A Path to Maturity
Our hobbies turn us into artists when we really think about it. We think less of the monetary value of what we are doing, and make concessions for it because of the sheer love we place in it.
We all end up with a hobby, sometimes they come naturally with the skills we have in life, or what our passions are. It's something that helps us get away from the day to day hassle or the stress of our day to day jobs. Our hobbies turn us into artists when we really think about it. We think less of the monetary value of what we are doing, and make concessions for it because of the sheer love we place in it.
If you love cars enough, maybe you toy with the idea of owning a car you could enjoy on the weekends. Undertaking a project is a deceptively long process. Project cars are what separate a car lover from an auto enthusiast. It requires a level of commitment that some persons are either not willing to take on, or develop through finishing if they make it to the end.
It was amazing to meet Jan-Yves in his element. He's a project car veteran. Things didn't really start out that way though, the origin story (if you want to call it that) of his car was really interesting. He bought this car on his birthday, as a present to himself and really loved it. His goal at the time was to make it his daily but things had a turn for the worse, when it was involved in an accident. It was during the repair process, that the thought of upgrading the car came to mind. Eight years later, it's no longer the same car he started out with but this is his project.
“This car has its own laptop, and tablet. They never leave it.”
Jan-Yves is building a Ford Sapphire Cosworth. Usually, when we hear Ford coupled with the word "Cosworth" we sit up and pay attention. Here in Barbados, owning a Ford is a rarity, owning a Ford from the early 90's that isn't a rust bucket, that's even rarer and let's not even talk about owning a Cosworth.
In the pursuit of perfection, he has rebuilt his car from the ground up. In fact, this isn't even the same chassis with which he started. He was able to acquire another chassis and swapped the internals after doing some bodywork on it.
The 2L 16v Cosworth Turbo engine also got some love, after being fully overhauled and cleaned up. The wiring is all new, need feed hoses and cables. The engine carries the Ford Escort MK5's big turbo, that makes about 15 psi, which helps the engine get up to 300 bhp quite easily. A stage 3 Clutch and a Fidanza Flywheel were added.
The engine is now managed by an ECU MASTER EMU and the instruments in the dashboard were changed to a Stack tachometer. The Stack fuel level gauge and the other gauges are managed through the car's Asus tablet
He's added Honda k20 coils , a Cosworth kevlar timing belt to the engine, an Anembo Engineering fuel rail, a Grahame Goode breather system, as well as an Airtek rs500 inter-cooler and radiator. Internally it's still the same Cosworth engine, coming from the factory.
Being a work in progress meant the interior was pretty messy, with wires and diagnostic cables everywhere. The top of the dashboard was cleared to add space for the tablet that now connects to the car and monitors everything that's going on while the car is on. It's nice to see this merger of old and new.
He's pretty excited about his custom shifter knob.
The exhaust has not been changed, it's standard 3-inch exhaust. However, the sound, from the brief time of hearing the engine running, does not let you down one bit. At the moment, he has a fuel pump issue preventing the car from really working it's best. The fuel system uses a Bosch 044 fuel pump, Protec Fuel Systems 340 surge pot and Fuelab Fuel Filters.
The suspension was built using Gal Gold Coilovers and Powerflex Black Bushes, making sure bushes would not have to be changed for quite a while. Pro grade bushes are always a little pain to go in but in the end are always worth it for the time saved in maintenance. That's building with a view to the future.
Brakes were also upgraded, increasing the car's stopping potential with some Ksport 8 pots. Tying everything together cosmetically were some Sparco Pista wheels and some pretty rare Morette quad light conversions for the Sapphire.
Jan-Yves is an Auto Enthusiast, and he really has placed a lot of value and emphasis on the "just right" feeling, of knowing every aspect of his car has come together exactly how he envisioned it. He mentioned sometimes he does a once over the entire car and engine bay to make sure all the bolts are tightened just in case.
“It has given me a sense of maturity over the years, developing patience, and self-control. This car has personally changed me over time.”
I'm definitely looking forward to the end of his Project Car, look out for the next article, until then, happy motoring!
- Alex
Take a look at the progression of the entire project HERE.
A Daily Joy
We may not realise it but we actually ask a lot more from a daily than we do a track car. Track cars usually tend to be fast, loud and "high fashion", like $25 New Balance stylish.
What would you say makes the perfect daily driver?
For me, it has to check a number of boxes, has to be good on fuel, comfortable with modern amenities of life all packed into something that's nice to look at when you do that car lover double take after you park. We may not realise it but we actually ask a lot more from a daily than we do a track car. Track cars usually tend to be fast, loud and "high fashion", like $25 New Balance stylish.
This build is a little different though, you see, the owner isn't Chris, this is a gift to his wife. When he moved to live here in Barbados, they had to sell her 90's Hyundai Coupe and he in a sense owed her something, and this where this Honda comes into play.
Chris sent me the lead on this beauty, while she was still being built. I had the privilege of seeing Daniel in action in this shop, Autoderm. By the way, go check out his page on Facebook, he does amazing work. Daniel, is a very interesting person, having lived in China while in college, he spent loads of his time hanging out with the elusive underground racing and drifting scene over there. He is a true car enthusiast in the purest form.
Without any doubts, I can say he really loves his wife.
The car on the inside is stock, its a Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, I will vouch it's still capable of giving some unsuspecting opponent the chop, from a Traffic light start or side by side pull on the highway. It makes around 175 hp, at 16.5 psi, the turbo helps a lot with the torque output of the engine making 162 ft lbs of it, but get this, still makes 35 miles to the gallon. That's even better than most econoboxes, and it's still fun to drive. Honda is onto something here.
The results of the wrap as well as a few cosmetic modifications really push the looks of this car over the edge, from looker, to double take material. Chris actually brought to my attention, that this Civic, looks like a later iteration of the 90's Hyundai Coupe, in some respects.
When we really go in depth on the looks of the car though, first and foremost the wrap was chosen for the protection of the paint, but with the results here, I'd opt to wrap any car and not for the protection.
Beefing up the visuals of the car, are the aftermarket add ons, the wing of a period correct Honda Civic Type-R was added as well as a rear diffuser.
A front splitter was added to the front of the car, as well as side skirts, and it sits on 19" Konig Intention Rims, they really do complement the overall angular shape of the car.
Looks like an F117 Nighthawk
“It’s a sort of elegance, the way the matte black highlights the subtle curves of the body panels. ”
Check out that quad exhaust.
In the end though, many persons daily an unremarkable car, sometimes we find ourselves behind the wheel of a car so forgettable, you can't remember where you parked, thats a fact. Having something interesting as a daily driver can really change your day for the better.
Is this car quite possibly the perfect daily driver ? I myself wouldn't go as far as to say that, but it really does score pretty high.
Alex - Until next time, Happy Motoring.
Vtec Meet Up
Honda, Honda, Honda, but not your grandmother's Honda. Hondas are pretty common cars on the road, and to modify them you really have to be creative about it.
The advantage of covering a motorsport event, is the chance to meet up with the spectators, persons who are also motor enthusiasts. They gather up in the parking lots and turn the parking lots into meets for themselves as well.
Ever had that feeling of walking in a candy store as a youngster, and literally being incapable of finding the first place to focus your eyes on? Imagine you could feel that way in a car park.
Honda, Honda, Honda, but not your grandmother's Honda. EKs, DC5s, DC2s, EP3s the full assortment. Hondas are pretty common cars on the road, and to modify them you really have to be creative about it. But when you are, the results totally worth it.
This Honda, really took my full attention though,as well as everyone else's, when the hood came off, the whistles went out.
Feast your eyes on this K-Swapped Honda, you haters. Seriously though, unless you really hate Hondas, anyone with an appreciation for modified cars would really love this build.
Hondas are all about the small details you add that make it yours.
She's quite something.
With the car being a platform, and so many aftermarket parts being available for them, and the owner really took advantage of this, and went all out on his build.
The rear seats were deleted, and a roll cage installed, along with a Takata 5 point harness.
Adding a Dragon? Now that's some personality.
A thriving Honda community is definitely alive and well here in Barbados. Look out for more Honda content coming soon!
Alex - Happy Motoring!
Deliciously Stock
The stars aligned and I saw this baby for sale. A completely stock 1999 Subaru GC8 WRX. Sold my Starlet, never looked back.
Ah Subaru, the Sub, the Sub Dog, Subbie, Scobby, Rex, Rexy all names we call Subarus but I can finally call this one mine. From as far back as I can remember I always wanted a Subaru. When I was growing up I remember watching Colin McCrae tear up rally stages in his 2 door 22b STI GC8,I always wanted one after seeing him race. Also, I just love that boxer burble.
I don't have a very long or interesting car history got my first car when I was 21 or so, a 2 door 1999 Toyota Starlet Reflect, I spent the next 2 years or so converting that car to look like a Glanza V, my god it was clean.
The plan was to eventually swap the 4efe for a 4efte engine into it and boost it to hell and back but it was my daily and I couldn't really afford to have in a shop for long periods.
Then the stars aligned and I saw this baby for sale. A completely stock 1999 Subaru GC8 WRX. Sold my Starlet, never looked back.
It was perfect for a daily, it's stock so it's reliable, 4 doors and trunk space so it's practical and fast enough so i can still have a little, "responsible" fun.
I inherited a couple of issues with it though, some rear damage, nothing major and a massive boost leak from the top mount inter-cooler y-pipe. Once I got all that fixed, worked like a charm.
I do have plans to eventually modify it once I restore it to stock condition but right now I'm just enjoying it before I make the fuel economy worse.
I really enjoy the look of a stock car. I was never really a fan of ricing, when it comes to the exterior of the car I don't have any plans for it, maybe a front lip and a bigger hood scoop but that's a big maybe.
Delicious 4pot stock brakes. Just enough. For now.
Someone once described my engine bay as "Full" I can understand what they're talking about, not much room left in there. The space taken up is put to good use, according to my research from factory the turbo charged engine puts out around 214hp-220hp at 6400rpm and 250 lb·ft at 4000rpm though that was years ago, probably way less now (I would love to put it on a dyno). It is said to achieve 0-100 Km/h in 5.99s and a 1/4 mile in 14.27s. All this while the little turbo pushes out about 13.5psi of boost.
It has Subaru’s symmetrical All Wheel Drive System which causes it to tear my face off when it accelerates sometimes, you get a lot of grip surprisingly. It gives you a feeling of invincibility when cornering which has caused me to spin my car around a couple times.
“There is nothing more terrifying than losing control of a 4 wheel drive car. . . the horror.”
A triple gauge pod in the centre of the dash is planned.
When it comes to the interior of the car it's nothing special. It's very 90's JDM, hard plastics everywhere, function over form. Subaru added a few extra bits with the WRX and the WRX STI versions of the Impreza. A MOMO wheel, which feels great, a shift knob and boot with red detailing, along with the red and black bucket seats and the white background of the gauge cluster it really gives everything a nice look.
Vroom
I really love my WRX. I've had the pleasure of owning it since February 2017 and it hasn't let me down yet. I even met some really cool people in the Car Community, the Barbados Subaru Owners Club for example, maybe I'll get to do a feature with their cars sometime soon, they have some awesome cars.
Till next time.
-Maurice
A Classic Sunday Afternoon
I believe time machines were invented, but we haven't taken the time to notice them as yet.
I believe time machines were invented, but we haven't taken the time to notice them as yet.
I met up with Woody again, and met his friends, who are also huge classic car enthusiasts, it turned out to be almost a British Classics Owners Club, call it what you want, it was amazing to see these gems with impeccable restoration work done to them.
These Classics, transform their surroundings and take to you to the time they exist within. These cars can give you that glimpse of the past, and they do it so effortlessly.
Their presence is indelibly made known anywhere they are parked.
This gorgeous MGB - GT is a work of art. It's not a roadster no, but it certainly is beautiful in its own right. The hard top adds that Grand Touring feel, giving it character. The MGB - GT sports the same engine as the MGB, the same 98 horses and similar torque, at around 110 ft lbs, and it's a bit heavier with the hardtop, but goodness, that form, its just the perfect shape.
The fun really came with this Austin Summerset. Mr. Cozier took me for a spin in it, it was unexpected but a pretty amazing experience.
This Austin Somerset was made in 1954, and has been left untouched since then, tiny rust lines and some cosmetic flaws show the age of the car, but mechanically it's been well maintained, it's a sound machine.
It's "massive" 42 hp output from it's 1.2L engine, along with some beer, really got the rear wheels spinning in the grass. Somersets were used for racing at one point, in the past, its racing pedigree showed that afternoon.
Photo By Terrell Inniss
Some familiar faces were there as well, this Elan, we would've read about it at the Vintage Car Show was owned by Derek, he wasn't afraid to get into some of the action as well.
To wrap it up, I'm glad I got this chance to hang out with a community of classic car enthusiasts, for them, these gems aren't just cars to keep in the showroom, they are machines that deserve the life they were built for, they deserve to be driven, let's hope they keep it that way.
Alex, until next time, happy motoring!
Esmerelda
Sometimes, the most special thing to us isn't always the most spectacular or amazing thing to others. Ryan has had an affinity for Mini's since owning his first car, which was a Mini.
Sometimes, what's special to us isn't always the most spectacular or amazing thing to others. Ryan has had an affinity for Mini's since owning his first car, which was a Mini. So owning a Moke was a logical choice.
She's old, temperamental, and not that pretty, but somehow she took a place in his heart at first sight. She became his conquest, her name is Esmeralda.
Mini Mokes share the same chassis as that of the mini, the same engine as well, but different front and rear subframes, it's origin is ironic as well. First used by the British Military, this car would drive on bases, and out where they were needed to transport persons, but as time went on and military vehicles changed they became "toys" for car enthusiasts.
With no doors or roof, or pretty much anything, these cars exposed drivers and passengers to the elements, Mini took advantage of this and continued producing the Moke, for Australian and Caribbean markets, yes we got a car. They were in the same class as the beach buggy with the same cult following as well.
This particular Moke was made in 1989, it carries the same 1L engine as the mini, and is also front wheel drive, paired with a 4 speed manual transmission, maximum power output stands around 43 bhp.
Ryan bought this Moke from its previous owner, after many many months of hinting to the owner he would like to purchase it from him, one day a few months after he stopped asking, the owner rang him up and said he was ready to part with it. It was in pretty good condition when he got it but it wasn't the best, so he took the time to repair it, mostly cosmetic.
When I met Esmeralda, she wasn't starting. I'm guessing her and Ryan would work something out.
Body work on the Mini was just Finished.
Further in the back of the garage, we saw another project still in progress, this one was also special, it was a restoration of a Mini. I mentioned earlier, his first car was a Mini. this one had a little bit more added to it though, a roll cage was installed to help keep the frame rigid.
Odometer was intalled as well, with the iconic Mini look, and what looked like safari lights were placed next to the mini. I am personally hoping he adds those to it, so Ryan if you're reading this, add the lights, I think it would be awesome.
There is still a lot of work left do on this Mini, I am hoping to be able to see it when it's finished.
Many persons, I'm sure have fond memories of riding in a Moke, or in a Mini, filling it to capacity and going out for a day or night of fun, cars like this remind us of simpler times when cars were fun, relaxing and spirited.
- Alex, until next time, keep motoring.
A Classic Love Story
This 86 should be familiar, I spoke about it a few months ago at the "Vintage Car Show". It's nice to see some minor updates on the car cosmetically and mechanically, things that really hold the build together at this point.
“Well it’s simple really. The car has always been my dream car or “one true love” if you will. There is a classic love story like Romeo and Juliet called Tristan and Isolde. ”
Isolde
She really is gorgeous.
This 86 should be familiar, I spoke about it a few months ago at the "Vintage Car Show". It's nice to see some minor updates on the car cosmetically and mechanically, things that really hold the build together at this point.
The engine bay has changed a bit, first major change seen here is the strut bar, and the velocity stacks have changed from red to black. The stacks are bit longer as well, adding a little more torque. It's still the same 16v 1600cc 4-AGE.
The new engine map was also done with the engine, this was definitely noticed on the road, the engine still has to hit the dyno to find the output, but it's definitely within the range of 160 hp, about what a 4AGE should be doing.
The front of the car also received a new lip, bringing it further down to the road, it doesn't really affect the aero performance of the car, but it does look pretty awesome, giving the car a bolder presence.
It's really nice to see the build coming together, a few more changes are planned for the near future for the car, I will continue to keep an eye on how the build is going.
Tristan doesn't just keep his car for show though, he can set it through it's paces, check out this video of his autocross run at Vaucluse Raceway in St.Thomas, Barbados, click the image below to play the video.
Tristan's 86 run compared to an Evo X driven by Christopher Mcfarlane at Vaucluse Raceway during an Autocross event. Video by Woolf Sales Solutions.
- Alex, signing out till next time, happy motoring!
The MG Shop
These days MGs are a collectors item for car enthusiast. We got the opportunity to photograph this pair of MGs recently. They both took him four years to restore and the results are fantastic.
The MGB roadster first started development in 1962. To many back then, this was the epitome of the British sports car. The car checked all the required boxes for things a sports car should have back then: a long hood, it was deliciously streamlined, low ride height, nice exhaust note and as a bonus it was affordable and also if you really tried you could fit 1.5 passengers in there.
These days, MGs are a collectors item for car enthusiasts. We got the opportunity to photograph this pair of MGs recently. The owner Ryan aka Woody was so enthused by the cars he restored two of them. It took him four years to restore the pair and the results are fantastic.
The blue MG is from 1972 and the red is from 1971. In a previous life, the blue car was an ... interesting mustard color (it's one of those colors you either hate or love).
He keeps them tucked away in his garage away from those nasty UV rays and liquid sunshine. The garage itself is a very eclectic place filled with some MG paraphernalia, family photos and racing trophies, you see, Woody is actually an extremely talented professional race car driver.
The garage was the kind of place all car lovers want to have, where you keep the things closest to you; your family, your legacy and definitely your cars.
There's nothing like OEM parts. The attention to detail during this restoration is what I like the most about these cars, from the wooden gear knob to the dials and the overdrive switch to the right of the steering wheel, it's all really well done, and of course a single din pioneer head unit for only the freshest beats was added.
They really compliment each other.
Both of the cars are completely stock with the factory inline 4 1800cc SOHC, dual carbureted engines which made about 92bhp from factory, a few modern quality of life touches were added to the engine however because unfortunately, British sports cars weren't too reliable.
The parts added were a Lucas ignition coil, braided fuel lines, new wiring and hoses.
I just absolutely love old cars! The lack of computers basically means it's just you and the car interacting, the ultimate driver's experience...as long as you aren't to ambitious with your speed around a corner. It's all good fun!
Their styling is actually quite reminiscent of 1960s American muscle cars, mainly the Mustang. You can see the similarities when you look at the arches over the rear lights and the distinct round headlights, they're just placed a little higher on the MG roadster. It was a smart design choice as the cars were very popular in America when it was released. This was a change from the MGA.
Their styling is actually quite reminiscent of 1960s American muscle cars vs the MGA.
Woody's MGs aren't driven that often, as you can tell by the condition they're in. They're probably only driven on weekends with the top down on a nice long road, dodging potholes.
There's something special about someone's love for their car, it doesn't matter what kind of car. You can really tell when someone puts a lot of work into a build and has a lot of love for it and for cars in general. If it's one thing you can say about Woody, he loves cars. As car lovers I think we can all respect that.
Maurice (fist bump)
Chilling with an MGA
It's a nice feeling when you have some time alone with a classic. Sitting on an empty track with a camera in my hand, this was a great afternoon.
It's a nice feeling when you have some time alone with a classic. Sitting on an empty track with a camera in my hand, this was a great afternoon. The weekend of the "Holetown Festival" in Barbados usually starts with a classic car parade, and after this parade, drivers usually leave the festival for a chance to chill and hangout with other owners.
This MG was gorgeous. I think I am developing a bias for blue cars though but that's beside the point. This MGA started its life off the production line in 1959, sporting a 1.6L single carbureted, single overhead cam engine. It makes about 78hp with a 4 speed transmission.
This MG was special though. It was bought in the US, it was spec'd for the US market, left hand drive, and before it was blue, it was red, the upholstery was a different colour as well.
The owner stumbled on it one afternoon coming out of a mall. He saw a car show happening in the car park next door and decided to take a look at it. Owning this car was a childhood dream of his, he recounted the principal of his elementary school owning one, and before he would leave on afternoons he would give the children a show, a nice rev. This memory drove him to purchase the car.
Restoration is always never an easy job. Like was mentioned before, the car was a different colour and the driver seat was on the opposite side plus the car was in rough condition. After importing the car, much work began, from the ground up, the chassis was sandblasted, primed and rust sealed. Then alterations were made to the dashboard, a new tortoiseshell coloured one was placed and the steering moved over to the right hand side. and the upholstery was changed to tan.
Tan, might sound like a boring colour, but I must say, it really complimented the blue of the car. I bet you didn't notice the missing door handles. This car was fitted with a string on the inside of the door inorder to open the doors and windows were in the trunk, if you wanted to use them.
Sporting the Tortoiseshell Dash
Inside the car, you have your basic needs, a steering wheel, some dials and gauges, and a gearstick and pedals, I mean, what else would you want in a car ? Driving this car, is an experience in itself, not to be filled with distractions.
It wasn't just meant to get from A to B, it was meant for the driver as well as the passenger to be engaged in the journey from A to B.
MG streamlined the body panels of the car, with the sweeping curves and bubble design of the 50's "Hi tech" design, proving to be a nice vintage astectihc as the car aged. Owning an MG for him, is like owning a childhood dream, and few can say the same.
- Alex, until next time, keep motoring.
The Best Yellow
This Ford was unapologetic, and yes, hate me for it, I love that wing.
After moving on from the "Brothers" we met up with what could be called their Dad. The Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
Normally, this Escort was one of 2500 made in collaboration with Cosworth and Ford, but it was even more unique because its modifications made it one of a kind.
Using a Turbocharged 2L 16V DOHC engine, it would've normally made about 220hp. This figure was pretty similar to the car that came before it, the Ford Sierra Cosworth, it actually was made even more famous because it was the Sierra which Colin Mcrae would've driven for a time in Rally. This Ford Escort though, ironed out the issues Ford thought plagued the Sierra, and instead of being Rwd, its 4wd.
The "Whale Tail" anyone who vaguely knows Ford from the mid 80's, to the early 90's would remember that time Ford made cars with wings that were so odd, you either threw up or fell in love. This Ford was unapologetic, and yes, hate me for it, I love that wing.
It was far from stock though, this car was also prepared by Graham Goode Racing, meaning it wasn't just modified, it was heavily modified. The huge intercooler to the front of the car should've given that away.
Using the same 2L engine, this car was able to produce around 512 hp, at 21psi with its Garret Turbocharger. It was possessed with the demon of speed, and left hidden under covers in this garage.
This car amalgamated all the research and design Ford acquired over the years of racing and rally, although stock, it only made 220 hp, it was a platform that could be modified and used in racing like we see here. It gave the racing experience to everyone, and gave them the joy of building or preparing a machine they could use everyday.
This Escort RS Cosworth mk5, shows Ford closing the chapter on the Escort and Sierra line of cars, with one last hurrah. Its thicker wheel arches, slight aero modifications, and enormous wing showed that Ford wanted to make a statement.
Alex - Until next time, keep motoring.
