automotive news: October 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Meet the new kid on the block, Bonhams

Ok, ok Bonhams auction house isn't exactly "new". They've been at it since 1793, before there were even cars. But, for 2012 they're joining the ranks in Scottsdale, AZ for what will likely become an annual auction. Their catalog is divided into two distinct sections, automobilia and cars. Looking at the cars, they picked a very nice selection for starters. Here's some that stood out to me.

Bonhams

Porsche Boxster

I have always been a fan of the Porsche Boxster since it's introduction. The car reminded me a lot of the Porsche 914 from the 1970s. It was sort of an alternative to shelling out the big bucks for a 911.

2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette, America's most loved sports car. Since 1978, Chevrolet has marked significant milestones for the Corvette. And for 2013, a new special edition will join those ranks. The 2013 Corvette 427 collector edition convertible will hit showrooms later this year when the 2013 model and final year of the "C6" Corvette goes in to production. However all 2013 Corvettes will be marked and badged as 60th Anniversary Corvettes, but there will be a separate 60th Anniversary Edition.

Herbie

There's a batch of top film and television car lists. And Herbie the be keen on Bug is for eternity on so as to register. Some say so as to the Batmobile or James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 are digit single and the on the whole famous. But I think in fact the digit single is nothing other than Herbie.

Gooding & Co. selection

Here are my picks from the 2012. Again Scottsdale fails to disappoint, nearby are a little utterly fabulous gear consigned to Gooding & Co this time. Of route my digit single pick is the 1963 Herbie so as to I posted almost at this point. Since 2008 Gooding & Co. Has available the top trade of the week each time. This shows the attention to assign so as to the individuals by the side of Gooding set out to to progress the creme of the crop of antenna cars in support of their Scottsdale mart. Last time, Gooding & Co. Had unreserved sales of almost $35,000,000 million dollars. Very impressive.

Now you know things are bad whilst a car company liquidates their concealed museum collection of cars. GM did this a pair years back by the side of Barrett Jackson promotion cars from their Heritage

Ferrari F40

This single slipped under my radar until it was pointed not worth it on any more blog so as to the 1991 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta being open in support of trade by the side of the RM Auctions trade this weekend was originally owned by nothing other than Lee Iacooca.

Ford selling 2013 GT500 durability car

GT500

Every mart deposit on by Barrett-Jackson, has by the side of smallest amount a partially dozen cars so as to are auctioned got charity.

Herbie

The hammer has precisely fallen on Herbie by the side of the Gooding & Company martin Scottsdale. I've been patiently awaiting this single. Bidding on track slow down by the side of $30,000. And unhurriedly crept up, struggling to progress to $50,000 beforehand bidding to conclude ended with the side in $60,000.

Saab museum saved

News this morning from Trollhättan. It appears so as to the Saab automobile museum has been saved. The city of Trollhättan, SAAB AB and The Wallenberg foundations allow all stepped up to the plate with a combined submission of $28 million Kroner or $4.14 million dollars to save the museum from being ruined up.

Picks from the Pittsburgh World of Wheels

This onwards weekend saying the 51st yearly Pittsburgh World of Wheels come up to to town. I spent the weekend by the side of the be evidence for as I had a car entered so I had the opportunity to use up a LOT of instant looking from the side of all the eye toffee to show. Here's a few of my choices of cars and trucks so as to be on the show.

the Pittsburgh World of Wheels

the Pittsburgh World of Wheels

Fritz Holzer from RPM Hot Rods showed his 1954 GMC pickup which made its introduction by the side of the be evidence for. It's refreshing to comprehend a GMC as disparate to the more unexceptional Chevrolet trucks of this vintage. This truck oozes cool.

Saab NA Hertiage Collection up for auction

Many of you might remember our posts from a only some weeks in the past pertaining to the Saab Museum in Sweden leaving up in support of insolvency trade and the successive saving of the collection.

Love Bug

I was flattered to recently allow a story in print by The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn Michigan honoring car fans and their memories of their at the outset car. The stories are being collected as part of their "Driving America" exhibit. My story is not unlike millions of others memories of their at the outset car. But only some can say so as to they still allow their at the outset car. Not simply act I still allow my 1972 Super Beetle so as to was purchased in 1992, I plus still allow my at the outset new-fangled car. A 1999 VW New Beetle. Please read my story at this point. Driving America. Leave a little feed back at this point. Let me know almost your at the outset car memories.

No news is good news?

News almost Saab's hope is sketchy by the side of superlative. News has been very slow down almost could you repeat that? Is incident in Trollhattan. Here in North America, Saab dealers are almost by the side of their reason finish off with the company.

Aston Martin DB5

James bind fans of the humanity can cheer in the return of the iconic silver 1964 Aston Martin DB5 so as to has come up to to symbolize Agent 007.

This single is a little unkind to swallow. If you're a crash unkind car guy like me, afterward you undoubtedly tuned in in support of The Car Show. It has come up to to my attention so as to the be evidence for has been canceled bearing in mind single season.

Old Nascars rock

Kind of like the maxim so as to a little things progress meaner as they progress elder. Vintage Nascars were much cooler than their counterparts of at present.

What do yachts, polo, and dancing have to do with Cadillacs?

Everything. If you were around in the 1980s, afterward you surely duty remember since these commercials in support of Cadillac by the side of the instant. They used each symbol of the high lesson they possibly will attain and deposit them in the commercials. Yachts, shooting, aerobic dancing, polo, and horse back riding. It was all nearby! Even a Fleetwood Brougham pulling a dual axle horse promo. It was a notable instant in support of car commercials and a notable instant in support of automotive jingles. Now all we progress are remixed pop songs. The simply way to travel, in fact was Cadillac Style!

2011 Great Race highlights

The 2011 Great Race might be single of the wildest vintage car procedures so as to exist at present. It's vintage cars taking part in a cantankerous motherland endurance rally. Each time greater than 100 cars participate. Check not worth it this fantastic highlight reel from 2011.

Datsun

Perhaps in an effort to combat Toyota's Scion brand, Nissan has inveterate with the intention of the Datsun nameplate will join with Nissan and Infiniti in 2014. Currently, the U.S. Has not been named as lone of the countries everywhere Datsun will get on to its comeback. Russia, India, and Indonesia are slated as the three launch countries. I won't count made known the U.S. Though. There would be a enormous promote pro a Nissan secondary brand to energy with the young promote. Can we think it over a doable Datsun 510 or 610 in the virtually prospect? I hope so!

It is with a bodyguard hear so as to we announce the surface of earlier NHRA Pro-Stock driving legend debt Jenkins otherwise celebrated as Grumpy. Jenkins was single of the leading drivers so as to helped alter the NHRA Pro-Stock group, and was a 13 instant NHRA countrywide event winner, 5 of them in a row. Jenkins earned an engineering degree from Cornell University and used so as to understanding to create many racing products still in service at present.

Volkswagen setting records

Volkswagen setting records

Volkswagen is nix stranger to setting records. Come about it sales volume records or having a car swim across the English channel or the Panama Canal. Here's a new-fangled humanity disc notch in support of the belt.

Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Adam Carolla, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld. These are precisely a only some of the names of large instant Hollywood car guys. Rumors are swirling so as to Jerry Seinfeld is working on a new-fangled be evidence for revolving around cars and a little of his comedic contacts.

This is absolute nonsense news appearance from the U.K. Some say so as to it precisely can't be correct, but Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson (shown at this point in a funnel photo) has fixed via Twitter so as to outside of an yearly Christmas special, nearby will be nix new-fangled Top Gear episodes until sometime in before time 2013.

Carroll Shelby passes away at 89

It is with notable sorrow so as to we announce the surface of racing and sports car legend Carroll Shelby who voted for away at present in Dallas Texas by the side of the age of 89.

Northern Italy was rocked by yet any more earthquake at present. One so as to has exactly close up down the Italian sports car industry. At smallest amount in support of the after that pair of days.

Meet the Evanta Aston Martin DB7

Coming to us from across the pond in the U.K. Comes the re-imagined Aston Martin DB7 by Evanta Motor Company. Founded in 1995, Evanta specializes in the rebuilding, reinstallation, and in a holder like this, the building of classic British sports cars. This DB7 has been completely built from the ground up wearing the body of a distant qualified, the DB4. While it might look like a DB4, it is still powered by the DB7's V12. It plus carries many advanced essentials like air bags and air conditioning.

California Highway Patrol switching to SUVs

California Highway Patrol switching to SUVs

When you think of a highway patrol car, you instantly think Ford Crown Victoria. And mostly in California Highway Patrol black n' white spick and span. Since the Crown Vic went not worth it of production keep up time, you comprehend a only some elder models not worth it on the roads so as to allow been unhurriedly replaced by the move away Charger, Ford Taurus, or the Chevrolet Caprice (I know we haven't seen single yet either). But Ford plus produces the new-fangled Explorer in a control package, and that's could you repeat that? The California Highway Patrol is leaning towards to trade their fleet and to keep it in the Ford type. The CHP maintains a fleet of 4,000 vehciles (give or take a few) and both time, they trade 1/3rd of so as to fleet with new-fangled vehicles.

Butler Cruise-A-Palooza 2012

We've been active the onwards only some weeks, taking in lots of car shows and other procedures. So remorseful in support of our lack of postings at this point. Today I ventured North to Butler Pennsylvania, origin of the Jeep and home-based to American Bantam in support of the 18th Annual Cruise-A-Palooza deposit on by The Rodfathers Car Club.

Car Show

On June 10th, the Greater Pittsburgh Mustang Club held their 14th Annual All Ford Powered Car Show by the side of Shults Ford/Lincoln in Harmarville, helper.

Ford unveils 2013 GT500

Ol' Carroll Shelby might nix longer be with us. But his surname and legend (good or bad) lives on. When part of this weeks procedures in Monterey, California, Friends of Carroll Shelby has unveiled this special four wheeled tribute to Shelby in the form of the 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra. Packing the punch of 663 horsepower, a Whipple supercharger ups the output to greater than 850 horsepower.

Ok, an adequate amount of with the horsepower. How almost the trick eclectic body recognition to Ice Nine Group of Detroit, Michigan. And of route there's the classic Shelby GT350 hoot news story and a only some other retro Mustang touches. Then there's the 20x10 and 20x13 wheels to fill not worth it the steering wheel wells. Now I'm not mostly a fan of 20 move slowly wheels, but they precisely seem to really product on this car. The Cobra was painted classic Shelby Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon pallid dual racing stripes, single of my all time favorite color combinations and really shows off the lines of the new Mustang.

Get back with a 6x6 F250

This is precisely the mechanism in support of a automaton apocalypse. What's better than a diesel powered, 6x6 driven, quad headlight, Ford F250 crew taxicab in support of you and your type to cruise in? I dappled this behemoth on the back of a categorical bed promo parked on the part of the road outside of Zelienople Pennsylvania. No single was existing by the side of the store it was outside of to progress details as to could you repeat that? Exactly this truck was built in support of. A only some contacts on facebook allow thought they've seen it by the side of mud bogs and tractor pulls in the area, but nix single has endlessly seen it run.

The last Wexford Starlite Cruise of 2013

Each week in the active village of Wexford Pennsylvania, an incredible sight spray across the Northway Christian Community campus. Thousands of cars congregate on could you repeat that? Can simply be described as the chief weekly car cruise on the East Coast. And whilst we say thousands, we mean it. Each and each Friday (weather permitting of course) greater than 2000 cruisers backpack the parking lots, fields, lawn, of Northway. The Wexford Starlite Car Cruise has a little small piece of something in support of everybody. Vintage cars, new-fangled cars, scorching rods, imports, exotics, services vehicles, rat rods, million cash 1 of 1 classics, motorcycles.

Breaking News: Detroit files for bankruptcy protection.

While breach, this story really comes as promptly stagger to me to facilitate the City of Detroit has filed representing stage 9 ruin protection.

During a stagger move at the moment, the city's state appointed emergency boss, Kevyn Orr asked representing say-so to plunk the city under Chapter 9 protection this afternoon in courtyard. Currently, Detroit is $18.5 billion dollars in dept. Currently, the Governor of Michigan has to sign sour on the ruin since it is the main community ruin in U.S. History.

Glenmoor Gathering

Glenmoor Gathering

Now I have seen a handful of Tuckers in my travels as a car guy. But I have never seen a Tucker outside of the security of an indoor museum and barriers. At this year's event there were 9 Tucker's on display. 7 of which were real honest to goodness members of the original 51 Tuckers built in 1948. These cars take on a whole new life when seen outside in the sunlight. Some highlights included a Tucker from the Gilmore Museum in Michigan which is essentially a brand new car. Tucker #47 has only 53 original miles on the odometer, this Tucker is all original with the exception of one tire. It had just enough patina to look like an older restoration, but once you got up close, well there's that originality vibe. Another standout was Tucker # 48 which came from Wisconsin. This car was interesting because of the numerous accessories added to the car which included wire wheels and a large sign on the back alerting motorists that they had just been passed by a Tucker. Also on display was a fiberglass replica used in the production of the 1988 film, Tucker: The man and his dream. This car sits on a Ford LTD chassis and looks the part far away. And the wildest of the bunch, the Rob Ida Concepts, Tucker 48 continuation. We'll do a feature on that car separately.

Ok, I don't live under a rock. I've known of the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles in nearby Canton, Ohio for several years now. But I might has well been living under a rock as I have never been to the famed concours d' elegance. All I can say is that if you have never been. Plan on going in 2013. This is an event that is a must attend for any car enthusiast. It doesn't matter what you like, there is a little of something for everyone at the Glenmoor Gathering. Set on the grounds of the beautiful Glenmoor Country Club, the Gathering hosts, I would guess around 500+ of the nation's finest collector cars there are to offer. Each year there are themes This year there were four.

2012 AACA Hershey Fall Meet

If you're in to cars, especially antique and classics. Then you've likely heard of the Antique Automobile Club of America's annual Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, Pa. Or better known just as Hershey. I've attended the fall meet several times, and one thing that I can say is be prepared. I visited for two days, and that isn't enough. In order to take in everything, you need all four days of the event in order to see it all. It doesn't matter what your passion is. You can find here. Looking for headlights for your brass era classic? Got em. Owners manual for your 63 Ford Falcon? Check. Tires for your hot rod? How many you need? How about a new toy for the garage? There were cars for sale from $2,000 to $400,000.

1940 Ford

Need to build your dream 1940 Ford coupe hotrod, but don't desire to feel guilty about cutting up a genuine '40 Ford? Well anyone can make your dream rod thanks to Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts. Before SEMA, Ford display a bare metal body plus a hot rod built using the new preproduction body. The particular groups can be purchased fairly reasonably around $12,000. Which isn't bad in comparison to finding, buying, shipping, then repairing an innovative body.

Cadillac ELR

It's not too often at this point in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania so as to we progress the opportunity to comprehend a new-fangled car from Detroit being tested in chubby camo. Modish Michigan, especially around Detroit it's even a rare sight. But at present single of our readers dappled could you repeat that? Has been fixed as a Cadillac ELR being tested. What is the ELR? Well, it's leaving to be Cadillac's exciting hybrid like the Volt. Based on the Cadillac Converj model. And mechanically, it's leaving to be effectively the same as the Volt. "T" shaped lithium ion battery with chubby exciting most important drive and an extended range gasoline motor. A large Thanks to eagle eyed person who reads Kevin Kurtz in support of snapping these shots.

Racing Legend John Fitch dead at 95

It is with a onerous focal point to facilitate we announce the leave-taking of racing legend John Fitch. How look after you sum up John Cooper Fitch? He was a decorated WWII air group pilot and POW, Purple Heart medal winner, SCCA and LeMans champion, team boss, racing and van safety pioneer. These titles all apply.

John Fitch was born on majestic 4th, 1917 and from an youthful age was introduced to car racing. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His stepfather was an executive representing Stuz and introduced him to racing, but he was not originally impressed with it. It wasn't until he returned from WWII to facilitate he fell in to car racing as many did. During the war, Fitch was a decorated pilot in the Army Air Corps who was shot down and captured by German troops and protected in a POW camp.

30 years, two charities, 1200+ volunteers. What does so as to equal? Over $3.2 million dollars. That is could you repeat that? The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has donated to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Just keep up week was the yearly Victory Lap Check Presentation by the side of the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh (don't take photographs here). This time was a disc setting donation to the charities. $250,000 or $125,000 both.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Monday, October 28, 2013

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Friday, October 18, 2013

Monday, October 14, 2013

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Monday, October 7, 2013

Tuesday, October 1, 2013