Ferraris Accelerate at Record $167 Million Sale as Others Stall

From SFGate: Ferraris Accelerate at Record $167 Million Sale as Others Stall
Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- The classic-car market is dividing between the best models, whose prices are racing to records, and others that are faltering on the sales' start line, dealers say.

Auction totals are beating forecasts and some sellers made bigger returns from their Ferraris this month than from volatile financial markets. Still, investors are aware that an average classic auto can offer less lucrative returns.

"The market has polarized," Geneva-based auto adviser Simon Kidston said in an interview. "Big-ticket cars are making more and more. The rest is becoming much more difficult to sell."

Kidston attended this month's Monterey Car Week, North America's bellwether for the market, where the three biggest auctions increased by 11 percent over last year.

"The results were better than anyone could have expected," said Kidston, the founder of Kidston SA. "The auction houses are having to work harder, though. Certain cars are being guaranteed and bidding isn't as deep or as frenetic as it was three years ago. The top lots went to known collectors. There aren't enough younger new buyers entering the market."

There will be another test of demand on Sept. 16 at Goodwood in England, with a Bonhams sale of 90 cars with a total value of as much as 11 million pounds ($18 million).

A 1963 "Semi-Lightweight" hardtop Jaguar E-Type, one of two road models built as variants of the 12 competition cars that the factory created to take on Ferrari at Le Mans, may fetch as much as 2 million pounds. The 165 mph coupe has its original gray paintwork and hasn't been offered at auction before.

Selling Rates

Gooding & Co., RM Auctions and Bonhams raised $166.7 million from the Monterey sales, up from $150.2 million in 2010. Gooding and RM both had official totals of $78.2 million, with selling rates of more than 80 percent for respective offerings of 127 and 144 cars. More sales came after the auctions.

A 1957 Ferrari was sold by Gooding for $16.4 million, a record for any car at auction. Gooding raised $10.3 million, a record for an American car at auction, for a 1931 Duesenberg. A further $3 million was given for a 1956 Ferrari Superamerica.

"That was a strong price," said Dietrich Hatlapa, founder of HAGI and the author of "Better than Gold: Investing in Historic Cars." "Quality material changed hands and people were prepared to pay for it. A lot of money has been pulled out of the stock markets and some of it has found its way into tangible assets like classic cars."

A silver 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster was RM's top lot, at $9.7 million. The auction featured 14 prices of more than $1 million, with another 15 at Gooding.

Bonhams's auction of less stellar autos at Quail Lodge found buyers for 53 percent of 401 lots, raising $10.3 million, with no cars managing a hammer price of more than $1 million. Last year's sale raised $18.6 million.

Tim Schofield, Bonhams's U.K. head of cars, remains skeptical about some classic autos as an alternative investment.

"We're not seeing much of that kind of buying," Schofield said. "Cars have to be insured and garaged, and from the first day they're made, the condition deteriorates. We sell to passionate collectors."

Berlin marks 125th anniversary of automobile invention

From Xnhuanet.com: Berlin marks 125th anniversary of automobile invention
BERLIN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mercedes-Benz, the world leading luxury car producer, celebrates the 125th anniversary of its invention of automobile with what it claimed the largest gathering ever, at the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin on the weekend.

The Mercedes-Benz Club and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts greet visitors with some 1,800 well-assorted Mercedes-Benz-branded vehicles, ranging from vintage and classic passenger cars to a variety of historic commercial vehicles, on a vast open areas of 250,000 square metres of the abandoned Tempelhof airport, which was closed in 2008.

It took Mr. Lauritzen and his wife two days' drive of their cherised wecker of Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet B. 320.W 142.-3,4l to reach here for taking part in the pageant.

"It is a long journey, but we are happy to be here to see more class cars and more friends with same interests," Mrs Lauritzen said.

Owners take the opportunity to present their lovingly cared-for vehicles, which include a number of truly rare items of automotive history, to the Berlin public.

The couple of Mr. Kerner drove their red Mercedes-Benz 170Dba, a made-in-1952 model with a range of special and unique designs which are very rarely seen now, over journey of 155 km from Bitterfeld to join in the gala.

"I'm fond of driving my classic car of Benz," said Mrs Kerner, despite it can run maximally at a speed of 50 to 80 km per hour, "but I truly enjoy the diesel engine sounds and the historic feeling it evokes."

The legendary Silver Arrows, dating from the 1930s and 1950s, are also presented from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection for demonstration drives.

"The brilliant history of the Silver Arrows will be brought to life with a demonstration of their impressive engine sound and incredible driving dynamics," said Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH.

"It is not often that these racing cars are driven in public, so this will be a true highlight of the program of events in Tempelhof."

During the grand show, visitors are also accessible to first-hand experiences of the latest technologies applicable in the future for in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and racing cars.

"Some 125 years ago, Carl Benz submitted his patent application for the Benz Patent Motor Car to the Patent Office in Berlin", the organizer appealed to the visitors, saying now Mercedes-Benz is returning to Berlin to celebrate together with Berliners.

Classic cars turn heads at local shows

From Guelph Mercury: Classic cars turn heads at local shows
GUELPH — Even without a Delorean on display, classic car shows are still able to bring spectators back in time.

With autumn on the way, more and more vintage cars are hitting the road to soak up that last bit of summer. This past weekend saw a number of car shows in and around the city of Guelph, with hundreds of visitors stopping in to view the classic machines.

“Every car brings back a memory or a feeling to the owner,” said Josie Alford of Cambridge. She and her husband Gary were showing off their 1997 Mustang Cobra SVT at the Riverside Park car show Saturday.

Her husband bought the car in 1999 and has been showing it off since then. He said he’s motivated to come to these shows and work on the car because these were the kinds of activities he used to do with his son, before he died in a car accident in 1993.

“It’s therapy for Gary,” Josie said.

While some car owners sit deep in their camping chairs and squint with arms crossed at anyone who gets too close to their car, the Alfords try to strike up a conversation with anyone passing by, giving out cobra stamps and displaying their car with fake snakes made of rubber.

The Riverside Park event was a blend of hotrods and hot sauces as the 14th annual car show was paired up with Guelph’s Ribfest. The show brought out 166 cars to line the park in colour and chrome.

Dianne and Win Braun of Everton have been the proud owners of an aqua-coloured 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible for the past 42 years. Unlike most other classic car owners, their “Jewel” is insured the same as any other car on the road, allowing them to drive it any time they want to.

“Other than me, that’s his precious Jewel,” Dianne said about her husband as she pointed to the licence plate JEWL 66.

Two winters ago, the couple refinished the interior of the car, paying $10,000 for the custom work. But they said the cost was worth it.

“This car has been with us since day 1,” Dianne said. The couple went out for their first date in the convertible. They’ve driven it across the country, and now their children are driving it.

“It means a lot to us,” she said.

Although both of them have newer cars, they said nothing compares to the look of the cars from the 1950s and ’60s. “Cars back then had style,” Dianne said. “They spoke of an era that means so much to us.”

The car shows continued on Sunday with a number of events throughout the county. The 36th annual Antique and Classic Car Show took place at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.

“These cars are about a culturally specific moment in history,” said Libby Walker, the activity programmer for the museum car show. “They reflect what’s important in that time period.”

This element of nostalgia caused many to stop and look closely at certain vehicles.

Jack DeWilde has been to several car shows already this year. He said it’s nice to see the different styles of the past.

“Older vehicles have so much more style. The new cars look so plain in comparison,” he said.

Apart from the style of these classic cars, each machine has been around so long it has its own story to tell.

Ray Death, of Rockwood, has owned his 1934 Lincoln Town Car for 52 years. When asked about the year of the car, 87-year-old says, “I’m a 1924 model, myself.”

He said he and his car have been in 300 weddings and three movies. Death said he even had Colonel Sanders ride next to him years ago during a parade in Milton.

“I never was a hunter. I never was a fisherman or a golfer,” he said. “So, you need something in life.”

Residents at the Guelph Lake Commons retirement community also got to drive down memory lane as more than a dozen cars from the 1950s flooded the parking lot for their Nifty Fifties Car Show.

Elvin McNally was able to step outside and revisit some of the cars he used to own.

“It brought back a lot of memories of cars that I had,” the 81-year-old said, adding some of the cars he used to own are like these vintage machines.

“I should have kept them,” he said.

Drivers in Cuba turn genius to ensure classic Detroit cars still run

From Detroit Free Press: Drivers in Cuba turn genius to ensure classic Detroit cars still run
VINALES, Cuba -- The 1955 Dodge has a 2-liter bottle strapped to the driver's-side door frame, with a hose leading from the bottle to a hole in the hood.

It is the gas tank. And it works.

Although the aqua car's interior is stripped, owner Obel Aguado still drives it to work at the Los Jazmines viewpoint snack bar.

"He's going to put a Bulgarian diesel engine in it," another man said proudly. "He has a lot of work to do."

Although Americans buy cars on a whim, Cubans -- who cannot buy, sell or trade vehicles made after 1959 -- have turned genius to keep their old Detroit cars alive.

"The automotive history community should realize that Cuba's achievement with that fleet is one of the most important achievements in automotive history," said Rick Shnitzler, co-founder of TailLight Diplomacy, a Philadelphia group that monitors the state of classic autos in Cuba.

"It is so enraging that our foreign policy provides the rest of the world with a shabby vision of the symbols of our nation," he said. "It's a huge tragedy to have that fleet in this condition."

Nobody knows how many classic American cars remain in Cuba. A Cuban would tell you 170,000, but auto watchers put the number at more like 20,000 to 50,000. Most date to the 1950s, especially the sturdy 1952 Chevrolets. Many are used as taxis or tourist cars.
Cuba's roads take on new look as old American cars wane

The 50-year-old U.S. trade embargo prevents American auto companies or parts suppliers from doing business with Cuba.

That didn't matter much in 1961. But now it's half a century later, and these cars need work.

"Sometimes you see a pile of rust on four tires, and you're thinking, how can that thing even move?" said John McElroy of Autoline Detroit, who has been to Cuba. "I saw people who were making their own brake fluid using sap from a bush and mineral spirits."

Cuba is full of do-it-yourself mechanics, using whatever they can dig up to keep their cars running.

Despite the embargo -- started after Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution -- the Obama administration could make rules allowing U.S. aftermarket auto parts into Cuba, said Jake Colvin, vice president of global trade issues for the National Foreign Trade Council in Washington, D.C.

"Wouldn't that be great, to allow mechanics and old car buffs to go down there with parts under a people-to-people visit?" he said. "The administration absolutely has the ability and latitude to do that under the law. It just hasn't been a priority."

But that's only half of the story. While creaky American cars are begging for parts, Cuba's roads are taking on a new look.
Partnership with China

China, which is Cuba's second-largest trading partner after Venezuela, has supplied thousands of new buses, built by Zhengzhou Yutong Group. Police cars in Havana are Chinese-made Geely CKs. Rental cars and government cars also are by Geely, which has an office in Havana.

Geely has exported more than 5,000 cars to Cuba since 2008. China did $1.8 billion in trade with Cuba last year overall.

While U.S. automakers sit on the sidelines, Chinese automakers are making inroads into the nation of 11 million.

"China knows what it's doing. But do we?" said Rick Shnitzler, co-founder of TailLight Diplomacy, a Philadelphia group that monitors the state of classic autos in Cuba.

Colvin said any car with U.S.-made content cannot be exported to Cuba, so Canadian-made vehicles can't be sent there, even though Canada is a trading partner with Cuba. Other nations also are fearful of angering the U.S. by making a deal with Cuba to provide cars, he said.

General Motors, the most famous car brand in Cuba, isn't pushing for change, either.

"We do not have any lobbying efforts relating to the trade embargo against Cuba," said spokeswoman Ryndee Carney.

Visitors see a lot of cars on Cuba's roads. In addition to Chinese-made models, you'll see South Korean-made Kia and Hyundai vehicles, as well as European cars such as Volkswagens.

Most cars belong to the government.

Those with yellow license plates are privately owned, mainly old American cars and a few limping Russian Ladas from the 1970s.

For now, old cars are still the citizens' cars.

Havana taxi driver Walfrido Cabezas cherishes his red 1956 Chrysler DeSoto Diplomat.

"It was the best year for this car," he said, with the assurance of a man who can identify old Detroit steel at 100 paces.

Because he can't get authentic parts and to save fuel, the DeSoto has a 2-liter Toyota engine in it.

Cabezas' favorite old car is the 1960 Cadillac. His dream car? The Audi A6, which he's sure he'll never own.

"The new car is for the doctor, engineer or for famous people," he said.
'A huge change for Cuba'

Early next year, Cuban authorities plan to loosen restrictions and make it easier for private citizens to buy or sell modern cars. That sounds good, but there still will be no private car dealerships. The government still will control supply. Most Cubans could not afford a new car.

Still, "you can be sure this is a huge change for Cuba," said William Burrowes, a Havana tour guide.

Eventually, the change should mean fewer old cars on the road and more new Chinese, Korean and European vehicles.

And if the economy really opens up, "the old cars will disappear in no time," McElroy said.

Not waiting for that moment, Rafael Diaz Perez of Havana is fixing up a 1952 Chevrolet, which needs a new carburetor and distributor.

He's doing all the work himself, as many Cubans do.

"The technology of these cars is very simple, really," he said. He'll get it running.

He has to.

Classic, antique cars draw hundreds to downtown Geneva

Kane County CHronicle: Classic, antique cars draw hundreds to downtown Geneva
GENEVA – Holding the hand of his 3-year-old son, Cameron, Geneva resident Dave Ziegler on Sunday pointed to antique and classic cars parked along Third Street, alerting the boy to features not seen on automobiles today, such as white tires on a 1910 Ford Canadian Model T.

The father-and-son duo were among the hundreds of pedestrians in Geneva's downtown shopping district for the seventh annual Geneva Concours d'Elegance, a car show featuring 170 antique, classic and modern automobiles. Its proceeds this year benefit the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center.

Director Patt Barrett described the turnout as terrific, attributing the large crowds to the free admission and family-friendly environment.

Plus, she said, "Everybody loves a car."

Most cars on display were invited to the event whereas the others underwent a nomination process to be included, Barrett said. In a contest of elegance, the vehicles were evaluated Sunday on their cleanliness, engine components and underbelly as judges determined which cars deserved one of the 45 Benz trophies.

Many attendees carried cameras, taking pictures of Ferraris, racing cars, 1950s Buicks, 1930s Chryslers and, among other vehicles, 1920s Rolls-Royces.

"This is one of the premier concours in the country," Chicago resident Wally Wright said between taking photographs.

He complimented the event on its depth and variety. Because the entries change every year, Wright said, he knew what he would see Sunday wouldn't be what he saw in previous year.

Participants John Petras of Lincolnshire and Butch and Mary Lee Rosland of Itasca also gave Geneva Concours d'Elegance high marks. Petras, a self-described die-hard car show participant, said he entered his 1956 Ford Victoria into the Geneva event after hearing praise about it from friends. It lived up to the hype, he said, noting the organizers were helpful and courteous.

Mary Lee Rosland chimed in, commenting that people also dressed appropriately and were respectful of the vehicles.

"This is one of the nicest car shows outside Pebble Beach [Concours d'Elegance]," she said. "This is really the next best thing."

Collector Car App Launched for BlackBerry

From Autoremarketing: Collector Car App Launched for BlackBerry

The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies rolled out a free mobile app this year that serves as a collector-car valuation tool and late last week made it compatible on BlackBerry products.

Initially launched for the iPad, iPhone and Android-based products, there has been more than 13,000 downloads of the Classic Car Guide app since its rollout, officials indicated.

The app employs Keith Martin’s Sports Car Market’s database, which contains more than 100,000 auction results. Collector car transaction data can be sorted by VIN, make, model and year, allowing users to figure the current market price and get insurance quotes.

Essentially, users can not only employ the app for decision-making in the market, but determine insurance costs.

The app can also be used to find photographs of vehicles sold, Sports Car Market Magazine reference articles dating back 20 years, and to check eBay and Craigslist for collector cars.

To obtain the app for their respective product, users can visit the iTunes App Store, Android Market or BlackBerry App World.

“Since Chubb created the Classic Car Guide, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The app has been downloaded more than 13,000 times, and we expect more car enthusiasts to take advantage of this free one-of-a-kind app now that it is available for BlackBerry devices,” stated Jim Fiske, who serves as the U.S. marketing manager for Chubb Personal Insurance.

UK: Cumbria Classic Car Show exhibits motoring history

From News & Star (UK): Cumbria Classic Car Show exhibits motoring history

The event, organised by Wigton Motor Club, is in it’s 23rd year and 2011 looked like one of the most successful to date, organisers said.

More than 600 cars were on display in the grounds of Dalemain House, near Penrith – an increase of about 100 on last year.

Admiring the exhibits were at least 2,000 drivers and visitors, many making it a family day out.

Among them was Ian Tomlinson, of Crosthwaite near Kendal, who is the proud owner of two Italian Triumphs.

There are only four of their kind in the country and about 30 worldwide.

The blue 1961 triumph that Ian brought to the show was literally in bits when he bought it from Germany 2006.

Instead of an inspection he carried out an inventory to make sure the boxes contained all the bits he’d need.

Ian said: “I collected it in February 2006 and it was registered on the road by August 2009.”

The main theme of the 2011 classic car show was the 50th anniversary of the E-type Jaguar.

Robert Gate of Ullock, near Cockermouth, was one of many owners displaying the iconic car.

He’s had his green 1971 model for about 20 years and his admiration for it has yet to wane.

Robert, 60, said: “It’s one of the prettiest cars ever made. They are fantastic, the best of British engineering, and still one of the fastest cars on the road.”

Whatever your taste, the show probably had something to suit as it boasted vintage cars, classic cars, cult cars, rally cars and motorbikes.

Which is why Jon Davidson took his 1931 Ford A ‘Joyce’, and his five-year-old daughter Jennifer, along.

Jon, of Melkinthorpe, near Penrith, inherited his Ford from his dad, who’d had it since 1956.

He said: “It’s not just vintage cars here, it’s anything from the 1920s all the way through to modern day, it’s almost like a history of motoring. You walk across the field and you can see how cars have progressed.”

There was also the opportunity to support two local charities, The Great North Air Ambulance and Eden Animal Rescue, through a variety of fundraising activities taking place on the field.

Graeme Forrestor, Wigton Motor Club secretary, was delighted with the continuing success of the show.

He said: “It’s reputation has built up and the standards are always very high. We now have people coming to us from all over the country.”

Details about Wigton Motor Club and it’s events visit www.wigtonmc.co.uk.

When it comes to the cost of restoring classic cars: Don't ask, they don't tell

From Detroit Free Press: When it comes to the cost of restoring classic cars: Don't ask, they don't tell

To restore classic cars like those cruising Woodward this week ahead of Saturday's Dream Cruise, you need quite a bit of cash -- but just how much is often a mystery.

Many gearheads like Bill McClenahan, 60, maintain a poker face when you inquire about the price of their car restoration.

"You want the best, you want the nicest and you don't want anyone to know how much you paid for it because they'll call you crazy," McClenahan said.

The retiree from Sterling Heights has a stack of bills from restoring his 1932 Chrysler street rod. But he said he never added them up.

"That's why I don't go to Vegas anymore -- because I can't afford it because I have the car now," McClenahan said.

The closest he gets to Sin City is when he stands behind his car, where an artist airbrushed a scene from Las Vegas.

"I'm a Bob Seger fan, and this car is called Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," McClenahan said.

It was a risky bet to bring the car back to life when McClenahan got it in 2007.

"When I bought it, it was just a metal body. Everything on the car has had to be customized, made or bought," he said.

Among the cool features: a convertible roof, push-button electronic shifter and the the matching trailer.

"It's the trailer that sets it off," McClenahan said. "The car's unique, but everyone is 'Oh, look at that.' They get a kick out of seeing the trailer."

The trailer, a cool accessory, also is a necessity.

"When I travel, there's no room for chairs, luggage or cooler, so that's why we got the trailer," McClenahan said.

If the trailer or car don't grab your attention, there's a good chance the horn will.

"I don't know if they were ever on cars before or not, but the old nostalgic oogle horn just makes a crazy funny noise," McClenahan said.

McClenahan isn't married, but jokes it would come to an end if he had a wife and she found out just how much money he spent on the Chrysler.

As he gears up for his fifth Dream Cruise, McClenahan said the cost was worth it.

"A lot of work, a lot of sweat, a lot of money, and the payoff is people coming to look at it," he said.

Hagerty Announces Classic Vehicle Valuation Tool Ahead of $230 Million Auction Week

Press Release: Hagerty Announces Classic Vehicle Valuation Tool Ahead of $230 Million Auction Week
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagerty today announced a complimentary new web service developed to help collectors better understand the classic car marketplace. "Collector Car Portfolio" joins two other Hagerty web tools – "Value Your Car" and "Market Trends" - and can be accessed at www.hagerty.com/valuationtools.

The announcement comes before five major collector car auction houses begin business in Monterey, Calif. this week. Hagerty expects the auctions to gross $230 million in sales from Thursday, August 18th to Sunday, August 21. Exclusive media access to daily auction results, and the value trends that may result, can be accessed at www.hagerty.com/2011MontereyAuctionResults.

"Our goal with Collector Car Portfolio is to provide a one-stop-shop valuation center for classic car enthusiasts," said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance. "Whether you're at an auction trying to better understand the value of a potential addition to your collection, or at home determining the performance of your portfolio versus the Dow, this tool is built to be a resource for collectors."

The project involved more than five years of research by Hagerty's team of valuation experts, and combines the following tools:

* Collector Car Portfolio: A collector can create a portfolio containing their cars – or their dream garage - and the tool creates a chart showing how the group and the individual vehicles have performed during the past. The tool also enables one to track their portfolio against the value performance of the Dow Jones industrial average, S&P 500, Gold and NASDAQ markets.
* Value Your Car: Simply input the year, make and model of a classic vehicle, and the site outputs a chart showing its current value and five year trend.
* Market Trends: This tool displays the value of several Hagerty-created classic car indexes and can assist collectors in deciding when to buy, sell or hold from different genres of classics.

Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. is the leading insurance agency for collector vehicles in the world and host to the largest network of collector car owners. Hagerty offers insurance for collector cars, motorcycles and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors, automotive tools and spare parts, and even "automobilia" (historic or collectible items linked with motor vehicles). Hagerty also offers overseas shipping/touring insurance coverage, commercial coverage and club liability coverage. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.

Get Out: Classic Car Show will Feature 1960s Batmobile

From Tri-Boro Patch: Get Out: Classic Car Show will Feature 1960s Batmobile
This Sunday, Atlantic Health Systems, along with Wigder Chevrolet and Warnock Automotive Group, will host the 10th annual Two Kids Foundation Charity Car Show, an event featuring classic antique vehicles, muscle cars and sports cars, at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany.

* Where: 111 N Jefferson Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981 (Birchwood Manor)
* Date: August 14, 2011
* Time: 9:00am–4:30pm

The event was previously scheduled for Aug. 7 but inclement weather postponed the event to this weekend.

The event was inspired by the community support for the son of foundation Executive Director Woody DeTrolio, who was diagnosed with leukemia at 17, as well as his son’s fascination with classic cars.

“We’re so happy with the enthusiasm that the event has been shown year after year, from the car owners to the spectators and families who come out to see them, to all of the volunteers and sponsors who make the show happen,” DeTrolio said. “Their support over the last decade has helped us create a legacy of kindness that will be remembered by so many families. We look forward to continuing this legacy for many years to come.”

In addition to the classic rides, the event will feature specialty cars such as the Batmobile (from the 1960s TV series), the Scooby Doo Van and the Dracula Car. New to the show this year will be an appearance and autograph signing by actor Butch Patrick, best known for his role of “Eddie Munster,” on the classic television series “The Munsters.”

Radio personalities and the street team from WDHA 105.5 FM, along with live musical performances and a disc jockey will also be featured at the event, as well as fun activities and games for kids.

All vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and military, are invited to participate. Sponsored trophies will be given for entries 25 years and older and pinstriping by Alan Johnson will be available.

Claremont Cruise Nights: Aug 13, Sept 10 and Oct 8

From Inland Valley Daily Bulletin: Classic cars to return to Claremont Saturday night
LAREMONT - Classic cars will make their return tonight to downtown.

The Cruise Night event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at a slightly different location - along Second Street between Indian Hill Boulevard and Harvard Avenue - than in prior years.

"I'm hoping to see some really great cars, which I think has always been the case," Claremont Mayor Sam Pedroza said. "Just seeing some really nice classic cars."

At one time, the summer return of the monthly auto event was very much in doubt due to financial problems and objections by local merchants over how the event filled up parking spaces on Yale Avenue.

In recent months, the city worked with Sandy Coglietti, the event's owner/operator and the owner of Village Grille, as well as merchants to put together the event and minimize the impact to businesses in the area.

Second Street will be closed at 4 p.m. today to set up the classic cars on the north side of City Hall, 207 Harvard Ave., as well as on Second Street.

The classic cars will start arriving at 4 p.m. to the area in front of the Metrolink near 200 W. First St., organizers said.

Besides the car display, there will be a live disc jockey playing music, a 50/50 raffle and trophies will be given out to show winners.

Coglietti and her late husband, Ron, founded Cruise Night in 1995.

The event, which formerly took place on the second Saturday of each month from March through October, was previously centered at the Village Grille on the southeast corner of Second and Yale.

The event featured an array of vintage cars and a disc jockey that played music from the 1950s.

Pedroza said he hoped tonight's event will work well for businesses as well as attendees.

"I'm hoping the community will come out and be supportive of the compromises and make sure the program is successful," Pedroza said.

"I'm hoping that they'll enjoy the businesses and enjoy the car show."

Cruise Night will also be held Sept. 10 and Oct. 8.

For more information on the event, call 909-626-8813 or go to http://tinyurl.com/claremont cruise.

Automotive fans cruising social networks

The Detroit News: Automotive fans cruising social networks
As the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise approaches, Detroit area auto aficionados are hitting social networks and online forums to find out the latest news on the Cruise.

The mediums, including Twitter and Facebook, have allowed attendees to get a jump on celebrating the classic Cruise along Woodward before Aug. 20.

"When I'm out there and I see something I like, I'll take a shot of it, and I'll put it out on Facebook or as a tweet for other people to see," said Joe Lopez, 44, of Rochester Hills.

"It's so easy now to connect and share information with car enthusiasts all over the globe."

In the years before social media caught on, Lopez would cobble together information from television commercials, radio talk and word of mouth.

The official Facebook page of the Woodward Dream Cruise has more than 8,000 fans, with as many as 100 posts per day, according to organizers.

The posts range from questions about event locations to pictures of people's cars.

"The day after the Cruise, people are already looking forward to the next year, and Facebook and Twitter allow the continuing conversation 365 days a year," said Tony Michaels, executive director of the Cruise. "It allows those that attend to feel a greater sense of involvement and share their passion for classic cars."

People on Twitter, which allows users to categorize their posts using hashtags (#), have been adding phrases such as #woodward and #dreamcruise to their tweets, allowing others to search for their posts based on topic.

In the early years of the Cruise, attendees from far off would get information on hotels, events and other cars through word of mouth and suggestions from friends.

Now they can check chat forums and online pages to see which friend is going to the event, said Jim Willis, an administrator for the online forum, corvetteforum.com.

"It picks up about this time of year because people who are trying to make a last-minute decision about whether they plan to go are going to be more active."

Users who want to participate in the discussion can go to facebook.com/woodwarddreamcruise, http://twitter.com/OfficialWDC, or http://twitter.com/detnewscruise to find the latest updates and topics.

Detroit: Classic cars from the 1930s lead RM concours auction

You can't get the full impact in this b&w photo, but this is the 1939 Pontiac Deluxe Six "Ghost Car" with a transparent plexiglass body.

From The Detroit News: Classic cars from the 1930s lead RM concours auction
PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- A see-though 1940 Pontiac show car with a plastic shell was among the top 10 sellers at the July 30 RM Auctions sale here prior to the Concours d'Elegance of America.


The Inn at St. John's provided a new setting for the former Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, which moved across metro Detroit from its longtime home at Oakland University in Rochester Hills. And the RM pre-concours one-day sale came along for the ride.

Eight of the top-ten selling cars July 30 were from the 1930s. In the lead was a 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan reported to once have been owned by entertainer Al Jolson. It sold at auction for $1.1 million. Among its many outstanding features was an inset instrument panel discretely sheltered by the horizontal dash.

The fascinating transparent 1939 Pontiac, with its innards clearly visible for the enjoyment of visitors to the 1939-40 New York World's Fair, brought $308,000. This "Ghost Car" is reported to have toured dealerships around the country following the show. It cost some $25,000 to build.

Taking stock, there were nine Cadillacs up for auction, five Lincolns, two Duesenbergs and 13 Packards. The last ranged from the 1932 $1.1 million convertible sedan with Dietrich body work to an unusual 1957 Packard Clipper four-door country sedan with McCulloch-supercharged 289 and gold leather interior trim. The "wagon" sold for $60,500.

More affordable sales included a yellow 1935 DeSoto Airflow sedan that had been recently restored. It went for $27,500. Parked beside it during the preview was a 1935 Chrysler C2 Imperial Airflow coupe that brought considerably more: $66,000.

A dainty two-tone 1957 Austin A35 sedan with precious little rear-seat legroom sold for $33,000, and a fine-looking 1936 Buick Model 48 Special Victoria Coupe restored by students at McPherson College in Kansas went for a best bid of $28,600.

A two-tone 1935 Brewster-Ford Town Car sold for just $49,500. Its pedigree said its fully documented ownership included an early purchase by a wealthy New Yorker; it later was gifted to actress Gertrude Lawrence, and was at one point bought by the owner of Old Man's Hat, "a landmark New York City establishment," according to the auction booklet.

Another car with a major New York connection, a 1930 Cadillac Sixteen Madame X Club Sedan was among the first Cadillacs to be built with V-16 engines. The Madame X refers to the sedans built with an 18-degree slanted windshield, according to RM Auctions notes. In the seller's family for close to 30 years, the restored Madame X Club Sedan sold at auction for $148,500.

Of the 71 cars listed for auction, only nine failed to sell.

(Go to the original article, preferably via computer, to see all the photos of the cars in color)

Hot Augusts Nights Pre Kick-Off

From 2News KTNV, Reno, Nevada: Hot Augusts Nights Pre Kick-Off

Hot August Nights officially kicks off in a few days, but some diehard classic car lovers are starting the festivities a little early. Nearly 400 cars showed up for the pre-kick off event at Bonanza Casino Saturday. Some of them arrived as early as 6 a.m. trying to get a spot to show off their rides.

"These car lovers, it's like a fraternity talking to these folks," says Ryan Sheltra, whose on the Hot August Nights Board of Directors. "They work all year long to bring their cars out for one week."

Classic cars from all over the country are piling into Reno making that familiar sound, and making heads turn. This is Hot August Nights 25th Anniversary year, and officials expect nearly 6,000 cars to cruise into town Tuesday through Sunday. Car lovers say it's an event that they look forward to all year.

"It's just fun," says Nancy Buck, who made the trip from California. "We have a whole group of us that come. We stay for the whole week. It's our vacation."

Officials say we can expect some new events this year, and some old ones brought back like drag racing. Not only is it great for spectators, this event is great for the local economy as well. Officials say these car shows in Reno and Lake Tahoe bring $70 million into the local economy.

"It's eight days power-packed," says Chris Kilian, Hot August Nights President Board of Directors. "We've got three days up at Tahoe this year and then everything comes back down here on Tuesday."

Skip Newell made the trip to Reno from Tennessee. He's been coming to Hot August Nights on and off for the last 20 years. He says his favorite part is just spending time with other car lovers.

"Hot August Nights is probably the best for general association and good times with the people," he says.

Newell says these car shows give him an excuse to still act like a kid sometimes.

"We look at this as a form of kinetic art, mobile art if you will," he says. "Let's face it, we just refuse to grow up."

Louisville, KY: Street rods roll into town

From WDRB.com: Street rods roll into town

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- The street rods are rolling into Louisville. The colorful vintage cars and trucks that come to town each year are back for the annual Street Rod Nationals.

The one-of-a-kind national gathering brings more than 30,000 elite car lovers to Louisville. Nearly 30 vintage cars traveled from Papa John's Cardinal Stadium to Fourth Street Live.

Street rod owner Michael Lookabill says, "You show up, bring your car, look at everyone else's car." And Mike O'Donnell says, "I started in 1980. I was driving it by 1987 and I've been working on it ever since." O'Donnell and Lookabill met at a car show more than 30 years ago. The Maryland friends drove 600 miles for the event.

Up to 15,000 classic cars are expected in Louisville for this event. You can tell the owners spent a lot of money fixing them up. The older, more established car crowd is expected to generate $13 million for the local economy.

Tobi Hammond, the Sales Manager of the Sports & Social Club, explains, "We'll beef up staff, do more promotions, throw in free bowling for people who are here for the show."

This is the 17th year the event has rolled into Louisville. "Look at the vendors inside the building," O'Donnell says, "and if it's cool enough we go outside and look at cars all day."

"Street rods are never finished," adds Lookabill. And that's why Mike and Michael keep coming back-- to gain ideas on what to tweak next, and see the chrome, class, and shine of another year.

The Street Rod Nationals runs through Sunday at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Between 10,000 and 15,000 vintage vehicles produced before 1949 will be on display.

Street rod is just a more formal name for a hot rod -- a well-modified car from the 1940's or earlier. The biggest draw for this event is a flea market where classic car lovers can find rare parts and goods.

Mich. lawmakers pushes use of historic car plates

Chicago Tribune: Mich. lawmakers pushes use of historic car plates
WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich.— A Michigan lawmaker has called for classic car drivers to be allowed to use state historical vehicle license plates wherever they drive in August, not just to and from historic or automotive events.

Historic plates cost $30 and are valid for 10 years. Currently, they are valid only when driving to and from events, but state Sen. Mike Kowall wants to change that.

A Republican who represents Oakland County's White Lake Township, about 30 miles northwest of Detroit, Kowall has a number of classic cars. A pole barn on his property houses a 1927 Model T, a 1928 Essex, a 1936 Plymouth and a 1950 Studebaker. Kowall said he plans to drive the Studebaker in the Aug. 20 Woodward Dream Cruise in suburban Detroit.

"This event and the whole hobby that goes with it are so much a part of our region, and they bring so many people here to celebrate that with us," Kowall told the Detroit Free Press.

Kowall said he wants a law designating August as Dream Cruise Month and allowing unlimited use of historical plates. If passed later this year, the law could take effect in August 2012, said Kowall's legislative director, Dave Biswas.

Dawn Parrrot, 52, who lived in the heart of the Dream Cruise zone until moving her family to North Branch several years ago, said expanding the use of historic plates would only make the congestion around the time of the event worse.

"The tickets officers give out at this time are the only means of keeping these goofballs in check," Parrott said.

Hot rods and classic cars to flock to West Yellowstone

From West Yellowstone News: Hot rods and classic cars to flock to West Yellowstone
Americans love their automobiles and the independence they provide, especially in rural areas of the country.

But not all car owners love their rigs as much as others.

To many, the car represents both freedom and style ... and lots of power.

America's cars developed a class of their own in the 1950s and 1960s with the advent of the souped up, beefed up, and styled up hot rod.

And that passion has only grown over the past 50-plus years.

That passion for the great American hot rod, as well as other restored older cars, will be on display in West Yellowstone at the 41st annual Yellowstone Rod Run.

The Rod Run, to be held in West Aug. 4-7, is an opportunity for hot rod and car enthusiasts from throughout the western United States to enjoy touring their cars through the nation's first national park, as well as share them with admirers in a "show and shine" event in the West Yellowstone Town Park.

There will be lots of food and fun to go along with a parade featuring all of the classic cars and rods.

Registration will open at the Holiday Inn from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, and continue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5.

On Friday, Gary Carter will lead a Yellowstone Cruise into Yellowstone Park from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, a parade of rods will run through town at 10 a.m., with cars lining up on Faithful Avenue. The parade will lead to Town Park, where the Show and Shine will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served by Big Brothers Big Sisters, plus kids games and a power walk will be included in the event.

For more information, contact Jerry or Terry Oksa (406) 646-9759 or visit www.YellowstoneRodRun.com.