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AN ORIGINAL LIGHTWEIGHT: This 135-Code 1968 Ford Mustang 428 CJR was an NHRA Knockout

Written by Nicole Ellan James

2023 NEW ORLEANS AUCTION – 1968 FORD MUSTANG 428 CJR FASTBACK – NO RESERVE

In 1968, Ford undertook the construction of a series of 50 “135” fastback Mustangs with a specific objective: to qualify for NHRA stock classes. Meticulously assigned consecutive VIN codes starting with 8F02R135007 and ending with 8F02R135056, these vehicles incorporated the relatively new 428ci engine equipped with a mix of Police Interceptor parts and bespoke Ford performance gears to create what has become known as the Cobra Jet.

To introduce this remarkable car, Ford produced homologation models exclusively tailored for racing purposes. All elegantly coated in Wimbledon White over a sleek black interior, these models proudly showcased the powerful 428ci engine hooked to a 4-speed transmission, manual drum brakes and a 3.89:1 rear end (despite the door tags indicating a 3.25:1).

Among the 50 units, 20 were designated as pure lightweights, as indicated by DSO 844661, intentionally devoid of sound insulation or seam sealer. It is crucial to emphasize that when their racing intentions are mentioned, it is by no means an exaggeration. Ford faced a predicament as they lacked suitable exhaust manifolds for the 428 Cobra Jet in the Mustang during that period. Consequently, they resorted to installing 390 manifolds solely to fulfill delivery requirements. With a rear port mating surface as narrow as one-sixteenth of an inch, these vehicles were not suitable for street use. However, it was expected that virtually all owners of these 50 Mustangs would eventually install headers, regardless.

In late December 1967, Ford manufactured the 1968 Lightweight Cobra Jet being offered with No Reserve during the inaugural Barrett-Jackson New Orleans Auction, September 28-30. Bearing the identification number #135044, the car was initially sold by Russ Davis Ford of Covina, California.

Among the 50 cars produced, several found their way into the possession of race teams. Notably, two specific vehicles – with identification numbers 135050 and 135054 – were included in a group of six cars that played a significant role in introducing the world to the 428 Cobra Jet at the 1968 NHRA Winternationals.

According to a previous owner, this 1968 Mustang had an impressive racing history at Music City Speedway in the C-Stock category for approximately 10 years. Around 1978, it underwent a transformation into a Super Stock car under the ownership of Jeff Velde, a renowned drag racer and dealership owner. Subsequently, the vehicle received a meticulous restoration to its original specifications by Randy Delisio of Lyons, New York, while the engine underwent comprehensive enhancements by Cobra Automotive in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Notably, this Mustang achieved recognition and acclaim in various circles and emerged as a  Hemmings Muscle Car of the Year finalist back in 2013. The car’s significance is further reinforced by its inclusion in the 428 Cobra Jet Registry. It again garnered attention when featured in Hemmings in 2018, further solidifying its place as a remarkable vehicle with a noteworthy legacy.

These 1968 Mustangs, born from Ford’s pursuit of racing excellence, continue to captivate with their power, history and enduring appeal. They serve as a testament to the innovation, passion and timeless allure of American muscle cars, taking their rightful place in automotive lore. For a chance to make it yours and own a piece of Mustang history, register to bid today.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: AN ORIGINAL LIGHTWEIGHT: This 135-Code 1968 Ford Mustang 428 CJR was an NHRA Knockout
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/an-original-lightweight-this-135-code-1968-ford-mustang-428-cjr-was-an-nhra-knockout-new-orleans-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 22:14:15 +0000

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

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From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

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Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

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