The Hot Rod Homepage

On Any Sunday

Geoffrey Chandler — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:13:41 +0000

Seem like forever since I have posted fresh content here on the site. Guess I have been swamped with work. Photographer Alison Merion captured this shot of a boy mid turn on his motorcycle at Industry Hill Speedway, just down the road in City of Industry. It’s amazing to me that a rider so young, can have such control. Click here for a desktop sized shot. Over the years I have featured literally thousands of her drifting photos on DriftLive.com.

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Mustang at the Movies

Geoffrey Chandler — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:16:09 +0000

When it comes to iconic cars, few are more recognizable than the Ford Mustang.
Originally introduced to the American public on April 17th, 1964 at the World’s Fair in New York City, the car was already making it’s screen debut a mere two days later, with simultaneous advertising spots on all three major networks. Just five months later, the new car went to Hollywood, where it made an appearance with Sean Connery in the movie Goldfinger.

Ford’s aggressive promotion of this sleek, speedy car, along with a sticker price of under $2,400, meant that it was an affordable option for many filmmakers, even outside the James Bond franchise. An informal count gives us at least 24 distinct appearances of the Mustang in various movies, and there are a handful of television appearances as well, but of those twenty four, there are about five where the ‘Stang really shines.

They are:
The Princess Diaries: Proof that even a modern young woman can appreciate a classic car. Who can forget the sight of Princess Mia parked on a San Francisco hill, drenched and forlorn, huddled in the back of the car her best friend’s brother had restored for her.

Gone In Sixty Seconds: Although both versions of this movie were excellent, the 2000 remake is probably a better production, even if it doesn’t have the cult status of the 1974 original. Even so, who can resist the appeal of the daunting task laid out for our characters: steal 50 exotic cars in a single night? Moreover, who could ever forget the elusive Eleanor?

The Bond Movies: We already discussed Goldfinger above, but the Ford Mustang was featured in Thunderball and Diamonds are Forever as well, and each appearance only enhanced the sex appeal of the powerful performance car.

The French Connection: The chase scene in this film lacks sound, but it’s compelling nevertheless, and some say it’s better produced as well. An interesting bit of trivia is that Steve McQueen was offered a role in this film – and turned it down.

Bullitt: What doesn’t this film have? It’s got a chase scene that is one of the best such scenes of all time, the ultimate Mustang, and Steve McQueen driving it. This film is the epitome of Mustang movies – so much so that Ford actually released a modern Bullitt Mustang in tribute to the original, and even used recordings of the car sounds from the movie to design the engine sounds of the current model.

From chick flicks to car thieves, and from Bond to Bullitt there’s no doubt that the Ford Mustang isn’t just one of the most iconic American muscle cars, it’s the star of every show. Who knows? Maybe one day the Mustang will even get its own star on Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame.”

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Matchbox Monster Trucks

Geoffrey Chandler — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:24:17 +0000

Metal Heart from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

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Malibu Barbie

Geoffrey Chandler — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:25:22 +0000

1964 Malibu SS

I recently picked up a Panasonic sd-9 HD camcorder and figured since I have never made a short about my malibu, it was about time to do so. I filmed the car in my driveway and around my neighborhood, pulled the footage into iMovie, did some edits and added some music. All said, it took me about 3 hours to make this movie.

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2010 Ford Mustang Reveal

Geoffrey Chandler — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:42:51 +0000

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Hyundai Concept

Geoffrey Chandler — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:42:59 +0000

My Friend Cameron photoshopped up the new Hyundai coupe. Not half bad looking. Too bad they don’t come like this from the factory.

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Syclone with no Body!!

Geoffrey Chandler — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:45:10 +0000

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The Coolest B-Body Bel Air Ever!!!

Geoffrey Chandler — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:16:17 +0000

I went to Bob’s Big Boy down in Toluca Lake, California with my wife and mother in-law to take in a few burgers and the famous car show and came across the coolest Bel Air I have ever laid eyes upon. Typically I am not that impressed by anything I see at Bob’s, but this was amazing. Look at the detail on the front bumper. The time was taken to section and re-weld the stock bumper into an airdam, and I for one, find the results to be quite impressive. The windshield declares LS7 lurks below the bonnet, and I would see the 6-speed in the cockpit. Not a bad way to keep things moving, especially if that 620HP is not an exaggeration. I also love that decklid spoiler and faded paint on the car. This is a similar style to that I went after with my 1964 Malibu SS, but I was a bit more Lowrider/NASCAR fusion, and this is Rockabilly/NASCAR fusion. Anyhow, I loved the car, enjoy the pics.

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Toyota 2JZ powered Camaro

Geoffrey Chandler — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:49:22 +0000

EVS Motors Presents The Worlds First and Only 2JZ

I think the 2JZ sounds decent, but it certainly does not beat the sound of a 900hp v8. I got to give credit to the guys that put this car together, it looks well built and it certainly is unique.

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It’s Alarming How Fast America Can Destory a Car

Geoffrey Chandler — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:21:39 +0000

88 Grand Marquis Crushed!!!

Just think, this car managed to survive nearly 20 years before it was unloved enough to meets its’ fate at the jaws of an auto wrecker. I wonder how many cars are dismantled on an average day around the world. I also wonder how many of those cars are probably still usable, just unloved. Maybe we need to hold on to our cars a bit longer, and reduce production of new ones. I know my 1990 Mustang and 1993 Lexus still have another 10-15 good years in them. Hotrodding, not all about going fast, sometimes about loving old things and keeping them running.

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