"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
09/28/2014 at 12:58 • Filed to: classic cars
32
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"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
09/28/2014 at 12:58 • Filed to: classic cars | 32
| 55 |
Seinfeld's producers actually called Ryan to feature his 1969 AMC AMX on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Much to Ryan's disappointment, for one reason or another, logistical problems, etc., they ended up getting a hold of a different AMC in the episode with Jon Stewart.
The A merican M otors e X perimental was a muscle car built by the now defunct American Motor Corporation was viewed at the time as the only other 2-seater Corvette competitor, and was only built for a few years.
Ryan's AMX means a lot to him - it represents a bond between father and son that Ryan will never forget.
The AMC AMX Love Affair
Ryan's dad, Keith, fell in love with the AMC AMX many years ago. After coming back from the Vietnam war, he initially wanted to buy a Corvette, but on his way to the dealer he spotted an AMC AMX through the window of a showroom floor. He liked it so much that he turned around to head straight to the AMC dealer and bought the car immediately.
Keith had a blast with his AMC, drag racing it and going on double dates to drive-in theaters (yes, the girls fit in the back where there weren't even any seats!). The car became an integral part of his life after the war.
When his kids were born (and some of you reading might be able to relate), he had to sell his AMX and bought a VW Microbus instead. That might have been, quite possibly, the biggest regret of his life!
But, as you might expect, when it came time for his kids (Ryan and his brother) to go off to college, he started the search again for an AMX. It was a surprisingly difficult and rare car to find but after a long while, Keith's friend found a neglected AMX sitting on the side of a highway. Keith liked the car enough to start the restoration project and soon the AMX became a part of their family.
During the restoration, Keith was hit with some devastating news.
He was diagnosed with cancer.
Being the tough Vietnam Vet that he was, he didn't let cancer slow him down. Ryan remembers his dad as being one of the strongest people he knew and Keith continued working on the car with the help of his family and friends through multiple treatments and surgeries.
An upholsterer by trade, Keith took on the task of overhauling the interior. They put a stereo and speakers in the back but don't be fooled - although they look cool, Ryan told me that you can barely hear anything that comes out of them.
Ryan and his dad worked tirelessly on the car and although no one specific memory stands out, every time Ryan gets in the car he reminisces about all the great times they had. Ryan and his dad were never that close growing up, and it wasn't until they started working on the car that they truly bonded .
Over a couple of years and lots of hard work, this was the final result.
When Keith passed away from cancer after fighting for so many years, the AMX led his funeral procession. And now, the AMC AMX is Ryan's most cherished possession that he will hold onto forever.
My AMX Driving Experience
I'm not sure what Ryan was thinking, but he actually let me drive the car. I was the 4th person ever to drive the car and the only person that wasn't a part of his family to ever be in the driver's seat. I felt incredibly honored.
Ryan forgot what it was like to ride in the passenger seat - I think he enjoyed it or perhaps worried that he made the biggest mistake of his life by letting me be at the wheel.
I was driving a car that Ryan and his dad put so many hours of blood, sweat and tears into. This was also my first time to drive one of the great American classics - could life get any better?!?
Strapping myself into the driver's seat with the lap belt was pretty cool. I felt ready to hit the drag strip!
It was so much fun to drive a vehicle that had no electronics, computers or creature comforts of any kind except for power steering. The power steering was put in specifically when Keith became too weak from his cancer to be able to drive the car without it.
The exhaust was loud as hell and the engine was super torquey. The loud crackles and pops from the backfiring sounded like gunshots underneath my seat. Holding a conversation while driving was virtually impossible as you'll see in the video below.
I didn't dare do anything dumb, like race a couple kids that came up alongside us in a Mustang. They were looking in our direction the whole time but I didn't want to risk potentially losing control of the car and crashing. Even if I somehow did make it out alive, I'm pretty sure Ryan would've killed me.
So many people appreciated the car. We got waves and smiles from tons of people as we were driving. Even someone who is not an auto enthusiast can appreciate an American classic - especially one that's as rare as this one.
Ryan has had a passion for cars as long as he can remember. He started a rally group in the Des Moines, Iowa many years ago and has now brought his passion for rallies down to central Texas and started !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The AMX AMC will now be the face of Rallye Republic.
I'm grateful that Ryan trusted me with something that is much more than just a car to him. I never had much of an appreciation for classic cars until I actually drove this one - and it was an experience I will never forget.
Check out more posts at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Facebook: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Twitter: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
$kaycog
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 14:44 |
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What a beautiful heartwarming story and a beautiful car. Excuse me, I need more tissue.
ythostiress65
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 15:24 |
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Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail
www.Jobs7000.Com
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427zeo6
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 15:42 |
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Great story with a sad ending. Father shares his passions and skills with his son and the memories live on. I don't have kids but my nephews and I spend quality time doing auto repairs and maintenance. Latest project is swapping driver train out from one bent Jeep Cherokee to its replacement since so much time and effort was put into rebuilding motor/trans/transfer case before the Jeep met its early demise. I'm proud of my nephews they will be great citizens and contributors to society....one is studying computer software design....the other CNC machine programming. My vast tool collection will probably got to the CNC nephew....but, both have a knowledge and passion for cars having helped me at the races and being allowed to drive our Corvettes from the 2009 Z06 to the 70 LT-1 ...... I never worried about them behind the wheel because they would greatly fear their aunts rejection if they did anything stupid with the cars. Both drive manual transmission vehicles many of their friends cannot!
exiledtonowhere
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 15:58 |
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just got dusty in here....
ThePenguin
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 16:03 |
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After seeing this car in prom and being amazed at the work done on it, I am even more impressed after learning the story behind it. Great read and great job Ryan!
Edit: I also want to add kinja mobile sucks. Won't let me upload a picture.
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ThePenguin
> ThePenguin
09/28/2014 at 16:07 |
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Person*
soundman98
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 16:09 |
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it gets so very tiring to hear of this or that company build. i love seeing garage-built cars like this. the stories behind them are what makes them even better.
MachtSchnell
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 16:43 |
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Man is it dusty in here... Maybe I'll grab some tissues.
Maxaxle
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 16:52 |
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'MURICA.
george strickland
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 18:36 |
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only America built cars like this,beautiful and powerful.
Vlan1
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 19:01 |
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AMXs were some of the most Beautiful muscle cars ever made.
I personally would give my right nut for a 1970 AMX with the 390 /4-speed and GO-Pack and air ram hood.
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Torque Affair
> Vlan1
09/28/2014 at 19:30 |
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That's beautiful!!
TriggerTX
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 19:31 |
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Just did a parade with Ryan and his AMX here in CenTex. Saw this and thought "How many Red, White, and Blue AMXes can there possibly be driving around. Yep, same car and guy. He's pretty cool in person and I can testify that that car is loud. I thought my 'Bird was loud at times.
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Torque Affair
> george strickland
09/28/2014 at 19:35 |
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definitely
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Torque Affair
> TriggerTX
09/28/2014 at 19:36 |
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I think my ears were ringing afterwards...which parade was this?
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Torque Affair
> soundman98
09/28/2014 at 19:41 |
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Absolutely. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Torque Affair
> MachtSchnell
09/28/2014 at 19:41 |
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Haha
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Torque Affair
> ThePenguin
09/28/2014 at 19:42 |
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Awesome - glad you liked it! Ryan and his dad put so much work into the car...
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Torque Affair
> 427zeo6
09/28/2014 at 19:43 |
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Thanks for sharing your story!
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Torque Affair
> $kaycog
09/28/2014 at 19:45 |
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I'm glad you liked it! The car is pretty amazing..
LTIROCKS
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 20:06 |
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Too bad AMC never saw fit to put "THE MACHINES" 340 HP (SAE GROSS) 390 into the AMX.
No other AMC vehicle (including the AC/Rambler) offered the 390 in that state of tune.
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TriggerTX
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 20:18 |
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Little homecoming parade in Leander north of Austin. I was just glad he was behind me during the parade. :D Then my Thunderbird decided that parade duty was a bit to hard and overheated at the very end of the route. That is being addressed before I do the F1 Driver's Parade in November.
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Torque Affair
> TriggerTX
09/28/2014 at 20:29 |
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Awesome ..I'm sure we'll run into each other at some point. I'm helping Ryan put together his rallies.
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Torque Affair
> LTIROCKS
09/28/2014 at 20:32 |
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interesting..didn't know that..
mentos
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 20:39 |
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I was on my way home from the gun range today. I was pleasently supprised to happen upon a pristine example of a white one out for a sunday stroll. I can't say I had ever seen one in person before. Really an interesting car that has roots here in Kenosha, WI. Kind of ironic to pull up jalopnik and see one on the front page.
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TriggerTX
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 20:51 |
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Look for the long and low maroon Thunderbird convertible at Cars and Coffee most months.
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LTIROCKS
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 20:51 |
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It's a little known fact.
Here's a link to a vintage road test, which discussed the additional engine mods:
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/members/Aardva…
The hottest AMX engine was optional (also a 390), and rated at 325 Gross HP. The SC/Rambler had no optional engine, and 315 Gross HP was it.
The Machine came only with the 340 HP version of the 390, which was unique to that model. With one aboard, they'd run lower 14s at 100 MPH. That's pretty decent, given the engine's modest (by Gross standards) 340 HP rating and the car's curb weight. They also handled pretty well and were comfortable, by the standards of the day.
A few sources erroneously list the "340 HP" 390 as being available in the AMX for the '70 model year. It wasn't, though some were so modified at the dealerships with The Machine's over the counter parts.
http://books.google.com/books?id=GcqNx…
Jwend392
> Torque Affair
09/28/2014 at 20:51 |
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Torque Affair
> mentos
09/28/2014 at 21:22 |
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That's awesome! It's a small world - yeah Ryan grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and started up rallies in the Mid-west.
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Torque Affair
> LTIROCKS
09/28/2014 at 21:23 |
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cool! I learn something new every day!
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Torque Affair
> TriggerTX
09/28/2014 at 21:24 |
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awesome..will try to find you next month
Surbski
> Vlan1
09/28/2014 at 23:24 |
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Definitely one of my favorites ;) If I get the gumption to do another AMX it would definitely be a '70.
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Surbski
> TriggerTX
09/28/2014 at 23:26 |
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Thanks TriggerTX. Time to get the birds out and go play... :)
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Surbski
> ThePenguin
09/28/2014 at 23:28 |
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Thanks ThePenguin. I really appreciate that. See you out on the roads soon.
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Surbski
> LTIROCKS
09/28/2014 at 23:29 |
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Couldn't agree more LTIROCKS... gotta wonder if AMC may have been a bit worried putting that kind of power (big for the day) behind such a short wheel base/lightweight car. We'll never know.
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Surbski
> mentos
09/28/2014 at 23:30 |
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Dad and Mom visited Kenosha in this AMX a couple of times over the past decade. #ROOTS
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Surbski
> soundman98
09/28/2014 at 23:30 |
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this comment makes my night.
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Surbski
> 427zeo6
09/28/2014 at 23:35 |
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Really appreciate your story here. Because cancer gets the best of many of us... we don't like to think that the story has a sad ending. We LOVE the reality that Dad's story carries on. Sorry to all the tissue grabbers here. But continued and lasting legacies always put me into tear jerker mode too. Which is why I have to limit my views of "Rudy." We're just real fortunate that Dad had the time and energy to create something that would carry a legacy of integrity, hard work and value through the generations. If I had it my way, our family's story would encourage many more families out there to do the same. Whether you see the end in sight or not. Get those kids into machinery, working with their hands, and knowledge of how an internal combustion engine operates. If you need a little help, YouTube and Google are amazing resources we didn't have even 10 years ago, and you can always hit me up. But thanks for your story. Really sets the tone to have a great week.
TadKosciuszko
> Torque Affair
09/29/2014 at 00:23 |
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That car is fantastic.
Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
> Torque Affair
09/29/2014 at 00:33 |
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Stories like this make me smile and tear sometimes.
I still wish I had the Honda Trail me and my dad worked on, though.
Marcia S. Davis
> Torque Affair
09/29/2014 at 07:03 |
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Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail
———————————> www.jobs700.com
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Torque Affair
> Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
09/29/2014 at 07:08 |
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Ah, that's awesome. You guys restored it?
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Torque Affair
> TadKosciuszko
09/29/2014 at 07:08 |
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For sure!
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MuchWagon
> Torque Affair
09/29/2014 at 07:43 |
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For an article that doesnt even mention a wagon this one had many feels.
Neutral President
> Torque Affair
09/29/2014 at 09:10 |
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I love the Javelin and AMX. Beautiful American muscle and a nice change from the usual Camaro/Mustang/Challenger trifecta.
I love the subtle tweaks made to this one. The stripes running parallel to the A-pillar is a really nice touch.
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ThePenguin
> Surbski
09/29/2014 at 10:20 |
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No problem it isn't hard when looking at something so pretty!
And actually I don't have a car haha.
SerialThriller
> Maxaxle
09/29/2014 at 11:37 |
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Has a paint scheme ever fit a car better?
No.
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LTIROCKS
> Surbski
09/29/2014 at 14:01 |
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The AMX's wheelbase was only 1 inch shorter than the Corvette's from the same period (97" vs. 98"), and curb weights were similar.
Chevy arguably exaggerated their advertised engine ratings the most (e.g. "435 HP" L71 tri-power Corvette). Still, the higher horsepower Corvettes (including the LT1 350, rated at "370" Gross HP) were faster cars than the AMX. An additional 15 HP (340 vs. 325) likely wouldn't have made The Machine any more dangerous than those Corvettes.
Perhaps there were packing and/or assembly line issues with installing The Machine's engine into AMX. (I'm by no means an AMC "expert," and that's speculative based on what I know from other cars. For example, the LS6 Chevelle 454s had to use low rise intakes for hood clearance issues.)
The Machine's intake manifold was a little taller (recall that it used a huge hoodscoop), and it's exhaust manifolds were larger. The Machine's intake manifold is show on the left, while the "325 HP" 390 AMX manifold is shown on the right:
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Torque Affair
> Neutral President
09/29/2014 at 19:23 |
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yeah they put a lot of effort into the car.
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Surbski
> TadKosciuszko
09/30/2014 at 18:23 |
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Thanks TadKosciuszko!
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TeamProBono
> Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:20 |
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American Made Crap. No amount of arguing can prove that they every built a good car.
Jack Rumbaugh
> Torque Affair
12/08/2014 at 07:55 |
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I have a special place in my heart for the AMX as I have owned several. My first car was '73 Javelin and the love affair with all things AMC went from there. Loved my '71 AMX and briefly owned a '70. The car I miss the most was a fully equipped 1969 AMX Go Pac 390 that I restored in 1986. When I bought it, it had the factory dual quad manifold on it. I sold that and nearly financed the entire resto with the proceeds. Would love to still own that beast. My 2012 Challenger is far faster and more refined, but that car was a ton of fun and always put a smile on my face.
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Torque Affair
> Jack Rumbaugh
12/08/2014 at 07:57 |
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Thanks for sharing your story!
Ultraworld
> Torque Affair
12/19/2014 at 18:58 |
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What a great story, and a great car. I have always admired the purpose built appearance of these hard to find cars. With a 390 4speed and a set of 4.11's this car is very fast.
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Torque Affair
> Ultraworld
12/19/2014 at 19:09 |
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Yeah, this car was definitely quick!