Tags: car reviews / Ferrari / Top Lists

5 Reasons Why You'll Fall In Love With The Ferrari 458

- Selasa, 25 Agustus 2015 No Comments

When most of us think of sports car, one marque that will no doubt spring to mind is Ferrari. The Italian firm is famous for its many iconic sports cars, and one of those is the 458.


The model first went on sale back in 2010, and it's still a firm favourite with sports car buyers today. Even if you're not a car enthusiast, there's no denying that the Ferrari 458 is a head-turner.


If you

Tags: '63 Mercedes-Benz / Alfa / Cobra Daytona Coupe / Concours / Cunningham / Duesenberg / Ferrari / Mercury / Pebble Beach / Rolls-Royce / Shelby American

PEBBLE BEACH 2015: WHO WON WHAT!

- Senin, 17 Agustus 2015 No Comments

The complete list of 2015 winners, including the Best Of Show.

 BEST OF SHOW



1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A F. Ramseier & Cie Worblaufen Cabriolet 
Jim Patterson/The Patterson Collection, Louisville, Kentucky



Best of Show Nominees



1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Kellner Torpedo Phaeton

Doug Magee Jr., Wolfeboro, New Hampshire



1937 Delahaye 145 Franay Cabriolet

Sam & Emily Mann, Englewood, New Jersey



1953 Abarth 1100 Sport Ghia Coupé

Grant Kinzel, Calgary Alberta, Canada



MOST ELEGANT AWARDS



J.B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car

1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Figoni & Falaschi Pillarless Berline

Don Williams, Danville, California



Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible

1937 Delahaye 145 Franay Cabriolet

Sam & Emily Mann, Englewood, New Jersey



Most Elegant Open Car

1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Kellner Torpedo Phaeton

Doug Magee Jr., Wolfeboro, New Hampshire



Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta

Jon Shirley,Medina, Washington

SPECIAL AWARDS



Alec Ulmann Trophy

1929 Hispano-Suiza H6B Hibbard & Darrin Cabriolet de VIlle

H. Hulsbergen, Freienbach, Switzerland



Ansel Adams Award

1923 Mercer Series b6 Sporting

Kirk M. Pumphrey, San Jose, California



Art Center College of Design Award

1955 Maserati A6G 2000 Zagato Coupé

Jack Croul, Corona Del Mar, California



Briggs Cunningham Trophy

1953 Cunningham C-5R Roadster

The Revs Institute for Automotive Research, Inc., Naples, Florida



Chairmans Trophy

1926 Renault 45MC Manessius Cabriolet de Ville

George F. Wingard, Eugene, Oregon



Charles A. Chayne Trophy

1902 Panhard et Levassor Type B1 Saloon

Merle & Peter Mullin, Oxnard, California



Classic Car Club of America Trophy

1931 duPont Model H Merrimac Sport Phaeton

Richard Riegel, Bedford Hills, New York



Dean Batchelor Trophy

1951 Mercury 1CM Bob Hirohata Custom Coupe

Jim and Sue McNiel, Orange, California



Elegance in Motion Trophy

1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Touring Spider

The Keller Collection at the Pyramids, Petaluma, California



Enzo Ferrari Trophy

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Competizione

Big Fork Holdings, LLC., Menlo Park, California



FIVA Prewar Trophy

1921 Stutz K Bearcat

Wayne Carini, Portland, Connecticut



FIVA Postwar Trophy

1956 Jaguar D-type Roadster

Roger Hoffmann, Point Reyes Station, California



French Cup

1939 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooren Cabriolet

Margie & Robert E. Petersen Collection, Los Angeles, California



Gran Turismo Trophy

1952 Cunningham C-4R Competition Roadster

The Simeone Automotive Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania



Lincoln Trophy

1933 Lincoln KB Dietrich Five Passenger Convertible Sedan

John P. Shibles, Sea Grit, New Jersey



Lorin Tryon Trophy

General William Lyon, Newport Beach, California



Lucius Beebe Trophy

1952 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV Hooper Sedanca de Ville

Ion Tiriac, Monaco



Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster

Miyabi Collection, Honolulu, Hawaii



Mille Miglia Pre-War Trophy

1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring Coupé

David B. Smith, Medina, Washington



Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy

1931 Invicta LS Carbodies Coupé

Richard & Susanne Stephens, Woodside, California



The Phil Hill Cup

1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Vignale Spyder

Les Wexner, New Albany, Ohio



The Revs Program at Stanford Award

1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Kellner Torpedo Phaeton

Doug Magee Jr., Wolfeboro, New Hampshire



Road & Track Trophy

1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350

John Atzbach, Redmond, Washington



The Tony Hulman Trophy

1948 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix Racer

Denis Bigioni, Pickering, Ontario, Canada



The Vitesse - Elegance Trophy

1946 Delahaye 135 MS Pourtout Coupé Aérodynamique

Neal & Susan Ryan, Smithtown, New York



CLASS AWARDS



Class A-1: Antique

1st: 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Kellner Torpedo Phaeton, Doug Magee Jr., Wolfeboro, New Hampshire



2nd: 1910 Speedwell Model 10-L Burr Landaulet Town Car, Mike & Sharon Silvera



3rd: 1903 Thomas Model 18 Shelden Rear Entrance Tonneau, Ronald & Sandra Hansen, Fillmore, California



Class A-2: Pope

1st: 1912 Pope-Hartford 27 Pony Tonneau, Kirk and Ross Bewley, Sacramento, California



2nd: 1909 Pope-Hartford Model S Toy Tonneau, Chris Kidd and Barry Hon, Monrovia, California



3rd: 1904 Pope-Toledo Type IV Rear Entrance Tonneau, Gary & Sheryl Hunter, Arcadia, California



Class B: Vintage

1st: 1920 Stutz Series H Bearcat, Stanley & Merle Bauer, Beverly Hills, California



2nd: 1923 Mercer Series 6 Sporting, Kirk M. Pumphrey, San Jose, California



3rd: 1923 Duesenberg A Millspaugh & Irish Five Passenger Touring, Gregory & Claudia Vanley, Los Angeles, California



Class C-1: American Classic Open

1st: 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton, Aaron & Valerie Weiss, San Marino, California



2nd: 1938 Graham Model 97 Saoutchik Convertible, Edgar Masters, Copake Falls, New York



3rd: 1936 Cadillac 90 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan, Dave & Linda Kane, Bernardsville, California



Class C-2: American Classic Open Packard

1st: 1934 Packard 1107 Twelve Convertible Victoria, Laura & Jack B. Smith Jr., Elkhart, Indiana



2nd: 1933 Packard 1005 Twelve Convertible Victoria, Jean & Don Ghareeb, Birmingham, Alabama



3rd: 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan, Tony & Jonna Ficco, Wheat Ridge, Colorado



Class C-3: American Classic Closed

1st: 1930 Stutz MB Weymann Monte Carlo, Joseph Cassini III & Margie Cassini, West Orange, New Jersey



2nd: 1932 Packard 904 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Stationary Coupe, N. Gene & Sally A. Perkins, Greenwood, Indiana



3rd: 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Stationary Coupe, Samuel Lehrman, Palm Beach, Florida



Class D: duPont

1st: 1931 duPont Model H Merrimac Sport Phaeton, Richard Riegel, Bedford Hills, New York



2nd: 1929 duPont Model G Merrimac Special Sedan, Lammot J. du Pont, McLean, Virginia



3rd: 1929 duPont Model G Waterhouse Roadster, Kelly Kinzle, New Oxford, Pennsylvania



Class G: Duesenberg

1st: 1934 Duesenberg J Walker-LaGrande Convertible Coupe, Harry Yeaggy, Cincinnati, Ohio



2nd: 1934 Duesenberg J Walker-LaGrande Convertible Coupe, General William Lyon, Newport Beach, California



3rd: 1931 Duesenberg J Derham Tourster, Lee R. Anderson Sr., Naples, Florida



Class H-1: Rolls-Royce Prewar

1st: 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Brewster Special Permanent Newmarket, Orin & Stephanie Smith, Vero Beach, Florida



2nd: 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Figoni & Falaschi Pillarless Berline, Don Williams, Danville, California



3rd: 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Brewster Newport, Peter & Marijane Thornton, Key Largo, Florida



Class H-2: Rolls-Royce and Bentley Postwar

1st: 1952 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV Hooper Sedanca de Ville, Ion Tiriac, Monaco



2nd: 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental H.J. Mulliner Sports Saloon, Destriero Limited, Monaco



3rd: 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud James Young Coupé, G. Bradford Klein and Victoria Hansen, Los Angeles, California



Class I: Mercedes-Benz

1st: 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Tourer, The Keller Collection at The Pyramids, Petaluma, California



2nd: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Tourer, Thomas & Rhonda Taffet



3rd: 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster, Miyabi Collection, Honolulu, Hawaii



Class J-1: European Classic Early

1st: 1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A F. Ramseier & Cie Worblaufern Cabriolet, Jim Patterson/The Patterson Collection, Louisville, Kentucky



2nd: 1932 Austro Daimler ADR8 Keibl Karosseriewerk Limousine, The Nethercutt Collection - Helen & Jack Nethercutt, Sylmar, California



3rd: 1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Vanden Plas Four Seater, Private Collection



Class J-2: European Classic Late

1st: 1937 Delahaye 145 Franay Cabriolet, Sam & Emily Mann, Englewood, New Jersey



2nd: 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooren Cabriolet, Margie & Robert E. Petersen Collection, Los Angeles, California



3rd: 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Park Ward Sports Coupé, Robert Mirvis, Los Angeles, California



Class K-1: British Prewar Sports Cars Early

1st: 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Vanden Plas Sports Tourer, Private Collection



2nd: 1926 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model Vanden Plas Tourer, Christian Philippsen, Monaco



3rd: 1932 Invicta S Carbodies Tourer, Steve Hamilton, Carson City, Nevada



Class K-2: British Prewar Sports Cars Late

1st: 1937 Jaguar SS 100 Roadster, Jaime & Cecilia Muldoon, Guadalajara, Mexico



2nd: 1938 Alvis Speed 25 Offord & Sons Open Two Seater, James B. Sprague, Washington, NA



3rd: 1934 SS Cars SS1 Tourer, Colin & Anne Stewart, Blairgowrie, Scotland



Class L-1: Prewar Preservation

1st: 1906 Pierce Great Arrow 40-45 7 Passenger Touring, Leonard-Steven Schuster, New York, New York



2nd: 1927 Hispano-Suiza Type 49 H.J. Mulliner Sport Saloon, Dr. Marco Gastaldi, Monaco



3rd:  1904 Pope-Hartford Model B Rear Entrance Tonneau, Doug Magee, Jr., Wolfeboro, New Hampshire



Class L-2: Postwar Preservation

1st: 1956 Jaguar D-type Roadster, Roger Hoffmann, Point Reyes Station, California



2nd: 1956 Maserati A6G 2000 Frua Coupé, Jonathan & Wendy Segal, San Diego, California



3rd: 1965 Porsche 356SC Karmann Coupe, William E. "Chip" Connor, Reno, Nevada



Class M-1: Ferrari Grand Touring

1st: 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet Series I, Peter S. Kalikow, New York, New York



2nd: 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Spyder California, Marc Fisher, Greenwich, Connecticut



3rd: 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pinin Farina Coupe Aerodinamico Prototipo, Lee & Joan Herrington, Bow, New Hampshire



Class M-2: Ferrari Competition

1st: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Competizione, Big Fork Holdings, LLC., Menlo Park, California



2nd: 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Alloy Boano Coupe, James H. Fuchs, Brookfield, Wisconsin



3rd: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Spyder California Competizione, Audrey & Martin Gruss, Palm Beach, Florida



Class M-3: Ferraris in the Pebble Beach Road Races

1st: 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Spyder Series I, Thomas R. Peck, Irvine, California



2nd: 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Vignale Spyder, Les Wexner, New Albany, Ohio



3rd: 1955 Ferrari 857S Scaglietti Spyder, Les Wexner, New Albany, Ohio



Class M-4: Ferrari Preservation

1st: 1964 Ferrari 250 GTL Scaglietti Berlinetta Lusso, Private Collection



2nd: 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina SWB Coupe, Rick & Angie Workman, Windermere, Florida



3rd: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Scaglietti Berlinetta, John & Heather Mozart, Palo Alto, California



Class N: Designs by Carrozzeria Touring

1st: 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring Coupé, David B. Smith, Medina, Washington



2nd: 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Touring Spider, The Keller Collection at the Pyramids, Petaluma, California



3rd:  1962 Pegaso Z-103 Touring Panoramica Coupe, Wicked Machine Works



Class O-1: Postwar Early

1st: 1953 Abarth 1100 Sport Ghia Coupé, Grant Kinzel, Calgary Alberta, Canada



2nd: 1946 Delahaye 135 MS Pourtout Coupé Aérodynamique, Neal & Susan Ryan, Smithtown, New York



3rd: 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Saloon, John Grono, Singapore,



Class O-2: Postwar Late

1st: 1954 Fiat 8V Supersonic Ghia Coupe, Marc Behaegel, Gent, Belgium



2nd: 1954 Fiat 8V Zagato Coupe, David Sydorick, Beverly Hills, California



3rd: 1957 Siata 208S Motto Spyder, Jan De Reu, Knokke, Belgium



Class O-3: Postwar Racing

1st: 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, Kazuo Maruyama, Tokyo, Japan



2nd: 1955 Porsche 550RS Spyder, Ugo Gussalli Beretta, Brescia, Italy



3rd: 1959 Lister Costin Roadster, Jeff Lotman, Los Angeles, California



Class P: Postwar Cunninghams

1st: 1951 Cunningham C-2 Roadster, T. G. Mittler, Santa Fe, New Mexico



2nd: 1954 Cunningham C-3 Vignale Coupé, James W. Taylor, Gloversville, New York



3rd: 1952 Cunningham C-4R Competition Roadster, The Simeone Automotive Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania



Class R: Mercury Customs

1st: 1951 Mercury 1CM Bob Hirohata Custom Coupe, Jim and Sue McNiel, Orange, California



2nd: 1949 Mercury 9CM Sam Barris Custom Coupe, John Mumford, Portola Valley, California



3rd: 1950 Mercury OCM Wally Welch Custom Coupe, Justin Mozart, Palo Alto, California



Class S: Shelby GT350 50th Anniversary 1st: 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R, John Atzbach, Redmond, Washington



2nd: 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 Prototype, Mark Hovander, Seattle, Washington



3rd: 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350, Bobby Rahal, Chicago, Illinois



For more information about the Pebble Beach Concours, please visit http://www.pebblebeach.com/events-golf-tournaments/special-events/concours-delegance

Tags: Bobby Rahal / C111 wankel / Concours / Ferrari / Isotta-Frachini / Jaguar XK120 / Laguna Seca / Lotus / Mercedes-Benz / Monterey / Pebble Beach / Rolex Cosmograph Daytona / Shelby GT350 Mustang / Stuart Schorr / Vignale

PEBBLE BEACH 2015: SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS!

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Staged on the scenic fairway of the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, the grand finale of the Monterey Classic Car Week - the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance - hosted 200 outstanding collector cars.

After another scorching day at one of the most sunny Monterey Weeks of recent years, the Concours judges finally delivered their verdict on the coveted ‘Best of Show': the ‘24 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A owned by Jim Patterson of Louisville, Kentucky took the top award.



This beautiful classic was acquired by Carrosserie Worblaufen, Switzerland, around 1931 and used as the basis for a Sport Cabriolet they had planned for the long-wheelbase chassis. The result was displayed at the 1933 Geneva Motor Show after which it won the Grand-Prix d’Honneur in Cannes in 1933. The well-balanced proportions of the chassis, with its long hood and low windshield, belie its true size. It gives the appearance of a close-coupled body on the long wheelbase, enhanced by the dual rear-mounted spare wheels. This magnificent car has had only four owners since new; it lived a quiet life in Switzerland and France before being shipped to North America in 2014.

Among the stunning automotive treasures on display on the 18th fairway were precious examples of motoring history: Alfa Romeo to Talbot-Lago, plus a special celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Shelby GT350 Mustang. The iconic early-1970s orange Mercedes-Benz Gullwing C111, originally built to test a Rotary (Wankel) engine, was a consistent head-turner surrounded by rare grand classics. Industry public relations executive Stuart Schorr, above, found it to be one of the most appealing cars on display.

One of the outstanding stories of motoring collaborations involves the creation of the Shelby American version of the Ford Mustang. When Ford asked Carroll Shelby in the early-mid 1960s to look at creating a performance version of the Mustang, no one expected the results to be an automotive legend. The Shelby Mustang GT350, launched in 1965, became an iconic game-changer for the Mustang on the street and racetrack.



Of the five immaculate ‘65 Shelby GT350s on display at the Concours (plus three 1966 models), one was entered by a racing legend: Bobby Rahal. The three-times CART Champion acquired the car after it had been left in a field for 27 years. After a two-year restoration, the 289/305 Mustang is now back in its glorious original state.

Following the Concours win of a Ferrari in 2014 – a ‘54 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe belonging to Jon Shirley – the organizers had planned a feature display for the ‘Prancing Horse’ marque in 2015.

Among the stunning, mostly red, Prancing Horse displays, is a particularly interesting former racecar - once driven by Mike Hawthorn. The ‘53 Ferrari 250 MM Vignale Spyder is now owned by Kurt A. Engelhorn who has great joy in entering historic rallies and races, including here at Laguna Seca. “The car was restored before I bought it, but it is very driveable and a great deal of fun,” said the owner who lives in Switzerland.



For Mr Engelhorn, classic cars have been a passion for some twenty years and his collection is varied from a Lotus 7 to the Jaguar XK120 that broke a record in Belgium on the Jabbeke Highway in 1953 in the hands of the company’s Chief Test Engineer, Norman Dewis. The car achieved a remarkable speed for what was essentially a production car, of 172.4 mph (277.4 kph).

“Next year I hope to return to Pebble Beach with an original Ford GT40 which is currently under restoration” he continued. “Pebble Beach is a very beautiful event for me and my wife comes with me as she loves to play golf.”


For the many thousands of visitors to have taken part in the very special occasions that make up the Monterey Classic Car Week, 2015 will go down in history as the best yet. Another measure of its success is the prospect of raising some two million dollars for local charities, a figure that is nearly double that of past years.

 Sam & Emily Mann's '37 Delahaye 145 Franay Cabriolet, above, thrilled spectators and judges alike. As the Official Timepiece of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Rolex maintains its shared motivation: a passion for endurance, innovation and tradition, with total success.



For more information about Pebble Beach and other Rolex-sponsored events during Monterey Classic Car Week, please visit  http://caracingnews.com/gallery.aspx?eid=356&year=2015&clid=0&ctid=100

Tags: Alfa / Aston Martin / BMW / Bugatti / Ferrari / Jaguar / Jochen Mass / Lamborghini / Maserati / motorsports / Rolex Cosmograph Daytona / Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion / Terry Cook / The Quail

THE QUAIL: CROWN JEWEL OF MONTEREY MADNESS!

- Sabtu, 15 Agustus 2015 No Comments

Some of the world’s finest examples of automotive design and engineering were staged at this year's Motorsports Gathering at the Quail Lodge and Golf Club.

“Among the many facets of the Monterey Classic Car Week, The Quail is the most exclusive taking as it does, the form of a very grand private garden party,” comments Rolex Watch USA President and CEO, Stewart Wicht. “As well as fine food, guests have the chance to view at leisure some of the finest examples of classic race and road cars whose values again, echo those of the Rolex brand.”



Some of the finest examples of the world’s most sought-after cars add spectacular context to this unique garden party. From Aston Martin to Alfa Romeo, Bugatti to BMW, Chrysler to Cooper, and then Ferrari: no less than 56 examples of the legendary Italian supercar maker were on display. Also not to be missed, Jaguar to Jensen, Lamborghini to Lancia, Maserati to Morgan, and so on, not forgetting of course, the mighty Porsche.

In the Rolex hospitality area at The Quail, former World Championship Formula 1 Grand Prix driver Jochen Maas shared his thoughts on the event: “It has developed over the past ten years to be the most important event of the week. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is great, but for sheer volume, The Quail is a special and unique setting”. Mass drove in 114 GPs, scoring a number of podiums and a victory before moving to saloons where his greatest victory was in the grueling 24 Hours of Spa in 1972, then onto sports cars.
 In this category, Mass scored a victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1989. Rolex is closely associated with the legendary French endurance race as Official Timekeeper since 2001. “The Quail has great exclusivity and the price of entry reflects this, it has a unique style and the organizers are sticklers for quality.”

Among the many unusual exhibits at The Quail this year was a unique, aerodynamic recent construction called by its maker, Terry Cook, an Auburn-Bugatti Delahaye Boattail Speedster. This artistic head-turning creation, was completed only six months ago.

Also attracting keen attention at The Quail was an original Ford GT40 racecar that competed in 1966 at both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and won the Rolex 24 At Daytona. A 1956 Maserati 200SI Spyder – one of only two left out of an original batch of four, was raced by Sir Stirling Moss in the same year.

A spectacular Jaguar XJR-5 endurance racecar powered by the famous British company’s 6.2-litre V12 engine, successfully raced in the mid-1980s, was also on display.

Also a big draw of The Quail each year is the presentation of the Rolex Circle of Champions “Best of Show” Award. This is judged by a panel of entrants from around the world in an all-day process that takes into account all aspects of each car displayed: style, presentation, engineering and artistic impact. This year’s winner is a beautiful ‘68 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale, and Lance Butler of Mouse Motors of Chicago accepted the Award.



“It’s incredible! It’s a great car that drives well and has incredible dynamics, epitomizing the finest engineering capabilities of the era,” said Lance Butler after receiving a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona from Rolex Watch USA President and CEO, Stewart Wicht.



For more information, please visit http://signatureevents.peninsula.com/en/Motorsports/Motorsports.html

Tags: Ferrari / Just for Fun / videos

Ferrari Vs. Snow Mobile?

- Senin, 20 Juli 2015 No Comments

The European Modball rally kicked off in London’s West End with a record breaking crowd, all united in their anticipation of their chance to see the ultimate Holy Trinity 3 supercars; La Ferrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder; the three hypercars Top Gear were famously never able to get together on the show.

In spectacular Avant Garde style famously associated with the Modball rally brand

Tags: American Bantam / Ferrari / Ferrari 365GTC / Ferret / Iso Grifo / Jaguar Lightweight E-Type / Mike Matune / Porsche 356 / Rat Rod / Restoration / Treasured Motorcar Services LTD

OPEN HOUSE: TREASURED MOTORCAR SERVICES LTD!

- Rabu, 29 April 2015 No Comments

Mike & Maureen Matune take us on a tour of a shop that does it all.

This Rat-Rod checked all the boxes with Ford “Y-Block” power with three deuces, “Z’d” frame and a well thought out combination of seemingly unrelated parts with the right fit & finishes. Rod has a removable roof panel and side windows held in by Dzus fasteners.

Amelia Island friends Barb & Allison Griffiths invited us to attend the Spring Open House at their shop, Treasured Motorcar Services LTD (TMS) in Reisterstown, MD. ‘55 Porsche, right, was originally named “Continental.” Use of the name put Porsche in conflict with Ford Motor Company (Lincoln) and they eventually changed it to “356.”



Here is a portion of what TMS has under roof, below. Showcased during the Open House were several of their current projects along with customer and local enthusiasts’ cars. Work on display consisted of everything from full-on restorations to updates and routine services.

If this were a Muscle Car, we would call it a Resto-Mod, but since it is a Jaguar E-Type, we’ll call it a “driver”. In addition to an impressive rebuild of the entire car, it will feature a five- speed transmission, triple Weber-carbed Jaguar 4.2 liter Six and larger vented front brakes with Wildwood calibers. Mods are designed to heighten the driving pleasure associated with this car Henry Manney once called the E-Type “the greatest crumpet-catcher known to man!”.

British ‘59 Ferret lightly-armed recon vehicle was built by Daimler UK and powered by Rolls-Royce. Armed with a 30-caliber machine gun and smoke grenade launchers, it carried a two-man crew at close to 50 mph. You cannot believe how popular this was with all of the show-goers, especially the youngest ones.

American Austin and its successor American Bantam was a Butler, PA company that produced cars based on the British Austin 7. They tried to introduce America to the small car, but the Depression and onset of WW ll led to financial ruin. But not before they produced some well styled cars like this “Woody” wagon. American Bantam’s other claim to fame, is that they originated the Jeep (originally called BRC or Bantam Reconnaissance Car) during WW ll.

The Ferrari 365 GTC bears a displacement upgrade from its predecessors, while still featuring the rear-mounted transaxle and four-wheel disc brakes of the earlier cars. About the only external styling difference are the hood vents, earlier cars having vents behind the front wheels. There is just something about a front engine, twelve-cylinder Ferrari that stirs the senses. The cars are “just right” somehow.

In for brake work (apparently NAPA doesn’t stock rotors for it!) is this ultra-rare, targa-roof, Series II Iso Grifo. The “Fly Yellow” coupe, restored in the 1990s by Bill Tracy, Sarasota, FL, combined the practicality of a Corvette drivetrain with the flair and style of Italian coachwork. All of that along with luxurious interior appointments resulted in a highly desirable GT.



NOTE: We would be remiss if we did not mention the recent passing of Geoffrey Griffiths who, along with wife Barb, established TMS. Geoffrey came to America in the late 1950s with Lucas. The years that followed saw him help establish Lucas here as well as becoming a fixture at sports car races and events. His automotive passion would see him follow a path resulting in the founding of TMS, a company still going strong today under daughter Allison’s management. From all of those at CarGuyChronicles, our deepest sympathy to the Griffiths family.



Photos: Maureen K. Matune & M. M. Mike” Matune, Jr.



For more information, please visit http://www.treasuredmotorcars.com

Tags: Ferrari / Press Release

Ferrari 488 GTB Launches In London To VIP Guests

- Jumat, 24 April 2015 No Comments

Ferrari’s latest mid-engine V8 supercar, the 488 GTB, was unveiled this evening at an exclusive star-studded event with nearly one thousand guests in attendance during the launch. High profile guests included Donna Air, Mary Charteris and Jade Parfitt, as well as stars of Made in Chelsea, singer-songwriter John Newman and many others. VIPs joined selected press and Ferrari’s exclusive client

Tags: 3Dog Garage / Amelia Island Concours / Bill Warner / Chrysler / Concours / Corvette L-88 / Ferrari / GM Motorama / hot rods / Indy 500 / Kellison / Mercedes-Benz / Mike Matune / Packard / Stirling Moss / Stutz / Virgil Exner

2015 AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

- Minggu, 22 Maret 2015 No Comments

The Amelia Island Concours was graced with sunny skies, warm temperatures and the most eclectic assortment of important cars – from hot rods to classics.

Who would have thought that original gathering of 160 cars just 20 years ago would double in size to include a show field chock full of rare, fun, interesting and significant cars? Our congratulations to event founder and chairman Bill Warner, his staff, volunteers, supporters, judges and entrants who helped turn a dream into a reality. The East vs. West battle as it applies to the classic hot rod will always be the subject of spirited debate. Our friends at 3Dog Garage entered cars on both sides, including the ’32 Ford, above, originally constructed by Ray De Fillipi. It appeared on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet with sons David & Ricky. When they wanted to buy the car, their father famously quipped, “No 1932 Ford is worth $3,000”.

Sir Stirling Moss served as this year’s honoree, just as he had done for the first event in 1996. Lady Moss and he were seen throughout the weekend graciously greeting his innumerable fans. On the show field was gathered a collection of over 25 cars he raced during his illustrious career. Among them were these two examples of Mercedes’ championship winning W196. Mercedes-Benz Classic’s short wheelbase car, foreground, was used on shorter circuits such as Monaco. At the rear is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation’s streamlined car originally seen on high-speed GP circuits like Monza.

To convey an image of raw power, it is hard to top a Corvette L88 racer and the AICE presented a collection of these cars. Mike Yager’s 1972 example has all the styling cues, such as endurance headlights, scooped hood, front spoiler, fender flares, etc. Originally converted from a wreck, this car would hold the honor of being the highest-finishing Corvette at Le Mans for a number of years. Thanks to Mike for spending time explaining all of this to us.

As America prospered in the 1950s, automakers turned to the concept car to bolster their appeal to the motoring public. Designs usually tended toward creating the impression of a car as more than transportation. The red coupe is the DeSoto Adventurer ll, designed by Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner, featuring bodywork by Ghia. The silver convertible is the Packard Panther Daytona, styled by Dick Teague and constructed by Mitchell-Bentley.

Judy & J. C. O’Steen in costume with their ‘14 Stutz raceer. Stutz entered three of these beasts powered by 434-inch, T-head, four-cylinder Wisconsin engines at Indianapolis. Barney Oldfield was at the wheel of #3. Harry Stutz married the cars’ racing success to his road cars.

Production of Chrysler’s Town and Country line extended from the early-1940s to the early-1950s. Wood had been used structurally since the start of automobile production. Chrysler used it more as a styling element, pairing a car’s color and lines with the rich, warm feeling of wood. Loren Hulber further conveyed that aura by exhibiting the fashion of the day along with his ‘47 Town and Country sedan.

 When enthusiasts couldn’t get what they wanted, ingenuity took over to fulfill sports car dreams.  Legions of enthusiasts along with countless entrepreneurs combined to create what AICE titled “Forgotten Fiberglass”. The Neidell’s Kellison J-5 Roadster serves as an example of the genre, representing a “factory” car built over a bespoke frame. It serving as a Bonneville racer, street car and drag racer. Today it's street driven and vintage raced. 

In 1954 Chevrolet showed this Concept at Motorama shows in New York and Los Angeles. While production Corvettes were all open roadsters, this fastback coupe showcased a variety of styling innovations for Corvettes. Called the Corvair, its roof tapers back to a chrome trimmed panel with the license plate. It wouldn’t be until 1963 that GM would add a coupe to the line. Brett Henderson and Mike Terry built this recreation, crafting numerous custom panels.

So much attention is paid to compact and intermediate Musclecars, that we almost forget about full-size muscle. Donna & Don McCullen’s ‘60 Chrysler 300F is a great example of a big performance car. This 300F is powered with a 413-inch V-8 with a twin-four-barrel. crossram induction system. The 300 “letter series” were built from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s.

Trying to edit more than 2,000 photos for this feature was a daunting task. Single photo, above, contains a small portion of the show field, with Ferrari F1 cars, racers and classics. Car Guy Chronicles editors thank Nina Snopkova and Bill Warner for the courtesies shown to the Matunes during the Concours.  On behalf of a grateful public, thanks to all involved for helping raise more than $2.5-million for those in need over the Concours' history.



Words & Photos: Maureen K. Matune & M. M. “Mike” Matune, Jr.



For more information, please visit: https://www.ameliaconcours.org/

Tags: drag racing / Ferrari / Tesla

Tesla Model S P85D Versus Ferrari F12

- Jumat, 06 Maret 2015 No Comments

By now everyone's see the video of the Tesla Model S P85D spanking a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat on a dragstrip. While the win was a result of the Dodge driver's goof, it was still historic since it set a new quarter mile world record for an electric car. The Tesla's back at it again on the same dragstrip, this time against a Ferrari F12

The Tesla explodes off the line when it's put into "Insane" mode, with people demonstrating that it will make an unsecured iPhone go flying back against the seats. A good jump off the line is important in a race, but top-end power is also key. This video demonstrates that the Model S P85D can indeed bleed. It's not a dishonor to lose to the F12, which is a pretty potent vehicle. If anything, it's impressive that the Tesla holds its own so well.

As a side note, the Ferrari sadly burned to the ground after the race, while cruising through a Florida neighborhood at 30 mph. Just kidding, but it totally could've happened.

Tags: Corvette Sting Ray / Ferrari / Fuelie / Jaguar / Mike Matune / St Michaels Concours / Sunbeam Tiger / tanker / Woodies

ST. MICHAELS CONCOURS: ELEGANCE ON CHESAPEAKE BAY!

- Senin, 06 Oktober 2014 No Comments

Mike Matune captures rare pre-war classics, wood-bodied cars & boats and significant sports cars at the Eighth Annual Concours.

For the eighth year, George Walish, Chairman & Founder, welcomed all to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina for the St Michaels Concours d’Elegance. Nestled on the Eastern Shore in Cambridge Maryland, the show occupied a manicured fairway, top, at the River Marsh Golf Club. The Concours benefits the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. 

Early automotive history is littered with long gone distinctive automobile manufacturers. Among them was the Spanish/French nameplate of Hispano-Suiza. The North Collection reminded us of the marque’s contributions with their ‘27 H6B Wood-Bodied Skiff, above. It represents a high point of styling, engineering and performance.

The show featured a collection of rare and classic cars of the highest caliber as shown by Byron Alsop’s ‘29 Cadillac 341-B V-8 Dual Cowl Phaeton and Lewis Frame’s ‘30 Packard Model 740 Custom 8 Dual Cowl Phaeton.

James Lindner showed his 1965 Sunbeam Tiger MK l, powered by a 260-inch Ford small-block. It was hard to believe it was an older restoration and is driven regularly, but sparingly.  It’s a very early car, completed in the first month of production in June 1964.

You may not feel Corvettes are all that uncommon, but closer inspection uncovers the rarity of L. Cranston’s recently restored ‘64 Sting Ray. Among its options are fuel-injected 327/375 horsepower small-block engine and 36-gallon gas tank, engineered for endurance racing. Only 38 ’64 Corvettes were built with big tanks in 1964 model year

A Concours is supposed to celebrate the art of the automobile and there is probably no more fitting example of such than the BHA Automotive Museum’s ‘64 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta. It’s beautiful and fast!

When Jaguar launched the XK120, it created a sensation. Its combination of style and performance had been previously available only in much higher priced cars. Ronald Gaertner’s ‘53 XK120 Fixed Head Coupe is the higher horsepower SE version.

Ronald Rosner’s ‘49 alloy roadster is one of a handful built for competition and saw early action at the hands of its original owner, sports car pioneer, M. R. J. “Doc” Wyllie. Its engine features a C-Type Competition head, upping the output of the DOHC straight Six.

Wood was a common material in early automobiles. But as time progressed, its use diminished. Wood paneling really sets off Todd Librandi’s ‘47 Chrysler Town & Country convertible.

Jim Elliot’s ‘03 Cadillac Model A Rear Entry Tonneau was the oldest car on the St. Michaels show field. Not far removed from its apparent carriage roots, it represented a novelty at the time. Car is a study in detail, from flowing fenders to wicker baskets, striping and brass trim.

Bill Alley’s ‘14 Locomobile Model 38 Five-Passenger Berline with body by Kellner uses paint to set off its lines. The cylinders on the front suspension were early shock absorbers manufactured by Westinghouse. The car portrayed substantial yet elegant construction, featuring lamps by Tiffany with doors that closed like bank vaults.

As mainstay on the Eastern Shore’s event calendar, St Michaels can’t help but pay homage to the area’s marine heritage by including boats on the show field. To the left is Tracey Colman’s 16-foot race boat “Renegade” featuring a hot-rodded Ford Flathead. Alongside it rests James Holler’s 19-foot Ventnor, “Hurry Home”. The name was given to it by its first owners who sent pictures of it to their son serving with the Army in Germany.

Does anything portray 1950s-era styling any better than the pairing of Barbara & Rob VanDewoestine’s ‘60 Plymouth Fury convertible with Mindy Hickman’s 19-foot ‘59 Chris-Craft Silver Arrow “Murphy’s Law”? Both featured tailfins, two-tone paint and chrome trim to convey a sense of exuberance.



Words & photos:  M. M. “Mike” Matune, Jr.



For more information about the Concours, please visit http://www.smcde.org/

For judging results, please check http://www.smcde.org/2014results.html