Saturday, September 06, 2008

Yikes, bad things happen real quick on the highways, be safe out there! Buckle up!

Via Pixdaus

Brilliance and humor, Einstein

“Life is like a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep on moving.”

An AH HA! moment. I did correctly identify a neglected 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider that I found while out and about


this last one is from the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours

Some photographers are all about composition, here is a great photographer



Giant plane comparisons


From Wikipedia via: http://swissmiss.typepad.com/

Make, model & engine size badges on classic cars

http://deliciousindustries.blogspot.com/2008/08/auto-type.html
Via: http://millionmonkeystyping.blogspot.com/
Via: http://swissmiss.typepad.com/weblog/page/3/
Because that is what surfing the web is all about, one cool thing leading to another, and even more

Friday, September 05, 2008

Big 3 corporate problem analysis

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/category/editorials/gm-death-watch/

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/category/editorials/ford-death-watch/

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/category/editorials/chrysler-suicide-watch/

Nice Cadillac

It doesn't look like the Camaro. That is clear. So how did they get it so wrong, when the new Mustang is similar looking enough to cause frequent comparisons about the design?

Insight on new car design features, like the plastic engine covers

“How about the mere existence of those plastic engine covers?
I’m no fan of those either, but isn’t the function of those plastic engine covers to supress noise from under the hood at idle and when you start the car?”

.3

That’s about the amount of flat rate labor time it will cost to take the cover off and THEN start the real work.

3/10 of $80 an hour is $24 just to start an underhood job, so the true function is to make your mechanic/dealer a few bucks.
66Nova : August 27th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/what-grinds-my-gears/

Thats part of the genius of the internet in my opinion... insight from other people that we wouldn't think of, learn of, or read in any other medium.

One excellent rant about automotive pet peeves led to great responses

Jim responded with really good ones:
Driving lights. Ever notice how every 3rd or 4th GM truck/suv regardless of make has one of its driving lights out??…same vendor for the last 3 generations of units and no one at GM has caught on to the quality issue??
Seats that do not have travel.
Radios w/ far too many buttons that are too small to adjust.
Horns that need to be struck with a sledge to go off and/or have a sweet spot the size of a stamp.
Mirrors with more info than the dashboard.
Gloveboxes that could not hold Barbies gloves.
Short lug nut wrenches that afford no leverage.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/what-grinds-my-gears/

motorcycle drill formation riding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INMb7sVgIHE&eurl=http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/page/30/

This reminds me of one I watched that was better due to more complicated drills, and more bikers, it was Italian cops in the 50's

My guess is that there is no video of a better and bigger formation drill of motorbikes.

new drivers and really old drivers having to display identifying signs for other drivers to see

In Japan, they are mandatory it seems, signs that easily identify drivers that are most likely to ruin your day. Now that is a good idea I'd like to see here in the USA. Of course I'd like a NATIONAL drivers license, and national test too, and national pollution tests for all engine powered objects built since 1975. This concept of mine doesn't have a visual BS test that keeps you from upgrading the engine and exhaust system, like the typical smog tests here in the states, it would be nothing other than a pollution test for what exits the engine. CO2, CO, SO2, and the rest of the bad stuff.

Sound? Yeah, that too. Really, if it's too loud, that's not cool. I'm comfortable with loud exhaust, but not open headers on public roads.

Just learned about the Japanese drivers signs via
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2008/03/17/happy-st-patricks-day-from-jnc/

Not shown in the US, but now on Youtube, the commercials the celebs were making for foreign markets

Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Eddie Murphy, Michael J Fox, Paul Newman, Mickey Rourke, and Peter Falk

http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2008/03/17/tokyo-daze-jdm-ads-with-celebrities/#more-2762

When looks of classics are important, and so is the modern build features, coachbuilders customize to please






The photos are from Googling and using the Images function, so they came from many sources
Mitsuoka Motors is a small Japanese automobile company which builds modern Japanese cars to resemble British vehicles of the1950s and 1960s. It is primarily a coachbuilder, taking production cars like the Nissan Micra and replacing the bodywork with its own custom designs.
http://www.mitsuoka.com.sg/ is a website for them in English.

Highways demonstrating the immense undertaking of routing vehicles around one of the worlds biggest cities

A set of Japanese interchange photos from the Tokyo area I believe, great photos by Ken Ohyama. His Flikr set has 77 more to check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/20013727@N02/sets/72157603079316181/
Via http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2008/05/22/beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-theexpressway-interchange/#more-856

'08 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance photo gallery

'59 Corvette Stingray Special racer
'67 Chevrolet Astro I
'38 Peugeot 402 Darl'mat roadster

Amusing comparison of a 1965 Toyota sales brochure vs a new Toyota... it's what they considered important then vs what we take for granted now

The 1965 Corona brochure highlighted arm rests on all doors, sun visors, an inside rear-view mirror, and front seat-belt anchorage – seat belts themselves were optional then.

http://blog.toyota.com/2008/05/the-brochure-ti.html Via http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/

Thursday, September 04, 2008

300 photo gallery of the 08 Mooneyes Street Car Nats


The above van is from the incredible genius customizers at Dream Factory Blow I posted about http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2007/12/redefining-mini-vans-and-emulating-70s.html
Photography of Mike Garrett of http://www.auto-otaku.com/ and more recently http://speedhunters.com/

In Adelaide Australia are 297 cars in a collection, none for sale of course. An amazing find though!

The range of body styles includes sedans, coupes, roadsters and convertibles trucks and vans which range from the 1930s to the 1980s.
The collector regards himself as a guy who is keeping cars from the crusher. He maintains that even humble cars, such as pre-war Austins, should not be scrapped and that he’s is not hoarding them but saving them for future generations. He’d like to build a museum and restore some of the cars - and about one hundred and fifty cars on another farm.
The passion began when the collector gained his driving licence but he became serious when he bought his farm in the 1970s. He stored cars in sheds until they filled up, then the collections spread into paddocks.
For the full itemized list: http://www.sportscarmarket.com/content/aussiebarnfind
but for a gallery of photos go to http://jalopnik.com/399525/amazing-barn-find-aussie-man-hoards-297-classic-cars
via: http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2008/07/31/crikey-aussie-barn-find-reveals-297-classics/#more-3175

Classic cars with better than 30 miles per gallon

http://www.carsthatmatter.com/blog/2008/05/classic-fuel-sippers/

Bearing in mind that most small-displacement sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s were pretty decent at fas mileage Cars That Matter put together a list of some of their favorites — most are capable of returning well over 20 mpg around town according to contemporary road tests. Click on the link for the full list, but I'm just posting the over 30 mpg ones
Austin-Healey Sprite — 36.0 mpg
Austin Mini Cooper S — 32.0 mpg
BMW Isetta — 44.0 mpg
Crosley Hot Shot — 48 mpg

Fiat 850 Spider — 38.5 mpg
Fiat X1/9 — 34.0 mpg
Honda S800 — 42.0 mpg
Lotus Elite — 38 mpg
MG Midget — 35.0 mpg
Morris Minor — 35.0 mpg
Nash Metropolitan — 37.5 mpg
Triumph Spitfire — 30.3 mpg
Volkswagen Beetle –30.0 mpg

Via: http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/page/3/

The Marvelous Model T in many forms


A variety of uses occured when it became affordable to the many in need of basic transportation, and some found they had other needs it could satisfy too... like snow machines, race cars, and tractor work!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/automobiles/collectibles/20FORD.html?ref=collectibles

A passion for cars, and particularly the 1954 Plymouth Belvedere, near Orlando

Retired senior vice president for parts and service at DaimlerChrysler, Darrell Davis has a great story, and an awesome recreation of a 1954 Plymouth dealership showroom.

In part of his 9,000-square-foot garage near Orlando, Darrell re-created a fully equipped Plymouth dealership showroom. On display are all four body styles from the ’54 Belvedere line, and the sales brochures, display racks, banners, signs, order books and even the sheets of paint samples and upholstery swatches. All of it is meticulously preserved and presented.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/automobiles/collectibles/31SHOWROOM.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Awesome! I found a blog and magazine for classic and nostalgia Japanese cars!

http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/

"As far as we know, it's the first and only publication in the United States devoted solely to vintage Japanese automobiles"

Hurst is going to sell 500+HP 2009 Challengers

The HURST/HEMI® Challenger makes its debut at the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November. Vehicle production is slated for early 2009.
Via: http://www.musclecarblog.com/story-257-2009_hurst_dodge_challenger_srt8_to_be_seen_at_sema_2008

However, Hennessy is going to sell 500, 600, and 725 HP Challengers. http://www.musclecarblog.com/story-249-620_hp_hennessey_challenger_hits_the_streets_with_eleven_second_quarter_mile_force

I look at all the aftermarket hype on the Challenger and conclude that we will see a cult force of growing aftermarket upgrades unlike any new car since JC Whitney opened a catalog.

An artists rendering of what a 2010 Road Runner could look like.


In the same vein as the 2010 Barracuda concept, and other imagineering artist ideas.. is a look at what they'd like a new Road runner to look like.
I see that this was news about 2 months ago for everyone who subscribes to Mopar Enthusiast, reads Carscoop, and many others... but you've seen that I've been busy during car show season, and am just now catching up on surfing the web for fun and cool stuff.

Asking good questions to get comments and launch some bench racing ( I can empathize )

http://www.nextautos.com/
Has a big website, and asked a couple of cool questions here and there.
What was the best suicide door car?
What vehicle should have been offered with a stick shifter, but wasn't?
Best car you ever rented?
Worst car to modify?
Top ten cars that look great in bizarre colors?
( Lancia Stratos, Fiat 500, Crown Vic, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Smart for Two, the 1970 Superbird Road Runner color palate, Lotus Elise, VW bus, Citroen 2CV, Lamborghini Countach

Most of the "questions of the day" are in the Classics section

How about that! Comments and Youtube videos! All in one week!

I'm on a roll! Glad you are looking on while I make progress!

If you're gonna race, use really strong bolts and fasteners

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

A blog about Chrysler.

http://www.chryslerweblog.com/

John Lee! You ... well... cool so and so... I already posted that video link.

http://oleragtop.blogspot.com/2008/09/cool-ad.html of today

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/05/meet-sam-youve-seen-his-work-already.html me 4 months ago.

that video's really good ain't it!

Good stuff, via http://oleragtop.blogspot.com/ recommendation

http://www.autoextremist.com/ "the bare-knuckled, unvarnished, high octane truth..."

When a good read is what you need. No photos, none needed. Just good writing, which I don't excell at.

"That thing got a ?"... yup. 1040 hp of Hemi in a Rolls

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/exceedingly-adequate-1040hp-hemi-powered-rolls-royce/

I want what they are having.


http://www.nsra.org.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13665&whichpage=1 others already posted this, but maybe you didn't see theirs? Via Carscoop and Motopasion ( I recommend both! But can only read the english one)

Cars, photography, and legendary photographers. I love to find it all at once. Ansel Adams



http://www.flickr.com/photos/1000photosofnewyorkcity/sets/72057594083888984/?page=2

Menominee! How the heck are you?!

I grew up just over the border in the Yoop. Spent a summer slaving at an Eagle Lake summer resort. http://www.eaglewaters.com/ Anyway, upper Wisconsin was a beautiful place, hope you are enjoying the early fall. Catch a few fresh ones for me!

I just dig the humor Feng pins on odd photos


A full description of Charles Taylor and his lifelong one wheel development ideas: http://thenewcaferacersociety.blogspot.com/2008/05/charles-f-taylors-one-wheel-vehicles.html The vehicle was patented by him in 1964

Monday, September 01, 2008

I've meant to get back to this with accurate info.

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/06/drunk-drivers-they-are-preventable-take.html

28-year-old Juan Campos has been charged with the killing of a 37-year-old man, after drove his car into a group of riders taking part in a weekend bike race near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Alejandro Alvarez was killed and 10 others injured after Campos lost control of his vehicle and collided with the massed riders. Campos, a resident of Brownsville, Texas, was apparently driving drunk and fell asleep at the wheel.

A city official was able to capture the tragic accident on film, showing the force with which the out of control car careened into the cyclists.
Authorities say that the crash occurred just 15 minutes into the planned 21 mile race on a stretch of Mexican highway between Playa Bagdad and Matamoros, Mexico, near Brownsville.

Jenny wants to discuss the La Mesa cruise with me. No kidding. I'm not making that up.

Jenny wrote in a comment... about this post http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/08/la-mesa-police-dept-asked-dmv.html

" Dude come on. Don't you think this is getting a little old? That show was meant to explain the situation, not start more chaos. If you had listened, Alan Lanning said they called the DMV out specifically to check out the dealer plates they were seeing on some cars. It wasn't for "no reason". Please, I understand you don't like the La Mesa Car Show, but you really don't need to ruin it for the people that work hard on it day in and day out.

Deena While and I, love this car show. We are trying to build back the reputation it lost a few years ago and having people bash it on the internet isn't quite helping with this already difficult task. You keep reliving situations that are in the past and our participants are starting to forget. The car show is improving and you seem to ignore that in order to feed your negative view of the show. Why not think a little more postitive huh?

Email me if you would like to discuss this matter further.

My reply here is the same as in my email to her

That show was, just like all outlets of information which includes mine, the biased outlook and perspective of the owner or director of the outlet.

Since you of course don't bother to be polite, I will. I did listen, carefully, and twice. I had to carefully quote accurately the quotes I provided in my post. You must have read them, as you have taken the time to tell me what a disreputable thing I'm doing to the show you have a great affection for. Lanning to my recollection, of what I heard on the 16 of August, about 2 weeks ago, was vague about what the DMV was called for. He specifically said one of their supervisory types said they badly over reacted.

In your version, he says they were specifically there for the dealer plates issue.

Then riddle me this, is the one dealer plate, of the guy that was interviewed, sufficient reason for calling the DMV’s office of enforcement to help? By the Chief of Police? Do you think he can't solve that little problem? We also hear on the podcast program that a cop already dealt with the owner of the plate, and everything was cool. Even the chief agreed this was in the authority of the officer on the scene who dealt with it.

I'm not really looking forward to listening to the whole hour or so of the podcast to bring up specifics, and you are sure I didn't listen anyway, so I suppose you won't be satisfied if I tell you that I can do so, and transcribe the whole bloody thing, and waste lots of my time doing so, after which you will have another 5 problems with the job I've done.

So you transcribe it and we can debate it afterwards, without me taking waaaay too much time to not satisfy you with the way I do it. When you have transcribed it, let me know, we'll either waste time emailing over it, or meet somewhere and talk it out.

You have put " marks around "no reason" and I'm left to believe you imply that I said or implied that the DMV were there for your "no reason" quote or implication. Seeing as how you say it wasn't for no reason, then you agree with me. I posted that they were there for 2 reasons. Twice agreeing with you is the way I see that. They were there "comparing registered vehicle values on record vs the apparent value of the vehicle in person, to force the issue and see that the DMV increases revenue by getting closer to the average market value of the vehicles versus the reported value when the vehicle was last registered. Also the recorded event of the "dealer plates" on a vehicle that were expired, and not the plates registered with the car." Is the way I posted it.

All right, now to the last sentence of your first paragragh, I am not going to ruin it, I don't have that power, although thank you for believing me to be of any significance in the matter, and important enough to bear any weight on the car shows success or failure. Perhaps you will see that in the two summers of car shows I've photographed since starting my blog (you really should too, it's very satisfying and some people will believe that you have the power to influence the success or failure of a car show) ( that is a joke ) I have given a substantial amount of time to the La Mesa cruise, and it's been prominent on my calendar when I was posting the cruises last year, as a cruise I recommended my readers to enjoy. This year I only have had first nights and nitro nights of cruises, not the full cruise lists that I let people look at on other websites that I post about, and recommend for that purpose.

You seem adamant that people work hard on the La Mesa cruise "day in and day out", if you recognize your own quote, and I believe you must feel you know from first hand witnessing of this day in and day out work. I believe you'll understand that I don't believe that more than a handful, if even more than 2 people work day in and day out on it. Maybe we can agree you are enthusiastically overexaggerating about the number of people and how many days a week they work on it.

We can't have overexagerrations between us Jenny, the word takes too long to type! (another joke ) We can't do that unless you'll allow me to do the same, and I don't believe you will. You already stated that I didn't listen to the program, after reading my timeline of when I heard who say what "most of the first quarter is all about the car cruise and it's Merchant Assoc. President, Stanley Young, the second quarter is the Police Chief interview, and the last is interviewing a 15 year icon of the show, Jumpin Jack Flash, a DJ who volunteers to play 50 and 60's music."

Is the common last name of your self and Deena more than coincidence? Relative of yours? Well, I tried with a couple emails to her to get a dialog going that she seemed to ask me to engage in, but she didn't respond to the emails I sent to her. Sad isn't it, that she asked me, just as you have, to "discuss the matter further" but she then reneged and didn't discuss it further? I emailed her about this long post that I typed. And the video I shot at the start of the post. http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/06/la-mesa-is-out-to-get-rid-of-cars-that.html

Are you going to break the historical path that other Whiles have started, and actually discuss the matter further? I even propose that the both of you do so, as I'd like to get a different side of the issue from those who feel opposite of myself. Seriously. I'd like you, Deena While, Chief Lanning, and Stanley Young (who didn't respond to my email either) all or separately to discuss this matter politely, and then I can post accurately what was done, by who, how much, and what was the motivation of who for what.

You may see that I am sincere, have been to the show myself, as I've got the photos of my car their on my blog as anyone can see, and by the evidence of the many photos I've taken and posted, have been there without my car but with my camera, as well. I've been to the La Mesa cruise for many years, not as many as some, but enough for me, and more than others. As you or anyone else can see by looking at all the photos I take at all the cruises and car shows I go to that are right on my blog as proof of my attendance, I am experienced at many shows, as a contributing car owner, and as a photojournalist, to speak with some authority on the relative differences and similarities between the different towns that have them, here in San Diego's greater area.

You also may not find yourself willing to believe anything I say, as you find me disagreeable, possibly hateful, as you state that I'm trying to ruin the La Mesa cruise by bashing it, and reliving the past situations that others are starting to forget.

Ahhhh, am I not a visibly lover of the past? You have seen that I have focused my time for about 2 years on just the past cars, trucks, races, icons, race car drivers, events, designers, drivers, owners, builders, and lovers of old cars? That is to say I love the history of them, and that includes the events that shape us, and the local scene, like the drag racers riot I posted about. http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/07/drag-racers-riot-1960-in-san-diego-for.html

You don't mean to say I'm wrong to remember the past, do you? The ancestors, the lives, the hsitory, the loves and places, the builders and destroyers, the causes and ideals, the ways and means? Even the bad stuff. No one remembers the things that Elvis did for them, they remember how he died. How Nixon made great strides in China relations, no just Watergate. That Clinton ordered a Tomahawk missile strike in Dec of 98 to kill Bin Laden, no just that Monica Lewinski's dress had potential Presidential offspring on it.

So the La Mesa cruise lost it's reputation? You and Deena are trying to build it back? Really?

I haven't had the DMV enforcement division down on the streets, or the cops, but I think you know who did. I haven't asked the cops to ticket show cars that are unmoving for over 2 hours, even when they feed the meter, and Deena doesn't respond to that either, do you know who has asked for police enforcement? Well it wasn't me. I told Deena quite the opposite. Want the emails? I made good suggestions to make the show you claim to be working hard at regaining its reputation, better and my suggestions will work. Want to try them? I'll help!

Will you? Not likely, that is what I state clearly. You don't want make it better with real solutions. Not for a minute, because you, Deena, Stanley, Chief Lanning, and unknown others are not out to make it better, and the current methods utilized are killing it. I've written long emails, posted, and photographed enough to prove that it's on life support already, in the critical care ward, and the oxygen is running out, the defib batteries don't have another charge left.

The La Mesa cruise isn't improving. Unless more cops, shorter season, and DMV enforcement is an improvement in your dictionary. Really Jenny, can you say those are lies? That they aren't real circumstances at the La Mesa cruise this summer of 2008? They are, and that is real, and that doesn't equate to an improvement Jenny. Not by definition of Webster’s dictionary of the American English language. I may have lots of typos from typing quickly and not spellchecking my self, but I know the meaning of improvement. Do you? Here ya go, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvement just trying to help.

My view of the cruise is just as I've stated, near death and being killed. Those with the authority to do something positive are not using their power for the improvement of the cruise. Think positive you encourage me? Really? Does cancer care of you think positive? no. Do enemies care if you think positive? no.

Jenny, think about a solution, use all means, all opinions, all help, and all viewpoints. All that criticism you hear? Those are the problems to solve, those are the mapped out points of errors you can correct. Someone complains? Listen. Then reverse the circumstances of the complaint, and what happens? You get compliments. No kidding. It's no secret, it a solution waiting for the person with management ability to make the circumstances clear, and correct the critical problems that cause situations we deem negative.

So, you really want to improve the cruise? Thank those who complain for the input that will be used to change the situations that can be changed. Ask around for ideas. Ask Deena why she ignores such positive contributory ideas as mine. Then act to make the change you want to have. It's your world, I just report on it.

Jesse
jbohjkl@yahoo.com

It's the email I've had posted here for about two years. Use it if you like, or use the comments ( I finally got them working! Thanks Feng! ) I'll respond with email, or a post, or whatever you like.

A good thought provoking question

What are the top automotive events that you'd love to attend?

I'm sure I would enjoy the following the most (in no order)
Goodwood
Sema
Chryslers at Carlisle
Louis Vuitton Classic
Amelia Island Concours
Villa De Este (pardon my spelling) Concours
and more to be added later

from reading http://autonewsguide.com/news/Which-10-Automotive-Events-Must-the-True-Gearhead-Attend-Question-Of-The-Day/ a website that seems to have stopped in early 2007

Memphis! you are so dead on! You rock!
Memphis comments that Power Tour, the Silver State classic, Woodward Dream Cruise, the Monterey Historics and others are on the list. I agree completely!

Back in March I posted some: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/03/anyone-up-for-car-show-wish-list-here.html

license plate restoration

http://www.classiccar.com/wordpress/2008/license-plate-restoration/

Sunday, August 31, 2008

A look at the beauty and art of the last Hupmobile, 1939 Hupmobile Skylark Corsair

In 1938, Huppmobile’s general manager Norman DeVaux bought what remained of the Cord 810/812’s body dies and sheet-metal stampings and repackaged it as the Hupmobile Skylark using a Hupmobile Senior Six chassis. Four prototypes were built to show off at the upcoming fall automobile shows. In early 1939, the old Cord dies were brought to Hayes’ Grand Rapids plant where they stamped out a trial run of thirty Skylark sedans, at Hupmobile’s Detroit factory as was a single Skylark Corsair Convertible.

Due to their precarious financial situation, Hupmobile was unable to build any more Skylarks, however DeVaux made a deal with Graham-Paige offering them the dies. Once again, the sheet-metal was produced at Hayes’ Grand Rapids plant using the original Cord stampings which by the end of the run were no longer usable. Unfortunately, neither firm made any money out of their short-term partnership and were both out of the automobile business within the year.

After Hupmobile left the automotive manufacturing business, the car was given to one of the models that appeared with the Skylarks in publicity photographs during the 1939-1940 period. This woman and her family relocated to New Hampshire, where the car had fallen into a bit of disrepair, and was found by a collector from the Boston area who purhased and stored the car, for years, sold it to a Connecticut Skylark/Hollywood fancier named Norm Weid, who kept the car in dry storage for about 20 years, intending to restore it. (this never happens in my experience) However, health issues (and no interest in restoring the car obviously ) had him sell the car in 1999 to Tom Hincz, who gave it a complete restoration.

http://www.hupmobileskylark.com/ConvertibleFullSize.html and http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/h/hayes/hayes.htm

A look at the beauty and art of Pebble Beach Concours winner, 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6C Dubonnet Xenia Coupe with Saoutchik body

1938 Hispano-Suiza H6C Saoutchik Xenia Coupe

Winner of the Most Elegant Closed Car award at the 2000 Pebble Beach Concours, this is a streamlined design of a car company known also for its aircraft manufacturing, and due to it's conceptualization from a ww1 fighter pilot, (they may have gotten the nod becuase of the aircraft connection) Andre Dubonnet, heir to the Dubonnet aperitif business and race car driver. All windows are curved glass, the panoramic windshield, gullwing windows, and suicide doors.

Engine design was shared between the aircraft and cars... one crankshaft was carved from a 700 lb billet steel block. Consider that the types of engines in the 30's were huge displacement and fewer cylinders, like a 487 cu in straight 6 cyl... and that Hispano Suiza had aluminum cylinder block and overhead camshafts at a time when Rolls-Royce's venerable Silver Ghost was still using side valves, and an iron block cast in several pieces.

It was also ahead of Rolls-Royce in the braking department. While the Rolls had brakes on the rear wheels only, the Hispano had four-wheel brakes, servo assisted by a shaft driven off the rear of the transmission. Rolls-Royce later adopted this system under licence from Hispano and used it for many years.
http://www.thoroughbred-cars.com/cars/france/hispano%20suiza/Hispano%20Suiza%20H6C.htm

A look at the beauty and art of LeMans competitors, 1937 Adler Rennlimousine Competition Coupe

1937 Adler Rennlimousine Competition Coupe
Winning its class at LeMans in 1938, and 7th overall, this 1937 front wheel drive German car is from the Adler company that made cars from 1900 to 1957. They later became part of Auto Union.

In 1996 it was an award winner at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance. Temporarily owned by the Blackhawk Collection and shown at the 2001 Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance http://www.mbhconcours.org/ , it has now found a home in Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage. http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/your_garage/cars/7363.shtml

Jim, who discovered the car in Southfield, Michigan wrote this on the H.A.M.B.

"I've got one for all of you guys that might qualify as the rarest. It's a 1937 Adler Streamliner that raced at Lemans in 1937 and 1938.

It was also used to "inspire" the 1963 split window Corvette. When I first saw it in a shed in Southfield Michigan I thought it WAS a 63 Vette. GM stole the design for the 63 vette.

The owner went to the 60 or 61 Michigan state fair in this car and a exec for GM was there and gave him his card and asked him to bring it to the GM Vandyke design center. He thought they were going to buy it so he had someone follow him over there. When he got there they had him pull it on the cobblestoned turntable. There were three camera's on tri-pods around it and they spun the car around a few times and told him thank you for coming by. He was PISSED that they led him on and did not buy it.

It sounded pluasible since the design was SOOO close. A few years later I had met David Holls at a car show and asked him about the 63 Vette story. He invited me to his home, when I went there he had an extensive library and a binder on the Adler (and several on the Vettes) which included some of the pictures from the cobblstone turntable that Rubin had told me about!

I asked about Rubins claim that the 63 vette was taken from this car and he said that my answer was in the clay model prototype pics. He said to check the dates on all of the "older" style clay model pics, then look at the clay model pics of the clay Vettes the next few weeks AFTER the day the Adler was on the turntable. After comparing it became obvious that the designs changed radically right after Rubin's visit with the Adler. So I asked David directly WAS the split window Vette design taken from this car. He looked at me with a smile and shook his head yes, but at the same time said "absolutely not"!!

The car did also turn out to be a Lemans Race car just as Rubin had said it was. It raced in 1937 and 1938 and won it's class and came in 7th overall in 1938. Adler was the only Jewish owned car manufacturer in pre-war Germany and were some of the first cars to go down the autobahn in a big ceremony with Hitler present, so who knows. .. First closed car, and first streamliner, and first wind tunnel designed car to race at Lemans (designed by the same man who designed the Chrysler Airflow) and the first woman to drive at Lemans.

the Blackhawk Collection had it restored at the prison resto shop in Arizona.They tell me that the car is now in a private collection in Europe. I still have a letter from Baron Fristz Hueske Von Hanstein who raced it with Madamme Annie Iteire in 1937. He tells me about them being blackflagged for improper fueling and him then having to "console" Annie in her tent for hours and hours."
_______West Peterson, EditorAntique Automobile (AACA) http://forums.aaca.org/f169/1937-adler-rennlimousine-competition-272656.html