2008 Dakar Rally Cancelled

Unfortunately Al-Qaeda has struck another blow at automotive enthusiasts. Attacks on French tourists in Mauritania on December 28th 2007 has caused A.S.O. race officials, along with the French Government to cancel this years rally.

This marks the first time that the Dakar has been cancelled since the first Dakar in 1979. Mauritania was formerly a French colony, and the A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organization, the same folks who put on the Tour de France) is a French organization. Since Al-Qaeda took claim for the attacks, that pretty much means that anything French is fair game to them.

The 2008 Dakar Rally would have started tomorrow, January 5th. And ran through the 20th.

Since 1979, the Dakar has served as an off road endurance race. Til 1995 the rally began in Paris, France and competitors would drive across much of the continent of Africa. Usually the total distance covered is right in the neighborhood of 9,000 KM. The rally is also open to both professional and amateur teams making the drive. Vehicle classes are divided up into three categories. Motorcycles, Cars and Trucks. And range from lightly modified production vehicles, to heavy duty prototype racing machines.

Source: BBC.

PRESS RELEASE

Lisbon, Friday the 4th of January 2008

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal's capital.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 28th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.'s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world's biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.

It's official. It's Tata for Jag and Rover

There were many speculations and leaks that Indian car maker Tata Motors was the front runner to purchase Jaguar and Range Rover. Both Tata and Ford denied that this was case and that an announcement would be made after the new year. So here is the official word from Ford. Tata is the favorite to purchase both luxury brands. This will give Ford Motor Company a much needed boost in money.

Tata Motors was favored by many of the principal parties involved. Mainly by the unions for the workforce at both companies in England. Ford has also stated that they are interested in keeping involved with both Jaguar and Range Rover, suppling components and engines. A similar system was set up when Ford sold Aston Martin in 2007.

There are still many hurdles to jump before all of this dust settles, and we will keep you informed with the latest developments.

Source: Detroit Free Press.

PRESS RELEASE:
STATEMENT: POTENTIAL SALE OF JAGUAR LAND ROVER

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 3, 2008 – The following statement is attributable to Lewis Booth, executive vice president – Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group (Chairman – Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Ford of Europe):

"Ford is committed to focused negotiations at a more detailed level with Tata Motors concerning the potential sale of the combined Jaguar Land Rover business."

"There is still a considerable amount of work to do, and while no final decision has been made, we will proceed with further substantive discussions with Tata Motors over the forthcoming weeks with a view to securing an agreement that is in the best interests of all parties concerned."

Own the ultimate of all the muscle cars!

What we have found here for sale may be one of the most significant muscle cars to come up for sale in a long time. This is the first 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang offered to the public. Now it isn't the first one to roll off the line. Ford still owns that one, after buying it back in the 70s. This car is the first Mustang to be offered to the public. Still a very special car in its own right.

It looks as though it has been given a cosmetic restoration. Perfect white paint, blue top and blue vinyl interior. There are a few pieces I see that don't look like they were there originally, but there's nothing really wrong with that. It also appears to be a pretty well equipped car. There's a 260 Windsor V8 under the hood with a 3speed automatic transmission. The wire wheel hubcaps and skinny white walls really set the car off. And the car comes fully documented, certifying the history.

Now for the big question. How much? Well that's where it gets expensive. This 64 1/2 Mustang can be yours for only $42,064.26 a month with $1,000,000 down. Or you can make a one time payment of $5,500,000.

All in all a pretty strong investment. $5.5 million is a LOT of money for this car. There are lots of other cars you could buy with that money. But they might not have the story behind them. Maybe give it a frame off restoration to factory specs without all the added on crap on the interior. Then run it through Barrett Jackson. It'll bring $5 million then. Otherwise, we'd recommend to hold out for a Shelby.

Source: Autoblog.com