Tag Archives: Corvette

2024 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

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.

Photos courtesy of La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

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Vicari Auction Classic Car Favorites

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

Make-A-Wish for More Lingenfelter Horsepower

Lingenfelter Eliminator Spec Engine Raffle Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make A Wishdave-kindig-of-kindig-it-design

Ken Lingenfelter is more than crafting innovative engineering into winning performance. He likes to get involved with charity events. Ken Lingenfelter often opens up his private collection for charity events. Now he is helping children with critical illnesses make some life-changing wishes come true through the Make-A-Wish foundation.    

Through a raffle drawing, the proceeds will help children obtain their wishes.   Plus the winner of the raffle takes home a Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Eliminator Spec Engine valued at $30,000.  This engine was built to the same specifications used on the engine for the 1953 Kindig-It CF1 Roadster built by Dave Kindig at Kindig-It-Design.Kindig-It-Design-CF1-Roadster-Drawing

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Eliminator Spec Engine

  • 650 Horsepower
  • Lingenfelter 427 LS Engine
  • Lingenfelter LS3 Ported Heads with LSX Springs
  • Borla 8-Stack Injection
  • Billet Specialties Tru Trac Front Drive
  • Forged & Balanced Rotating Assembly
  • Lingenfelter Roller Camshaft
  • Lingenfelter Certificate of Authenticity
  • Signed by Dave Kindig and Ken Lingenfelter

The Lingenfelter Performance Engineering’s Eliminator Spec Engine Program of custom-built engines are “ENGINEERED FOR THE TRACK, BRED FOR THE STREET.”   Lingenfelter-Make-A-Wish-Eliminator-Spec-Engine-Raffle

To add to the excitement, the winning raffle ticket will be randomly drawn by Dave Kindig, owner of Kindig-It-Design and the star of the hit TV show “Bitchin’ Rides” at the Lingenfelter 21st Annual Blue Suede Cruise on July 30th, 2022.

Be there or Be Square

 The winner does not need to be present to win, but all are welcome to join the fun and meet our celebrity guests, Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele “KevDogg,” for three days of 1978 and older hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars & trick trucks.  It is a great event for the entire family with a car show; fun runs, drag racing, manufacturers midway, great food, live music, fireworks, and a coloring contest for all ages judged by Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele!  It all happens July 29th-31st,  2022 at the Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. 

For details click below

Make-A-Wish Raffle Tickets

Event Info  

Event Tickets

Blue-Suede-Cruise-2022-Logo

 

 

 

High Street Cars and Coffee – Phoenix , AZ

Plenty of places offer a Cars and Coffee format in the Phoenix, AZ region.  Show up in a vacant parking lot, check out some cars that you aren’t likely to see on too many roads, sip some lukewarm coffee and head back out with most of the day still available to you. You could even watch the departing cars and hope to see a dimwit crash his new car when he punches it on the drive out. See how it is done at High Street for March 2021.Boss 302

Like I say there are plenty of places to check out the cars – until COVID-19 struck. Crowds and social distancing don’t mix.  Some meets have had trouble getting city permits or landowner’s permission. But as things loosen up, the shows go on.

High Street Cars and Coffee

Highline Auto magazine has sponsored a show for a while, most recently at the Scottsdale Fashion Center, but for March 2021 they moved to the High Street complex.  This setup involves a long tree-lined boulevard with plenty of street-side parking for the show cars.  Some adjacent restaurants are open for business as well. Exotic

This month’s show had a nice collection of cars, some music from a DJ, some free Bang energy drinks and a vendor was selling donuts too. Nice vibe but even with security in the area, probably less than 50% were wearing masks.Camaro

Cars at High Street Cars and Coffee

Cars varied from a Koenissegg to Corvettes, McLarens to Porsche’s. There were even some classics and some down-low land yachts. Not to mention an older Bronco along with a Bronco Sport for an interesting comparison.Bronco SportBronco

Not sure if this was a one-time location change or a permanent move.  Spectator parking filled up fast along the east side of the area and many folks had to park in a dirt lot, just FYI.

Do you have a favorite Cars and Coffee event?

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Chip Repair for Cars and Trucks – the 2 P’s

Paint chips take a real toll on a car. No matter how careful you are, your car is bound to get a chip from a wayward shopping cart, a door ding, or gravel flying low across the car.  It seems that modern paint is not only expensive but more subject to chips, as many new car makers seem to skimp on the thickness of their paints. But chip repair is easy to do.

To get a quality DIY repair you need to focus on two P’s – Preparation and Paint.  Without sufficient attention to these two prime areas, your chip repair will be less than successful.

Paint Chip Preparation

First, you should evaluate the paint chip or scratch and see what is involved. Did the scratch go all the way to bare metal or is the body piece even made with metal?  If your fingernail can catch on the chip or scratch you have some prep work to do.  Depending on the severity you need to take super fine sandpaper (1000-1500 grit wet) and sand those edges so they are smooth. This will make the paint easier to apply and blend in with the original paint. 

A good quality car wash should be applied around the affected areas. That should remove any surface contaminants. Be sure and remove all existing waxes or sealants by using some isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to remove any car chemicals on the chip area.

Let the area dry and get it in good lighting so you can see what you are doing

Paint for Paint Chip RepairAutomotiveTouchup-Products

You need to make sure that your new paint will match the existing paint. If your car has never been repainted and you bought it new, you should have the listing of what the color and the paint code (a string of letters and numbers) is. If not, look inside of your glove box and see if the information is printed there. As a last resort, your dealership should be able to help you out.

If the car has been re-painted hopefully the painter can tell you the paint code that he “used”. But even if armed with a code, there is no guarantee that he mixed it right. A different vendor or batch of paint can still have differences.

Now you have several choices where you can get your paint. A regular auto paint supply shop could mix up a quantity but they may have a large minimum amount for an order. Plus remember these guys are more apt to make paint up in large volumes, so when you ask for a small 2-ounce bottle of paint they may lack the precise dispensers for such a small quantity. One drop too much may make a huge difference in the final look.

I would suggest that you get your paint from AutomotiveTouchUp. They are a national company that specializes in the rapid shipment of consumer-friendly amounts. They also have advice on their website if you want to review the repair process. With the paint in hand, it is now time to do the touch-up.

Paint Chip Repair

Think small, very small. Rather than apply a large glob of paint your aim is to sneak up on the repair by applying small amounts and let it dry before applying a second level.  The first attempt should get a good portion of the chip covered with each additional layer building up to the final effort.AutomotiveTouchup-Webpage

Let the paint thoroughly dry. At this point, you would apply a clear coat if applicable.  Let dry again and then use a small amount of rubbing compound to get that paint to shine.  Let dry some more. Frankly, for a small job, the paint is not going to emit a lot of fumes (gassing) and you could apply a small amount of wax. If you spray can’d a large panel you will want to let the paint cure for at least one month before applying any wax or sealant.  If you can smell “new” paint still, don’t wax.

With a little time and effort, you can get a great chip repair. Remember the two P’s and take your time. Use quality paint and tools and you will be surprised at the results.

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Cars at Casa – Monthly Car Show

The Cars at Casa is a once a month local car show held in Chandler, Arizona at the Shoppes at Casa Paloma Shopping Center. This car event is sponsored by the center’s Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers and always has a friendly vibe to it.Cars at Casa

Cars at Casa

Since it is held in Arizona it will typically shut down during the summer heat, but the balance of the year it draws a steady crowd. The cars will range from some British relics to traditional muscle cars to current exotics.Cars at Casa

Thanks to COVID-19 masks are required while you sip the coffee and enjoy the cars.Cars at Casa

It is held on the second Saturday of the month from 8-10 AM so if you are in the area check it out.  In the meantime check out the gallery for a sampling of the rides that roll into Cars at Casa.

 

Worldwide Auctioneers Ready for Arizona Auction Week

Arizona Auction week is in full swing and next up is Worldwide Auctioneers with their Wednesday night show in Tempe, AZ. They are setting up shop on a grassy plain and stressing quality over quantity with a nice collection placed inside one spacious tent.

The new site is near two freeways and offers some calm and relaxing vibes. So while they may not have the volume of cars that others will offer, they offer distinctive cars with volumes of documentation.

Worldwide Auctioneers and American Muscle

For this article we’ll focus on some classic American icons that caught our eye.

We’ll bend the rules by including the 2009 Bertone Mantide, since it was based on the Corvette platform. Hard to believe that all this effort was made with only one unit being produced.Bartone Mantide Worldwide Auctioneers

1971 ‘Cuda at Worldwide Auctioneers

A big star will be the 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda. Not only is it a restored convertible but has the ownership provenance of owner/hockey star Ed Belfour. It should prove interesting to see where the market prices a ‘Cuda these days.'Cuda Worldwide Auctioneers

Close behind in popularity (at least with MOPAR guys and gals) will be the 1970 Plymouth Superbird. We love the NASCAR background on these winners and this one has been verified by Galen Govier – the master. Nice color and great looker.Superbird Worldwide Auctioneers

I’m guessing there are more 1969 Camaros flying the Indy pace car colors than were ever actually produced and it seems that every auction has to have one. So check out this RS/SS convertible with all the authentics.Camaro Worldwide Auctioneers

C-10 Chevy Truck Selling at Worldwide Auctioneers

Hey I even love the 1965 Chevy C-10 they brought out. Nicely restored “work” truck with newer internals that can show or go.C-10 Truck Worldwide Auctioneers

There are plenty of others in the slideshow and in person at the auction so check them out.

Care to name a favorite or guess a final price point?

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Cars and Coffee Perks Up for the New Decade

The weather was better than for three fourths of the country as the first Cars and Coffee car show for the decade in Phoenix, Arizona fires up. Scudderia Southwest runs a pretty cool show the first Saturday of each month in north Phoenix (though some mistakenly call it Scottsdale).Cars and Coffee Red Corvette

Cars and Coffee

Cars and Coffee refers to a casual group meet up of cars early on a weekend morning. Get a chance to see some cars and show off without too many rules or issues. Then tear out of the parking lot as the merchants open up for the day and continue on to YOUR chores or perhaps another car show?  We have covered this show before and enjoyed the displays.  Okay we have been covering this event for years like this entry on a hybrid Porsche.Cars and Coffee

They changed up the format last fall a bit for this version of Cars and Coffee and reserve their spaces for their desired nameplates/entries but even the general public parking lot ends up with some interesting iron to review. They had outgrown the last spot (actually in Scottsdale) and the size of the “entries” mushroomed last year until the group changed up the rules.Cars and Coffee Ford GT40

McLaren Dealership

At times the reserved parking spots looked like a McLaren dealership on steroids but the star of the moment was a new Senna McLaren. Hard not to notice it or part the crowds standing around looking at it. Plenty of other McLarens and Porsches were on display as could be expected. Today was a chance for the boys (and girls) to show off their new toys. Cars and Coffee Senna McLaren

Arizona Classic Car Auctions

And with the Arizona auctions right around the corner it was the perfect excuse to bring out the horsepower and let ’em rip. Even Drew Alcazar from Russo and Steele was out checking things out and promoting his auction. Cars and Coffee Drew

 

So which was your favorite at Cars and Coffee?

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Barrett-Jackson Auction is Gearing up for Gearheads

It may not yet be Christmas but the auction houses are already gearing up to bestow upon us some gifts. Besides site prep and advertising, the houses are still accepting consignments and promoting specific cars. Barrett-Jackson will have the most cars and most days of auctions naturally, but plenty of action will be available in January.

Last month at the Fall Nationals car show in Scottsdale, AZ sponsored by Goodguys Rod and Custom Association, the Barrett-Jackson folks rolled out a few cars to review. We are big fans of the winged supercars and Barrett-Jackson didn’t disappoint by bring out two of these beasts.

1970 Plymouth Superbird Limelight Green

This restoration included a matching numbers engine and transmission duo. It packs a 440 six-barrel carburetor along with a Hurst 4 speed manual transmission. Plus it includes an eight track stereo. The Limelight Green color can be spotted a mile away and this car has less than 50,000 miles clocked on the odometer.Barrett Jackson 1970 Plymouth

1970 Plymouth Superbird Lemon Twist Yellow

If you looked quick you might not recognize the differences in this model, other than the color. The power train is a twin with a 440 CI six barrel engine and Hurst four speed. But besides the color difference this version has slightly more miles at 55,000+, but the white interior still looked flawless.Barrett Jackson Side View Superbird

We’ll be curious if these two rockets hit it out of the ballpark next month.

If that was not enough they also rolled out a customized 1963 Black Split Window Corvette. It features a new LS3 engine with a 4 speed automatic. The ride is smooth thanks to an Art Morrison chassis and includes creature comforts like air conditioning and power steering, brakes, windows and even a power hood opener. Plus they have those thin red line tires for a period correct look.

Or how about a red 1967 Corvette convertible? It has similar components as the 1963 but is topless.

For a change of pace they also brought out a Factory Five 35 truck that is a Barrett-Jackson “limited edition”. You still build it the way you want but the kit truck will bear the BJ name. But if you want a classic truck you should check out this 1951 Chevy 3100 pickup. The five window truck was customized with a C6 Corvette suspension and power train. The bed is extended and everything was smoothed over.

So hopefully these will stoke the fire until the auction rolls around. Can’t wait, can you?

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Resto Mod or Resto Blah? You Decide

If you listen to some automotive pundits, the hottest trend is a resto mod car.  Well that term has been around for years and we’ve been seeing cars built on a resto mod for years in magazines and at car shows.  So we can’t be sure that it is a NEW trend.

Resto Mod

A resto mod is taking an older car and while restoring it, also modifying or modernizing it.  That typically means changing out the power plant to a bigger, more efficient and modern engine. The LSX variants are a popular choice right now as are new crate engines.  Typically you replace points and condensers and double pumping carbs for fuel injection with electronic ignitions.  Most builders will also readily take out a four speed and swap in a low rpm overdrive automatic.Resto Mod Corvette

So what has fueled the rise in resto mods?  The market, my friend the market.  Many affluent buyers see their cars as trophy’s to plop in a garage, hire a guy to detail it and drive it (cautiously) to a cars and coffee event once a month.  After all if you just plunked $400 large on a resto mod Corvette are you willing to park it at the local grocery store while you pop in for a gallon of milk?

NOS Resto

In years past a car was restored to look factory fresh and showroom new.  That meant seeking out the correct parts, hoses and connectors to bring back a stove bolt six cylinder engine to restored status.  When showing your car at a show, you would worry that the judge would deduct points for using the wrong shade of glossy black on your radiator fan shroud.  Plus owners would hunt down dealer installed options so they could have the most accessories on their car.

Rest Mod Blossoms

But the resto mod craze has changed all that. People don’t want a big old Auburn and might not even have a long enough garage to store one. Fewer folks have actually driven in a Duisenberg (let alone know how to spell it) and even the cars of the fifties are languishing as the market ages upwards.Resto Mod Corvette

Let’s be honest. The ride on a 64 Corvette pales to what you get on a new C7 Corvette. And that resonates with new buyers. They want and enjoy cars that have Bluetooth, push start buttons and navigation screens. The fruits of technology is not just under the hood.

So resto mods force the classic car market into a quandary. Do you take a beat up classic and spend the years and buckets of money to restore it to a 100 point restoration with NOS (New Old Stock) parts?  Recognize that you’ll have put way more money into it than the market will ever price it at?  Or do you shuck it all, swap in a new chassis, blend in lots of bling and a new 700R4 transmission and a crate engine from GM?

More and more the builder will go where the money is and create a resto mod.  Years from now history will decide if the builders were revolutionary or heretics.  You can decide for yourself now.

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