CarShark: Why We Love Our 80s Cars That Much More
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: img via IMCDB ::: CarShark
RECENTLY, somebody asked me for advice on the pros and cons of acquiring a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche Series II.
For a modest $40K, this gentleman reasoned that he’d get special treatment from the valet, classic Rolls style to flaunt, and perfectly plush, comfy transport that hailed from an era when, “computers didn’t rule the car.”
I pointed to the many financial pitfalls that can hit a Corniche owner – namely maintenance: $3000 rear brake job, anyone?
That said, having read of the recent joint study by University of Washington and UC San Diego students who hacked their way into modern cars’ ECUs; suddenly, a quarter-century old Rolls seems perfectly sensible everyday transport.
BBC reports: The researchers showed how to kill a car engine remotely, turn off the brakes so the car would not stop and make instruments give false readings.
Jalopnik said that these researchers were using malicious software called CarShark.
For some hacks they used a process called “fuzzing” and sent random bits of code to disrupt them. This caused horns to blow, trunks to pop and even the brakes to stop functioning. There’s supposed to be a failsafe override for the brakes, but jamming the ABS solenoids could lock up the brakes so they’re not usable.
Right. So, then: add another bonus to the list of a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II amenities – hack proof.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Leo | May 18, 2010 | Reply
Ha!So true.offer a me 89 dual srs SEL or a relatively new S i’d have the SEL,the S will be worth only 20k(nzd)as soon as the new one comes out while 80′s Mercedes(at least here)are slowly starting to appreciate.At least in the 80′s RR’s were real RR’s and Mercedes were bullet proof(quality wise)
G | May 18, 2010 | Reply
Right on, Leo.
Brad Starcevich | May 19, 2010 | Reply
Gunnar,
Thanks for this great post. I guess that I mistakenly consider myself computer savvy. I had no idea that modern automotive computers could be hacked. Why it should come as a surprise to me I will never know, given this report:
http://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2008/01/dreamliner_security
Tell your friend that as long as he maintains the brakes and uses the correct brake fluid, he need not worry about the infamous $3,000.00 brake job. Buy the Rolls and drive and maintain it regularly. Is it more expensive to
maintain than other cars? Yes, but moderately so. He just needs to ask himself, what is it worth to him to own and drive a treasure, something truly exquisite? The finest car in the world?
Great stuff Gunnar. Keep it coming !
Best regards,
Brad
G | May 19, 2010 | Reply
787′s susceptible to hacks? That is most frightening! Thanks for the link, Brad!