St. Peter's Church Blesses Classic Cars

From Baynet.com:  St. Peter's Church Blesses Classic Cars

Dozens of classic automobiles were displayed on Saturday morning at the St. Peter’s Blessing of the Cars and Car Show in Waldorf. The cars were blessed by pastors from the St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School.

 

Along with the car show, activities were set up for children and a book sale to benefit the charities of the church also took place. Dozens showed up during the morning hours despite the triple digit temperatures. It’s the second time the church had organized the popular event.

 

 

Go to the original link to see a slideshow of photos.

 

Canada: Classic cars on display each week at Baden Cruise Night

From The Indy Blog:  Classic cars on display each week at Baden Cruise Night

Baden’s weekly Cruisin’ at the Pond event has been attracting a steady stream of classic cars and visitors out to see the old machines on display.

Now in its third year, the show is attracting over 80 cars each Wednesday, said organizer Ron Weber. That’s an increase of around 20 from last year’s turnout.

Terry and Joyce Swannell tour some of the old machines at Baden’s Cruisin’ at the Pond July 4.

The biggest turnout so far came on a tribute night for John Hiller and Paul Cassel, when 167 cars showed up, filling the small park to over-flowing.

The Petersburg Optimist Club was also added to the event this year, and is offering drinks and burgers for sale.

Cruisin’ at the Pond takes place every Wednesday this summer, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Baden pond.

 

Texas: Dippin' Dave's Simply Classic Car Show in Forney this weekend

Okay, this was two weeks ago - but mark it on your calendar for next week because it's every year.

inForney.com:  Dippin' Dave's Simply Classic Car Show in Forney this weekend

Dippin' Dave's Ice Cream Shoppe at 571 S. FM 548 in Forney will be holding the Dippin' Dave's Simply Classic Car Show on Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. All proceeds from the car show will benefit the Sharing the Love Foundation Amazing Grace Food and Clothing Pantry.

The cost to enter a car in the car show is $15 per entry and there will also be a costume contest with a vintage 50s costume theme. Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. in front of Dippin' Dave’s. The cars will be staged in the parking lot at the end of the building near the ice cream shop and the parking lot next to Coldwell Bankers.

Dave and Mary Drennon, the owners of Dippin' Dave's, have great plans for the car show event. The awesome vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles that will be on display will compete in 10 classes and 20 dash plaques will be awarded to the first 20 entries. Additional entertainment will be provided by Wayne Blanchard and there will also be a 50/50 raffle, as well as raffles for $100 gift certificates to 2M Outfitters Hunting Service, and a $50 gift certificate for Jamie's Performance and Repair Car Service.

This should be a great family summer event as face painting and balloon art will be provided for the kids and multiple vendors will be present. Dippin' Dave's has become one of the most popular ice cream shops in the DFW area since it opened in February 2012. They serve Blue Bell ice cream, hot dogs, nachos, shakes, malts, sodas, pies, and other goodies that are delicious and affordable. There is no charge to attend the car show, so if you are looking for a fun family event next weekend, stop by Dippin' Dave's Ice Cream Shoppe on Saturday night!

Hope you've brought along some socks! Russell Brand shops for an expensive vintage car in his grubby bare feet

Not sure why I'm sharing this...except its an example of how the very rich who earned their money not working (you can't consider acting or stand up comedy work) have no class. What an idiot. (And any dealer who'd let him sit in a car, regardless of how much he was going to pay for it - is an idiot too!)


From Daily Mail: Hope you've brought along some socks! Russell Brand shops for an expensive vintage car in his grubby bare feet

He's not the cleanest or smartest looking man in the world with his greasy-looking long hair, ripped jeans and holey vests.

But you'd have thought that Russell Brand would have at least worn some shoes or washed his feet to test drive some very expensive motors.

The comedian was snapped in West Hollywood yesterday at a vintage car showroom eyeing up the sleek vehicles on display.

Accompanied by a couple of friends, the actor, 37, was seen looking at a vintage black Porsche at the Charles Agapiou showroom which sells used luxury and classic cars.
An, taking a cue from his on-screen alter ego Arthur, he also checked out a white vintage Rolls Royce that gleamed in the California sun.
Brand left empty handed but didn't seem too bothered as he laughed and joked with his friends.

Is it me? Brand eyes up a vintage black Porsche as he heads inside the showrooom

Or maybe he left without a purchase because the dealer took one look at his feet and refused to let him behind the wheel.
The Essex-born star often embraces the hippy style but this could this barefoot look be part of the new and mellow Brand?
He recently spoke about being a lot more chilled out these days and speaking to the Daily Record, he said: 'I don’t know. I never like to be mean to people.

Sleek: Brand was also seen looking at this white classic Rolls Royce

'Even when I do things like the MTV Awards, I’m not trying to criticise human beings, they’re only trying their best – even people in government.
'Take my new show Brand X - it's more just looking at a news story, how it’s portrayed and why. Whose agenda is being served? It’s more comedic analysis, it’s certainly not having a pop at anyone.
'I’m spending a lot of time meditating and doing yoga. That is the new version of myself and I’m liking it.'

 

OJ: Classic Cars Reported Stolen From Hotel Parking Lots

From NBC4i: Classic Cars Reported Stolen From Hotel Parking Lots

COLUMBUS, Ohio --Car owners report the disappearance of two classic cars from northeast side hotels during an area auto show.

According to a police report filed Sunday morning, a 1969 Chevy Camaro was stolen from the parking lot of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center sometime between 9 p.m. on Saturday and 4 a.m. on Sunday.
The value of the car was listed as $24,000.

According to a bulletin posted on a hot-rod website, the Camaro is a 1969 Prostreet SS Camaro, medium garnet in color. The car has a black interior with two front bucket seats and no rear seat.

The posting said that the car was in town for the Goodguys Auto Show.

According to a police report, a 1969 Chevrolet Nova was also stolen from the parking lot of the Clarion Inn at 900 E. Dublin Granville Rd. between 11 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday.

The car was described as being orange with black stripes with a cowl hood and black rims with chrome accents.

The car has Indiana license number RSS480 and was valued at $24,000.

Anyone with information about these car thefts is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545.

 

Hyde Park Chamber classic car show set

Brydon Conway, 2 and-a-half, rides on his aunt Shannon Conway's shoulders while looking at classic cars as the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce sponsors a car show and street fair July 18, 2010 in Hyde Park. Both are of Pleasant Valley. / Karl Rabe

 

From Poughkeepsie Journal:  Hyde Park Chamber classic car show set

HYDE PARK — The town’s Chamber of Commerce is holding its 3rd Annual Classic Car Show and Street Fair at town hall and across Route 9 at the Great American Auction Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 15.

Hyde Park Town Hall is located at 4383 Route 9. The rain date is July 22.


The cost for owners to register a car is $15.


Classic cars and street vendors are welcome. To register or obtain more information contact Dave Meyerson at 845-229-7676 or by e-mail at dmeyerson@minutemanpress.com

More information is also available at the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce at 845-229-8612.

 

Classic Car Owner Discovers He Bought "Hitler's Mercedes" Online

From AOLAutos:  Classic Car Owner Discovers He Bought "Hitler's Mercedes" Online

Zenop Tuncer, owner of Euro Tech Motors in Edgewater, New Jersey got a pretty serious shock when trying to find a part for a 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 Cabriolet D convertible. Upon calling the German automaker and checking the car's serial number, Tuncer learned that the seemingly innocent classic car had a sinister past.

"[The serial number] was a swastika with the numbers on it and then we got all the papers which said it belongs to Hitler," Tuncer told WCBS 880.

Apparently, only eight of these exact vehicles were produced and they all belonged to members of the Third Reich.

The car's owner, Fred Daibes, simply said he was shocked by the information.

Daibes had purchased the car from a collector in Ohio, who told Tuncer that his grandfather had served in WWII and had brought the car back from Germany. He may have painted the car black to sneak it aboard a military ship, CBS 2 surmised.

Further investigation with Mercedes uncovered that the car was not owned by Hitler directly, but by one of his generals.

 

UK: July 22: Classic car rally to hit the streets of Wirral

From  Wirral News: Classic car rally to hit the streets of Wirral

A PROCESSION of classic cars will adorn the streets of Wirral later this month.
Hundreds of spectators are expected to line the streets next Sunday (July 22) to watch Wirral’s historic car rally.

Now in its 13th year, the event attracts classic cars dating from 1907 to 1972 from across the north to drive around Wirral from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The rally’s new starting point is Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, and it will pass through Irby, Moreton, Saughall Massie, Meols, West Kirby, Caldy, Thurstaston and Bebington before finishing at Port Sunlight, where a prize-givingŠceremony will take place.

Wirral Classic Car Club has organised the rally, supported by Wirral Council.

Club chairman Blair Percival will be driving a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite with his girlfriend Dawn Edwards.
He told the News: “The rally will have a parade of cars dating back to the very earliest days of motoring

“The oldest will be Richard Gardner’s 1907 Patterson and it will also feature vintage cars of the 1920s, 1930s and 1950s, plus 1960s vehicles.

“Many of the entrants travel from as far away as Derbyshire, Lancashire and mid-Wales.

“The Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Cllr Gerry Ellis and his wife Margaret, will travel in one of the entrants’ cars on the afternoon run.”

Wirral Classic Car Club will also hold the South Wirral Gordale Run on September 9 and several other events. Visit www.wirralclassiccarclub.co.uk for more details.

 

 

VINTAGE: Celebration Of Le Mans Legacy

From SpeedTV.com: VINTAGE: Celebration Of Le Mans Legacy
 The Le Mans Classic is the only event held on the full Circuit de la Sarthe apart from the actual running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Le Mans Classic was held for the sixth time this year. As in the past editions, the 2012 Le Mans Classic featured six grids, or plateaux, with cars ranging from the 1920s up to the early 1980s, each group competing in three 43-minute races over a 24-hour period.

A Jaguar D-Type sends up a spray of water during one of the rainy segments of the Le Mans Classic. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

What did change was the weather. For the first time, rain was a major factor in the event with heavy, and at times local, showers spread over all three days. These were often followed by clear spells, or as the French would say: apres la pluie, le beaux temps. This meant that track conditions were rarely the same around the lap, making it particularly tricky for the drivers but entertaining for the crowd.

In addition to the action on the track, the event also attracts a large number of clubs that bring along thousands of interesting machines. A special treat this year was a visit from the normally very private Ferrari 250 GTO tour; nearly two dozen examples lined up in the paddock and later took to the track for some demo laps.

Braving the weather and coping with not one but two reluctant cameras, we spent most of the weekend trackside, resulting in this action-packed 300-shot gallery.

Artcurial Motorcars Le Mans Classic Sale
Like most major historic events, the Le Mans Classic featured its own auction. Organized by Artcurial Motorcars, the sale boasted a colorful mix of road and racing cars, and also the complete collection of French specialist manufacturer/coach-builder Heuliez. The lineup of unique and often unusual machines sold for close to three-quarters of a million euro ($920 million), with the striking Citroen SM Espace topping the Heuliez cars at EUR 109,600 ($135,000).

The top seller of Artcurial Motorcars's auction was this competition Ferrari 275 GTC. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

Going for nearly twice the entire Heuliez collection was a rare competition-bread Ferrari 275 GTC, which found a new owner for just over EUR 1.5 million ($1.84 million). Winner of the 1966 Nurburgring 1000 km race, this is the only 275 to officially receive the GTC type name.

Further stars of the sale included a Peugeot 905, sold for EUR 654,700 ($805,000) and a race-bred ASA RB Type 613, which changed hands for EUR 297,800 ($366,000). Fairing not so well were two fabulous Ligiers offered by Guy Ligier directly, which both went unsold.

At the end of the eight-hour sale, about 80 percent of the lots in the packed catalog sold for a total of nearly EUR 9 million ($11 million). This is an improvement of close to EUR 2 million ($2.46 million) compared with the inaugural Artcurial Motorcars Le Mans Classic Sale in 2010.

Plateau 1: 1923 – 1939
Plateau 1 featured the earliest cars of the event, spawning the complete pre-War period. As always, a complete armada of Talbot 105 team cars were found at the head of the field with some drivers competing in more than one example.

This Talbot Lago Monoplace Decalee was the victor in the Le Mans race for the earliest cars. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

After two of the three rounds, the No. 6 Talbot with Gareth Burnett, Richard Evans, Alex Ames and Julian Bronson sharing driving duties, looked set for victory. Unfortunately, they lost a lap in the final round, handing the victory to Christian Traber and Bruce Trenery in the far more modern Talbot Lago Monoplace Decalee, which is effectively a Grand Prix car with fenders and lights.

Bentleys were also well presented with one of several “Blowers” piloted by none other than Derek Bell. Probably running very rich, the car produced big flames on the overrun. Another entry of note was the Lorraine-Dietrich B3/6 Sport of Rudolf Ernst and Michael Hibbard, which is a sister car to the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1925.

Plateau 2: 1949 – 1956
Racing returned at Le Mans in 1949 when a diminutive Ferrari successfully took on the mighty French manufacturers. Although it was a sign of things to come, Jaguar would first come to the fore in this period.

As darkness fell during the 24-hour Classic events, a Jaguar D-Type runs ahead of its class. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

Among the participants in this group were a host of Jaguar C- and D-Types, though oddly, the 1955 winner was actually competing in Plateau 3. The D-Type nevertheless featured strongly in this year's race with outright victory eventually going to Gavin Pickering ahead of Carlos Monteverde, Gary Pearson and Andrew Smith in another D-Type.

An impressive third was for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL very skillfully driven by Peter Mulder, Patrick Simon and Hans Kleissl.

Other interesting machines included in this grid were the Fiat 8V Zagato piloted by Plateau 1 winners Erich Traber and Bruce Trenery, this time joined by Jurg Konig, and an assortment of Maseratis, some of which were in contention for the victory but ultimately proved not quite as consistent as the Jaguars.

Plateau 3: 1957 – 1961
A Le Mans Classic regular is the Aston Martin DBR1 that was designed by Ted Cutting and driven to the outright victory in 1959 by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori. The honor of these three legendary men, all of whom passed away earlier this year, was upheld by Gregor Fisken.

A unique AC Ace Bristol was one of the rarest entries in the 1975-61 group. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

After the three races, he was in an impressive second overall. He was beaten only by the Lotus 15 piloted by Roger Wills, Joe Twyman and five-time Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro. Third overall was for the Belgian Ferrari 250 GT SWB, raced as always on the limit by owner Vincent Gaye.

In addition to the numerous types of Lotus and Porsches, there were several less familiar machines in this grid. Most striking of these was the AC Ace Bristol driven by Pierre Modas, Patrick Percevault and Frederic Berchon. Looking nothing like the Ace we all know and love, this unique machine sported a heavily revised nose and a hardtop roof.

Plateau 4: 1962 – 1965
With a close fight between several Ford GT40s and a single Cobra, Plateau 4 was more than a fitting tribute to the late Carroll Shelby. Hounding the intrinsically quicker GT40s for most of the three races was David Hart in his spectacularly driven Cobra, but thanks a spin in the opening round, he eventually had to settle for eighth in the final result.

Ford GT40s dominated their class, taking all three podium spots. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

This left the podium an all-GT40 affair with Leo Voyazides and Roland d'Abel de Libran taking the spoils of victory despite losing time in the final race with an exhaust issue. Second was for Shaun Lynn and third for Hans Hugenholtz in their respective GT40s.

Another noteworthy Cobra in the race was Luis Perez Companc's recently acquired Daytona Coupe. One of just six built, this is the most valuable of all Cobra variants; another Daytona famously ended the reign of the Ferrari 250 GTO at Le Mans, taking the GT class victory in 1964. Further highlights in this plateau were a Ferrari 250 LM and one of only four open Ford GT40s built.

Plateau 5: 1966 – 1971
Representing what is arguably sports car racing's finest hour, Plateau 5 featured one of the event's strongest grids. The period started with the fierce Ferrari and Ford fight and ended with the equally enthralling battle between the Ferrari 512 and Porsche 917.

A Porsche 917 K at full throttle thrills the crowd at the Le Mans Classic. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

Representatives of both these rivalries were on the grid, including the Ford GT40 Mk II that placed third at Le Mans behind two sister cars in 1966 and several examples of the Ferrari 512 and Porsche 917. The race was particularly harsh on the latter as the Vern Schuppan-piloted example brushed the barriers in practice and Vincent Gaye's freshly restored machine crashed in the final leg.

There were no such issues for the Lola T70 Mk III driven by Bernard Thuner as he raced to a back-to-back victory. Second and nearly four minutes behind was the Gulf-liveried Porsche 908/3 of Roald Goethe and Fabien Giroix. Also grabbing our attention were three Alfa Romeo Tipo 33s, one of which was co-driven with great verve by Brian Redman, who in period actually raced against these machines in both Ferraris and Porsches.

Plateau 6: 1972 – 1979
The first half of the 1970s was very much a Matra affair, but between 1976 and 1978 Porsche faced off against Renault-Alpine with the first competitive turbocharged machines. Remarkably, examples of both of these machines were on hand, with Carlos Monteverde bringing his recently acquired 1977 Le Mans-winning Porsche 936 and Renault bringing the actual 1978-winning A442.

Heading for victory, the Mirage M6 leads the parade of the 1972-79 race cars. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

Although these proved quick over one lap, they did not feature at the sharp end of the grid. It would turn out to be Chris MacAllister's day, who before the race told us that he would be happy to finally reach the finish in his Mirage M6. He did much better and took the outright victory in Plateau 6, which was affected most by the wet conditions.

On hand to witness this victory was legendary Gulf Racing team manager John Horsman, who is sharp as ever and with a stopwatch around his neck offered technical advice to the mechanic of the other Mirage on the grid. Second was for the BMW M1 driven by the Hinderer brothers and Martin Stretton, while Dominique Guenat finished third in his Lola T286.

Despite the weather, which was far from ideal, a record number of 109,000 spectators ventured to the Circuit de la Sarthe to see the 450 classic cars in action. Many of these even stayed awake throughout the night to enjoy the ever spectacular flames and glowing discs. Throughout the weekend, they were treated to a great show, which more than made up for the tempestuous conditions.

Our only complaint is that we have to wait two years for the next Le Mans Classic.

RI: Cardi's Car Cruises offer peek of past

From the Rhode Show:  Cardi's Car Cruises offer peek of past

Classic Car Cruises has become a great summer past time, and with the great weather Rhode Island has been seeing lately, nothing beats a nice night checking out some hot wheels.

NiRoPe, Nick, Ron and Pete Cardi, who host Car Cruises at Cardi's Furniture each week, along with car collector Vinnie Calenda, joined The Rhode Show to talk more about it.

Nick Cardi: We host three Classic Car Cruises a week; Mondays in West Warwick, Wednesdays at our Braintree location, and Thursday nights in South Attleboro. We have big parking lots and some nights we get close to 90 classic cars! We have a DJ playing some oldies and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family, and best of all: it’s free!

The Rhode Show: Ron, you guys get some pretty amazing looking cars!
Ron Cardi: Absolutely, we’ve had cars from every decade in the 1900’s, and when you see how much time and effort the car owners put into thier own vehicles, you can’t help but smile and look at all the details of the cars! To see these pieces of history preserved and operational...People come with thier classic cars, they bring an outdoor chair, answer any question you may have, and if they don’t know the answer, they’ll make up something believable! The classic car owner knows a great deal about a quality built machine, and it’s fun to see how cars have evolved over the past century.

The Rhode Show: Vinnie, you've got quite the collection.
Vinnie Calenda: I've got a 1930 Pontiac Oakland, a 1950 Pontiac Chief and 1966 Pontiac GTO. It takes a lot of maintenance and care and you just have to keep up with them.

The Rhode Show: Pete, you've been hosting Car Cruises for years!
Pete Cardi: That’s right, it's a fun hobby, and lets face it, most of the car owners are men, and if he’s going to spend time and money to keep the car looking pristine, you know, the wife is going to get what she wants too, so we just happen to have a large showroom with beautiful furniture in it on-site! We appreciate the hobby of classic car collecting and cruising, we’re happy to host the cruises, these people are literally preserving history in thier own garage, it’s great they share thier passion with us at our stores!

Online: http://www.cardis.com/main/cruises.php

 

Classic Cars: 22nd Annual Belvidere Mopar Happening July 14-15

From The Rock River Times:  Classic Cars: 22nd Annual Belvidere Mopar Happening July 14-15

Classic car enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest will make the Boone County Fairgrounds their point of destination this weekend. The 22nd Annual Belvidere Mopar Happening presented by the Chicagoland Mopar Connection will take over the fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15.
The Belvidere Happening will have cars from the 1920s up to the brand-new 2012 Dodge Dart. Sunday, more than 300 cars are expected to be on display. In addition to the car show, there is also a huge swap meet on both days. Saturday’s participants are also planning a trip to the Byron Dragway to catch some Mopar drag racing in the morning. The afternoon activities include a cruise to Belvidere Motors at 4 p.m. and then on to Anderson Dodge at 6 p.m.

Admission to the show is $3 per person at the gate and free for children 12 and younger and holders of military IDs. Saturday features a special entry fee of $5 per carload. The grounds are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The show goes on, rain or shine, and there is plenty of free parking available on the grounds.

In addition to the many parts and food vendors displaying their wares at “The Happening,” featured guest Mr. Norm will be on the grounds. He is best known as the “King of Hi-Performance.” He revolutionized how performance cars were sold, and went so far as to develop the prototypes for the 383 Dart GTS and the famed M-Code 440 Dart, both of which were subsequently put into production by Chrysler Corporation, in addition to delivering the most Hemi Darts of any dealer.

Today, Mr. Norm’s Garage carries on this legacy with a comprehensive lineup of new turnkey performance vehicles, vehicle packages, parts and accessories, and vintage muscle cars built to order. His garage is in the building that previously housed Strandquist motors at 610 W. Jefferson St., Rockford.

 

Limbs crush classic cars at auto shop in Dade City

From TBO:  Limbs crush classic cars at auto shop in Dade City

DADE CITY --The mechanics at JLP Motorsports checked the sky as they worked Tuesday, warily eyeing the oak tree towering over the business. That morning, the tree had dropped a huge limb, nearly adding to the damage people already were having to work around.
Overnight, another massive oak, stretching 50 to 75 feet in the air, had cracked and fallen, smashing several classic cars JLP Motorsports had been restoring.

When workers returned Tuesday morning, they found several of the cars they'd been painstakingly restoring buried under tons of rotted wood and leaves. The 1977 Ford LTD was smashed, as was the 1967 Buick Skylark. A 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air was crushed inside a shed that was hit by one of the tree's main branches.
Maybe worst of all: A 1968 Ford pickup belonging to Max Bridges, who works at the shop, was totaled. Its restoration was nearly complete, and the truck had gone for a spin Monday, hours before the tree fell.
"We're just not even sure where to start," said Lois Simmons, who owns the shop, at 10301 U.S. 301, along with her fiancé, Jasen Law.

JLP Motorsports opened about two and a half years ago and does a little bit of everything. The shop specializes in classic car restoration but also repairs RVs, does body work and auto repairs.

Workers spent Tuesday making sure the cars that were spared – including a '78 Corvette, a '69 Camaro, a '64 Falcon and a couple of 1954 Chevys – were out of harm's way. The tree didn't touch the main garage; so with a little tree-trimming, workers were able to get in there. The shop's outdoor lift also was still in operation.
Simmons said she was waiting for the insurance adjustors – hers and the neighbor's, because the tree was rooted next door – before bringing in a tree service.

Considering the tree had damaged or destroyed several classic cars, it was hard to estimate the extent of the damage, she said.

In the meantime, work continued, with intermittent breaks to gaze up at the second tree looming over the property, and to talk about the damage that already had been done.

"We got lucky," Simmons said. "We had several other vehicles right next to the lifts and on the lifts, and it just missed them.

"It could have been worse."

 

Orewgon: Graffiti Night Cruise highlights classic car show weekend

This will doubtless be a yearly thing, so mark it on your calendar for next year.

From the News Review:  Graffiti Night Cruise highlights classic car show weekend

Dashboard computers and hybrid technology was absent in downtown Roseburg Saturday evening as classic cars rumbled through the streets during the 31st annual Umpqua Flatheads Roseburg Graffiti Night Cruise.

Vehicles made in 1972 and older returned downtown to an era before the words fuel efficient were ever used to describe cars. Spectators lined sidewalks as classic models from Ford, Chevrolet and Studebaker rolled down Jackson and Main streets for the closed route cruise that is the culmination of Graffiti Weekend.

The five-day event draws classic car enthusiasts from around the Northwest and beyond with the cruise drawing the largest crowd and car participation.

Umpqua Flatheads Car Club treasurer Lance Wetteland said 650 cars participated in last year's cruise. Organizers expect a similar number for Saturday evening.

Wetteland drove his 1947 light blue Ford pickup, one of three vehicles at the head of the cruise.

He said an appreciation for quality and nostalgia makes this an event people come to year after year.

Vic LaBrec and Mark Shelton of Coquille set up chairs a few hours before the cruise on Jackson Street across from the Douglas County Central Library.

The two have made the hour plus drive to Roseburg each year to get a glimpse of their favorite cars. LaBrec's is a 1934 Ford Coupe, while Shelton prefers muscle cars from the 1960s and '70s, especially the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette.

The two said they value classic cars because many were hand built before the days of robot assembly lines. They said a car put together by hand comes with a certain level of quality not seen in modern vehicles.

“It's just about seeing old iron,” LaBrec said.

Roseburg residents Harv and Pat Feagin shared a similar sentiment. The married couple has frequented Graffiti Weekend since moving to the county 17 years ago. Pat Feagin said the cruise brought them back to their youth when classic cars were a frequent sight.

“It's fun to see them and relive the glory days,” she said.

Harv Feagin was driving in his first cruise with his grandchildren Camerin and Coby Feagin of Sutherlin. He drove his 1959 Meyers Manx.

On the sidewalk of Main Street, Paige Dille, 2, of Roseburg, sat perched on her father Danny Dille's shoulders. Paige's brother Dayton, 5, sat next to them, giving a thumbs up to passing cars.

Danny Dille said he has come for the past four years. He said he considers himself a car enthusiast and added that both of his children share his interest.

“I like the ones with flames,” Dayton said, pointing at a car driving by.

Before Saturday evening's cruise, many enthusiasts spent most of their day basking in the sun at the River Forks Show-N-Shine. That event was from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hundreds of classic cars were parked on the grass for patrons to view the cars and there was plenty of opportunities to talk to car owners.

Jim Valentine of Bandon took pictures of cars as he moved about the park. He was attending his first Graffiti Weekend and said he was impressed with the quantity and quality of vehicles.

Valentine, 70, said he considered himself a classic car enthusiast since he marveled as an 8 year old in 1955 at his neighbor's 1934 Ford Flathead.

Valentine said he's seeing a shift in the dynamic of classic cars. While Fords and Chevrolets will always have a place in the category, he said a younger generation is finding interest in hybrid vehicles and lighter weight cars. One day those will be the classic cars people gather to see, he said.

“This is an exciting time,” he said. “Green energy is a real thing. The old timers are passing the torch.”

Graffiti activities continue today with a Graffiti Weeks-End Fun Run from Roseburg to Canyonville.

Registration is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the parking lots between McDonalds and Parkway Medical off Stewart Parkway in Roseburg. The run ends at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville where classic cars will be on display. A barbecue is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Boomer Band will perform from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

 

Muskegon's Witt Buick celebrates 100 years of selling cars in the same spot

From Michigan Live:  Muskegon's Witt Buick celebrates 100 years of selling cars in the same spot

MUSKEGON, MI – When the Witt family set up their auto dealership in Muskegon, they rented horses and carriages out of the back of the garage.

The “horseless carriage” was a relatively new invention in 1912, but it apparently didn’t take Muskegon residents long to decide they liked it better than animal-powered transportation.

Witt Buick, 67 W. Western, celebrated its centennial Friday afternoon with a classic car show, a milestone that seemed out of reach three years ago. General Motors had slated Witt for closure in 2009, but the Witt family fought to keep their Buick affiliation.

Gary Scharlow said he has worked as a car salesman for 40 years, with 20 of those years at Witt. The customers’ loyalty struck him, he said.

“Probably the best return customers I’ve seen anywhere,” he said.

Scharlow estimated he had directed about 100 classic cars onto the Witt lot over the first two hours of the show. The current Buick inventory was moved to the other side of the building, he said.

Paul and Patricia Petermann of Silver Lake brought a five-passenger Buick Model 29 touring car to the show. It was from 1912, but wasn’t purchased at Witt -- although Witt co-owner Jan Witt had asked them to display it there from time to time.

They brought it on a trailer, Patricia Petermann said, because the car can’t get up to highway speeds.
“It likes 30 (mph),” Paul Petermann said. “It starts to make weird noises at 32.”

The lack of horsepower isn’t something to lament, he said, because it also doesn’t have modern brakes that allow it to stop quickly. In a way, it’s a window into the past.

“A trip into town was an all-day event,” he said.

George Mazurek of Cloverille, who volunteers at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, said it’s “almost unheard of” for a dealership to last so long.

“It’s amazing having a dealership in one family for 100 years,” he said.

Witt actually sold Hudsons before bringing Buicks to their lineup Mazurek said. Hudson merged with American Motors in 1958 and soon ceased production. But in the 1920s and 1930s they were favorites with both cops and gangsters. They could go one-quarter mile in 20 seconds, he said, which works out to about 45 mph.

“They were the fast car of the day,” he said. “Hudson was the car of choice because of their performance.”
Scharlow said the show was a “thank you” for Witt’s customers.

“We’ve got a lot of 89-year-old customers,” he said. “It’s fun for them because it brings back when their mom or dad drove one of these. Everybody’s got a story to tell.”

 

Kansas: Sumner County Car, Bike Show taking place today in Wellington

This took place last week - so mark it on your calendars for next year:  Sumner County Car, Bike Show taking place today in Wellington

Wellington, Kan. — Just before the railroad tracks, in the 400 block of South Washington Avenue in Wellington is the place "Where downtown ends and the fun begins." Today the Sumner County Classic Car and Bike Show is taking place at Julie's Passtime Bar.

"Today's event is another way to raise money for the children of Sumner County," said Julie Crow, owner of the bar, and event organizer. "All of the proceeds from this car show will go towards the Sumner County Toy Run."  The toy run has taken place on the last Saturday in October for the last few decades.

"We've been doing the toy run for approximately 30-years," Crow said. "We started it with like 10 bikes, and it's just grown; sometimes we have more than 100 bikes." Last year, Crow said the toy run brought in about 3,000 dollars for the County's kids. With the added help of today's car and bike show, she hopes that amount will double this year.

"It's just kind of been dwindling number wise, and money wise," Crow added. "This is just another way we can raise funds for the kids." Around the Passtime Bar today, the street is lined with the shimmering sight of classic cars, and motorcycles. There will be live music with the Backroads Blues Band at 12:30 p.m., there is also a bikini motorcycle and car wash on the schedule, along with food vendors, which include barbecue by Tom Washington and John Wells.

There are also a number of awards that will be handed out by days end. There are 10 people's choice car, and bike awards, along with best paint and best in show for cars and motorcycles. Ballots are due by 3 p.m. today, with the awards presentation around 4 p.m.

With today's event leading up to the toy run in October, event organizers are always seeking more people who want to get involved.

"They can come talk to me [if they're interested in helping]," Crow said. "I'm always needing volunteers to help go out and round up new sponsors...I do a lot of it, and I've got a lot of good friends that help me, but you can always use more people." Julie's Passtime Bar is located at 424 S. Washington, and the phone number is 620-326-8618.

"It's just a matter of raising toys, raising food, and raising money for the less fortunate."

 

Auto enthusiasts line up for the monthly classic cruise-in

From Bainbridge  Island Review:  Auto enthusiasts line up for the monthly classic cruise-in

Get your motor running, and head out on the highway that leads to the Bainbridge Island Cruise-In.
The monthly cruise-in attracts classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts from the area who come to congregate and talk shop.
Across a line of classic cars parked on the lawn of the island’s First Baptist Church, drivers discuss maintenance, engine rebuilds, or simply how cherry a ride looks.
Jerry Hanrahan brought his wife’s 1960 Porsche to the event on Tuesday.
The red sports car looks pretty good at 52-years-old, though Hanrahan had to put a little elbow grease into it. The Porsche has had generous and thoughtful owners all its life. The Hanrahans are no different.

 “If its lucky, it comes out two or three times every year,” Hanrahan said.

Hanrahan eagerly popped open the rear-engine hood on the Porsche and pointed out his modifications.
But he really lights up when discussing his prized 1967 Jaguar.

The Jag wasn’t able to make it to the cruise-in this time — Hanrahan had it in pieces in his garage — but he had a picture of it in his wallet, right next to pictures of his family.

“To me it’s my Franken-Jag,” Hanrahan laughs when talking about all the extra work he has put into it.
His wife found the car in a field, grass growing around the high-end auto and through it.
It had no engine, transmission or even upholstery.

“She said, ‘This will keep you busy,’” Hanrahan said. “It took five years.”

The car is Hanrahan’s special project and he likes to regularly take it to the motorcar meet-ups.
Parked next to the shiny red Porsche at the cruise-in this week was quite a contrast — a 1943 Willys Jeep, complete with drab military paint job, canvas top and an ax mounted to the side.

“I had to rebuild the engine, transmission, and put in new electrical, new brakes,” said Don Teresi.
“There are maybe a handful of them around the world that are still fairly original,” he added.
The Jeep has been kept as original as Taresi possibly can. If he isn’t reproducing a feature, such as the rear-view mirror, he’s looking as far as France for old surplus parts laying around.

The cruise-in is held every last Tuesday of the month on the lawn of the First Baptist Church on the corner of Madison Avenue and Highway 305. Burgers, hotdogs and pizza are sold, with the proceeds going to benefit the island’s Helpline House.