Tag Archives: car show

Car show, Uncategorized

Copperstate 1000 Rally Celebrates Route 66

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What do you do with a classic car? Drive it, of course! For more than 80 owners, the enjoyment of classic cars came from participating in the Copperstate 1000, held in Arizona in April 2026.Copperstate-2026

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is fitting that this spring’s tour covered a substantial portion of Route 66’s asphalt in Northern Arizona. Adding to the intrigue, the actual route is kept secret until participants arrive at the rally. This year, over 80 vehicles participated, stopping in Seligman, Peach Springs, Flagstaff, and, of course, Winslow (Standing on the corner).Copperstate-1000-1966-Shelby-GT350

Route 66 History

Route 66 was the main highway traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles. Okay, technically to Santa Monica if you want to be specific. There are plenty of festivals celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Plenty of caravans, both organized and individual, are taking the full route. So routing the Copperstate 1000 to hit the Mother Road makes sense.Route-66

Copperstate 1000 Eligibility

Vehicle eligibility is generally limited to 1973 and older models, with clones, tributes, and reproduction vehicles specifically excluded. The featured cars include American muscle cars and foreign speedsters, creating an eclectic mix. Interestingly, this year I noticed a few later-model entries that were granted exemptions. This is the 36th rally, typically held in April.Copperstate-1000-1959-Jaguar-XK150

Plenty of eye candy was on display before the cars left from Tempe, Arizona. I always enjoy the fact that these owners want to take these beauties out on the road and have the confidence to tour Arizona’s roads in these classics.

Copperstate 1000 Takes Off

During the event, the rally cars are staged in the stadium’s ball field and sent off individually, with crowds enjoying seeing and hearing these classics roar down the route. After their journey, the cars returned to Scottsdale, AZ, on Wednesday, April 15, for their awards dinner.Copperstate-1000-Frequent-Flyer

It is nice to see classics being driven and cruising the roads. Take a look at some of the entries and let us know which is your favorite.

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© 2026 Route 66 PubCo

Detailing, Uncategorized

Mothers VLR to the Rescue

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A cracked dashboard often becomes an ugly eyesore, caused by too much sun exposure from damaging UV rays and heat. Cracks ruin your interior’s look and likely spread over time. You can repair a cracked dashboard, but you can also take plenty of steps to prevent cracking. That ounce of prevention definitely pays off. Choose Mothers VLR to maintain the look and feel of your dashboard and other surfaces.Mothers-VLR-and-cloth

Mothers

Mothers provides an extensive lineup of car care products for consumers and detailers. You will find them in auto parts stores as well as mass retailers like Target and Wal-Mart and on-line. The VLR – Vinyl-Leather-Rubber – offers a three-in-one solution to help you preserve your padded dashboard. The thick white gel sprays out and needs to be rubbed into the surface. Spray a small amount directly onto the surface or onto a cloth, then rub it in thoroughly. When you use it in moderation, you avoid excess residue. Simply buff the surface with another cloth, and you’re all set. Work on small areas at a time to be amazed by the look and feel. The product even has a pleasing scent and no harsh chemical smell.Mothers-VLR-gel

Mothers VLR

Mothers VLR is made with neatsfoot oil and lanolin, two old-school leather-care ingredients, so you know the stuff is made right. Mothers states that their VLR “quickly and easily cleans, conditions and protects a wide variety of vinyl, leather and rubber surfaces. This pro-strength, pH-balanced formula cleans even the most stubborn ground-in dirt, soil, and stains.”

Like many leather care products, the team at Mothers cautions you not to use it on split leather, suede, or similar coarse materials. We especially like using it on all the black trim on new cars. It restores faded trim to a deep black, resists washing off, and lasts for months.mothers-VLR

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Car show

Goodguys Shakes It Up

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The Goodguys Rod and Custom Association is known for their nationwide car shows. From March through November each year, they stage enormous car shows across the nation. Besides the car show and awards, there is plenty to do at a show. Check out parts and cars for sale, vendor displays, listen to some music, and take in some autocross action. There is loads to do!

We have attended and covered the local shows in Scottsdale, Arizona, for years. Always a great time.

AMBR-winner

Goodguys Tries Something New

But this year, the smart folks at Goodguys are trying out something new. Seven of their events are being held over two days. That’s right, the shows are being held only on Friday and Saturday, instead of the traditional three-day show. To be honest, at some past events, the Sunday show was weak.

Here’s why Sunday shows can be poorly attended.  At a three-day show, out-of-towners are eager to head home. Most of the show and events can be covered in the first two days, so skipping Sunday gives them a head start on their travels. Makes sense to Goodguys and to me.Got-Flames

Some 3-Day Shows

Recently, the Del Mar show was the first of the three-day shows. Even with Sunday threatening bad weather, the crowds and cars didn’t stay away. Now Goodguys is still keeping the three-day spectaculars where the crowds and venue suggest a good fit. The final Scottsdale show will still be a three-day event: November 20-22, 2026.

It’s encouraging to see Goodguys embrace innovation and change. However, shows with strong attendance will likely remain three-day events. View the Goodguys schedule to find upcoming dates and locations near you.Neato

Check out some of the standout cars and trucks we saw at their 16th Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 13-14, 2026.

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Mesa Cars and Coffee at Dana Park

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There are plenty of Cars and Coffee events in Arizona. Especially the Saturday before the car auctions crank up the heat. But the cruise in at Dana Park continues to expand and engage with more car owners and onlookers.Corvette-topless

The organizers for the cars and coffee sum up their efforts well. The “Mesa Cars & Coffee is The Valley’s favorite morning car show and gathering of automotive spirit, happening the third Saturday of every month September thru April. Cruise in, park, and have a good time!”Ford

We have covered cars and coffee in the Phoenix region for years, and it keeps getting bigger and better.

It seems that each month gets better and better. Plus, they have three more months before the hot summer days chase them away to re-group and get better.  That’s right, they shut down after their final show for the season in April 2026. Tpyota-Down-Low

But still leave yourself three months to mark your calendar and roll out of bed after 7 AM. The event closes at 10 AM, so no excuse for no-shows!

See ya’ there.

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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

 

Detailing, Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Mothers Ceramic Paint Correction

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Mothers recently released a new lineup of car care products with a familiar ingredient—ceramic. Ceramic is all the rage, as both DIYers and professionals now consider detailing their vehicles with ceramic-based products. Many claims are tied to ceramic, focused on protection, long wear, and durability. Mothers has developed three ceramic products under their California Gold label: Wash and Wax, Paint Correction, and Spray Wax.

Mothers Ceramic Paint Correction

Mothers offered us a set of products to try, and we checked out their Ceramic Paint Correction. It comes in a 12-ounce squeeze bottle with a twist-top applicator/dispenser. The white fluid has a mild texture—not gritty at all. Mothers claims it “cuts and polishes in one step.”

Before paint CorrectionBefore Paint Correction

First, we “primed” our medium polishing pad with some detailing spray. Then, we applied four dime-sized spots of the Ceramic Paint Correction on the pad. Then, we placed the pad on our test panel and reapplied the polish in three other spots. This method avoids having too much product in one spot and avoids slinging off some product when the DA orbital polisher is used. After a horizontal pass across the panel, we went over it with a vertical pass. Then, remove the polish with a clean microfiber. I was impressed that there was little dust from the polishing effort.DA-Pad

Applied Paint CorrectionPaint Correction Outcome

Although the car was not clayed, it was noticeably smoother and slicker after the Paint Correction. We have some hairline scratches/mar in the paint, and there was a noticeable improvement. With a more aggressive pad and some more time, even those hairline scratches would disappear. But the panel itself had a noticeable difference in the depth of the paint, and the shine was apparent.After Paint Correction

The directions from Mothers say to apply and buff until clear and clean. Then, while still wet, remove it with a new cloth or microfiber. Expect to pay around $18 for the bottle at most auto parts shops. Since you use it sparingly, the bottle is more than sufficient for most vehicles. Mothers indicates that their product cuts, corrects, and restores, and that seems to be the case for this easy-to-use product.

When Mothers offered us the products to sample, there was no commitment to how we would sample or report on the lineup. We do not offer any affiliate links, and our opinions are not impacted by Mothers or any other organization or group.

Follow along as we try out the other ceramic products from Mothers. We are always trying out new products, such as brushes and chemicals.

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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

Car show, Uncategorized

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance 2025

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Combine great spring weather with the iconic scenery of La Jolla, California, and classic cars, add you end up with the 19th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. This year, the event drew 15,000 guests for the three-day celebration. One hundred twenty-two cars graced the grounds of Scripps Park.La Jolla Concours

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Theme

This year’s theme—Mascots in Motion—was a nod to the hood ornaments that were often at the forefront of the car’s styling cues. The series of car events took place April 25-27, 2025.La Jolla Concours

The Best of Show award went to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing that the owner has owned since 1977. It had undergone a four-year restoration by a San Diego shop.La Jolla Concours Best of Show

3 Days of Events

The event kicked off on Friday evening with an opening on the lawn. Saturday offered a cruise for 75 of these vintage pieces of art. Later, a collection of nearly 90 Porsches and hypercars was on display. The concours started early on Sunday morning, allowing the judges ample time to critique the classics. At the same time, the curious could walk by a showing of additional cars at the adjacent La Jolla Motor Car Classic. The concours split the cars into eleven classes, with extra “best of” awards.La Jolla Concours Porsche

Here is our coverage of the 2024 show

The 20th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will return April 24-26, 2026. Make your plans now, you won’t be disappointed. In the mean time check out some of our favorite cars at the show

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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

Photos courtesy La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

Auctions, Car show

Baseball Signatures Collection on a BMW

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Many people have an autograph from their favorite personality or sports star. It gives a personal connection between the fan and the player. Imagine if you could combine a love of major league baseball and automobiles. What would the ultimate outcome be? Perhaps a 2000 BMW Z3 roadster with 647 signatures from major league baseball players.2000-BMW-Z3

Baseball Players’ Signatures

In 2000, the Houston Astros purchased a new BMW roadster and asked the visiting players to sign a portion of the car. Owners, managers, and other team officials also signed. The result was a car covered with 647 signatures, including the legendary Hank Aaron.

After the season, the signatures were covered with a clear coat to maintain the autographs. Then, it was auctioned off for the Hank Aaron Foundation charity. The car was housed in California until it was sold to a Canadian collector and is now offered for sale at the January 2025 Barrett-Jackson auction.Pirates-MLB

BMW Z3

The car hits a home run for car enthusiasts. The Z3 has a five-speed manual transmission mated to a string 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine. The car is ready for more fun miles, having only rolled 6,670 digits since new. The Z3 was only produced by BMW from 1995-2002 and offered as a coup and a roadster. Despite the BMW marquee, it was produced in South Carolina.Hank-Aaron-Autograph

While looking over the car, seeing and deciphering the MLB signatures is neat. The current owner has details on all the signatures. The Yankees won the 2000 World Series, so their signatures hold extra meaning for some fans.

Barrett-Jackson Auction

Imagine having a collection of 600+ signatures from major league baseball players and a car to display them on.MLB-Autographs

Follow along on this blog, and we will update the results when it is sold.

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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

 

Car show, Uncategorized

2024 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

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In April, the 8th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance was held high above the Pacific coastline. Beautiful weather, beautiful cars, and great camaraderie. How can you go wrong?

113 automobiles competed in thirteen classes, including sixteen specialty awards.20240420_LJC-Tour-HL_73

La Jolla Concoursd’Elegance  Showcase 1920-30s

Instead of featuring a single Marque, the 2024 La Jolla Concours featured cars from the 1920s and 1930s, including Duesenbergs, Packards, Bentleys, and others. Seeing these cars in person and up close showed what style and craftsmanship were like nearly 100 years ago. The ‘Best in Show’ was awarded to the William Lyon family’s pristine 1934 Packard Twelve.20240421_LJC-BestinShow_04

The three-day event kicked off with a welcoming party on Friday night. On Saturday, the cars could go on a cruise through San Diego, including a swing into a local Cars and Coffee event, and enjoy “Porsches on Prospect,” a display along La Jolla’s street life. Of course, Sunday was reserved for the actual show, with plenty of food, live music, and libations to enjoy, along with the expanse of sheet metal.20240421_LJC-Sunday-HL_41

Show Charities

The 18th Annual La Jolla Concours proceeds will go towards the La Jolla Historical Society, which preserves the rich history of the village of La Jolla. In addition to the La Jolla Historical Society, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance benefits several additional local community non-profit partners each year.20240421_LJC-Sunday-HL_31

Enjoy checking out some of our favorite entries to this year’s showcase.

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Photos courtesy of La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Vicari Auction Classic Car Favorites

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The Vicari Auction is held in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 4-7, 2023, as part of Crusin’ the Coast activities. It will be a popular mainstay of activities along “America’s Longest Block Party.” Last year, over 9,600 classic cars registered for the week-long activities along State Highway 90. Besides the cruise-ins at various designated sites, the Vicari Auction is a big highlight of the week, with memorabilia selling on Wednesday and cars selling Thursday -Saturday.

Vicari Auction Favorites

With so many cars on the auction block, many without reserve, it took a lot of work to narrow my choices down. But here are my three favorite cars that should draw some interest at the Vicari Auctions.

1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 at Vicari Auction

Auctioning on Saturday is this beautiful 1969 Jaguar. It is an E-Type Series 2 with a listed odometer reading just north of 100,000 miles. I love the Aztec Bronze color matched with a tan interior. It is outfitted with a three-speed automatic transmission mated to a 4.1-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. It has air conditioning and power brakes. It was previously offered for sale from a dealer, so perhaps Vicari can clinch a deal?1969 Jaguar

 

1956 Chevrolet Corvette

This classic 56 Chevrolet Corvette is a sweet stunner with Tuxedo Black paint, silver coves, and a red vinyl interior. A 350 engine is now under the hood, along with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. This black-topped convertible has a four-barrel carburetor, upgraded rack and pinion power steering, and power brakes.56 Corvette, Vicari Auction

 

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz at Vicari Auction

So when I saw this 1967 Cadillac Eldorado, my heart skipped a beat. It’s listed as a numbers-matching power top convertible with a 365 CID engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual four-barrel carbs are under the hood, and this luxurious car comes with air conditioning and power everything (brakes, steering, and windows). The Eldorado is a classic Cadillac, and a numbers-matching offering is unique. It was offered for sale earlier at the Auburn Auction by Worldwide Auctioneers, but they couldn’t make a deal. Will Vicari hammer it sold?El Dorado Top Up

Let me know which car gets your motor running.

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Photos Courtesy of Vicari Auctions

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Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

EV6 GT from Kia Packs an Electrifying Punch

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The EV6 GT from Kia America, a 576 horsepower all-electric crossover,  was revealed at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. The presence of the EV6 GT alongside supercars from around the world signified that their electric beast was ready to step up with the “big boys”. Monterrey, California hosts a variety of auctions and classic car events in August every year.

The EV6 GT is the most powerful Kia production vehicle and highlighted what the EV6 is capable of. 2023-EV6-GT-rear

The EV6 GT offers a dual-motor power train that sends AWD power to all four wheels.  The 77.4-kWh battery pack powers a punch to a front-mounted 160kW motor, combined with the rear-mounted 270kW motor. That translates to a combined power output of 430 kW (576 hp) and 546 lb.-ft. of torque.2023-EV6-GT-hero

Street performance from an electric KIA EV6 GT

The EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is listed at 161 mph.

The EV6 GT steps up the performance of the EV6 with a sports suspension and electronically controlled dampers. It also comes with an electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) when cornering, by directing torque to the wheels with the most grip. Larger ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2) disc brakes are standard.2023-EV6-GT-interior

With the push of a button on the steering wheel, GT Drive Mode optimizes the performance of the EV6 GT’s motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems into their most dynamic settings. The Kia EV6 GT offers seven driving modes. Drivers can also create custom-tailored settings to suit individual driving preferences using the included “My Drive” Mode.2023-EV6-GT-detail

Electrical specs for the EV6 GT

The EV6 GT features an all-electric range of 206 miles, coupled with 800V fast charging capabilities, which enables drivers to replenish 70 percent of battery capacity in under 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers. Or the owner could use slower chargers from 50 kW to 350kW.  It allows for “Vehicle to Load” functions to power your electrical needs off the grid, powering 1900 watts if necessary.  It also features twenty standard ADAS safety features.

The KIA EV6 GT will grace the showroom floors at the end of this year but don’t wait. They will fly off the dealerships fast.

Would you like one?

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