Mobil Gas Rally 1958

One of the more interesting old school racing events would have to be the Australia Mobil Gas Rally from the late 1950. We’ve posted an article or two on this rally in the past and from the evidence its easy to tell that most of the roads were… well not up to modern standards. Ruts or ditches move to mind though they were mostly just dirt. Being in the woods of Vermont we here at the Old Speed Shack understand dirt roads and how much fun they become when you add water. Of course this is in a vehicle that has been prepared for such an environment not a late 50’s sedan with torsion bar front end and limited ground clearance!!

What brings the Mobil Gas Rally to the for front of our minds some 50+ years later is an article don’t by Japanese Nostalgic car on the two Datsun’s entered in the 1958 installment. Almost as incredible as a beetle winning this race in 1957 is these two Datsun 210’s were able to basically go around the continent of Australia and have survived intact till this day!!! As mentioned in the article these little devils were stored until late last year when they were put back to running order and put on display.

Perhaps these little guys surviving the last 50 years is not as impressive as the Prototyp Museum resorting some rust bucket that as been rotting in your dad’s basement for the last 50 years BUT it is up there. So go check out the article as there are some fantastic pictures and more video.

And thanks for enjoying another little odd piece of old school racing with us here at the Old Speed Shack!

Old but lacking the speed: Roadless 109

Thought not VW related the Roadless 109 "Forest Rover" has to be one of the coolest thing we have ever seen. Seems that the Canadian forestry department was having some problems with there Land Rovers getting stuck on trees, bolder or just in plain old ruts. So Roadless came to the rescue with this sexy on tractor tires.



With a top speed of 30mph this bad boy is lacking the speed part of "old speed" but when you think about it no VW based Baja could go where the Roadless 109 can, at any speed!

Here is a small demonstration of what this beautiful piece of machinery is capable of

Perhaps we will dig deeper into the unknown world of 4x4 land rovers and see what other nifty information we can uncover on the 109.

Almost forgot about Maine!

For those of us in the North East U.S. or South East Canada our one and only time trial event is being held this weekend in Loring Maine!! As we have mentioned before the old Loring air force base runway has been converted in 1.5 mile time trial track so those who have the need for speed can get it!

If you want some info on the event check it out here.

Oh and if you have never been to Maine you might want to invest in one of these.




They make getting around the rough country quite a bit easier!

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock

Only 2 months till World Of Speed out at the flats in Utah!
Here is a little reminder from Burly:

Hi 36hp Challenge and big block VW racers, pit crew members and spectators

Septembers World of Speed and the BIG Volkswagen land speed racer gathering is getting close! Just a touch more than two months to go. If you are planning to join us this year, please email me back and let me know your plans. Will you be bringing a car and how is the project coming along or are you coming to spectate or help one of the racers? Please drop me an email with your plans so I will know to to keep an eye out and make sure to let you know of any last minute salt racing updates. As of now, Utah is experiencing good hot temps and the salt should be dry or close to dry as we speak. I expect the course to be every bit as good as last year and will be attending next months SCTA/BNI Speedweek event. When I return I should have definitive information on the race course and will let everyone know by email.

I am also excited about a couple of visitors who will be joining us on the salt whom most of you will be acquainted with but have probably not met in person. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a little one on one with these folks who make our hobby possible. And remember, R.K. Smith from Hot VW's is planning on being on the salt with us to cover the event as well. It is gonna be fun!

Again, please let me know how your race plans are coming.

May the Speed be with you..............................

Burly

Progress in Okrasaville!

So in our absence here at the OSS the Okrasa Special has made some momentous progress. Thought the original concept for the ass didn't work as planned she is now getting a super sexy alloy dress! Check it out!

Dont try this at home!

Not sure why you would want to try this but it look like it would fucking hurt!

Here is a little video, borrowed from beetlejuice150, that i though you might enjoy.

Some monday fun.

Just a little something to get you over the Monday hump.