Author: Tabitha

Ask any car nut and they’ll likely admit to having more than a few images of their favorite classic and/or competition cars hanging in their office, rec room or garage. If this describes you or someone you know, check out the collection of historic racing car posters by illustrator Arthur Schening of Schening Creative. The subjects in his collection include such notables as the Ford GT40, Jaguar D-Type, Ferrari 250 GTO, Lotus 49 and the Chaparral 2D, to name only a few. Each of Schening’s 13-by-19-inch illustrations are printed on thick, uncoated stock and sell for $30 each (plus shipping)…

Chess games are usually made from wood, plastic, marble, etc., but sculptor Armando Ramierz has created what he calls his ‘Rustic Warriors’ chess set made from used auto parts. For example, the queen playing piece originates from a vehicle’s electrical components, the bishop is from discarded spark plugs and the castles and pawns are from various cogwheels. The board itself resonates with metal-on-metal sounds as the pieces are moved around. Each set is unique and buyers are reminded that the game’s patina includes plenty of scratches, smudges and general discoloration. Ramirez sells his Rustic Warriors chess set for about $235…

The Sleuth can confirm that the automaker’s redesigned 2018 coupe and sedan will not offer a V-6 option. The 2.7-, 3.0- or 3.5-liter powerplants (depending on the model-year) have been available in Accords since 1995 and are popular with buyers seeking a bit more muscle. Now, along with a complete redesign, the Accord will come with a base turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at an estimated 200 horsepower. The new optional engine is a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that The Spymaster guesstimates will make 250 horsepower, but will generate more torque than the outgoing V-6’s 250 pound-feet. The 1.5 will be mated…

According to The Sleuth’s sources, the new-for-2018 Tiguan wagon will be the first Volkswagen to get the enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s rated at 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque and could eventually become standard in the Jetta, Passat and Golf models. That would mean a bump from the current 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo that puts out 170-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. As well, the new 2.0, which will be matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, is expected to improve on the 1.8’s fuel-economy numbers, especially in the city cycle. The new Tiguan is the first Volkswagen to…

The Sleuth hears that the ZheJiang Geely Holding Group of China will soon control the British sports-car company founded by the late Sir Colin Chapman of England. Geely will purchase 49.9 percent of Proton of Malaysia (the current owner of Lotus) and 51 percent of the money-losing Lotus brand. Geely owns Volvo of Sweden outright and is setting up Lynk & Co as a new global automotive brand that will eventually come to North America. The deal also includes Lotus Engineering, that over the years has provided support for several automakers. The Spy Guy sees these transactions as further proof…

The Spymaster’s sources hear that Nissan will add a second electrified model that will join the compact Leaf hatchback, and that it will take the shape of utility vehicle. Apparently the new gasoline-free Nissan will be available with a number of semi-autonomous (self-driving) technologies that are gaining traction with automakers. Meanwhile, Nissan is introducing a radically new second-generation Leaf electric for the 2018 model year. The compact hatchback will reportedly look similar to the IDS concept model displayed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show in Japan. Given the demand for utility vehicles, The Sleuth thinks it possible that the forthcoming…

Whether you’re a Ford, GM or Chrysler fan, Liberty Classics has just the engine for you, or rather scale-model replicas of some of the more iconic powerplants from years past. Examples include a variety V-8s, both original and modified hotrod versions with superchargers and other gear. Each 1/6-scale replica is highly detailed, including removable air cleaners, working pulleys and belts, and fuel lines and spark plug wires. Each completed engine is mounted to a base for easy display and is priced under $40. Liberty also sells other auto-themed branded items, including lamps and revolving wall lights. Order directly at www.libertyclassics.com.

Are you stumped as to what to buy as a gift for the automobile enthusiast in your life? Since everyone wears pants, why not try an automotive-themed belt buckle. One website devoted to such products is Buckleshop.com. There, you’ll find a myriad of types, including current and vintage brand logos representing General Motors, Ford and Chrysler products, and hotrods and classic cars. The site also has a number of different Checker Cab designs available plus Route 66 road-sign styles. There are also buckles that will appeal to truckers and motorcycle riders. Just about everything in Buckleshop.com’s inventory sells for less…

Jeep Wrangler owners know what a pain it is to remove and reattach their vehicles’ fabric roof. Accessories supplier Bestop solves the problem with the Trektop NX glide convertible soft top. The product’s frame can be partially folded (sun-roof-style) or fully folded behind the rear seat. In addition, the tinted side and rear window panels are made to easily slide out, which is a big improvement over having to unzip them. The cloth top’s cool ‘fastback’ styling gives 2007-’17 Wranglers a more modern appearance, too. Prices range from about $900 for two-door Wranglers with the sunroof option, to $1,000 for…

Cleaning the dust and crumbs out of the nooks and crannies of the dashboard, console, vents and gauges is easier with Splat AutoClean. It’s a squishy gel blob that you press into tight spaces and then just peel away. Solid particles are embedded in Splat without leaving any sticky residue behind. It doesn’t even stick to your hands. The number of uses you get varies on how dirty your vehicle is, but once Splat darkens to the point of matching the guide on the packaging, it’s time for a replacement. Splat’s makers claim the product is biodegradable and also works…