30/08/2012
Hair-raising highway ordeal
Driving can sometimes be a frightening business, but one woman driver in the United States recently had a particularly terrifying behind-the-wheel experience.
While driving along the highway, her car suddenly accelerated and could not be slowed down.
Over the course of 58 miles, she consistently reached speeds of 120 mph.
Initially police thought that they had a speeding car in their hand and tried to get the driver to pull over – and although they were right about the speeding, they were wrong about having a criminal driver on their hands.
Understandably alarmed that she could not get her KIA 4WD to stop or slow down, the woman called her husband and the emergency services in the hope they would be able to help.
First she was told that she should put her car into neutral, but that didn’t help, so police then cleared the highway while clearly preparing for the worst.
Finally, she was told to lift her stuck accelerator pedal while simultaneously braking. Relief all around: it worked.
What an astonishing and hair-raising ordeal! Certainly a far cry from the more humdrum motoring dilemma of looking for the cheapest car insurance quote!
Photo © The Tire Zoo via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
While driving along the highway, her car suddenly accelerated and could not be slowed down.
Over the course of 58 miles, she consistently reached speeds of 120 mph.
Initially police thought that they had a speeding car in their hand and tried to get the driver to pull over – and although they were right about the speeding, they were wrong about having a criminal driver on their hands.
Understandably alarmed that she could not get her KIA 4WD to stop or slow down, the woman called her husband and the emergency services in the hope they would be able to help.
First she was told that she should put her car into neutral, but that didn’t help, so police then cleared the highway while clearly preparing for the worst.
Finally, she was told to lift her stuck accelerator pedal while simultaneously braking. Relief all around: it worked.
What an astonishing and hair-raising ordeal! Certainly a far cry from the more humdrum motoring dilemma of looking for the cheapest car insurance quote!
Photo © The Tire Zoo via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: accelerated, braking, car, cheapest car insurance, driver, driving, highway, motoring, pedal, police, quote, speed, wheel
24/08/2012
Poor diet and car analogies
Having a balanced diet is vital to living a long and healthy life. Well, that’s what everyone keeps saying – but is it true?After all, William Staub – the American mechanical engineer who developed the first commercial treadmill, and who died at the respectable age of 96 last month from natural causes – didn’t have the broadest of diets.
Apparently he lived on tomatoes, toast – without butter or other spreads, and tea. Occasionally he would have some salad or cheese, but, other than that, he didn’t exactly eat a wide range of items from the ‘food pyramid’.
Other cases of people eating seemingly unhealthy diets but not encountering any real health problems exist, such as the woman who lives on cheese and chips or the individual who survives solely on one flavour of Monster Munch (how boring).
Yet I feel that, just as a car will eventually show signs of wear and tear if a driver continues to brake harshly and accelerate too quickly, these people are bound to feel the effects of their poor diet.
The body is an amazing thing, but where are they getting all the vitamins and other nutrients they need to keep functioning?
William Staub may have had a relatively plain diet, but it was quite a healthy one. Living on only Monster Munch though – I don’t think it can be done.
What makes original flavour Monster Munch? Vegetable oil, potato puree powder (hmm...tasty), corn starch, wheat flour, potato starch (oh, potato again), sugar, salt, sweet whey powder, cheese powder (can’t get enough of that yummy cheese powder), paprika powder, yeast, flavour enhancer (real food doesn’t need this), monosodium glutamate, and paprika extract.
I have no problem with people having this stuff as a snack. Live on it though – or any other extremely restricted diet – and, like a vehicle without coolant, you are heading for breakdown in my opinion.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, but I think your GP or doctor will basically say what I just said (minus the car analogies).
Photo © teacher_caroline_acsp via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: accelerate, balanced diet, brake, breakdown, car, coolant, driver, engineer, food pyramid, healthy, mechanical, Monster Munch, poor diet, wear and tear, William Staub
23/07/2012
Keeping fit without becoming broke
Reports have revealed that not only is Britain amongst the laziest nations in the world, but that a lack of exercise can be as deadly on a person’s health as smoking.
While plenty of people manage a great deal of exercise everyday, for others it’s not so easy – especially for those who work long hours and find it difficult to make the time to get their blood pumping.
However, getting fitter doesn’t necessarily have to be difficult and there are ways to squeeze some more exercise into your daily routine.
For example, a thirty-minute power walk could be made in a lunch hour, and you’ll even be left with half an hour to eat lunch and read a few pages of your favourite book.
Or, if you live within walking distance of your work, you could give your car a break and travel by foot. You’ll even save some money on petrol too!
There are plenty of ways of getting some more exercise into your day, and absolutely no need to break the bank by joining the gym!
While plenty of people manage a great deal of exercise everyday, for others it’s not so easy – especially for those who work long hours and find it difficult to make the time to get their blood pumping.However, getting fitter doesn’t necessarily have to be difficult and there are ways to squeeze some more exercise into your daily routine.
For example, a thirty-minute power walk could be made in a lunch hour, and you’ll even be left with half an hour to eat lunch and read a few pages of your favourite book.
Or, if you live within walking distance of your work, you could give your car a break and travel by foot. You’ll even save some money on petrol too!
There are plenty of ways of getting some more exercise into your day, and absolutely no need to break the bank by joining the gym!
Photo © Ed Yourdon via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Britain, car, exercise, laziest, petrol
19/07/2012
Be careful where you park your lifeboat
Getting a parking ticket is always frustrating, particularly if you are only a minute or two late in returning to your car. However, it’s generally only cars, vans and motorbikes that get issued with the fines.So imagine the surprise of an emergency crew when they returned to their lifeboat to find a parking ticket attached to the covers.
The Atlantic 75 lifeboat, which was positioned on a trailer, had only been left unattended for a few minutes as crew members signed paperwork to have it decommissioned.
They were reportedly fuming when they discovered the fine, stating that it hadn’t even crossed their mind that they might get a ticket.
Fortunately the local council has now cancelled the fine and the crew can go back to saving lives without the fear of receiving a parking ticket for their efforts.
Photo © sgetliffe via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, crew, fines, lifeboat, parking ticket, vehicles
22/06/2012
The birds
If you want to make sure that when you come to sell your car, you get the most money for it possible, you should protect the paintwork.
Yes, there are other things to worry about – obviously your car won’t get sold for much if it’s failed its MOT or is likely to fail its next one – but taking care of your vehicle’s paintwork is a step in the right direction.
And what of all things might stand in the way of you achieving the goal of shiny, unblemished paintwork?
The birds.
Yes, it’s a little like that Alfred Hitchcock film. Your car is immaculate one day – and the next it’s splattered with bird poo.
Halfords recently conducted a study which revealed that birds poo on red cars the most, and green cars the least.
But, whatever colour your car, if you see bird poo on it, clean it off asap. If you let it stick around for a while, it could ruin your car paintwork. Don’t let the birds win their war!
Yes, there are other things to worry about – obviously your car won’t get sold for much if it’s failed its MOT or is likely to fail its next one – but taking care of your vehicle’s paintwork is a step in the right direction.
And what of all things might stand in the way of you achieving the goal of shiny, unblemished paintwork?
The birds.
Yes, it’s a little like that Alfred Hitchcock film. Your car is immaculate one day – and the next it’s splattered with bird poo.
Halfords recently conducted a study which revealed that birds poo on red cars the most, and green cars the least.
But, whatever colour your car, if you see bird poo on it, clean it off asap. If you let it stick around for a while, it could ruin your car paintwork. Don’t let the birds win their war!
Photo © Picture Perfect Pose via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: bird poo, birds, car, Halfords, MOT, paintwork, sell, sold, vehicle
18/05/2012
Honda’s new…unicycle
Would you buy a car that had a top speed of 3.7mph? Can you cycle faster than a walking pace?Well if you answered no to the first and yes to the second, you might not be too gutted that Honda’s latest creation is not available for public purchase yet and has not been given a release date either.
The creation, the Uni-Cub, is a motorised unicycle. Riders can steer it by leaning to one side or another, just as you would on a peddle unicycle. The difference is that you don’t have to work your legs to move the machine and reportedly it is brilliantly easy to get the hand of riding one.
As clever an invention as the Uni-Cub is, I’m not surprised the manufacturer hasn’t come out with a release date yet. It doesn’t go any faster than 3.7mph – some people walk faster than that.
However, to give you a more balanced view of the machine, it apparently folds up into a carrycase, and is safe enough to use indoors.
I wonder how much it would cost to insure this strange machine? Would it even need insurance?
Photo © Gamma Man via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, cycle, Honda, insurance, insure, machine, motorised, rider, top speed, Uni-Cub, unicycle, walking
16/04/2012
New Volkswagen Up comes with a slim size treat
If there's one major advantage of city vehicles it has to be the access that they allow to narrow, winding streets. Indeed, the ability to explore routes outside the range of big 4X4's and saloons is one of the greatest lures for purchasers of cars such as the Volkswagen Up!
To celebrate the miniature appeal of their highly popular urban cruiser the German manufacturers have teamed up with the critically acclaimed photographer Harry Cory Wright to produce a book featuring the UK's thinnest roads.
It is hoped that the Volkswagen drivers will take the book with them on journeys around some of the most picturesque towns and cities, rather than resigning it to the coffee table. Just to make this intention clear they have provided GPS coordinates along with each of the fabulous shots.
The Volkswagen Fleet Communications Manager said, “This book illustrates the beautiful scenery surrounding some of the smallest roads of Britain and is a perfect companion for the Up! driver; whether venturing in cities, towns or out in the open countryside air.”
Full details of the featured roads have yet to be disclosed. However, we're betting that Stone Street in Merseyside won't be included. Measuring at only three feet wide it is barely large enough for some model cars to be driven down.
To celebrate the miniature appeal of their highly popular urban cruiser the German manufacturers have teamed up with the critically acclaimed photographer Harry Cory Wright to produce a book featuring the UK's thinnest roads.It is hoped that the Volkswagen drivers will take the book with them on journeys around some of the most picturesque towns and cities, rather than resigning it to the coffee table. Just to make this intention clear they have provided GPS coordinates along with each of the fabulous shots.
The Volkswagen Fleet Communications Manager said, “This book illustrates the beautiful scenery surrounding some of the smallest roads of Britain and is a perfect companion for the Up! driver; whether venturing in cities, towns or out in the open countryside air.”
Full details of the featured roads have yet to be disclosed. However, we're betting that Stone Street in Merseyside won't be included. Measuring at only three feet wide it is barely large enough for some model cars to be driven down.
Photo © ell brown via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, coordinates, driver, GPS, road, route, saloon, streets, vehicle, Volkswagen Up
16/03/2012
Camouflage doesn’t always work
Imagine this – you are a very wealthy Italian playboy and your family is well-known and followed about by paparazzi.
You’re driving down the motorway in your garish camouflage-pattered Ferrari 458, looking at everyone else’s mediocre vehicles with a pitying look as you fly past, when suddenly you roll to a standstill because your car has run out of fuel.
Embarrassing? Wait – it doesn’t end there!
Due to your notoriety as one of Italy’s richest men and your family connections to car manufacturer Fiat, people driving past recognise you and start taking photos on their phones and tweeting about your misfortune.
Furthermore, you and your fancy vehicle have to be saved from the roadside by a pick-up truck.
This all recently happened to Lapo Elkann, grandson of the founder of Fiat, despite there apparently being a petrol station around every 20 miles down that particular stretch of highway.
I bet he’ll pay more attention to his fuel gauge from now on!
You’re driving down the motorway in your garish camouflage-pattered Ferrari 458, looking at everyone else’s mediocre vehicles with a pitying look as you fly past, when suddenly you roll to a standstill because your car has run out of fuel. Embarrassing? Wait – it doesn’t end there!
Due to your notoriety as one of Italy’s richest men and your family connections to car manufacturer Fiat, people driving past recognise you and start taking photos on their phones and tweeting about your misfortune.
Furthermore, you and your fancy vehicle have to be saved from the roadside by a pick-up truck.
This all recently happened to Lapo Elkann, grandson of the founder of Fiat, despite there apparently being a petrol station around every 20 miles down that particular stretch of highway.
I bet he’ll pay more attention to his fuel gauge from now on!
Photo © fry_theonly via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: camouflage, car, Ferrari 458, Fiat, fuel, fuel gauge, highway, Italian, Lapo Elkann, misfortune, motorway, paparazzi, pick-up truck, roadside, vehicle
05/03/2012
Three-piece disaster waiting to happen
Nissan Micras are useful little cars, used and well-loved by many motorists in the UK.
However, they are not the ideal transport when you have a three-piece suite to move from A to B.
One driver thought they’d try anyway though, and was spotted by another road user near Exeter on the A30 with a settee and an armchair on his car’s roof, and another armchair in the boot.
There was no roof rack, and the items were only held down with some lengths of string and the passenger’s left hand.
It seems that the motorist was well aware of the inadequate job he’d made of securing the furniture to his vehicle, since he was only travelling at 30mph on the 70mph stretch of highway.
The whole affair could have resulted in a very serious accident and the head of Devon and Cornwall police’s traffic department has stated that they will be making contact with the driver.
He said, “Drivers who decide to use entirely unsuitable vehicles to carry large loads present a danger to other road users.
“The load may be tied on to the vehicle but the vehicle itself is entirely inappropriate for carrying such large pieces of furniture.”
So, the next time you’re going to carry large items of furniture on a small car – don’t – hire a van instead.
However, they are not the ideal transport when you have a three-piece suite to move from A to B. One driver thought they’d try anyway though, and was spotted by another road user near Exeter on the A30 with a settee and an armchair on his car’s roof, and another armchair in the boot.
There was no roof rack, and the items were only held down with some lengths of string and the passenger’s left hand.
It seems that the motorist was well aware of the inadequate job he’d made of securing the furniture to his vehicle, since he was only travelling at 30mph on the 70mph stretch of highway.
The whole affair could have resulted in a very serious accident and the head of Devon and Cornwall police’s traffic department has stated that they will be making contact with the driver.
He said, “Drivers who decide to use entirely unsuitable vehicles to carry large loads present a danger to other road users.
“The load may be tied on to the vehicle but the vehicle itself is entirely inappropriate for carrying such large pieces of furniture.”
So, the next time you’re going to carry large items of furniture on a small car – don’t – hire a van instead.
Photo © rileyroxx via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: 30mph, A30, accident, armchair, car, driver, furniture, motorist, Nissan Micra, police, road, roof rack, settee, three-piece suite, transport
24/02/2012
Swedish motorist survives snowy ordeal
The drivers who have competed for the Camel Trophy in Brazil and battled to become Le Mans 24 hour racing champions have all exhibited great powers of endurance. However, none of these inspirational figures have pushed their minds or bodies to quite the same limits as the Swedish driver who was recently discovered in the snowy wilderness of Umea.
The fact that the Swede is still alive after spending two months buried beneath the snow is wholly remarkable. The feat was made even more astonishing as he only had limited supplies, his car, and basic sleeping bag to keep the cold at bay.
This case is of such a unique nature that it has been the cause of much conjecture in the Swedish medical community.
The Chief Medical Officer of Noorland University said that the temperature in snowed-in cars tends to be similar to igloos.
He states, “Igloos usually have a temperature of a couple of degrees below 0C and if you have good clothes you would survive in those temperatures and be able to preserve your body temperature.”
A well known doctor responded by saying, “A bit like a bear that hibernates. Humans can do that. He probably had a body temperature of around 31C which the body adjusted to.”
The motorist who was rescued by local snowmobile riders may not have given much thought to the reasons for his survival. Indeed, his primary concerns were probably finding hot food and a warm bed to spend the night. Here at duck2water we hope that he had car insurance to cover the damage sustained by his vehicle.
The fact that the Swede is still alive after spending two months buried beneath the snow is wholly remarkable. The feat was made even more astonishing as he only had limited supplies, his car, and basic sleeping bag to keep the cold at bay. This case is of such a unique nature that it has been the cause of much conjecture in the Swedish medical community.
The Chief Medical Officer of Noorland University said that the temperature in snowed-in cars tends to be similar to igloos.
He states, “Igloos usually have a temperature of a couple of degrees below 0C and if you have good clothes you would survive in those temperatures and be able to preserve your body temperature.”
A well known doctor responded by saying, “A bit like a bear that hibernates. Humans can do that. He probably had a body temperature of around 31C which the body adjusted to.”
The motorist who was rescued by local snowmobile riders may not have given much thought to the reasons for his survival. Indeed, his primary concerns were probably finding hot food and a warm bed to spend the night. Here at duck2water we hope that he had car insurance to cover the damage sustained by his vehicle.
Photo © cogdogblog via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, cold, driver, endurance, igloos, racing, snow, snowed-in, Swede, Swedish, temperature, Umea
17/02/2012
Antifreeze fish
Has your car ever run out of antifreeze at the wrong moment, resulting in you having to rummage around in the garage or your boot to top it up while grumbling about how cold it is outside?
Well, one group of fish will never have to worry about this problem.
Yes, we know that no fish will ever have this problem because none of them – to our knowledge – are drivers, but that’s not what we meant.
These particular fish, the notothenioids, live in sub-zero waters in the Antarctic and have developed what is being called ‘natural antifreeze’ in their bodies which makes them able to survive the devastatingly cold temperatures they swim in.
There are more than 120 of these ‘antifreeze’ fish species and they have managed to live for millions of years and through the ice age that killed many other fish that hadn’t adapted well enough to the cold.
Worryingly though, these marine animals have adapted themselves so well to the cold that if climate change increases the temperatures of their water too much, they’re unlikely to survive.
So, the next time you top up the antifreeze in your car, think of these strange Antarctic fish and drive in an economical way to help reduce your carbon footprint. The notothenioids would thank you if they could.
Well, one group of fish will never have to worry about this problem. Yes, we know that no fish will ever have this problem because none of them – to our knowledge – are drivers, but that’s not what we meant.
These particular fish, the notothenioids, live in sub-zero waters in the Antarctic and have developed what is being called ‘natural antifreeze’ in their bodies which makes them able to survive the devastatingly cold temperatures they swim in.
There are more than 120 of these ‘antifreeze’ fish species and they have managed to live for millions of years and through the ice age that killed many other fish that hadn’t adapted well enough to the cold.
Worryingly though, these marine animals have adapted themselves so well to the cold that if climate change increases the temperatures of their water too much, they’re unlikely to survive.
So, the next time you top up the antifreeze in your car, think of these strange Antarctic fish and drive in an economical way to help reduce your carbon footprint. The notothenioids would thank you if they could.
Photo © NOAA Photo Library via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: adapted, Antarctic, antifreeze, boot, car, carbon footprint, cold, driver, economical, fish, garage, notothenioids, sub-zero, temperature, water
13/02/2012
Red or yellow or pink or green, purple or orange or blue?
Recently a worldwide survey undertaken by a website called Kaggle, which collects “real-world data”, has found that the colour of the car you buy might be less irrelevant than previously thought.
Some people might make fun of drivers who don’t know what model of car they want to buy but know they won’t settle for any other paint job than blue, but the research has proven that potentially these colour-motivated motorists have the right idea.
Reportedly, when purchasing second-hand cars, the colour vehicles most likely to have suffered dodgy repairs or to have been clocked are the yellow ones.
But don’t feel safe buying an outlandishly coloured vehicle yet! When it comes to rarer colours, the riskiest purchases are apparently gold or purple cars.
Your safest bet is orange, according to the data, but stay well clear of any cars which have been modified with extras like fancy suspension and alloys, whatever colour the vehicle may be.
Good luck with any second-hand purchases you make – and remember to perform an HPI check before you hand your money over!
Some people might make fun of drivers who don’t know what model of car they want to buy but know they won’t settle for any other paint job than blue, but the research has proven that potentially these colour-motivated motorists have the right idea. Reportedly, when purchasing second-hand cars, the colour vehicles most likely to have suffered dodgy repairs or to have been clocked are the yellow ones.
But don’t feel safe buying an outlandishly coloured vehicle yet! When it comes to rarer colours, the riskiest purchases are apparently gold or purple cars.
Your safest bet is orange, according to the data, but stay well clear of any cars which have been modified with extras like fancy suspension and alloys, whatever colour the vehicle may be.
Good luck with any second-hand purchases you make – and remember to perform an HPI check before you hand your money over!
Photo © mlpdesign via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: alloys, car, clocked, colour, driver, HPI check, kaggle, motorists, orange, paint job, repairs, second-hand, suspension, vehicle, yellow
23/01/2012
The Lamborghini Reventon
A lot of us would probably be quite pleased to own a Lamborghini – any Lamborghini at all – but what about the most expensive one ever manufactured?
There are only 20 Lamborghini Reventon’s in the whole world, and Surrey-based company SuperVettura has just recently received Britain’s only model.
Interested?
If you direct your eyes to the photo on the right, you will see a truly desirable car. It can go from 0 to 62 miles an hour in 3.4 seconds, its top speed is more than 211mph, it has a G-force meter on the dashboard, and its design was inspired by the F22-Raptor fighter jet.
The only downside is that it costs £849,000.
Oh – that’s a pity.
Third-hand Nissan Micra it is then. Still, we can dream…
There are only 20 Lamborghini Reventon’s in the whole world, and Surrey-based company SuperVettura has just recently received Britain’s only model.Interested?
If you direct your eyes to the photo on the right, you will see a truly desirable car. It can go from 0 to 62 miles an hour in 3.4 seconds, its top speed is more than 211mph, it has a G-force meter on the dashboard, and its design was inspired by the F22-Raptor fighter jet.
The only downside is that it costs £849,000.
Oh – that’s a pity.
Third-hand Nissan Micra it is then. Still, we can dream…
Photo © Daniel Dionne via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Britain, car, dashboard, Lamborghini, manufactured, miles an hour, Nissan Micra, Reventon, SuperVettura, top speed
06/01/2012
Icy roads are no problem with the Volkswagen Aqua!
Over the winter months many motorists think very carefully before they get behind the wheel and hit the road – rain, ice and snow can all have a negative effect on driving safety, and, to avoid a road accident, drivers sometimes choose to use an alternative form of transport or to not go out at all.
However, a Chinese designer has sought to change all this with the invention of a new super car called the Volkswagen Aqua.
According to reports, 21-year-old Yuhan Zhang designed an all-terrain vehicle which can seamlessly move between different surfaces for a competition run by Volkswagen.
The vehicle is able to drive on sand, water and roads alike and works similarly to a hovercraft. Two engines mean that it is able to hover above the ground as well as moving forward.
Plus, the car is environmentally friendly with zero fuel emissions as it is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
The car has been designed with technology which is currently available, but we have a feeling we might be waiting a long time to experience driving one of these!
However, a Chinese designer has sought to change all this with the invention of a new super car called the Volkswagen Aqua.
According to reports, 21-year-old Yuhan Zhang designed an all-terrain vehicle which can seamlessly move between different surfaces for a competition run by Volkswagen.
The vehicle is able to drive on sand, water and roads alike and works similarly to a hovercraft. Two engines mean that it is able to hover above the ground as well as moving forward.
Plus, the car is environmentally friendly with zero fuel emissions as it is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
The car has been designed with technology which is currently available, but we have a feeling we might be waiting a long time to experience driving one of these!
Labels: Aqua, car, conditions, dangerous driving, road, vehicle, Volkswagen, wheel
23/12/2011
From mobility scooter to Rolls Royce
Everyone has a favourite television programme, whether it’s watching a hard-hitting documentary or indulging in a slightly far-fetched crime show. Here at duck2water we are fans of all sorts of different series, ranging from EastEnders to River Cottage to The Sopranos.
However, there is a great-grandfather who loves one particular television programme so much that he has gone to great lengths to create himself a permanent souvenir of the series.
The 74-year-old Thunderbirds fan has converted his mobility scooter into a replica of Lady Penelope’s Rolls Royce. He travels round dressed as the famous chauffeur, Parker, and has even put a model of Lady Penelope herself in the back of the vehicle.
The retired construction worker decided to build the creation to drive in a cancer charity run after a long-running wish that he could drive Lady Penelope around.
He said, “I set about building her Rolls Royce in my garage out of bits of old wood I had lying around.
“People are very supportive when they see me driving around town and I've even been stopped to sign autographs. I love being able to raise a smile for people.”
If only we could be chauffeured in a Rolls Royce on daily basis!
However, there is a great-grandfather who loves one particular television programme so much that he has gone to great lengths to create himself a permanent souvenir of the series.
The 74-year-old Thunderbirds fan has converted his mobility scooter into a replica of Lady Penelope’s Rolls Royce. He travels round dressed as the famous chauffeur, Parker, and has even put a model of Lady Penelope herself in the back of the vehicle.
The retired construction worker decided to build the creation to drive in a cancer charity run after a long-running wish that he could drive Lady Penelope around.
He said, “I set about building her Rolls Royce in my garage out of bits of old wood I had lying around.
“People are very supportive when they see me driving around town and I've even been stopped to sign autographs. I love being able to raise a smile for people.”
If only we could be chauffeured in a Rolls Royce on daily basis!
Photo © squeezeomatic via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, drive, garage, mobility scooter, Rolls Royce, Thunderbirds, vehicle
12/12/2011
Cycle in style with a Gucci bicycle
Sometimes it makes more sense to leave your car at home and jump on a bicycle to get a destination instead. It’s good for you, cuts pollution and significantly reduces fuel costs.
Most of us stick to the same trusty bike we’ve had for years – although sometimes it may need a good dust before it is road or cycling-path worthy!
However, for those eager to buy an upgraded model for the New Year, and also happen to have a few thousand pounds burning a hole in their pocket, Gucci has created two designer bicycles.
A white hydro-formed steel single-speed version carries a price tag of £3,420, or if you’re feeling slightly more extravagant, you can spend £7,650 on the matte black carbon fiber monocoque model.
The brand’s creative director, Frida Giannini said, "The Bianchi by Gucci bicycles perfectly carry forward our codes of luxury while creating a new cosmopolitan aesthetic for those looking to turn heads while on the go."
Hmm, as luxurious as these bicycles sound, we think we’ll be missing these off our Christmas wish lists – we wouldn’t want our cars to feel inferior to a bike!
Most of us stick to the same trusty bike we’ve had for years – although sometimes it may need a good dust before it is road or cycling-path worthy! However, for those eager to buy an upgraded model for the New Year, and also happen to have a few thousand pounds burning a hole in their pocket, Gucci has created two designer bicycles.
A white hydro-formed steel single-speed version carries a price tag of £3,420, or if you’re feeling slightly more extravagant, you can spend £7,650 on the matte black carbon fiber monocoque model.
The brand’s creative director, Frida Giannini said, "The Bianchi by Gucci bicycles perfectly carry forward our codes of luxury while creating a new cosmopolitan aesthetic for those looking to turn heads while on the go."
Hmm, as luxurious as these bicycles sound, we think we’ll be missing these off our Christmas wish lists – we wouldn’t want our cars to feel inferior to a bike!
Photo © chanelcoco872 via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: bicycle, bike, car, Christmas, designer, fuel, Gucci, pocket, pollution
09/12/2011
Boost your car speed with a missile
When buying a new car, drivers usually take the engine size into account. Some motorists are happy with relatively small engine, whereas others are willing to pay extra for an engine with a bit more bite.
The Indy Boys Inc team from Indianapolis, US, have gone to extreme measures to ensure that their 1967 Chevrolet is the fastest car in town. And by extreme, we mean they strapped a cruise missile engine to the roof.
Now the vintage car is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300mph, as well as firing out 30ft flames which leave an impressive trail of smoke behind the vehicle.
The Indy Boys team have already built the world fastest toilet (yes, really) and a jet powered school bus which can astonishingly reach speeds of 750mph – but parents can relax, this bus isn’t actually used for the school run.
Fortunately the driver of this vehicle only uses the car for shows. We have a funny feeling he’d be hard pushed to find a car insurance provider which would offer cover for a car as modified as this!
The Indy Boys Inc team from Indianapolis, US, have gone to extreme measures to ensure that their 1967 Chevrolet is the fastest car in town. And by extreme, we mean they strapped a cruise missile engine to the roof.Now the vintage car is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300mph, as well as firing out 30ft flames which leave an impressive trail of smoke behind the vehicle.
The Indy Boys team have already built the world fastest toilet (yes, really) and a jet powered school bus which can astonishingly reach speeds of 750mph – but parents can relax, this bus isn’t actually used for the school run.
Fortunately the driver of this vehicle only uses the car for shows. We have a funny feeling he’d be hard pushed to find a car insurance provider which would offer cover for a car as modified as this!
Photo © Dave Hogg via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, Chevrolet, drivers, engine, motorists, US
05/12/2011
How much you pay to have your own Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is frequently listed when people are asked about their favourite childhood films, but most of these fans settle for watching the film again if they want a reminder of ‘toot sweet’.
However, one dedicated fan decided that he wanted something a little bit more solid to remember the film with. The 30-year-old spent 12 years building a perfect replica of the starring car.
Now, 43 years after the film’s initial release, the replica of the car is set to be auctioned off to the public, and is expected to sell for about £250,000.
The wealthy buyer can rest assured that they will have purchased an authentic replica as the creator ensured that every aspect of the vehicle is identical to the original car, which was famously driven by Dick van Dyke.
We applaud this man’s dedication, but we don’t think that anyone here at duck2water would have the patience to spend 12 years building their dream car!
However, one dedicated fan decided that he wanted something a little bit more solid to remember the film with. The 30-year-old spent 12 years building a perfect replica of the starring car. Now, 43 years after the film’s initial release, the replica of the car is set to be auctioned off to the public, and is expected to sell for about £250,000.
The wealthy buyer can rest assured that they will have purchased an authentic replica as the creator ensured that every aspect of the vehicle is identical to the original car, which was famously driven by Dick van Dyke.
We applaud this man’s dedication, but we don’t think that anyone here at duck2water would have the patience to spend 12 years building their dream car!
Photo © Derable via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: auctioned, car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, driven, replica
02/12/2011
The misfortunes of a rocky ride
Driving along bumpy roads can’t be described as a pleasant experience – many motorists find themselves driving at the slowest speed possible whilst trying to avoid the biggest and most journey-disturbing rocks and holes.
So, here at duck2water we hate to imagine how it felt for a German driver who managed to land his car on a boulder – and this wasn’t a small boulder by any means!
According to a report, the motorist lost control of his vehicle causing it to spin round three times on the tarmac before landing atop a rather large rock which was in a neighbour’s driveway.
The small sports-car ended up with its rear end suspended it the air while the bonnet remained resolutely on the road.
There’s been no word about how the driver managed to get himself out of the compromising situation – or whether the car has been left in a fit state to carry on with life on the road – but we reckon he should stick to watching car stunts at the cinema rather than attempting to recreate the action himself!
So, here at duck2water we hate to imagine how it felt for a German driver who managed to land his car on a boulder – and this wasn’t a small boulder by any means!
According to a report, the motorist lost control of his vehicle causing it to spin round three times on the tarmac before landing atop a rather large rock which was in a neighbour’s driveway.
The small sports-car ended up with its rear end suspended it the air while the bonnet remained resolutely on the road.
There’s been no word about how the driver managed to get himself out of the compromising situation – or whether the car has been left in a fit state to carry on with life on the road – but we reckon he should stick to watching car stunts at the cinema rather than attempting to recreate the action himself!
Photo © grendelkhan via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: bonnet, car, driver, driving, motorist, sports-car, stunts
18/11/2011
Will private cars become a public place?
Apparently The British Medical Association is asking ministers to extend the smoking in public places ban to the inside of people’s private vehicles.
Now, although this may sounds outrageous, the potential ban has research backing it which can’t really be ignored.
Reportedly, people in a car with a smoker are exposed to 23 times more toxic fumes than they would have been when in a smoky bar or pub before the smoking ban was put in place in 2007.
Personally I think that there should be a ban on people smoking in their cars when they have passengers, especially children. I know from first hand experience that having someone’s smoke fly at you from the front seat for 10 minutes every 15 to 20 minutes of a long journey is not pleasant.
However, I can also see things from the smokers’ group Forest’s perspective. One of its members has stated, “Legislation is a gross over-reaction. What next, a ban on smoking in the home?”
True…and how would we set about policing smoking in cars when people are constantly speeding on the motorway without so much as a warning?
It’s a tough one.
Now, although this may sounds outrageous, the potential ban has research backing it which can’t really be ignored. Reportedly, people in a car with a smoker are exposed to 23 times more toxic fumes than they would have been when in a smoky bar or pub before the smoking ban was put in place in 2007.
Personally I think that there should be a ban on people smoking in their cars when they have passengers, especially children. I know from first hand experience that having someone’s smoke fly at you from the front seat for 10 minutes every 15 to 20 minutes of a long journey is not pleasant.
However, I can also see things from the smokers’ group Forest’s perspective. One of its members has stated, “Legislation is a gross over-reaction. What next, a ban on smoking in the home?”
True…and how would we set about policing smoking in cars when people are constantly speeding on the motorway without so much as a warning?
It’s a tough one.
Photo © Mykl Roventine via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: British Medical Association, car, front seat, motorway, passenger, private vehicle, smoking, speeding
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