66 posts, newest first.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the whole of the collector car community is mourning the loss of one of its guiding lights. Jules Heumann, who led this Concours for decades, passed away Saturday at the age of 93. Jules—known more simply as “J.” to his many friends throughout the automotive world—worked passionately throughout his…
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All of us love a good barnfind. I’ve written a book about the subject, here… And it’s amazing to me how many of them I spot in driveways, hiding in mostly plain sight. And of course being the car fool that I am, I photograph them if I can do so without the risk…
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The Art Center Classic has become one of the world’s most significant car shows. I know this notion sounds a major leap of faith, but please trust me when I say this, as I’ve been to most of them: Pebble Beach Amelia Island, Villa d’Este, and you name it. You’d expect a car show curated…
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Here’s some information from the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance I thought you might enjoy… The 200 mph, 1000-horsepower GTP — Grand Touring Prototype — racers from the 1981 through the 1993 IMSA Championship seasons will star at the 23rd annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 11, 2018 at The Golf Club of Amelia Island,…
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If you plan to be anywhere near Danville, California this Saturday, please come to the Blackhawk Museum, meet me and join me for a slide show and book signing. You’ll have the chance to see an absolutely world class car museum in a gorgeous location, meet some other like minded folks, and purchase a variety…
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I’ve been on an alt energy kick lately, working to get into every hybrid, BHEV or pure electric vehicle I can test. These technologies are advancing, becoming more prevalent, and affordable. And gas isn’t. So the need for a quick 500 mile trip to Vegas gave me good reason to try another new Hybrid. This…
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The car I’m most identified with is my chrome yellow gold ’72 DeTomaso Pantera. I loved that car, and miss it a lot. Selling it was likely a mistake, but made sense at the time, although I can’t afford to repurchase it or a similar one now. But I’m pleased these cars have advanced in…
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Hyundai and Kia are going big on hybrids and EVs, you will see many more such products rolling out from them in the next few years. So I’ve made it my mission to drive and evaluate all of the current ones to get an idea about where the companies stand on them at the moment.
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When I was a kid and before I could get a driver’s license, I was really into minibikes and motorcycles. My neighbor across the street, Scotty, had a little tube frame minibike with a 3.5 horsepower Tecumseh lawn mower engine it it, and I, at the time, never wanted anything so bad in all my…
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As you know while out and about in faraway places, I enjoy snapping the cool, fabulous, and often strange cars I see while on the road, and I like to share them with you. Hope you appreciate and/or share some of my eclectic tastes……
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I do not currently own a Jaguar, although I’ve had three of them over time — two mid-60s sedans plus a Series I E-Type. I generally love them and would own another. So it wasn’t much of a stretch when my posse mate Jeff asked me to join him and his JOC region for a…
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photos by Kirk Gerbracht, Me, and courtesy Galpin Auto Group. All photos are posted in hi res, so double click on any one to see full screen. Thanks — enjoy. You know Galpin Ford. The World’s #1 selling Ford dealer in the world for decades. A family owned and operated dynastic institution descending from founder…
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I’ve often wondered why there aren’t more Hybrid SUVs and crossovers out there. KIA has come to the rescue with a handy, attractive little guy called Niro. It’s purely a crossover, with no low range 4WD in the mix for rock hopping or hill climbing. But it’s a smartly sized, handsome, compact-to-medium CUV that will…
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“Emerson was the first of a new breed of racers,” said Bill Warner, founder and Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “Born after the war his path from karts to the World Championship and Indy’s Victory Lane has become the template for a generation of racing superstars.” Fittipaldi retired from Formula 1 in 1980.
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My old pal and former Petersen Publishing teammate Joe Sebergandio has been into vintage minibikes since before anyone cared. And the movement has become quite A Thing. Joe puts on a not so small anymore “car show” for these little bikes, which is a blast. 2017 will be his sixth year at it, and if…
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I’m no sage when it comes to investments or trends, but have been saying and writing for some years now that certain Japanese cars, from a classic and collector car standpoint, would become A Thing. And they certainly have. Here in Southern California (where else) there is, and has been for some while, a…
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Hyundai has announced that before too very long, it plans that 40% of its new car fleet will be pure EV. That’s a lot, and the investment required to get there is monumental. Hyundai and sister brand KIA have been nibbling at the edges of electrification for some years, but has now firmed up and…
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I’m pleased to be invited back to the fabulous Blackhawk Collection Museum in Danville, California, December 2, 2017 to present a brief talk, slide show, and book signing. If you’ve never visited this elegant place, it’s an absolute bucket-lister I promise you. Time is 10:30 and we’ll be done by noon. This is…
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Some interesting news from the folks at Shelby American I thought you might enjoy….MS Shelby Raptor is based on the latest generation Ford F-150 Raptor Truck Shelby adds 75 horsepower and 100 foot pound of torque, as well as a host of handling and styling upgrades to the truck Production will be limited to 500…
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while I’m out there gathering up a ton of new material. I’ve driven some new cars I’ll report on, been to a ton of events, and have other news to discuss. So just giving it a rest in the mean time. Lots to talk about — catch up with you beginning again in mid…
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Monterey Car Week 2017 is now in the books, and it was pretty memorable for a lot of reasons. I need to recheck the math, but this was something like my 30th car week. It used to be called “The Weekend” but some years ago, it became “The Week” with so many new events, shows,…
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I recently shared with you my story and photos from travelling to New Delhi India for the 21 Gun Salute concours show and motoring festival. And I mentioned that this event would soon be switching to an every other year format — but not yet. So there will in fact be a 2018 event, and…
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Here’s a news release from Shelby American I thought you might enjoy. Imagine a ’65 GT350 with IRS. Mustangs don’t get much hotter, or cooler than this. Enjoy….MS LOS ANGELES – August 15, 2017 – The group who built the first series of Shelby American racecars based on Ford’s iconic ‘65 Mustang fastbacks, dubbed the…
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Automotive history is deep and rich in India Photos by me, Linda Stone, and courtesy 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Heritage Trust It all happened quickly and simply: I was in Monterey last August for Car Week when I met a tall, handsome, well dressed Indian gent, who introduced himself as…
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Photography by Kirk Gerbracht J Mays, a now-retired vice president of global design for Ford, once told us that “nobody has ever done more for the Mustang’s legacy or development, than Carroll Shelby and Steve McQueen.” Carroll’s impact needs no further introduction here, and McQueen’s comes down to one word: Bullitt. That rumbling, grumbling Highland…
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I’m an automotive design junkie. Of course there’s more to cars than just looks, but styling and design are what sets forth a car’s persona. I’ts what makes them fabulous, beautiful, elegant, sexy, proportioned, pretty, muscular — or disproportionate, unattractive, and in the odd case, downright ugly. It’s been said that any of us automotive…
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Hagerty Collector Car Insurance hosts a unique spin in the UK on its completely charming Concours d’Le Mons that we so enjoy here in America during Monterey Car Week. I thought you would enjoy these charming photos and news release about it from Hagerty. — MS AND THE AWARDS FOR THIS YEAR’S MOST EXTRAORDINARILY ORDINARY…
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If you’re visiting this site, you likely know who Chip Foose is. His build a car in a week television show, Overhaulin, is a staple on automotive TV, at the moment with a healthy reruns schedule on the Velocity network. He also has a serious hot rod and custom build and design shop in Huntington…
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You may recall that Chrysler “invented” or at least defined the modern minivan with its original K-Car platform front-drive derived Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth minivans that came to market in 1984. These vans were well packaged, affordable, people friendly, practical, and good looking enough. Over time, the Chrysler van lineup had become a bit…
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Some News I thought you might enjoy from my friends Donald Osborne, Michael Furman, and the folks at The Blackhawk Museum. The museum is a must if you’ve never been, and the book is fabulous…MS Offers a Rare Opportunity to Witness the Jet-age Cars that Forever Changed Modern Automotive Design Book Author, Automotive Expert and…
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You may or may not have ever heard of Montrose, California. It’s our version of “Mayberry, RFD” and embodies a crazy-charming old school shopping village. The Montrose Village is about three blocks long, meanders slightly, and is packed full of great restaurants, jewelry stores, and cutsey boutiques. It’s the home of our weekly farmer’s market,…
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Photo courtesy Indianpolis Motor Speedway and Amelia Island Concours d’elegance News from the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Emerson Fittipaldi, double Formula 1 World Champion and two-time Indy 500 winner, will be the honoree for the 23rd annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 9-11, 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Meteoric is the most apt…
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Greetings Visitors and Friends, I hope you had a great July 4 weekend and holiday. I’ve just made a super deep discounted publisher-direct quantity buy on my Exotic Barn Finds book, and I can sell them to you for peanuts. Here’s the deal: these are brand new copies, right out of the box. Retail…
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Click to enlarge I will never forget those trips to Vilem B. Haan auto boutique (founded by and named after that actual guy) in Beverly Hills with my dad. It was a real adventure, about 40 miles from our home in Upland. We’d make an entire day of it, usually just him and me, unless…
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This is the greatest car show you’ve likely never heard of or been to. My friend, master photographer Evan Klein, wanted to create a low stress, no hassle car show to celebrate all cars, and the car community of great people, at a wonderfully historic place high atop Beverly Hills called Franklin Canyon Park (and…
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If you know me at all, you know that I like my cars immaculate at all times, which makes me a bit of a car detail products geek. I like to try the latest stuff, in search of that wax, spray, protectant, brush or tool that makes car detailing that much better or easier. Last…
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I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vic Edelbrock, Jr., June 9, 2017. He’d been battling all sorts of pulmonary issues, perhaps some combination of bronchitis and pneumonia. He’d been in the hospital a bit lately, then out, but still needing a feeding tube. Those around him thought he was on the mend,…
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Car show season is for sure upon us, at least here in SoCal. Please put this great event on your calendar either to attend or to enter. It’s a wonderful no stress, no hassle, no judging, no trophies, run what you brung day in a super historic and cool park (with a lake) in the…
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OK is this an obvious plug for some of the books I’ve published? Heck yes it is, and I hope there’s something in my library that your car guy dad (or any car enthusiast) would enjoy. Far as I know, everything is available on Amazon, at Autobooks in Burbanks or publisher direct. Thank you…
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photos Kirk Gerbracht Carroll Shelby passed away May 10, 2012 – and it’s hard to believe it’s been five years already. Shelby International, the Shelby Foundation, and Shelby American never forgets its original SnakeCharmer, and celebratea the occasion with a great car show and open house event each spring – you’ll notice its called “Tribute”…
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If you own a Porsche, Mini, Mercedes-Benz or BMW, you likely know Pelican Parts. Its an impressive online parts business that carries lots of great stuff, and nearly always has the right parts in stock. They carry new Porsche original, high quality aftermarket, and racy stuff. Nice people, and also maintain a fabulous collection of…
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Here’s some news from Shelby American I thought you might be interested in – MS WIDE BODY ROAD RACING 2017 SHELBY SUPER SNAKE CONCEPT CAR UNVEILED BY SHELBY AMERICAN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Wide body concept introduced for first time on newest generation Ford Mustang platform Road course focused package includes new suspension and brake options…
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This year’s FOSMQ show is shaping up to be a dandy. E ntries are strong, but the huge field still has room for more cars and bikes. And it’s all for a very good cause. So come out, enter, and run what ya brung, or just bring your posse out for the day to spectate…
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My longtime friend John Clor, he of FordRacing.com and Ford Performance Marketing, is currently driving around the country (in a Ford Transit Ecoboost van) meeting Ford fans and primarily Mustang clubbies at a variety of dealerships around the country, giving a charmingly informative presentation about Mustang design history, and other interesting things Ford. John is…
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The late Tad Burness’s original Monstrous American Car Spotter’s Guide 1920-1980 has been newly reborn as “My Dad Had That Car; A Nostalgic Look at the American Automobile, 1920-1990.” And I’m honored to be a part of it, and lucky enough to have my name on the cover as a Commentary Provider. This amazing, cinder…
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Only the largest, grandest and most historic factory property would do for Preston Tucker’s Car of Tomorrow Photos courtesy of The Petersen Automotive Museum and Fiat/Chrysler Archive Everyone has (at least one) opinion about Preston Tucker and his near mythical Tucker 48 automobile. Some believe that Tucker was at least a huckster if not an…
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My friend Ted Moser is an interesting guy, and he runs an interesting business. Ted cuts a wide path in the movie and television production industries as a transportation coordinator, which is the guy that controls the movements of just about anything that moves on wheels; cast, crew, sets, whatever. Along with this comes…
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My longtime friend, and oft time photographer, Kirk Gerbracht (who also supplied the great photos contained herein) lives by the saying that “the measure of a successful weekend is how many car events you could cram into the two days” and it’s a perfectly logical notion, to which I also subscribe. One show or event…
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Many collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts watch classic and collector car auction results like the proverbial hawk, believing that they truly represent real time pricing in the marketplace; noting every high and low, and tracking the trends and curves in an effort to understand “the market,” figure out what a given machine is worth, and what’s…
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First, my big thanks to all of you that came out to our great “ISKY” book signing party with Ed Iskenderian a few weeks ago. We both enjoyed seeing old friends, and making new ones; Ed was in rare form and held court like The Camfather he is. If you’re a Steve McQueen fan, and…
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I freely admit that I really love all the “stuff” that goes along with the enjoyment of cars and driving. Watches, sunglasses, driving gloves, gadgets and goodies, ephemera, and really comfy, stylish driving shoes that support good driving and pedal management. And T-shirts: I’ve got more car related T-shirts than a chicken coupe has eggs.
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Here’s another one I drove several months back but never got around to talking about. The 2017 is virtually identical so your shopping considerations shouldn’t be impacted in any meaningful detail. The first generation of Nissan’s style driven Murano never impressed me a lot. Sure, it had that avante guard look, a solid chassis…
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To me touching up nicks and scrapes on one of my cars is akin to going in for a root canal; it’s really got to be done, but it’s painful and the result is seldom perfect. Which is why I’ve discovered Automotive TouchUp products. Trust me this isn’t a paid or unpaid plug for them;…
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I’m not trying to replug my new book again — really I’m not — but thought you might enjoy these snaps from our day with Isky at Autobooks in Burbank. He was in great form, holding court and having fun. Everyone really enjoyed him a lot — the sharpest 95 year old guy you’ll ever…
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ISKY Ed Iskenderian and the History of Hot Rodding *Saturday, March 18 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ========== Meet The CamFather himself and author Matt Stone (that’s me!) To tell the life story of Ed “Isky” Iskenderian is to tell the history of hot rodding in America. Isky: Ed “Isky” Iskenderian and the History of…
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Even in the best case scenario, the forecast for Sunday’s scheduled Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance includes rain and lots of it. With a 100% chance of heavy precipitation forecast for Sunday and a sunshine-filled Saturday in the mix, Bill Warner and his team have chosen to move Sunday’s award-winning Concours to Saturday. The Concours show…
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DieselGate is over; VW is ready to have some fun. The current VW Beetle, which was first reborn as the New Beetle in 1999, is about the only remaining “retro” car from that era. The retrofuturist Ford Thunderbird has come and gone. The Chrysler PT Cruiser which was a huge sales success for Chrysler, has…
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Readers and Friends, I’m back from a couple weeks of world travels, which have yielded lots of things I plan on sharing with you soon, but in the mean time, I hope you’ll support the FOSMQ show by entering your car or bike or just coming out for the day and enjoying a great show.
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Dear readers and visitors, I’ll be on the road for a couple weeks gathering new material, driving new cars, seeing new things, and wearing out a camera or two. Connectivity will be limited, so don’t expect any new material here until nearer end of month or so. Sorry about that and I’ll do my best…
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You know I’m a sucker for a great car show, especially when it raises money for a worthy charity or cause. One such event upcoming is the 4th Annual Bendict Castle Concours on Sunday March 26, 2017 in Riverside California, to benefit Teen Challenge. I remember Teen Challenge from when I was in high school;…
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First of all, that’s Volo, not Volvo. While there, I spoke to one of the Grams family members who built, own and operate this charming place. I’m forgetting her first name, for which I apologize, but I asked her “what the place was all about.” She described it as a “hobby that just got way…
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As a Shelby Mustang owner and a longtime Shelby American fan, I’m always interested in what this company has going on. And thought you might be as well, so here’s the company’s press announcement from last Thursday at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. — MS • Celebrating the first Super Snake, Shelby American unveils the 50th Anniversary…
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As you’ve likely noticed from these pages, I make it my point to attend “breakfast cruises” or “Cars N Coffee” events all over the world whenever I can find one. I love these deals, as they are the “perfectly formed” casual car show — get your car out of the garage, bring those fluids up…
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I have always loved Checker automobiles. They are the anvils of the automotive jungle, tough, simple, and pure of purpose. I’d love to have one as an ideal beat around town and leave it at the airport kind of car. Or to take Linda out a for night on the town, kinda New York style.
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Porsche has doubled down on its customer outreach and Motorsport HQ investment in North America, with the grand opening of its sparkling new 53 acre Experience Center in Carson California. It is similar in concept to other Experience Centers, allowing current and potential Porsche customers an opportunity to improve and expand their driving abilities, while…
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You may (or may not) know much about Cuba, that mystical little island that sits about 90 miles off the south coast of Miami. You probably do know about the world’s appetite for the finest Cuban cigars and rum, the latter being the primary ingredient of the perfect Mojito. Maybe you’ve heard that president Obama…
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