Articles by Mike Ryan

Day two of the 2012 Rally Calder presented by East Coast Bullbars suffered from the drenching rain that has impacted on many parts of Victoria over the past week. In the slushy conditions, the schedule for day two was cut short, but still produced plenty of thrills, a few spills, and some impressive displays of driver skills.

While Shannons' upcoming Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction features a number of rare and desirable classics, one of the rarest, and certainly the most intriguing, is the one-off 'Bedmore Special' racer.

The Peerless GT was the result of a collaboration between English racer James Byrnes and Bernie Rodger in the late 1950s, when small-volume sports cars flourished.

Amongst the diverse offerings consigned for Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction are a bunch of classic Australian machines. The auction, which will take place at Shannons Melbourne auction headquarters on Monday, March 5, has 80 lots consigned, covering cars, motorcycles, number plates, memorabilia and petroliana.

Land Rover are set to unveil a convertible version of the Range Rover Evoque at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. While strictly a concept vehicle at this stage, the Evoque Convertible will explore the potential for the world's first premium convertible SUV.

Audi has won the 2012 Armorall Bathurst 12 Hour.

Following on from the success of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, which sold out its first shipment in a matter of days in Australia and New Zealand, Abarth have announced the 696 Tributo Maserati, which will debut at March's Geneva Motor Show.

The Detroit Motor Show bounced back from recent years highlighted by the financial plight of many manufacturers and associated austerity measures, to unveil a record 27 new vehicles on the first day and 40 for the show.

You'd be forgiven for not recognising the vehicle pictured, as it's an example of a marque rarely seen here, and one of only three of this particular series believed to be in the country.

Porsche's sports cars from the 1950s and 60s have provided plenty of fodder for kit car and replica makers over the years. While 356 and even 550 replicas are well known and popular, the 718 (also known as the RSK) is off the radar for many enthusiasts.

When one of the directors of the Victorian Hot Rod Association is working on a new project, it's bound to attract attention. And with the recent Victorian Hot Rod Show fresh in enthusiast's minds, it's an ideal time to take a closer look at the 'work-in-progress' creation of Ron Smith. After owning a '32, then a '28 Ford, Ron's latest rod project is a 1930 Ford coupe, but this one will be a little bit different.

It's only a concept at this stage, but given the level of finish and detail visible in the images shown here, don't be surprised if the MINI 'Clubvan' panel van concept becomes a production reality.