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Paul was out with the Eugene VW Scene guys when they snapped this great rolling shot of him on the VFR:

And I snuck out of work yesterday for a quick jaunt North of Corvallis and snapped this one on the way home:

Wallpapers of the above image:
Fall Ducati 750 Wallpaper 1680
Fall Ducati 750 Wallpaper 1280
Fall Ducati 750 Wallpaper 1024

Not my best work, but at least I have a desktop that will keep me thinking of riding all winter!

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VWVortex member wormizm has posted construction pics from PIR. The resurfacing and subtle changes to the corners should really attact big road racing back to PIR and provide greater action for the fans.

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The November issue of Grassroots Motorsports has our Track Rabbit image included with their article on Northwest Hillclimbs! Check out the ‘77 Panama Brown Rabbit at the Larison Rock Hillclimb on page 151:

Our first national press, WOOT WOOT!

My time wasn’t that impressive and I was bested by my buddy Ed; and it was his first time to the hill! There were so many impressive times that I feel really flattered that our car made the article.

Naturally, with attention like this, props are due:

• Thanks to Grassroots Motorsports for putting our car in your great magazine. I’m renewing my subscription, promise!
• Many thanks to Patrick Ezard for the beautiful shot of the Rabbit!
• Ed, the car was looking the best she ever has after your paint restoration detail job. Nice time at Larison too! Are your detail services available now that you’ve moved to the ATL?
• And of course to Paul at Sports Car Shop in Eugene, Oregon for building one kick-ass great car that has been bullet-proof for over 3 years now! You are the man!

Links
All things 1977 Track Rabbit
Emeral Empire Car Club - Host of the Larison Rock Hillclimb
Northwest Hillclimb Association

Videos

Ed’s Fast Time at Larison Rock 2007 in the Track Rabbit

My Second Best Time at Larison Rock 2007 in the Track Rabbit

Note: I am using this image with the photograher’s permission. Please email me with questions.

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One of those Craigslist ad’s that catches you off guard! Check out this beauty:

Portland Craigslist Ad for 1982 Laverda RGS 1000

I have decided to sell my ‘82 RGS 1000 due to a wrist problem. I just hate to see it sitting and not getting ridden. Three cylinder Italian beauty faster than the Ducatis of the same era. Excellent original condition with only 23K miles. Only additions are Koni shocks and stainless mufflers. 5.7 gallon fuel tank for those long jaunts over to Eastern Oregon. Rear cowl is removable to expose a very comfortable dual seat. Complete with owners manual, parts and service manuals. Sounds just like a Ferrari with the 3 into 1 into 2 exhaust. These bikes are bullet proof and the best source of parts in the world is only a few hours away up in Nakusp British Columbia!

Quoted for archival purposes.

I have no idea if this bike with 23k miles is worth nearly seven grand. But when I read that the 3 into 1 into 2 exhaust sounded like a Ferrari, I had my doubts. Check out the Laverda youtube videos and decide for yourself. For an early 80’s machine, that thing sounds dead sexy! And I’d have to say the entire bike is really striking for a machine of this era.

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Gran Turismo 5/Gran Turismo 5 Prologue : The Quizz

I got 12/14. Some of these are really tough!

Rumor has it that there will be a $400 PS3 in time for Christmas. With the game likely to cost $60-80, I’m still not sure it’s worth it, even if GT5 is this good.

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We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this lovely Italian motorcycle for sale in Baltimore:

2000 Bimota DB4 For Sale on Ducati.ms

2000 DB4 with 1300 miles on it. Put on the road August ‘06. More pics available.

MSRP in 2000 was 16K. About 2500 in upgrades.
Comes stock with:

Antera Wheels,
Ohlins Shock
Brembos
Paoli Adjustable Forks

Upgrades:
Aftemarket Corse Ti System
Keihin Pumper Flatslides
Euro Tank
Stainless Brake Lines
Stainless Oil Lines w Anodized Aircraft Fittings
New Bt002’s

+All Original Parts including Shotgun Exhaust

The thread continues and the asking price is $9500.

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I’m behind in my blogging, but what else is new?! The $32k challenge will have to continue this week so we can get a few more entries in here to contest the e30 M3.

When I first concocted this series, this car was the very first to come to mind. Two cars born of the same division, but yet are so different. A quick refresher of what makes the e39 M5 such a fantastic car:

- 400hp V8 attached to a six speed manual
- One of the most handsome BMW’s ever produced, though I’m a fan of all things 5 series.

Perhaps the best news is that with the new e60 M5’s out and raising the bar even higher, the e39 M5 has suddenly become much more affordable in the last 12 months. I had no problem finding these two examples within the challenge specs — in less than 20 minutes. I’m sure a dedicated search could find even better examples.

2000 BMW M5 on Autotrader:

Price: $31,500
Body Style: Sedan
Mileage: 42,500
Exterior Color: Imola Red
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Seller’s Comments
2000 BMW M5, 42500 mi, imola red, dinan upgrades, cold air intake, exhaust, comp work, susp, 6 spd, nav, sunshades, lthr int, w/alum trim, $31,500

It’s not clear if this is in fact a properly equipped Dinan M5 that has earned it’s badge, but this example in Imola Red would have me taking a close look for sure.

2001 BMW M5 on eBay

Miles: 41539
Transmission: Manual
Interior: Black
Warranty: Existing

But-it-now: $32,500

This is one of the nicest 2001 M5s you will find on the market. It has been meticulously maintained, with a mere 41,539 miles since new. The Titanium Silver paint is stunning, and the black interior is in showroom condition and appears as new. This powerful coupe has front & rear radar detection, navigation package and ski bag. If you have been looking for an exceptional, well cared for M5, this one is worth your consideration. Everything is in perfect operating condition right down to rotating rear view mirrors. The six speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the power just keeps on coming from its legendary motor. The brakes were just replaced at 40,000 miles. It is on its second set of tires, which have had little use.

I love the interior combination on this one!

I can simply not imagine that back to back drives in an e30 M3 and e39 M5 wouldn’t always result in the clear selection of the M5 as the superior car. I hope I get the opportunity to test the theory some day!

BMW e39 M5 Videos

Top Gear e39 M5 Review

Jeremey Clarkson w/ Sabine at the Nuremburgring (Google Ring Taxi, and most of these are ‘ring visitors with camcorders with Sabine at the wheel)

The Guy Ritchie, BMW Film, “Star”, featuring Clive Owen and Madonna.

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My number 2 pick (although not in any order) is this 2005 Lotus Elise with only 3k original miles for $32k buy-it-now on ebay:

2005 Lotus Elise on eBay

I had the opportunity to drive a Chrome Orange 2005 Lotus Elise with similar miles last year, and it was nothing short of amazing! The experience is still fresh in my mind, and the video I added for the BossAutos site is of my wife and I in a short stint around the block. My wife’s comments speak for them self!

Pro’s
- Stunning performance.
- Incredible styling.
- The best engineering available for the money.
- Targa top.
- Track day ready.

Con’s
- No trunk space.
- Absolutely not a daily driver.
- An exterior that could be described as fragile.
- Service could be an issue depending on your location.

This particular example has minor front spoiler damage, but if it checks out as only cosmetic, the ultra-low 3k miles makes it easy to overlook.

I realize this can’t be driven as regularly as an e30 M3 because it simply attracts to much attention to itself. Then again, so is anyone willing to spending $32k on an e30 M3. The practicality of this car is absolutely terrible as well and the fiberglass body shell is subject to inevitable rock chips — not to mention an accident in this car will result in five figure repair bills in most cases. But in every other category I could think of, the Elise is a clear winner in the head to head $32k challenge.

Lotus Elise Videos:

Lotus Elise at the Nuremburgring
Fifth Gear Test the Elise 111R

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Yep, it’s like that. I’m coming right out of the blocks with an easy pick over the e30 m3 I mentioned earlier this week. Check out this increasingly-hard-to-find, low mileage, IN BLACK, NSX:

1991 Acura NSX on AutoTrader

I first spotted this car while surfing over at NSXPrime, which is the NSX authority on the web for those of us in the U.S.

Like all of us graduated class of ‘92, I have lusted for an NSX for a long time. The performance of the NSX speaks for itself, and it’s engineering and technology still impress today. For the uninitiated, here’s some NSX videos:

Top Gear NSX Review

Top Gear: The Stig runs the NSX-R in the wet

NSX-R Video at the Nurburgring
I realize this car breaks the 50k mile limit set in the e30 m3 post, but not by much. I can honestly say that between this NSX and the e30 M3, I would take the NSX without a doubt!

Pro’s
- Japanese reliability.
- Stunning looks by design.
- Healthy aftermarket.

Con’s
- Bodyshell repairs will soak up all that money you saved related to the reliable running gear.
- Less trunk space, if such things concern you.
- A bit of an attention whore.

Got an opinion on my first choice? Leave a comment!

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