 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
 |
|||
|
HOT NEWS FOR THE CAR CROWD Rennsport IV at Laguna Seca. Photos from the event can be found HERE Peter Mullin’s Voison Wins the coveted “Best of Show” at Pebble Beach. Photo HERE Bench-Racing is off to “Car Week” on the Monterey Peninsula. We will be uploading photos every day starting with Wednesday’s “Airport Party”, Thursday “The Tour” and a sneak peak at the Historic Races, Friday at “The Quail, a Motorsports gathering”, & Sunday, “The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. We will post “Best of Show” at the Pebble Beach Concours as soon as it is announced. Orange County, CA is home to several on the Forbes 500 list but more importantly home to one of Forbes, “America’s 5 Fastest Roads”. Article can be found HERE Bench-Racing.com travels to the “Goodwood Festival of Speed”. A once in a lifetime opportunity has presented itself so we are going to England. Photos HERE Check out the UK’s National Heritage Trust. Significant cars from England including three Bonneville streamliners and the famous Mini’s from the Monte Carlo Rally. Photos HERE Barrett-Jackson II Orange County is a huge success. Crowds are up, sales are strong and consignments exceed first year benchmarks. Event Photos HERE Dana Point Concours d’Elegance at the Saint Regis Photos HERE Rodeo Drive Concours featured “The Art of Italian Motoring”. Event Photos HERE 62nd Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, formerly the Oakland Roadster Show is happening this weekend. Photos from Friday, press day, can be found HERE 60 Years of NHRA exhibit opens at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Photos from the exhibit can be found HERE Hagerty Insurance Company sponsored many events in Arizona including this “Global Auction Summit” held at the Penske Museum. Part I is mostly panel member introductions but Part II has some good insight and candid opinions. Bench-Racing will be attending all the major auctions in Arizona...Gooding....RM...and the 40th Barrett-Jackson collector car auction. We will be posting photos daily. Click HERE for photos. Follow us on Twitter BenchRacingLive Photos from all the major auctions can be found HERE January 1st 2011 8th Annual “Tour d’Orange”. Now a Southern California tradition for many and arguably the first car event of the New Year. Event photos can be found HERE Several event videos HERE New Year’s Eve Demolition Derby at the OC Fair Grounds. Video and Photos HERE Carrera California is on! Check out our daily photo downloads as we drive from the ocean to the desert and back. Photos HERE Chevrolet Returns To Indy. Chevrolet returns as an engine supplier to the Indy Racing League/CART/Champ Car/IZOD Indycar open wheel series. Chevrolet will compete in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series with a new twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 racing engine powered by renewable E85 ethanol fuel. The new purpose-built Chevy IndyCar engine will be developed jointly by General Motors and Ilmor Engineering. SEMA Show in Vegas as large as always. Hate to say it but the car that left the biggest impression was the all new Ford Explorer. Pictures of cars and babes HERE 150 MPH Roller Coaster. Located in “Ferrari World” in Abu Dhabi. Take a virtual ride by clicking HERE. Accelerates to 150 MPH in 4 seconds but it looks like the rest of the ride is spent slowing down and coasting to a stop. Pasadena Art Center “Car Classic” event photos HERE Including the Bugatti Type 57 (world record price paid for a collector car), Alfa 8C, and Icon Sea Plane. Coronado Festival of Speed vintage racing event in Sand Diego photos HERE Big Bear Lake California vintage wooden boat festival photos HERE A few years ago, prior to the internet, we were lucky enough to participate in a “One Cylinder” vintage car tour in Orange County. Our ride was a sweet 1903 Packard, one of three remaining. The car ran flawlessly over the three day event and was recently sold by RM Auctions. See photo and details HERE Bench-Racing is LIVE in Monterey. Photos downloaded daily McCall’s Motorworks Revival (aka the Airport Party), Pebble Beach Tour, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, The Quail a Motorsports Gathering, & the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Rex McAfee “Racer Wrecks” has posted his photos from the 2010 “Pre-Historics” now referred to as the Pre-Reunion. Click HERE Dates for 2010 Carrera California have been announced November 13th and 14th will be the dates for this years edition of the Carrera California From the ocean to the desert and back. With Monterey/Pebble Beach “Car Week” fast approaching, Bench-Racing gives you a preview of this years potential highlights. August 11th-15th, find out all that is happening by checking out the extensive Event Calendar with many links to event home pages and online auction catalogs. Alfa’s and Hot Rod/Dry Lake streamliners at Pebble Beach, Gurney at the racetrack, and just about any rare collectable car available for purchase, 2010 looks to be a stelar event. This is the first year that the practice vintage racing is officially open to the public (the weekend before) and the number of auction houses setting up their tents stands at 5, you must schedule your time carefully or you will certainly miss something. If you cannot make it, make sure you check back here as we will be downloading photos every day from different events. Woody’s Custom Shop hits 10,000+ positive ebay feedback milestone. Woody’s Custom Shop, our online parts division, has been honored with TOP RATED seller status and continues to rack up positive feedback on sales of Hirschmann Antennas, CTEK Battery Chargers, and Classic look AM FM iPod/MP3 ready radios for your classic & sports car. Visit Woody’s Custom Shop While the rest of the world reels in economic uncertainty, car collectors continue to set records. Gooding & Co announces the sale of the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours winning Bugati Type 57SC Atlantic for a reported $30-$40 million. Early reports pegged Peter Mullin as the buyer but that was quickly denied. Rumor is two buyers partnered up for the purchase and it will be on display at Mullin’s newly opened museum in Oxnard (the ex-Otis Chandler building). RM Auctions also announces the sale of one of the most rare and coveted Ferraris, the 250 GTO for a reported $32 million. A side note, 3 Ferrari 250 GTO’s have sold in the last 6 months ranging between $27-$40 million dollars. Here’s a nice little piece courtesy of Honda. Click HERE Bench-Racing hits the road for the 2010 Targa California. Follow us as we tour California on this three day 1000 mile pre-75 classic car tour. Daily photos HERE 11th Annual St Patrick’s Day Tour for Porsche 356 & 912. Photos HERE Racing Great Sterling Moss falls down an elevator shaft at his home (flat) in London. He survives and is recovering. Full story HERE The accident did not stop him from successfully bidding on a Porsche RS 61 at the Gooding & Co Auction at Amelia Island. Car details HERE Russo & Steele’s Drew Alcazar has a public statement about the Scottsdale tent accident and the future of Russo/Steele. Click HERE The Grand National Roadster Show hits Pomona. Besides the great Roadsters built to compete for the AMBR award, there is an entire building dedicated to Southern California Racing cars. In this building you will find some of the coolest and legendary race cars on display, real racing history. Our shout out goes to the builders from Hollywood Hot Rods. Their Aero/WWII influenced roadster is fresh and innovative, a great build. Event Photos from “Move in” night can be found HERE Russo & Steele did an amazing rally to reopen on Sunday after two or their three tents blew over on Thursday night. Here is a link to photos of some of the damaged collector cars, Click HERE Photos from all the major Arizona auctions. Click HERE Hot Rod Industry Pioneer and guest contributor to Bench-Racing Dick Wells passes away at age 75. Click HERE. Here is a link to Dick’s own story click HERE. 2010 Tour d’Orange attracts over 350 vehicles. The 7th year of this New Year’s Day event is becoming a tradition for more car enthusiasts every year. See the online videos HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE , HERE & HERE Thank you all for your good behavior which enables us to continue sponsoring this fun event. New for 2010...TJ’s Killer iPhone/iPod Touch “Apps” for the car enthusiast. This is a new feature at Bench-Racing.com Sure to be a hit among the tech visitors to our web site. Featured Marque and Competition Classes have been announced for 2010 “Monterey Historic Automobile Races”: The Featured Classes for the 2010 Monterey Historic Automobile Races will be F1 1966-1983, Trans Am 1966-1972, Stock Cars (with drum brakes) 1966-1975 and Bugatti Grand Prix. The other classes include Pre 1949 Sports and Racing Cars, 1947-1955 GT and Sports Cars, 1947-1955 GT and Sports Racing Cars, 1955-1962 GT Cars, 1955-1961 Sports Racing Cars under 2000cc, 1955-1961 Sports Racing Cars, 1961-1966 GT Cars under 2500cc, 1964-1972 FIA Mfg. Championship Cars, 1971-1976 FIA Mfg. Championship Cars, 1973-1982 IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT Cars, 1981-1989 FIA Mfg. Championship & IMSA GTP Cars, 1959-1966 Sports Racing Cars, 1963-1966 GT Cars over 2500cc, 1958-1963 Formula Junior Cars. The Monterey Historic Automobile Races will be held August 12-15, 2010. Entry forms are being sent out this week and are also available online at www.mazdaraceway.com Car Collecting Mogul and legendary Texas trial lawyer John O’Quinn passes away. Details HERE. If you have attended any classic car auction in the last few years, John O’Quinn and his entourage was ever present and rarely went home without a car or two. Building his collection since 2003 into an estimated 600-800 car collection, he rivaled Bill Harrah in scale and car quality. What will happen to all his cars? Dates Announced for Carrera California V November 14th/15th. For past event photos and entrant details click HERE Only 4 spots open, don’t delay. Racer Wrecks (Rex) had a busy weekend hitting both the Japanese car show in Irvine and the Newport Concours at the St Regis Resort in Dana Point. Japanese show pictures HERE and Concours pictures HERE Los Angeles, Petersen Automotive Museum September 26, 2009. RM Auction House liquidated the 80 vehicles and some memorabilia that was once schedules to comprise a museum in Winnemucca Nevada. Almost $7 million dollars was successfully bid for the many lots with the “Little Red Wagon” getting top honors at $550K. The stunner of the auction was the 1970 LS6 Chevelle convertible drag car purchased a the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction in 2006 for $1,265,000. In 2009 that car was hammered sold at $264,000 A little deeper price drop then the 35-40% downturn in prices of collector cars in general. OUCH! NORRA, the National Off Road Racing Association has announced a vintage off road event in the spirit of the original “Mexican 1000” est. 1967 by Ed Pearlman and Don Francisco. Mexican 1000 Rally, September 16th -20th 2009. Get yourself a pre-1975 car, buggy, motorcycle or truck and sign up. Event web site and entry forms can be found HERE Make sure you check out the Parnelli Jones documentary hosted on this web site. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance announces “Best of Show” honors for Bob Lee of Sparks, NV for his silver 1937 Horsch 853. This car clearly stood out early on (the tour) as a prime candidate for BOS. The blue Siata sports roadster was a close second in the running. Photos of both these and all the cars can be found in the album links below. We were in Monterey for “Car Week”. If you were unable to make it check out these links: McCall’s Motorworks Revival AKA “The Airport Party” click HERE Monterey Historics (vintage racing) click HERE “The Tour” Pebble Beach click HERE “The Quail” a motorsports gathering, click HERE Concours du’Lemons did not disappoint. See the shameless display HERE Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, click HERE PORSCHE @ Monterey click HERE Could this be the last Monterey Historics as we know it? Most signs are pointing to a transfer of the event to Cris Vandagriff and “HMSA”. Steve Earle and “General Racing” founded the event and 2009 is the last year of their contract with SCRAMP. The Coronado Speed Festival (September 26th & 27th) has already transferred to HMSA and the Laguna Seca event seems to be pointed that same direction. The Petersen Automotive Museum opens “What Were They Thinking”. A display of ill conceived or maybe just ahead of their time cars. Photos HERE April 5th 2009 the, “Yet to be named” Rally begins in Glendale, CA The organizers did a good job of keeping this one under wraps. We will be downloading photos from the road and let you know how the route was when we return. Photos HERE Premier Event “Targa California” completed. Great weather, exciting route, superior map book. See event photos HERE Front page news of the wrong kind for two locals. Tap Out founder killed in an early morning drinking and racing incident, Ferrari torn in two by light pole. Story and pictures HERE Once the largest Lamborghini Dealer in the US, now facing lengthy prison sentence Story HERE Great All Porsche Show and Swap at the Phoenix Club. Pictures HERE An Update From the Newport Harbor Drivers Club: WOW have things changed since May ‘08 when Bench-Racing visited the Newport Drivers Club. It is now a fully functional facility ready for Parties and Functions. Check out the new photos of the interior details (FIAT con-rod toilet paper holder, wheel rim sinks, parts washer style faucets, etc.) including a full shop and mezzanine bar/TV/dining area and one of the most detailed slot car tracks we have ever seen. If you want to log some track time and check out the facilities, the NHDC is hosting a fund raiser this Sunday for local “car guy” Russ Alexander. Details HERE Newport Harbor Drivers Club web site can be found HERE The First Photos from the 2009 Grand National Roadster Show are now posted. Move in night, Thursday 1-22-09, Photos HERE 32 pages of awards including AMBR on the last page HERE This years winner of the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” was the black ‘32 with the Halibrand wheels and the head fairing. Learn all about the new Presidential Limousine, “Cadillac One” in our new Featured Article From the “Off Road World”...Rumor has it that the new owners of the “Baja Boot” have challenged Parnelli Jones and his “Big Oly” to a match race. Retracing the route of the first Mexican 1000 Rally from Ensenada to La Paz (1967), these two vintage pioneers of the Baja racing scene will dual it out for bragging rights. Details as they become available. Legends of Riverside-I. Ran into Tony Adamowicz and Doug Magnon at the Roadster Show. Please check our event calendar for information and links on their upcoming March event. Confirmed attendees include: Dan Gurney, Scooter Patrick, Davey Jordan, Bob Bondurant, John Morton, Linda Vaughn, Joe Leonard, Jerry Grant, George Follmer, Dick Guldstrand, and more. Very limited ticket availability. January 15-18th, Bench Racing is LIVE in Scottsdale. Photos from Barrett-Jackson, Russo Steele, Gooding and RM. Event Photos Click HERE Gooding & Co sells over $30 million with just 100 lots, 7 cars break the $1 million mark, results HERE RM fails to sell Bugatti, Covette GranSport, and Ferrari TDF, not one $1 million sale although several high final bids on the featured lots, over $18 million in sales on 122 lots, 83% sell rate, results HERE Barrett-Jackson sells 1000 lots, helps GM blow out 227 cars from their collection, totals tba but final day by day results available HERE Russo Steele, 505 lots, $17.1 million in sales, ‘55 Gulling $660K and Nic Cages ‘70 Hemi Cuda $440K, full results HERE Check out this video of the just opened PORSCHE Museum. Click HERE Also a very comprehensive article on the new Museum HERE and detailed blueprint and construction photos HERE January 1st 2009 The 6th Annual “Tour d’Orange”. Another great success with over 250 cars participating. Z4 and Z3 club, Smarties, Mini’s, Lotus Club, S2000 Club, etc. Event photos HERE Movie to be posted soon. Bench-Racing announces “Product of the Year” awards HERE An Interesting Article on License Plate Collecting. Click HERE 2008 L A Auto Show. New Porsche Cayman and Boxster, 2009 Mustang, Ferrari California (2+2), Brabus SMART car, KIA Soul, Nissan 370Z, etc. Photos HERE 2008 SEMA Show Pictures HERE Luxury Car Condos in Chicago Burn to the Ground. Better make sure your stored cars are insured and your storage space is sprinklered. Complete story HERE One of Bench-Racing’s heroes, Paul Newman has passed away at age 83. In the 1970s, Newman, admittedly bored with acting, became fascinated with auto racing, a sport he studied when he starred in the 1969 film, "Winning." After turning professional in 1977, Newman and his driving team made strong showings in several major races, including fifth place in Daytona in 1977 and second place in the Le Mans in 1979. "Racing is the best way I know to get away from all the rubbish of Hollywood," he told People magazine in 1979. Newman later became a car owner and formed a partnership with Carl Haas, starting Newman/Haas Racing in 1983 and joining the CART series. Hiring Mario Andretti as its first driver, the team was an instant success, and throughout the last 26 years, the team — now known as Newman/Haas/Lanigan and part of the IndyCar Series — has won 107 races and eight series championships. We admired his spirit and exemplary charitable efforts. November 1st and 2nd, Carrera California IV. A classic motoring event “from the ocean to the desert and back”. Click HERE for more information. Event Photos HERE F1 Driver Ricardo Patrese takes his wife for a hot lap HERE. Even though she is speaking Italian it is quite entertaining and hilarious to watch her morph into a crazed passenger. Orange County based “Meguiar’s Inc.” has entered into an agreement to be acquired by 3M. All the details can be found HERE With sadness we announce the passing of two SoCal legends. Phil Hill passed away after falling gravely ill on the Friday night of Monterey week and never left the hospital until he passed away two weeks later on August 28th. Even though Parkinson’s disease was reeking havoc with Phil’s body, his mind remained sharp and his loving wife Alma enabled him to be active and present at important events. Phil’s web site is HERE. Here is a link to a PDF copy of the memorial’s program including a fantastic tribute to Phil written by Dr. Ernie Nagamastsu HERE Ed Justice Sr. also passed away on August 30th. Ed Justice founded “Justice Brothers” which provides a full line of automotive chemicals and car care products to the professional mechanic. Ed loved people and selling was for him all about meeting people and building relationships. For those of you lucky enough to have met him, you understand what a special man he was and one of the reasons his generation is referred to as “The Greatest Generation”. Web site HERE 2009 Monterey Announcements: PORSCHE Featured Marque at the Vintage Races. Bentley and Bugatti featured Marques at Pebble Beach. Next years dates August 14-16 2009 “Car Week” on the Monterey Peninsula: Pre-Historics sharing the track with Ferrari F1 cars (and “Cliente” trackside service for these recently retired race cars) and Ferrari Challenge PHOTOS HERE. Two days of “Concours on the Avenue” in Carmel Photos HERE. Wednesday night “McCall Motorsports” at the airport Photos HERE. The Pebble Beach Concours TOUR, pictures HERE. “The Quail” a motorsports gathering pictures HERE. The Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca Racetrack and the “FREE-Historics” on Thursday pictures HERE. 23 minutes of video from Sundays vintage racing HERE. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance pictures HERE. Monterey classic car auctions HERE. Best of Show is the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C owned by Jon Shirley. Photos HERE and HERE. What are the Shirley’s going to do now? Well take the magnificent car out on the road on the “8C Tour” and nick it up a little. Hats off to you! In auction news: Whereas last year most auction houses were satisfied with one, two, or maybe three marquee multimillion dollar offerings. This year every auction house presented several potential record breaking cars. Auction totals for the week stand to astound if in fact these rare vehicles find willing bidders. Final Results: Bonhams sells three $1 million cars and two at $4.5 million plus, McQueen Porsche withdrawn from sale, results HERE Gooding & Co. sells over $64.2 million including $7.92 for a ‘37 Bugatti setting a North American auction record. Results HERE. RM sells 12 cars for over $1 million each with the top price of $4.5 for a ‘61 250 GT Ferrari, complete RM results HERE. Russo and Steele failed to break the magic million mark with any single vehicle but sold $9.1 million posting a 50% sales rate. 9 cars sold in the $250+ range with a 1972 911 RS setting a new record at $302K. Results HERE. This means over $130 Million Dollars worth of cars sold during this period. Monday and Tuesday August 11th & 12th, Carmel by the Sea Concours on the Avenue (Mon. pre-73 Porsche and Ferrari, Tues. select cars by invitation only) information HERE Monterey Historics Highlights: Advance ticket sales reported as double last years gate! Alfa Romeo Featured Marque. Historic Ferrari A & B Classes (drum & disc brake), Historic Trans-AM and Can-AM feature classes, Mario Andretti Honored guest. Advance ticket sales are available with discount. No discount at the gate. Pictures HERE Toyota Race of Legends to feature F1 pilots. This successful celebrity race will be repeated at this years Monterey Historics. The eight-lap race features Derek Bell who returns to defend last year's win against an impressive lineup that includes Eddie Cheever, Johnny Herbert, Jean-Pierre Jarier, Alan Jones, Danny Sullivan, Patrick Tambay Pebble Beach Concours important updates: 50th Anniversary of the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder featuring 6 variants of this classic model, Lancia added as featured marque, and a 1934 Packard V12 which competed in the 3rd edition of the Pebble Beach Concours will make it’s return in 2008 (same owner for the last 53 years). “Legacy of Lamborghini” features 9 specially selected cars and Valentino Balboni. Special class of “Over 20 Liter” cars. Porsche #1 to be on the fairway, details HERE. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance web site is HERE Pictures from this event HERE Don’t miss the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on Thursday August 14th Info HERE Pictures posted HERE Gooding & Company has consigned the Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson Collection. The finest collection of Bugattis ever to come to auction. Expected to bring over $15 million, this offering of 12 Bugatti’s is unprecedented. Gooding will also be auctioning a Lotus 23 Porsche, 1959 Ferrari California GT Spyder, ‘14 Stutz Bearcat, and a gorgeous 1938 Alfa 6C 2300 B MM. Web site HERE. Reportedly, Gooding & Co has the potential to sell in excess of $100 million in cars if reserves are met, almost double last years total. Dana Point Concours (all Porsche) Over 150 356’s on the grass, 4 Cam’s, 911, 912, and select racing Porsches. Photos HERE More pictures HERE Saturday Morning Irvine Cars & Coffee with Porsche as the featured marque. Photos HERE Petersen Automotive Museum opens “From Autocamps to Airstreams”. A curious collection of early coaches, trailers and campers. Photos from the opening weekend can be viewed HERE. Event info HERE Collection of Petersen Automotive Museum Event Photos. 100 Year Celebration of the Model T HERE, King Midget HERE, New Hot Wheels Hall of Fame HERE, The “Art of Cars” the movie HERE, NASCAR exhibit HERE, Exclusive Photos of Ferrari’s new “California” model can be seen HERE. Ferrari has established a dedicated web site where details of this model will be unveiled bit by bit until it is officially launched in Paris on October 1st. See what Ferrari is calling their “Virtual voyage of discovery” HERE Art Astor hosted a wonderful Preview Gala on the night before his three day auction of cars, radios, phones, and memorabilia. Astor Family members bid farewell to the collection while trumpet player and renowned band leader Jack Sheldon played on into the night with his big band. Pictures HERE. The auction was a success as RM states, “An incredible collection generates incredible results”. Auction results are HERE RM proclaims Joe’s Garage Auction a, “Smashing Success” with several cars and motorcycles blowing away their pre-auction estimates. This sets the stage for the Astor Collection auction of cars, radios, microphones, slot machines, automotive signs, gas pumps, etc. this coming weekend. Photos from both events soon. Joe’s Auction results HERE OCTO Campout at Black Star Canyon (Orange County Transporter Organization/VW Bus) was a blast. These guys know what vintage camping is all about. Just one of the many VW events happening June 7th and 8th in the OC. Pictures HERE A Celebration of Life for Chuck Daigh was held at his shop in Costa Mesa on Saturday May 31st. A solid representation of Hot Rodders and Chuck’s peers included: brother Harold Daigh, Dan Gurney, Bob Bondurant, Phil Hill, Jerry Grant, Dick Gulstrand, Phil Remington, Bill Krause, Ed Iskinderian, along with Chuck’s flathead powered dry lakes dragster (w/engine turned 90 degrees and chain driven to eliminate any parasitic drive train power loss), the Troutman/Barnes Special, and a couple of T-Birds representative of the Fords Chuck drove on the Beach at Daytona. The family provided a wonderful lunch and several photo albums full of racing pictures. Event Photos HERE Here’s a classic clip we found. Obviously from a time when Cali was not as litigious an environment as it is currently. Borderline “Jackass” stunts and a Mopar wheelstander to boot (compliments of “Dandy Dick Landy”). HERE The Newport Harbor Drivers Club has opened it’s doors. Like a yacht club for car enthusiasts, the freshly remodeled facility has reasonable membership fees and has already attracted some of the neighborhoods most passionate enthusiasts. Pictures HERE Drivers Club web site HERE Ferrari – Leggenda e Passione, the all Ferrari auction held in Maranello saw $45 million worth of cars change hands. Among them a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder that sold for $10.9 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive motor car ever to be sold in auction history. Results and Online catalog HERE Classic footnote: a letter in this weeks edition of AW recounts a short story of a young man remembering the black Ferrari parked, top down and keys in the ignition, at Compton College where the guest speaker was none other then James Coburn. Bonhams Auction House announces the consignment of Steve McQueens LeMans Porsche . The ex-Solar Productions Steve McQueen/Peter Revson race car is a 1969-70 24 Hours of LeMons held at Altamont. For the third year now, this low budget enduro was held, unfortunately a fatality darkened the normally fun loving mood of this event. Our friends at “Motoring J Style” finished third and have posted event details and video. Check it our HERE. RIP Court Summerfield Local Racing and Builder legend Chuck Daigh passes away. Lifetime Hot Rodder, Racer and builder, Chuck did it all including building and racing a flathead special at El Mirage in his 80’s. Brief history of Chuck Daigh HERE Riverside International Automotive Museum Opens the doors to a new 20,000 square foot facility. The new museum building has expanded visitors hours and lots of significant memorabilia from Riverside International Speedway. Museum web site HERE Doheney Wood featured over 140 Woody Wagons and Cars. Event photos HERE Did you miss the 10th annual NFIBMT? If you did not go click HERE and see what you missed. The orgainzers have officially decided that this will be the last NFIBMT. Will someone step up and replace this spring SoCal tradition? Steve Fossett’s LSR Land Speed effort continues. Sonic Arrows quest for a new land speed record is still alive! Details and photos from the March test HERE. More details HERE Disney Gives “CARS” 2 the go ahead. Although we look forward to the premier of “Speed Racer” nothing beats a sequal to the best car movie ever. Cars 2 info HERE Jerry Seifeld has serious rollover crash. After losing the brakes in his Fiat, Seifeld crashed the car but walked away. Full story HERE CHP find man’s Porsche, stolen in 1969. California CHP officers went to great lengths to find the owner of this stolen 356 Roadster. Story HERE Strangely similar story about a Mustang in SoCal HERE RM Completes their Amelia Island Auction. In conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours, RM Auction House successfully auctioned off 100 cars including the “Edsel Ford Speedster” one of our favorite cars, a bidding war between John O’Quinn and Edsel Ford II finally ceased when the price hit $1.6 million. Two cars sold for more then $2 million and another car broke the $1 million barrier. Complete results HERE. The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance honored racing legend Parnelli Jones HERE In other auction news, the incredible muscle car parts and cars stash from Wisconsin (original story HERE) is now schedule to be auctioned May 9-10 in Clarksburg, Md.. The contents of all 21 trailers will be sold, no firm details but the auction house web site is HERE and it indicates there will be internet bidding. THE BIGGEST NEWS OF THE YEAR! Indy Car and Champ Car have finally done the deal and unified. For hard core open wheel fans like us at Bench-Racing, this means we may finally get back to the days when open wheel racing on Sundays was our second religion. See details and pictures HERE HOT RODDER CODDINGTON AND SPORTS CAR LEGEND FRERE DIE. In obviously unrelated news, the car community lost Hot Rod innovator and builder Boyd Coddington age 63 and Sports Car Driver and Writer Paul Ferre age 91. More Coddington news HERE and HERE. Coddington one time employee and Hot Rod craftsman in his own right, Lil’ John Buttera also passed away on March 2nd HERE www.CarJunkieTV.com officially debuts it’s web site. Ex-Hot Rod Magazine Editor and friend David Freiburger hosted a Car Junkie TV open house on Saturday with about 200 fellow “car junkies”. Attendees were treated to a gathering of 60 cars, all sorts, free beer and burgers, mini bike demo, project car display, and clips from upcoming Car Junkie TV webisodes (not to mention some impressive burn outs on Cedar St.). Some posted pictures HERE UAE License plate with the #1 on it recently was sold at auction for $14 million. Makes $1 million muscle cars look like a steal. See full story HERE 2008 Grand National Roadster Show results are in! AMBR Trophy goes to Robbie Azevedo and his 1929 Ford Roadster. Picture HERE. Hate to say if this picture is correct, we do not agree with this selection. 34 page PDF file of all the winners HERE The 2008 Grand National Roadster Show opens to the public tomorrow but we will be previewing the show TONIGHT! AMBR contestants and Hot Rods. Pictures HERE. Bench-Racing is in Arizona for all of the Auction Action including Barrett-Jackson, RM, Russo Steele, and Gooding & Co.. Check in as we download photos HERE. Event coverage to follow. NEW YEARS DAY 2008 TOUR D’ORANGE. This 5th annual New Year’s Day tradition continues. Over 200 cars participated this year. Lotus Club, Cobra Club, Viper Club, Mini Club, Current Gen Mustang group, BMW Club, Porsche Club, and 356 Club were just some of the participants. Photos HERE and HERE Email us your photo link and we will post it here.Happy New Year, same thing January 1st 2009. Pictures from TRE’s New Years Day LA Area fun run HERE Bench-Racing has selected their “Worst Car of the Year”. View this four wheeled atrocity HERE 2007 LA Auto Show is on! Photos of the new Lambo, Maserati, Mini Clubman, Jag XF, Porsche GT2 and Cayenne Hybrid, Smart ForTwo, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, and the really cool VW Space UP. Photos HERE Carrera California III was way too much fun! Almost 400 miles of great two lane roads and a special trip across Camp Pendleton. I don’t remember seeing one cop the whole trip. Trip details and photos HERE Rennsport III. Bench-Racing writer and photographer Rex McAfee attended this unequaled PORSCHE event held at Daytona International Speedway. Rex’s Photos HERE. Over 3800 event photos HERE. That’s right, over 3800! SEMA Show 2007 is next on our calendar. Pictures HERE. Show cars and prototypes, diamond encrusted Mercedes SL, Scion with arcade game built in, holographic window treatments and illuminating graphics. Petersen Museum opens their new Lowrider Exhibit. Opening night photos HERE. Details on the exhibit, “La Vida Lowrider”, times, and information HERE. Purchase your NOS collectors copy of the 2000 Petersen Museum lowrider exhibit HERE For those of you who haven't been informed or seen the breaking news on NHRA.com, I'm sorry to report that Wally Parks has passed away. Wally had been struggling with a cracked hip bone and during hospitalization developed heart problems and came down with pneumonia. He passed peacefully shortly past 7 p.m. this evening. No plans have as yet been announced for a memorial service, but information will likely be carried on NHRA.com and in National Dragster. The 2007 Volkswagen Treffen at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, CA was a treat for aficionados of VW heritage. See Rex’s Photos HERE. Amazing coach built and original Volkswagens, some which you may have never seen before. Here’s a FREEBIE for you racer and wanna be racer types. A free downloadable copy of “The Physics of Racing”. Click HERE. 60+ pages of info. MORMON METEOR WINS BEST OF SHOW AT 2007 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE. The winning car, also known as “The Mormon Meteor,” is a supercharged speedster that was raced by Utah’s Ab Jenkins (the former mayor of Salt Lake City) and then driven on the city streets. The car, which set a 24-hour speed record (135.58 miles per hour) in 1935, sold for a record $4.45 million at the 2004 Pebble Beach Auction conducted by Gooding & Company. Pictures HERE and HERE Auction Results: RM Sells $47 Million selling 178 of 192 cars. High sale was the ex-Bob Grossman 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione at $4,950,000, while the ex-Mae West 1935 Duesenberg SJ Town Cabriolet with Bohman & Schwartz Coachwork sold for $4,400,000. Results HERE, Christies Sells Steve McQueen’s Ferrari Lusso for $2.1 (pre-auction estimate of $800-$900) Results HERE, Gooding & Co sold 122 of 134 cars for a $61,350,250 total. High sale was a 1931 Bentley 4 1/2-Liter Roadster at $4,510,000, while a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder sold at $4,400,000 Results HERE , Russo & Steele managed to get over $700,000 for a steel bodied 300SL Gullwing and over $900,000 for a Lamborgini Miura, you must register to see results HERE and “Final Bid” is given, no indication of actual sale. PHOTO LINKS: Airport Party, The Pebble Beach Concours Tour, & Laguna Seca HERE Historic Racing and Monterey Auctions HERE l Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance HERE, Toyota Legends Race and Revolution to Evolution Panel Discussion Pictures HERE We are off to Monterey. Our schedule is very full so look forward to lots of photos and details from Auctions, Vintage Racing, The Wednesday Airport Party, The Quail, and of course the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Daily Photo Updates HERE Bonneville Speed Week is underway! The standing water is evaporating fast and two new courses have been dragged. See daily updates and photos HERE Hot Air Ballon record holder, Le Mans class winner, and aviation record holder Steve Fossett has purchased the Craig Breedlove’s “Sprit of America” land speed record vehicle and has signed land speed legend Craig Breedlove on as a consultant. Fossett is preparing an assalt on the ultimate land speed record held by Thrust SSC. Team McCall was set to join Fossett and his team for some testing at the end of July but the Bonneville Salt Flats were covered with 12 inches of water from a series of rain storms. Fossett’s record attempts are being set for September and October at Bonneville. Visits Fossett’s web site HERE. Check out the pictures of the Spirit of America with it’s new paint scheme. The First “Porsche Date Night” at Enderle Center in Tustin was a success, maybe 100+ cars showed up. Photos HERE. Sorry, only 356, 912, and 911 to ‘73 photos but that’s just what we’re all about. Steve Schmidt’s 356 “GT” rightfully took the 356 catagory and Paul Kramers’ 911 “Mad Cow” won Special Interest catagory. Pasadena Art Center’s Annual Car Show again did not disappoint. Photos HERE Congratulations to Iron Bottom and Carrera California participants Tina and Chuck. They are the new owners of Burbank’s famous Autobooks-Aerobooks and we wish them continues success. Look for the new owners to continue the tradition and special events that this bookstore is noted for as you won’t find two more passionate motoring individuals. The Dana Point Porsche Concours featured over 150 Porsche 356 cars along with 911, 912, and competition cars (at least 5 four cam 356’s). See over 300 pictures from this event HERE Let me introduce you to a free online magazine called “Winding Road”. Friend and longtime automotive journalist Leo Levine (Road & Track, Ford: The dust and the glory parts I and II, Mercedes Benz chief of PR, etc.) is now a contributing writer at Winding Road. They are offering FREE 36 month subscriptions just for submitting your email. There is an awesome “Olive Active Magazine” software that works sort of like Adobe Acrobat (just faster) and allows you to virtually page through the entire current or back editions of the magazine. Worst case, you have something to read when stuck someplace with your laptop and a few spare minutes to kill. A four out of five steering wheel rating by Bench-Racing. The Truths and Myths of improved FUEL ECONOMY. HERE And some smart tips for More Miles for your Money HERE Seems like last weekend at our local Cars and Coffee, someone did not heed the request for no burnouts as you leave the venue. Well you can watch as the “the Cobra bites back”. Video link HERE. CLASSIC a five steering wheel rating by us at Bench-Racing. Daily Photos From the No Frills Iron Bottom Motoring Tour HERE Although we have lost a SoCal sports car legend Jack McAfee, we have gained a great tribute web site established by his son and Bench-Racing contributing writer Rex McAfee. Jack was and still is the youngest owner of a Porsche Dealership and he was a large presence in the racing scene all his life. Pomona, Santa Barbera, Torrey Pines, Brynfan Tyddyn, Sebring, etc.. See the new web site HERE The long awaited Return of Michael Schumacher. Well known Ferrari PR boss, Aprile Pazzo*, has announced that 7 time F1 champion Michael Schumacher is purchasing the entire assests of the Ferrari F1 Team and will take over development and direction of the Ferrari F1 Team starting with the 2008 racing season. Ferrari, owned by Fiat, will concentrate on it’s exotic car production. (*Aprile Pazzo is Italian for April Fool). March 23, 2007 Robert E. Petersen, Founder of Hot Rod, Motor Trend Magazines and Benefactor of the Petersen Automotive Museum Passes On at 80 Comic/Actor Eddie “Barney” Griffin Crashes Enzo At a trackside event to kickoff the new street racing movie “Redline” Actor Eddie Griffin drove a Ferrari Enzo straight into a concrete barrier severely damaging the car. Media claims the car was totaled but also quoted the value of the car at $1.5 million. See the clip HERE and the actors post crash interview HERE. Now let’s read between the lines, the Enzo belongs to the movie’s producer, the movie sucks, is wrecking an Enzo at a media event such a large price to pay for all the publicity it has now generated? The Petersen’s Checkered Flag 200 visited a race car collection in Corona. Heavy on vintage Sprinters and Indy 500 competitors. Photos HERE. Quote of the day by the owner of the collection, a successful businessman and skilled vintage racer with an encyclopedic knowledge of his cars, “Sometimes when I am in here alone, after everyone has gone home, I still expect someone to yell at me HEY KID, GET OUTTA HERE, WE’RE CLOSED”. Bench-Racing Editor Charles Rollins named to Team McCall. Slated for an October 2007 assault, Team McCall will head to the Bonneville Salt Flats to set an ultimate land speed record on a bicycle. Target set at 180 MPH. Details HERE SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. MARCH 16, 2007 - Late yesterday Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. LLC filed suit in U.S. District Court in relation to a situation that occurred at the company's January 2007 Scottsdale event. Deuce Week at the Petersen Automotive Museum was an orgy of ‘32 Fords. We attended the Legends Dinner and the huge Saturday ‘32 display. Photos HERE Crevier Classic Car Company opens it’s doors! Check out this upscale vehicle storage facility located near the OC Airport (SNA/John Wayne). Grand opening photos HERE Ferrari/Maserati of Orange County displayed classic Maserati’s in their showroom. A wonderful retrospective of the Marque. Photos HERE Photos from the Grand National Roadster Show HERE January 1st 2007. The fourth annual “Tour d’Orange”. The first automotive event of the new year featured some of the best two lane roads in Orange County and was attended by more then 250 cars. Thanks to our hosts, Auto Kennel and Newport Shelby Cobra and thanks to our sponsors CTEK Battery Chargers and TomTom Portable Navigation. Maps were handed out at 9 AM and the group departed promptly at 9:15 AM. The event terminated at IN-N-OUT Burger in Anaheim Hills. Pictures HERE, HERE, and HERE. We very much appreciate the excellent attitudes and good driving manners of those that went on the tour. Please E-mail us links to your posted pictures so we can share them eventinfo@bench-racing.com NBC and General Motors has put together a special web site exclusively about Jay Leno’s car collection with a visit to his garage. He is a true ambassador for the collector car hobby. Pictures and video HERE Looks like the last car event of 2006 was perhaps the most fun. A German themed car show and Toys for Tots drive was held at a private collection in Huntington Beach. Over 500 toys were donated. Rides were offered in vintage cars and motorcycles including a Kubelwagen, Schwimwagen, Benz Patent Wagon, etc. Pictures HERE 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show: The Chairman of General Motors is surprised on stage at the conclusion of his keynote address. Tree huggers invite him to sign a pledge to increase the average MPG of GM’s fleet. He declines their offer and gives a good straight arm to the uninvited guests. Well done! Pictures from the auto show HERE The Petersen Tribute to Parnelli Jones was another huge night of racing legends. Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Joe Leonard, Carroll Shelby, George Follmer, Al Unser Sr., George Bignotti, James Garner, Ivan Stewart, and on and on. Event photos HERE If you are a Steve McQueen Fan, you shouldn’t miss the Bonhams Auction on Saturday November 11th at the Petersen Automotive Museum. This is the last large collection to be offered with a direct connection to Steve McQueen. Plenty of goodies from his last wife Barbera McQueen. See media day pics HERE Auction results are just in. View results HERE The Carrera California II. A driving tour “From the ocean to the desert and back” has been completed. Pictures from the trip are available HERE. The Fabulous Fifties Fall Fiesta. Much better then the name. Pictures HERE SEMA Show 2006 Pictures HERE, HERE, and HERE Cars and Coffee-An option for ex-Crystal Cove attendees. Saturday 7AM-9AM Ford Premier Automotive Group and Mazda Campus. 7905 Gateway Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Barranca Parkway and Alton Parkway in the Irvine Spectrum. As you face the building, display parking is to the left visitor parking is in the structure to the right. Please see other CC updates below. Flyer and pictures from the inaugural Saturday HERE Over 400 cars on the first weekend. Way more diverse then Crystal Cove ever was. A five steering wheel rated event. Event Podcast HERE The Fabulous Fifties hosted their Fall Fiesta at Carroll Shelby’s facility near the Goodyear Blimp in Carson. Besides legendary Sports Car drivers, including Ol’ Shel himself, there was a great little car show. Event pictures HERE Bench-Racing attended the now historic auction of the Otis Chandler Collection in Oxnard. All cars were offered and sold at no reserve. Expected auction totals of $20-$27 million dollars were exceeded with the hammer price of +$32 million before buyer premium. Check out the posted online auction catalog HERE Pictures HERE Our feature article is posted HERE along with post auction updates,insights, and comprehensive results. The Mercedes Classic Center hosted a Grand Opening Party. Enthusiastic members of the loca Mercedes communittee were invited to check out the new parts and restoration facility. Custom lighting transformed the showroom and workshop into what resembled an art gallery with the fine art being Mercedes-Benz cars. The display cases were full of tempting model cars and other MBZ trinkets. Pictures HERE MBZ Classic Center USA HERE The First “24 Hours du Lemons” was a success, details HERE Racer Rex (pronounced wrecks) returns from the SoCal TT with pictures HERE OC Auto Show Opens! New Lambo debut. Pictures HERE 2006 Newport Concours d’Elegance was awesome, again! 200 well selected cars, two P51 Mustangs and a Bearcat flyover. Two Best of Shows, one pre-war a Delahaye and one post-war, my pal Weston Hook from La Jolla and his Strawberry Gullwing Mercedes-Benz. Photos HERE Wrap up to follow shortly. Jim Hall Kart School Photos HERE. Everyone should find time to try this school. It’s nearby and very reasonably priced. www.jimhallkartracing.com Half-day, Full-day, Multi-day, Corporate event, etc. Run by Karting Champ Jim Hall himself, a very well run school with a great track an superior equipment. 2006 Cruisin’ For A Cure Photos HERE The 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show is the Daimler Double Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe owned by Robert M. Lee, Reno, Nevada! Photos of this car HEREand HERE We are back from Monterey. Vintage Races, Auctions, Parties, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, etc. Monterey Wednesday night McCalls Motorsports Revival AKA The Hanger Party HERE and HERE. “The Tour” HERE. The Monterey Historics HERE & HERE. The Pebble Beach Concours HERE. RM Auctions has results posted HERE. Just click on the result you are interested in and it automatically links you to the cars description.
|
|||
