A V-8 Vair

Speaking of originality, a tip of the hat to Larry Cooper of Taylor, Michigan, owner of this Cadillac-powered, raspberry colored Corsa.

The air-scoop molded into the area below the rear window gives you a clue there might be something a little unusual going on in the engine compartment.

Ah, yes! A large radiator mounted on a angle, where the flat-6 used to be. Coolant hoses running into what used to be the back seat area. A Crown Corv-8 conversion? No. A transverse-mounted, aluminum, 1970 Cadillac V-8 and transaxle, of course with out the steering mechanisms!

The engine is housed in a custom enclosure behind the front seats. Larry says the car is very quiet, and runs great. Weight runs around 2900 lbs (1300 kilograms), which should be enough to keep the car grounded. However, when I commented about the cars "excellent" aerodynamics, Larry raised his eyebrows and told me is "gets a little light up around 130 mph (210 km/h). I should have asked him how the window seals hold up at that speed.

Larry stayed with the stock Corsa cluster, and I'd say it was a good choice. The speedometer is already set up for 140 mph. The brushed metal and wood telescopic steering wheel is an original factory option, and the custom sound system in the stock radio location is a nice touch.

Well done, Larry. A tour-de-force!