SUMMER 2008
Welcome to the Summer 2008 issue of Moss Motoring. Immerse yourself in a vast range of stories that range from personal profiles, to technical advice, and more. We promise it’s a ride worth your while. Browse the articles below.
The Big Impact of the Mini
For a car to be produced and sold for nearly half a century, it has to have a lot going for it. The Mini, first launched in 1959, is one of the most beloved cars ever made. During 41 years of production, 5.3 million Minis were sold worldwide. When BMW launched the all-new Mini Cooper…
Spritely Beginnings
I had my first glimpse of a Sprite during the winter of 1958. John Thornley, MG factory boss and BMC Competition Department instigator, heard that I was writing “Modified Motoring,” a tuning book on the A series Austin A35 and Morris Minor. He invited me to an early showing of the Bugeye so that I…
Kent Prather, EIGHT-Time SCCA Champion
Kent Prather has been racing the same 1962 MGA for nearly 30 years. Together they’ve made history: Prather has taken the car to the SCCA national championships every year since 1984 and has won an unprecedented six G Production championships. His track record earned him the SCCA President’s Cup in 2005, the highest award in…
Virginia is for Lovers…of British Cars
In addition to old cars, I collect old cameras. As folks who have visited will tell you, every nook and cranny of my house is stuffed with photographica. The cardinal rule of collecting states that when you run out of room, you buy a bigger house. Not all spouses are aware of this, but trust…
Vintage University – Give Racing a Try
Always wanted to give vintage racing a try? There’s an opportunity every February at Buttonwillow Raceway in Buttonwillow, California, that offers a safe, low-cost way to get out on the track in a classic car and learn racing techniques from the experts. It’s presented by the Vintage Auto Racing Association (VARA), a group that’s been…
Mitty Mania Summer 2008
British Cars Add to the Global Tapestry at Road Atlanta By Scott R. Lear Many events claim to offer something for everyone, but the GRM Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty presented by Mazda is truly an all-you-can-eat buffet of automotive delicacies from around the world. Held this year from May 1-4, the Mitty served…
Hot Rod Horror Film Debuts
By Kathleen M. Mangan; photography by Tim Suddard The top-billed screening at this year’s Southern Yosemite Automotive Film Festival held in March in Oakhurst, California, was like a combination of the Hollywood film premieres of two classic movies: “American Graffiti” (think loads of classic cruisers) and the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (think campy mayhem). There is…