ORIGINAL DEFINITION (Wiki) - Q-ships, also known as Q-boats, decoy vessels, special service ships, or mystery ships, were heavily armed merchant ships with concealed weaponry, designed to luresubmarines into making surface attacks. This gave Q-ships the chance to open fire and sink them. The basic ethos of every Q-ship was to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
In automotive nomenclature Q-Ships are Sleeper cars are termed such because their exterior looks little or no different from a standard or economy-class car. In some cases the car appears worse due to seeming neglect on the owner's part, typically referred to as "all go and no show". While appearing to be a standard or neglected car, internally they are modified to perform at higher performance levels. The American nomenclature comes from the term sleeper agent, while the British term derives from the Q-ships used by the Royal Navy.
The earliest known reference to the term 'Q-car' is in the February 1963 edition of Motor Sport magazine. The editor, Bill Boddy, said of the Lotus Cortina: "...the modifications carried out by Lotus have turned it in to a 'Q' car par excellence...". In the 1956 British film "The Long Arm" (aka "The Third Key") there are references to a Q car (unmarked)patrolling the city by night which indicates that the term was in use among UK law enforcement at least a decade earlier.
Whats you favourite example of a factory Q-ship car ?
Here's one that is widely used as the benchmark, the Mercedes 6.9.
Mercedes 6.9
The 6.9 was first shown to the motoring press at the GenevaAuto Show in 1974, and produced between 1975 and 1981 in extremely limited numbers. It was billed as the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz car line, and the successor to Mercedes-Benz's original high-performance sedan, the300SEL 6.3.
The engine was a cast ironV8 with single overhead camshafts operating sodium-filled valves against hardened valve seats on each aluminium alloy cylinder head. Each hand-built unit was bench-tested for 265 minutes, 40 of which were under full load. Bosch K-Jetronic electromechanical fuel injection was standard at a time when fuel-injected cars were uncommon. As in all Mercedes-Benz automobile engines, the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons were forged instead of cast. The 6.9 lor 417 CIC power plant was factory-rated at 286 hp (213 kW) with 405 lb·ft (549 N·m) of torque helping to compensate for the 2.65 to 1 final drive ratio necessary for sustained high-speed cruising. The North American version, introduced in 1977, was rated with 36 fewer horsepower and 45 fewer lb·ft (250 and 360, respectively), due to the differing and higher emission standards at the time.
Top speed was factory-rated at 140 mph (225 km/h). Among the journalists that tested and reviewed the car was Brock Yates. Yates was approached by the factory to write promotional literature about the 6.9. He agreed, but under the condition that he could list the car's faults as well as its positives. Daimler-Benz agreed in turn, and Yates was given a US-spec 6.9 to drive from Manhattan to the Road Atlanta grand prix race track in Georgia. There, Yates would drive the car in as-arrived condition at racing speeds for a full 40 laps or just over 100 miles (160 km). The only change made to the car upon its arrival at Road Atlanta was the necessary adjustment of tire pressure.
(wikipedia)
-- Edited by 73SC on Saturday 28th of March 2015 01:37:56 PM
The Mercury Marauder was based on an updated version of the Ford Pantherplatform that was introduced for 2003. The Marauder had a naturally aspirated 4.6 L V8 DOHC Ford Modular engine producing 302 hp (225 kW) and 318 ft·lbf (431 N·m) of torque; this engine had many parts including heads, cams, block and rotating assembly in common with the 20032004 Mustang Mach 1 and the 20032005Lincoln Aviator. The Marauder featured a dual exhaust system with MEGS tailpipe tips, with newly developed chassis and suspension modifications such as moving the rear shocks outboard of the frame rails, which were later made available for the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. The Marauder was fitted with the 4R70W 4-speed automatic in 2003 and received the upgraded 4R75W 4-speed automatic for 2004. Both years featured the aluminum drive shaft from the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. The limited slip differential with a 3.55 rear axle ratio was standard fitment on all Marauders. (wikipedia)
new trim of the LaCrosse bearing the Super moniker debuted for 2008. The LaCrosse Super was positioned as a higher-performance model of the sedan with revised front end styling influenced by the 2004 Velite concept car, as well as a return of displaying fourVentiports (reflecting a V8 engineunder the hood), a rear spoiler, projector beam fog lights, Magnasteer, larger brakes, and revised suspension tuning with standard Stabilitrak. Interior changes included special Super badged cluster with blue face, a wood grain shift knob, and dream weave leather seating. Interior colors for the Super were Platinum and Mocha Brown, while exterior color choices were Mocha Brown Metallic, Black Onyx, Red Jewel Tincoat, and Platinum Metallic. Power came from the 5.3 L LS4 small-block V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Managementtechnology,[6] which is routed to the front wheels. The Super model was the fastest modern production Buick ever built, with a factory top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h), and 0-60 mph times of 5.7 seconds. Only the Buick GNX of the 1980s was given such performance ratings until the Super was introduced. The Super was discontinued in 2009. (Wikipedia)
The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8.[7]Using the Multidisplacement System (MDS), this engine can run on four cylinders when less power is needed in order to reduce total fuel consumption. When all eight cylinders are needed, the 300C can make 340 hp (250 kW) and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) torque. It uses a five-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, Chrysler's MyGIG Infotainment System in 2008 and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Backseat Television in 2008. The HEMI engine includes a pushrod induction tube, located on the side of the engine-block. This tube makes the 300C more fuel efficient and quicker, because of the air being "pulled and pushed" into the engine's induction area. The engine uses the HEMI, or double rocker configuration, with a cam-in-block, overhead valve (OHV) pushrod design. There are two spark plugs per cylinder to assure complete fuel/air mixture burn and decrease emissions. In 2009 - 2010 they have increased the horsepower output to 360HP. The SRT8 model was equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi engine producing 425 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The SRT8 can hit 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. (wikipedia)
The fourth-generation E65 7-series was produced from 2001 to 2008 (released as 2002-2008 models). The Hydrogen 7 is the first production BMW to be powered by hydrogen. Although previous generations of the 7 Series had long-wheelbase and protection variants, the E65 was the first iteration to use specific chassis codes for each version. E65 was the designation of the standard-wheelbase version, E66 was the long-wheelbase version, E67 of the high-security (armored) version and E68 of the Hydrogen 7.
The BMW 745i/Li (2002-2005) models featured a 4.4L V8 engine outputting 325hp. Later on, the BMW 750i/Li (2006-2008) models featured a slightly more powerful 4.8L V8 engine outputting 360hp. Moreover, the BMW 760i/Li (2002-2005) and 760Li (2006-2008) features a vastly more powerful, performance-tuned 6.0L V12 engine with 438hp.
The E65 generated much controversy, due to its radical styling and iDrive user difficulties. Nonetheless, the E65 broke records to become the best-selling 7-series iteration ever, especially after its 2005 facelift. The E65/66 has been a subject of various media forms in pop culture during the early 2000s. (wikipedia)
cutting a roof off a four door is NOT a convertible.....
65 Parisienne convertible.one of 49 built for RHD export market,402BBC, T400, 2500 stally, posi rear, upgraded brakes with front discs, FUEL FAST efi custom built by me.
cutting a roof off a four door is NOT a convertible.....
65 Parisienne convertible.one of 49 built for RHD export market,402BBC, T400, 2500 stally, posi rear, upgraded brakes with front discs, FUEL FAST efi custom built by me.
The SHO comes with Ford's new SR1 suspension setup with MacPherson front struts and a multi-link design in the rear. This includes SHO-specific shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings. An optional Performance Package offers better brake pads, recalibrated steering, a "Sport Mode" for the stability control and shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio. (Wikipedia)
The engine is a 5 litre petrol V8, supercharged producing 510 PS. The Jaguar XJ is the name of a series of flagship, full-size, luxury cars sold by the British automobile brand, Jaguar Cars.The XJ line has had a long history, with the first model released in 1968. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons the company's founder,
and the model has been featured in countless media and high profile appearances. The current XJ was launched in 2009. It is one of the official cars of the royal families and UK Prime Minister. (wikipedia)
-- Edited by 73SC on Sunday 29th of March 2015 10:26:47 AM
For 2008 a new high-performance variant was added using the 390 horsepower (291 kW) 6.0L GM Small-Block LS2 V8 also found in the Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac GTO, and Chevrolet Trailblazer SS. In addition to the LS2 V8, the Aero featured 20 inch wheels, improved suspension, a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission and Aero-embroidered leather-appointed seats and floormats. Saab claimed that the 9-7X Aero could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. With very little modification, Aero owners are able to see 1/4 mile dragstrip times in the mid 12 second range.
The Cadillac DTS Performance was produced from 2006-'09 . The DTS Performance was powered by a L37 Northstar High Performance engine with special camshaft and 11:1 compression ratio producing a 292-hp along with a standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension, 18" chrome wheels and Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires. Power was sent to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission with a performance shift algorithm that adjusted to driver demands and throttle. Final drive ratio was 3.7:1 The DTS needed just over six seconds to reach 60 mph and 14.8 seconds at 98 mph to cover the quarter-mile. Top speed was limited through computer controlled sensors to 150 mph. (Wikipedia/Road & Track)
The LSC was a performance oriented model, designed to compete against European luxury coupes like the BMW 630/635CSi and the Mercedes-Benz 500/560SEC. It had a stiffer suspension, dual exhaust, sport leather seats, a higher output 225 hp engine (168 kW) 302 from the Mustang GTand sport styled 15-inch (380 mm) rims. In 1988, 16 in (406 mm) turbine rims appeared on the LSC. For 1990, 16 inch rims based on the BBS RA Series appeared on the LSC. (wikipedia)
The GT comes with a 361 hp (269 kW)[15] 6.0 L (364 cu in) Generation IV V8,[13]featuring a 6-speed 6L80automatic and Active Fuel Management, capable of reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.3 seconds,[16] with quarter-mile times as low as 13.8 seconds.[16] The G8 GT averages a fuel economy of 15/24 mpg (city/highway) Midway through the 2009 model year a few changes were made to the G8 GT, including an additional pair of catalytic converters which reduced engine output to 355 hp (265 kW). (wikipedia)
-- Edited by 73SC on Sunday 29th of March 2015 10:20:05 AM
The world-class EcoTec3 5.3L V8 engine offers improved efficiency without sacrificing performance. The strong, efficient EcoTec3 V8 generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque. Suburban is a storage expert. Look no further than the centre console, large enough to fit a laptop computer or hanging files. Plus, door storage areas have been maximized to allow room for water bottles, umbrellas, maps, and other small items. Behind the third row seats, there is a hidden underfloor storage area. Throughout the cabin, Suburban also features 15 cupholders for drinks of almost any size. (GM Canada)
Nice picks Ray!
One of the best bangs for your buck right now is the Chrysler 300C. Used 05-08's are less than $10g's for a really decent one. They will kick a$$ to a lot of hot rods and still take your Mom to church before you go to the drag strip on Sunday.
My best Q-ship was a '88 Benz SEL 560. It was the long one with the recliner rear seat and it would still lay rubber from a dead stop thru the IRS posi trac and give a healthy chirp into 2nd.
