Updated for improved performance. This 1978 Porsche 911 SC now boasts a later-model Carrera engine, transaxle, and brakes, with body updates to match. The original “Accordion” front bumper was replaced with a 964-type unit equipped with custom, front-mount oil cooler.

1963 Ford Falcon Sprint

This restomod 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint beautifully combines classic, vintage Ford elements with modern updates that only enhance the appeal of the vehicle.

While it looks stock, subtle clues point to something more than your run-of-the-mill Ford. The Torqthrust wheels aren't stock, but were a popular modification in the Falcon's heyday. However, these are shod with very sticky modern rubber and fill every last bit of the wheel wells. And that exhaust sound? That's definitely not stock.

Under the hood, the old 289 V8 was swapped for a Roush 342 CID stroker motor and mated to a vintage, aluminum case, top loader 4-speed transmission. The mechanical clutch linkage was abandoned in favor of a conversion to a hydraulic setup using a NASCAR-style hydraulic slave cylinder/throw-out bearing, and a Wildwood clutch master cylinder actuated by the original clutch pedal in the original pedal cluster.

Cooling was no small task given the confines of the engine compartment, but the largest possible aluminum radiator was fitted, along with four 10-inch electric puller fans, and a 14-inch pusher. Every effort was made to keep the engine compartment clean and tidy. Wiring and electronics were relocated, with a carpeted compartment in the passenger side foot well housing the MSD unit and auxiliary fuse and relay panel.

The chassis was not neglected. The front brakes were upgraded to vented discs using only OEM Ford  parts to accomplish the conversion. Front springs were replaced with slight shorter, stiffer units, along with a fatter front sway bar, and KYB monotube shocks. In the back, a Curries 9 inch, limited slip, 3.73 rear, fitted with 9-inch drum brakes bolts to heavy-duty leaf springs damped by KYBs. When initial testing indicated that the traction and power available were enough to twist the leaf springs, Shelby style traction bars were added as well.

The interior retains the all original art deco feel right down to the factory optional dash mounted tachometer. But hidden in the ashtray is the switch that opens the electric exhaust cut outs!

1961 PORSCHE 356 Roadster T5

If it's broken, we can fix it. An unplanned encounter with a deer resulted in some significant body damage to a car with front fenders that are not removable. This 1961 T5 Roadster's driver side front fender was pushed back far enough to interfere with the leading edge of the driver's door.

Data Collection Vehicle

This custom Data Collection Vehicle is a purpose-built research and development platform for the design, testing, and deployment of ground-penetrating radar and other sensor systems for the detection of land mines and IEDs.

The very specific design requirements were a challenge to meet.

In the end, a retired US Army “deuce and a half” cargo truck, specifically an M35A3, was “bobbed” and transformed into a rear-engined, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer chassis.  The M35A3's powertrain upgrade to the Caterpillar 3116 and Allsion automatic transmission simplified the process.      

Two M35 cabs were sectioned and joined to fabricate a crew-cab with a raised hard roof. The cab was designed to accommodate a driver and two operators, and a contained computer compartment, which was cooled and pressurized by a roof mounted A/C unit.

In addition, the vehicle incorporated a 8.5kW diesel generator which supplied power to an array of servers, monitors and sensors. A raised floor on the passenger side of the cab, and a drop ceiling through-out acted as a conduit and allowed for ready access to sensor and system wiring for repair and refit as needed.  

1967 Aston Martin DB6

This 1966 Aston Martin DB6 was all there, but the parts didn't work well together. When you take the time to get everything just right, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The triple SU carburetor set-up needed attention, both the carburetors themselves and the linkage, but once properly calibrated they offered impressive reliability and performance. The trim fit was stubborn as well, due to some less than elegant body repair some time in the past. Some pieces simply need to be fabricated from scratch.

Now, the car is a prize winner and a crowd pleaser, and, first and foremost, a joy to drive.

Divco BEER TRUCK

This Divco milk truck-cum-beer truck was brought back from the edge. It is of  indeterminate vintage, had been neglected for some time, and was partially disassembled.

The project called for insulating and sealing the rear compartment and fitting a modern commercial compressor, condenser, and evaporator to create a beer cooler for kegs. The drive train is vintage Ford and responded well to rejuvenation, but the brakes were lacking on their best day. The primitive single circuit braking system had to go, and packaging constraints unique to the Divco do not allow a power brake booster to be mounted to master cylinder. A new mount was fabricated to accept a four wheel drum, split circuit brake master cylinder, which was then plumbed to a pair of remote power brake boosters.   

1972 Porsche 911 S

Originally a very dilapidated 1972 Porsche 911E, this vehicle was updated to “S” specs and returned to its original Gold Metallic paint. In the interest of safety, later-model galvanized doors equipped with safety bars were used.