Learning charity institution.