Driven World Magazine Oct/Nov 2023

drivenworld Sept/Oct 2023

FROM THE EDITOR B Y D U S T I N T R OYA N

Oh that Camaro. My first Camaro I bought to restore. I use that term loosely, restore. I have no business restoring a car, but most people don’t. It is one of those things you start and then you wonder why the hell you are doing it. Time, money, energy, good grief ! But, something inside of you compels you do it. I think I have had that car fourteen years. It was running if you could call it that when I got it. Then a blown motor. So I did an engine swap, a supercharger and bam, it was fast. A freshly used GM drivetrain and with that blower on top, I would say it was about 600 horsepower. The car was totally gutted other than seats, gauges and a cage.

That car moved.

Sadly, that car has not run for about four years. A combination promises not kept from a body shop, frustration, time and money.

Sometimes you feel like you are rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Sure, I have a few other cars and decided to focus on my wife’s Fastback, but that car has been sitting too long. The engine and trans is in, I need to buy some parts, run a bunch of wiring, fuel lines, redo all the brake components... all sorts of small stuff that just adds up in the time and money department.

The car sits in the garage and has become somewhat of a shelf for all sorts of other parts for other cars, surfboards, etc. A very expensive shelf.

Upside-down. That would be a good word for it. That car, I am totally underwater in. Over the years, the time and money spent, had I had all that cash at once, I could be driving a very nice Camaro today, that someone else had done. Of course, I would not have all the experience I have from working on it. I have really come a long way when it comes to turning wrenches. Many times I surprise myself with the knowledge I have accumulated over the years.

That Camaro. I believe I have written about it before. It is kind of an open wound. Every-time I open the garage, it just kills me. Part of me would love to sell it. Man, I would lose a lot. By the time I am done with it...good grief I can’t imagine how much money I will have into it! And, when will that ever be. To cut the cord now and sell it, part of me would feel like a failure and the other part would be relieved. Somebody would get a great platform to finish a really cool car. But, man, it would kill me to sell it.

Feeling like a failure for not finishing something like that. If you took the emotion out of it and looked at it from a practical sense, it would probably be smarter to sell it. I know I would never get my money out of it...

Interestingly, I heard about a 64 Chevelle Convertible that a guy has had for years. It was a project, further along than my Camaro. There was a lot there and a lot missing. The guy has had the car since high school and like me, he has a ton of money in a car that hasn't moved in a very long time. A friend showed the car to me and I thought...well, if I could get it for a good price, why not? I called him and he thought the car was worth way more than I did. It is worth what he is asking for, if you throw the emotion in, but, when I buy cars, there is no emotion. So, we were way apart. We were both right about the value, he thinks a lot, I think not as much as he thinks. He said he would finish it, that is probably for the best.

Then there is the part of me that would just love to pull the engine and trans and take the body to the desert and shoot it till there was nothing left.

That is the frustration part. I am sure some of you with ongoing projects know exactly what I am talking about. You are just over it. Some of you can let go, others cannot. You sell, others keep. I don't know which is right. I guess whatever works best for you. But, part of me does not want to look back and think, I quit and I gave up. I don’t come from a family that quits, we are quite stubborn.

And of course, my daughters. If I threw in the towel, what would I say to my kids? Or my wife. Or my friends that helped me work on the car. I know that they would totally understand. Many might say I did the right thing, others....I am a quitter. But, I never want to be a weak illustration to my kids. What to do?

That Camaro. I had high hopes for it, but now I just want to start it.

Primered and all. No interior. And as I type this and think about it, I just think about how much work that car needs. Worth that I have already done, maybe more than once. How much time I have wasted if you chose to look at it in those terms. Having to buy the same parts over again. Such a waste of hard earned money. And now with kids, the priority is my children, my family. Would I be wise to just get rid of it and turn the car into a college fund or some other type of investment. I still have a few other old cars, so would one less really matter? Or, sell it and buy something done. And the

kids and family can enjoy that car. Or sell it and turn it into a trip to somewhere exotic. Education and traveling versus a bunch of metal and bolts which haven’t provided any fun or entertainment in half a decade, I could really talk myself into it.

And oddly, as I write this, I feel a sort of dread and stress coming over myself. It is quite sad that a car which brought so much to my life feels like a weight on my shoulders that I try to ignore. This isn't a sob story nor do I want you to feel sorry for me, this is a letter from the editor that for days, I have had writer's block. This is simply coming out. I think it is springtime. Or that I helped with a car show at Rusnak Porsche a few days ago, and I do not have a fast, sporty car. It would have been fun to have a 700hp 1968 Camaro there with the hood up and those shiny big 14in Wilwood brakes. But, the car is just sitting as it has sat. One giant boat anchor.

If I told my wife I was thinking of selling it, it would make her sad. I know what she would say...that I worked so hard for that car, sacrificed so much. That I learned so much from that car, that we have so many fond memories in it.

That it will get done in time and I always finish what I start. And I would agree with her, but...one less thing. One less thing to worry about, to take up space.

One less thing that takes up my time and money that should be directed to my children. Or for our retirement. What would a smart guy do?

I could sell another car and put that money into it. Finish it off. That I could do. But, I know myself, if I sold another car, I would put some money away for the kids and then use the remainder for expenses. So, that really doesn't matter. It is amazing the mixed emotions I have about this car. Writing this, I feel so many different things. It is amazing to me that an inanimate object can do that. I am not really attached to anything I own. I care more about people than stuff, but this car, man...this car. It really gets to me.

I told my wife the other day I was going to put a car into storage so I can start getting the Camaro back together and then I thought..why? It needs so much and...I ALREADY DID ALL THAT DAMN WORK! I really don’t feel like digging through parts to find the right screws and bolts or nuts and to see the surface rust that is probably starting to creep back onto the body after it was blasted, body off. To smell all those “dirty body shop” smells that come with a car that has sat for years and parts stuck in boxes, primer dust from sand getting into my eyes. Why even bother? But, then the other side of my brain kicks in and tells me I cannot let the car beat me. I will get it done, it is just time. I just need more time. But then again, to just get rid of it.

I am sure that many of you have been where I am at. Some of you saw the project through, others did not. I know the sense of completion must have been amazing. Or, the sense of relief and sorrow. At the end of the day, does it matter?

When I am on my deathbed, would I even care if I finished that car? If I did, would it become a family heirloom or something my kids sell at the first chance they get for some electric car with no soul. Does it matter? At the end of the day, does it matter?

You can probably feel my frustration. It's all my fault. I will own up to it. Always go with your gut folks, that is the best advice I can give you. Had I gone with my gut...I would be driving the car today. But, the idea of a shortcut, the promise from someone who should not promise, and trust that I knew better than to trust. And for one reason, a short cut. For going against my gut, I have paid the price and then some. A tough lesson in certain ways, an exercise in frustration for sure. A car that I love and hate at the exact same time. That I would love to take to a crusher and bid my farewells, a car I long to drive. A motor that has been dormant for years, just begging to be brought back to life.

It's just time and money right...as I shake my head. That car.

Man to just wash my hands of it. To see it become someone else's challenge, problem, dream all at the same time. What a sense of relief. A weight off my shoulders. Bon Voyage.

But. Dammit. But, I can’t. I can’t sell it. Because then, I would have quit, it would have beaten me, I would have given up. And God help me, I am not a quitter. And this country wasn’t made great by quitting. So, my dear Camaro, I ain’t done with you yet. You might not have run for four or five years, you may not have parts, interior, paint, fuel system, fuel lines, wiring, tires, and so many small little things that need to be done, but, I’ll get to you. I'll get you done. You will be light, you will be fast and those other cars will not know what hit them when I hit the gas.

Endeavor to persevere.

2023 Aston Martin House

By Dustin Troyan Photographed by Lamborghini

Aston Martin set up their private site at a house directly adjacent to the Pebble Beach 18th fairway with prime viewing of Concours d’Elegance on Sunday. We visited on Saturday to avoid the crowds to view the cars on display. Upon entering the area an emerald green DBX 707 SUV with a striking yellow interior greeted us at the top of the stairs just inside the elevated yard. It was a very impressive looking vehicle with that color combo.

On the left side across the front of the open deck section was a fairly new F1 car with the beautiful green Aston Martin livery.

Since I don’t follow F1 I’m not sure if it was a current year model or a recent year racer or even a few years old. I didn’t realize those cars had gotten so long and the cockpit looked so small with the halo over the front and winglets, splitters and aero stuff everywhere I looked. It is difficult for me to imagine driving one especially at race speeds with tight turns and other cars all around. It makes sense that only a very select few drivers can successfully pilot those race cars.

Inside the covered section of the yard we saw a beautiful DB11 in Aston Martin green with a classic tan interior that looked very stately and very British. The small room next to that vehicle housed the new limited edition $1M+ Aston Martin Valour equipped with a V12 engine and six-speed manual transmission and of course it was also Aston Martin green to match the other vehicles on display. The design team did a remarkable job incorporating so many styling cues from previous Aston Martin models. The very limited run of 110 vehicles built to commemorate 110 years of Aston Martin sold out almost immediately. I’m glad we saw that one before they all get tucked away in collections.

Article by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt @ exoticcarfotos

drivenworld ISSUE 147 SEPT/OCT 2023 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dustin Troyan ART DIRECTOR Staff COPY EDITOR Heather Troyan DESIGN Connected Media Group CONTRIBUTORS Dustin Troyan Greg Grudt Mike Grudt Mark Llewellyn

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On the Cover: The Ferrari Dream Photo by Greg Grudt

Springfest Car Show 2018

se u o H h c a e B le b b e P i in h rg o b m 2023 La

The Lamborghini house was set in the same location this year overlooking the famed 18th fairway, home to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with a clear view of the ocean beyond the greens. There were a number of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of Lamborghini during Monterey Car Week, but this was the focal point for Lamborghini celebrants.

The long driveway leading up to the house had some classic Lambos to enjoy. On the left we passed a black Countach and a yellow Murcielago LP640 and the right side had an orange Miura and a blue Diablo. In front of the garage was a new white PHEV Revuelto and the last vehicle in front was a blue Lanzador which is a 1,000HP 4-seat full EV and the future of Lamborghini.

Inside the house there were a few rooms acting as a design center with paint and interior samples to spec out a new Lamborghini if desired. In the back yard they displayed an orange Urus Performante and my new favorite Lambo, a matte gold Huracan Sterrato that is raised a few inches and outfitted for off road use. I could definitely get into driving one of those AWD 602HP cars off road.

Article by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt @ exoticcarfotos

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2023 Le Domaine Bugatti Pebble

Beach

Le Domaine Bugatti was set up in a prime location adjacent to the Pebble Beach Visitor Center. Outside the intimate setting they displayed three shiny black Bugatti models from different decades, an EB 110 GT, a Veyron and a Chiron. Inside the Chateau the color scheme remained with predominately black paint on the vehicles and they added gold to the mix. The walls surrounding the area were painted black with gold colored sketches depicted the history of Bugatti’s “Golden Era” on the inside. A Bugatti Chiron Super Sport in gold fading to black was adorned with black sketches replicating those on the interior wall as it revolved on a pedestal inside the small venue. There was a cut out in the wall next to the pedestal so visitors on the outside could partially see into the area.

Displayed inside the Chateau were also a limited edition (sold out) 1 of 99, $5M Bugatti Mistral Roadster in gold and another limited edition (also sold out) 1 of 40, $4.3 Bugatti Bolide track only car in black and carbon fiber continuing the black and gold theme throughout. The Mistral will be the last W16 powered street vehicle made by Bugatti so that will be a very special model for the lucky few soon to be owners when they begin deliveries early next year.

One other vehicle on display was a slightly smaller scale than actual size version of a classic Bugatti Type 35 race car. It appeared to be a working vehicle and definitely was not a toy. The paint job was a gold fading to black with black sketches matching the Chiron on the pedestal near the front. I don’t know much about the car, except that it looked amazing.

Article by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt @ exoticcarfotos

W W W. S U P E R C A R S U N D AY. C O M

W W W. S U P E R C A R S U N D AY. C O M

s n tio c u A k e e W r a C y re te n o M 3 202

I’m not sure how the car auction companies manage to outdo themselves each year during Monterey Car Week, but they do. Every year they manage to offer the best of the best for this worldwide showcase of collector vehicles for sale. The five major players from last year once again made remarkable sales totals during their respective auctions, though lower than last year’s sales. There were 1,225 lots offered this year with a 68% sell-through rate and 1,023 lots offered last year with a 78% sell-through rate. The overall sales in 2023 totaled slightly more than $400M with an average sale price of $475K and $472.8M with an average sales price of $592K in 2022.

Below is a brief recap of each auction house’s results in alphabetical order: Bonhams Quail Auction –Bonhams has its roots dating back to the late 1700’s in Europe and they were the oldest auction house on the Peninsula. They have been a fixture in Monterey for twenty-six years and they are the Official Auction of Quail.

Bonhams set up in their familiar location at the end of the Quail Lodge and Golf Club Resort property and this year they expanded their tented areas with much larger enclosures.

Many of the vehicles could still be seen from outside of the small white fence surrounding the auction grounds and it was fairly secluded and away from much of the crowds and traffic surrounding most other events.

Bonhams continues to be one of the smaller Monterey auctions, yet they always offer high quality vehicles that usually land near the top in sales prices. This year they offered 109 lots and enjoyed a 73% sell-through rate for total sales of $55.2M which was more than twice the $27.8M in sales from 2022. Their huge increase was attributed to a single offering, a 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta which sold for $30.25M and was by far the top priced vehicle sold during car week. In fact, the total was higher than the next three highest sales combined from Monterey sales in 2023.

Bonhams sold eight vehicles for more than $1M including a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta for $3.9M, a 1966 Porsche 906 Coupe for $2.04M, a 1949 Talbot-Lago record T26 Grand Sport Cabriolet for $2.04M and rounding out the top five was a 1909 Lorraine-Dietrich 16.4-Liter Grand Prix Two-Seater for $1.27M. It was a very good year for the Bonhams Quail Auction.

Broad Arrow Auctions – Now in its second year, Broad Arrow is still new to the Monterey auction scene and was located at the Monterey Jet Center adjacent to the Motorlux event. The Motorlux attendees had a sneak peek at the lots for sale during the unofficial “kick off” of Car Week on Wednesday night. The new auction house offered more total lots this year at 169 lots with an 80% sell-through rate totaling $55.8M in total sales which was slightly higher than their 2022 total of $55.1M in sales.

Broad Arrow sold at least ten lots for $1M+ and the top five overall sales included a 1995 Ferrari F50 Coupe for $4.24M, a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO Coupe for $3.91M, a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Coupe for $2.81M, a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Roadster for $1.98M and a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe for $1.93M. After two solid sales years this new member of the elite Car Week auction houses will likely be a strong presence for many years to come.

Gooding – The Official Auction of Pebble Beach has been a major player during Monterey Car Week for over seventeen years. They were set up in their usual “home” adjacent to the central Pebble Beach activities and easily accessible. Gooding had a total of 168 lots available and achieved a total $91.M in sales for an 76% sellthrough rate for their auction which was lower than their 2022 total sales of $109.5M with a 86% sell-through rate. They sold 24 vehicles for more than $1 million each which was slightly less than the 28 sold last year in that price range.

The top five sales at Gooding included a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB coupe for $9.46M, a 1914 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout for $4.74M, a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet for $4.51M, 1912 Simplex 50 HP toy Tonneau for $4.07M and a 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Coupe for $3.58M. As always, it was a great year for a top-tier organization.

Mecum – Once again Mecum was the largest auction at Monterey Car Week offered 577 lots this year which was nearly half of the total 1225 lots available this year in Monterey. They offered something for any budget during their three day event. They were set up in their usual location on the spacious Del Monte Golf Course adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel. Mecum enjoyed a 56% sellthrough rate and their overall sales totaled $43.4M which is down from their 2022 sales of $52.6M with a 65% sell-through rate. Even though Mecum is known for American Muscle Cars, their top six sales were all Ferrari models that sold for over $1 million per lot.

The top five sales at Mecum included a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/2 Longnose Alloy Coupe for $3.41M, a 1990 Ferrari F40 Coupe for $2.53M, a 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast SII coupe for $1.84M, a 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider for $1.76M and a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS spider for $1.65M. This year the two top selling American built muscle cars at Mecum went to the eighth and ninth top sales, a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Hardtop Coupe for $935K and a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible for $880K. Mecum is always a fun auction to attend with the massive number of classic vehicles to enjoy including many vintage motorcycles.

RM Sotheby’s – RM was set up in their usual location at the Portola Hotel near downtown Monterey for their 26th annual event which has them tied with Bonhams as the longest running continuous

auctions in Monterey. Their auction event garnered $154.1M in sales to lead the other four auctions in total sales this year, but lower than the $227M total from last year. RM enjoyed an 86% sell-through for their 202 lots which was lower than the solid 93% sell-through rate of 2022. They sold 45 vehicles for over $1 million which was lower than the total of 52 from last year. The top 10 lots sold at RM went for over $3M each in 2023.

RM bucked the “Ferrari” trend by having a British car as their top seller. They sold an amazing metallic blue 1 of only 16, 1957 Jaguar XKSS Roadster for $13.2M. This much sought after model is known as a D-Type race car sold for street use. The next four top sellers were a 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica SII Coupe for $6.60M, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Coupe for $5.39M, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC Tourer for $5.39M and a 2003 Ferrari Enzo Coupe for $4.07M. This year RM used an outside portion of the Portola Hotel grounds to set up a very special collection of actual barn finds known as “Lost & Found”.

Twenty Ferrari’s from the late 1950’s up through the 1990’s were stored in a barn in Florida that collapsed and caused partial or full damage to many of the cars. They were moved as a group to a warehouse in Indiana where they sat together untouched for many years. RM set up a very authentic display to closely replicate the actual barn the cars sat in many years ago. This included beams placed across cars with tops that were smashed and windows that were broken, tires and debris covering the vehicles and props throughout the huge outdoor display including raccoons and other lifelike additions. It was an absolutely amazing display that must have used professional IATSE Motion Picture/TV employees to make it look so realistic. The vehicles and partial vehicles sold for top dollar since each was a unique one-of-a-kind example that may or may not be restored.

Lastly, RM gave us all a sneak preview of a 1962 Ferrari 330LM/GTO in the lobby of the Portola Hotel which will be auctioned off in New York City on November 13th. I am looking forward to seeing what that car goes for.

Article by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt @exoticcarfotos

Tips

For Maintaining & Protecting Your Ferrari From the Mattioli Automotive Group

DETAILING In addition to keeping a car looking its best, consistent detailing is an important step in protecting a vehicle’s finish. Contaminants such as dirt, pollen, tree sap, and bird droppings can scratch and deteriorate painted surfaces if left over long periods. Given the value of a Ferrari, It is important to ensure that “best practices” are followed when performing a car wash; here are just a few from Mattioli Automotive Group’s (MAG) very own detailing specialists.

• Use the proper products: Ensure that the soap and other cleaning products being used have been formulated specifically for automotive use. Excessively strong chemicals and detergents will not only strip the wax off but can also dull the finish on paint and trim.

• All Towels are not equal: Microfiber towels offer low friction and can absorb more than seven times their weight in water, making them less abrasive and more effective than other towels.

It is best to use a separate towel for each function (i.e..washing, drying, applying chemicals, etc). Also, towels should never be used if they are contaminated or have fallen on the ground; washing your towels often will help ensure that they are free of debris.

• Two bucket Technique: To help prevent the re-introduction of dirt and contaminants It is best to employ the “two bucket technique” when washing your car. One bucket should contain the diluted soap and a second bucket should have clean water. After each pass with the soap, rinse contaminants off of the sponge in the clean water before re-introducing into the soap solution again.

• Nooks and Crannies: Dirt and water can gather in the seams of the doors, trunk, and hood. It is important to clean and dry these areas thoroughly to prevent dripping onto clean surfaces.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Water evaporates quickly in direct sunlight which can result in watermarks.

Is your Ferrari in need of a thorough and professional cleaning?

Feel free to reach out to one of the MAG’s four service centers to schedule a complete detailing service.

PROTECTIVE FILM Stones, road debris, chemical stains, and UV damage are all potential dangers when exposing your prized Ferrari to the road and the elements. But owners can save themselves from headaches and costly refinishing bills simply by installing protective film over their immaculate finish. This nearly invisible film can be applied just to the most vulnerable surfaces or the entire vehicle depending on your needs and driving habits.

Protect your Ferrari against road hazards and the harsh elements before it's too late. The Mattioli Automotive Group contracts several of the top protective film installers to perform the service in our facility and can guarantee timely turnaround and flawless results. To learn more about protective film options for your Ferrari, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers.

CERAMIC COATING Ceramic Coating is another popular option for protecting paint and other vehicle finishes. When compared to protective film, it can be a more comprehensive and economical alternative. Ceramic coating is a special chemical compound that is applied to various vehicle finishes to form a permanent bond with the surface. The result is a 9H+ hard coating that repels water and offers protection from UV rays, chemicals, oxidation, and corrosion. It can be applied to paint for protection against light scratches, wheels to prevent the build-up of brake dust, and glass for increased visibility in wet weather.

The MAG contracts several of the top ceramic coating specialists to perform the service in our

facility and we can guarantee timely turnaround and flawless results. To learn more about ceramic coating, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers.

Keep your Ferrari ready for your next drive.

SKID PLATES The most common dangers for Ferrari owners are steep driveways and parking curbs. Even with the optional lifter, which is available on newer models, there are still some obstacles that are too big to maneuver over unscathed. To add protection against marring the underside of the front bumper, many owners elect to install a skid plate.

This sacrificial piece of durable plastic polymer is precision cut to fit precisely on to the underside of the front bumper. The result is a nearly invisible layer of protection against costly paint and autobody repairs.

To learn more about skid plates for your Ferrari, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers. Each MAG location stocks an extensive inventory of skid plates for various models and can complete the installation in a matter of hours.

BATTERY MAINTINENCE The phrase “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” has never been more accurate than with regards to automotive batteries. When a battery is in a discharged state for an extended period of time the lead sulfate crystals inside the battery begin to increase in size. The bigger the crystals get, the harder they are to dissolve which ultimately blocks the chemical reaction that allows the battery to charge, and eventually leads to battery failure.

For this reason, Genuine Ferrari offers Battery Re-conditioners which are designed to maintain a battery’s charge and combat the growth of sulfate crystals. A Battery Re-conditioner should be utilized any time a vehicle is parked for long periods of time. This is especially vital for new vehicles which contain more electrical components that put a drain the battery.

For specific questions regarding the use of the Ferrari Battery Re-conditioners or to order one for your vehicle, feel free to reach out to one of Mattioli Automotive Group’s four service centers.

"STICKY INTERIOR TRIM" Over time, environmental factors and harsh chemicals can take a toll on the interior components of a mature Ferrari resulting in sticky buttons, controls, and trim pieces. The only remedies to this condition are to replace the deteriorated components or have them re-finished.

Either way, the process is very involved. Thankfully, the Mattioli Automotive Group’s service centers are very experienced with this issue and can help advise owners of their options when restoring their interior to like-new condition. If your Ferrari is in need of interior trim restoration, we invite you to reach out to one of MAG’s four service centers to learn more or schedule a service appointment.

Mattioli Automotive Group’s service centers are happy to help with any inquiries about these and other services offered to help protect and maintain your Ferrari.

Ferrari South Bay Service 23305 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505 (877) 887-9183 service@ferrarisouthbay.com www.ferrarisouthbay.com M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Ferrari Beverly Hills Service 2110 Cotner Avenue.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 (888) 849-9726 service@ferraribeverlyhills.com www.ferraribeverlyhills.com M - F 7:30am - 5:00pm

Ferrari Los Angeles Service 7051 Hayvenhurst Ave. Van Nuys, Ca 91406 (888) 545-4385 service@ferrariwestlake.com www.ferrariwestlake.com M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Ferrari Silicon Valley Service 2750 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA (888) 875-8963 service@ferrarisiliconvalley.com www.ferrarisiliconvalley.com M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

e c n a g le 'E d rs u o c n o C h c a e B 72nd Pebble

By Dustin Troyan Photography by Staff

For the past 72 years, The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has set the standard for automotive events to become the world renowned gathering we enjoy today. None of the many Concours events held throughout the world come close to matching the excellence of Pebble Beach.

We are so very fortunate to have this top tier gathering just a few hours away.

The entire Monterey Car Week has also evolved into a week-long celebration of events related to cars and other vehicles leading up to this special show to close out the festivities. The weather was perfect again this year and Greg and I were fortunate to connect with friends from Europe and many parts of the U.S. who we hadn’t seen since last year. It was great to share our stories and catch up since we last gathered together.

On Saturday afternoon a few vehicles always begin to unload on the famous 18th fairway in preparation for the next day’s big show. We always enjoy the anticipation of what will show up and the chance to photograph vehicles before they are surrounded by the thousands of attendees the next day during Concours. This year a highlight we experienced was the unloading and staging of an immaculate Papaya Orange 1995 McLaren F1 LM Coupe. One of only five production models built, that was a very rare and unique vehicle to be displayed among the small number of legendary automobiles honoring the 60th Anniversary of McLaren.

Concours d’Elegance celebrates different automobile milestones and anniversaries each year. For 2023 two of the other notable anniversaries were the 60 year celebration for Lamborghini and 75 years for Porsche automobiles. This year, the 216 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance invitees arrived from 18 countries and 30 states to show their beautiful examples of automotive history.

Many entrants drove their vintage vehicles on the 25th annual running of the 70 mile Tour d’Elegance on Thursday of Car Week. The Tour route wound though the scenic roads along the central coast South of Carmel and completed back at Pebble Beach. Entries that completed

the Tour would have the advantage if they tied in the Concours class competition on Sunday. Many of the vehicles probably had not driven for 70 miles in many years. It was a great opportunity to show that those unique and rare vehicles could actually do what they were designed for, to provide transportation.

As I walked past the long row of cars perched on the edge of the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links overlooking the ocean there was a lot of activity on the field. We didn’t do dawn patrol, but there were still a few cars being placed and the numerous judges were out and about doing their thing when we arrived. There were many historic Talbot-Lago automobiles and then a nice collection of McLaren road and race cars to celebrate the 60th anniversary of that marque. While walking to the far end of the venue I enjoyed numerous Porsches and Lamborghini models celebrating their significant milestones.

I always meet interesting individuals at the event and this year was no exception. While weaving up and down the numerous rows of cars I came across the section V entrants which were Dream Cars of the 1950s. One vehicle stood out among the others with a bright two-toned blue paint job and the car was a 1953 Maverick Sportster. The car was long with sleek clean lines, no top, a split windshield, a horse for a hood ornament and a boattail rear end. Fortunately the gracious owner from Iowa was present to fill me in with the details of this unique automobile that was unknown to me. He said the original car was built on a 1940 LaSalle chassis powered by a Cadillac V8 flathead and it was shown at the 1953 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. The designer of this vehicle founded Maverick Motors and build a total of 6 more examples from the early to mid 1950s using a postwar Cadillac chassis and a 331 cubic inch Cadillac V8. He also mentioned that one of the cars was shown at the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but he had not been able to confirm that his car was the one shown there. It was a very interesting story of a very rare automobile. Every car shown at Pebble Beach probably had an interesting back story and their current owners were always eager to share.

Pebble Beach judges always have a difficult job deciding the winners due to the elite nature of the vehicles entered at Concours and this year was no exception. A well deserved Best of Show award was given to a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster shown by Jim Patterson from Louisville, Kentucky. This particular vehicle was once owned by the Shah of Afghanistan and is one of only three surviving examples of this car known to exist.

This win gave the Mercedes-Benz marque a total of 10 wins surpassing Bugatti’s total of 9 Best of Show wins at Pebble Beach.

The other nominees for Best of Show were a 1930 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Special Roadster from Germany, a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C Corto Figoni Cabriolet from the United Kingdom and a 1939 Delahaye 165 Figoni et Falaschi Cabriolet from the Peter Mullin Museum Collection in Oxnard, California. It was a very solid field and the decision must have been very difficult for those involved since any of these vehicles could have easily won the top award.

Another successful Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance came to a close and we look forward to their 73rd Anniversary event next year and the other Car Week events. We also look forward to meeting up with our fellow car enthusiasts again next year.

Article by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt @exoticcarfotos

2023 Concorso Italiano

Concorso Italiano has been going strong for thirty-seven years and is recognized as one of the longest running continuous events of car week. Known as the world’s largest luxury and exotic Italian Car Event, Concorso was once again attended by thousands of aficionados this August to enjoy the nearly 1,000 vehicles on display. Concorso utilized the same layout of the sprawling Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course used last year. The beautiful green fairways covered with pristine Italian vehicles that were neatly arranged over the small rolling hills was an amazing sight to behold. As the morning fog lifted Monterey Bay could be seen off in the distance between the trees lining the venue.

We walked to the very end of the main fairway used for the event and worked our way back toward the entrance to enjoy the hundreds of cars displayed. Due to the sheer number of quality entrants it was very difficult to see and admire everything in detail. As we enjoyed countless Italian vehicles the Ferrari collection as per usual was overwhelming with the huge number of examples on display. Since most were finished in a shade of red it was sometimes difficult to make sure we didn’t miss any cars or look at them twice. This makes sense if you attend or have attended Concorso Italiano. Fortunately the cars were grouped by manufacturer and model which made it somewhat easier. As we continued working our way among the beautiful Italian machines I spoke to a number of vehicle owners.

To say the vehicle owners attending Concorso Italiano are “passionate” about their vehicles is an understatement.

They know every detail and the history behind their cars and most if not all drive their vehicles regularly and not many get tucked away in storage when they return home.

This event always includes so many rare and unique Italian vehicles that just don’t appear at other events, and especially all at one venue. One such vehicle and owner was a gentleman from Northern California in full Alfa Romeo attire; hat, driving shirt, driving shoes and probably more.

I was checking out a bright red Alfa Romeo convertible model that I didn’t recognize. It had headlights recessed

into the hood, chrome hoops behind the headrests and the top was down so I don’t know if it had a retractable hard top or a soft top. He said it was a Euro spec Alfa Romeo from the mid-late 1990’s and may have just recently entered the U.S. I believe it still wore German license plates. The Alfa guy was so excited to finally see one of those models and he rattled off the specs that I can’t recall. I was impressed by his devotion to Alfa Romeo vehicles. I asked if he owned an Alfa and he proudly pointed to his model that he recently purchased. He had wanted one since high school and finally had the means to purchase a clean example of his “dream car”.

One of vehicles that stood out among the others in a sea of red was an immaculate orange 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 shown by locals Mike and Toni Weinreb. The Miura has often been described as the most beautiful vehicle ever built and I agree. The Weinrebs’ like-new Lambo garnered the prestigious Best in Show award at Concorso this year. Some of you may remember Mike when he visited the old VCR location of Supercar Sunday at El Camino shopping center. He often drove in with his “street legal” Camaro drag racer among other cars from his collection and he continues to support Supercar Sunday at the current Pierce College location.

Each year Concorso celebrates a number of notable Italian vehicle anniversaries. This year they highlighted the 60th Anniversary of Lamborghini. The milestone was also celebrated at other events across the peninsula this year and numerous models from Lamborghini were displayed at Concorso, including the Best in Show winner. Other notable milestones this year celebrated sixty years of the Maserati Quattroporte and Merak models and the 70th anniversary of the Lancia Appia.

Article by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt @ exoticcarfotos

by Mark Llewellyn

www.LeonsTransmission.com

Icon of the 60’s Few aftermarket companies’ products have been so good that they were used as “Standard Equipment” on factory vehicles. But such was the case with Hurst Performance. The name was so synonymous with quality and performance, that Detroit automakers eventually created lines of vehicles with the “Hurst” moniker.

George Henry Hurst began his career in 1958 at a small shop in Pennsylvania.

He partnered with a fellow named Bill Campbell. Together they began their manufacturing company making bumpers for VW buses. When VW caught on to their innovation, they began producing the bumpers themselves. So HurstCampbell branched out into the “shifter” business. Their products included motor mounts, wheels, and shifter knobs among other items. It was the “Hurst Performance Shifter” that brought the name recognition.

George Henry Hurst

During the 1960’s, the company expanded, acquiring Schiefer Manufacturing (clutches) and Airheart (brakes). The duo brought the company public in 1968, and the friendship/partnership of the two innovators quickly evaporated.

In 1970 the Hurst Company was acquired by Sunbeam Products. Hurst was eventually forced out, as was Bill Campbell. In 1987 Hurst was purchased by the Mr. Gasket Company. The “Hurst” brand was then sold to B&M Racing and Performance products in 2007.

The achievements of the Hurst Company throughout the 60’s cannot be ignored.

All four auto manufacturers (AMC, GM, Ford, Chrysler) had “Hurst Equipped Shifters” in their high performance models. A who’s who list of muscle cars, AMC’s Rebel Machine, Pontiac GTO, Oldsmobile 442’s, Boss Mustang 302 and 429, and the Plymouth Superbird are just a few in a long line.

Hurst was also innovative in their marketing, with a “Trackside Shifter Hospital” at racing events. They sponsored race cars in the “Indy 500,” “Baja 1000,” and at the “Bonneville Salt Flats.”

If you were a young man in the 1960’s, some of the best memories would be undoubtedly of the “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter Girls,” most notably Linda Vaughn.

Sadly, George Hurst took his own life in 1986. But his influence in the “Performance World” still survives to this day. His life was interesting and complicated, involving multiple marriages and divorces, IRS problems, and noteworthy contributions to society (the invention of the “Jaws of Life”).

If your curiosity is still running as strong as Hurst Products, I recommend the book, “Hurst Equipped: More Than 50 Years of High Performance,” by Mark Fletcher and Richard Truesdell.

Until then, don’t miss a shift!

Linda Vaughn