Sunday

INDY 500

THERE IS ONLY ONE WINNER - DAN WHELDON

Indy always has a lot of drama in that 500 miles and that is truely the case again this year. I had a lot of 'drama' too, eight hours in a bar to watch Formula One and the Indy 500 back to back. Dan Wheldon also won back in 2005 under the Andretti Racing Team. He also came in second place in 2009 and 2010. But, that being said, he was a driver without a car this year. He is not part of the series. He has a lawsuit against his former employer for not being paid his full share the last two years. A former teammate signed him up for the Indy. That teammate, Bryan Herta, was a good driver in his time and decided to give a try at low-budget ownership. They got some technical help from another team owner, Sam Schmidt, who is a quadriplegic from a racing accident. The beauty of this race is that the winners are usually not the people that you expect. So, they gave it a shot with a nine year old car that had been wrecked last year. So, going into the last turn on the last lap Wheldon is running second. With the car in the lead belonging to his former employer and the driver was his replacement. Into the wall goes the leader, whose team was already celebrating, and Wheldon over the line as the winner. Sometimes revenge is sweet. Oh, so sweet.



photo credit: © 2011 komo.com
video credit: © 2011 youtube.com via © 2011 indycar.com


FORMULA ONE IN MONACO

ALONSO, 2ND - VETTEL, 1ST - BUTTON, 3RD - WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY OF MONACO

A red flag in Formula One is a very rare thing. The street track winding through Monte Carlo is very narrow and a single car accident blocking the road put a stop to the race on lap 74 with 4 laps to go. I don't think I have seen one since half the field got wiped out on the first turn in the Canadian Grand Prix in the late 90's. Button had been in the lead at that point and probably would have won. While waiting to restart they were able to fix their cars, new tires, nosecones, rear flaps and the like. New tires on Vettel's car was all it took. Four laps, race over. There is usually little passing on this narrow track because the cars are so wide these days. Not true this time, more guts than brains.

photo credit: © 2011 bbc.com

Wednesday

TUESDAY'S SPECIAL ON A WEDNESDAY

1952 SIATA GRAN SPORT  BARCHETTA

Founded in 1926 by enthusiastic amateur racing driver Giorgio Ambrosini, Siata - short for Societa Italiana Applicazione Transformazone Automobilistiche - began by specialising in providing tuning equipment for various cars, mainly Fiats and in particular the 508 Ballila of 1932 for which Siata more than doubled the power output. There was also an overhead valve conversion for the Topolino, a car on which Siata based several road and racing models; one derivative was a 596cc aerodynamic coupeƩ that in 1938 set a world class speed record by topping 70 mph.

Ten years later the innovative company introduced the novel Bersaglieri with twin camshaft, alloy engine and all independent suspension in a tubular chassis, its driver sitting in the centre of three seats. However, the first true Siata production car was the Amica, a two seat coupe or spyder with tubular chassis and modified Fiat 500cc engine; a 750cc version even won the 1948 Italian Racing Championship. In 1950 Siata switched to the Fiat 1400 as the base for its own models, a policy it continued up until 1958.

Simultaneously, however, Siata also built American engined cars which it sold in the USA alongside the 120mph Fiat 2.0 litre V8 powered 208S America. Apart from Italy, the company's largest market was America where the Barchetta was sold as the 'Spyder'.

Launched at the 1952 Geneva Salon and bodied by Bertone, it was very much aimed at a US clientele fond of small 'Made in Italy' sports cars. The first 50 examples were sent to East Coast importer Tony Pompeo in New York, usually without engines. With prices of $2,800 for the SIATA Spyder without engine, $4,200 for the more luxurious Gran Sport and $5,300 for the FIAT V8-engined 208S, none of Tony Pompeo's cars were cheap.

The V8 engine had been introduced in the Fiat 8V sports car of 1952, a model which had been developed by Fiat in conjunction with Siata, reflecting this small specialist firm's high standing. The following year a 208S competed successfully in the gruelling Carrera Pan Americana road race. Benefiting from this engineering and competition pedigree was the 201S, a pretty, low roof line, curvaceous Berlinetta not unlike an OSCA-Maserati.

This fabulous Gran sport Barchetta was built with beautifully uncomplicated and stylish alloy open two seater bodywork by Farina, featuring minimal external brightwork to complicate its lines. Finished in red with black interior trim, our car was one of about 6 delivered new to the USA and was probably fitted with the Fiat 1400cc Engine from new although this was discarded early on. It was delivered new to a Lieutenant Colonel in Ohio and was fitted in period with a Flathead V8. It is now fitted with a period Ford 302 V8 although the Flathead type engine is also supplied with the car. There were only about 20 of these car sold new with only about 13 known to survive.

The car is fitted with an elegantly simple low level windscreen and also comes with the larger windscreen with wet weather gear. Our car has been comprehensively restored and is now near perfect and ready to show and use. We have a huge history file with the car including hundreds of Restoration invoices! The car is currently UK registered with all EU taxes paid. The car is simply stunning! This is a rare opportunity to acquire such a stylish racing Barchetta by one of the most exclusive and under-estimated specialist coachbuilders working in Italy in the early postwar period. It is a wonderful car suitable for long distance crusing and would certainly be eligible for numerous rallies and events worldwide. 
 
+44 (0) 7794 576886
 
Located in England
 
photo and text credit: © 2011 godinbanks.com

Sunday

AUSTRALIA ON THE 23RD

1927 MORRIS COWLEY

WINTER CLASSIC
by Shannons
321 Warrigal Road
Cheltenham, Victoria
Melbourne, Australia


+61 2 80194116

1969 ROYAL ENFIELD 500

photo credit: © 2011 shannons.com.au

FORMULA ONE IN SPAIN

HAMILTON, 2ND - VETTEL, 1ST - BUTTON, 3RD

Vettel pulled off another win, four out of five, followed by Hamilton in less than a second. Hamilton's teammate, Jensen Button, came in third. My favorite this year, Mark Webber, came in fourth. These four drivers were unbelieveably fast. Usually, in Formula One, there isn't much difference in time from the winner to the last placed driver. These four drivers lapped the entire rest of the field and some drivers two and three times. Next week....Monaco. where passing is at a premium.

photo credit: © 2011 skysports.com

Thursday

ENGLAND ON THE 21ST


1953 DB2

THE ASTON MARTIN SALE
by bonhams
101 New Bond Street
London
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 20 7468 5801

photo credit: © 2011 bonhams 1793

WASHINGTON ON THE 21ST


1920 STUTZ BEARCAT

THE DON AND LYNETTE SHORT COLLECTION
by Bonhams and Butterfield
The Port Townsend Aero Museum
Jefferson County Airport
Port Townsend, Washington


1-415-391-4000

photo credit: © 2011 bonhams 1793

ITALY ON THE 21ST

1938 TALBOT LAGO

CONCORSO d'ELEGANZA VILLA d'ESTE
by RM Auctions
Spazio Villa Erba at Lake Como
Cemobbio, Italy


1-519-362-4575

photo credit: © 2011 rmauctions.com

MONACO ON THE 20TH


1954 ARNOLT BRISTOL

LES GRANDES MARQUES A MONACO
by Bonhams
 Exposition de la Collection de Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S le Prince de Monaco

Les Terrasses de Fontvielle
Monaco


+33 (1) 42 61 10 11

photo credit: © 2011 bonhams 1793

MARYLAND ON THE 20TH

CRUSIN' WEEKEND
by Express
Ocean City Convention Center
Ocean City, Maryland


1-410-243-9999

Tuesday

TUESDAY'S SPECIAL

2008 TESLA

Tesla Motors is a recent arrival to the automobile industry, and is ambitiously seeking to redefine contemporary automobiles. By building thoughtfully designed and thoroughly engineered all-electric automobiles in the United States that match or exceed the performance of conventional cars, Tesla Motors’ goal is to demonstrate that electric cars can complement or replace internal combustion automobiles while reducing pollution and dependence on foreign oil. Additionally, the Roadster’s appealing styling and remarkable performance demonstrates that electric cars need not be frumpy and slow boxes. The cars are produced in Menlo Park, California, and have met with critical acclaim, winning Time Magazine’s 2008 Best Transportation Invention, Popular Mechanics 2006 Breakthrough Award, du Pont Registry’s 2009 Best Green Exotic, and Forbes Magazine’s “Best new car that lived up to the hype”.

The architecture beneath the skin is shared with the Lotus Elise, whose light weight is a critical ingredient to its remarkable handling prowess. The bodywork of the Tesla, however, is entirely carbon fiber (making it one of the least expensive cars with this feature) and power is supplied by a a 3-phase, 4-pole AC electric motor, producing a maximum net power of 248 hp. Maximum torque is 200 ft-lb, obtained at 0 rpm and almost constant up to 6,000 rpm, a common feature of electric motors and one of the biggest differences with internal combustion engines. Transmission of power is by a direct drive BorgWarner unit. Power is stored in lithium-ion batteries creating a potential range of 244 miles on a single charge while 0-60 acceleration is achieved in just 3.9 seconds. The Roadster's efficiency, as of September 2008, was reported at 120mpg using a standard conversion equation. A full recharge of the battery system requires 3½ hours using the high power connector.

This particular example was special ordered by its original owner and purchased new on the 29th of April 2009. The car is optioned with Twilight blue metallic paint ($1000), solar guard windshield ($400), and electronics package ($3000), which includes premium audio, iPod adapter, navigation system, and Sirrus satellite radio. The car also has floor mats and a carbon fiber hard top, which was a $5000 option! It has had one San Francisco Bay Area owner from new and has a 4 year 50,000 mile transferrable warranty still in effect. It is up to date on its services and had a 12k service and new tires fitted at 6900 miles (performed at the main Tesla branch). All warranty repairs, recalls, and updates have been performed as well.

The car is in very nice shape throughout, with very good paint, showing a few chips and small scratches from road use. The panels fit properly and the car has never had any paintwork. The wheels are in excellent condition, with no kerb rash. The glass and lights are excellent as well.

The interior is in very good shape as well, with excellent leather, and like new carpets, dashboard, and instruments. The center console is a very impressive carbon fiber affair and is excellent. There is an informative touch screen that provides information about range and battery performance and reminds occupants that this is not an ordinary automobile. The trim is in good shape other than a small crack in the plastic driver’s sill trim. The front and rear compartments are very tidy throughout, and the trunk is usefully shaped and surprisingly spacious.

The driving impressive is truly remarkable and different. The car is eerily silent, and acceleration is quite impressive, especially from low speeds, and extremely linear. The brakes are effective, and with Lotus derived chassis, handling direct and communicative. Additionally, the Telsa is a magnet for positive attention everywhere it goes.

This example is very complete with standard and high speed chargers systems, window sticker, sales invoice, service invoices, soft top with frame and bag, tool pouch, and manuals. The car also has clean air access stickers, which permits California single California drivers to drive the car in the HOV (Carpool) lanes.

In addition to their main Bay Area showroom in Menlo Park, California, Tesla has an ever growing network of stores and service poitns, which will be grown further with the arrival of the Model S a more affordable sedan model set to start just under $50,000 when it arrives in 2014. This particular car is an excellent one-owner California car with good options and documentation. Available for immediate delivery at a significantly reduced price over new, this car still has the balance of its 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, and is ready to be enjoyed.

1-510-653-7555

Located in California


photo and text credit: fantasyjunction.com

Monday

ENGLAND ON THE 18TH

1948 BENTLEY

HISTORICS AT BROOKLANDS
by Historics
Brooklands
Brooklands Museum
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 800 988 3839

photo credit: © 2011 historics.co.uk

INDIANA ON THE 17TH

1971 FOYT COYOTE

ORIGINAL INDY SPRING CLASSIC
by Mecum
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana


1-815-568-8888

photo credit: © 2011 mecum.com

Friday

MINNESOTA ON THE 14TH

1970 AMC

MINNESOTA CLASSIC CAR & ANTQUE MOTORCYCLE AUCTION
by MidAmerica
1265 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, Minnesota


1-651-628-3212
 
1982 HONDA CBX

photo credit: © 2011 midamericaauctions.com

ENGLAND ON THE 14TH

COYS AT ASCOT
by Coys
Ascot Race Course
United Kingdom


+44 (0) 208 614 7888

OHIO ON THE 14TH

APPLE TREE AUCTION
by Apple Tree
1625 West Church
Newark, Ohio


1-740-344-4282

CALIFORNIA ON THE 14TH

EXCEPTIONAL MOTORCYCLES
by Bonhams and Butterfield
Quail Lodge
Carmel, California


1-323-436-5470

ILLINOIS ON THE 14TH

ROCKFORD'S COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION
by Kaptain Kirk
1936 11th Street
Rockford, Illinois


1-815-494-8045

LOUISIANA ON THE 14TH

NEW ORLEANS CLASSIC AUTO FESTIVAL
by Vicar
Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, Louisiana


1-504-875-3563

INDIANA ON THE 12TH

AUBURN SPRING COLLECTOR'S AUCTION

by Auctions America
5536 County Road 11A
Auburn, Indiana


1-260-927-9797

ITALY ON THE 11TH

CLASSIC CAR AUCTION MILLE MIGLIA 2011
by Lankes
Museo delia Miglia Vitals delia Bornata 123
Breslia, Italy


+49 9286 9 5050

Tuesday

TUESDAY'S SPECIAL

1966 FORD GT40

Chassis number GT40 P/1033 has been verified to be 100% authentic by Ronnie Spain who has devoted over ten years to research and writing GT40 An Individual History and Race Record which details every Ford GT40’s life story. This car has been fully documented as the original P/1033 and includes all race history from its beginning along with racing photographs of the car in 1969.

Now in the hands of racecar driver Tom Armstrong for the past 22 years, P/1033 has been professionally race prepared by Louis Shefchik of J & L Restorations. Tom has continued to race since he purchased the car in 1989 at vintage racing events throughout California.

The engine is a Ford V-8, 302ci, with Gurney-Westlake racing heads, 48 IDA Webers (built by Shaver Racing Engines). This stunning Ford GT40 was recently completely repainted by Jon Byers. It looks great and runs great! It comes with a new spare ZF 5-speed transaxle, 4 extra original GT40 wheels, log-books from 6/24/89 to 7/2/10; and a box of supplies, spares, set-up sheets, and a custom car cover.

GT40 History

The Ford GT40 was a high performance sports car and winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969 (1966 being the Mk II, 1967 the Mk IV, and 1968-1969 the oldest chassis design, the Mk I). It is so far the only American car to win overall at this race. It was built to win long-distance sports car races against Ferrari. Chassis # P-1075, which won in 1968 and 1969, is the first car in Le Mans history to win the race more than once with the same chassis, and only one of two cars to have won with the same chassis using a Ford engine originally 4.7- liter, enlarged to 4.9-liter (also known as a 5.0) with special alloy Gurney-Weslake cylinder head. The car was named the GT (for Grand Touring) with the 40 representing its overall height of 40 inches (1.02 m, measured at the windshield) as required by the rules. (internet source: "Ford GT40," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ford_GT40&oldid=417541216 (accessed March 10, 2011).

P/1033 History

P/1033 production road coupe was delivered unpainted to Georges Filipinetti (Geneva, Switzerland) on January 14, 1966, the car’s build sheet noted “Geneva Show – Road Car. Sent with std. race engine and transmission to be changed later.” The engine was noted as “289 Cobra,” number SGT/4. Filipinetti wanted it trimmed to luxury car standards (wind-up windows, A/C, radio, tan leather upholstery beige carpeting, grills in all the air intakes and outlets and small chrome bumperettes), and had the work done by Swiss coachbuilder Graber, who painted the finished car silver. P/1033 was displayed at the March 1966 Geneva Auto Show and not long after sold to Geneva-based Bolivian tin magnate Jaime Ortiz Patino after being featured in February ’67 Car magazine and being displayed at the March 1967 Geneva Auto Show.

The car was fitted for racing being stripped of luxury trimmings and painted metallic blue. The car was raced by Patino’s godson Dominique Martin under the banner of Zitro (“Ortiz” spelled backwards) Racing sometimes being run with nose-mounted canard fins (to improve front end downforce).

Sometime in 1970, the car sustained some fire damage and was later sold to Franco Sbarro in 1972. In 1974, it was sold to David Piper and 1983 made its way to California when sold to Bud Romak, who had the car fully restored by Phil Reilly and Associates The completed GT40 was painted red with white sill stripes. It was then vintage raced on the west coast. The car made the back cover of GT40 An Individual History and Race Record, published in 1986 by Ronnie Spain and on the cover of the Shelby American World Registry ’87. It was also featured on the cover of Ford Racing: A Retrospect and Legendary Sports Cars ’88 calendar. It appeared at the GT40 25th Anniversary Reunion in July 1994. The car’s present owner Tom Armstrong has had it painted in Filipinetti colors (red with white stripes) and has continued to participate in historic races throughout California.

Professional Race History

9/22/68 – Montlhery DNF
3/29-30/69 – LeMans Trials (Martin/Hanrious) 15th
6/14-15/69 – LeMans (#58 - Martin Martin/Hanrious) DNS
10/12/69 Montlhery (Maublanc/Martin) 9th
10/19/69 Hockenheim (Martin) 9th
1/11/70 Buenos Aires (#18 Forrestor/Martin) DNF
1/18/70 Buenos Aires (#15 Forreter/Martin) 12th
3/22/70 Rallye De l’Ouest (Martin/Chini) 2nd

1-831-430-9940

Located in California

photo and text credit: © 2011 canepacollection.com

Monday

FORMULA ONE IN TURKEY

VETTEL, 1ST AND ALONSO, 3RD

Missing from the picture is Mark Webber, who didn't miss a chance to come in second. Vettel was far and away out in front in his rebuilt car. He had a crash in Friday's practice and they had to rebuild the car for Sunday. The real race was in the rest of the field, a great race was had by all. Vettel, at 23, was not allowed to take the winner's taste of Champagne....new law in Turkey, drinking age is 24.



photo credit: © 2011
video credit: © 2011 youtube.com

INDYCAR IN BRAZIL,,,,,SECOND SHOT

GRAHAM RAHAL, 2ND - WILL POWER, 1ST - RYAN BRISCOE, 3RD

After a rain soaked Sunday, which only lasted 14 laps, there came an also rainy Monday morning, 8 AM restart. Able to run 55 laps before the clock ran out. Will Power, who lead half the race, was looking like a sure second when the leader had to pit for fuel on lap 48. That would have been Takuma Sato, my underdog favorite. Power went on to win with Graham Rahal, Bobby Rahal's son, came in second which is the best he has done in a couple of years. The perpetual second place, Ryan Briscoe, came in third.


photo credit: © 2011 Chris Jones via indycar.com
video credit: © 2011 youtube.com

Sunday

INDYCAR IN BRAZIL

RAIN DATE - MAY 2ND