Tuesday, November 27, 2012

La Carrera Panamericana 2012 ... Scorching Mexico

One of our intrepid blog followers, Carson Scheller and his daughter Lauren recently returned from competing in the La Carrera Panamericana and wanted to share some photos and thoughts from Lauren's blog along the way.

It was the 25th running of the modern "La Carrera Panamericana" thru main-land Mexico, seven days, 3000kms, unlimited speed sections on public roads. In Carson's words, "Hee Haa!"  Lauren was the co-piloto and navigator on the adventure. In what you ask? How about the ol' girl as Carson calls her, a 1954 4000lb. Ford Victoria running a "Y" block V8. They ran in the original Pan Am class which included cars from 1940-1954 that could have run in the early days of the race. There are, of course, other classes for cars such as Mustangs, Cadillacs, Vettes and later Porsche 356 models and even 911s, but nothing newer than 1970.

Carson and Lauren book-it around the corner in the 'ol girl.


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Some Shameless Photo PR...for my buddy Norm

With "Cars and Coffee" gatherings popping up on every corner, Norm the Nikon (that's my camera)and I headed out. It was announced that they were going to hold an informal photo competition, and before I knew it, Norm started clicking away. So, here is one of his shots.


Now for the shameless self promotion. Their Facebook page is collecting "Like" votes on nine different photographs. I'll even go as far to ask for your vote (on Norms behalf of course). All you need to do is click on their link and hit "like" for his shot. I'm usually not into this kinda stuff...but all the Turkey for Thanksgiving made me do it. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/cbadcars#!/photo.php?fbid=10151099666436975&set=a.10151097121796975.427917.93358016974&type=1&theater

Those of you that have already voted, thanks for your support and to show our gratitude, Norm will see that there is a new Porsche GT3 in your driveway this Christmas.

To share a comment, click here. And don't forget to share this with a friend.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Finding the Right Mustang...

In 1965, I thought the coolest ride you could be seen in was a Shelby Mustang GT350...never got one. But those of you that may be looking for a Mustang, not a GT350, read on. It's a guest post by Brian Hale on the different generations of Ford's iconic model.


Finding the Right Mustang for you...
By Brian Hale 

Finding the right Mustang for you is more than simply a process of choosing a vehicle off the lot. Mustang buyers have the option of choosing from each of the 5 generations of Mustang vehicles manufactured through the years. Identifying your driving personality will help you choose the best version for your lifestyle.

Via, Ford Motor Corp.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Sippin' and Pickin'...

On a recent trip north, and deciding to stop for an iced tall neck and do some slow sipping in the small town of San Miguel, some unexpected finds loomed ahead. One was the Elkhorn Bar, the second oldest continuous of its kind in California. Was I there to save a sorry soul or look for the promised land? No, it was just blazin' hot out in a non-air ride.

After a burger and brew while exiting the door one could only notice across the highway a weathered old wooden cross hammered into the dirt surrounded by faded plastic flowers living on morning dew  and dying on sunlight. Was it an Elkhorn local that never made it to the other side? I would never know, as I spotted an aging soldier of a brick building down the seemingly abandoned street with an "Antiques" sign nailed to the front.

With time to spare, how could one not investigate? Through the creaking door, what would be found, maybe an automotive pickers paradise?

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Steve McQueen, the Porsche 908 and Holtville...

In February of 1970 Steve McQueen stormed an SCCA National event at a little known track called Holtville, in the Southern California desert taking a first in the "A" Sports Racing class. So what, you ask? Well, he also knocked two seconds off the track record set by well known driver Scooter Patrick in an Alfa 33.

A little background on Holtville. It was a deserted World War II air field located a little northeast of the town of Holtville. Where's Holtville?  About 10 miles east of El Centro, and about 10 miles north of the Mexican border. Made out of slab concrete, with nothing around for miles, it was the perfect place for SCCA to hold races starting in the mid-sixties. But, how did Steve McQueen come to race there with a Porsche 908? Read on.

A family affair at Holtville; Neile, Chad and Terry with Steve before the race.
 Images via McQueen archives.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Oh Lord, where's my Mercedes-Benz...

Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz.
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends.
So oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz.
...Janis Joplin...
 
 
In the song, Janis asks the Lord to buy her a Mercedes-Benz, a color TV because "Dialing for Dollars" was trying to find her, and a "night on the town." I'm not sure if she had much luck with all of that, however...this was a "Day on the town" at the 2012 Del Mar Concours for long time friends, Skip and Leslie Shirley. They showed up to present a pristine 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for the onlookers.
 
Skip manages and prepares some of Tom Davidson's beautiful cars, the 300SL is just one of them. The '55 is clad in "Stone Gray" with a "Lipstick" leather interior, matching luggage and factory Rudge knock off wheels. Knowing they follow the blog, the camera just had to come along in my hands to record the car. So here are a few shots...