Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Rolls-Royce gets Personal at 2010 Paris show

Cars like the Fiat 500 and Mini may be available with pick ’n mix customisation options, but those are mere bolt-on Mr Potatohead additions compared to the kaleidoscopic wizardry available to Roller owners. Showcasing its ‘personalization programme’ (personalization with a ‘z’ for the Americans, programme with an ‘mme’ for us stick-in-the-muds) at the 2010 Paris motor show, Rolls-Royce has served up five bespoke examples of its current range. Heavens, no.

Celebrating the Spirit of Ecstasy's centenary

In a bumper year of anniversaries for automotive manufacturers, Rolls-Royce is celebrating the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Quite possibly the world’s most famous automotive icon, the flying lady will be honored by renowned photographer Rankin through 100 images inspired by the figurine. Just as Charles Robinson Sykes – the man behind the original figurine – turned to his wife for the form of the Ecstasy, Rankin is using wife and model Tuuli Shipster for his work.

Inside Bob Pond's car collection

Robert Pond was an industrialist, an aviator, a Navy pilot, an aircraft designer, a genuine car enthusiast, a philanthropist, a Minnesotan at heart and a man who turned a family business from eight employees to a global $100-million concern. Pond was born in 1924 in Edina, Minn., 10 miles southwest of Minneapolis. He signed up for the Navy Air Corps in 1942, and survived three years of training on J-3 Piper Cubs and PBY Catalinas to graduate in July of 1945 -- just three months before Japan surrendered to the US.