Taking tomorrow off to do some Labor Day preparation stuff for Monday...
Will get it all done on Friday, and Saturday will get back to posting in this blog.
Hope all my readers have a good Labor Day weekend!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Beeston Hall School classic cars event aids Help for Heroes
From EDP24: Beeston Hall School classic cars event aids Help for Heroes
“We had a mad panic trying to put them all up again before we opened,” explained north Norfolk district councillor Helen Eales, who organised the event with the help of husband Jeremy, North Norfolk Classic Car club members and a group of friends.
The team was further delayed by an early morning downpour, but by the time the gates opened at midday, the skies were clear.
More than 100 classic cars were on display on the school fields, with other attractions including a demonstration by Broadland Dog Agility Club, music from Trix ‘n’ Stix drumming troupe and a bouncy castle.
Stalls ranged from jewellery and wine, to cakes and crafts, with retired Sheringham policeman and district councillor Dick Shepherd running a “Whisky Galore” raffle, and volunteers manning a refreshment tent and barbecue.
Mr and Mrs Eales, whose son Nik has completed five tours
of Afghanistan as an RAF flying officer, first held a garden party in
aid of Help for Heroes three years ago.
This turned in to an annual event and, helped by a group of friends, the couple has raised nearly £3,000 for the charity.
“We wanted to go bigger and better this year, but we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous team of people who have supported us,” Mr Eales said.
“We had a mad panic trying to put them all up again before we opened,” explained north Norfolk district councillor Helen Eales, who organised the event with the help of husband Jeremy, North Norfolk Classic Car club members and a group of friends.
The team was further delayed by an early morning downpour, but by the time the gates opened at midday, the skies were clear.
More than 100 classic cars were on display on the school fields, with other attractions including a demonstration by Broadland Dog Agility Club, music from Trix ‘n’ Stix drumming troupe and a bouncy castle.
Stalls ranged from jewellery and wine, to cakes and crafts, with retired Sheringham policeman and district councillor Dick Shepherd running a “Whisky Galore” raffle, and volunteers manning a refreshment tent and barbecue.
This turned in to an annual event and, helped by a group of friends, the couple has raised nearly £3,000 for the charity.
“We wanted to go bigger and better this year, but we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous team of people who have supported us,” Mr Eales said.
Monday, August 27, 2012
SC: Classic cars to shine at Labor Day fest
From Greenville Online: Classic cars to shine at Labor Day fest
The red pickup in Alan Groome’s garage reflected the overhead lights as if he had just driven it off the lot, but it has been decades since the antique truck has been in a dealer’s hands.
Groome said he bought the 1941 Ford in rough shape from two cabinetmakers about 12 years ago, then took 10 years to gather parts and another year to restore it. Now he’s ready to show off the truck at a Labor Day weekend festival in Simpsonville.
“They only produced 2,200 of them,” he said. “This is kind of a rare truck.”
The three-quarter-ton Ford is among the vehicles expected to make their way onto Main Street for a car show that has traditionally been one of the headlining events for the Labor Day Family Fun Festival.
The festival’s 38th year will run from Saturday through Monday and has been set up to deliver something for everyone in the family, including carnival rides, a cornhole tournament and a “Toddler Town” with a petting zoo.
“It’s a big tradition in Simpsonville,” said Allison McGarity, development coordinator for the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Admission and parking are free, but some activities have various costs.
More than 20,000 people are expected to attend, according to the chamber, which is organizing the event.
Serge Guillot said the festival makes it one of the busiest weekends of the year for the Ice Cream Station, the shop he owns just a few steps from the railroad tracks and the city’s iconic clock tower.
“It’s great for bringing new people to the Simpsonville area to see what downtown has to offer,” he said.
Activities will be on North and North East Main Street between College and Curtis streets.
The big day for the festival is on Monday, starting with a farmers market from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The Antique and Classic Car Cruise-In goes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and costs viewers $1, with children under 12 admitted free. Car registration is $13.
As many as 150 cars have arrived for past shows, but no one knows how many will be in this year’s show until the day it happens, Groome said. Several trophies will be given to the top cars, including a “people’s choice” prize awarded according to viewers’ votes.
The red pickup in Alan Groome’s garage reflected the overhead lights as if he had just driven it off the lot, but it has been decades since the antique truck has been in a dealer’s hands.
Groome said he bought the 1941 Ford in rough shape from two cabinetmakers about 12 years ago, then took 10 years to gather parts and another year to restore it. Now he’s ready to show off the truck at a Labor Day weekend festival in Simpsonville.
“They only produced 2,200 of them,” he said. “This is kind of a rare truck.”
The three-quarter-ton Ford is among the vehicles expected to make their way onto Main Street for a car show that has traditionally been one of the headlining events for the Labor Day Family Fun Festival.
The festival’s 38th year will run from Saturday through Monday and has been set up to deliver something for everyone in the family, including carnival rides, a cornhole tournament and a “Toddler Town” with a petting zoo.
“It’s a big tradition in Simpsonville,” said Allison McGarity, development coordinator for the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Admission and parking are free, but some activities have various costs.
More than 20,000 people are expected to attend, according to the chamber, which is organizing the event.
Serge Guillot said the festival makes it one of the busiest weekends of the year for the Ice Cream Station, the shop he owns just a few steps from the railroad tracks and the city’s iconic clock tower.
“It’s great for bringing new people to the Simpsonville area to see what downtown has to offer,” he said.
Activities will be on North and North East Main Street between College and Curtis streets.
The big day for the festival is on Monday, starting with a farmers market from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The Antique and Classic Car Cruise-In goes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and costs viewers $1, with children under 12 admitted free. Car registration is $13.
As many as 150 cars have arrived for past shows, but no one knows how many will be in this year’s show until the day it happens, Groome said. Several trophies will be given to the top cars, including a “people’s choice” prize awarded according to viewers’ votes.
Friday, August 24, 2012
UK: Classic car collector Chris Evans drives home from his Radio 2 show in the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car
From Daily Mail: Classic car collector Chris Evans drives home from his Radio 2 show in the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car
His love of classic cars is well documented, but that didn't stop people gawping at Chris Evans when he drove the original car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang through Central London.
The eccentric presenter had just finished his slot on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show, and opted to drive the unusual vehicle home, today (Thursday).
It's been an expensive project for Chris, who bought the car for a reported £500,000 in January and then had to pay out more to make it road worthy.
Before it came in to Chris'
possession, the car reportedly belonged to a friend of his, who bought
it without realising it wouldn't fit in his garage.
The car, which is seventeen feet long, has spent the last thirty years touring the country for charitable causes.
It first shot to fame in 1968 when it starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang alongside Dick Van Dyke and Benny Hill.
Chris, who became a dad for the second time in June, has previously visited all the locations used in the classic adventure film.
He has spoken out about his desire to revisit them again in Chitty itself, which is powered by a Ford three-litre V6 engine.
Many models of Chitty were made for the film, but only one actually worked.
Its distinctive bodywork is crafted from red and white cedar wood, and its fittings taken from Edwardian cars.
Chris was equally eye-catching in his colourful get up of argyle socks pulled over his chinos, and a tweed jacket that he matched with a paisley smoking scarf and turquoise shirt, complete with car motif.
A houndstooth cap and sturdy brown walking boots top and tailed his loud look.
Chitty is one of many vehicles owned by the fanatical redhead, who also has one of the world's finest collections of Ferraris.
His love of classic cars is well documented, but that didn't stop people gawping at Chris Evans when he drove the original car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang through Central London.
The eccentric presenter had just finished his slot on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show, and opted to drive the unusual vehicle home, today (Thursday).
It's been an expensive project for Chris, who bought the car for a reported £500,000 in January and then had to pay out more to make it road worthy.
Wowsers: Chris Evans whoops with delight as he prepares to drive his eccentric car from the Radio 2 studios
The car, which is seventeen feet long, has spent the last thirty years touring the country for charitable causes.
It first shot to fame in 1968 when it starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang alongside Dick Van Dyke and Benny Hill.
Chris, who became a dad for the second time in June, has previously visited all the locations used in the classic adventure film.
He has spoken out about his desire to revisit them again in Chitty itself, which is powered by a Ford three-litre V6 engine.
Many models of Chitty were made for the film, but only one actually worked.
Its distinctive bodywork is crafted from red and white cedar wood, and its fittings taken from Edwardian cars.
Chris was equally eye-catching in his colourful get up of argyle socks pulled over his chinos, and a tweed jacket that he matched with a paisley smoking scarf and turquoise shirt, complete with car motif.
A houndstooth cap and sturdy brown walking boots top and tailed his loud look.
Chitty is one of many vehicles owned by the fanatical redhead, who also has one of the world's finest collections of Ferraris.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Chrysler group classic cars 18th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise display
From RushLane: Chrysler group classic cars 18th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise display
Car enthusiasts were in for a treat as Chrysler Group brands will be on display at the Woodward Dream Cruise. The exhibits include interactive as also mobile aspects and enthusiasts can hope to view high performance vehicles at this event. Brands like Chrysler, jeep, Dodge, FIAT, SRT and Mopar as also Ram will be featured at this event.
Highlight of this event is Steve magnante who will be travelling in a 1970 Dodge Polara and interviewing vintage car owners at hangouts in Woodward. Interviews conducted will be streamed live and viewers and view the same at the Dodge brand blog.Head of U.S. Sales and President and CEO-Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, Reid bigland said that this was a good opportunity to connect with customers and enthusiasts while celebrating past heritage and future technology seen in the auto industry.
Some of the models on display include the 2013 Dodge dart rally car, 2013 SRT Viper as also a number of Chrysler's classic vehicle models. The Raminator monster truck as also models from Moapr will also be on display at this event.Interactive exhibits include Chryslers uconnect technology and viewing of performance parts at the mopar image Centre trailer. One can also shop for latest auto merchandise from each of the brands.
News release: Chrysler Group LLC Classic Cars from Yesterday and Today on Display at 18th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise
Largest number of Chrysler Group vehicles ever featured at the Woodward Dream Cruise
Dodge brand live streams interviews with classic Dodge vehicle owners along route beginning August 15
Chrysler Group display includes interactive and mobile exhibits
Merchandise available from all Chrysler Group brands
From high-performance hot rods to cool classic vehicles, the Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, SRT and Mopar brands will all be present at the 18th annual Woodward Dream Cruise on Saturday, Aug. 18.
New this year, the Dodge brand will bring the annual celebration of classic cars to its fans as Steve Magnante, a SPEED TV and freelance automotive reporter, and brand representatives travel Woodward in a 1970 Dodge Polara interviewing vintage and current Dodge vehicle owners at favorite hangouts along the route. The interviews will be streamed live on the Dodge brand blog, www.redlinedodge.com, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 15.
"The Woodward Dream Cruise is the perfect place to showcase the dynamic vehicles each of our brands has to offer as enthusiasts from all over the country come together to celebrate classic and current car culture," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales and President and CEO-Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "With some of the most recognized and revered vehicles in the industry, this is a great way to connect with our passionate owners and enthusiasts, celebrating both our heritage and future technology."
Located at the corner of Woodward and 13 mile in Royal Oak, Mich., this year the Chrysler Group will feature more than 75 vehicles on display, including the 2013 Dodge Dart Rally Car with 600 horsepower, 2013 SRT Viper and more than a dozen classic Walter P. Chrysler Museum vehicles, as well as several Moparized cars and trucks. Visitors also can get an up-close look at the Ram brand Raminator Monster Truck.
In addition to vehicle eye-candy, attendees will have access to interactive display and mobile exhibits, allowing them to receive a hands-on demonstration of the Chrysler Group's Uconnect technologies in the Uconnect trailer, view Mopar performance parts at the Mopar Image Center trailer and shop for a variety of merchandise available from each brand. "Imported from Detroit" and "Imported from Gotham City" merchandise is available for purchase in addition to the latest collections from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Trucks, SRT, FIAT and Mopar.
Car enthusiasts were in for a treat as Chrysler Group brands will be on display at the Woodward Dream Cruise. The exhibits include interactive as also mobile aspects and enthusiasts can hope to view high performance vehicles at this event. Brands like Chrysler, jeep, Dodge, FIAT, SRT and Mopar as also Ram will be featured at this event.
Highlight of this event is Steve magnante who will be travelling in a 1970 Dodge Polara and interviewing vintage car owners at hangouts in Woodward. Interviews conducted will be streamed live and viewers and view the same at the Dodge brand blog.Head of U.S. Sales and President and CEO-Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, Reid bigland said that this was a good opportunity to connect with customers and enthusiasts while celebrating past heritage and future technology seen in the auto industry.
Some of the models on display include the 2013 Dodge dart rally car, 2013 SRT Viper as also a number of Chrysler's classic vehicle models. The Raminator monster truck as also models from Moapr will also be on display at this event.Interactive exhibits include Chryslers uconnect technology and viewing of performance parts at the mopar image Centre trailer. One can also shop for latest auto merchandise from each of the brands.
News release: Chrysler Group LLC Classic Cars from Yesterday and Today on Display at 18th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise
Largest number of Chrysler Group vehicles ever featured at the Woodward Dream Cruise
Dodge brand live streams interviews with classic Dodge vehicle owners along route beginning August 15
Chrysler Group display includes interactive and mobile exhibits
Merchandise available from all Chrysler Group brands
From high-performance hot rods to cool classic vehicles, the Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, SRT and Mopar brands will all be present at the 18th annual Woodward Dream Cruise on Saturday, Aug. 18.
New this year, the Dodge brand will bring the annual celebration of classic cars to its fans as Steve Magnante, a SPEED TV and freelance automotive reporter, and brand representatives travel Woodward in a 1970 Dodge Polara interviewing vintage and current Dodge vehicle owners at favorite hangouts along the route. The interviews will be streamed live on the Dodge brand blog, www.redlinedodge.com, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 15.
"The Woodward Dream Cruise is the perfect place to showcase the dynamic vehicles each of our brands has to offer as enthusiasts from all over the country come together to celebrate classic and current car culture," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales and President and CEO-Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "With some of the most recognized and revered vehicles in the industry, this is a great way to connect with our passionate owners and enthusiasts, celebrating both our heritage and future technology."
Located at the corner of Woodward and 13 mile in Royal Oak, Mich., this year the Chrysler Group will feature more than 75 vehicles on display, including the 2013 Dodge Dart Rally Car with 600 horsepower, 2013 SRT Viper and more than a dozen classic Walter P. Chrysler Museum vehicles, as well as several Moparized cars and trucks. Visitors also can get an up-close look at the Ram brand Raminator Monster Truck.
In addition to vehicle eye-candy, attendees will have access to interactive display and mobile exhibits, allowing them to receive a hands-on demonstration of the Chrysler Group's Uconnect technologies in the Uconnect trailer, view Mopar performance parts at the Mopar Image Center trailer and shop for a variety of merchandise available from each brand. "Imported from Detroit" and "Imported from Gotham City" merchandise is available for purchase in addition to the latest collections from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Trucks, SRT, FIAT and Mopar.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Mercedes, Record GT40 Head $220 Million Classic-Car Auction
From SFGate: Mercedes, Record GT40 Head $220 Million Classic-Car Auction
Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Wealthy collectors paid record prices for a Ford GT40 and rarities by desirable marques such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Bentley in California’s classic car sales
Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Wealthy collectors paid record prices for a Ford GT40 and rarities by desirable marques such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Bentley in California’s classic car sales
Gooding
& Co., RM Auctions, and Bonhams sales ending last night raised in
excess of $220 million, 33 percent higher than the $166.7 million
generated in the bellwether West Coast sales last year.
Classic
cars, like art and wine, have been attracting increased attention from
wealthy individuals looking to diversify their investment portfolios.
Existing buyers, aware of the worth of rare autos as a store of value in
times of economic weakness, are also looking to improve
their collections.
“There was a unique number of important cars,” said Dietrich Hatlapa, founder of the Historic Automobile Group International
(HAGI), whose Top 50 benchmark index of exceptional classic cars has
gained 8.2 percent in the year through July. “The lineup was impressive,
the prices were strong.”
The most highly valued
lot of the week was a 1936 Mercedes- Benz 540 K Special Roadster offered
on the second day of Gooding’s Aug. 17-18 sale at Pebble Beach. One of
only 30 built, and featuring the desirable “high-door, long-tail”
styling, the car had been tipped by dealers to rival the auction record
of $16.4 million set by a Ferrari Testa Rossa at the same venue
last year.
Mercedes Record
The
Mercedes sold for $11.8 million with fees, underlining the more
selective market for high value prewar cars. The price was nonetheless
the highest of the week and a record for the marque at auction. A 1935
Duesenberg Model JN Convertible Coupe, formerly owned by the Hollywood star Clark Gable, was estimated at more than $9 million and failed to sell.
Gooding’s
122 cars raised $115 million, a record for a two- day sale at the
auction house. Gooding offered a 1960 Ferrari “competition” 250 GT
California Spyder formerly owned by the late New England collector Sherman M. Wolf.
One
of only nine alloy-bodied long wheelbase versions made, it sold for
$11.3 million against a valuation of $7 million to $9 million.
A comparable LWB “competition” California Spyder was sold by Gooding two years ago for $7.3 million.
“The
prices of the rarest Ferrari road cars from the 1950s and 1960s have
really moved up,” Hatlapa said. “The marque continues to lead
the market.”
RM achieved $8.6 million for a 1962
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder and $8.25 million for a
cream-colored 1955 Ferrari 410 S Berlinetta at its Aug. 17-18 sale
at Monterey.
American Record
The
two-day event raised $96 million with 90 per cent of the 120 offered
cars finding buyers, said RM. Twenty cars sold for more than $1 million,
the Canadian-based company said.
A 1968 Ford GT40
racer was the star lot at RM, selling on the first day for $11 million
-- a record for any American auto at auction.
The
Gulf/Mirage, finished in trademark powder blue with a marigold stripe,
was estimated to fetch more than $8 million. The car had been raced by Jacky Ickx at Daytona and Le Mans trials in 1968. It was later used as the camera car in Steve McQueen’s 1971 film “Le Mans.”
Earlier on Aug. 17, a restored Ford GT40, formerly owned by the Bolivian tin magnate Jaime Ortiz-Patino, sold for $2.2 million on the second day of a Bonhams auction of classic motorcycles and cars at Quail Lodge, Carmel.
Valued at $2 million to $3 million, the car had been driven by Ortiz-Patino’s godson, Dominique Martin, at Monza and Hockenheim races in 1969 before being damaged by fire.
McLaren Racer
The
most highly valued lot at Bonhams was a 1997 GTC Gulf Team Davidoff
McLaren F1 GTR racer, again featuring powder blue and marigold livery.
Estimated to raise as much as $5 million, it failed to sell in the
salesroom and found a buyer shortly afterwards for $3.85 million with
fees, Bonhams said.
The London-based auction house
raised $10 million from successful bids in its Aug. 16-17 auction.
Buyers were found for about 50 per cent of its 97 cars. Elsewhere, Mecum
Auctions achieved $5.5 million for a 1972 Porsche L&M 917/10 Spyder
raced by Can-Am Champion driver George Follmer at a three-day sale in Monterey on Aug. 16-18.
Friday, August 17, 2012
PA: Classic cars coming to Lebanon
From LD News: Classic cars coming to Lebanon
Car buffs will want to make a trip to downtown Lebanon on Sunday to see a display of classic and antique autos at the 15th Annual Historic Lebanon Classic Car Show.
The event is again being organized by the Community of Lebanon Association in partnership with a handful of sponsors. It will take place on Cumberland Street between Fourth and Ninth streets from noon to 5 p.m.
Car owners can pre-register for a cost of $12 through Friday by calling 273-7215. Cars can also register the day of the show beginning at 9 a.m. for a fee of $15.
Cash prizes will be given to the owners of the top cars during a presentation in front of HACC's Lebanon Campus at the end of the event, said CLA President Diana Hartman.
"So far we have 180 cars registered for the show, and we will be giving away about $600 of prize money to winning cars," she said. "Each of our sponsors selects a winning car, as does the mayor."
The show has become increasingly popular among classic-car owners through the years, with some coming from as far away as Philadelphia and Carlisle, Hartman said.
"We used to park the cars down to Sixth Street, but now they reach Fourth," she said. "It is a pretty well-known show among the cruisers."
In honor of their golden 50th anniversary, cars of 1962 will get a spot of honor in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo Bank at Eighth and Cumberland streets, Hartman said.
There will also be plenty of food vendors on hand and musical entertainment provided by DJ Rich.
Helping the CLA run the event once again will be members of the Country Cruisers of Lebanon County, Hartman said. Any proceeds will be used to offset costs for the following year's show.
Other sponsors include Sonrise Tags and Tax, TJ's Body Shop, and Scott's Transmission Center. The rain date is Aug. 26.
Car buffs will want to make a trip to downtown Lebanon on Sunday to see a display of classic and antique autos at the 15th Annual Historic Lebanon Classic Car Show.
The event is again being organized by the Community of Lebanon Association in partnership with a handful of sponsors. It will take place on Cumberland Street between Fourth and Ninth streets from noon to 5 p.m.
Car owners can pre-register for a cost of $12 through Friday by calling 273-7215. Cars can also register the day of the show beginning at 9 a.m. for a fee of $15.
Cash prizes will be given to the owners of the top cars during a presentation in front of HACC's Lebanon Campus at the end of the event, said CLA President Diana Hartman.
"So far we have 180 cars registered for the show, and we will be giving away about $600 of prize money to winning cars," she said. "Each of our sponsors selects a winning car, as does the mayor."
The show has become increasingly popular among classic-car owners through the years, with some coming from as far away as Philadelphia and Carlisle, Hartman said.
"We used to park the cars down to Sixth Street, but now they reach Fourth," she said. "It is a pretty well-known show among the cruisers."
In honor of their golden 50th anniversary, cars of 1962 will get a spot of honor in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo Bank at Eighth and Cumberland streets, Hartman said.
There will also be plenty of food vendors on hand and musical entertainment provided by DJ Rich.
Helping the CLA run the event once again will be members of the Country Cruisers of Lebanon County, Hartman said. Any proceeds will be used to offset costs for the following year's show.
Other sponsors include Sonrise Tags and Tax, TJ's Body Shop, and Scott's Transmission Center. The rain date is Aug. 26.
South Jersey, Aug 18 and 19: Antique cars on display this weekend
From Shore News Today: Antique cars on display this weekend
Car enthusiasts will cruise into Historic Cold Spring Village for the annual Classic and Antique Car Show Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19.
Vintage cars and trucks will be on display 11 a.m.-3 p.m. both days, parked along the village’s shell-paved paths among the many historic buildings.
Visitors can see restored and preserved vehicles, from muscle cars to light trucks, from the 1910s to the 1970s.
On Saturday, members of the Jersey Cape Region Antique Automobile Club of America will show their antique vehicles, while Sunday will feature hot rods and other classics presented by KB Productions and the Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association.
The village’s historic buildings will be open during regular village hours, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with interpreters in period clothing teaching guests about the crafts, trades and lifestyles of Early America.
Historic Cold Spring Village Historic Cold Spring Village is a nonprofit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. From late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through mid-September.
The village is on Route 9 three miles north of Cape May. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children age 3-12, and free for children under 3.
For information call 898-2300, ext. 10 or see www.hcsv.org.
Car enthusiasts will cruise into Historic Cold Spring Village for the annual Classic and Antique Car Show Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19.
Vintage cars and trucks will be on display 11 a.m.-3 p.m. both days, parked along the village’s shell-paved paths among the many historic buildings.
Visitors can see restored and preserved vehicles, from muscle cars to light trucks, from the 1910s to the 1970s.
On Saturday, members of the Jersey Cape Region Antique Automobile Club of America will show their antique vehicles, while Sunday will feature hot rods and other classics presented by KB Productions and the Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association.
The village’s historic buildings will be open during regular village hours, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with interpreters in period clothing teaching guests about the crafts, trades and lifestyles of Early America.
Historic Cold Spring Village Historic Cold Spring Village is a nonprofit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. From late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through mid-September.
The village is on Route 9 three miles north of Cape May. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children age 3-12, and free for children under 3.
For information call 898-2300, ext. 10 or see www.hcsv.org.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
CA: Businesses Prepare for Classic Car Races
From Central Coast News: Businesses Prepare for Classic Car Races
MONTEREY, Calif.-- Businesses Prepare for Classic Car Races. Preparations are in full swing for the Classic Car races in Laguna Seca. This year more than 570 vintage cars will be racing here at the 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Some cars practicing over the weekend were hitting speeds over 130 miles per hour.
Organizers say they're expecting thousands from all over the world to show up. "There is something for everybody and the shopping for the wives and for the kids there are things to do as well as walking around and dad saying 'this is the car I used to drive,'' said Mazda GM Gill Campbell.
It took an entire year to get these races rolling. More than 150 different booths will be set up at the event.
There's a lot to prepare for when you're expecting more than 60,000 people to come out and see these the cars, and several local businesses have already gotten started.
"I'm ready!" said Old Monterey Café owner Mari Wilson. "It fills my pockets and we get to meet a lot of cool people," said Wilson. Mari has owned the Old Monterey Café for the past 25 years. She says she always looks forward to this time of year. "We're loaded down on our fresh juices and all of our stock and getting ready for everything. Making sure we have a full crew," said Wilson.
You can tell by looking at how packed some of the stores are downtown, lots of the Classic Car tourists are already in town. "They do come in big packs. Lots of kids, large groups of families, a lot of Europeans right now, German and French," said Wilson.
Back at the track it's the same thing, everyone's getting ready for the big show. "Every little detail goes from getting the shirt size of the drivers to getting all the details about their car," said Mazda GM Gill Campbell.
Jeremy Barnes has been racing for 20 years and says it takes several months to prepare for these kind of competitions. Everything from engine and to oil checks, getting ready for a busy weekend on the Peninsula," said Barnes. "I have a Mazda Miata. It's my regular race car and we get to come out and play with the big boys every now and then," said Barnes.
"The sound of the cars, the sound of the people and the sound of cash registers!" said Campbell.
MONTEREY, Calif.-- Businesses Prepare for Classic Car Races. Preparations are in full swing for the Classic Car races in Laguna Seca. This year more than 570 vintage cars will be racing here at the 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Some cars practicing over the weekend were hitting speeds over 130 miles per hour.
Organizers say they're expecting thousands from all over the world to show up. "There is something for everybody and the shopping for the wives and for the kids there are things to do as well as walking around and dad saying 'this is the car I used to drive,'' said Mazda GM Gill Campbell.
It took an entire year to get these races rolling. More than 150 different booths will be set up at the event.
There's a lot to prepare for when you're expecting more than 60,000 people to come out and see these the cars, and several local businesses have already gotten started.
"I'm ready!" said Old Monterey Café owner Mari Wilson. "It fills my pockets and we get to meet a lot of cool people," said Wilson. Mari has owned the Old Monterey Café for the past 25 years. She says she always looks forward to this time of year. "We're loaded down on our fresh juices and all of our stock and getting ready for everything. Making sure we have a full crew," said Wilson.
You can tell by looking at how packed some of the stores are downtown, lots of the Classic Car tourists are already in town. "They do come in big packs. Lots of kids, large groups of families, a lot of Europeans right now, German and French," said Wilson.
Back at the track it's the same thing, everyone's getting ready for the big show. "Every little detail goes from getting the shirt size of the drivers to getting all the details about their car," said Mazda GM Gill Campbell.
Jeremy Barnes has been racing for 20 years and says it takes several months to prepare for these kind of competitions. Everything from engine and to oil checks, getting ready for a busy weekend on the Peninsula," said Barnes. "I have a Mazda Miata. It's my regular race car and we get to come out and play with the big boys every now and then," said Barnes.
"The sound of the cars, the sound of the people and the sound of cash registers!" said Campbell.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Detroit: Keep an eye on new muscle cars as Dream Cruise revs up
From the Detroit Free Press: Mark Phelan: Keep an eye on new muscle cars as Dream Cruise revs up
Welcome to the new Golden Age of Detroit Muscle. The cars local automakers build now are faster, more powerful and vastly more reliable and fuel-efficient than the golden oldies we celebrate in the Woodward Dream Cruise this week.
These are the good old days, and they're getting better.
"As wonderful as we thought the original muscle cars were, they couldn't hold a candle to today's vehicles," said Bob Casey, senior curator of transportation at the Henry Ford Museum.
The largest collection of classic cars in the world, the Woodward Dream Cruise, kicks off this week as auto owners showcase their prized classics in official and unofficial ways, cruising each evening and organizing for rallies to celebrate what they love and what they drive.
The official Dream Cruise launches at 5 p.m. Friday with a ribbon-cutting in Ferndale and continues until dark Saturday night. The event commemorates the days from the Fifties to the Seventies, when car lovers and car company engineers took Detroit's latest out on the avenue to show off.
More than a million people are expected Saturday to line the avenue from Pontiac to Ferndale to see at least 20,000 vehicles -- everything from Bel Airs to Bentleys, Lincolns to Lamborghinis.
The exciting new Detroit muscle on the horizon includes the 640-horsepower 2013 SRT Viper, slated to race out of Chrysler's Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit later this year.
"We're not just chasing horsepower," said Ralph Gilles, who runs Chrysler's SRT performance group. "Today's cars put all the pieces together for a total package."
For high-level modern muscle, there's also the 662-horsepower 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 and 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Not to rain on anybody's memory parade, but these beasts would run rings around the muscle cars and street rods that ruled Woodward during the first great age of great Detroit performance.
"The Woodward Dream Cruise is a celebration of the first flowering of America's romance with the automobile in the 1950s and '60s," automotive writer Tony Swan of Hearst Magazines said. "Cars today are much more capable. Someday we'll celebrate them."
Bragging rights among American performance cars used to be determined by 0-60 m.p.h. times and straight-line speed. That's just the beginning today. Ford promises the Shelby can exceed 200 m.p.h. Miraculously, it also avoids the federal gas-guzzler tax.
The Camaro ZL1 hits 60 m.p.h. in four seconds. A dizzying video shows one lapping Germany's legendary Nürburgring road course in 7:41.27. That's 3.2 seconds quicker than a $189,000 Mercedes-Benz SLS managed in Auto Bild magazine's 2010 comparison test of supercars.
Both cars feature accelerometers to measure G forces, a yardstick of cornering ability more akin to Formula One racers than old-time street rods.
These are not your father's or grandfather's go-fast, go-straight muscle cars.
"The cars of the '60 and '70s were very fast in a straight line, but they wouldn't stop or turn very well. They had tires like linoleum," Swan said.
Today's performance cars combine brains and brawn.
"This is a golden age of technology and reliability," said Russ Clark, Chevrolet marketing director of performance cars. "The ZL1's 580-horsepower engine has a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty."
Technology that was developed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions also improved performance.
"We're going to see hybrid systems used to boost power as well as save fuel," Chrysler's Gilles said. "We're car guys. We're always thinking of ways to go fast."
The first heyday of Detroit muscle cars ended when soaring fuel prices coincided with new emissions and fuel economy regulations. The pessimists say that sounds a lot like today, but there are key differences.
In the '70s and '80s, Chrysler, Ford and GM couldn't tell a high-performance, high-efficiency engine from a unicorn. As far as most Detroit executives knew or cared, they were both mythical creatures.
The Shelby and ZL1's big V8s are only the beginning of the new performance story. Detroit's automakers are turning to smaller engines and new technologies to combine high performance and good fuel economy. The 2013 Ford Focus ST's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine checks in at 252 horsepower and 32 m.p.g.
With cars like that on the road today, and new versions of performance heroes such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette coming over the next couple of years, the new Golden Age of Detroit muscle could last a while.
Welcome to the new Golden Age of Detroit Muscle. The cars local automakers build now are faster, more powerful and vastly more reliable and fuel-efficient than the golden oldies we celebrate in the Woodward Dream Cruise this week.
These are the good old days, and they're getting better.
"As wonderful as we thought the original muscle cars were, they couldn't hold a candle to today's vehicles," said Bob Casey, senior curator of transportation at the Henry Ford Museum.
The largest collection of classic cars in the world, the Woodward Dream Cruise, kicks off this week as auto owners showcase their prized classics in official and unofficial ways, cruising each evening and organizing for rallies to celebrate what they love and what they drive.
The official Dream Cruise launches at 5 p.m. Friday with a ribbon-cutting in Ferndale and continues until dark Saturday night. The event commemorates the days from the Fifties to the Seventies, when car lovers and car company engineers took Detroit's latest out on the avenue to show off.
More than a million people are expected Saturday to line the avenue from Pontiac to Ferndale to see at least 20,000 vehicles -- everything from Bel Airs to Bentleys, Lincolns to Lamborghinis.
The exciting new Detroit muscle on the horizon includes the 640-horsepower 2013 SRT Viper, slated to race out of Chrysler's Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit later this year.
"We're not just chasing horsepower," said Ralph Gilles, who runs Chrysler's SRT performance group. "Today's cars put all the pieces together for a total package."
For high-level modern muscle, there's also the 662-horsepower 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 and 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Not to rain on anybody's memory parade, but these beasts would run rings around the muscle cars and street rods that ruled Woodward during the first great age of great Detroit performance.
"The Woodward Dream Cruise is a celebration of the first flowering of America's romance with the automobile in the 1950s and '60s," automotive writer Tony Swan of Hearst Magazines said. "Cars today are much more capable. Someday we'll celebrate them."
Bragging rights among American performance cars used to be determined by 0-60 m.p.h. times and straight-line speed. That's just the beginning today. Ford promises the Shelby can exceed 200 m.p.h. Miraculously, it also avoids the federal gas-guzzler tax.
The Camaro ZL1 hits 60 m.p.h. in four seconds. A dizzying video shows one lapping Germany's legendary Nürburgring road course in 7:41.27. That's 3.2 seconds quicker than a $189,000 Mercedes-Benz SLS managed in Auto Bild magazine's 2010 comparison test of supercars.
Both cars feature accelerometers to measure G forces, a yardstick of cornering ability more akin to Formula One racers than old-time street rods.
These are not your father's or grandfather's go-fast, go-straight muscle cars.
"The cars of the '60 and '70s were very fast in a straight line, but they wouldn't stop or turn very well. They had tires like linoleum," Swan said.
Today's performance cars combine brains and brawn.
"This is a golden age of technology and reliability," said Russ Clark, Chevrolet marketing director of performance cars. "The ZL1's 580-horsepower engine has a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty."
Technology that was developed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions also improved performance.
"We're going to see hybrid systems used to boost power as well as save fuel," Chrysler's Gilles said. "We're car guys. We're always thinking of ways to go fast."
The first heyday of Detroit muscle cars ended when soaring fuel prices coincided with new emissions and fuel economy regulations. The pessimists say that sounds a lot like today, but there are key differences.
In the '70s and '80s, Chrysler, Ford and GM couldn't tell a high-performance, high-efficiency engine from a unicorn. As far as most Detroit executives knew or cared, they were both mythical creatures.
The Shelby and ZL1's big V8s are only the beginning of the new performance story. Detroit's automakers are turning to smaller engines and new technologies to combine high performance and good fuel economy. The 2013 Ford Focus ST's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine checks in at 252 horsepower and 32 m.p.g.
With cars like that on the road today, and new versions of performance heroes such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette coming over the next couple of years, the new Golden Age of Detroit muscle could last a while.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
60 is the new 40
On August 10, 2012, the Cheyenne chapter of the AARP hosted a seminar
called Gray Matters - which was free and provided a free lunch -
unfortunately fish and cheesecake, blech - from 4 to 6 was a reception
for all travelers who had come in for the AARP National Spelling Bee to
be held on the 11th.
I attended that and it was a lot of fun. The emcee introduced a few folks, we talked about words, there was a "mock" spelling bee (which only consisted of about 20 people getting up and being questioned on one word...) and so on. And there were finger foods there - Chinese food to be precise. Don't know where they got it from or if they cooked it on site (Little America is a hotel and resort where people come to play golf among other things) but it was delish.
The spelling bee started at the ungodly hour of 8:30 am (Well...8:30 is not so ungodly but I had to get up at the ungodly hour of 6:30 to get there in time for registration, etc.) It started with 4 rounds of 25 words each - which was a Written Test.
The first 25 words were extremely easy. They asked words like "Greetings" and "Navel" and "Mince." I suppose a few might have been considered difficult... "Animus" and "Lacuna."
The second 25 words were equally easy, but I did miss MUGWUMP.
I assume they did this just to help everyone settle the nerves and get new people used to what was going on. People had trouble hearing some of the words (hey, they were all over 50 and most over 60) and the Pronouncer would come down and tell them the word face to face and have them say it back, etc. Indeed, the Pronouncer did an excellent job.
Third round was where they started asking the difficult words.
I missed:
QUESTIONARY INERCALATE
TUATARA
SKOSH
VIRIDITY
WIMBLE
The fourth round was the real killer. I only got 12 out of 25 right. I missed:
FELICIFIC
DOVEKIE
FLYTING
NAPERY
COTYLEDONARY
WELTSCHMERRZ
OPPUGNER
AECIOSPORE
SYNCYTIAL
KNUR
IRIDIUM
TUYERE
HYOSCYAMINE
I then stayed for the Oral rounds and was joined by one of my friends from my Scrabble Club. (I think an audience could have assembled for the Written rounds, too. There were chairs there and family were in them...but I think most people only wanted to come see the Oral rounds where you actually saw the speller's faces as opposed to their backs, etc.)
Two of the people I met last night at the reception made it to the Orals. One of them it was his first trip to the Bee and he was successful his first time out. Made it through about 10 rounds. (In the Orals, you miss two words and you're out.) Another one was an elderly woman from Minnesota who also got through about 10 rounds before being knocked out.
There were three sisters and a brother who had come as a sort of family reunion. The eldest sister made it to the Oral rounds but was bounced after only two rounds. This was too bad and it was because she was a bit unlucky - she got two 6-syllable words in a row while some of the others were getting much easier ones (but still, not ones I could have spelled). But she was disqualified along with several other people in the same round, so hopefully she didn't feel too bad.
The words in the Oral Rounds were extremely difficult. Several times more difficult than the toughest words in the final round of the Written.
But, had I studied for a year, I think I could have handled them.
And it is my intention to study for a year and get into the Orals next year.
So, why is the title of this blog entry 60 is thenew 40?
Because it is.
People are living longer. You don't want to outlive your money and more importantly you don't want to outlive your sense of enjoyment of life. And learning new things every day is enjoyment and keeps the mind active.
The AARP Spelling Bee is held every year, and it gives you an excellent reason to travel to Cheyenne and see The Cowboy State. You'll meet lots of interesting people.
You do have to study.
I studied very desultorily for about a month...combine all the time I studied and it was about 10 hours. Not nearly enough, but then, I'm a good speller so the Written Rounds were relatively easy - except for that killer last round.
Why learn words that you'll never, ever say in real life?Well, because they're interesting. And the concepts of what you'll learn, you can apply in other areas. So it's a win win.
So start planning to live a long, healthy, active, intellectual life, and do it now, however old you might be!
I attended that and it was a lot of fun. The emcee introduced a few folks, we talked about words, there was a "mock" spelling bee (which only consisted of about 20 people getting up and being questioned on one word...) and so on. And there were finger foods there - Chinese food to be precise. Don't know where they got it from or if they cooked it on site (Little America is a hotel and resort where people come to play golf among other things) but it was delish.
The spelling bee started at the ungodly hour of 8:30 am (Well...8:30 is not so ungodly but I had to get up at the ungodly hour of 6:30 to get there in time for registration, etc.) It started with 4 rounds of 25 words each - which was a Written Test.
The first 25 words were extremely easy. They asked words like "Greetings" and "Navel" and "Mince." I suppose a few might have been considered difficult... "Animus" and "Lacuna."
The second 25 words were equally easy, but I did miss MUGWUMP.
I assume they did this just to help everyone settle the nerves and get new people used to what was going on. People had trouble hearing some of the words (hey, they were all over 50 and most over 60) and the Pronouncer would come down and tell them the word face to face and have them say it back, etc. Indeed, the Pronouncer did an excellent job.
Third round was where they started asking the difficult words.
I missed:
QUESTIONARY INERCALATE
TUATARA
SKOSH
VIRIDITY
WIMBLE
The fourth round was the real killer. I only got 12 out of 25 right. I missed:
FELICIFIC
DOVEKIE
FLYTING
NAPERY
COTYLEDONARY
WELTSCHMERRZ
OPPUGNER
AECIOSPORE
SYNCYTIAL
KNUR
IRIDIUM
TUYERE
HYOSCYAMINE
I then stayed for the Oral rounds and was joined by one of my friends from my Scrabble Club. (I think an audience could have assembled for the Written rounds, too. There were chairs there and family were in them...but I think most people only wanted to come see the Oral rounds where you actually saw the speller's faces as opposed to their backs, etc.)
Two of the people I met last night at the reception made it to the Orals. One of them it was his first trip to the Bee and he was successful his first time out. Made it through about 10 rounds. (In the Orals, you miss two words and you're out.) Another one was an elderly woman from Minnesota who also got through about 10 rounds before being knocked out.
There were three sisters and a brother who had come as a sort of family reunion. The eldest sister made it to the Oral rounds but was bounced after only two rounds. This was too bad and it was because she was a bit unlucky - she got two 6-syllable words in a row while some of the others were getting much easier ones (but still, not ones I could have spelled). But she was disqualified along with several other people in the same round, so hopefully she didn't feel too bad.
The words in the Oral Rounds were extremely difficult. Several times more difficult than the toughest words in the final round of the Written.
But, had I studied for a year, I think I could have handled them.
And it is my intention to study for a year and get into the Orals next year.
So, why is the title of this blog entry 60 is thenew 40?
Because it is.
People are living longer. You don't want to outlive your money and more importantly you don't want to outlive your sense of enjoyment of life. And learning new things every day is enjoyment and keeps the mind active.
The AARP Spelling Bee is held every year, and it gives you an excellent reason to travel to Cheyenne and see The Cowboy State. You'll meet lots of interesting people.
You do have to study.
I studied very desultorily for about a month...combine all the time I studied and it was about 10 hours. Not nearly enough, but then, I'm a good speller so the Written Rounds were relatively easy - except for that killer last round.
Why learn words that you'll never, ever say in real life?Well, because they're interesting. And the concepts of what you'll learn, you can apply in other areas. So it's a win win.
So start planning to live a long, healthy, active, intellectual life, and do it now, however old you might be!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Postss resume Monday
I'm participating in the AARP Cheyenne Spelling Bee today, Saturday, and need to recover Sunday....
So Monday, posts resumes.
So Monday, posts resumes.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Texas: Old cars have a variety of devoted fans
From Lubbock Online: Old cars have a variety of devoted fans
When the Lubbock Mustang Club convenes its 30th anniversary car show at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Lubbock campus of Wayland Baptist University, the members will bring some of the history of the automobile with them.
Not every one of the cars in the show will be a Ford. Laura Hamlett, vice president of the club, has a Corvair convertible that represents one of General Motors’ bold innovations that lasted only a few years in the mid-1960s.
The Corvair has a six-cylinder, air-cooled engine mounted at the back. It may be that the Chevrolet Division hoped the added weight over the rear-wheel drive would give traction in snow and muddy roads. Besides, it was a really neat-looking small car, and now is virtually in a class by itself.
Hamlett and her husband, Jim, do have an interest in the Mustang, though, and when they joined the club six years ago, Jim bought a 1970 Mustang coupe.
Jeff Krueger, who may be the most devoted collector of classic automobiles in the club, still has the 1977 Volkswagen beetle that he purchased as his first car.
“My second car was a Mustang,” he said.
Now, he owns nine Mustangs, including one that is rarest by color — pink. It is only occasionally taken slowly and painstakingly out of a closed-in truck under a clear sky for a photograph, and not at all if rain is a possibility.
The club isn’t particular about the brand or model of cars that are invited into the annual show.
“Our car show is open to anything, Krueger said. “We’ve had dragsters, we’ve had 1912 Model T Fords — it’s open to just about anything. We usually see about 200 cars. This is the oldest car show that is still in existence in basically the Panhandle. To the general public, it’s free. For entering cars, it’s $25 before, and $30 the day of the show.”
John Robison, president, said he became interested in the car club in the mid-1990s when he bought a 1965 blue Mustang. “It was like the one that I owned in the late 70s. That seems to be a common event with Mustang drivers. Many of us owned one in high school or college, then wanted one again later in life.”
Robison knows why he joined the club: “I figured that it would be a good way to meet folks, drive and display my car and have some fun along the way. As a ‘shade tree’ mechanic I also wanted to get to understand the car better and know where and how to get parts.”
He added, “I currently own a 1971 Mach 1, and my son and I are gradually restoring it. We take it to a few shows and car displays, and he will likely own a Mustang from now on.”
Krueger has researched the history of the sports car phenomenon that was introduced April 14, 1965. “We’ve had a Mustang around for almost 50 years now,” he said. They sold a million Mustangs between 1965 and 1966, and set a sales record for types.”
He said, “They were actually running out of motors — they had more demand than they had cars. Everybody wanted a 289 V-8, and they started making promotions of six-cylinder Mustangs with special air breathers to make them look fancy, because that’s all they had. They didn’t have enough big motors to put in the cars.”
He said Lee Iacocca is considered the father of the Mustang, and he took Ford in a new direction with the sports car.
“The Edsel was a flop back in the late 1950s, and Ford was pretty gun-shy about bringing anything out that was a little different and crazy at those times. Mr. Iacocca basically convinced them that they needed this neat little car that looked fancy but still had a back seat in it, so it could take care of a different generation of clientele.
According to Krueger, the Mustang remains popular and continues in production. “It is still the number one best selling muscle car out there — outsells everybody else by at least 30 percent, still to this day.”
There’s greater variety than when it came out in 1965. “You can still get a coupe and a convertible, all kinds of versions from V-6 all the way up to ... you can actually get a Shelby Mustang now that has over a thousand horsepower and is street legal. It’s a street car and a race car — the Mustang is now a NASCAR. It has a wide variety of flavors.”
According to Krueger, the old ones are sometimes more expensive than a new one, especially in the high-powered Shelby versions. “There’s big stuff out there if you want to pay the dollars.”
He thinks one of the reasons the Mustang was such a success is that it was relatively inexpensive at the beginning.
“The base price in 1965 was $2,400 for the smaller version. They did something different — nobody had ever seen a car that had a long nose and a short deck in a four-seater. It had a shifter on the floor and bucket seats, so it looked sporty but was really not that much more expensive. You could buy it in a 3-speed, a 4-speed, as well as an automatic at that time.”
He added, “This year’s model in a six-cylinder version is like $34,000, and you can spend up to $80,000 on a Shelby.”
According to Krueger, the Lubbock Mustang Club has about 125 members. “It’s more a family club than anything else. The youngest club member is my youngest daughter, who is 6. And we also have guys in their 70s.
Hamlett said, “We enjoy the club meetings, the camaraderie of the members, and having a piece of history to drive around. It’s a natural conversation starter to meet new people when you drive a classic car.”
Krueger sums up the club this way:
“Basically, they just get together for the love of their car.”
When the Lubbock Mustang Club convenes its 30th anniversary car show at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Lubbock campus of Wayland Baptist University, the members will bring some of the history of the automobile with them.
Not every one of the cars in the show will be a Ford. Laura Hamlett, vice president of the club, has a Corvair convertible that represents one of General Motors’ bold innovations that lasted only a few years in the mid-1960s.
The Corvair has a six-cylinder, air-cooled engine mounted at the back. It may be that the Chevrolet Division hoped the added weight over the rear-wheel drive would give traction in snow and muddy roads. Besides, it was a really neat-looking small car, and now is virtually in a class by itself.
Hamlett and her husband, Jim, do have an interest in the Mustang, though, and when they joined the club six years ago, Jim bought a 1970 Mustang coupe.
Jeff Krueger, who may be the most devoted collector of classic automobiles in the club, still has the 1977 Volkswagen beetle that he purchased as his first car.
“My second car was a Mustang,” he said.
Now, he owns nine Mustangs, including one that is rarest by color — pink. It is only occasionally taken slowly and painstakingly out of a closed-in truck under a clear sky for a photograph, and not at all if rain is a possibility.
The club isn’t particular about the brand or model of cars that are invited into the annual show.
“Our car show is open to anything, Krueger said. “We’ve had dragsters, we’ve had 1912 Model T Fords — it’s open to just about anything. We usually see about 200 cars. This is the oldest car show that is still in existence in basically the Panhandle. To the general public, it’s free. For entering cars, it’s $25 before, and $30 the day of the show.”
John Robison, president, said he became interested in the car club in the mid-1990s when he bought a 1965 blue Mustang. “It was like the one that I owned in the late 70s. That seems to be a common event with Mustang drivers. Many of us owned one in high school or college, then wanted one again later in life.”
Robison knows why he joined the club: “I figured that it would be a good way to meet folks, drive and display my car and have some fun along the way. As a ‘shade tree’ mechanic I also wanted to get to understand the car better and know where and how to get parts.”
He added, “I currently own a 1971 Mach 1, and my son and I are gradually restoring it. We take it to a few shows and car displays, and he will likely own a Mustang from now on.”
Krueger has researched the history of the sports car phenomenon that was introduced April 14, 1965. “We’ve had a Mustang around for almost 50 years now,” he said. They sold a million Mustangs between 1965 and 1966, and set a sales record for types.”
He said, “They were actually running out of motors — they had more demand than they had cars. Everybody wanted a 289 V-8, and they started making promotions of six-cylinder Mustangs with special air breathers to make them look fancy, because that’s all they had. They didn’t have enough big motors to put in the cars.”
He said Lee Iacocca is considered the father of the Mustang, and he took Ford in a new direction with the sports car.
“The Edsel was a flop back in the late 1950s, and Ford was pretty gun-shy about bringing anything out that was a little different and crazy at those times. Mr. Iacocca basically convinced them that they needed this neat little car that looked fancy but still had a back seat in it, so it could take care of a different generation of clientele.
According to Krueger, the Mustang remains popular and continues in production. “It is still the number one best selling muscle car out there — outsells everybody else by at least 30 percent, still to this day.”
There’s greater variety than when it came out in 1965. “You can still get a coupe and a convertible, all kinds of versions from V-6 all the way up to ... you can actually get a Shelby Mustang now that has over a thousand horsepower and is street legal. It’s a street car and a race car — the Mustang is now a NASCAR. It has a wide variety of flavors.”
According to Krueger, the old ones are sometimes more expensive than a new one, especially in the high-powered Shelby versions. “There’s big stuff out there if you want to pay the dollars.”
He thinks one of the reasons the Mustang was such a success is that it was relatively inexpensive at the beginning.
“The base price in 1965 was $2,400 for the smaller version. They did something different — nobody had ever seen a car that had a long nose and a short deck in a four-seater. It had a shifter on the floor and bucket seats, so it looked sporty but was really not that much more expensive. You could buy it in a 3-speed, a 4-speed, as well as an automatic at that time.”
He added, “This year’s model in a six-cylinder version is like $34,000, and you can spend up to $80,000 on a Shelby.”
According to Krueger, the Lubbock Mustang Club has about 125 members. “It’s more a family club than anything else. The youngest club member is my youngest daughter, who is 6. And we also have guys in their 70s.
Hamlett said, “We enjoy the club meetings, the camaraderie of the members, and having a piece of history to drive around. It’s a natural conversation starter to meet new people when you drive a classic car.”
Krueger sums up the club this way:
“Basically, they just get together for the love of their car.”
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Cruisin' For Classic Cars On A Steamy Summer Night
From NPR: Cruisin' For Classic Cars On A Steamy Summer Night
At the heart of the small town of Milan, Ohio,
there's a graceful and tree-lined town square. It makes a good gathering
spot for the classic cars and trucks of decades past.
A 1923 T-Bucket Ford, a '77 Chevy El Camino, a '68 AMC AMX, a '46 Dodge truck, a '59 Ford Galaxie — they all keep arriving after 5 o'clock every Tuesday evening. As the owner-drivers park around the square, engine hoods go up, lawn chairs come out — and the admiration begins.
If the town's name sounds familiar, it's probably because Thomas A. Edison was born here in 1847. In Milan, they call him "the world's greatest inventor."
Don Gefell runs a shop in town called Sights and Sounds of Edison. He has an original Edison celluloid cylinder of Edison's actual voice, and occasionally takes it, and his phonograph, out to the square's gazebo to add to the festive mood.
Local residents say the show's setting in Milan's historic town square is what really sets it apart.
Mike Inman is among those showing off his car on
a recent steamy evening. "I brought a '62 Pontiac Catalina tonight —
421 lightweight," he says. "I think it's 550 horse[power]."
With temperatures floating around 100 degrees, Inman got up and went on the early side himself.
But even in the heat, it's good to sit under the shade trees, see your friends and listen to live music on the square.
Kelly Guseman, who owns a downtown shop that sells T-shirts and hats, helps the Milan Chamber of Commerce put Cruisin' on the Square together every Tuesday.
"Anybody can have a car show in a Dairy Queen parking lot," Guseman says. "But I think people really enjoy the town square and the old historic buildings. I mean, that's what really makes this car show."
In many ways, the show is like a baseball game. Milan merchants donate door prizes for the event, and if you bring a car to show, you can register to win. Tonight, Nancy Smith, proud owner of an '88 Chevy Camaro, wins a coupon from Jimmy's Pizza Box. The local Masons are grilling sausage, and attendees can also pick up a yellow perch sandwich from the Wonder Bar or burgers from the American Legion.
Bruce Chrislip, a former mechanic, shows off his 1937 maroon-and-black Plymouth pickup truck, as Nancy Wargo arrives in her dignified 1949 Chevy Deluxe.
"It's ... two-tone green with the visor on it," Wargo says. "Been in my family all 63 years."
Wargo explains the shiny Chevrolet was her
Great-Aunt Betty's car initially. She had it for 20 years, and then
Wargo's father had it for 40. In its pristine condition, you could
practically put it right back in the Chevy dealer's showroom.
"It's a nice, solid-feeling car," Wargo says. And even in this heat, she says it can hit 55 mph.
People don't come to the square just for show and tell. Wargo and her husband would like to find a '67 Ford Mustang convertible to buy. And, on a cooler Tuesday summer night, they just might find it here — sometimes up to 120 vehicles show up for the classic car cruise-in.
Noah Adams/NPR Antique
trucks, including a 1937 Plymouth, on display at the weekly Cruisin' on
the Square car show in Milan, Ohio. Classic car owners and enthusiasts
gather each Tuesday evening through the summer to show off their cars or
even find one to buy.
A 1923 T-Bucket Ford, a '77 Chevy El Camino, a '68 AMC AMX, a '46 Dodge truck, a '59 Ford Galaxie — they all keep arriving after 5 o'clock every Tuesday evening. As the owner-drivers park around the square, engine hoods go up, lawn chairs come out — and the admiration begins.
If the town's name sounds familiar, it's probably because Thomas A. Edison was born here in 1847. In Milan, they call him "the world's greatest inventor."
Don Gefell runs a shop in town called Sights and Sounds of Edison. He has an original Edison celluloid cylinder of Edison's actual voice, and occasionally takes it, and his phonograph, out to the square's gazebo to add to the festive mood.
Local residents say the show's setting in Milan's historic town square is what really sets it apart.
With temperatures floating around 100 degrees, Inman got up and went on the early side himself.
But even in the heat, it's good to sit under the shade trees, see your friends and listen to live music on the square.
Kelly Guseman, who owns a downtown shop that sells T-shirts and hats, helps the Milan Chamber of Commerce put Cruisin' on the Square together every Tuesday.
"Anybody can have a car show in a Dairy Queen parking lot," Guseman says. "But I think people really enjoy the town square and the old historic buildings. I mean, that's what really makes this car show."
In many ways, the show is like a baseball game. Milan merchants donate door prizes for the event, and if you bring a car to show, you can register to win. Tonight, Nancy Smith, proud owner of an '88 Chevy Camaro, wins a coupon from Jimmy's Pizza Box. The local Masons are grilling sausage, and attendees can also pick up a yellow perch sandwich from the Wonder Bar or burgers from the American Legion.
Bruce Chrislip, a former mechanic, shows off his 1937 maroon-and-black Plymouth pickup truck, as Nancy Wargo arrives in her dignified 1949 Chevy Deluxe.
"It's ... two-tone green with the visor on it," Wargo says. "Been in my family all 63 years."
"It's a nice, solid-feeling car," Wargo says. And even in this heat, she says it can hit 55 mph.
People don't come to the square just for show and tell. Wargo and her husband would like to find a '67 Ford Mustang convertible to buy. And, on a cooler Tuesday summer night, they just might find it here — sometimes up to 120 vehicles show up for the classic car cruise-in.
Friday, August 3, 2012
AZ: 8/4-5: Antique Car Show, Parts Exchange, Old Engine Fire-up
From AZCentral: 8/4-5: Antique Car Show, Parts Exchange, Old Engine Fire-up
For some folks, a classic car evokes memories of their first car, the joy of taking the wheel for the first time and the freedom of the open road. Others might fondly recall a yesteryear when manufacturers built unique cars with deep-rooted flair.
In recognition of classic cars and antique stationary engines, the Prescott Antique Auto Club will hold its 38th annual Antique Car Show, Parts Exchange and Old Engine Fire-up this weekend at Watson Lake in Prescott.
"The club was founded in 1970 to promote interest in vintage vehicles," club president Charles Rulofson said. "It has grown to over 200 members. ... Membership is open to anyone, and (vintage) car ownership is not a requisite."
The show, open to all makes and models from 1987 and earlier, features a wide variety, from antiques to street rods. Car clubs from around the state including the Arizona Chapter of the American Historical Truck Society and the Oldsmobile Club of Arizona will display their own classic wonders of motorized pride-and-joy.
As an incentive to entrants, the first 200 show-car registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, dashboard plaque and goodie bag.
The show also welcomes motorcycles, scooters and farm tractors unique to another time and place.
"Besides providing a gathering place for people with an interest in vintage vehicles, the club is involved in a number of community-oriented activities," Rulofson said. "These range from mini-shows for assisted-living centers to providing Christmas gifts for veterans at the VA hospital and community living center."
Not all the antiques will be mobile. One area will be set aside for the showing and, organizers hope, the running of old stationary engines.
"The Arizona Flywheelers will have a variety of their engines hitting and missing (at the fire-up) for all to see and enjoy," club chairman Jim Schultz said. "The engines were used in the early 20th century at mine sites and ranches to run things like generators, water pumps and saw mills."
For hard-to-find parts needed to restore and keep antique engines functional, more than 100 vendors will be on hand to exchange antique car, truck and machine parts.
"This usually has guys emptying their garages, so you never know what you will find," Schultz said.
Rulofson said the exchange is one of the largest in Arizona.
Automotive-memorabilia vendors also are welcome at the exchange, and a separate cars-for-sale area will be featured as well.
Rulofson expects a general attendance of about 5,000 for the weekend event.
"Most of the attendees will be there as aficionados of classic and vintage cars, but everyone is invited to come to the show and enjoy some time viewing and learning about America's car heritage and its love of the automobile," Rulofson said.
For some folks, a classic car evokes memories of their first car, the joy of taking the wheel for the first time and the freedom of the open road. Others might fondly recall a yesteryear when manufacturers built unique cars with deep-rooted flair.
In recognition of classic cars and antique stationary engines, the Prescott Antique Auto Club will hold its 38th annual Antique Car Show, Parts Exchange and Old Engine Fire-up this weekend at Watson Lake in Prescott.
"The club was founded in 1970 to promote interest in vintage vehicles," club president Charles Rulofson said. "It has grown to over 200 members. ... Membership is open to anyone, and (vintage) car ownership is not a requisite."
The show, open to all makes and models from 1987 and earlier, features a wide variety, from antiques to street rods. Car clubs from around the state including the Arizona Chapter of the American Historical Truck Society and the Oldsmobile Club of Arizona will display their own classic wonders of motorized pride-and-joy.
As an incentive to entrants, the first 200 show-car registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, dashboard plaque and goodie bag.
The show also welcomes motorcycles, scooters and farm tractors unique to another time and place.
"Besides providing a gathering place for people with an interest in vintage vehicles, the club is involved in a number of community-oriented activities," Rulofson said. "These range from mini-shows for assisted-living centers to providing Christmas gifts for veterans at the VA hospital and community living center."
Not all the antiques will be mobile. One area will be set aside for the showing and, organizers hope, the running of old stationary engines.
"The Arizona Flywheelers will have a variety of their engines hitting and missing (at the fire-up) for all to see and enjoy," club chairman Jim Schultz said. "The engines were used in the early 20th century at mine sites and ranches to run things like generators, water pumps and saw mills."
For hard-to-find parts needed to restore and keep antique engines functional, more than 100 vendors will be on hand to exchange antique car, truck and machine parts.
"This usually has guys emptying their garages, so you never know what you will find," Schultz said.
Rulofson said the exchange is one of the largest in Arizona.
Automotive-memorabilia vendors also are welcome at the exchange, and a separate cars-for-sale area will be featured as well.
Rulofson expects a general attendance of about 5,000 for the weekend event.
"Most of the attendees will be there as aficionados of classic and vintage cars, but everyone is invited to come to the show and enjoy some time viewing and learning about America's car heritage and its love of the automobile," Rulofson said.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Philadelphia: Fire rages through garage filled with classic cars
From Philly.com: Fire rages through garage filled with classic cars
It was declared under control at 10:29 a.m., but firefighters continued to pour water on the building as dark smoke soared skyward.
Scott Tennesen, president of the Latin Cruiser Car Club, said the group housed 15 classic cars in the building.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Robert Wright, the building's owner, said there was rumor that a car owner doing bodywork in violation of garage policy may have sparked the fire.
Tennesen said the classic vehicles stored in the garage included two 1971 Ford Mavericks, a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350, a 1949 Ford, a 1976 AMC Pacer, a 1978 Ford Pinto wagon, a 1961 Cadillac, a 1961 Ford Falcon, and a 1956 Chevrolet panel truck.
Most of the cars were insured, he said, but probably are irreplaceable.
"You can try to find one that's similar, but you can never replace the time, money, and effort spent on those cars," Tennesen said.
Alvin Taveras, who lives near the garage and rents two berths for his cars, said he thought his 1993 Honda Civic hatchback was destroyed. He said he had recently spent about $2,000 preparing the car to race at a New Jersey track and had no insurance for it.
"I was always afraid of this," said Jose Rodriguez, another neighborhood resident who kept his BMW in the garage and had also done work on his car. "My hard work is going down the drain."
The Latin Cruisers Car Club participates in shows throughout the region and hosts weekly cruise nights at a Chick-Fil-A in Port Richmond, where neighborhood residents can see the club's cars on display.
A
two-alarm fire ripped through a garage building in Kensington today,
sending black smoke billowing into the sky and damaging or destroying at
least 15 classic cars.
One firefighter was taken to a hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion suffered while battling the blaze at Jasper and East Cornwall Streets.
The fire was reported around 9:30 a.m. and escalated to a second alarm about 9:45 a.m. as 150 firefighters and 22 pieces of equipment responded to the blaze, officials said.
One firefighter was taken to a hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion suffered while battling the blaze at Jasper and East Cornwall Streets.
The fire was reported around 9:30 a.m. and escalated to a second alarm about 9:45 a.m. as 150 firefighters and 22 pieces of equipment responded to the blaze, officials said.
It was declared under control at 10:29 a.m., but firefighters continued to pour water on the building as dark smoke soared skyward.
Scott Tennesen, president of the Latin Cruiser Car Club, said the group housed 15 classic cars in the building.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Robert Wright, the building's owner, said there was rumor that a car owner doing bodywork in violation of garage policy may have sparked the fire.
Tennesen said the classic vehicles stored in the garage included two 1971 Ford Mavericks, a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350, a 1949 Ford, a 1976 AMC Pacer, a 1978 Ford Pinto wagon, a 1961 Cadillac, a 1961 Ford Falcon, and a 1956 Chevrolet panel truck.
Most of the cars were insured, he said, but probably are irreplaceable.
"You can try to find one that's similar, but you can never replace the time, money, and effort spent on those cars," Tennesen said.
Alvin Taveras, who lives near the garage and rents two berths for his cars, said he thought his 1993 Honda Civic hatchback was destroyed. He said he had recently spent about $2,000 preparing the car to race at a New Jersey track and had no insurance for it.
"I was always afraid of this," said Jose Rodriguez, another neighborhood resident who kept his BMW in the garage and had also done work on his car. "My hard work is going down the drain."
The Latin Cruisers Car Club participates in shows throughout the region and hosts weekly cruise nights at a Chick-Fil-A in Port Richmond, where neighborhood residents can see the club's cars on display.
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