DRIVEN: 2024 Lexus UX250h Premium

DRIVEN: 2024 Lexus UX250h Premium

I was on staff at Motor Trend when Lexus brought out the first RX300 and we all knew that it would change the SUV landscape, by crystalizing the definition of what we came to call the luxury Crossover SUV.  That first RX was smartly sized, had just enough...
Wither Lincoln?

Wither Lincoln?

The Mk II was so unique and special that it spawned its own Continental Division of the Ford Motor Company   Lincoln used to make great cars. Unfortunately, that statement is now longer completely nor technically true — because Ford’s Lincoln brand...
COMING SOON – MY NEW DELOREAN BOOK

COMING SOON – MY NEW DELOREAN BOOK

  I’m excited to tell you about my next and newest project — the first new (in some years) and up to date book about the story you thought you knew. DeLorean, the man, the car, the company, the trial, the fall, the big movie, and today.  There have...
DRIVEN: 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD

DRIVEN: 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD

Please click on any photo to see it full screen in high resolution The compact Hyundai Kona came to market as a 2018 model, in a variety of trim levels with a few powertrain choices.  It practically defined the term “Cute-Ute.”  And it was.  Yet also a...
THE VAN

THE VAN

  During one’s lifetime, we all own at least one vehicle with “personality.” Mine was a 1962 Ford Econoline van. It was the barest and most stripped version produced, with a 200 cubic-inch straight-six motor, 3-speed manual trans, two front seats, and the minimum...
DRIVEN: 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 AWD Prestige

DRIVEN: 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 AWD Prestige

Premium EVs are here.  And you’d have to look a long way to find a nicer one than this decidedly upmarket two-row Genesis. Unlike some EVs there are few choices in terms of motors, drive wheels, and extended range batteries: The EGV70 comes one way, and...
Virtual ProjectCarsNCoffee

Virtual ProjectCarsNCoffee

We’ve all done it.  Eyeballed a car/truck/bike/boat/plane looking a bit down on its luck if not outright abandoned, that immediately sparked our restorational imaginational.  If I got my hands on that thing, I’d make it bitchin.  I guess it’s all an...
DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6

DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai has quickly become one of the industry’s most major forces in the development and production of EVs.  Two of its slicker offerings are the Ioniq 6 sedan and the Ioniq 5 four-door hatch (or demi SUV). Both are based on much the same technical and...
DRIVEN: 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Tremor AWD

DRIVEN: 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Tremor AWD

Since its introduction a couple years back, the compact 4-door only Ford Maverick pickup has been hot property.  They’ve been tough to get and often sell for a premium over the window sticker MSRP.  There were all sorts of supply chain issues for certain...
DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV Limited

DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV Limited

              I can’t tell you how many so-called experts proclaimed that as soon as pure EVs became more practical and prevalent in the marketplace, the conventional, non-plug-in regenerative hybrid (HEV) would be instantly...
When near Detroit, eat at Ford’s Garage

When near Detroit, eat at Ford’s Garage

              Click on any image to see it full screen in hi res   Detroit, Dearborn, Pontiac, Lansing, and Flynt are just some of Michigan’s many car company towns.  In Dearborn — definitely Ford country —...
DRIVEN: 2023 Toyota Corolla SE AWD Sedan

DRIVEN: 2023 Toyota Corolla SE AWD Sedan

(Click on any image to see it full screen in high res) Toyota introduced its (and nearly everyone else’s) foray into the hybrid car world with the original Prius, and for some years, the only way you could get Toyota’s innovative regenerative hybrid...
Cool Cars Are Where You Find Them

Cool Cars Are Where You Find Them

  Click on a photo to see it full screen in hi res As you’ve likely heard me say before, its true: cool cars are where you find them, often right under your nose.  Check out this crazy trio of vintage Oldsmobiles (remember that brand?  Opposite of what the...
The Point of Driving It Home — Is the Point

The Point of Driving It Home — Is the Point

You can click on any photo to see it full size and in high res.   The joys of benchracing aside, I generally dislike “Me and My Car” stories.  You know, when someone – friend, clubmate, or journalist – prattles on and on about some car they have or had and why...
Fabulous Fiorano — Ferrari’s Private F1 Test Track

Fabulous Fiorano — Ferrari’s Private F1 Test Track

To Tread Upon Hallowed Ground Lapping The Ferrari Factory’s Test Track [Doubleclick on any image to see it full screen in high res] Some places are sacred; Mount Everest, the Wailing Wall, the Taj Mahal, or the Coliseum in Rome.  Places that move you, for their...
DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai G80 Electrified AWD

DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai G80 Electrified AWD

Doubleclick on any image to see it full screen in high res Other than Ford GTs, and this or that Ferrari or Porsche, I get more questions about EVs than just about any other vehicle right now, so as you’ve likely noticed from recent posts, I’m working my...
DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited

DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited

When the fourth gen Hyundai Elantra came online in 2006, it played as a strong competitor to the Ford Focus, and several other compact coupes and sedans; in terms of value, standard equipment, and content levels, I felt it bettered the popular Ford in several key...
Proof that You Can’t Fix Stupid

Proof that You Can’t Fix Stupid

[CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO SEE IT FULL SCREEN IN HI RES] There’s a famous Latin expression, used primarily by the legal community, that goes Res Ipsa Loquitur, which pretty much means “The Thing Speaks for Itself” somewhat filling the need for the...
DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD

DRIVEN: 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD

(Click on any photo to see it full screen in high res) I have for years been berating carmakers for inflating the compact pickup market into extinction.  As most American brand pickup trucks got “longer, lower, wider” heavier, less fuel efficient, more...
The Gathering at the Oaks Concours, Medford Oregon

The Gathering at the Oaks Concours, Medford Oregon

The Fourth Time’s A Charm Photos courtesy Kirk Gerbracht; click on any photo to see it full screen in high res Now in its fourth year, Gathering at the Oaks is becoming a meaningful force in the Southern Oregon classic and collector car scene.  It’s a very egalitarian...
NOW IN PRINT: PORSCHE SPECIAL EDITIONS

NOW IN PRINT: PORSCHE SPECIAL EDITIONS

I’m pleased to say that my latest book project, after interminable delays due to Covid, inflation, deflation, supply chain issues, a rail strike, locust, rickets, acne, heartburn, and goodness knows what else, is alive and well, in print and available in time...
DRIVEN: 2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line AWD

DRIVEN: 2022 Hyundai Tucson N Line AWD

Double click on any image to see it high res and full screen Hyundai’s Tucson and Sante Fe SUVs have now been around so long, we don’t often think of them as standardbearers in the marketplace.  This was my chance to drive the recently remodeled,...
DRIVEN: Volvo XC40 Recharge EV

DRIVEN: Volvo XC40 Recharge EV

DRIVEN: Volvo XC40 Recharge EV   [Please click on any image to see it full screen in high res] As you might imagine, I get many questions about EVs these days.  “How do they drive?”  “How far do they go on a charge?”  “Are they slow?”  Or “Are they fast enough.” ...
Old Cars on the Road

Old Cars on the Road

Among the many things I love about driving through rural communities is the surprising number of old cars I run across; yard art parked here and there, wrecking yards, small used car dealerships, barns, and other such random depositories of old tin.  And of course it...
Now in Print: Porsche Special Editions

Now in Print: Porsche Special Editions

My newest baby is out of the incubator and available for order. Porsche Special Editions covers a variety of special run Porsches, produced by the factory, by outside coachbuilders, top level aftermarket companies, and others.  Plus a smattering of concept cars....
Two Iconic German Car Museums: Porsche and Mercedes-Benz

Two Iconic German Car Museums: Porsche and Mercedes-Benz

Visiting Two Iconic German Car Museums: Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Transportation museums around the world vary—from purpose built, factory backed, artistic (and often architectural) wonders to old warehouses thinly repurposed into museum or personal (or foundation)...
COMING SOON…GERMANY’S GREAT CAR MUSEUMS

COMING SOON…GERMANY’S GREAT CAR MUSEUMS

No, I’ve not forgotten you or this blog. I’ve just been on the road and on the run gathering new material to share with you. Next up will be two of Germany’s greatest factory car museums both from around the Stuttgart area. Worth my trip, and...
COMING SOON: PORSCHE SPECIAL EDITIONS

COMING SOON: PORSCHE SPECIAL EDITIONS

Special Edition cars.  We’ve all heard of them; Anniversary models, Limited editions, Indy 500 Pace Car editions, some models even named SE or Special Edition, and so on…and on.  After finishing up and publishing my THE IROC PORSCHES book, I still felt like I had...
Bronco Road Trip

Bronco Road Trip

2,600-MILE WEST COAST ROAD TRIP IN A BRONCO SPORT ALL ‘THUMBS-UP’ The birth and product launch of Ford’s new Bronco and Bronco Sport have earned nearly as much excitement and following as have any Ford GT or Shelby models of recent history. By developing the model...
My First Magazine Editor’s Job – Thanks POCA!

My First Magazine Editor’s Job – Thanks POCA!

After 30 some years as a full time professional automotive writer, photographer, and book author, I’m often asked what was my first magazine editor’s job, which was in fact as the Quarterly Magazine Editor for POCA, the Pantera Owners Club of America. This...
Can you recreate and continue history?

Can you recreate and continue history?

Provenance n: where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence.  – courtesy dictionary.com Ask any knowledgeable automobile collector, restorer, auctioneer, or historian about what makes a car significant–and valuable–and they’ll...
Chrysler’s Norseman Concept Car Sleep With the Fishes

Chrysler’s Norseman Concept Car Sleep With the Fishes

Myth: A Famous (or Infamous) Chrysler Concept car sunk to the bottom of the ocean aboard the Andrea Doria cruiseliner. Today most people refer to them as “concept cars.”  By “them” we mean those one-off dream machines, mockups, design studies and turntable toys...
DRIVEN: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II 4×4

DRIVEN: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II 4×4

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...
Sorry to have neglected the blog, and you

Sorry to have neglected the blog, and you

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...
DRIVEN: 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-X Crew Cab V-6

DRIVEN: 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-X Crew Cab V-6

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. ...
Don’t Miss: LeMay – America’s Car Museum

Don’t Miss: LeMay – America’s Car Museum

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...
Medford Oregon’s Gathering at the Oaks Car Show ’21

Medford Oregon’s Gathering at the Oaks Car Show ’21

  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...
DRIVEN – 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

DRIVEN – 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

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...
Much more, coming soon

Much more, coming soon

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...
DRIVEN: 2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD

DRIVEN: 2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD

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...
Isky @ 100; the Petersen Automotive Museum Birthday Party

Isky @ 100; the Petersen Automotive Museum Birthday Party

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...
Gasser 7 and Isky 100 Calendar Alert

Gasser 7 and Isky 100 Calendar Alert

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...
Porsche Carrera S for Less?

Porsche Carrera S for Less?

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...
Bob’s Highway Garage – The Multi-purpose Man Cave

Bob’s Highway Garage – The Multi-purpose Man Cave

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...
Driven: 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e

Driven: 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e

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,...
FAB FORDS Returns

FAB FORDS Returns

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...
SPEED READING: Two great new car books

SPEED READING: Two great new car books

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...
Happy Father’s Day to my late Dad, Milt Stone

Happy Father’s Day to my late Dad, Milt Stone

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...
Check out CPX, the Collector Part Exchange

Check out CPX, the Collector Part Exchange

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...
Cruising the River Rhine in Fine Style

Cruising the River Rhine in Fine Style

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...
Rest In Speed: BOBBY UNSER, Feb 20, 1934 – May 2, 2021

Rest In Speed: BOBBY UNSER, Feb 20, 1934 – May 2, 2021

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...
Sports Car Digest Dot Com

Sports Car Digest Dot Com

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...
2021 GT500 on Road and on Track

2021 GT500 on Road and on Track

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...
Petersen Automotive Museum Reopens (yay)

Petersen Automotive Museum Reopens (yay)

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...
Zero260 Announces Auctions Site

Zero260 Announces Auctions Site

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,...
Riding With Mario

Riding With Mario

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...
Speed Reading: Vette Books

Speed Reading: Vette Books

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...
Time Passages  R.I.P. DeTomaso Modena

Time Passages R.I.P. DeTomaso Modena

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...
Mercury Cougar Eliminator: Mercury’s Mach I?

Mercury Cougar Eliminator: Mercury’s Mach I?

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...
Cool Cars From the Streets of Japan

Cool Cars From the Streets of Japan

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...
The Ultimate Vehicle, According to designer Tom Tjaarda

The Ultimate Vehicle, According to designer Tom Tjaarda

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...
Jay Leno And Walmart Partner On Premium Car Care

Jay Leno And Walmart Partner On Premium Car Care

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...
When NASCAR went to Le Mans

When NASCAR went to Le Mans

American cars running world stage endurance races isn’t new or unusual.  Previous to the all-conquering Ford GTs, there was Cunningham, some Cadillacs, a variety of Corvettes, not to mention Mustangs, the odd Camaro or so, and Panoz, ad infinitum.  As 2021 marks the...