Welcome again, one and all, to VClassics, the webzine worth waiting for. I'd like to update you on the progress we've made on our many projects.

This last week, I received the long-awaited shipment of MPPE (Multi-Purpose Performance Engine) parts from Unitek&ST in Sweden. I haven't had a chance to do anything except ogle them yet, but rest assured we'll have full coverage of building this motor in future issues. The head work is truly astonishing, and everything else looks great as well -- I'm entirely pleased. Pretty much all the other parts have been collected, so I'm ready to build as time and finances permit.

In view of the power the MPPE is expected to deliver, I'm redoing the suspension on our 1800S using John Parker's progressive springs and urethane bushings (see www.v-performance.com). I recently bought some vintage Cragar wheels which will permit lowering the car; the old wheels stuck out too far for fender clearence. I like the look of the Cragars a lot better, too.

Cameron will be one of the first recipients of John's B18/B20 supercharger kits, which is finally approaching production status after no end of delays with suppliers. Cam will be installing this in his 122S Tancar along with a stock "F" head, and is in charge of developing a throttle linkage and other details specific to installing the kit on an Amazon. The high-performance head and Weber DCOEs that are coming off the Tancar are destined for Cam's PV444 La Carrera Panamericana racer project. We'll be covering both, naturally.

Cam and I (along with Marcus Weiner and Boris Kort-Packard, both with potent Volvos of their own) expect to return to the track this spring and show a few of those BMW and Porsche owner's what's up. We've all been taking high-performance driving school to that end -- it's really helpful to get some coaching from experienced instructors. See this issue's Driver Ed article for a taste of what that's like.

Marsha's own 122S is making remarkable progress under Bob Moreno's near-magical craftsmanship at The Works. The second installment of that series is covered in this issue. It has dawned on me that in the webzine we never finished the series on Bob's restoration of Carolyn's Amazon. The car took first place in stock class at the VCBC meet in August, so it's definitely done. I will rerun the entire series including the final episode (or two?) in upcoming issues. Sorry to have let that slip by.

For some time now, we've been following Grassroots Motorsports magazine's Amazon project and giving an occasional assist. Their December issue kicks off the series with a history of Volvo, and February will feature the project car. You can see much of this already online by visiting their website and clicking on Project Updates. Check it out!

We have lots of other stuff for you in this issue too -- so settle in, stay warm, and enjoy!

--Phil, editor@vclassics.com

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