Getting Nostalgic...

With the first of the year rolling up on us, you know, "Auld Lang Syne,"...I started getting a little nostalgic and wondering what an ol' friend is up to. Do you do that too? For me, I'm speaking about Dick Barbour, one of the blog followers. Dick and I crossed paths back in 1966, just as he was starting his racing career. He went on to have quite some time at road racing, with some very badass guys! Guys such as Brian Redman, Rolf Stommelen, John Fitzpatrick, Paul Newman and more. Not bad! But foremost, on the long list of accomplishments are his team's 3 consecutive overall or class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Anyway, getting a little nostalgic, here's a shot of him competing in one of his first races in his first race car, a Porsche Roadster, a photo that I don't think he's ever seen. It was taken at San Diego Stadium during an SCCA National race in 1967 running in EP.



Image via blog follower, Steve Grosekemper. Sadly, photographer unknown.

Highway Chile...

I'm missin' fins, chrome and a little two-tone...

In a world of cookie cutter cars with non-soul-stirring colors that mirror each other like siamese twins, where has creativity gone? It almost seems that thinking different, is akin to being a malcontent when it comes to our rides. Maybe it's time get out, run around the block to get some fresh air and come back to the computer to look at some of my blogging buddies photos to bring back a little sunshine.

These shots are from Bill Garrett and you can find more on his blog at: Garrettero Kustom Photography. Or connect with him on his Facebook page.

And He Said...Ho, Ho, Ho!

It's that time of year for me to say, a large "Thank You" to all subscribers to the blog.  In my mind, "Along For The Ride" is meant to be a place to come, relax and get away from everyday life, if only for a short time. A place to read about cool car stuff.

Of interest, the number of viewers keeps growing, well over what I thought it would hit at this point, at last count, 177,000. So, even though not every post may trip everyones trigger, there does seem to be something that keeps you guys coming back. Good! Don't forget, there is always a place to comment on each post when you have time. It's always interesting to look over what readers have to say.

For this post, did you expect me to put some ol' car photo with a Christmas Tree strapped to the top like every other car blog does? I say...#%@* no! Notice I cleaned up my writing because of the Holiday. So, here's one on how the kids got into the Christmas spirit in Los Angeles, years ago before it became politically incorrect.

The Bookmobiles were used in communities to spread the word of healthy reading before libraries could be built or to supplement schools. I can remember the thrill of climbing up into one of them to look for something automotive. Almost as much of a thrill as when the "Good Humor" or "Helms Bakery" trucks rolled into my hood.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!

Don't Make Me Smile...

"Cheese," "Whiskey," "Smile," and other mouthy encouragements are calls from photographers, except in the case of rock musicians, where it's important for onlookers to think rock is a serious business. As Magnus remarked, "I'm smilin' on the inside," just before I snap the shutter...indeed he is.

Los Angeles Auto Show 2012 hits the Road...

On the West Coast, the auto affair not to miss is the L.A. Auto Show.  "Press days" presented a perfect time to grab photos without hoards of onlookers.

The show is the first North American show of the season leading into 2013, and hosts some of the industry's most important new vehicle debuts, nearly 50 in all. One of those was the BMW i8 Spyder hybrid roadster and the Jaguar F-TYPE convertible, as well as the SLS AMG Black Series Mercedes-Benz. Porsche had the new 911 Carrera 4 which was first shown at the Paris International Motor Show in September, distinguished by its prominent broad rear section and a red light strip between the rear lights, with its typical all-wheel drive layout. The big debut however, for Porsches ultra-stark and all white display, was the next generation Cayman covered in the last post.

The green categories were also well represented with Fiat's first electric 500e vehicle, Chevrolet's Spark EV, Ford's C-MAX, Focus Electric and Honda's Accord plug-in hybrid.  The show also included  debuts of compact performance, with unveiling's such as the North American debut of the cool Mini Paceman and Clubvan, as well as the sweet 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible in their  retro "Go-Go" display.

 It may be no surprise, but I'm more interested in the performance side of the market rather than grocery getter's when the new models go public...cars like the Viper, Shelby 500, and Dodge's. So, needless to say my camera was leaning to the "Put you back in the seat type of rides." Check out the photos...



A sweet SRT Viper...

Porsche Cayman World Premiere ... L.A. Auto Show 2012 ...

"Along For The Ride" went to the Los Angeles Auto Show for Press Days, the first of three posts will be on what Porsche has to offer. Then another post on other Manufacturers and a final one on a cool after hours gathering of enthusiasts.

But first, what the show had to offer. Nearly 50 vehicle debuts on Nov. 28-29 when it opened for Press Days. The show hosted world debuts ranging from electric vehicles to performance and luxury designs from a global array of the world's top automakers. The number of debuts and strong representation from the world's key auto manufacturing regions underscore both the rebounding strength of the industry as well as the importance of the Show as a launch venue. Coverage of the unveiling's promised to be extensive thanks to 25 press conferences and registered media from over 50 countries. There was no disappointment there. Never the less, now on to Porsche.

L.A. Auto Show Burns to the Ground...

Look forward to three upcoming posst on the L.A. Auto Show. I was there soaking up with discriminating gusto what was truly badass. Cool cars, road rockets, not the grocery getter's. But first, as I spend time working on the photos taken for the posts, a little history.

The 1929 L.A. Auto Show before openning (March 3rd). Image via Los Angeles Times.

It's hard to see in the image (March 6th), but there is a balloon flying overhead in the upper left corner with a banner that reads, "See the new Oldsmobile now on display." Image via Los Angeles Times.

In 1929, a fire destroyed the L.A. Auto Show that was being held in large tents at the corner of Washington and Hill streets. The twelve-story building at the back of the second image, still stands today.

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