Two Modern Day Interpretations of 60's Retro Cool.

[ChipBeck_imp]

Gentlemen,

While it may be true that form follows function, that adage often culminates in results that are less than beautiful.........but not always. During World War II and under tremendous pressure to develop a new, more effective fighter for American and Allied pilots, North American Aviation was certainly not attempting to create the most beautiful aircraft that has ever been produced when they started designing the P-51. They were cobbling together a platform that could use our plentiful Allison water-cooled V-12 engines, six wing mounted 50 caliber machine guns, and was relatively easy to produce and maintain. The fifth-generation of that aircraft was powered by more powerful Rolls-Royce and Packard built V-12 engines and more by chance than design, it's shape was stunningly beautiful from any angle. The passage of over 70 years since its production has not aged it and to many pilots, both young and old, the P-51D Mustang is still the best looking airplane that has ever been produced.

In the 1960's, also under pressure and time constraints, the Ford Motor Company, under the direction of Henry Ford II, was spending a fortune trying to develop an endurance racer capable of kicking Ferreri's ass in the 24 Hourys of LeMans. Production of the first Ford GT's (soon nicknamed the GT40 because they were only 40 inches high) commenced in 1962 and they made their race debut at LeMans in 1963 where they were a disastrous failure. They failed again in 1964 and 1965, all the while undergoing continuous modifications as they were raced, crashed, and rebuilt. Henry Ford II was clearly a proponent of, "If you have a problem, throw money at it". And tens of millions of dollars later, in 1966, the GT40 II was victorious at LeMans, dominating Ferreri with a 1,2,3 finish. The GT40 went on to win again and '67, '68, and '69. Having proven their point, Ford retired the GT40 program and their LeMans efforts. Again, they certainly were not trying to build the most beautiful automobile that has ever been produced, but many enthusiasts feel that the Ford GT40, especially in it's 1965 Mark I guise, is just that. Racing Ferrari's from the 1960's look dated and old today. But the Ford GT's shape is timeless.

Which brings us to the CB1100. Like the GT40, Honda produced it in the late 1960's to prove a point. A display of technical, engineering, and production capability's unmatched by any other motorcycle manufacturer at that time.

The Ford GT and the Honda CB750 were both landmark vehicles in the 1960's. 2004 celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Ford Motor Company and they wanted to produce a re-creation of one of their most historic vehicles to commemorate the event. They chose to build a modern interpretation of those 1960's Ford GT's. The result is an amazing car with world-class performance and handling that is every bit as stunning visually as the originals. I purchased this one brand-new in 2006. I have thrashed it on racetracks from coast-to-coast and raced it in countless Standing Mile events. And just as I do with my CB1100, I love to work on it and I get as much enjoyment out of looking at it as I do out of driving/riding it.

The Honda Motor Company also wanted to celebrate their heritage by re-creating a modern version of the motorcycle that put them at the forefront of all motorcycle makers, the CB750. And like the P-51D Mustang and the Ford GT, the new Honda CB1100 is one of the prettiest motorcycles that has ever been built. It just looks right.

I spent the last two days detailing and prepping my GT for the 8th Annual National Ford GT Forum Rally that begins a week from today. Passport Transport is picking up my car tonight to take it to that event, held this year in Northern California. I'll rejoin it there for 4 days on some of the best roads in the country. When I got it out of the garage today I thought some photos with the CB11 would be good. I hope you enjoy them.

Timeless beauty, modern day reliability, and retro cool. A fine combination in any vehicle. All the best.

Chip

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[the Ferret]

Heck yea! Awesomeness at an awesome level. Now post up a pic of your P-51!

[thumper_imp]

Nice guy that I am, after your car has completed its' mission in northern California, please feel free to ship it to my house in southern California. I'll lovingly ensure that the tire tread gets worn-down at a nice, gentle pace.

...very nice sir...

[ChipBeck_imp]

Heck yea! Awesomeness at an awesome level. Now post up a pic of your P-51!

Mickey,

Will this do?

Chip

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[Randy_S_imp]

If I could have my choice of any mass-produced vehicle, it would be the GT - red with white stripes. About the only car I would like more is the 1935 Duesenberg SJ "Mormon Meteor".

[the Ferret]

Oh yea, that'll do. Neatest plane on the planet, and you are right gorgeous from every angle. The stewardesses distracted me a bit though. Whoa.....

So Chip, you have flown a lot of planes and your credentials are beyond reproach. Answer this..is the P51 cool to fly?

[rboe]

Auburn boattail, Cord or the above mentioned Dues.

Planes, Mosquito, Tiger Cat or TA-152.

But in truth, there are plenty of examples to make one drool. Pick your poison. I'm quite fond of the GT40 and when a wee lad I beat the shape out of a sheet of sheetmetal for kicks.

[rockster5_imp]

Looking good Chip. Story and Pics publishable in a magazine imho. Let me know which one you choose and when it's gonna be published - I'll buy it!

[silascopathic_imp]

dude can i have your life?! hahahahahah

[ChipBeck_imp]

Oh yea, that'll do. Neatest plane on the planet, and you are right gorgeous from every angle. The stewardesses distracted me a bit though. Whoa.....

So Chip, you have flown a lot of planes and your credentials are beyond reproach. Answer this..is the P51 cool to fly?

Mickey,

You asked for a picture of "my" P-51 and I had those pictures on my desktop and decided to have a little fun. BooManChoo belongs to one of my best friends and fellow GT owner Ray Hofman. The day those pictures were taken I was supposed to fly it and the generator blew up and it was grounded for several weeks. I will get back to Midland, Texas soon to take it up and I'll post a "road test" then. I have flown a number of military aircraft from the Stearman to the supersonic T-38, bombers, transport, fighter, and trainer aircraft but I haven't flown a P-51. Ray's P-51D will be my first. It's performance is just slightly better at low altitude than my Glasair III's. So, truth be told, it's not my P-51 and I haven't flown it (yet).

An interesting aside. My friend Ray who owns it has not flown it either. At the time these photos were taken he did not have his pilots license. I did most of his aerobatic training in my airplane and he had another war bird instructor. Ray just recently got his license but can't get insurance for the 51 yet. He's got 11 airplanes and over 30 exotic cars including 12 Ford GT's. If you want someone else's life, Ray's is much better than mine!!!

Chip