53 posts, newest first.
Remember the old Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the fake wood on the sides? Don’t laugh, its become a cult classic and good ones cost the money. It had a cushy leather interior, plenty of fake wood inside too, and was very good off road — it was America’s Range Rover at the time. That last…
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Gang, So sorry to have been such a sloth and not updated this page at my usual twice a week pace. But I’ve been eyeballs deep in finishing up a new book, in fact my second about Porsche. It’s called Porsche Special Editions, and will be out sometime in the second quarter of ’22. Above…
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Hi Gang. This at first may not seem to be much of an automotive issue, but if you read down a bit you’ll see there’s a very worthwhile car connection — not to mention that this charity and this event is spearheaded by a friend I’ve known and worked with in the autosphere for at…
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Nissan’s just now out with an all new Frontier, and for reals, it’s all new. Which is a good thing, as the most recent gen mid-sized pickup from Nissan has been around since the 2005 model year, just into George W. Bush’s second term as president. It served long and well, but was for sure…
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Bondo The Great, has left us. I’m saddened, but not entirely surprised, to learn that Bob Bondurant past away a few days ago, as he’d been on and off not so well the last few years. He was 85. Among America’s best world class road racers of his day, Bob did it all, if not…
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Harold LeMay’s Humble Beginnings We’re all familiar with the expression “One person’s trash is another one’s treasure.” In the case of the late Harold LeMay, along with his wife Nancy, the trash led to the treasure. Washingtonians Mr. and Mrs. LeMay made their considerable fortune in the commercial waste management business – trash trucks. As…
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Photos by me and courtesy Kirk Gerbracht; click any photo to see it full screen in high res Now in its third year, the Gathering at the Oaks car show is becoming a meaningful force in the Southern Oregon classic and collector car scene. It’s a very egalitarian event, offering something of motoring interest…
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Hyundai’s dynamic Sonata and corporate cousin KIA’s K5 (formerly Optima) continue to prove that the mid-sized sedan is still a viable product, and not likely to be summarily wiped off the face of dealer lots by SUVs anytime soon. The Sonata got a thorough redesign and content refresh just this year, and comes in a…
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After an unfortunate but expected 2020 cancellation, and at least one subsequent date revision, the annual Friends of Steve McQueen Car & Motorcycle Show is Happening. I can’t wait, and I hope you’ll be there too. It’s a great event, for a more than wonderful cause, at an historic location significant to Steve McQueen’s life…
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Gang, I apologize for being so not diligent in posting new things for you as of the last couple weeks. The reason is that I’ve been on the road, going places, doing things, and bringing home great stories and images for you. Cars, car shows, one of the world’s best transportation museums, wrecking yards, visiting…
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Forget everything you know, or think you know, and particularly everything you ridicule, about mid-sized passenger vans, or as they used to be called, Minivans. And let’s dispense with all the not very witty cuticisms that you’ve all said at one point or another: Soccermom-mobile, Rolling Baby Crib, or any other such crap. Modern passenger…
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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 15, 2021) — Long recognized as a superlative showcase of automotive history, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance made history of its own at the culmination of its 70th celebration: a total of 38 former Best of Show cars were on hand to welcome a new winner to their ranks. This year,…
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Click on either image to see it full screen in high res Bruce Meyer (not to be confused with the late Bruce Meyers, of dune buggy fame) is about as serious and committed a car guy as I know, plus a great ambassador for our hobby. He likes to say “I think of myself first…
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Isky Celebrates 100 at the Petersen Automotive Museum photos courtesy Dave Banks, and the Petersen Automotive Museum Click on any photo to see it full screen in high res If you follow hot rodding, drag racing, or the musclecar scene, you know of Ed Iskenderian – AKA Isky. Certainly among the high priests of hot…
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The incomparable Ed “Isky” Iskenderian turned 100 on July 10, and the occasion has been celebrated many times and places over the last month or so, but in case you missed any of them, or just want one more, The Camfather will again be honored at the Gasser 7 round up and open house coming…
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Can you get an S for Less? A tuned Carrera might be your key to 992 happiness Click on any image to see it full screen in high res In 1971, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Founder and Chairman (and racer, and motorsport photographer) Bill Warner went Porsche shopping…“Of course, like everyone, I really wanted a…
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All of you by now likely know about my car detail products fetish. I rub on my cars constantly, and love trying the latest and/or greatest new products on them. I’m constantly asked about the new “Ceramics.” The theory behind most of them is that they are chemically intended to form a chemical bond with…
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Call it fact or phenomenon; car people love sport watches, particularly mechanical chronographs and diver’s models. There are several makes and models that command the most popularity (and often the highest prices) but there are at least three kings of this road. At or near the top of this heap is the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph,…
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Bob Clarke is a committed car guy to say the least. And his tastes are wonderfully varied, from hot rods to Porsches and a lot in between. He’s also built himself one damn fine Man Cave in the Ventura County, California area, dedicated to his various collection pursuits. He’s nicknamed it Bob’s Highway Garage, although it’s…
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photos by Kirk Gerbracht, and a few by me. Click any image to see it high res and full screen. BMW, being both a luxury/performance and technology advancement leading brand, has moved quickly and aggressively toward blending increased performance with electrification, optimized fuel economy, atmosphere friendly and reduced carbon footprint solutions. Besides an ever increasing…
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IRWINDALE, Calif. — The world’s largest single-day all-Ford car show is much beloved, but has taken its shots lately. First was its ouster from longtime locale, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Then a less-than-successful outing at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Then a one-time reprisal back at Knott’s. Then COVID — you know the rest…
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LOST BEAUTIES: 50 CARS THAT TIME FORGOT by Michel Zumbrunn and Axel E. Catton Click on any image in either review to see it full screen This beautifully written, photographed, and presented 220 page hardbound volume isn’t another barnfind book, although a few of the cars contained herein could be said to be in that…
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THANK YOU AND AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BILL WARNER The Amelia’s Founder, Bill Warner, spends a few minutes with his dear friend, The Amelia’s first and twentieth honoree, Sir Stirling Moss. All photos by Deremer Studios LLC. Except this one by me Dear friends: In late 1995, I answered the call to create a concours d’elegance…
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Nearly everyone, with a good experience in their youth to recall, claims their dad was the greatest. Not meaning to disparage anyone’s pop, mine could compete with any of y’all’s, I promise. A heart of solid gold, strong morals, and a diligent work ethic, and so much more, made him so much more. Born in…
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Parts is parts. But when you can’t get them for your special interest, classic or collector car, parts is hell. We’ve all been through it; trying to find the obscure little part for your obscure specialty car. And those of you who have done this long enough remember the archeological dig that parts-chasing was previous…
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Gang, If your not otherwise busy, and are proximous to Burbank, California this Saturday, June 12, Come out to Autobooks-Aerpbooks Book Store between 10AM and 2PM, say hello and check out my new book, plus the rest of this gem of a place that I’m sure is the last remaining bookstore in America dedicated soley…
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I couldn’t have been happier than to see the incomparable Helio Castroneves win his fourth Indy 500 ring. Winning the Indy 500, any Indy 500, just one, is a huger than huge accomplishment. The previous 4-timers — AJ Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser, Sr., were all champions and masters of their decade(s) and earned…
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BILL STROPPE’S BAJA BRONCOS: THE STUFF OF OFF-ROAD LEGEND Ford’s new Bronco and Bronco Sport SUV models comprise one of the most anticipated and exciting new product launches from Ford attracting interest – and dealer orders – rivaling that of any-gen Ford GT or new Mustangs wearing a Shelby badge. The late Bill Stroppe is…
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Gang, I’m pleased to introduce to you my newest baby, of which I’m quite proud. A group of very special, purpose built, Carrera RSR 3.0s, two historic race tracks, a dozen of the world’s best racing drivers, and a very special Rookie season of the International Race of Champions in 1973/74. I have great fondness…
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Cruising the River Rhine in Fine Style Christian Kramer is an automotive expert of considerable note. Once an auto broker, he’s since become a certificated vehicle vetter and appraiser. He can provide a full forensic and market valuation write-up on a single vehicle or an entire collection. He often does for banks that finance such…
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The call came early this morning. It was more bad news in a year that produced more than its share of ugliness. Most racing drivers that came of age in the 1950s didn’t really expect to live into their 80s. Despite walking on motor racing’s biggest stage in the benighted year 1955, that’s exactly what…
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Hey Gang, Hope you are all doing fine and well out there as winter and COVID begin to thaw. I’m pleased to clue you in to a terrific online magazine that I’m pleased to have recently begun working for. That being www.sportscardigest.com. It’s just about what it sounds like, sports cars, vintage and classic of…
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2021 GT500 ROAD (AND TRACK) TOUR REVEAL FORD’S BEST-EVER MUSTANG IRVINE, Calif. — By now you’ve read of the new Ford Shelby GT500’s legendary performance and scintillating test numbers; you know those well sub-4.0 second 0-60 times and quarter-mile times in the low 11’s. Not to mention its high grip levels, anchor-dropping brakes, and Formula 1…
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Jacksonville, FL – Two decades ago Andre Dubonnet’s stunning 1938 Hispano-Suiza Xenia won the sixth annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance’s Best of Show award. The one-off 1938 Xenia, with an H6B engine, is the glamorous product of aperitif heir Andre Dubonnet’s vision, creativity, intellect and automotive passions. Photo: 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia courtesy of Michael…
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1959 Deutsch-Bonnet HBR5 Coupé The museum has added more than eight iconic vehicles, including supercars, movie cars and historic cars, to The Vault presented by Hagerty LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2021) – The Petersen Automotive Museum has added more than eight new vehicles to The Vault presented by Hagerty, offering guests an updated tour experience. New Vault…
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Gang – as you know, this very special event is of deep importance to me, especially the place at which its held. This is a marvelously varied, highly accessable, and very enjoyable weekend of events, especially if you are a Steve McQ fan. Of course you’ll see plenty of Highland Green Mustangs, and more than…
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It pleases me a ton that my automotive Happiest Place on Earth has reopened, and hopefully for good this time. Lots of new things to see, so please visit again soon…. PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC MARCH 25 The museum will strictly adhere to safety and social distancing guidelines, and will also offer…
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Many of you have wondered, and some have asked me, what has become of Bob Bondurant and his famous high performance driving and racing school. So just below is a very recent press release from the school, which updates the story. Bondurant himself told me the story of how, while in hospital recovering from…
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Here’s a significant announcement I thought y’all might enjoy…MS At Zero260.com we scour the internet for the best deals on the coolest collector and special interest cars for sale so you don’t have to. We provide original content, market valuation, and direct links to the seller’s original listing, all neatly packaged and delivered to our…
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As Originally published in SportsCarDigest.com Riding with Mario photos by me, and Mel Stone No matter how good a driver you are or think you are, I’ve learned that you really discover how marginal a driver you might be when you ride with or get schooled by someone really good. Or superlative. Or legendarily world-class…
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MILPITAS, CA — Modern automotive assembly plants are usually the size of small towns, with similar sized populations. They are most often named after the cities in which they are located (or by the main streets on which they sit) and become famous and are identified by those names – such as the early Ford Model T…
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Of the many new cars I’m continually asked about, the new mid-engined C8 Corvette is among the most often discussed, from a list including the Shelby GT500, the Ford GT, the Hellcat Challenger, and the reborn Ford Bronco. If you just can’t get enough fiberglass in your diet, there are two new books out that…
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The car I’m most identified with is my ’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 terms of enthusiast…
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1970 MERCURY COUGAR ELIMINATOR: FORD’S ALTERNATIVE POWER CHOICE Most enthusiasts consider 1969 and 1970 to be the absolute zenith of the original muscle car era. These two years served as the apex of the horsepower and cubic-inches curve. As is so often said to someone celebrating one of those dreaded decade birthdays (30, 40 .
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Event Information Visitors Guide Charity Sponsors News and Media Gallery ANOTHER CHANCE TO WATCH “DRIVING AMELIA” ON NBCSN The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is proud to announce another chance to watch “Driving Amelia.” The hour-long television program showcases the 2020 Amelia, celebrating 25 years of power and passion that fuels the event. Driving Amelia highlights many of the great…
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Last weekend, I visited the Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard, California. Never knew about it, never heard of it before — and I’m in the business, remember…So what a pleasant surprise. This little outfit exists just for fun and the love of cars. It’s a legit 501C3 non-profit org, and it populates its space in…
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I’ve been lucky enough to travel a good deal of the world, prior to 2020 at least. Among my pursuits in doing this is to get up close and personal with the car scenes in different countries. And of course I bang off endless happysnaps of all the interesting things I see while out on…
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“The two-dimensional car” Shadow Cars founder Don Nichols Jacksonville, FL – A half century has passed since the first Shadow made its competition debut at Mosport in the opening round of the 1970 Can-Am season. In 2021 the 26th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will honor the 1974 Can-Am Champion and 1977 Austrian GP winner with a…
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Hey Gang, Assuming you are fans of Bring-A-Trailer, Craigs List, RennList, Hemmings, and all the other wonderful online timewasters that allow us to digitally peruse (and pursue) our automotive fantasy wants list (or even actually buy cars from them now and again) I’m pleased to alert you to a new site that currently (as in…
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The late, great Carroll Shelby would’ve turned 98 this past January 11th, and even though it’s now been almost nine years since his passing, he continues to make headlines. Last weekend, Carroll’s personal 1965 427 Cobra (CSX3178) sold for a whopping $5.94 million at auction – proof that the Shelby legacy remains strong in the…
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It was my great and good fortune to know, to have worked with, and to have become friends with the late Tom Tjaarda. You may or may not know Tom Tjaarda’s name, I promise you know his work. Chances are, one of his automotive designs may be on your All Time Favorite list, be it…
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The famous “MoonEyes” logo is cool, cute, and somewhat iconic. It all represents a company called Moon Equipment, built, run, and owned by a guy (logically enough) named Dean Moon. Moon was a seriously committed hardcore drag racer and hot rodder. He also had great ideas for a line of relatively light weight, high quality…
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If you know me at all, you know about my car care and detailing products fetish. I’ve sampled and tested all of Jay Leno’s Garage stuff and find it to be of very high quality, and moderately priced. Up until now, the only place to buy it was on the JLG website — which is…
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