Datsun 240z 1970-73 Voltage Regulator New 043 on 2040-parts.com

Andy Saunders sells 'Art Cars' collection

British 'car artist' Andy Saunders' 'Art Car' collection was sold by RM Auctions in London, UK on October 29, along with a selection of classic cars and a McLaren F1 that sold for £2.5 million - a new world record. Though lacking the quality of many Californian custom cars when seen close up, the Art Cars were fascinating to see, and unlike other custom car creators, Saunders has made almost all of the cars for himself; conceiving and creating the cars without any design process beyond thinking them through and getting his hands dirty in evenings after work.  Each of the cars introduced new themes not evident in their donor designs and, within the context of many salubrious but established classic car designs at the auction, they had a powerful quixotic appeal. So why is he selling them?

Saab 9-2, just a pipe dream?

The Web is lit up today with stories of an upcoming Saab 9-2 because Spyker CEO and Saab owner Victor Muller evidently has sketched what he sees as a new small Saab. It could be a pipe dream, but Muller insists the Swedish automaker really wants it to happen. Muller has been quoted as calling it "a small car, a quirky car, a Saab in the truest sense of the word." Muller said the car would be a small front-drive hatch, a little bigger than a Mini.

July 26: Seeing rally stars and range anxiety

Went 59.5 miles on 12 kWhs for almost 5 miles per kWh, which ain't bad. Included stop-and-go driving on Sunset Blvd. after dinner with X Games rally stars Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra and skateboarder Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins.