Driven World December 2018

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

FOR ICONIC CARS

OF THE 60S SALES, SERVICE, PARTS, APPAREL AND MORE!

2014 SHELBY COBRA 427 S/ C CSX6126 CONVERTIBLE

2004 SUPERFORMANCE MKIII SP01862 CONVERTIBLE

2016 SHELBY DAYTONA COUPE CSX9148 COUPE

6 AUTRY, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92618 • 949-900-1960 WWW.HILLBANKUSA.COM

drivenworld...2

NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN IN ARIZONA • 2180 W. UNIVERSITY, TEMPE, ARIZONA

IMAGINE DRIVING A PRISTINE CAR EVERY DAY OF EVERY WEEK.

P L AT I N U M C L U B M E M B E R S H I P F R O M L AVA G G I O Lavaggio’s world-class wash facilities and concours-trained detail technicians are at your service.

At Lavaggio, we pamper automobiles... and their owners with The Art of Auto Detailing.

ConCierge ServiCe Complimentary BiStro me al interne t & entertainment

drivenworld...4

exeCutive BuSineSS lounge v . i . p. t r a n S p o r t a t i o n e xCluSi v e memBer-only e v ent S

Lavaggio For more information, call Lydia Derian at 818.584.3240 and visit www.lavaggio.net

P U R S U I N G

P L E A S U R E .

P U R S U I N G

L I F E .

MORE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED

Bo rn i n S ou t he rn Cal i for nia.

W he re d e si gn , te c hn ol ogy and imag inatio n co me to g ether.

For p e op l e w ho t hi n k t he s tatus quo is not s tatus at all.

Canoga Park

T h e al l n ew e l e c t ri c Revero .

Van Nuys

Woodland Hills

Calabasas

Beverly Hills West LA

SERVICE YOUR CAR

CANOGA PARK BEVERLY HILLS

WOODLAND HILLS

WEST LA

O R A N G E

C O U N T Y

2 NEW LOCATIONS Introducing two new drop-off points in West LA and Van Nuys.

CHOOSE THE LOCATION THAT’S CONVENIENT FOR YOU

Santa Monica

AT THE AUTO GALLERY LOCATION NEAREST YOU

At The Auto Gallery, we like to listen to our customers.

Our 2013 Customer Satisfaction Survey results told us that the number one complaint amongst our owners was the lack of convenience of our service locations.

CALABASAS

With sites in Calabasas, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Beverly Hills, West LA, and Santa Monica, you now have a choice of location to use.

YOUR VAN NUYS SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT TODAY

SANTA MONICA

P A S A D E N A

To make your next service appointment and arrange a drop off point that best suits you. Call Irene Velazquez at (818) 932-1707 W E S Tor L email A K E irenev@theautogallery.com.

K A R M A A U T O M O T I V E . C O M

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

drivenworld ISSUE 108, DECEMBER 2018

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dustin Troyan ART DIRECTOR James R. Stanley Jr. COPY EDITOR Heather Troyan James R. Stanley Jr. DESIGN Connected Media Group CONTRIBUTOR Dustin Troyan Steve Ellis Ted Lighthizer Scott MArtin James Stanley Mike Grudt Greg Grudt Steve Geldman Mark Llewellyn Craig Melone

ADVERTISING / MARKETING dustin@connectedmediagroup.com (818) 516-5053

www.drivenworld.com

www.connectedmediagroup.com www.supercarsunday.com

Driven World Magazine is published twelve times per year by Connected Media Group LLC. It is distributed at upscale locations and events all over California. It is also available online and distributed electronically to highnet-worth individuals as well as members of the car community at large.

All rights reserved. Driven World and Supercar Sunday are registered trademarks of Connected Media Group LLC. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or any other materials or advertisements herein may be reproduced without permission of copyright owner. Driven World Magazine and Connected Media Group LLC, do not take responsibility for the claims provided herein.

Connected Media Group LLC, Driven World Magazine, and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, and publisher accept no responsibility for the errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein.

Connected Media Group LLC does not assume liability for any products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers or editorial information.

On the Cover: Anthony Spears and the Blue Angel SRT

Centerfold: The Blue Angel SRT

Springfest Car Show 2018

Valley Indoor RV Storage www.valleyindoorrvstorage.com

818-STORE-RV Classic & Exotic Car Storage

Located in Chatsworth, Valley RV Indoor Storage offers over 200,000 Square feet of indoor storage, concierge service and so much more...

Motorhomes - RV’S - Collector Cars - Race Cars - Trailers - 5th WheelsJet Skis- Off Road Vehicles - Exotic Cars - Private Car Collector Areas - Etc. Located at 20701 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311 818-701-6500

Will Franco and the Barbuscia Family Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse?

Article by Craig Melone

I

f you think you’re making Franco The Carfather an offer he can’t refuse… think again!

The cars may be exotic and temperamental, but then so is the Barbuscia family! Direct from Sicily, at their high-end Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and exotic, supercar auto shop, Franco’s European Sports Cars, family patriarch Franco’s "direct approach" to customer satisfaction is unusual as well as unparalleled.

Sometimes, Franco even insists that his celebrity clientele work on their own cars… just so they get a taste of what it’s like!

The Family’s Number One Son Damian says, “My father’s expertise around these supercars is unparalleled. It’s almost an unspoken, inside secret within the exotic car business. We’re the shop people come to when they’ve reached the point when all that’s left to do throw up their hands in frustration. That’s when we really go to work! Servicing these exotics is no picnic. You have to

drivenworld...8

have the patience and determination to get the job done.” Franco’s shop has been responsible for numerous restorations for high-net-worth customers in Monterey and at Quail, among others.

Don’t have a Ferrari 430, Maserati or Lamborghini Countach in the shop or in your garage? Not to worry. You can see father, Franco and son, Damiano and the Barbuscia family on CNBC-TV and on the popular webseries, Jay Leno’s Garage.

Damiano says, “One of my favorite moments with Jay is when we’re in the Red Lambo LM002 screaming down the freeway and Jay exclaims, ‘Like an Italian Opera!’ Those are the kind of moments that make it all worthwhile. We love working on all things Jay Leno. We've known Jay since he was a comedic Bambino.

His passion for cars is undeniable and topped only by his talent as a comedian.”

Franco Barbuscia was born in Sicily and honed his amazing exotic

car technique working on Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s and Maserati’s over a 40 plus year illustrious career.

Franco started working on his trade as a mechanic at 10 years old. He honed his craft in Canada, eventually moving to the US in 1973. In Pennsylvania, Franco worked on the few Ferraris and any other exotics in town he could get his hands-on. He and his family moved to California in 1986 where he finally opened “Franco’s European Sports Cars” in 1990, where the shop has been ever since.

Franco’s European Sports Cars is a real mechanic’s garage. Located on Oxnard Street just west of Van Nuys Blvd., on any day the place is humming with everything from Countach transmission work to Diablo exhaust tuning and Ferrari fixes. Damian says, “Every day is a new experience. You never know what’s happening next at Franco’s.

It’s been like this in the Valley since 1990.”

Franco started working on his trade as a mechanic at 10 years old. He honed his craft in Canada, eventually moving to the US in 1973. In Pennsylvania, Franco worked on the few Ferraris and any other exotics in town he could get his hands-on. He and his family moved to California in 1986 where he finally opened “Franco’s European Sports Cars” in 1990, where the shop is today.

Their celebrity status is wellearned, but wasn’t really sought after.

When a very young and popular comedian was looking for someone to work on the cars he was collecting as a part of his rise to the top, Franco was there. Damian adds, “There’s a photo someplace of Jay and I when I was like 15 in the driveway of the new shop on Oxnard Street. Jay has been with us, and we with him for a very long time.”

Today, the HITS keep coming with a long list of celebrity clients from the Van Halen’s and Motley Crue to the new generation of Lamborghini aficionados. Damian adds, “At some point, for some reason, I think everybody who appreciates exotics ends up here with us. It’s inevitable.”

With over 3 Million views on Youtube for Damiano and Franco’s multiple visits to Jay Leno’s Garage for the astounding Lamborghini Diablo: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PyAUxLFR04Q and another 2 Million views for the rare Lamborghini LM002 https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=gceBgHjq_ Oo the Barbuscia family has an everexpanding fan base.

Damiano and Franco CRUSHED it on the Season 2 Debut of Jay Leno’s Garage.

They’re on at 8:25 in: https://vimeo. com/171823517 “Everyone loves supercars.

But what exactly IS a supercar? In this episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay intends to find out. Jay’s first supercar crush was a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL. This first love was followed closely by Jay’s infatuation with the Lamborghini Miura, a car that received worldwide acclaim when it appeared in the film, The Italian Job. While giving the Muira a quick spin, Jay runs into some car trouble.

Luckily for him, Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank happens along with his electric blue 1976 Lamborghini Countach. Robert gives Jay a lift back to town. Once there, they head straight to Franco’s, the family-run auto shop for exotics and supercars.

At Franco’s, Robert and Jay explore the shop and check out a few rides, like a 1988 version Robert’s current car, the Lamborghini Countach.”

While at Franco’s, you’ll experience an interesting dynamic.

Mimma (mother) tries to keep the

family together while Damiano tries to reason with Pappa Franco.

But, with family and customer alike, it’s Franco's way or the doorway.

Daughter Rosa does all she can to keep the peace. It's all on track and everyone's on the same page but if a customer has a "cost" related issue,” then that's a job for Franco. When he asks customers in for a “sit down,” that is a problem.

Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s, Maserati’s and other exotic automobiles have become the new

highly sought-after commodity.

The resurgence of F1 racing in America, Europe and around the world is a perfect example of the explosion in popularity for these legendary companies and the sculptures on wheels they create. All over the world, the rapid growth in ownership and interest in these cars is tremendous. After purchase – especially for vintage rides, an owner needs is a trusted place to take these vehicles for repairs. That’s easier said than done… however, the Barbuscia

family is happy to welcome them in.

It’s all about the skills Pappa Franco brought from the oldcountry of Italy to America all those years ago. The transplanted Sicilian family who, along with their celebrity clientele, has spun their high- end exotic car business into one of the country's favorite locations for all things super car. This family is a down-to-earth, working class family who just happens to service, collect and sell big, bad Ferrari’s, Maserati’s, Lamborghini’s and all exotics at their

shop.

See more at: http:// francoseuropean.com/ and 818-9945656.

On Social media at https://www. facebook.com/FrancosEuropean/ Get Your Swag at: http://francos. annarbortees.com/News: https:// www.newswire.com/news/watchthe-carfather-franco-barbuscia-sondamianos-special-guest-19647379

Article and Photos by Ted Lighthizer

T

he nation’s largest gathering of Porsche enthusiasts ever, met September 27 to the 30th 2018 at the world famous WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca located in Monterey County California. Close to 82,000 Porsche faithful fans attended the Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI, an every 4 year celebration of everything Porsche. This year’s Porsche Rennsport Reunion was held 3 years since the last Rennsport Reunion in 2015 in order to celebrate Porsche’s 70th Anniversary as a sports car manufacturer. The theme of this year’s Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI was a “Marque of Champions”. Speaking of champions, Porsche is the only marque with 19 wins at the 24Hours of Le Mans, arguably one of the hardest and most demanding sports car races in the world today. The Porsche Rennsport Reunion events are a joint effort of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), the nation’s larg-

drivenworld...10

est Porsche owners club, and Porsche Cars North America A.G. and your local Porsche dealerships.

Porsche fans came from all over the USA, Canada and Europe to partake in one of the Best Porsche car events ever. There were hundreds of Porsche oriented vendors to checkout, daily race car driver interviews and autograph signings from the likes of Hurley Haywood, Derek Bell and Jackie Ickx, to name a few. Porsche factory drivers were on hand for on track demo laps in the Le Mans winning Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and the Porsche 919 Hybrid race car. Top speeds for the race cars at start/finish 147mph for the 911 and a screaming 190mph for the 919. There were also demo laps from the famous Porsche 917’s driven by Mark Donahue and Brian Redman in the 1970’s now completely restored to Concours condition. Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG and son of Ferdinand

“Ferry” Porsche, who built the first Porsche sports car, drove together in the original 356 “No. 1” roadster during the Exhibition laps of Porsche Racing history.

They’re were over 500 different Porsche race cars either racing or on display in the paddock area and it was non-stop place of interest for the fans where they could get up close to the cars for photos, talk to the race teams and if lucky, get an autograph or two from their favorite drivers. This year featured 7 different Porsche car race groups competing all weekend long. The Porsches on track competing included; 904 6cyl, 906, 910, 907, 908, 909, 917, 911 (up to 2.5liter), 911TR, 911ST, 914, 914 6cyl., 911( over 2.5liter), RSR, 3.0 RSR, 2.1 Turbo, 934, 935, 936,924 GTS, 924GTR, 550, 550A, RSK, RS606, 2000 GSGT (Dreikantschaber), Abarth Carrera 4-Cam, 356, 904 4-Cam, 956, 962, GT1, WSC, RS Spyder, 964,993, 996 and finally 997

GT Cars. Besides all the great racing from the Porsche cars listed above, this year’s Porsche Rennsport Reunion featured Porsche tractor races on both Saturday and Sunday. It was a real hoot for the fans to watch the field of fourteen or so Porsche tractors and drivers do a Le Mans running start for both races and race to Turn 3 from mid straight away.

Friday afternoon featured a Concours d’Elegance on pit lane showcasing over 100 different vintage Porsche race cars which the fans got to see up close and also take photos. Porsche owners also got to drive free parade laps on track during the lunch hour all weekend long thanks to the efforts of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) co-hosts of this year’s Rennsport Reunion VI. I’ve now attended 3 Porsche Rennsport Reunions back to back and this year’s reunion was the best ever and truly Porsche heaven on earth, if only for 4 days.

by Mark Llewellyn

www.LeonsTransmission.com

d line wheel.

fined with a re

els were de Early Hot W he

Hot Stuff

It was Christmas of 1968. It was the year Evel Knievel failed his attempt to jump the fountains at Caesar’s Palace. The Beatles released “Magical Mystery Tour”, Nixon was elected the 37th president, and Mattel Toys released their first line of sixteen models of fantasy custom cars called “Hot Wheels.” They had names like Python, Custom Cougar, and Hot Heap. The 1969 Corvette was actually released by Mattel before General Motors released the car for sale to the public!

Cheryle, whose daily driver is a 2003 50th anniversary Corvette, admiring the lines of a 1968 Hot Wheels Corvette.

Within one year, sales were 10 times higher than had been anticipated. Mattel grew the line to 40 cars and for the first few years the cars were actually built in the USA! In 1971, Hot Wheels began its promotion with drag strips around the country. In 1973, Mattel teamed up with Don “The Snake” Prudome and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen to form one of the most famous sponsorships in racing. They also engaged a long relationship in NASCAR with Kyle Petty.

Over the years “Hot Wheels” have introduced motorcycles, chrome versions, and special collector’s sets. Mc Donald’s even uses them as gifts in their “Happy Meals”.

In 1991 the 1 billionth “Hot Wheel” was produced!

In 2003, Mattel teamed up with Columbia Pictures to celebrate Hot Wheels 34th anniversary with a Hot Wheels Movie! Hot Wheels still appeal to the youth of today, along with their dads. If any of you guys over 50 have your old Hot Wheels tucked away in the attic, you may be surprised as to what they are worth!

drivenworld...12

Michelle, holding $500 in vintage Hot Wheels.

It’s no doubt that Santa’s helpers have been working overtime producing new versions of these wonderful toy cars for the holiday season.

Happy Holidays from the employees of Leon’s Transmissions.

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

PHOTOS BY STEVE GELDMAN

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

CLASSIC

CHEVYS of SoCal Article by Dustin Troyan | Photos by Greg Grudt

The 37th Annual Classic Chevy Show is an event not to miss! This show, which is open to all makes and models, not only brings a variety classic and hot rods, but late model street cars as well.

If you are unfamiliar with the Classic Chevy Club of SoCal, there might not be a more energetic and passionate group of car owners out there.

The Club has chosen Rancho San Antonio Boys Town not only as their location, but the beneficiary of the show. Proceeds from the show will be donated to Rancho, which helps to provide underprivileged youth a safe home and learning environment to help secure their futures.

Over the last dozen years, the Club has donated over $160,000.00 to Rancho. The boys at Rancho will also be present to assist with the show and provide an amazing bar-b-que.

This show is one of the largest car shows in the valley and also one of the longest running. According to Crazy Al aka Big Al, this is in fact the largest show around!

What many people do know is that this show is open to all makes and models. Everyone is welcome to the show and the more the merrier. Beyond having a great show, it is a huge goal of the Chevy Club to generate as much revenue as possible for Rancho. The club has a strong connection with Rancho and Brother John who operates Rancho and they do their best to raise the bar each year and put on the best show possible.

If you do not have a car to enter into the show that is also ok, the club welcomes you to come by and enjoy the show, bid on auction items and have a wonderful meal. The show is on Sunday May 5th and you can see the flyer on the next page. See you there!

For More Info: www.classicchevysofsocal.com

drivenworld...16

drivenworld...18

Holiday Inspiried Tablescapes The holidays are upon us, ushering in a joyous season - a time of celebration, great food, and festive decor. Luxury has been defined as “the state of great comfort and extravagant living,” and luxury can start at the table. One of our favorite designers, Kristin Banta of Kristin Banta Events, has created her own line of earth-inspired tablescapes that has been featured in Elle Decor. Her simple but elegant designs give the feeling of sumptuous living while requiring minimal effort.

Kristin utilizes elements of nature, and then adds her own creative touches to bring beauty to a table. Painted leaves, gourds, squashes, ribbon, pine cones, candles, pomegranates, cranberries and birch twigs are just some of the supplies you can gather to add richness to your table. Kristin suggests grouping in bunches for a feeling of richness. Combine these with your own textured linens and add touches of gold, green, red or white to create an inviting table that suggests celebration and holiday spirit. Remember, luxury doesn’t always require money – it requires imagination. Happy Holidays!

For more decorating ideas, visit: Kristin Banta Events

(323) 252 1700 (310) 985 2719 Connecting the Worlds of Real Estate www.LosAngelesLuxuryHomesForSale.com

Gwen Banta

Tory Herald

drivenworld...20

Blue Angel 2016 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT

When a new-wave automotive enthusiast talks about their build, it usually consist of buzz words like "Tune", "Stage 3", and "Bro" mixed with a cloud of vape smoke. Only the top trim level of a particular make and model is given any kind of "cred" (short for credibility) unless it's boosted with a stage three tune.....

The WRX is worthless because of the STI, the Mustang GT is garbage because of the GT350, and even the Hellcat is looked down upon since the introduction of the Demon.

With such a focus on power and go-fast parts, many loose sight of the big picture is a true 'build'. It's not just a laundry list of performance parts that whine roar and hiss, it's how it handles, how it drives, and what it looks like. It needs a cohesive look to it that ties together the performance as well as the aesthetics.

Unless you're going for a sleeper, no one will know what you've done to

your car unless you pull over and pop the hood every time someone looks at it. Even then, many performance parts can't been seen. It will just blend in with the traffic. If you are building a sleeper, you have to start with a car that doesn't look fast. An early 2000's Buick Regal GS, a 90's Ford Taurus SHO, a Volvo V70R Station Wagon, or something else similar. A 'Sleeper' Mustang, Challenger, or Camaro just doesn't make sense. These are loud, rear wheel drive muscle cars that are all formidable in their own ways. Embrace the muscle and run with it.

This 2016 Dodge Challenger isn't a Demon, nor a Hellcat, but a lowly SRT. I say that with great sarcasm because there is nothing lowly about this car. The 6.4L V8 pushes 485 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. Sure there's plenty of other cars out there with bigger numbers, but that's not what this 'build' is

about. There's plenty of power in this car to roast the tires for days, and is loud enough to make any competing car think twice before trying to mess with it.

Owner Anthony Spears, an active duty U.S. Navy Sailor daily drives this car all around Ventura County and turns heads wherever he goes. In a sea of black, white, gray and silver paint, the B5 Blue Pearlcoat is stunning. From across an intersection, you're drawn to the high contrast black and white racing stripes and glowing halo headlights and foglights. As it drives past, the massive side graphic of the American flag is eye-candy for every rubberneckker on the street. As the engine revs, the classic V8 roar can be felt throughout your chest. If you're lucky enough to see this car on a national holiday, it's adorned with two full-sized American flags waving from the windows.

You can't help but look at it and feel

patriotic with an odd urge to salute and say "'Murica".

This car is an homage to military service, to those that have gone before us to defend freedom and democracy around the world, and to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can sleep easy. He loves his car, he proud of his military service and he loves his country.

Spears got one thing very right about this car when it comes to 'builds'. You can look at this car from front to back, and you'll know something about the owner. It's a perfect reflection of him. For me, I'm a Ford fan and a sport compact driver, but this car caught my eye, caught my attention and has my respect.

This unapologetic design is a crowd pleaser, and this flag is not one that you want to kneel in front of.

Be sure to follow the Blue Angel SRT on instagram @ blue_angel_srt

l SRT Article and Photos by James Stanley FactorySpecifications Engine

6.4L V8 Horsepower

485 Torque

475 lb-ft PerformanceModifications • aFE GT momentum Col Air Intake • aFE Throttle Body Spacer • Mid-Muffler Delete AestheticModifications • Custom Racing Stripes by JV Wraps & Customs • CUstom INterior Wrap by JV Wraps & Customs • AutoLEDtech Halos • Custom Off-road Grade Engine Bay Lighting • American Flag Half Wrap

by Xtreme Digital GraphiX • Tint by JV Wraps & Cutoms • Custom Airbrushed Head & Radiator Covers.

We Specialize in Classic Cars Repair. Maintenance. Restoration. High Performance.

(818) 787-7634 14843 Bessemer St Van Nuys, CA 91411 www.mustangsetc.com

- All Classic Cars - Tune-ups - Full & Partial Restorations - Carburetor Rebuilding - Carburetor Tuning

We work on all classic vehicles: - Ford - Chevy - GMC - Cadillac - Hot Rods - Projects - Trucks - Restomod - Safety Inspections - Alignments - Brakes - Suspension and Lowering - Customization

- Wheels & Tires - Wiring - Air Conditioning - High Performance - Appraisals

No more mister nice hybrid.

Rusnak/Westlake Porsche 3839 Auto Mall Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (866) 976-4211 RusnakWestlakePorsche.com

Š2018 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.

Article and Photos by Scott Martin

W

hen you think of Las Vegas, it’s not usually as “The Exercise Capital of the World” but during the 4 days of this year’s SEMA Show, my iPhone said I walked an average of 5 miles per day! Someone sent out a graphic on Facebook showing how the Empire State Building compared to the overall size of the venue, but I think an even better example would be to visualize 5 football fields next to each other, one for each of the mammoth exhibit halls. Actually make that 6 if you include all the space outside the buildings used for vehicle display plus the 2 drifting areas. Anyone who has not been to SEMA in Las Vegas before is in awe of how huge the overall event really is.

Basically, the show has become a “must go-to” for anyone having anything to do with designing, customizing, showing or just about any segment of the mainstream automotive industry. The major manufacturers are there in force, and every parts manufacturer that is used to customize a vehicle is there.

Many of the well-known customizers appear at their exhibit areas to sign autographs and represent the brands.

It’s not uncommon to see Chip Foose, Barry Meguiar, drivers Tanner Faust and Vaughn Gittin Jr., Wayne Carini,

drivenworld...26

Mike Brewer and Dave Kindig plus classic personalities like Peter Brock, Richard Petty, Gene Winfield, John D’Agostino and Allen Grant walking around between special appearances.

Jeff Allen from “Skidmarks” and “Car Chasers” had the Shell Pioneering Performance Stage rocking non-stop with guests like pinstriping artist Vonhotrod Valdez among many others.

Once you’re at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Markets Association), it’s totally worth it because there’s no other place in the world to see so many A-level vehicles and literally every product in the supporting automotive industries.

Besides the hundreds of vehicles in the outdoors areas, almost every booth has some type of amazing vehicle to attract the show-goers attention.

Whether it’s Drift Cars, Off Road vehicles, Off Road vehicles with treads, Cycles, Dragsters, Formula One cars or just highly customized late or early-model rides, they are all show-stoppers. Throughout the four day show, there are autograph sessions, custom vehicle debuts, drifting exhibitions, educational seminars, product demonstrations, networking opportunities and awards presentations.

I got to follow one of the debuts directly, which was the highly

anticipated Superformance “Future GT Forty”. The unveil was scheduled to happen the first day of SEMA at the Magnaflow booth and was attended by members of the press, automotive celebrities plus Superformance, Magnaflow and Shelby executives and many well-wishers from the automotive community. The vehicle was developed and is owned by Doug and Marissa Campbell, plus, the builders of the vehicle Lance Stander and V’s Performance were on hand.

The concept of the Future GT Forty includes the old and the new, as the body is based on a 1960’s Mark 1 GT-40 but the Ecoboost engine and recent Lemans color scheme are both features of the new Ford GT. SEMA is not open to the public but you wouldn’t know it walking around with thousands of likeminded individuals soaking it all in. More than 70,000 domestic and international buyers participate with 2400 exhibiting companies and over 3000 new products every year. The public is finally invited to participate at the end of SEMA, with a “CruiseOut” and then wide-open venue nearby known as Sema Ignited.

Highlights of the SEMA Show this year included the “Battle of the Builders”, Hot Wheels Legends 50th Anniversary, Shell Performance Stage, Ford Out Front drifting demonstrations and ride alongs, plus the annual awards banquet.

In the 5th annual Battle of the Builders, a field of 24 entrants

was narrowed down to 12 who all picked the top 4. One lucky winner, Kyle Tucker with his 1968 Camaro, was announced at Sema Ignited. A one hour special documenting the whole process will air on the Velocity Channel 10:00 pm on January 7th, 2019.

The Hot Wheels Legends 50th Anniversary booth brought together 15 winning vehicles from regional events across the US. The final pick, Luis Rodriguez’s “2JetZ” will

"

"...almost every booth has some type of amazing vehicle to attract the show-goers attention."

be immortalized as a die cast Hot Wheels Legend.

The theme of this year’s industry awards banquet, attended by a crowd of 2,500 at the adjacent Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, was “Success Starts Here”. SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki opened the festivities with a rousing description of what that means to the automotive aftermarket community. 2018 Hall of Fame inductees were honored as well as Person of the Year Melanie White, President of Hellwig Suspension Products, plus Manufacturer of the year, GEM-III Innovator of the year, Manufacturer’s Rep Agency of the Year and Warehouse Distributor of the year.

For years, I have looked forward to seeing all the new ideas, products, vehicles and events that will take place at the next SEMA Show. Just remember, hotel rooms sell out fast since there are so many attendees, so get on to SEMA’s email list at www.semashow.com for pre-show announcements. See you there November 5-9 in 2019!

Scott Martin is a frequent contributor to and long-time supporter of Driven World Magazine, Supercar Sunday and Motor4Toys.

You can find Scott’s photos and articles in various magazines and websites plus facebook.com/sroscott and on Instagram and Twitter at carshowaholic

ARTICLE BY Dustin Troyan Photos by Cordero Studios

LAVAGGIO THE ART OF AUTO DETAILING

When I first heard of Lavaggio, I didn’t believe what I was told. “The most amazing detailing facility ever built!” that was the quote. Years ago, I had an auto detailing business and all of us know, auto detailing is a bay or a trailer.

So, when I heard about Lavaggio, I just wrote it off. Over the next couple of months, I kept hearing about Lavaggio and it always followed with “you must go see it, you will not believe it.” So, curiosity got the best of me and I headed over. Exiting the 101 fwy at Reyes Adobe, I was told I could not miss it, “turn right off the freeway and make the first right onto Canwood St. and you will see it on your left.”

So off the freeway I went, turned right and right onto Canwood Street.

But, something must be wrong. All I see is a spa or a medical building, everything else is residential. There is no detail center around here? So, I drove back and forth a few times and I kept seeing the Lavaggio waterfall and signage by the street, but where was the facility? All I see is this stunning building that is reminiscent of Tuscan villa. So, I turned into the medical building or villa or

drivenworld...28

whatever it was and my jaw dropped, IT WAS LAVAGGIO! A little intimidated, I pulled into the parking lot. I didn’t understand this was the detailing facility? I walked up the marble steps and entered automotive nirvana. Allow me to assure you with 100% certainty; there is no other detail facility on the planet like Lavaggio. Everything I was told was true, and more.

Lavaggio is an entirely new concept in auto detailing. It is not a bay or a body shop it is quite possibly the nicest automotive venue that has ever been created. Lavaggio is dedicated to one simple principle: Exceed your expectations.

To fully understand Lavaggio, you must visit. No expense has been spared in providing your vehicle and yourself with the finest experience possible.

So what makes Lavaggio so special?

It begins when you pull onto the property. As you pull in the lull of waterfalls immediately puts you at ease. As you pull up, Lavaggio’s service advisor, Gabriel greets you with a friendly smile and an extremely high level of expertise. Once you have agreed upon a service, you enter Lavaggio’s state-of-theart building. The concierge greets you, not unlike a five star hotel. She asks if you are “staying” or if you would like to be “transported” back to your home or office. Now here is where it starts to get very interesting. Included in the

price of every service is a meal made to order and a ride home. Do you need me to repeat that? You pull up to get your vehicle washed or detailed and you have your choice of a freshly made meal and/or a ride back to the office! NO EXTRA CHARGE! If it is the case that you decide you are going to stay at Lavaggio while your vehicle is being cleaned, you have your choice of relaxing on their stunning patio, watching the flat-screen TV inside, using one of three IMacs or your own wireless laptop or device. And, this is only a small portion of the facility!

If it is the case that you have work to be done or want a little more privacy, just head upstairs and there is a desk and a private sitting area as well as offices that are available to you. At no extra charge!

Ok, ok, sounds great, but if I am getting a ride home and a return pick up to get my vehicle and a complimentary meal, this place must cost a fortune right? WRONG! That is the most amazing part of the Lavaggio experience; it is priced at a level that anyone can afford! In fact, it is price better than most other quality detail shops and mobile detailers. Throw in the lunch, amenities and pampering, it is a no-brainer.

Back to exceeding expectations, the base service is the Lavaggio Signature Wash. Now, what you have to understand here is that their wash is everybody else’s mini-detail or detail. That signature wash which is expertly executed by

detailers, is fully customized to each vehicle, meaning that it is not a conveyor or a line, it is two detail professionals using mineral free water (R-O water) in a dedicated wash bay utilizing the finest products available. After the car is washed, it is pulled into the detail bay. Oh, the detail bay. Again, I assure you with 100% certainty that you have never seen such a detail bay or work area (see next page). Your vehicle is pulled into the bay and the detailers go to work on the inside and exterior of the vehicle. Your floor mats are put through a state-of-the-art washing and sanitizing machine. Your steering wheel, shifter and door handle are sanitized. From your wheels to your windows to your gas door, the attention to detail on the Signature Wash far exceeds the norm.

To ensure the paint looks great, the detailers finish the vehicle with a liberal portion of detail spray. Yes, this is the wash! Upon completion, your vehicle is inspected three times. THREE TIMES! This ensures that Lavaggio lives up to its promise: Exceeding your expectations. If this is just the wash, image the detail!

Also worth noting are the big, soundproof bay windows, which are incorporated into the structure. Every step of the way you can observe the skilled technicians perfecting your vehicle! Nothing is hidden and the entire process is there for you to see. The entire approach at Lavaggio is to ensure that you are 100% comfortable with every aspect of your experience and the services

being rendered on your vehicle.

When I tell you that you have to experience Lavaggio, you really must.

I believe it actually takes a few visits to really understand the scope of what Lavaggio has to offer ant the vision that has been recognized. Lavaggio is truly redefining auto detailing.

When one is in the publishes a magazine, space is a precious commodity. I figured I would dedicate three pages to Lavaggio, but I could not tell the whole Lavaggio story in just three pages. I could actually dedicate a whole magazine to really elaborate on the level of detail at Lavaggio, but if you are a car guy like me, check out this one of a kind detail bay.

To detail properly, you must have an environment, which is conducive to detailing. Environmentally factors like temperature, wind, fallout (overspray, dirt/dust in the air, other pollutants) all play a major role in the preparation, application and execution of detailing. At Lavaggio, the detail bay was designed to guarantee that Lavaggio had the perfect environment. From the climate controlled bay to the “clean room” air treatment system to remove dust and pollutants n the air, to the natural lighting, and the finest and most modern equipment, Lavaggio is truly one of a kind.

The detail team at Lavaggio has been trained, retrained, trained again, some more training and the are always training. Enough is never enough and to stay sharp, industry experts are in constant contact and are being flown in from all over the United States to ensure the Lavaggio team is current on all new techniques, products and information.

At Lavaggio, detailing is more than detailing, it is keeping you and your

family healthy! Lavaggio has researched and found that there is a direct relationship between time spent in a car and illness. This is often attributed to contaminants in your vehicle. Research shows that if you eat in your vehicle, have kids or animals, your vehicle can be as dirty if not dirtier than your toilet.

It’s true, Google it! To combat this, Lavaggio has taken a “health approach” and again, invested in training and equipment to kill germs and bacteria in your vehicle. The purpose of this “Health Approach” was simply that the Lavaggio management felt it was their responsibility to keep their guests and the guest’s families healthy.

The lift in the corner. Yup, you go it, concors detailing. There was such a high demand from guests that wanted more than just the top and inside of their vehicles done, that Lavaggio decided to put in a lift with extra-low ramps (for the sports cars owners out there). Lavaggio offers concors detailing and under-carriage detailing. They offered story about a set of wheels that they were preparing for a guest. The wheels were to be put on a vintage Ferrari that was to head up to Concorso Italiano. So Lavaggio went to work on the wire wheels and the vintage tires. Having completed the “Concours wheel and tire service”, what did Lavaggio do? They called in a local certified concours judge and had them inspected prior to delivery to the client. The vehicle took a trophy!

What types of vehicles frequent Lavaggio? On any given day, you will see a mom pull up in a SUV or a Prius owner pulling in. The irony is that most people think that Lavaggio is only for “certain cars”, but truth be told, every type of car imaginable pulls in on a daily basis. I have been there when a boat

pulled in, followed by a Carrera Gt, then a couple “soccer moms” in SUVs and then a Harley. Lavaggio was created to suit the needs of every type of vehicle owner and every type of vehicle. I have seen 4x4s covered in mud from weekend in the desert to real 440 6-pack Cudas to Hondas, Toyotas, Kias and everything else under the sun. Lavaggio is such a value and an experience, once you visit, you have found a new home.

Lavaggio has also reached out to the car community. From offering their facility to car clubs and charitable foundations, to holding private events at to partnering with dealerships and manufacturers. Lavaggio has hosted guests like the Santa Barbara Porsche Club and parties and receptions from Hotchkis Suspensions, Lamborghini Aventador Launch parties with the Auto Gallery, Galpin Auto Sports Mustang drives, McLaren Beverly Hills test drives, Tesla test drives, and so on and so forth. Lavaggio is becoming a central hub for everything automotive.

Back to the detailing. Lavaggio takes such great care of your vehicle and they take it so seriously, every vehicle is inspected three times by three different trained experts. The technicians wear white cloth gloves and lab coats. Upper management will even does “spot inspections” to ensure the highest level of work possible. And, within 48 hours, a follow up call is made to the guest to ensure that their experience was of the approval of the guest. At Lavaggio, the experience is in the details and they are in the detail business and trust me, it shows.

Being very immersed in the automotive world, I have never come across such an organization and operation. Lavaggio has truly set a new bar that

will be very hard to replicate if it is even possible. Again, I have to stress, you have to visit the location to fully understand what has been created.

The Platinum Club at Lavaggio: Lavaggio has had such great demand for a “yearly program”, that they cam up with a concept called the “Platinum Club.” The Platinum Club is a yearly program in which you enroll your vehicle. The program allows you to get your vehicle unlimited Signature Washes. Yes, that does mean every day. It entitles you to a meal with every visit, concierge services, courtesy shuttle service, use of the business centers and offices, invitations to private events and product launches. It also entitles you to (4) Ultimate Details, A Lease Return Detail & A New Car Detail (in the case that you trade in your vehicle), VIP treatment.

You might ask if anyone gets their car washed everyday and the answer is “yes”, they do. The value of just the washes (annually) once a week is well over $4,000.00, not including the Ultimate Details, the meal with each visit, the New vehicle and Lease return details and all of the amenities. The true value of this programs is somewhere over the $6,000.00 mark. But in classic Lavaggio style, they have priced the Platinum Club at $2,579.00 and even have payment options available to you. In essence, your vehicle is guaranteed to be clean and resale value or trade-in value is realized.

I have personally enrolled two vehicles and have to tell you that it is the finest experience ever. I would suggest joining to everyone. For more info on Lavaggio & the Platinum Club contact Dustin Troyan 818-584-3240 www.lavaggio.net

Waterless Wash Kit For the third year running, Washmist has made the top spot on this list.

Every person that I have given Washmist to has become a regular user. While it's advertised mostly as a waterless wash, it can be used for so many more purposes. As a detailing spray, glass cleaner, interior spray, upholstery spray, engine bay detailer, it does it all. I've tried the hot brand "Chemical Guys" products, and this still beats it. The Washmist starter kit include 2 Washmist Bottles, 1 Bottle of Concentrate and 4 - 3-Packs of Premium Grade Blue Microfiber edgeless towels. That's equal to 18 bottles of spray! The price is a steal and you'll never go back to the other Guys again. The enthusiast in your life will thank you!

Price

$100.00 Available From

www.washmist.com

We being with a thorough inspection of the vehicle so that you will be aware of any potential problems a dealer will charge for.

Lavaggio’s revolutionary Platinum Club is an all inclusive annual membership which ensures your vehicle will always look new. Included in the annual package is every service your vehicle needs to keep it looking “showroom”. You will also be entitled to visit Lavaggio every day for a Signature Wash and a complimentary meal with each visit.

And yes, our Platinum Club members do visit us daily. Here is what's included:

Signature Wash

Every member is entitled to a Signature Wash, EVERYDAY.

Quarterly Ultimate Details

It is our recommendation that every quarter your vehicle experiences a Lavaggio Ultimate Detail.

New Vehicle Protection Detail

If you’re enrolling a brand new vehicle, you are entitled to a New Vehicle Protection Detail. This detail will leave your vehicle in “better than new” condition. Your brand new vehicle needs to be cleaned, polished and protected, both inside and out.

Lease Return Package

Lavaggio’s Lease Return Detailing package is designed to minimize your exposure to costly dealer wear-and-tear fees at the conclusion of your enrolled automobile’s lease.

The Unexpected

Being a Platinum Member has its perks. You’ll never worry again about the unexpected spills, beach sand from your weekend family excursion, or unpleasant pet odors and pet accidents. The fee to handle any of these service emergencies is included in your Platinum Club membership. So, if you ever spill coffee or food in your car, or if you park under a tree and need droppings remove before paint damage occurs, we’re here to assist.

Food, Dining & Refreshments

Lavaggio is proud to offer a complimentary meal per visit from our Bellini Bistro. Yes, we have a bistro, and our menu was created by an award-wining celebrity chef. When you become a member, we will include one meal per visit, for the life of the membership.

For more information please contact our Director of Guest Services, Alora Schott 818.584.3240 Guestservices@lavaggio.net

Starting at

$2,579.00

The MobNetic Pro 90 is a unique double magnet mount for multipurpose use in your vehicle, in the shop, and anywhere you go. Instant docking for your smartphone or other devices with effortless pan and 90 degree tilt adjustment.

The MobNetic Pro is capable of mounting onto any ferrous metal surface, or you can expand your mounting location options with our Mob mounting discs to create a ferrous metal surface anywhere that the Mob Disc's 3M VHB tape can stick (one Mob Disc included with each Mobnetic).

The included Mobnetic plate attaches onto your phone to magnetically

Available From

www.lavaggio.net

hold your phone onto the mount using a 90 Lbs pull force rare earth magnet.

If you're tired of having your smartphone fall off your windshield or dash from other less-than products, this is the way to go. Even those really expensive, high-tax roads we all drive on daily, with bumps and potholes galore, are no match for the Mobarmor MobNetic Pro! Price

$44.99 Available From

www.vistamotorsports.com

ForditeCufflinks Burbon & Boots Handcrafted Gearshift Pins • Antique Brass 5 Speed Gear Shift Pen Operator • Gearshift pen operator in Antique Brass with Carbon Fiber • Gearshift operator in Chrome in Flames in Lay • Item Ships in "Bourbon & Boots" Gift Box • Great Gift for Car Enthusiast, Gift for Motorcycle Enthusiast • Handcrafted pen in USA

Price

Lapidary cut, multi-layered Motor Agate (Fordite) cabs set in stainless steel. The salvaged and repurposed material set in these cufflinks began as a hunk of cured overspray that was harvested from an auto factory many years ago...

This pair are colorful, matched Type 3, Motor Agate inlays; color on color layers with metallics. There is a rare bit of deep violet in these!

The stainless steel cufflinks have our signature mini-hammered finish on the bezels and a smooth, high-polish finish on the branch and swivel bars.

Price

$99.99

$175.00

Available From www.burbonandboots.com

Available From www.urbanrelicdesign.com

Inflateable Back Seat Mattress For the roadtripper on your list, this is a must. Sure, you can sleep in with the front seat reclined and wake up feeling even more tired than when you first fell asleep.

Two air bladders fill the footwells level with the tops of the rear seats, while a think cushion or air for the

Drink coasters that match your favorite wheels! Laser cut to exact specifications, and licensed by some of the most popular wheel manufacturers in the industry!

drivenworld...34

Starting at

$34.99 Available From www.oneone2.net

top keeps you level. A healthy pile of pillow on one end and you've got yourself a mighty comfortable bed.

Keep in mind that you can't stretch out your legs depending on your height and the width of your car, but its a small price to pay for some real sleep out on a road trip.

Price

$29.99 Available From www.amazon.com

Classic Wooden Toy Cars Candylab Toys was born out of our desire to revive the glamorous '60s American modernist vibe and carve it into awesome contemporary wood toy designs.

As artists, designers and parents we draw on many influences, not least of which are our deep love of classic American Cars and the craftsmanship spirit of mid-century artisan furniture designers. Coupled with the realization that we’re slowly drowning in forgettable toys that break and disassemble — ending in piles of plastic bits — this determined us to create a line of heirloom wood toys that are elegant, durable, and simple, giving children a chance to create their own stories around the objects they play with.

The ultra-portable lifting system for car lovers of all kinds.

Wrench with ease in your garage or shave off seconds at the track. QuickJack will make all your automotive hobbies faster and safer than ever before. If you find that someone on your list lives under a vehicle moreso than topside, then this is a must for ease of use and safety!

Starting at

$1,150.00 Available From www.quickjack.com

With hit-and-runs and insurance fraud on the rise, Dash Cams are almost a necessity. The Cobra DASH2316D has dual cameras combined with the power of iRadar. Automatic operation, route tracking and Live police alerts help protect you from everyone else while lane departure and forward collision warnings let

you know if you're drifting out of your lane or quickly approaching an object in front of you. With 1296P front facing resolution and 720P rear, you'll get clear images of the driver and license plates of those around you every time. It's a small investment for peace of mind in letting one less hit and run driver get away.

Starting at

$34.99 Available From www.candylabtoys.com

For those that don't know, this is a joke, but not a joke. The elusive 10mm socket is the most lost socket in the history of mankind. It is impossible to find when you need it, even for the most organized mechanic.

It will make them laugh when they open it, but they're gonna love it and remember you everytime the reach for a 10mm and they find one.

Price

Price

$219.99

$46.99

Available From www.cobra.com

Available From www.amazon.com

Fast

LAPS In Oxnard

Article and Photos by Ted Lighthizer

" "Drivers of all

experience levels participated: from novice to instructor level..."

drivenworld...36

F

or the first time ever on 10-20-2018, the Santa Barbara Porsche Club held a PCA Zone 8 Autocross at the Jim Hall Racing Club located just west of HAAS Automation in Oxnard at 2600 Challenger Place, Oxnard CA 93030. 30 Porsches and their drivers competed for fastest times around the six tenths of a mile curvy road course circuit designed by Jim Hall II for both karts and cars. Jim recently updated the road course circuit with a new surface seal coat and paint striping, increased apex curbing with additional run-off barriers, along with a state of the art drivers meeting room and creature comforts.

The grid of 30 Porsches included; a 944 Turbo, a 356A, GT4’s, a 911 GT3 RS, lots of Boxster’s, a Boxster Spyder, a 911E Targa and lots of 911’s. Drivers of all experience levels participated: from novice to instructor level with the novice drivers being

paired up with in-car PCA certified driving instructors to help get them off to a fast start. All drivers drove practice laps in the morning and after lunch, each driver drove 3 timed laps.

At the end of the day, two Porsche Boxsters, a 2000 and a 2002, clocked both the fastest and slowest lap times at; 40.4 and 51.0 seconds respectively.

I guess that proves once again it’s the driver, not the car that wins the race.

The on track experiences at Jim Hall Racing Club include; 100cc Sprint Karts, Practice lapping in your car or kart. Practice lapping in your car for ½ day, includes 4 on track driving sessions or a Full Day with 6 on track driving sessions. There is also a Performance Driving Clinic led by Jim Hall II, where you’ll learn to drive your performance car quickly and safely at its limit.

To learn more you can visit http://jimhallracingclub.com/ or call 805 278-4111.

AUTOBOOKS / AERO Article and Photos by Steve Ellis

Since I’m not a native of California, I have the advantage of being able to experience things with a fresh sense of discovery that residents here have either always been around and enjoying the experience.

One of those recent things was the discovery of Autobooks-Aerobooks in Burbank, California.

I found myself scrambling to get packed to head out of town but hadn’t had the chance to make it to a Supercar Sunday, to pick up the latest issue of Driven World magazine. So, I contacted Dustin, to see if I could meet up and grab some from him.

He informed me that there were copies at a local bookstore in Burbank, which is right down the road from me, and that I could get them there.

When I arrived, I was blown away by the amazing automotive, and aviation books that fill the shelves and displays. Autobooks-Aerobooks is truly a hidden gem when it comes to books of the related material. So much so that they sell, and ship books all over the world.

The bookstore has exchanged owners since being founded in 1951 by the late Harry Morrow, and currently resides in its original location off Magnolia in Burbank, CA. From hotrods, exotic cars, to imports, and literature on some of the most historic planes, this bookstore has been providing enthusiast access to some of the most sought-after material for almost sixty years.

Before you head to Barnes & Nobles, or The Last Bookstore, who’s automotive section is a spec when compared, swing by Autobooks-Aerobooks, and prepare to spend some time in awe, not just in the massive selection.

Autobooks-Aerobooks 2900 W Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91505

drivenworld...38

OBOOKS

drivenworld...40