You Don't Have To Be A Gearhead To Pass This Car Quiz...But it helps
- by Will Morgan
- – on
- in Entertainment
Get out from under that tuner, and wash that grease off of your hands. It's time to take the ultimate gearhead quiz! "No problem," you say? So, you think you know everything there is to know about cars then? Okay, well let's cover it all buddy. This quiz is going to test your knowledge on production dates and engines. It is going to go into auto history and the big races. You are going to need to know what things stand for and who exactly did what and when. It is going to get into muscle cars and electrics. We are going to tee off on tuners and maybe even make a lap with a pickup or two. Are you still in?
If you are still thinking you are going to ace this test, then you are just the kind of gearhead that we love! That 'can do' confidence is what has driven the car industry ever since a motor was put on a set of wheels. It takes a certain kind of person to hear a challenge and think "Yeah, that's no problem!" It is the same kind of person that sees a hot rod blast an old sped record and their first thought is how to make it go even faster. That desire to make things faster, better, more efficient, stronger is what is going to keep the auto industry going into the future, and gearheads busy for years to come!
Can you name this automaker just by its logo?
Any person with a sense of design will tell you that a company's logo is of the utmost importance. And you would probably tell them "Yeah, I know. You don't need to be a design major to know that. Please leave me alone." I mean, it is kind of obvious, right. Automaker's logos have a special place in the desidn world. Many have lasted over or close to a century. And they need to look pretty sweet speeding by or classy as heck rolling by.
What does BMW stand for, in English?
Just in case you were not aware of this, I will go ahead and catch you up: BMW is not a US based car manufacturer. Nope. They are one of the finest and oldest of the European auto manufacturers and have been cranking out the highest quality of vehicles ever since 1912. So, since you know their home country does not speak English, their letters mean something different their. So just to be clear, this question is in regards to what the letters stand for in English.
What is considered the first "pony car"?
So back in the 50s and early 60s you had your typical car classes. You know, you had your full sized family cars; you had your compact cars; and you had mid sized and what not. And sure all of those categories had cars with some sporty features. But then, everything got blown out of the water when the the pony car was introduced! They were affordable, two door, super sporty and made especially for performance. They brought about the heyday of the muscle cars.
The inventor of first petrol-powered car also founded what company?
Back in the early days of the automobile industry it was a lot like the wild west, which was to be completely honest, not that historically far from when all of this was happening. Things were being invented then you'd turn around and see that someone else invented it, or found a more efficient way produce what you just invented on a larger scale. Karl Benz created the very first modern car powered by petrol and completely changed history in 1886.
What was the drivetrain for the first generation Chevy Camaro?
The Chevy Camaro is a freaking legend. It was designed and built, from the moment its inception, as a weapon to destroy the Mustang. Everything about this car is meant to be a counter to the Mustang. The Mustang has this, the Camaro must have that and have that to the max! And boy did it work! Chevy actually ended up succeeding with the Camaro and outsold the Mustang in its first year and the long war had its first shot.
When was the first electric car made?
Electric cars are here and they are here to help! But how long have they been here? Why did gas take over to begin with? Go all the back to when cars were just coming out. There was no standard. People were trying things left and right. So, it was up to the car buying public and what was the cheapest and most efficient way to mass produce vehicles that would dictate what types of cars would end up being made.
Originally, Honda CR-V's came equipped with what?
You really have to give it to Honda, man. They really know how to make fun, family cars that are fun to drive and have some of the weirdest peripherals on the market. The Honda CR-V was meant to be a small sports utility vehicle crossover that couples could take out on the weekend, take a nap in, and look out at the stars. So, of course they are going to include this really odd, non-standard accessory. It simply makes sense when you think about it.
From 1990 until 2008, what automaker owned the rights to Jaguar Cars?
From the 60s and on through several decades, the Jaguar (please remember to say it with a classy British accent) was at the top of the class in luxury vehicles. Then the 90s happened and a gigantic automaker came along and took over the production of this fancy luxury status symbol. And things sort of fell apart. By 'things' I mean all of their cars. Jaguar's reputation and reliability sunk and did not recover until the last several years when a new owner took over.
What year did the first generation Toyota Corolla debut?
We don't think of certain car models as being new or old. They are just there. When did you first start seeing the Toyota Corolla around? Was it when you were a little kid? Maybe you had a friend that had one in high school. But did they get it from their dad who got it from his mom? Or did it maybe just come out a couple of years ago? So when was did the Corolla first hit the streets?
What automaker also owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche?
Okay everybody, this one may come as a little bit of a surprise. Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche are some of the finest luxury brands that are around. People don't even realize that they are all made under the same parent company. That company is now the largest automaker in the entire world. If you don't already know the answer, then it may surprise you. Could it be another luxury brand that snatched up all of these competitors? Or something a little more modest?
What car was James Dean driving during his fatal crash?
Whoa, this is kind of a morbid one. But hey it is automotive history, so let's do this. James Dean was a one of a kind method actor that was also in love with cars. He received this car as a gift and was driving it through the streets of Los Angeles on the fateful evening that the crash took place. The car was totaled and Dean lost his life when the vehicle skid off the road while trying to take a curve.
What does NASCAR stand for?
Well, yeehaw brother! Let's fire up the pick up and head on down to the track! It's NASCAR season, and the rubber is burning! We got to get down there so we can sit in the stands and watch these cars make a left hand turn and occasionally stop for gas and tire changes! NASCAR basically grew out of bootleggers making moonshine runs in Appalachia which eventually morphed into organized races. It has the numbers to back up claims to make it one of America's top 3 sports.
What was the final model year of the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is one of those car models where if you don't know about it, it just passes right by you. You may hear the words Mitsubishi Eclipse and remember, "Oh yeah, I think my cousin might have had one of those" and go about your day. But to a certain sect of gearheads, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is tuner car royalty. That first generation set the scene on fire. If it's in Cruis'n USA and Fast & Furious, you know it's got to be good.
What year did the first Corvettes come out?
Is there anything more American than a Corvette? Maybe George Washington riding on the back of a bald eagle, eating a slice of apple pie, while hitting a home run in game 7 of the world series. Maybe. The Corvette came out right smack dab in the era when people who loved cars went crazy seeing how far they could take that love, and the 'Vette was a direct result. This car has gone through seven generations and each one embodies its era to a T.
What year did the Corvette Sting Ray come out?
The Corvette went through seven generations and if you took a poll, the Sting Ray would win as the favorite hands down. This car is bad news. This car will drive up to your front door while you eat dinner with your family, ring your doorbell then hide in the bushes and laugh at you when you answer it. This car will trip you when you walk by and make fun of you when you fall. And you will thank it.
In what year did the Corvette first have an available V8 engine?
Okay gearhead gang, this may turn out to be a bit of a tough question. I mean, when you think of a Corvette, of course the first thing that you think of is a roaring, monster V8 beast, barreling down the road. But not so fast there, buddy. Did the very first Corvette have that 8 banger under the hood? That one kind of stopped you in your tracks there didn't it? It's about as close to an existential crises as you get in the garage
What year was the first generation Camaro available?
Depending on when you were born really shapes your opinion of the Camaro. Of course we all love the Camaro. If you are not madly in love with the Camaro please step away from your computer for one second, okay? Seriously, just for a minute. Are they gone? Okay, cool. Hey, everybody. That person that doesn't love Camaros is kind of freaking me out. Oh crap! They're coming back! Everyone be cool! Anyway, as I was saying Camaros are neat!
What automaker has the most wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest active endurance sports car race in the world! And, if you are anything like me, then you used to get this race confused with the breathing techniques used during the act of childbirth known as Lamaze. So, when a pregnant lady said they were going to Lamaze, I always expected them to get in a race car. Le Mans is a town in France and the race has been held in and around there since 1923.
Who founded Ferrari in 1939?
The names of the major auto brands are so ubiquitous at this point that we tend to forget that a lot of them are just people's names. How weird is that? Although it is definitely not all of them. I mean there was never a Herbert Land Rover out there running around. This guy was an Italian race car driver that was born in 1898 and died in 1988. He founded Ferrari in 1939, although the company wasn't an actual auto manufacturer until 1947.
What year was the Shelby Mustang GT350 introduced?
The history with these and their production by Shelby American can get a little confusing and a little blurb on a quiz is not the place to learn about it. Basically, the thing to remember is that Carroll Shelby is an automotive genius, and do not get the Shelby Mustang GT350 and the AC Cobra mixed up even though they are both referred to as Cobras, and even Shelby Cobras sometimes. They are very different cars. Shelby Mustangs have popped up several times and each time, it's something special.
How much horsepower did the McLaren F1 LM have?
If you are an eccentric billionaire that feels the need to drive in excess of 200 mph while out doing your grocery shopping on the reg, then a McLaren is most definitely the only logical vehicle choice you could make. McLarens are designed and built for one purpose and one purpose only: to go as mind numbingly fast as possible. This car was built as a street legal version honoring the McLaren F1 GTR that won the 1995 24 Hours Of Le Mans.
The Camaro was made as a response to what?
Man, those wacky rapscallions at Chevrolet were being pretty coy with everybody when they announced to the world that they were making a new car called the Camaro. What does that word even mean anyway? At first they wouldn't say what the word meant. Then they would say it's French fro friendship. Finally they said it was a small feral animal that ate _______ (the name of the car they wanted to destroy). Oh, did I mention that the people at Chevy were a bunch of weirdos.
What are the best selling vehicles in the United States?
What does it take to become the most popular line of vehicles in the United States of America? What do the American people really want in a car? Power, reliability, dependability, safety, and drink holders? Or is it about something deeper than that, something that appeals to the rugged individualism and outdoor spirit? To find the most popular vehicle, you need to ask yourself these things. Or I guess you could just think about what kind of cars you see the most of as you drive.
In the Ferrari 250 GTO, what does GTO stand for?
This car was pretty freaking exclusive. How exclusive? Well for one, it cost $18,000 USD when it was released.... in 1962! $18,000 in 1962 money is like a trillion million dollars in modern money. Well, maybe not that much but it is a lot. Not only that, but US buyers had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and his dealer for North America, Luigi Chinetti. Like, if those guys did not know you, you had to get interviewed for the privilege of being able to spend lots of money on one of their cars.
In what year was the Pontiac GTO introduced?
You know, there could be a little bit of a debate about as to what is the very first muscle car. But, there is very little debate that the Pontiac GTO is the freaking muscle car, baby! The Pontiac GTO asks other muscle cars if they even lift. It does pull ups in between bench sets. This car approaches with a deep rumbling growl and leaves with skid marks, turned heads, and audible gasps. The Pontiac GTO is pumped and ready to roll.
What year in the 80s did Corvette not have a vehicle available for public sale?
So one year in the 80s, Corvette was not happy with the cars coming off the line. Only about 400 were made before they shut the whole operation down and decided not to release a model that year. They fixed the problems and released that fixed model as the next years model. But they had already sent the blueprints to Hot Wheels and the toy company made it and released it. So if you wanted to, you could see the Corvette a year early.
What years was the DeLorean DMC-12 originally manufactured?
This is a regular, non-modified DeLorean DMC-12, so it runs on normal gasoline. The other one, the modified one that you are probably more aware of it the one that runs on plutonium. Or trash in the sequel. It just needs to get 1.21 gigawatts to the flux capacitor. Also, you need to mispronounce gigawatts. And the dude that started the company was a little bit crazy and there was a little bit of a problem with a lot of cocaine. So the car didn't last long.
What year was the Pontiac Firebird released?
Look, it does not matter what year the Pontiac Firebird was released. Well, actually I guess it does if you want to get the question right. But in the long run, the date is arbitrary because the Firebird should go down as the car of the 80s. Just picture one of these rockets in the mall parking lot topless. You're leaning against it in your Levis blue jean jacket with the sleeves rolled up and your Ray-Bans on. Yeah, this car rocks.
When was the Dodge Charger introduced?
When Dodge announced a few years back that they were going to start production once again on the Charger and the Challenger, people lost their marbles. Not literally, most people don't still play with marbles. Those folks had pretty darn good reason to get excited. In its day the Charger was the king of the road. When Steve McQueen slipped into one for Bullitt, anyone that didn't already know about these bad boys, found out. And the Charger gained status as an American legend.
When did the Plymouth Barracuda end production?
This car, the Plymouth Barracuda, always reminded of that one song by that band Heart. You know the one. It kind of went "Oooh Barracuda!" What the heck was the name of the song again? I think it was "Crazy Long Killer Fish". So the Plymouth Barracuda was crazy powerful little sporty monster that started out huge and stated to shrink as time went on. It was one of the best two door sports cars on the road for a while there.
What was the first mass produced automobile in the United States?
This question could be for the first mass produced automobile in the entire world instead of in the United States, since the answer would still be the same. But let's throw in some specifics, baby! Looking back at these old time vehicles, it is amazing how closely they resemble carriages. After all, that is what they are based on. There is no car as of yet, the only mode of personal ground transportation is the carriage, so let's just make one of those and subtract the horse.
What was the first Japanese car to sell in the US?
Gearheads all have their niche loves. I mean sure, everyone one of us loves all cars and car culture, but there is maybe a single vehicle or a type of car or a time period that we love more than any other. For many people, their love is for Japanese cars. Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, their history, and the way they are set up perfectly to be tuned up and customized can set a gearhead mouth to drooling. What was the vehicle that made that all possible?
What year were seat belts required by US federal law to be included in cars?
It seems so weird to even picture a car that does not have any seat belts. If I got into a car and there was no seatbelt there, I think I would just start to scream uncontrollably. But hey, that's just me. The dangers of automobile crashes, specifically covered in Ralph Nader's book, Unsafe At Any Speed finally got people to take some action and enact federally mandated safety laws to help reduce traffic fatalities. And hey, a weird thing happened: it worked!
What was the first company to offer cars with automatic transmissions?
Does it absolutely blow your mind that an automatic transmission was a luxury feature once upon a time. We have come quite a long way, my friend. If you have no clue what the difference is between automatic transmission and manual transmission, first of all, why are you taking this quiz? Second of all, how are you doing on it anyway if you've made it this far? And third of all, automatic just means it does it automatically and you don't need to push in the clutch and shift gears yourself.
Who is the founder of Honda?
Honda is such a cool story and company because it was built from the ground up by a dude that just loved to build cars and car parts, and race. That sounds like a bunch of people I know. That probably sounds like a bunch of people you know. Imagine one of those people founding Honda in their spare time. Honda was all about speed and fun under his watch and eventually came to be more associated with family and reliability. But that fun streak still slips out every now and then.