The Bucket List Just Got Bigger

A few weeks back, I wrote about the type of person that truly fits the definition of the term "gearhead" and what makes that person tick. I also mentioned that gearheads come in all shapes and sizes, are not gender specific, and age is never a barrier. Gearheads are also known to have a bucket list, or a list of vehicles they would like to own, restore, modify, or at minimum drive, before they die. However, there is one flaw in this simple concept. As the gearhead ages, and even if certain vehicles get crossed off the list, the list usually continues to grow as new aspects of maximum performance are discovered.

That happened to me this week. Yet another vehicle got added to my bucket list. In this case, I will never own, restore, or modify a rig like this. But at minimum, I have to experience it - and driving or riding shotgun will be gravy. And if I hadn't read an article about it and saw a couple of videos, it would've never appeared on my radar. It's a 1911 Fiat S76, that also happens to be a former land speed record holder and at one point was the fastest vehicle in the world. The big issue here, is that Fiat only built two of these things. The second issue is that a guy over in England rebuilt and restored his S76 from the chassis of the first one, and the engine from the second. So, even if you totally suck at math, you'll soon realize that this is the only S76 left in the world. In fact, it's owner Dustin Pittaway fabricated the body panels and rebuilt the transmission from archival blueprints.

This particular Fiat also goes by the name of "The Beast of Turin". This former racer only has a four banger - but develops almost 300 horsepower and a supposed 2000 pound feet of torque. That's not a typo. This engine is HUGE - to the tune of 28.4 litres. Each cylinder (and remember there are four of them) have a displacement of 433 cubic inches! Each piston is bigger than a paint can. Currently, there is no exhaust on this beast, so it's loud as hell. You can actually see the firing order of this engine in action, because it spits fire on the combustion stroke. Yeah - this thing literally spits fire. As you can imagine, stating that the exhausts manifolds are robust in size is a gross understatement. It's hard to believe that more than 100 years ago, some nut job drove this thing to over 135 miles per hour. Floppy chain drive and all. It leaves one in awe. Google some You Tube videos and you'll know what I mean.

My personal bucket list does not only contain cars. As of this writing, I still have yet to make it out to Bonneville. That was in the plans two years ago with a severe road trip out west, but that trip got detoured South, especially with  a government shutdown (long story on that one) and some very early winter weather in the Midwest. However, the silver lining about trekking to Georgia and Florida was spending a few days at the best old car salvage yard in the USA - Old Car City in White Georgia. If this junkyard is not on your bucket list, then it should be. Even if the rust, rot, wrecked, and patina porn isn't your thing, this place is a mind altering experience. Best time to go is in the winter. It's not brutally hot & humid, there are no bugs, and all the trees are bare exposing more of the vintage Detroit iron. The owner is more than happy to talk with you if you show a little respect, appreciation, and if you just listen to the history that rolls off this mans tongue.

Does your bucket list tackle more than just cars and locations? How about certain speed limits? The fastest I've traveled down a quarter mile to date is deep in the 8's and over a buck forty. I would like to hit the 150-160 mph mark. The technology is there, but the expense has crept up over the years. I honestly don't know if I have the coin to do it. That's one primary reason why I don't restore muscle cars anymore - they are just too expensive... for me anyways. It's been a blessing in disguise however, as that aspect of my hobby has broadened my horizons. I've had the chance to restore three antique trucks and have dabbled in inexpensive modern muscle car offerings as well as drag cars.

I don't know about you, but my bucket list even contains a list of certain modifications I want to
make to vehicles. Doing a fat twin turbo motor in a light weight car is almost at the top of the list. Other notable mentions are a tad on the bizarre side - like this exhaust plumbing through the trunk. This is an old shot from the 50's where it was suggested that exhaust pipes wouldn't take a beating (or be lost) during a race situation (primarily early NASCAR) if they were routed through the trunk. I don't know if it ever worked, but it sure looks cool. That alone rates a serious stab at fabricating a dual exhaust system that way. Remind me however, not to stuff things like the battery, a fuel cell, and the nitrous tanks in said trunk. Never mind that it would be highly illegal in a street car...

Of course, a bucket list should not equate to a death wish, although my wife may think differently. One vehicle on my list is a radical hot rod that is slightly chopped, channeled, has a bad-ass engine, and a very simple layout in regards to steering, suspension and brakes. It's kind of the anti-street rod. If I stick to my game plan, this rig won't even have front brakes - only rear, albeit big ones at that. It will have a bare bones interior, two seats, and zero creature comforts. It almost defies logic - but that's part of what a bucket list is all about. Conquering things that bring you out of your comfort zone.

What's on your bucket list? I want to hear from you.
Until next time, peace out.
Dave