2 minute read
GEAR
1968 PONTIAC GTO “ROYAL BOBCAT”
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The latest collectible to join the Hemmings merchandise store is a die-cast scale model of the March 2020 (HMM #199) cover car, the Musclepalooza XXIX Best-in-Show-winning 1968 Pontiac GTO in Royal Bobcat livery. This New England-based hardtop was rescued and carefully restored, its story making it worthy of being rendered in 1:18. The unusual Meridian Turquoise metallic paint of the Auto World model (item AMM1277) is accented with a white rear deck, white striping, and delicate emblems that include Royal Bobcat plaques on the doors. Flock carpet and detailed panels give the interior a realistic appearance that’s matched by the 400-cu.in. V-8 with Ram Air II components that nestles between red fender liners below the opening hood. Era-appropriate redline tires wrap steerable ve-spoke Hurst wheels, and the undercarriage looks true to life. The nishing touch: scale Hemmings Muscle Machines logo plates on the front and rear. Pontiac fans will want to grab this special piece before it sells out.
NHRA DEDICATED TO SAFETY SIGN
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT • 800-230-3030 SUMMITRACING.COM • $16.99
The National Hot Rod Association— founded by Wally Parks in 1951 as a sanctioning body that legitimized the new sport of drag racing and established rules for its safe operation—experienced massive growth through the 1960s. By the mid-1970s, some of the most widely popular classes overseen by the NHRA were Top Fuel and Funny Car, and representative examples of each were what the organization chose to highlight in an update to its famous red, white, and blue oval emblem. Summit Racing Equipment now offers a decorative steel sign (item ORB-90202054) that’s sized 20 x 10.25-inches and represents the NHRA’s calling card from 1974 through 1985. It sports visual representations of those two hot classes, along with the evergreen trademark phrase, “Dedicated to Safety.” It’s an inexpensive piece of history that will spark memories and inspire conversations as it enlivens your garage or den wall.
HOW TO INSTALL CORVETTE INTERIOR KITS
BY FRED MATTSON • CARTECH PUBLISHING • 800-551-4754 • CARTECHBOOKS.COM • $39.95
To some, restoring the interior of a vehicle—reupholstering seats, replacing door panels, tting carpeting, installing a folding soft top—is even more daunting than tackling an engine rebuild. It doesn’t have to be that way, especially if you can use components that are intended to work together, as you’ll nd in many suppliers’ interior parts kits. The rst three generations of Corvette share great interiorpart replacement availability, and a new book has been published that walks you through the process.
Professional automotive upholsterer and Corvette specialist Fred Mattson has authored an impressive title for owners of Chevy’s classic berglass sports cars that will take the apprehension out of undertaking aftermarket interior-kit installation. This 176-page softcover is logically structured, starting with the basics of where to order parts, how to do so, and what tools you should have on hand for the various tasks you’ll perform. Mattson points out speci c features of rst, second, and third generation interiors using detailed color photos and clear language to lead readers through what are sometimes complex replacement processes. While this book is geared towards Corvette owners, it’s an excellent resource for anyone considering doing their own automotive interior restoration using premade kit components.
