Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thursday Cruise Nights

I started my Thursday Cruise Night off in Cypress at the IHOP on Moody & Lincoln. It was a light crowd tonight. It may be because the Lakers FINALLY signed Lamar Odom and everyone is preparing for another victory parade next year! Just a thought. If you are in the area on Thursday nights check it out. There were some really cool cars and nice people!! To find a cruise night in your area check out www.Socalcarculture.com.

Just another day in paradise.
My favorite shot of the night. This guy was taking in the scenery.

Got to love the white Corvettes with red interior. Very classic.





My next stop was Fatburger in Orange on Tustin Ave. They have a large parking lot with lots of room to grow. I got there a little late because I talked to so many people at the cruise in Cypress. I was told that a lot of cars had already left. Their tag line is "Thursday Nite Cruise - No Trophies, No Frills, Just a Cruise....." and that was what it was. It was awesome.

No I didn't eat there, something about the name turns me off. Maybe if it was SkinnyBurger.

Go Angels!! He must be a true fan.

This was one of the brightest paint jobs I have ever seen. The picture doesn't do it justice.



So I saw on AutoBlog that "It's A Matte World" and that it is. I have been seeing more and more cars with this matte paint job and I like it. check out AutoBlog's Pictures www.autoblog.com/gallery/its-a-matte-world/#2


A Mercury with a matte finish, I really like it in color!

And again...


Documentation of where this car has been. I think it adds character, that's just me.

Worldwide Auctioneers

While touring the Worldwide headquarters with John Kruse of Worldwide Auctioneers, I quickly saw the vision John had been speaking of so passionately. Located on the DeKalb and Allen County line in Auburn, Indiana, the Worldwide facility is extremely visible from the freeway, with the showroom located only 63 feet from the passing traffic. It is also conveniently located close to the airport and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. As we made our way around the work site, John explained what made Worldwide so unique. One of those features is a 3/8 mile test track, where potential buyers can test drive vehicles before bidding. I don't know of any other auction that will allow that! Another unique feature of Worldwide that John didn't mention, but I picked up on immediately, is the touch of class added with everything they do. Everyone I've met from the company has been extremely courteous and friendly. Their website is extremely well done: http://www.wwgauctions.com/, and their catalog they send to buyers is so extravagant it should win an award. I can't wait to see what their facility looks like when it's finished.

I'm looking forward to Worldwide's Auburn auction on September 5th, 2009. Auburn is trademarked as the Classic Car Capital of the World, and the auction is taking place during the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival. If you're looking to purchase a quality collector car, consider getting it at Worldwide's Auction because that's all you'll find there, high quality, unique automobiles.

Take a moment to check out Worldwide's website, you won't be disappointed: http://www.wwgauctions.com/.

The view from the entrance looking at the future spot of the building.

A 3/8 mile test track, now that's awesome!


The showroom looking out to the freeway.

National Impala Club 29th International Convention

It's show time in Charlotte for the National Impala Club host their 29th Annual International Convention! The show brought together local Impala owners and enthusiast traveling from across the country. It was truly amazing to have gathered together Impala years ranging from 1958 to 1970.

The five day event started with a traditional "Meet and Greet," and continued throughout the week with various activities for the passionate owners of these beautiful classics. The N.I.A members had the opportunity to participate in Day at the Dragway, Cruise and Picnic Dinner, Judging Event, Awards Banquet and more!

There are a couple classic models not normally present in cruise-ins or car show events, and that would be the Chevrolet Impala. The '69 Impala SS 427 Convertible is a fantastic classic, and it was exciting to see one at this event.

Congratulations to the N.I.A staff for organizing a great event! If you're interested in becoming a member please click on www.nationalimpala.com.

Peak into the '69 Impala SS 427 Coupe and Convertible!

Take a look at this remarkable '69 Impala SS 427 Custom Coupe with only 16,000 original miles!

Sneak through the '69 Impala SS 427 Convertible pushing 390 Hp! This is a gorgeous classic!

These two vehicles and more were at the 29th Annual National Impala Association International Convention held in Charlotte, NC!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

My official Hagerty wheels

The latest addition to the Chevy Traverse. I think it adds a certain something. Wave when you see me cruisin around town.


Monday, July 27, 2009

Hot Summer Nights in Lafayette

The Lafayette Kroozers Car Club hosted their annual Hot Summer Nights cruise-in and car show this past weekend. The events were held in the Market Square Shopping Center, a perfect location for people to gather and admire some beautiful vehicles. As I walked through the cruise on Friday with a strawberry shake in hand, I was extremely impressed by the amount of quality vehicles! Every engine was meticulously detailed, and the rest of the car (body, interior, undercarriage) followed suit. And there was a bunch of variety! I saw an unbelievable 29' Chevrolet all the way up to a 2010 Camaro SS. That's what I love about open car shows and cruises, you see so many different makes and models that it gives you a deeper appreciation for the automobile. It also helps you determine what your favorite car is. Here's a question for you: What is your favorite car and why? Is it because it looks cool? Is it because it holds memories from when you were a kid? Tell us your story by adding a comment. Whatever your reason for liking these 'works of art', it's always great to get out there and attend shows and cruises and show support for the hobby.
The rain didn't scare anyone away Saturday morning. Over a hundred cars showed up to support the car show and there were thousands of spectators throughout the day coming to check out what was going on. After the awards, the Lafayette Kroozers invited everyone out for a BBQ. To me, that was a touch of class! For the club to host a car show, then after a long day of hard work, invite everyone out to feed them after the show really means a lot. It means they're passionate about the hobby and giving people a place to gather. They even gave out dash plaques and awards and door prizes at the BBQ! It was like a whole other mini-show! If you're interested in learning more about the Lafayette Kroozers, check out their website: http://www.lafayettekroozers.com/index.htm. Consider joining their club if you're in the area! If not, consider joining a local car club. There are many reasons why, but the main one is that clubs are around to help other people. They raise a bunch of money each year for countless good causes. Enough with the writing, let's see some video and photos!


1984 Lotus, you don't see these very often!


Unbelievably clean Bel-Air!



A full circle video of the car show on Saturday. It's only a taste of how cool it really was!


Like my new tattoo? Just kidding, this guy's definitely a car guy!!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Cruising Downtown Concord


Location: Union St. Downtown Concord, NC
Time: Every forth Saturday from 3:30 to 9:00 pm

The afternoon started with a Meet and Greet host by the Autobarn located in Concord, NC. The Autobarn has a wide array of classic car inventory including a gorgeous 1957 Fairlane 500 Retractable Hardtop. Find your dream classic at http://www.autobarnclassiccars.com/.

After visiting the Autobarn it was time to cruise through Union St. to downtown Concord. The downtown venue is a great place to park your classic while enjoying the sights and sounds of rumbling classics creeping down Union St. The local merchants are welcoming to classic car enthusiast, and enjoy the benefits of seeing plenty of beautiful classic cars. The trees drape over Union St., and provide welcoming cool shade for spectators and classics alike!

The downtown venue with the organization from the staff really make this Cruise-In the place to be every forth Saturday of the month! Please visit www.concorddowntown.com/cruisingdc/ for additional information!

Congratulations on a great event!






Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Art Center Car Classic - By Air, Land and Sea.

Sunday I attended the Art Center Car Classic where the top automotive designers, collectors and enthusiasts celebrate vehicles that push the boundaries of design. This year’s theme, “By Air, Land and Sea,” reflected the broadening focus of Art Center’s Transportation Design Department, they moved beyond the automobile to showcase the best in all types of transportation. They really captured the historic relationship between aircraft and watercraft design and the automobile industry. This will now be an annual event and I would like to encourage everyone to check it out next year. There were some truly amazing cars on the show field.

Jay Leno's EcoJet from laura jacobsen on Vimeo.


It is hard to capture it in one picture.

All the smaller cars in a row

George Barris hanging out in the Hagerty booth for some much needed shade. He is following me, I saw him twice this weekend....lol

It's like the Steve Urkel car but much cooler. I wouldn't have commented on it but that is what the owner told me. It is so much cooler in real life.

The Back to the Future Car


1925 Amilcar CGS 3 Skiff - This was my pick for best of show. It is a beautiful vehicle!

1958 GM Firebird III Concept Car - this is just like the Jetsons

1967 Batmobile by George Barris

The Blastolene Brothers - 2009 Blastolene Rocket II Trike. These brothers make some crazy cars. Check out their website http://www.blastolene.com/

1996 Rutan Varieze 2 - Seat Light Aircraft

A small submarine - very cool

1930 Rolls Royce Phantom II Brewster Town Car - This thing is huge!!


Monday, July 20, 2009

Nick Alexander's Open House

Nick Alexander will be selling almost his entire collection of Ford and Mercury woodies through RM Auctions on August 13, 2009 in Monterrey, CA. On Saturday July 18th I had the privilege to attend Nick's final open house with thousands of other car enthusiasts.

In 1995 he began collecting Ford and Mercury woodies with the intention of acquiring the best possible example from each year of the era of the flathead engine, so I believe from 1932 to 1955. Please correct me if I am wrong. He now has over 60 woodies in his collection.

Just wanted to show you how many cars are in this industrial building!


This 1939 is one of Nick's favorites. This will not be sold!



This is another 39, I heard that is Nick's favorite year.

This is the 39 from above. I was told it has Birch Eye Wood which is very rare and all original.


1949 Ford

Speechless!!
Look at the rest of my pictures


Bob's Big Boy - Burbank

Every Friday night from 6pm-10pm the Burbank Road Kings present the Classic Car Show at Bob's Big Boy on Riverside Drive. The times may be 6pm-10pm but I got there at 4:30pm. The parking lot was packed and the Chevy Traverse got the last parking spot. I would advise you to come early. Cars will park to hang out the whole night or just cruise through the lot to show off their sweet rides. I hope to make it there once a month because I had a great time.

Bob's Big Boy
Big Boy - he is the man. It was very HOT to be in that getup!

George Barris - King of the Kustomizers



Taken a cruise through the lot.