Unique of the Week: One-Off 1959 Troy-Chevrolet Street Legal Racer

Driving purity at its finest. Too bad it was never mass-produced. 

There was a time when the youth of America were all about speed. Everything from Corvettes, home-built hot rods, and above all, horsepower dominated a growing and passionate car culture.While those traits continued to exist in one form or another throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, that golden era of motoring that really got into gear after World War II may soon come to an end. Some further proof? It says it all in a newly released annual survey conducted by the Deloitte consulting company.

It claims that people who were born beginning in the 1980s, often referred to as 'Generation Y', prefer for their cars today to be hybrids loaded with high-tech features.

Automotive consultant Craig Giffi who managed the survey has stated that "This could be the generation that leads us away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles."According to the survey, 59 percent of these consumers, aged 19-31, replied that they prefer an "electrified vehicle" to other types of cars and trucks. They also want touch-screen controls with smartphone applications.

Yeah, we know. We're now living in an era of smartphone, hybrid loving sissies who don't know how to drive manual transmissions (with the noted exception of CarBuzz readers, you're all cool). Back in the late 1950s, however, a man named Wally Troy had a vision to build a true European influenced street legal race car that was free from all unnecessary weight and creature comforts.He was also the first official Jaguar dealer in the state of Illinois. In addition to being a smart businessman, he was also a talented craftsman who made his passion come alive. He achieved this in 1959 and the Troy Roadster pictured here was the result.
And sadly enough, it was the only one ever built. It featured a carefully handcrafted aluminum body, a tubular frame and belly pan, and was originally powered by a 283 4.6-liter Chevy V8 with 195hp.In 1960, the car was featured in Hot Rod magazine as well as a period comic book. For several years the car's location was unknown, but in 1975 it was found and bought by the current owner.It was stored for nearly 20 years before a full restoration was started. That was when the current engine was installed: a 350 5.7-liter Chevy V8 with over 300hp.

It has all period correct components, such as a Corvette manifold and 4 barrel carbs in order to make it resemble its original appearance. In addition, the front suspension is a Ford straight axle with leaf springs while the rear axle is a 50s era Ford 9-inch with parallel leaf springs. The front brakes are Chevrolet discs while the rears are Ford drums.After the restoration was completed, it was shown at the 2004 Amelia Island Concourse. And it's now for sale on eBay Motors, with a current bid of $36,100. However, the reserve hasn't been met and it's possible the seller has a much higher number in mind for something this special.
With just 2,000 miles on the odometer, this one-off street legal racer is only for the true gearhead. It's meant and ready to be driven - without any sort of infotainment system or smartphone app. The engine note and the wind in your face are all you'll ever need.Photos courtesy of 2shores

Unique of the Week: One-Off 1959 Troy-Chevrolet Street Legal Racer

Unique of the Week: 1962 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

The Ford Thunderbird wasn't always the size of a boat, as it was originally built as a competitor to the Corvette. 

We hope you've been enjoying our feature Corvette Evolution series this past week, so we figured it was only appropriate to present the other famous American sports car of that era: the Ford Thunderbird. Clearly, the T-Bird did not evolve in the same way as the Corvette did, but it still went on to create a huge fan base throughout the decades even as it grew bigger and more boat-like.However, it first started off as a direct competitor to the Corvette when it was unveiled at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show.
Like the Corvette, it was a two-seater and Ford proudly marketed it as a 'personal luxury car' as they wanted to emphasize the car's comforts and conveniences over performance.
And it was an immediate hit, outselling the Corvette by more than 23-to-one in 1955. All told, 16,155 Thunderbirds were sold compared to only 700 Corvettes. The first generation car was powered by a standard 4.8-liter V8 that could allow it to reach a top speed of almost 120 mph. There was also a standard removable fiberglass top with those distinctive round side windows; a fabric top was also an option.

The second generation was launched in 1958 and this was when things really began to, shall we say, expand. Senior Ford management felt that sales would be more limited by leaving the car as a two-seater, hence the decision to add a rear seat. This not only dramatically increased its size, but also its weight. Ford designers also made the tailfins more prominent and added more chrome along with a rear seat tonneau cover. They also gave it a more powerful V8, now increasing its size to 5.8-liters with 300hp.

1961 saw the introduction of the third generation with sleeker styling and a more bullet-like appearance. It came with a new engine, a 6.4-liter V8 also with 300hp.

Throughout the 1960s, the Thunderbird continued to grow in size with each new generation and was soon forced to go more upmarket with the introduction of the Mustang, another four-seater coupe/convertible. In fact, by 1967 Ford even dropped the convertible and replaced it with a four-door model, but it had suicide doors instead of conventional rear doors.
As the years passed by, the Thunderbird continued to be designed and built as a large personal luxury cruiser and throughout the 1970s and 80s it still sold decently well, but the market for this class of car was quickly dissipating.

It was discontinued in 1997 only to return in 2002 as a retro styled tribute to the first generation. It ended production in 2005 after disappointing sales. Since then, Ford has focused solely on developing the Mustang.This 1962 Thunderbird Roadster is currently up for sale on eBay Motors. According to the owner, it went through a frame-on restoration in 2004 which included a rebuilt transmission, new paint, convertible top, upholstery, dual exhaust system, carpeting, and re-chromed bumpers. It also has a number of factory options like power steering, brakes, windows, and seats.
It still even has the original AM radio and clock, both of which are still working. Powered by a 390 cu in V8 with 300hp, it has 82,221 miles on the odometer, which isn't bad at all for a 50 year old car.As of this writing, it has a current bid of just over $10,000, but the reserve hasn't been yet. For anyone looking to own a classic Thunderbird in solid shape with its original paperwork, this is an absolutely gorgeous example that will likely get picked up quickly. Photos courtesy of stevespony.

Unique of the Week: 1962 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

1989 Porsche 911 Turbo RUF CTR Yellowbird

This RUF Porsche 911 Yellowbird is one of just six of its type ever built and the only one built for the U.S.

There's no question the Porsche 911 is one of the finest all-around sports cars ever built. Many will argue that it's the best hands down. While everyone is entitled to their opinion (some say it's nothing more than a glorified VW Beetle), it's hard to deny the car's influence and performance as a whole on the industry.And the 911 Turbo took both of those factors to an even higher level. First launched in 1974, the legendary model has also gone through several doses of engineering evolution.

In 1977, a small car company called RUF Automobile launched their first model, a tuned version of the Porsche 930, a very early turbocharged 911.And in 1987, their CTR Yellowbird set the world record as the fastest production vehicle for its time. Although they're extremely rare, we've just found one for sale on eBay Motors. This 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird is only one of six aluminum lightweight Street/Track Yellowbirds ever built. Another 22 units were steel versions. Weighing in at a total of just 2,520 pounds, this Yellowbird is the lightest CTR on the planet, according to the seller.
It was the only CTR Yellowbird built to be imported specifically to the U.S. and has had only one previous owner.It was constructed on an original 1989 911 Carrera chassis that was then modified with a RUF-made fuel tank, adjustable front and rear suspension, FIA approved roll cages, adjustable boost gauge and brake bias adjuster, and a special CTR lightweight RUF brake ducted front spoiler. Power comes from a 3.4-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six with 525hp and 475lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm. It redlines at 7,400 rpm.

Mated to a unique RUF six-speed manual transmission, each gear has its own dedicated sprayer through an internally custom-built oiling rail system. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 215 mph. As such, it previously completed a 13 mile lap at the Old Nurburgring in about 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Other features include black Recaro Kevlar racing seats with 6-point harnesses, a black leather dash board, and aerodynamic headlight lens covers. More recently, it was featured on the cover of "9" magazine. As expected, it's also been meticulously maintained both mechanically and cosmetically under the care of Porsche experts at the 901 Shop. With a total of 14,866 miles on the odometer, the 'Buy it Now' price is listed at $279,000. For any true Porsche 911 enthusiast with the cash to spare, this RUF CTR Yellowbird would be an absolutely amazing buy. Photos courtesy of telstarvideo 

Unique of the Week: 2006 Factory Five GTM Supercar

The "Nuclear Banana" GTM supercar is now up for sale on eBay - and at a bargain price.

For those aren't familiar with them, Factory Five Racing is an American company that builds and designs kits for replicas and other sports cars. Some of their products include the original Mustang-based FFR Roadster and a '33 Hot Rod that's styled to resemble the original 1933 Ford street rod, but utilizes a modern chassis.A few years ago, however, the company decided to do something a bit different when they created the mid-engined GTM Supercar.
It's powered by a GM Performance all aluminum LS6 V8 with 671hp and built on a modified Porsche 911 GT3 drivetrain. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and according to the seller, you can even go from 0 to 100 mph and back down to 0 in 10 seconds.
Additionally, it's possible to take off from a complete stop in fifth gear. Top speed is in excess of 200 mph. Other GM components include suspension parts with four-corner coil-over shocks, and larger brakes. Just as important, the GTM is both light and aerodynamic and has excellent weight distribution and race car precise handling and braking.

To give an example as to how fast this car is, the seller is claiming that its performance exceeds that of many Porsche 911s, the Dodge Viper, Audi R8, and the Nissan GT-R.Besides the all-important performance specs, this GTM, nicknamed the "Nuclear Banana," is equipped with a carbon fiber dash, engine bay cover, valve cover caps, and complete skirting and a rear wing.The interior features Alcantara and leather accents, Recaro Racing seats, five-point harnesses, a Momo steering wheel, Dakota Digital instrumentation with an onboard computer, lap timer, and even a full fire suppression system.
Some other creature comforts include A/C, audio system, iPod dock, 10-inch subwoofers, and an alarm system. And the best part is that it's street legal in all 50 U.S. states.It has only 5,021 miles on the odometer and a 'Buy it Now' price of $89,888. Compared to the astronomical prices of some its most direct competition, this 2006 GTM is an absolute steal. Photos courtesy of starwoodmotors

Unique of the Week: Bentley Continental GT Zagato

This highly collectible one-off Bentley Continental GT styled by Zagato is now up for sale on eBay. 

Back in 2008, Bentley partnered up with the legendary Milan, Italy based design house Zagato to build a very special version of the Continental GT. The result was the Continental GTZ and it was officially unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The original plan was to build nine units. But in order to have one, customers first had to buy the $200,000 Continental GT Speed and then pay an additional €550,000 for the Zagato styling. All told, the GTZ cost €800,000 ($1.1 million).
So what did that extra €550k buy exactly? Pure Italian goodness. To start with, it features Zagato's signature double-bubble roof, a round tail with a unique taillight design, and even a hand-painted pin-stripe that's the same color as the tan interior.The leather trim was also re-upholstered in even higher quality leather complete with Z motifs that have been stitched into the seatbacks. Want more? There's also full leather headlining for the roof and keyless ignition. It's powered by the same twin turbo 6.0-liter 600hp W12 as the regular version and is mated to a six-speed automatic.

Some other features included Xenon headlights, a chrome grille, and 10-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats. As attractive as all of this is, there simply weren't enough customers willing to fork over the extra cash, resulting in what appears to be a one-off model.And now that car, the exact one that appeared at the Geneva show, is up for sale on eBay Motors by a Bentley dealership located in San Francisco, California.With only 870 miles on the odometer, there's no question that it's been meticulously maintained and hardly driven.

For anyone looking to add something truly special to their collection, this could just be one of the best Christmas presents they ever bought for themselves.The only downside? The dealer wants to get at least $1.1 million for it and they have a 'Buy it Now' price of $1.45 million. So far there haven't been any takers and if anyone has the funds available, this Continental GTZ is certainly an attractive thing. There's no question that nobody else in the world would have an identical Continental GT, or rather, a GTZ.Thanks 'djbreakz00' for the tip.

Pictures courtsey of britishmotorexotics

Unique of the Week: 1973 Lamborghini Jarama GTS

With only 6,600 miles, this 1973 Lamborghini Jarama GTS is now up for sale on eBay Motors. 

For those who don't know the story, Italian industrialist Ferruccio Lamborghini's first business enterprise was in tractor manufacturing. His success quickly grew and he went on to become a major manufacturer of agricultural equipment that was vital during Italy's post-war economic recovery. And with such success, the money poured in.Already an experienced mechanic from an earlier career of owning a garage where he modified old Fiats, Lamborghini also had a passion for expensive cars.

He owned various Alfa Romeos, Lancias, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL, a Jaguar E-Type, and two Maserati 3500 GTs. More importantly, he also bought a Ferrari 250GT. And after a bad experience with Ferrari's technicians during a transmission rebuild, he ended up modifying and repairing the unit himself. Lamborghini then went on to build what he envisioned to be the ideal Gran Turismo exotic car and the rest is history.After several models such as the 350GT/GTV, the Miura, and Countach, he continued building grand tourers such as the Jarama.

Introduced in 1970 and built until '76, the Jarama was penned by renowned automotive designer Marcello Gandini. It was powered by the familiar V12 and was built specifically for export to the U.S.It was based on the Islero, which was unable to meet then new U.S. safety and emissions laws. Instead of modifying the car, Lamborghini chose to design an all-new model.

While the Jarama may look similar to the Islero simply due to both being designed by Gandini, it had a shorter chassis and various others mechanical and styling changes.

The original was the GT model that had 350hp but when the GTS was introduced in 1973, output was increased to 365hp. The GTS also had power assisted steering, removable roof panels, and even an optional automatic transmission.
All told, only 328 Jaramas were built (150 were GTS models) and one of those is now up for sale on eBay. This 1973 Jarama GTS has only 6,600 miles and is painted in a gorgeous orange with a black leather interior.Options such as the Phillips AM/FM cassette stereo that's placed up between the sun visors, A/C, and power windows are all factory original.
The seller is also including an original tool and jack kit, spare wheel and tire, and owner's manual. It currently has a 'Buy it Now' price of $79,000, but the seller is taking offers. For a Lamborghini this rare, we think the price is reasonable. Not to mention that it looks gorgeous both inside and out.
Pictures courtesy of sparkles000