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Neil Young’s LincVolt severly damaged in warehouse fire [w/video]

Rocky — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:24:11 +0000

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Hybrid, Safety, Lincoln, Celebrities, Electric

Multi-fuel turbine electric hybrid Lincvolt – Click above to watch video after the jump

It’s better to burn out
Than it is to rust

It’s a tragedy of epic proportions. Neil Young’s 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV convertible, which he has spent the past few years converting into a multi-fuel turbine electric hybrid, has been severely damaged in a fire. Fresh from a trip to Las Vegas where it was presented to adoring crowds at SEMA, this 19.5-foot-long representative of classic American automotive statuary, dubbed the “LincVolt“, was resting comfortably in a warehouse in San Carlos, CA when a fire suddenly erupted. Possibly from the trunk of the behemoth itself.

According to a statement appearing on the LincVolt’s website, “We are still investigating the exact cause although it appears to be an operator error that occurred in an untested part of the charging system.” Apparently, the Lincoln has its own ~~area code~~ black box-like computer that is being sent to Perrone Robotics in an effort to pinpoint the precise cause of the malfunction.

The structure, which is said to have suffered over million in damages, was also home to much of the singer’s music equipment and memorabilia. Due to the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, most of it was saved.

We can only hope that, if the LincVolt is now bound for that final scrapyard in the sky, it will inspire a tune as great as the elegy to Young’s 1948 Buick Roadmaster hearse, Long May You Run. To see footage of hybridized classic along with Neil’s keynote address to SEMA, hit the jump for freshly finished four-part video. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

[Sources: Mercury News, Lincvolt]

Continue reading Neil Young’s LincVolt severly damaged in warehouse fire [w/video]

Neil Young’s LincVolt severly damaged in warehouse fire [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse

Rocky — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:21:10 +0000

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Europe, BMW

BMW Classic in Munich – Click above for high-res image gallery

Located just a short distance from the BMW Museum and Welt (famous as the company’s European delivery center) in Munich, Germany, is BMW Classic. According to the German automaker, “BMW Classic coordinates all activities that are connected with the company’s varied and successful history covering everything from the historical archives, assortment of aeroplanes, communication, the museum and BMW’s role in the international club scene.” In a nutshell, BMW Classic is tasked with archiving, restoring and preserving the company’s ninety-year manufacturing history.

Earlier this year, the BMW Classic Center opened its doors to the public offering a full range of classic parts, restoration services and vehicle authentication. While local dealerships will continue to stock late model parts and accessories, BMW Classic is tasked with keeping an inventory part supply for vehicles (including motorcycles) that are generally more than fifteen years old. Not only are 30,000-plus components kept on hand, but the tooling that is relevant for subsequent fabrication is held at the facility as well. In addition, there are on-site restoration services, using 100 percent original parts, upholstery and paint, at prices that are very competitive to local shops (especially when you consider that BMW Classic Center is a one-stop shop for a turn-key restoration process).

While the downstairs shop area is in a constant flurry of activity, the multi-story warehouse – where much of the really good stuff is stored – is unfortunately closed to the public. However, thanks to a special invite, Autoblog was recently escorted on a private behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.

Viewed from the outside, the building is nothing spectacular. Yet, hidden inside its concrete walls are several floors of immaculately restored and preserved engines, motorcycles and automobiles. In addition to some of the company’s most classic offerings, such as the BMW 507 and BMW 328, we stumbled over Isetta microcars and mint-condition 2002 race cars. We found the famed E53 X5 fitted with a V12 LMR powerplant (the 700 horsepower SUV clocked a record-setting 7:49 lap around Nürburgring at the hands of Hans Stuck nearly a decade ago) and a pristine street-ready McLaren F1 (parked yards away from its race-ready F1 GTR siblings). Look past the James Bond’s genuine E38 7 Series (with highly-custom rear-seat driving controls), and you will see the fluorescent orange nose of the 1972 BMW Turbo Concept – the vehicle that inspired the BMW M1, arriving just five years later.

Our favorite has got to be an unassuming 1987 E32 7 Series, (aka the “Goldfish” 767), fitted with a prototype 6.7-liter V16 rated at 408 horsepower. The only hint to its potency are custom gill-like air intakes on each rear quarter panel – its massive engine is so long that the engineers were forced to move its cooling system to the trunk.

Take a long look through our extensive gallery, and let us know which ones are your favorites.

Gallery: BMW Classic Warehouse

A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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