Craig Smith’s Austin Handbuilt Custom

Posted on Oct 16, 2015Written by Ken Altes

Craig Smith’s daily driver, 1992 jeep on a 2011 Crown Vic chassis with a 2004 Mustang V8, including traction control and electronic differential, that he put together in ten days. Brilliant, thanks for sending the pic! I asked Craig a few questions about his creation, here is what he said:
“The jeep I built from scratch every panel. The only pieces that are truly from a jeep are the front fenders and hood. Both are chopped and modified. Front racked forward. Chopped the cage welded it to the frame. Last year of full frame. Aluminum front subframe and suspension. 4 link w watts link in rear. Its skin and bones. Weighs 2100 with me in it. I’m 150ish.”

2015 Corvette Stingray Heading South on IH-35

Posted on Jun 7, 2015Written by Ken Altes

Stunning car, wonder if it’s just a color choice or a special model? Has temp dealer plates from David Stanley Chevrolet in Norman, OK.

P.S. Readers have identified this car as belonging to a young fellow in Austin, and the color from a car wrap, likely from Graphics Guys, also in Austin.

Bad Karma: Fisker Fail, in Round Rock

Posted on Feb 21, 2015Written by Ken Altes

A plug-in hybrid, about 2400 Fisker Karmas were sold in the US from 2011 to 2013 when it went bankrupt. Dual 161 hp motors and a turbocharged GM gas 200cc Ecotec engine that is used as a generator only. At a wheelbase of 124 inches and its batteries, it weighs approx. 5300 lbs, but can dash to 60 in 6.3 seconds but can travel only about 31 miles on its battery alone. Batteries run up the middle of the floor, allowing a very small interior, classified as a “subcompact.” The interior is eco friendly with salvaged/reclaimed wood, and the leather for the interior uses much more of the typical cow hide that would include scars and other visual imperfections. But, a new company, VL Automotive, has formed to put in place of the hybrid system a supercharged Corvette engine making more than 500 hp.