Classic Wheel

Many people think that there is nothing better than getting a truck to drive around town. There are many people who may think that driving a truck is the only way to go and in this sense they are entirely correct. There are many people that use their truck for many things and this is a great way to help you move or do other things that you can use a truck for.

If you are headed to purchase some type of equipment for your home, you will be happy to know that a truck may well be one of the best ways for you to do all the things that may come along your way. It is a great idea to have a truck to move things and haul things as well.

So, if you make a list of should you get a truck or a car, it is very likely that you may decide on a cheap used truck. It can certainly allow you to have a much stronger peace of mind when it comes to moving things and it can allow you to make the most help to get things moved at the fastest pace and ease.

Many times companies will try to get you to purchase their vehicle, but you should really stop and think about what you’ll be using it for. There are a lot of people who may want to consider seriously prior to getting a new car what they will be using it for. It can really make a big difference in the long run if you get a truck or a car, so you will want to think seriously about this.

There are many ways to use a truck and this is why most people are very likely to choose a truck over a car, so bear this in mind.

The term classic car is used to denote those cars which were manufactured before the year 1959. The exact definition is highly subjective as there are different set by different car manufacturers, critics, automobile clubs and associations across the world. Overall most of us consider old cars to be a part of a classic car collection.

The classic car is defined as a distinctive automobiles built during the Pre World War 2 era beginning after the Great Depression of 1929 till the emergence of the modern era of automobiles in the 70s. The classic car era can be divided into two categories, the pre war era and the post war era.

During the pre world war time, cars manufactured with enclosed structures and incorporated fenders were the most preferred ones. In the later years, cars with sedan body including storage boots or trunks became popular and these kinds of quality models ruled the roads for a long time. With the end of the era of classic cars, the use of previously popular models like phaetons, touring vehicles and the open-top runabouts also diminished and slowly got out of use as well.

Gradually, headlights, arms and running boards were included all over the body of the vehicle. Other technical advancements that followed included flat- headed V8 engine, V12 monocoque body engines, front wheel transmission, synchromesh gear box and other specialized parts lead to the gradual evolution of classic car. However, nearing the end of pre world war period, the total number of car makers declined to a great extent due to acquisition and mergers with the big manufacturers in those times.

The list of these classic cars include names of Rolls Royce model Phantom III, Bugatti Type 57, Alvis Speed 25, Volksagen, Citroen Traction Avant, Alvis Speed Model 25 and Alvis Speed 20 and Ford V8.

War end heralds another phase of classic car. The automobile industry had suffered a great impact of both the wars. The big names of the industry had been washed out. Different new models and makes of different types of cars came into being. Many new coupes and tourers were introduced by the emerging manufacturers who were desperate to leave their marks.

After the war many of the automobile giants felt the need for smaller family type cars. Cars like Ford Consul, Morris Minor and Rover P4 became very popular. The Volkswagen Beetle the largest sold car model till date became a hit in the European and US markets because of its compact size and shape. Beetle remained the largest sold car till the production was stopped in 2003.

It was in this phase that requirement of small family cars gave free passage to Japanese car making companies which succeeded in feeding the market with adequate supply. However, a British Car Mini, small in size, too was very popular in those days.

The highly useful sports car gained popularity in the post world war classic car era. These include models of Porsche model 356 Roadstar, Aurelia V6 Powered from the home of Lancia and Ferrari 250 car series. With tremendous performance, all of these models blasted down European roads.

With the end of classic car phase, the new cars manufactured with many new developments of technology like uni-body, double wishbone suspension, latest engine types like rotary, twin V, boxer and so on. Everything that is associated with the present day classic car changed during this phase, from speed to power.

When driving in icey conditions there is a greater risk that your car will skid. This is obvious. However the simple fact is this, a majority of car skidding is a result of driver error or rather poor, ineffective driving and not poor weather conditions.

By driving in a manner which pushes grip levels to the limit, by driving at inappropriate speeds or steering, braking and accelerating too harshly, than you run the risk of skidding.

To prevent skidding you should never ask your car to do more than it can do with the grip available. As a result, in poor weather conditions you should:

1) Reduce your speed.

2) Increase your stopping distance, so if the vehicle in front stops unexpectedly you have enough space to brake to a stop without skidding.

3) Take extra care when approaching a bend.

4) Be gentle and progressive when steering, accelerating and braking.

Your car is more likely to skid when the road is icy or covered in snow. In such conditions to avoid skidding you should slow right down. You should also steer and brake very gently. Your stopping distance should also be increased by up to ten times greater than in normal conditions.

When driving in winter, and especially on a winters evening when the sky is clear you should look out for ice forming on the road. For early warning signs look to see if ice is forming on the windows of parked cars. You should bee extra careful when traveling on an exposed road such as a motorway bridge. Ice will often form here first. If your car has an outside temperature meter then keep a close eye on it.

In freezing conditions beware of rain. This can form black ice which lies invisible on the road. Black ice isn’t actually black, it is transparent. Hence it’s notoriety as a driver hazard.

In icy conditions your steering may start to feel lighter. Tyre noise may also decrease. If this happens then you are likely to be driving on ice. To prevent a dangerous skid lift your foot gently off the accelerator. This will allow your car to slow smoothly and gently. If you need to continue driving then do so slowly using a high gear. This will help you avoid hard acceleration which could spin the wheels.

Accelerating too hard can also cause skidding. If you accelerate too hard when moving off on a slippery road then the driven wheels will spin without propelling the car forward. In icy conditions some wheel spin may be inevitable. To minimize the spin try engaging a higher gear.

Braking hard on a slippery road can also cause your car to skid. Your wheels can lock up and you will continue onwards with little or no braking effect. The locked wheels will also prevent you from steering. If this happens you should release the brake pedal to free the wheels then reapply the brake less harshly. If your car has ABS fitted then your wheels won’t lock. However don’t think ABS eases all problems when driving on a slippery road. It doesn’t.

On a slippery road if you approach a corner too quickly there is a good possibility that your car will skid. This is even more likely if you also brake harshly whilst taking the corner. You turn the steering wheel to corner but there is no response and the car continues on ahead. This is a classic front wheel skid. If this happens then remove your foot from the accelerator. This throws the weight balance of the car forwards and helps the tyres find grip. Do not use the brake. As the tyres find grip carefully steer the car into the direction of the skid. For example if the rear of the car skids to the left, steer quickly and smoothly to the left.

Some driving schools have access to skid-pans. If you are learning to drive and soon to take your driving test then it is also wise to ask your driving insuructor to give you lessons in how to deal with a skid.
Tags: bridge, simple fact, risk, sky, rain, stopping distance, accelerator, cars, extra care, notoriety, tyre, black ice, early warning signs, driver error

South Africa has a long and robust motorsport heritage which includes:

*  The hosting of premier international motor races

*  The design & manufacture of one of the most desirable latter day Super-7s

* A strong connection to one of the original ‘Bentley Boys’ of the 1920’s.

This rich race car culture has opened up the industry in South Africa. Now anyone from a tourist, businessman or local car enthusiast can experience the thrill of racing in a classic car such as the Birkin S3. Here’s how it all began:

East London the venue of the first Grand Prix in 1934

The sleepy sea-side settlement of East London hosted the nation’s first Grand Prix in 1934. Classic race cars whizzed around a circuit constructed on the outskirts of the city. The Inaugural winner was American ace, Whitney Straight, in a Maserati! Thirty years on, South Africa hosted its first F1 World Championship, a race won by Graham Hill. Formula One was firmly entrenched in the country’s motorsport lore until 1992, when the political system of apartheid effectively scuppered all international sporting ties.

The advent of the A1 Grand Prix World Cup of Motorsport in 2005 placed South Africa back in the motor racing spotlight. Of the 25 nations competing in the FIA backed event, South Africa is the only representative of the African continent.

The Birkin Brand – proudly South African

The South African connection to classic race cars, however, isn’t confined to the tracks. A classic race car, which is designed and manufactured in South Africa, by a South African, is the Birkin S3. Fashioned on the popular Lotus 7, the Birkin is considered by many classic race car lovers, the world over, as the finest of the modern Super-7’s. With the look of Lotus and the name ‘Birkin’, the S3 Roadster is more than a classic race car, it’s a racing phenomenon!

Descendant of Bentley Boy, Sir Henry Birkin

The South African designer and producer of the Birkin classic race car marque, John Watson, is a descendant of 1920’s race car driver, Sir Henry Birkin. He, together with a group of wealthy British motorists, the Bentley Boys, enhanced the Bentley brand by winning a number of important international motor races, including the world’s oldest endurance race, 24 Hours of Le Mans! Today, the Birkin S3 is sold throughout the world either as a turn-key model or as a DIY kit. To get behind the wheel of one of these beauties is no longer the exclusive right of the wealthy or seasoned race car driver.

Racey & incomparable corporate events

Dedicated motor racing companies offer the full racing experience to ardent classic race car fans. Big business has seized the day and now rewards valued clients and committed staff members with a racy and unique corporate event; the sheer thrill of driving classic race cars in South Africa.

For a refreshing take on corporate events, networking, team building or just a personal race car driving experience, Fantastic Racing in South Africa offers packages to suit you.