Tag Archives: Chevrolet

SEMA Collector Car Appreciation Day Is Today

July 14, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Any day is a good day to drive a classic car, but Friday July 14th will be exceptionally good. That is the day that SEMA will celebrate their annual Collector Car Appreciation Day. This will mark the eighth year that SEMA seeks to acknowledge the vital impact classic cars and their owners contribute to America.

The US Senate has passed resolutions noting the collector car celebratory day each year. SEMA is encouraging collector car owners to set up special cruises or events to mark this day (or even the whole month of July, since many might not be able to participate on a workday.)

So expect an interesting view in the employee parking lots this Friday. And if you don’t have a classic to drive consider these three iconic cars. They’ll always be popular and cool

32 Ford Deuce

The truly iconic looking roadster has been celebrated on US stamps and is an eye catcher, although driving “topless’ in July’s heat may not be the best choice. A roadster by definition has no top and no side windows. It was designed to be fast and look cool. Mission accomplished.

Corvette convertible

Hard to go wrong with any year of America’s sportscar. To down weather is here and the Corvette’s are meant for the open road.

57 Chevy

The display of chrome and sharp angles is a classic look for the late 50’s and reflects our interest in the upcoming Space Age. The 1957 model was the last year of the “tri-five” Chevys and some might say it was the best of all three years. There are always a ready supply of parts for these Chevys and plenty of reference materials. Plus restored vehicles are readily available.

Some may say that any day is a good day to drive a classic. Plus driving these cars are good for them and you! So take a cruise in a classic today and everyday!

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Car show, Uncategorized

Arizona Concours D’Elegance Shuts Down

May 20, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Arizona Concours D’Elegance

Last month the Arizona Concours D’Elegance regretfully announced that after a successful four year run, they were discontinuing the show. Held at the beginning of Arizona Auction week in January on the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore, they drew a diverse collection of cars, in unique classes. The grounds at the Biltmore made for a great background for those cars too.

Arizona Concours D’Elegance Accomplishments

Over the years we’ve covered the event and met a great group of car owners and volunteers. The show was able to raise over $300,000 for their designated charity, Make A Wish. So in many measures it was a success. But without support from sponsoring companies with deep pockets, the organizing board opted to shut down the show.

Here are some links to previous coverage

2017 Coverage

2016 Winners and More Coverage in 2016

2015 Coverage

Arizona Auction Week

Arizona Auction Week will be held next year from January 14-21, 2018. Last year seven different companies had auctions in the area. It is hard to imagine but over $260 million of dollars traded hands in one week; buying and selling American and imported metal and fiberglass, with nearly 3,500 vehicles available to buy. These Arizona auctions are highly anticipated; setting the tone for the classic car market for the year.

Here is the text of the board’s notice –

Thank you

We are humbled by the critical acclaim bestowed upon the Arizona Concours d’Elegance over the past four years by the public, the media and our participants. However, the long-term success of events such as the Arizona Concours is built on sustained corporate support. Although the event has been a critical success, it unfortunately has not established the financial foundation necessary to support it sustainably into the future.

There will not be a 2018 Arizona Concours d”Elegance.

Our sincerest gratitude goes to the dedicated Concours Committee, many faithful volunteers, our wonderful entrants and judges, as well as numerous sponsors.

We thank every one of those who have supported us with your investment of time, talent, enthusiasm and resources. You all have been directly responsible for raising more than $300,000 for Make-A-Wish® Arizona, enabling the granting of more than 30 wishes for young people who face the most serious of life’s challenges.

“In the beginning, we set out to achieve a word-class Concours and an event that would positively impact the lives of children in need. The group of people responsible for the Arizona Concours take great pride in what has been achieved and we thank all of those who worked so hard to make this, our dream, a reality. As Dr. Seuss said, ‘Don’t cry because it is ending…be happy because it happened!’” Kevin Cornish, executive director of the Arizona Concours

Arizona will miss all of your efforts and benefits

Auctions, Uncategorized

Alumatub by Boyd Coddington Sells at Barrett-Jackson

January 18, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Alumatub, Boyd Coddington’s third all aluminum build sells at the Barrett-Jackson auction this week. This was the third in a series of aluminum bodied customs that Coddington produced. The top can come off to allow for a roadster feel.

Alumatub Specs

This one is powered by a Chevy small block 350 and sends power to the back through a Chevrolet TH350 transmission with a quick change rear end. The body work was done by famed master Marcel‘s Custom Metal and is hard to believe this was hand formed and not stamped out on a press. Our friends at Hot Rod sure loved it.

Alumatub Build

This hand crafted Boyd Coddington build was showcased on his TV show, “American Hot Rod” TV series which can still be seen on the Discovery Channel. After Coddington’s untimely death, it was thought that his builds would increase in value as his output was now finalized.

Alumatub Prices

Alumatub first sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2005 to Ron Pratte with a listed price, including commissions, of $170,500. He sold it ten years later for $187,000 in 2015. The current owner is selling this year and it’ll be interesting to see what it sells for.

Any guesses?

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Auctions

Hennessey Venom GT Selling at Barrett-Jackson

January 11, 2017 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Steven Tyler’s 2012 Hennessey Venom GT convertible is selling next week at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Tyler, from American Idol and Aerosmith fame, bought the first convertible that Hennessey built and is donating the proceeds to a child abuse group- Janie’s Fund which he created.

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder

The Hennessey VENOM GT convertible holds the top speed record for convertibles at 270.49 mph, set in 2014 at the Houston Space Center. 0-60 times is a scorching 2.7 seconds while the 0-200 mph time is a “sedate” 14.5 seconds. Hennessey Venom GT Front View

Hennessey Specs

How did Hennessey created such a speed demon? Take a 7 liter V-8 (Gm’s 427 ci LSX engine) and add twin turbos to created 1244 horsepower. Craft the mid-engine convertible out of carbon fiber, sitting on a composite/aluminum monocoque frame so it weighs in at 2,743 pounds. It is actually based on the Lotus Exige.

The car has a Ricardo 6 speed manual transmission, Brembo six piston brakes, electric assisted rack and pinion steering and adjustable coil overs. The car even has a JL Audio system. Hennessey Venom GT Rear view

It’ll be interesting to see what this supercar sells for at Friday’s auction spot. What’s your guess for the hammer price on this Hennessey Venom GT?

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Car show

Engraved 64 Chevrolet Impala SS

September 15, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Let’s take a look at this 1964 Chevrolet Impala recently seen at a San Diego, CA car show and check off some boxes.

1964 Impala SS Check

Low Rider with a wicked stance Check

Fantastic plaint job Check

Chrome work Check and Double CHECK it out!

Yep, that chrome has been engraved upon! Anything that was dipped in chrome is engraved including the hood latch which is normally closed as you cruise the boulevard.

Engraving a car’s chrome is a tedious and time consuming work and if you thought a cowboy belt buckle was intricate, take a look at this workmanship. That takes detailing to a whole new level.

1964 Chevrolet Impala

The car is a wicked looking 1964 Chevy Impala SS, which by itself would be a keeper. Add on a trick paint job and throw in that “in the weeds,” low rider stance and you have a winner. But the engraving took it over the top. What do you think?

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Uncategorized

Classic Car- Drive it or Store it?

June 30, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

It is a continuing dilemma for the classic car market. You run across a collectible car with ridiculously low mileage. The car owner may even be asking for a premium for such a low mileage beauty. The car probably comes with every artifact that came from the factory. But here is the dilemma. Do you buy the car and continue to keep it in storage and keep the odometer from rolling up? Or do you say the car was meant to be driven and keep the pedal to the metal, as the numbers on the odometer tick up?

There is an adage in collector car circles, that a car can only be original once. Similarly the car can only have that low odometer reading once too. Some fans will argue that to appreciate the car it needs to be driven and enjoyed. But they acknowledge that by doing so, the value will tank. Others will argue it can be enjoyed while staying intact in the garage. What to do?

This 2003 Corvette is a perfect example of this conundrum. The first owner appears to have taken exceptional care of this stored classic. He says he started the car every couple of months to circulate the fluids and moved the car every 4-6 months, to avoid flat spotting the tires. He has all the marketing materials and even kept the interior lined in the factory plastic protective wrap. His “Buy It Now” price of $44,900 certainly is a premium to other models that sell with loads more miles showing.

The 2003 Corvette marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic nameplate and was highly sought after. There is even a registry just for these cars. List price was probably over $56,000 and some dealers were aggressive in marking up these 50th Anniversary Editions. 11,632 of these Anniversary Red metallic C-5’s were made and occasionally you can find one with less than 20,000 miles; but this convertible has only 57 original miles!

So do you buy it and start driving it? After all the posting does say – “Drive it home if you want. It’s ready to go.” Or maintain it as is, and keep the low miles?

Let us know what you would do if you were the new owner.

Please note images in this post is NOT the car for sale

Car show, Uncategorized

Arizona Concours d’Elegance – More Classic Winners

February 16, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

As promised here are some more award winners, focused on Detroit born, from the Arizona Concours d’Elegance. This event was held last month on the grounds of the Biltmore Hotel and helped kick off an eventful week of car auctions in the Phoenix, Arizona region. Glad to see this event helps raise money for a great cause as well.

At this show was an entry from Gordon Apker, a noted classic car collector, who unfortunately died recently and was mentioned here. We’ll miss this class act and a knowledgeable classic car enthusiast.

1933 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

I just love this marquee and the boat tail is instantly recognizable among classic car fans. The paint scheme on this is just eye catching. This Auburn won a Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture Award. The car is a 12-165 Salon Model. Even back then, cars came with over drive like this beauty!

1957 Chevy Bel Air – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

I wasn’t expecting to see this classic at the Concours, let alone win second for the Post -War American class. It is a traditional convertible and it was freshly restored. Popular paint choice and neat power plant motored this baby along.

1963 Chrysler 300

I was surprised that this didn’t win an award, especially with the focus on the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. But nevertheless it was brought out from the Martin Museum and was originally offered by Chrysler to commemorate the 62 Indy Pace Car honors. Our friends at Old Cars Weekly recently featured a similar car as their car of the week.

1937 Cord – Arizona Concours d’Elegance Winner

Speaking of Auburns, it makes it hard to ignore this Cord. This Westchester is a rare, low production model and was one of the last made before the Auburn Automobile Company closed down in late 1937.

Hope you enjoyed this review. Which was your favorite?

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Corvette Summer INSPIRED Model by Gas Monkey Garage

January 27, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Fans of Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman from Fast N’ Loud will recall that a recent episode featured a Corvette that was in the style of the 1972 Corvette featured in the Mark Hamill (before Star Wars fame) movie “Corvette Summer”.

Corvette Summer

Let’s set things straight right away. The original Corvette from that movie was a right hand drive. Clearly the car that Gas Monkey Garage bought is a left hand drive car. So in the words of the Barrett-Jackson website for the car listing – “‘Corvette Summer’ inspired this car offered by Gas Monkey Garage.”

So if you didn’t listen closely to the episode or read careful the placards you may think differently. Never the less it is an interesting look.

Corvette Summer Inspired

The “growth” coming out of the hood is not even a grill or opening but has vinyl simulating an opening.

Somebody did take some time to craft a look a-like; but since it isn’t even a right hand drive I wouldn’t even try to call it a clone or re-creation.

If you follow the show on the Discovery Channel you know what they paid. It goes on the auction block on Friday, so we can see how well Richard does on the car right away.

What do you think Flip or Flop?

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Gas Monkey Garage 68 Corvette Hot Wheels

January 25, 2016 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Gas Monkey Garage has made some outrageous builds, but this season’s Hot Wheels 68 Corvette might take the cake. And you can take it home, if you score the winning bid at the Barrett-Jackson Auction on Saturday, January 30, 2016.

Gas Monkey Garage

The stars of “reality TV’s” Fast N’ Loud – Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman – took a clean 68 Corvette that had a big block 427 cubic inch engine with a four speed and slapped on a Weiand blower to stick out of the hood.

The exhaust sticks out of the side as well. But the gold flake paint job and the wide rear fender flares really help to set this Corvette off for Gas Monkey Garage. The red line tires scream period correct and are a nice choice mated to the US Mags.

Gas Monkey Garage and Hot Wheels

The story for television was that Mattel’s Hot Wheels wanted Gas Monkey Garage to design and build a car that they could feature as a model. I’m thinking a line of exclusive Gas Monkey themed model cars coming soon to toy stores everywhere.

So the successful bidder can take the car back to his garage and soon have a Hot Wheels version as well. Or the losing bidders may just have to settle for the Mattel version, which probably gets better gas mileage.

1968 Hot Wheels Corvette

We have highlighted Gas Monkey Garage at the Barrett-Jackson Auction before. They always draw a crowd around their cars, once the show hit the cable “airwaves”.

Personally I think the Corvette begs to have a set of chrome side pipes slapped on it, but who asked me? I am asking you to post up what you think the winning bid will be. For the eagle eyed viewers, Craig Jackson is in one of shots in the slideshow below. Where’s Craig?

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Car show

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Shows Off at SEMA

December 20, 2015 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) holds an evening reception during the SEMA Show. And while I enjoy meeting up with old buddies and making new friends, I also enjoy checking out the cars that were handpicked to be displayed at the reception.

A total of six cars and trucks were highlighted this year, so let’s take a look at these beauties.

HRIA – 55 T-Bird

From NASCAR’s” hometown” Mooresville, NC came this 55 Thunderbird in silver hues. A tube chassis mated up to a stock floor pan. It has a Ford Coyote 5.0 L 302 under the hood and Tremec six speed, with Vintage Air Conditioning and nice Halibrand knock off wheels.

HRIA – 63 Corvette

This convertible Corvette is powered by a Chevy small block 355 with a five speed Tremec. A slick set of Inglese side draft carburetors looked mean and it borrowed some C4 chassis components and a C5’s brake set up. The blue color was an added touch.

HRIA – 55 Ford

Another Texas build, this one used an Art Morrison chassis and a 528 Boss engine with a TKO 600 transmission. Knock of wheels looked nice with that stance and Gabe’s Interiors did the upholstery.

HRIA – 59 Rambler

I never get tired looking at this beauty. It was a Great Eight finalist for the Ridler Award in Detroit. The 2 door wagon features a LS small block with Hemi heads and a supercharger. Gabe’s did this interior as well and a Mesa, AZ shop did the work, including over 30 body modifications.

HRIA – 70 Challenger

This blue beauty hailed from Mooresville, NC as well and used a 4L60E transmission with an Edelbrock EFI set up. Lots of custom work went into shaping those bumpers and changing the rocker panels by lowering them.

HRIA- 69 Chevy C-10

In acknowledgement that trucks can be hot rods and the C-10 is a hot model, out rolled this nice 1969 Chevy. It has a LSX engine (461 ci) with a supercharger and a Tremec six speed. The Roadster Shop supplied the chassis and the owner claims 1000 horsepower with this set up.

So a nice collection of vehicles helped make for a great evening with the Hot Rodders. They gave out some nice awards and acknowledgements. Can’t wait to meet up with them next year.

So what vehicle struck your heart?