Johns Auto Parts

Are “barn finds” gone?

JohnsAutoParts — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:54:55 +0000

After so many years of people like you and me scouring the countryside fields, old barns and garages, you may tend to think that there are very few classic or collector cars left to find. Granted, the ultra rare cars that noone knew the whereabouts of, have been hunted down or tracked to their graves or restored, but that doesn’t mean there are no classics to be found out there. Here are some barn finds that were reported in 2011.

1955 Belair that had been sitting for over 20 years in northern MN. It had a built 283 and a 4 spd
1919 Model T that had not seen daylight since 1978. Very good shape.
1940 Ford drag car found in North Carolina.
1951 Fleetline 4 dr with no rust on the body
1966 Ford Fairlane GT Ragtop 390 FE
426 Hemi motor in the rafters of a barn.
1967 Cutlass convertible with 4 speed

Rest assured there will be plenty found in 2012 too, so keep those eyes open and don’t be afraid to ask. Good Luck!!

Filed under: Cars Tagged: barn finds

“You got a job to do…I got a job to do”

JohnsAutoParts — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:18:46 +0000

With all the tight spaces, traffic and bad drivers that bus drivers have to deal with every day, it probably makes sense that they may be a little on edge sometimes. Apparently this lady bus driver said, “I don’t care who or what you are, I’m gonna make my stop.”

Filed under: News and Events, Unbelievable

Another Lambo Car B Que.

JohnsAutoParts — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:42:14 +0000

Here is another one that we can put under “what were they thinking?” At the Portland Auto Show people were excited that there was going to be a Lamborghini Gallardo on display owned by a private party. By fire code you cannot bring in a vehicle to the facility with more than a quarter tank of fuel. At check in they discovered the Gallardo was over the allowed limit. What to do, what to do? While me or you may think of siphoning some fuel out, or maybe going on a nice drive (after all, the car gets only 10 mpg)to burn the fuel off. Someone had the great idea of sitting and revving the snot out of it to burn some fuel. Soon that person got bored, so they went and found a board that they wedged between the gas pedal and the seat, pushing on the throttle. Somehow the engine stayed together, but eventually did overheat, causing the Lambo to catch fire. Sorry folks, no Gallardo this year!

Filed under: Unbelievable Tagged: lamborghini gallardo

Late snow = late snow feet

JohnsAutoParts — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:37:28 +0000

With so many parts of the country getting their snow so late this year, some of us are getting our snow feet a little later then normal. Here is a little reminder that, yes, snow is slippery and yes, you do have to watch your speed. Watch and learn.

Filed under: Unbelievable

Average age of light vehicles on the road increases to 10.8 years

JohnsAutoParts — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:32:07 +0000

An analysis from Polk Automotive research firm released today has said that the average age of “light ” vehicles, or basically cars, has increased to 10.8 years for 2011. Polk says they expect a rebound in new car sales over the next few months that will most likely slow the increased rate that the nations fleet is aging.

Filed under: News and Events Tagged: automotive research, new car sales

Want to be one of the first Scion FR-S owners?

JohnsAutoParts — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:07:15 +0000

Scion has announced at the Detroit Auto Show that if you would like to be one of the first 86 owners of the new Scion FR-S, you can head over to www.scionfirst86.com on Jan. 12th and sign up for a drawing in which 86 lucky people will get first delivery of the new rear drive sports coupe. Scion has said that there will also be some special gifts that come with the car for these first 86 orders.

Filed under: Cars, News and Events

Dodge Dart is coming back.

JohnsAutoParts — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:49:31 +0000

As a kid I remember seeing our neighbors purple Dodge dart sitting out in their driveway and admiring it, just because it was purple. Ha! Looks like we may be seeing the return of the Dodge Dart for the 2013 model year. According to rumors in the web, these images got to the internet a little sooner than Dodge really wanted, so the reveal at the Detroit auto show will not quite have the surprise Dodge was hoping for. The Dart will be replacing the Caliber model on a wider platform and will offer 3 different 4 cylinder engines. More power and better fuel mileage can be expected across the board for all engines.

Filed under: Cars, News and Events Tagged: detroit auto show, dodge dart

Levi LaVallee’s jump

JohnsAutoParts — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:42:23 +0000

New Years eve, Levi LeVallee of Longville, MN made a 412 foot jump on his Polaris snowmobile and we get to ride along, via his Go Cam.

Filed under: News and Events, Unbelievable Tagged: levi, longville mn, new years eve

Utah truck driver wins Lamborghini, then crashes it.

JohnsAutoParts — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:42:18 +0000

David Dopp, a Utah truck driver, won a lime green Lamborghini Murcielago in a charity raffle last week. The car was valued at $350,000 and also included $4000 in high performance driving lessons. Unfortunately he didn’t even make it to the next day, much less his first driving lesson. A mere 6 hours later, while giving a friend a ride, Dopp spun out on a icy road and wrecked the car. Luckily, before he could pick up the car he had won, Dopp had to prove that he had auto insurance on the Lambo, so insurance should cover the damages. If it is totaled, he will get a check for $300,000, if it isnt damaged enough to be totaled, then it will be fixed and he will be stuck with a Lamborghini that has a marked title.

Filed under: Cars, News and Events, Unbelievable Tagged: lamborghini crash

Saab officially files for bankruptcy.

JohnsAutoParts — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:02:29 +0000

The 1974 Saab 99

Saab’s CEO Victor Muller said Monday that the last nail in the coffin was when GM blocked an attempt by a Chinese company to take over the struggling brand. It was a 60 year run for Saab, with many ups and downs. GM’s biggest concerns being that some of its technology would end up in the hands of the Chinese company. Muller fended off bankruptcy by trying to negotiate debt and selling off real estate that Saab owned, but in the end it was just not enough. Saab’s loyal followers are still holding out that a new buyer will surface just in time, but it does not look likely. Most likely the company will be chopped up and sold piece meal.

Source: www.msnbc.com

Filed under: Cars, News and Events