Sunday, September 30, 2012

Vintage cars, fanatics Rally for the Lane Motor Museum

From the Tennesseean:  Vintage cars, fanatics Rally for the Lane Motor Museum

Vintage car fanatics got a chance to drive their dream car down scenic roads, like the Natchez Trace, on Saturday during the Third annual Rally for the Lane fundraiser event for the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville.
Classic car enthusiasts were allowed to "rent" a vehicle from the collection of vintage cars at the Lane Motor Museum and drive that car to Columbia, TN and back, helping raise money for the museum.
The drivers will stop for lunch at at the Mt. Pleasant Grille before heading back to the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville for a behind the scenes look at their rarely-seen collection of cars in the basement of the museum.
"It's such a neat collection of cars and how often do you get a chance to go to a museum and take the stuff out and play with it," Ed Krenz said.
Krenz traveled all the way from Wisconsin with his brother for the event. It is their third time participating in the Rally for the Lane and getting the chance to drive a vintage car of their choice.
"It's always fun to talk to other people at lunch and then at the end of the day and find out what their day was like too. I'm just enjoying the whole experience."
The money collected helps to defray the costs of owning, housing, restoring and maintaining the over 330 cars in the museum's collection.
"It is one of the most unique collection of automobiles that you will ever see," Franklin resident and vintage car enthusiast Doran Edwards said.
"There are some cars here that you will never see anywhere else in the world."

 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Gleaming classic cars draw crowd at cruise-in

From Statesman Journal:  Gleaming classic cars draw crowd at cruise-in

Grill-to-grill gleam beneath sunny skies.

That was the scene Saturday at Macleay as car aficionados cruised in from around the valley and beyond to take part in the Flywheels 27th Annual Macleay Cruise-In.


Warm weather and spirits ensured a hearty, festive turnout of both classic cars and appreciative viewers. Attendees range from toddlers to old timers as the several-acre field behind host Macleay Country Inn filled up with 163 hobby vehicles, many immaculately conditioned under the TLC of owners possessed by vehicular fervor.


A beer garden and barbecue also proved popular, while the country inn served a full midday crowd and the adjacent Macleay Country Market greeted a steady stream of drink and snack seekers.

“They always put on the barbecue and beer garden over there, and they kept it open until Monday,” said Flywheels organizer Bob Noble. “Since they already had the beer garden, they decided to add the motorcycle show.”


The motorcycles pull in today to take place of the classic cars. Organizer Chris Bryant said he expects to see about 100 on hand between noon and 5 p.m.



“This is the ninth year with the motorcycles,” Bryant said. “Depending on the weather, I’d say we’ll get about 100 bikes. If we get this kind of weather, we may get more.”


Blue skies and comfortable temperatures were ideal for this event, which is conducted by the Silverton Flywheels and hosted by Macleay Country Inn owners Jerry and Danny Miller. The Millers purchased several acres directly south of their inn, affording the event’s growth.


“When I first started coming to this, there were only cars in this area,” Noble said, referring to the late 1990s while gesturing to the modest area between the inn and the adjacent fire station. “There were only about a dozen cars then. As you can see, there are a lot more, and it’s going good.”


Noble said the car entries, which vied for trophies among classics, hot rods, cool rides, muscle cars, trucks and chicks choice, primarily came from around the valley, but there were some from the Vancouver, Wash., area and one 1957 Ford pickup that came in from Lakeport, Calif.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Hot Rods and Hot Dogs serves up classic cars at show in Chicago

From Examiner.com:  Hot Rods and Hot Dogs serves up classic cars at show in Chicago

For the classic car enthusiast, the 2012 Hot Rods and Hot Dogs show in the parking lot of The Vienna Beef Company at 2510 N. Damen Ave. on Sunday, September 23, was an event not to be missed. Owners and admirers came out to see classically restored and tricked out rides that appealed to both the purist and to the person who likes a little bling with their wheels. Everything from an Avanti to a Rolls Royce, Mustangs to Chevys, and several trucks and jeeps, as well as a few of indeterminate origin had admirers inspecting paint jobs and interiors, wheels and engines, and chatting up the owners to find out more about the car. And to further set the mood, music from the Shirelles, Bobby Vinton, The Supremes, and other 60’s groups filled the air and had more than a few singing along as they reminisced about days gone by.
There’s something about a classic car show that has us waxing nostalgic. These cars bring back memories of drive-in theaters and soda fountains. Some may have thought about how they had worked hard and painstakingly saved to purchase their first car. Others may have remembered how they carried home their firstborn child from the hospital. Whatever the memories they evoke, there is an emotional bond between people and their cars: unlike a house or almost anything else you purchase, your car often is a reflection of who you are or who you want to be.
Most of the cars that were shown are of another era, another generation, a different time. They are of a time when Detroit was king of the auto industry and everything was big and bold and heavy. A time when bumpers were made of chrome and gas mileage was not even measured. These cars - the Buicks, the Chevys, and the grandaddy of the big luxury cars, the Cadillacs, ruled the road. When you drove down the street in your Caddy, people stopped and looked. You were envied and admired...you had made it. There were more Chevys than any other model at the show...probably because we all wanted to ‘see the USA in our Chevrolet." And the owners of these cars have restored them meticulously, showcasing their beauty and allowing those of us who love these cars and remember when they were common sights to take a trip down memory lane. Even the owners who are not of the generation where the car was king have a healthy and loving respect for these motorized chariots. These cars are gems of the automotive industry and have inspired a generation of new cars - the PT cruiser and the HHR to name two. But the day of these mansions on wheels is over, and so the classic car buff loving owns and maintains what will never be again.
And not to slight the European car makers, there were plenty of those cars being shown as well; a red Avanti, a while Rolls Royce, an Aston Martin. Back in the day owning a foreign car was rare and those that did own one were usually wealthy and thought to be quite sophisticated.
Hot Rods and Hot Dogs is more than a chance to show off your car. It is a place memories are revived and car lovers meet to pay homage to an industry that once ran the world, fed a nation and took us to places in class and style.

 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Posts resume 24 Sep 2012

My mom, who is 75, wants to go up to teeny tiny town near Rapid City, to see her sister, who is 80. They live in a house in the boonies and have no internet.

I'll be back online on Monday the 24th and promise not to miss another day.

Please bear with me, your patience is appreciated!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Antique cars roll through the Western Slope

From the Cortez Journal:  Antique cars roll through the Western Slope






John and Heather Mozart leave downtown Durango in their 1959-60 Ferrari Testarossa after lunch during The Colorado Grand car tour.

DURANGO — Dozens of vintage sports and race cars rumbled through downtown Durango on Thursday as part of The Colorado Grand, an annual 1,000-mile Western Slope charity tour.
The exact route and stops vary each year, but the tour traditionally begins and ends in Vail; it last visited Durango in 2009. Thursday’s itinerary involved a complete loop around the scenic San Juan Skyway. Drivers left Telluride in the morning and passed through Ridgway, Ouray and Silverton before making a pit stop in Durango. From here, they continued to Mancos, Dolores, Rico and finally Telluride again.
On the lawn outside the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango Elks Lodge 507 prepared a lunch of sandwich wraps and antipasto salad for the drivers and their entourage. The nonprofit Elks Lodge was selected by Bob Kunkel, executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District, to receive two monetary donations from the tour: a $5,000 scholarship for a 2013 Durango High School graduate to be determined and $6,000 (less the cost of the lunch) that the lodge intends to spend on basic supplies for vulnerable war veterans. Those include meals, toiletries, clothing for job interviews and travel vouchers, said fundraising organizer Lori Rundquist.
Costumed waitresses from the nearby Diamond Belle Saloon and women in classic Victorian garb strolled the block between Fifth and Sixth streets to give the visitors an “Old West” welcome.
“Whenever they want a little ambience, they call us up,” said Eliane Viner.
Tennessee native Tom Smith was the first driver to arrive at the train depot. Despite driving a sleek silver 1952 Aston Martin with bright red leather seats that most car enthusiasts could only dream of, Smith was in awe and downright giddy about the vehicles following behind him.
“These are some really, really special cars here. I’ve seen cars this week that I’ve only ever seen in magazines,” he said.
Soon enough, 89 other classics joined. Ferraris and Allards, Austin-Healeys and Jaguars drew gawking stares from bystanders as they rolled into parking spaces. Some were alumni of the historic Circuit de la Sarthe racing course in Le Mans, France, as their owners were proud to note.
Receiving special acclaim this year was the Shelby Cobra, the “little car, big engine” icon celebrating its 50th anniversary. Organizers bent the rules to accommodate the Cobras because the tour normally accepts only models manufactured before 1960.
The cars, most of them rare collector items and normally immaculately kept, were splattered with mud and water spots from traversing several mountain passes in inclement weather.
Drivers were grateful for the warm temperatures and sunny skies, having spent Wednesday pummeled by heavy rain. More than half the cars were open-top and, unlike modern convertibles, lacked motorized roof panels that could be closed at the touch of a button. Drivers had no choice but to put on raincoats and forge ahead.
“It was a deluge (Wednesday),” said Brian Murray, participating in his 18th Grand. “I had a half inch of standing water on the floor, and my headlights were filled up with rain. But they’re still working for now.”
The late car collector and racer Robert D. Sutherland founded The Colorado Grand in 1989. In the last 24 years, the tour has donated a cumulative $3.3 million to small nonprofits such as the Elks Lodge, as well as the Colorado State Patrol, an agency with which Sutherland had a close relationship.
Since 2001, the tour also has supported a foundation, affiliated with the University of Colorado-Boulder’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, that offers affordable, sliding-scale treatment for bipolar patients. Sutherland suffered from the disorder before his death in 1999.
“It’s great fun to drive on the open road, enjoy your car and support a good cause at the same time,” Murray said.

 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

OH: Classic cars, boats make splash today in Milton

From Vindy.com:  Classic cars, boats make splash today in Milton

Lake Milton
The Wheels and Keels Classic Car and Antique Wooden Boat Show is an end-of-the-summer event that puts a unique spin on the traditional car show, its organizers say.
Terry Jacob, event organizer, said the event, noon to 4 p.m. today at the Lake Milton Amphitheater, is the final major lakefront event of the summer. It’s on Grandview Road, off Mahoning Avenue, and can be located by following the posted “beach” signs.
“This is our third year, and we’re going to have between 75 and 100 cars and boats,” Jacob said. “Every year is gets a bit bigger.”
Jacob said the patrons and participants will see a variety of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles from the 1930s through the 1970s.
But the real show stoppers are the antique wooden boats on display, said Dan Mattozzi, a show participant.
“Some of the old boats are phenomenal. The rare wood is gorgeous,” he said. “The guys like to show off what they’ve done.”
Jacob said the event is free, and those who attend can participate in a 50/50 raffle, hourly drawings and arts and crafts for children.
Patrons can also enjoy food and drinks for purchase catered by The Fifth Season and a 2 p.m. water skiing show on the lake, he said.
“It’s such a nice location with the waterfront, grassy areas and shade,” Jacob said. “It’s a change from the normal car shows in this area.”
Jacob said the event is a fundraiser for the Lake Milton Nature Arts Center, which does capital improvement projects at the lake and beach.
He said the group has raised enough money through this and other events to build the amphitheater, public restroom facilities and a paved walkway that they hope to eventually wind around the entire lake.
“This is one of our major fundraising opportunities. ... It’s a way to give back to the Lake Milton community,” he said. “We’re slowly starting to see the fruits of our labor.”



 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Watkins Glen, NY: Rarities found at U.S. Vintage Grand Prix

From The Leader.com:  Rarities found at U.S. Vintage Grand Prix]


Giddings brought his 1931 Alfa Romeo Tipo B “P3” and a 1953 Maserati back to The Glen for this weekend’s historic races. The two classic Italian cars were some of the most gawked at.

“I’ve been racing since (1959) and back in the late 50s and early 60s in England, if you wanted to race and didn’t have a lot of money, you bought an old car,” said Giddings, who now resides in Danville, Calif. “Since then the old cars have become valuable and historic and so forth. I got started with these cars because they’re all I could afford.”

Now they’re priceless.

Joining Giddings’ team this weekend is Long Islander Peter Greenfield who purchased a 1935 Alfa Romeo at a Pebble Beach auction in 2004. He’ll be negotiating The Glen’s 3.4-mile course in a car with loads of horsepower and drenched in history.

“It’s a trip. This is a serious car, almost 400 horsepower, a grand prix car back in the 1930s,” Greenfield said. “Back then, Enzo Ferrari ran the Alfa race team, that’s why it has the Ferarri symbol on it. This was the first independent suspension, transaxle car built in response to Adolf Hitler financing Mercedes and the auto union (Audi). This was the first Italian streamlined car.”

For Giddings, he was fortunate enough to buy a car driven by one of the early greats, and his driving hero, Tazio Nuvolari – a champion on motorcycles, front-engine and rear-engine cars. The Italian is widely regarded as the best racer to ever take a breath of air.

“It’s more than a thrill, it’s a privilege. These cars were driven by the great drivers – Tazio Nuvolari, (Juan) Fangio, (Stirling) Moss – and to recreate an experience in a very minor, amateur way is very special,” Giddings said. “Tremendous admiration. Back then the roads were in poor condition, the races took hours, not minutes, and they were titans – we’ve never seen drivers like them since.”

The cars are a far cry from today’s race cars with wide tires, modern shock absorbers and aerodynamic advantages built into the design.

The Alfa Romeos rolls on what look like treaded bicycle tires powered by  inline eight cylinder engines at the front. The most technological electronics in the machines are the tachometer and water temperature gauges.
“They’re a total handful. I call them very busy cars,” Giddings said. “If you don’t anticipate in the seat of your pants what the car is going to do fractionally before it does it, you’re going to be through the closest edge. They were the best in their day, but by today’s standards lacking in all departments – braking, cornering, handling, you name it. That’s the fun of it.”

“It’s a huge different from driving a modern car. It goes a lot faster than it’s capable of stopping,” Greenfield added. “Even though it looks like it has big brakes, they’re not very effective except for a couple of laps. You’re always correcting this car.”

Giddings has been coming to Watkins Glen almost every year since the 1970s, and after his first trip he admits he was smitten.

“When I emigrated to America the first track I raced on was Watkins Glen, and that’s going back 35 years ago,” he said. “It was pissing down rain, but I’ll never forget it – I fell in love with The Glen then. If I don’t have at least one race at The Glen every year, I’m the sadder for it.”

At least for the older vintage cars with narrow tires, The Glen’s weathered racing surface has proven problematic.

The cement swaths and worn out asphalt have developed bumps over time, which takes on a toll on cars with the most basic suspensions. Those aren’t easy to deal with in cars that are already difficult to drive.
“It badly needs repaving. These older cars, it’s just like a washboard,” Giddings said. “I heard through the grapevine they will repave the track. I’m looking forward to not having my teeth loosened in my gums every time I get on the track.”

 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Michigan: Classic cars cruise in to Trendway

Put this on your calendar for next year!

From Holland Sentinel.com :  Classic cars cruise in to Trendway

The light sprinkle didn't deter many from taking time to admire each of the cars, lined up for their viewing pleasure outside of Trendway, 13467 Quincy St., while the Beach Boys played in the background.
There were Corvettes, pickup trucks, motorcycles — even a small submarine.

Seeing the cars is fun, but Jodi Talsma — who has been coming to the Cruise-In for years — said there's something else that makes her look forward to the event each year.

"I like seeing all the people," said Talsma, who showed her 1968 Chevy Camero, parked next to her husband Larry's 1930 Model A Ford Chop-Top.

This was the 11th year for the annual Cruise-In, which has always been a fundraiser for West Michigan families facing expensive medical bills.

This year's proceeds will go to an Ottawa County teen named Shelby, who suffered from depression and attempted suicide following years of torment and bullying at school. She ended up staying seven months in a residential treatment facility, which restored her confidence and self-esteem, but cost her family nearly $50,000.

Last year's event raised about $30,000 for a young woman who was paralyzed in a car crash.
Friday's spurt of rain hardly compared to the 2011 Cruise-In, one even volunteer said.

"It poured buckets last year," he said.

 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

CA: 300+ cars ride, show in Classic Car Weekend

From Paso Robles Press :  300+ cars ride, show in Classic Car Weekend

PASO ROBLES -- Classic car fanatics put their feet on the gas over Labor Day weekend, taking a joyride through Paso Robles.

The 2012 Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend featured a Friday cruise down Spring Street, a Saturday afternoon car show in Downtown City Park and a Sunday poker run through the vineyards.

According to Golden State Classics President Russ Johnson, 316 pre-1979 automobiles registered for the weekend. He said the crowd seemed more robust than usual.

“I've noticed this year, there's a lot more spectators and people interested in the cars,” Johnson said. He added that an event of this magnitude cannot be done alone — it is truly a community effort.

The weekend was sponsored by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, city of Paso Robles and Golden State Classics.

“This would not be possible without the support of the local merchants as well as the individuals who have supported this event,” Johnson said.

Raffle tickets were sold benefiting local charities. At the end of the year, the local car club will choose which charities will receive the funds.

“The local sponsors and the charity aspect of the car show weekend are what really matter to us the most,” Johnson said.

Of course, cars – of all shapes, sizes and horse power – were at the heart of the weekend. Rows and rows of manicured automobiles glittered in the sunlight Saturday in Downtown City Park.

Hap Harbert of Arroyo Grande entered his 1940 Ford Super Deluxe Woody into Saturday's car show competition. Completely restored with the original motor, fresh wood paneling and new tires made the ultimate surfer’s ride gleam.

“This is how we built them in high school years ago,” said Harbert. “I was a surfer back in Los Angeles in the 50s and 60s. Gas was 25 cents a gallon back then, and we didn't have a care. Some of us were lucky enough to keep our Woody all these years.”

Each section of the park featured a different kind of auto, from clean, classic trucks to wicked-looking muscle cars and beyond. Regardless of the make and model, the love of yesteryear brought each facet together for a peek under the hood last weekend.

“There are guys who do street rods, Corvette guys, Mustang guys,” said Harbert. “We all kind of hang together.”

Visit www.pasorobleschamber.com for more information.

 

Canada: Two-day weekend of supercars, boats and rarely seen classic cars

From The Province :  Two-day weekend of supercars, boats and rarely seen classic cars
he classic-car show season is slowly winding down. Three incredible Pacific Northwest events that offer something for everyone are taking place this weekend.Two one-day events on Saturday include the Langley Good Times Cruise–In and the Kirkland Concours d’Elegance at the recently opened Le May Museum in Tacoma.
The Luxury and Supercar Weekend (L+S), a two-day event Saturday and Sunday, takes place in Vancouver’s magnificent VanDusen Botanical Garden, located at W. 37th Avenue and Oak Street. The L+S Weekend is a combination of modern supercars, boats and some classic cars rarely seen on the street today. Aston–Martin and Bentley will use the event for the Canadian unveiling of two new models.
This year’s Shaughnessy Concours d’Elegance, which takes place within the L+S Weekend, is presented by Hagerty Classic Car Insurance and will give attendees the chance to view three Pebble Beach class winners: Jonathan Parker’s 1960 AC Ace; Brian Ross’ 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Coupe; and the locally owned, triple crown Villa d’Este winner and multiple Pebble Beach award-winning 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Coupe with a one-off body by Figone. The Alfa Romeo and AC were restored by the talented team at RX Autoworks in North Vancouver.
Other classes will include Modern Supercars, Classic Supercars and almost 100 years of Aston-Martin, which ties in with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movies. This display will include cars seen in some of Bond movies, including a 1964 Aston Martin DB-5, one of just two such examples in B.C. Other classes include Royal Cars, Cars of the Great Gatsby era and a display of Shelby Mustangs, a tribute to Carroll Shelby who passed away earlier this year.
A special guest attending on Saturday is Henrik Fisker, the CEO of Fisker Automotive, which builds sports and luxury sedans. On Saturday, Fisker Automobiles will offer rides by donation, with all proceeds going to support children with Autism.
For more information or online ticket purchases (also available at the gate), visit luxurysupercar.com.
Nigel Matthews is the director of sales and marketing for Hagerty Canada. Hagerty is the world’s leading provider of classic car and boat insurance. Contact: nmatthews@hagerty.com or visit hagerty.ca.

Monday, September 3, 2012

UK: Classic cars and bikes on offer

From The Visitor:  Classic cars and bikes on offer

Historic Leighton Hall once again played host to the Lakeland Classic Car and Bike Show on Sunday, September 2.

Organised by Mark Woodward Classic Events, this is just one of 12 shows held at different locations around the country.

Due to the depressing downpours, the Leighton Hall Classic Car and and Bike Show had to be postponed until later on in the season – in the hope that there is a balmy Indian Summer.

Featuring more than 500 classic cars, motorcycles, commercials, classic Land Rovers and ex-military vehicles, the show will also include trade stands and an autojumble for anyone looking to bag a bargain.
With parades, running commentaries throughout the day, judging of the classes, competitions and prizes galore, this is a great day out for the whole family.

A unique Lancashire hall with a fascinating past where no areas are roped off, Leighton Hall is the lived-in house of the famous furniture making Gillow family.

As well as the house and grounds, Leighton has a children’s play area, caterpillar maze, plant conservatory and charming tea rooms.

Admission is from 10am until 4pm with adult tickets £6.50 and children £3 (children under seven are free of charge).

Admission includes the grounds, gardens and tea room, but there will be a small additional charge for tours of the house.

Ample car parking is available and well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the show field.



 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Iowa: fClassic cars for fun, friendship and a good cause

From Southwest Iowa News:  Classic cars for fun, friendship and a good cause

A bunch of car guys getting together to have a good time.
That’s how Gary McConnell described the Fraternal Order of Eagles 104 Classic Car Show, the third incarnation of which is scheduled for Sept. 7.
“Camaraderie, that whole thing,” said McConnell, a longtime Eagles club member.
Added Doug Fowler, event organizer: “The cars are great, a lot of fun. But in the end this is about people getting together.”
And for a good cause, too. The show is a fundraiser for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Eagles women’s auxiliary.
Last year almost 100 car owners brought their hot rods, stock classics and other vehicles to the show, while about 300 people attended. Organizers said they expect the same amount of cars this year and are hopeful for even more attendees.
One car that’ll be there is a 1941 Studebaker hot rod Council Bluffs resident George Roseland cranked up to 200 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah. Roseland, a longtime member of the I-80 Cosmopolitan Club, which does charity work for diabetes, said bringing his hot rod was an easy decision.
“Anything for diabetes,” he said. “It should be a great time.”
The classic vehicle show is one of about 15 to 20 fundraisers the Eagles hold throughout the year. Beneficiaries of the work include the Council Bluffs School System, Council Bluffs Fire and Police departments, the American Cancer Society and the National Lung Foundation. The women’s auxiliary puts on a number of events for children, including during the Halloween, Christmas and Easter holiday seasons.
The club raises about $25,000-$30,000 annually for charity, according to member Lee Duncan.
Founded in 1898 in Seattle, Eagles membership today exceeds 850,000 with 1,400 clubs – called Aeries – in the United States and Canada. There are 1,300 women’s auxiliaries with about 250,000 members.
The Council Bluffs Eagles Club has been around since the 1950s, according to longtime member Jay Kennedy. And more than a few members are classic car enthusiasts.
At the club, 1530 Ave. F (along North 16th Street), the guys showed off their rides – McConnell’s 1970 Chevy Chevelle station wagon, Jamie Sommerville’s 1965 Ford Galaxy convertible and Fowler’s 1939 Ford hot rod. All three have owned classic cars for years.
“Memories,” Fowler said of his love for the classics. He’s owned at least one “older car” since 1969.
“These bring back the good days,” he said.
For Sommerville, the youngster of the group, having the top down on his Galaxy simplifies life.
“When I drive I can’t hear my cell phone, the radio, anything,” he said. “I’m free.”
The Eagles 104 Classic Car Show will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 7. Food and drinks, including hamburgers, brats and more for $3, along with music and raffles are on the schedule.
For more information on the classic vehicle show, call Fowler at (402) 658-7977, Chris Doyle at (402) 517-8136, Kennedy at (402) 490-3138 or Duncan at (402) 203-6312.