Recently on Jay Leno's Garage, Jay and Dax Shepard pit two classic Buick Roadmasters head to head. Setting the stage at Irwindale Drag Strip in sunny southern California. The two set out to see who has the baddest Roadmaster. In one corner, Jay's 1955 Buick Roadmaster, rocking a 572 Cubic Inch V8 Chevrolet Big Block crate. While in the other corner, Dax's 1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon with a 700+ horse LSA Smallblock performance crate motor. Folks this could be a close one. Crate motor vs crate motor, Buick vs Buick. How did it end? Well you'll just have to see for yourself in the clip below. Till then let's talk about the cars.
Jay's 1955 Buick Roadmaster has made it's rounds on various car shows over the years. Below you can see the My Classic Car guy, Dennis Gage giving it the work over. From my research, Jay bought the car in 1973 for $350. Shortly after he first moved to LA. What a steal! The car was originally black and white. He later switch the white out with silver. Jay and his wife had their first date in the car. He even drove to his first television appearances in this car. He nick named the car "Rosebud." For over 16 years the car sat in his mother-in-law's driveway. Sometime around 2002 Jay decided to do an all out restoration. The front and rear suspension completely replaced with a C5/C4 Corvette suspension (front/back). Gone is the Buick Nailhead V8 and replaced with a 572 cubic inch Big Block GM Crate motor pushing over 600 horsepower. This thing is a monster. Stock in appearance, but anything but stock. Custom aluminum wheels with stock looking covers. Amazing work.
Dax's 1994 Buick Roadmaster wagon more than likely began it's life as a family hauler. Today it's still serving the purpose. Dax bought the car soon after he found he's was going to be a dad. He wasn't ready for the minivan. I can't say I could ever picture him behind the wheel of one. This Roadmaster is also special to Dax. He went on to say he often got to drive this model during his first job. Personally, I think they're one of the most underrated cars of the 90's. Originally these cars would have had a LT1 V8 plant. Dax did away with that, replacing it with a GM Performance LSA crate motor. Putting 700+ horse power at demand. If that doesn't get the groceries home, I don't know what will. Car has a laundry list of add-ons from rollcage to BBS Wheels. Again, nearly stock in appearance, but not stock in performance.
Show time! Specs wise it's a close match. You might be surprised.
What I find amazing about these two cars. Their owners have the means to buy pretty much any vehicle. But they prize these cars the most. They take pride in showing them off. They have memories and sentimental value. That's what makes classic cars special. Till next time, keep on haul'n.
Bonus: Check out this awesome wallpaper of Jay and his Roadmaster!
Batcave. Batcave. Batcaveee. Ever wonder where the site of the original Batcave is? I came across a video by Youtuber: Spa Guy that solves that riddle. According to the video the cave is located in Hollywood California, not far form the famous sign overlooking the city. Not a big surprise given most of the show was shot in the Hollywood area. After doing some research, I've discovered the cave is actually a man made tunnel. The Bronson Cave tunnel as it's refereed to now was dug by the Union Rock Company in the early 1900s. Despite it's appearance on screen, it's only about 50ft long and barely wide enough for a car. Clever use of props and camera angles gave viewers the illusion the cave was much bigger than it is. Looking at some of the pictures now. It's hard to imagine that the big honking Ford Futura made it through! I would have been a nervous George Barris, watching my creation squeeze it's way out. If you would like more information on how to get to the cave or the park check out Hikespeak. Sounds like a fun hike and adventure. See you next time, same bat channel, same bat time!
They're back. Sorta. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the next chapter in the Ghostbusters story. It's been over 30 years since the last film. Most fans had written off a 3rd film. Many fans were angry at the last attempt at a Ghostbusters movie. Looking at the trailer there seems to be new "stranger" faces. With some hints at old faces too. Very exciting stuff. The cast looks amazing. Watch the trailer below if you haven't seen it. But today, we're focusing on an old face that's near and dear to our hearts. Our beloved ECTO 1. I'm glad to see that they're bringing this iconic relic back for a new generation film. Here's a few screenshots from the film trailer to help you dissect the trailer.
ECTO 1 is found sitting in a barn at the family farm in Oklahoma. From what we understand, the grandkids have no idea who or what the Ghostbusters were. With a little movie magic the car starts up after being tucked away for at least 25+ years. We don't know how or when the car was moved out there. But I'd like to see a 1959 Caddy that has been sitting around that long start up on the first crank. Pretty sure it's going to need..
Dr Ray Stantz: Everybody can relax, I found the car. Needs some suspension work and shocks. Brakes, brake pads, lining, steering box, transmission, rear-end.
In this next shot you can see the car whizzing through the streets of a small town. Just blasting away. I take it young drivers learning how to drive and proton pack at the same time. Folks. Don't proton pack and drive. This is your PSA.
This next shot is interesting. It looks like the ECTO 1 got a new feature. Some sort of suicide door, jump-seat/gunner-seat contraption. If you're not familiar with suicide doors. Here's the short run down. They're basically doors that open backwards. Many cars from the 20's and 30's had this feature. There's one problem with these doors. If you open them while the car is moving at a decent rate of speed, you could get blown out of the car. Just for the record the factory rear doors on the Caddies open normally. So this would have been a customization. The original car did not have this feature. However some of the Kenner toys in the 80's had something similar.
In this shot the teens appear to be practice driving through the fields. Possibly testing out that new jump-seat. Or they're just learning how to drive that beef-cake of a car.
This last shot is the end of the trailer. I wanted to point out the wonder patina work done by the studios. The car really looks like it's been sitting in a barn forever. The tires look dry-rotted don't they? This trailer leaves us with a lot of questions. My biggest question is: "Where's the ECTO 1A?" Hopefully time will tell and provide us the answers. Tell next time, Happy Ghostbusting!
The trailer for next chapter in the Fast and the Furious saga has been around for a bit. Sorry we're running late. With it though, an introduction to new and old characters. It looks like we're about to learn more about the expanding Toretto family (spoiler, it's Dom's brother). Someone from the past may be coming back. Very exciting stuff. Will they tie up loose ends? Is this the end? I kinda hope not. I mean it is the 9th or 10th movie (unless you count the Netflix series). Fast and the Furious Forever? Only time will tell. Check it out for yourself below.
"Flintstones. Meet the Flintstones. They're the modern stone age family. From the town of Bedrock, They're a page right out of history."
Oh yeah. We know all about the Flintstones. But what you didn't know is the mod for Grand Thief Auto 5 that allows you to drive their car in the game. Crazy right? Imaging doing a mission in game in the Flintstonemobile. Go multiplayer and pickup your old pal Barney to help you knock off a bank (lol). The options are limitless. Where to find the mod? Link below. This is actually part of a pack of cars for the game. Several On Screen Cars are in there.
