Wanted to post some photos and video of my sleeve valve display engine in action. This first video demonstrates how the sleeve ports open and close on the compression and exhaust strokes. The small bulb simulates the spark plug firing at the top of the compression stroke.
Now and again I come across some inexpensive yet worthwhile improvements on my two older prewar restorations. Put these new headlight rings in (Hershey find for $25) last week. Seems small but originals must have been a real mess - they were painted silver (see pic- yuck!)
@JohnBloom we sprung to swap plates out with the 560 SL last week as well. $40 and 45 monutes at the DMV. Early American plate belongs on a 40 Packard not an 89 MB!
What's your latest small investment improvement?
There was a time in the collector car world where very cool closed bodies would be removed from their original chassis to be replaced by replica open car bodies. What we have here advertised on Hemmings for $19,950 is an original Derham body that came off a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. In remarkably complete condition it needs to be put back on a chassis. Located in Massachusetts.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1925-rolls-royce-silver-ghost-ware-ma-2950086
Good article from Car and Driver comparing the performance versions of the Y and Model 4. The Tesla offers more cohesive handling, a comfortable ride, superior range while feeling fully refined. The Polestar has a premium interior, slightly quicker acceleration, and sharp brakes, but it is heavier, more expensive.
Summary as follows:
Overall Winner: The Tesla Model Y Performance edges out the Polestar as the better-balanced performance compact electric SUV. It offers strong value, confident handling, everyday comfort, and practicality despite less raw power.
Performance & Driving: Both are very quick (Polestar 0–60 mph in 3.2 sec vs. Tesla 3.3 sec; 536 hp vs. 510 hp), but the Tesla feels more cohesive with crisp steering, better body control, and adaptive dampers that balance sportiness and ride comfort. The Polestar has superior brakes and grip (thanks to summer tires) but suffers from numb steering, inconsistent ride, and less harmonious dynamics.
Interior & Design: Polestar wins here with a more premium, spa-like cabin (better materials, optional nappa leather/glass roof), spacious rear, and stylish (if polarizing) exterior. Tesla's refreshed interior is improved and functional but more minimalist/plain. Note: Polestar lacks a rear window (relies on a digital mirror).
Range, Efficiency & Practicality: Tesla has a clear edge with ~306-mile EPA range (tested 270 miles) vs. Polestar's 255 miles (tested 250 miles), faster charging, and similar cargo space (Tesla uses its frunk advantage).
Price & Verdict: Tesla starts at $59,630 (tested ~$63k) and feels fully resolved. Polestar is pricier (base ~$74k, tested $80.8k) and feels less refined. The Polestar may have limited future availability in the U.S.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a71772123/2026-tesla-model-y-performance-vs-2026-polestar-4-dual-motor-performance-plus-comparison-test
In a time where many museums seem to be stagnant and even closing, it is good to see the Gilmore pushing forward with obvious momentum. A 3.6 million dollar expansion project is beginning.
https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2026/07/michigan-car-museum-in-the-middle-of-a-cornfield-breaks-ground-on-36m-expansion.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawS-fqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPVEM1RkRrclZpUlE1eG5Wc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrRQeuFfyGNflaWINfW2rPJzKtavohn3B6ASz6PCFEPgaq9SWHVEHmcLdl-x_aem_CZWCfctiCnT494Q-zzj60Q&utm_campaign=mrf-facebook-mlive&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202607096a4f97de96be1b291a9dbb3f
Upon stripping the Fan Turbines I found several problems , from worn bearings , rusted pipes, damaged turbine sections and even labyrinth rings completely missing from one unit ! the close up of the centre of one of the main turbine sections shows a bright witness indicating that it was running loose on the shaft.
We discovered that the expansion links were worn in one engine and broken in F30 so decided that all the engines were probably in a similar condition and set about making these parts. these parts are now ready for heat treatment and then grinding
I recently responded to a topic on another forum on how old cars are more reliable than modern cars...
Look, we’re old car guys—it’s practically in our DNA to trumpet the passion and insist that vintage steel beats modern plastic every day of the week. But before we get too carried away in that nostalgic rabbit hole, let’s acknowledge a simple reality: virtually all of us rely on a RELIABLE modern car for daily life.
Sure, there are exceptions. I know a handful of us drive our vintage cars every single day, (My daily is 45 years old) but we are very much the minority, even within our own community. The overwhelming majority of classic car guys drive something modern Monday through Friday—or, at the very least, their spouses do. Let's face it: we want modern reliability, freezing cold A/C, and automatic transmissions when we’re just running errands.
Our old cars can be incredibly persnickety; (Just ask my mechanic) it just goes with the territory. Even when we do get them out for club tours, cruise nights, or regional outings, it’s a rare, deliberate occasion. In fact, our classic insurance policies mandate it. If you look at specialty insurance carriers, their entire business model is built on strict usage limits because they know these cars are meant for occasional pleasure, not the daily commute.
I personally don't need the grocery list of features standard on most modern (ie reliable) cars: AC,AT, PB, PW, PDL, Bluetooth, hot and cold running dog polisher, etc. My old VW van has none of these. Heck, I dont even have functioning radio. It's slow. it's noisy, the gas gage doesnt work. By most people's definition it's a POS. But, I'm happy to not have the grocery list. But I also know I (we) are in the minority.
The Data to Back It Up
---Hagerty's official policy guidelines state that a classic car cannot be a daily driver. To qualify for their insurance, every driver in the household must have a regular, modern vehicle for daily use, and the classic must be stored in a secure garage.
---3,000-Mile Reality: According to data from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and historic vehicle surveys, the average classic car is driven fewer than 1,000 to 1,500 miles per year.
---Occasional Use Stat: A major survey by the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) found that over 85% of classic vehicle owners list "exhibitions, club events, and occasional pleasure driving" as the sole use of the vehicle, with fewer than 2% reporting any form of regular commuter utility.
https://www.hagerty.com/insurance/classic-car-insurance/does-my-vehicle-qualify
https://sites.sema.org/market-research/
Another incredible Brewster-bodied Rolls Royce. Does this streamliner survive?
Bizzarrini just brought a 60-year-old Giugiaro design to life with the new 5300 Aperta Lusso. Classic Italian styling, a naturally aspirated 5.3L V8, available manual transmission, and just 10 being built!
I’d happily spend an afternoon just listening to that V8 along the Italian coast.
https://www.autoblog.com/news/bizzarrini-finally-builds-the-open-top-gt-giugiaro-designed-six-decades-ago