NEW “Cadillac One” Debuts at Obama Inauguration

Economic Reality 2009, Class is now in session.

PORSCHE Highlights the 2009 Monterey Historics

Porsche celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1998 with featured marque status at the 25th annual Monterey Historics. With a record setting attendance, just falling short of the one day attendance record for the Pope’s visit in 1987, this was a Porsche gathering not to be missed. Hopes were held high for the 60th anniversary (2008) but only Porsche #1 made the trip to Monterey, appearing in the Pebble Beach Tour and Concours d’Elegance. Porsche #1 had missed the 50th anniversary after Lufthansa dropped it during transportation damaging it so heavily that it did not make an appearance in ’98 and was subjected to a complete restoration. With new car manufacturers sent scrambling during the 2008 economic meltdown, Porsche was just completing construction on their new museum and not ready to commit an effort during that timeline.

To the delight of “Porschefiles” 2009 was again slated to be PORSCHE as the featured marque. Only 11 years time had passed yet so much had changed. Chrysler, the event sponsor in ’98 has been replaced by Rolex, Laguna Seca had become Mazda Laguna Seca, the large tent with over 20 factory cars was been replaced by a smaller open sided tent with maybe half that number of factory cars, Porsche no longer races but produces SUV’s and four door sedans, and murmurs of Steve Earle losing control of his “Monterey Historics” were being passed around. In 1998 we were shooting Kodachrome 400 ASA, now it’s all digital.Kodachrome was discontinued later this year.

The Porsche Museum, under direction of Klaus Bischof, did a diplomatic display of cars. Taking into account which cars were displayed in ’98, a mostly new crop of competition cars were transported, displayed, started up and driven, and some even raced.  Among the stars were:
The 1960 Porsche Type 718 Formula 2 racing car, which gave Porsche its first Formula 2 world title and was driven in 1961 by Californian Dan Gurney, is making its North American debut.
The 1962 Porsche Type 804 Formula 1 racer, which was the car that brought Gurney to his French Grand Prix win that year. This car has not been in North America since the 1960s.
The 1962 Porsche Type 718 W-RS 8-cylinder Spyder, in which Gurney and Joakim Bonnier finished second at the Targa Florio in 1961, has also not been in North America for more than 40 years. In the 1960s, it was raced in the U.S. by Gurney, Bonnier and Phil Hill.
The Porsche GT1 98LM, which helped Porsche finish 1-2 at the 1998 24-hours of Le Mans event.

Over 145 Porsche vintage racing cars were entered, making up over 1/3 of the entire racing field of 450 cars. On Saturday a 400+ car corral organized by the PCA staked out the infield of Mazda Laguna Seca representing most every make, model and year Porsche car ever manufactured. Models 356, 911, 912, 914, 924, 944, 930, 928, etc. could be admired in original or restored forms. The Porsche buzz was strong but the racing classes remained diverse and entertaining. Parade laps on Saturday and Sunday allowed fans to see the Museum cars and other rare Porsches under power (photos).

We would like to thank the efforts of Steve Earle and his family for the 36 years they dedicated to the “Monterey Historics” as this was a ground breaking effort with event execution and quality of entrants preceding profitability. As Steve graciously credits others for inventing vintage motorsports, (Lindley Bothwell) his efforts laid down the format now embraced by several vintage racing organizations and evolved into the very popular world wide gentleman’s sport of vintage racing. Steve set the standard very high for eligible vehicle participation and while this did not make him popular with some, I think his requirements were in the best interest of the sport and safety of the drivers. We would also like to mention Jack McAfee and Al Hobert, two Porsche drivers that did not live long enough to see the 2009 event and a special salute to Chuck Forge who passed away just a couple weeks after this years event.

2010 will provide even more changes for Mazda Laguna Seca. A new event name, “Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion”, a new event logo, a tribute to American Racer Dan Gurney, under 2 liter Trans AM, V8 Trans AM, and historic Stock Cars. Advance tickets are available HERE or purchase them at the gate. Please check back in August 2010 for our Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion photos and event recap.
 

New “Cadillac One” Debuts at Obama Inauguration by Charles Rollins Editor

Cadillac One? You have heard of Airforce One (the Presidential nonstandard 747) and maybe even Marine One (the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter or smaller White Hawk version of the UH-60 Black Hawk) but if you were watching the 2009 Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama then you had an extended view of the newest version of Cadillac One. Known also as “the beast” but more like a pimped out tank, you will immediately notice the large scale of the custom built vehicle. Requiring one of the strapping secret service agents just to pull the massive 5 foot tall doors open so the President can exit this special limo, it is more of a mobile fortress then just stately transportation for our commander in chief. It wears the special license plate, ”USA 1”.

Although our Presidents have been riding in nonstandard coach built limousines since William McKinley, spec built armored Presidential transportation dates back to 1938 and the administrations of Franklin D, Roosevelt. Here is a link to a photo gallery of past US Presidents and their rides. The latest version of Cadillac One, debuted on January 20, 2009, meets the ever increasing security required for the President of the United States by integrating the latest in sophisticated technology with the most advanced protection for the occupants. Affording the “highest level of protection”, details on this vehicle are a closely guarded but some spy photos, facts and educated speculation have brought forth enough information to get an idea of what this limo can do. The United States Secret Service states unequivocally that it is, “the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world”.

Built on a four wheel drive chassis derived from GM’s “Top Kick” 2500 series truck, the custom coachwork with several Cadillac styling cues give it the first impression of a standard Cadillac limo but with Escalade headlights, “dual textured” grill like the CTS and Escalade, with the rear having some CTS and STS styling. Steel, aluminum, titanium, and ceramics are used in construction with a full leather hand stitched interior with Presidential seals embroidered into the seat backs, Presidential seals on the inside and outside of the rear doors. Close up photos of the enormous wheels and tires show Goodyear to be the manufacturer of these run flat tires with huge truck like side walls tucked under the large and flared wheel openings. With Kevlar enforced side walls, they are Speculated to maintain 100 mph even if punctured and they appear to have a mildly aggressive tread capable of all weather and terrain requirements. Five inch thick bullet and RPG proof glass makes for approximately 8 inch thick rear doors. Check out the size of the rear door pulls, the rear doors weigh more then 700 pounds each and seal with pins like a bank vault. The windshield is purported to be around 3 inches thick since the clarity of the thicker 5 inch glass would compromise safe navigation. Night vision, multiple satellite phones, secure two-way communication, computers w/internet, speakerphone, flag stanchions with LED illumination. Complete environmental cabin seals protect the occupants from radiation and chemical attack, and of course a separate oxygen supply is also available if needed. The limos floors are fortified with 3-5 inches of steel plate making it mine and bomb proof , while the engine, battery, and fuel cell are all protected to withstand most any attack while remaining drivable. Door hinges and latches are fortified to handle the weigh and can be secured from the inside. Reports and spy photo paparazzi claim the car is very agile, maneuverable, and fast in spite of its enormous size and rumored weight of up to 25,000 pounds.

Creature comforts include heated reclining seats for cat naps, DVD player with multiple screens, privacy screens for all windows, fold away desk, cold beverage dispensers, multiple individual wireless headphones with diverse options of in car entertainment (satellite radio, AM/FM, CD, and a unique digital audio channel (SD card, USB drive, etc.) for secure briefings stored on encrypted media. Of course if all that armor doesn’t make it quiet enough, total silence is also available from wireless noise-canceling headsets. There is no available information of the installation of something other than standard DOT seat belts and no indication of side airbag fitment for the rear passenger compartment. Driver and front passenger have front air bag protection only since deployed side airbags would inhibit the driver’s ability to navigate if deployed. Sunroofs and moon roofs have been eliminated since the Nixon era Lincoln limo and only the driver’s door window can be lowered and only three inches at that. No remote keyless entry fobs have been fitted and no OnStar.

Two specially prepared Suburban’s are also used for Presidential transport. I’m sure most of you have already seen the supposed Secret Service Suburban equipped with the notorious “mini gun” that shoots 3000 30 caliber rounds per minute, in case you have not already, click here for the video. This limo and the 2005 version, put into service during the Bush administration (the one with the Cadillac DTS headlights and trim, now used as the back up limo) are transported via a military C5 Galaxy transport plane. Aircraft tie downs are welded to the chassis of all these vehicles. The helicopter, Marine One, remains the preferred method for short to medium distance Presidential transport since motorcades are a logistical nightmare and can booger up streets for hours. When transporting the President, at least two and up to five identical helicopters are flown in formation with the flying order in constant and random rotation. Only upon approach do the other decoy helicopters peel off and the helicopter carrying the President proceed to the specified landing area. A side bar on Marine One, the Sea King, a 40+ year old design and aging airframe is slated to be replaced soon by the Lockeed Martin built VH-71 Kestrel. Over 800 men and women supervise the maintenance and operation of the 28 helicopter Marine One fleet. Replacement fleet costs are estimated at $11.2 billion. This means that each of the new helicopters will cost around $400 million, more then the current adjusted total cost of Air Force One.

All Presidential limousines since 1993 have remained property of the Secret Service. The ’93 Cadillac limo resides at the Clinton Library but remains locked up tight. A Special request order must be made for the Secret Service to come with the keys to move the car. The 1983 Cadillac resides at the Reagan Library and the 2001 and 2005 Presidential limos remain in service as the Vice Presidents limo and back up to the new Cadillac One. This most impressive vehicle along with our new high profile President may rival the Lunar Rover as the most well known government owned vehicle.

Gallery of “Cadillac One” shots including illustrated cut away HERE

Cadillac photo history of armored Presidential limousines HERE

Complete video of Cadillac One HERE

Expert analysis video HERE

Economic Reality 2009. Class is now in session

Welcome students, my name is Mr. Rollins and I will be your instructor. This class is titled, “Economic Reality 2009”. Our first lesson will address “Stupid Money”. Stupid Money is defined as excess money that people have removed the true valuation from. In the past this was demonstrated by lighting cigars with viable currency, in the past few years, stupid money was thrown by the wheelbarrow full at Collector and Muscle Cars with flashy styling, pretty paint jobs and sometimes lots of billet aluminum parts under the misnomer of “investment”. Please pick up your pencils and make a note, “Stupid Money no longer exists” except in the occasional moment when blood alcohol levels are elevated above the legal limit.

The disappearance of “Stupid Money” has its greatest effect on the basic tenant of economics, “the law of supply and demand”. The law of supply and demand is both a gift to some and a “bitter pill” to others. The gift is that prices of goods (Collector and Muscle Cars) will be lower. That which was once unobtainable may now be purchased at an acceptable price level, this is known as the “current market price”. The bitter pill is what the seller must swallow if they are truly committed to selling said goods (Collector or Muscle Car). Sellers unwilling to swallow said bitter pill (having a reserve price) might still be chasing “Stupid Money” which as stated above does not exist, therefore they will be retaining said asset (Collector or Muscle Car) until the law of supply and demand corrects in their favor (10 years) or until financial circumstances and/or spouse requires said bitter pill to be swallowed. No one enjoys the bitter pill but this, students, is “Economic Reality 2009”.

Students that have faithfully read my previous “Auction Primer” (Bench-Racing.com 2007 and 2008) and followed those guidelines, chances are, you are not facing the bitter pill. I am not saying that I was successful in predicting any up or down turns in the Collector or Muscle Car markets. There will always be ups and downs in the market. The worldwide economic crisis has rapidly forced some collectors to reallocate their resources and unexpectedly sell. I am only emphasizing the importance of doing homework before purchasing. The next 12 months or so will present some excellent buying opportunities but base your decisions on your heart, your wallet, extensive research and comprehensive inspections. Do not base your buying decision on the flawed principal of  “investment” but do purchase the best example that your budget allows. There are accepted “blue chip” cars, recognized as such because or iconic styling, benchmark performance, and/or rarity (either number of survivors or limited production). Fully restored cars are now selling for below restoration costs (you get the car for free) but take note that the true Classics and rare European Sports Cars are still demanding 6 figures plus. The best in any collector category (coins, firearms, art, even baseball cards) will always demand the highest prices and when there is a market correction their “market value” will not erode as precipitously as the lesser examples (Ferrari 328 vs. 250 GT or an authentic Mustang GT 350 vs. a fastback Mustang Resto-Mod). 

Never forget the, “Exit Strategy”. The exit strategy is the cruel reality of someday having to sell your Collector or Muscle Car. An El Camino or Ranchero will be harder to sell then a restored mainstream pickup. A restored pickup will be harder to sell then a sedan. A sedan will be harder to sell then a convertible. Someone will always be willing to buy a restored VW Beetle or Mustang. It is a complex formula of nostalgia and appeal. As the demographic of the car collector changes, along with it changes the demand side of the equation. Street Rods, Hot Rods, Fifty’s boulevard cruisers are falling from favor. Not because the cars themselves have changed but because the pool of buyers is changing. Just as your children will not wear the same clothing fashions as their parents, similarly don’t expect your kids to appreciate the same cars you do. This is known as a “market trend”, which is all but impossible to predict but some probable market directions are foreseeable. Don’t take it personally, it’s just one uncontrollable factor in the complex equation. Just like the eccentric Uncle that stashed old worthless cars in the barn that his family didn’t know what to do with (Ferraris, Allards, and Jaguars). The pendulum might swing either direction and the market may come to you. Several recent collector car pundits have proclaimed “Brass and Antique Cars” to be rising in popularity. Who could have seen that trend coming? Market trends combined with disposable income leads to “Market Volatility”. Volatility is like a roller coaster ride, we just happen to be just over the crest of that long hill. Make sure your strapped in because here we go.

If you find yourself having to sell in the next few months then be committed to sell. You are about to find out the actual “Market Value” of your collector car. Don’t be like the homeowner that tries to sell their house themselves (FSBO) listing the property at the highest comparable price, turning away or offending all interested parties. By the time they lower the price to an acceptable level, now much lower then when the house first went on the market, most interested buyers are alienated, moved on, or have already purchased another asset. Make a serious effort to sell your car. Use the most effective means of advertising and marketing and consign to a professional if necessary. As long as a good “ad campaign” is launched then you should realize the cars current “market value” regardless of what you “have invested” or “think the car is worth”. Talk to a Bank of America shareholder, remembering that their stock use to be worth $50, they would gladly accept $40, $30 or even $20 now for that same stock instead of the current $4-$6 the market is willing to pay.

The “de-leveraging” of America and tightening cash flow means the supply of collector cars is going to go up. With hundreds of thousands of jobs being eliminated every month, the number of buyers is going to go down. That students concludes “Economic Reality 2009”. I think I hear the school bell ringing, times up, pencils down, class dismissed.
 

Bench-Racing Announces 2008 Best Car Products Awards

Four categories of car products were judged. Car Care, Diagnostics/Tools, Safety, and Drivers aids. Winners were chosen for their usefulness, quality and innovation.

Car Care Product of the Year: “Touchless Car Cover” A true evolution in car covers, simple and easy to use. Makes lots of sense. Good for your car, no need for a custom cover and no more hassle from a dirty cover or more importantly a damp or wet cover. More information HERE

Diagnostic/Tool of the Year: “OK Spark”. Why hasn’t someone thought of this before? A very simple tool used to quickly and easily determine if a cylinder is getting spark. This simple tool could save hours in basic engine misfire diagnosis and it fits in your tool box or pocket. More information can be found HERE

Safety Product of the Year: “CG Lock”. A very useful and simple device that makes seat belts safer and more secure for adult and child passengers. Inexpensive, well made, simple to use, and it really works. So good we are going to add this product to our inventory. More information can be found HERE

Driver’s Aid of the Year: “Travel John”. Alright, laugh all you want but this is an indispensable product for any family, trucker, or road warrior. A self contained disposable urinal for car travelers. We might order a case of these if we get some requests but they are available at lots of Auto Parts stores. More information can be found HERE

Congratulations to this years winners. If you would like your product considered for next years awards please contact us directly.