Pebble Beach Weekend, Part II

By Paul Eisenstein August 19th, 2005

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It's not easy trying to relax on the Monterey Peninsula this weekend, certainly not if you're into classic cars.

Yesterday, I blogged about my incredible drive in a Ferrari F430 over San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Later in the day, I swapped into a 612 Scaglietti for the final leg down to Steinbeck Country. The author would probably have a hard time recognizing Cannery Row these days. Gone are the old fisheries, largely replaced by hotels, tourist traps like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and one of the world's best aquariums. This weekend, the streets are filled with precious metal, Ferraris, Duesenbergs, even a gray McLaren F1 that shot by me in a blur. There are some great classic car shows all over the world. Detroit has its Meadowbrook Concours; Florida's Amelia Island Concours is a must-see. But nothing matches the gatherings that fill the long weekend here.

Sensory overload. That's the only way to describe it. There's the three-day historic races up at Laguna Seca, the Concorso Italiano, where 100s of Ferraris, Alfas and Maseratis are gathered this afternoon. The Quail Lodge, which long hosted the Concorso, now has its own, unique event. It's an unhurried and quite civilized affair, tickets limited in number to just 3000, and the price of admission gets you all you can eat -- including some wonderful Hog Island Oysters -- even a complimentary foot or back massage. And after wandering the spacious grounds, I could've used one. Of course, the cars are always the stars, with some incredible sheet metal eye candy on display, including a rare C2 Jaguar race car, seen here, once owned by the legendary Argentinian Jaun Manuel Fangio. My real favorite, though, is this pre-War Peugeot 402 sports car, so soft and sensuous it could threaten my marriage.

There are countless small gatherings here, and some important news events. Aston Martin pulled the curtain off the new V-8 Vantage last night, for example. But even if you don't have a press pass or expensive ticket, car fanatics can get their fix simply sitting on the side of the road. As I type, I'm listening to what I suspect is a recent vintage Ferrari tearing down nearby Carmel Valley Road. Be still my piston-powered heart.

Tomorrow will be track day for me, though it's a little sad that another great driver, Phil Hill, is no longer participating in the Historics. He was a dominant force at Laguna Seca as recently as two years ago, but the first-ever American F1 champion has been quite ill lately and won't be able to attack the track's tricky corkscrew anymore. There will be other greats on hand, however, but more on that later.

And of course, TheCarConnection.com will have complete coverage of the weekend's real capper, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the real reason we're all here. Will Leno field a champion this year? Or Seinfeld or Ralph Lauren? Or maybe someone with a little less celebrity name value but the millions of dollars it typically takes to capture the most prized classic car trophy in the world. Stay tuned!

Posted in : Industry

The Mother of all chromed cars…

By Greg Sanchez August 19th, 2005

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This year, the 9th Shanghai International Automobile & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition was held during the week of June 17th, and it was an experience and sight to see. There was little in the way of new product launches, which is surprising given the size and importance of China, but there were plenty of models to look at.

There were so many models from so many different companies that if you didn’t take a camera, or a recording device, or took lots of notes, not to mention a full bottle of Tylenol, keeping up with so many vehicles would be almost an impossible task.

Co-organized by Shanghai International Exhibition Company and Adsale Exhibition Service Ltd., the exhibition has always been backed up by the government, chamber of commerce, manufacturers and users since it was launched in 1985. It is considered to be an automobile carnival of great influence to go along with the one held in June every other even year in Beijing.

A vehicle that caught my eyes and had my attention for some time was the First Automotive Works' concept car Hong Qi, [Qi means Red Flag in Chinese] a Rolls Royce Phantom look-a-like limousine. In contrast to the real McCoy – the Phantom – this grandiose contraption on wheels is without a doubt ostentatious, primarily targeting the 'top managers of state', according to Chang Bing, Senior Designer of the 15-strong design team at First Auto's design studio in Changchun, north of Beijing.

If you thought those vehicles that made it to “Pimp my Ride” got lots of chrome, I got news for you. This flamboyant vehicle is festooned with more chrome and VIP trimming than P. Diddy and Snoop Dog could ever dream of having in their cars.

One important note about the Hong Qi though is its grille, which could very well indicate how the future of design may look for China in the next few years. Amongst the immense amount of chrome used for this design element, the trellis is shaped like a building with the typical metaphorical roof tops in China, and it also sports a red flag graphic that flows into the hood of the car.

Posted in : Enthusiasts, Reviews, Shoppers

Dream Stamps for Dream Cruise

By Marty Padgett August 18th, 2005

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Even as Dream Cruise vehicles, many worth thousands, were warming up for the annual rolling parking lot called Woodward Avenue, the U.S. Postal Service was officially unveiling special postage stamps and postal cards for 37 cents each.

“The five collectible cars. the ‘53 Chevrolet Corvette, ‘54 Kaiser Darrin, ‘52 Nash Healey, ‘53 Studebaker Starliner, and the ‘55 Ford Thunderbird were selected,” said David Failor, executive director of stamp services for the USPS in a phone interview, “because they represent the sporty look that was introduced following World War II. "

These vehicles today, recognized as America’s first sports cars, were unique when introduced and are now highly valued collectible automobiles. The series of five called “America on the Move: '50s Sporty Cars” are available in a booklet of 20 stamps (five designs) for $7.40 and as a booklet of 20 stamped postal cards (five designs) for $9.75. Carl Herman of Carlsbad, Calif., was the stamp designer. Art Fitzpatrick, a long-time advertising designer and illustrator, was the stamp artist.

Patrick Donahoe, deputy postmaster general and COO , U.S. Postal Service, in dedicated the stamps in a special ceremony at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, said, “These cars are a perfect reminder of the 1950s and America’s optimism that the nation’s future was looking.”

Stamps and postal cards are available at Post Offices and Philatelic Centers starting August 21, 2005. Additionally first-day covers (set of 5) are $3.75; stamped postal cards (Booklet of 20) are $9.75; and other philatelic items will be available while supplies last online at www.usps.com, or by telephone at 800 STAMP-24. Beautifully framed prints of original stamp art for delivery straight to the home or office are available at www.postalartgallery.com.--Marty Bernstein

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark: Customers have 30 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to: POSTMASTER AMERICA ON THE MOVE: 50s SPORTY CARS 1401 W FORT ST DETROIT, MI 48233-9998 After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by September 19, 2005.

How to Order First-Day Covers: Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to: INFORMATION FULFILLMENT DEPT 6270 US POSTAL SERVICE PO BOX 219014 KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Posted in : Enthusiasts, Reviews, Shoppers

Ferrari Day in San Francisco

By Paul Eisenstein August 18th, 2005

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After 25 years covering the auto industry, I've become a bit jaded about driving. Sometimes you need to stifle a yawn when you pick up the keys to the latest sedan or minivan. But not, I must quickly admit, when the keys in hand fire up a brand new Ferrari F430.

I had the good fortune to tag onto the final stages of a 3-day rally that brought nearly 80 cars and more than 100 Ferraristis to Northern California this week. This was more than just another car show. Participants ran through a series of time trials, slalom courses, with even a few scavenger hunt-style challenges thrown in. Raw muscle won't win a rally. You have to stay on course, and on time. Too early to a checkpoint, and you'll lose as many points as you would being late. The level of competitiveness was as intense as I've ever seen at one of these events. But to Mark Mitchell, an estate planner out of San Juan Capistrano, what else would you expect from a bunch of Ferrari owners? "Most of the people here are entrepreneurs, and they play a tough game. They play to win. This is just an extension of every-day life."

So reining everyone in wasn't easy as we hit the checkpoint just south of Sausalito. But ultimately, with a little helpful prodding from the California Highway patrol, everyone fell into line. No, not for tickets, but for an incredible, escorted tour across the Golden Gate Bridge. For a few amazing minutes, the rest of busy Southbound US 101 came to a halt, the CHiPs guiding us in two neat and nearly orderly rows across the fog-shrouded bridge. I'd have expected some angry epithets from those forced to wait, and more than a few extended middle fingers, but instead, folks waved, cheered and snapped their digital cameras. All too soon, we were on the city side of the bridge for a rushed lunch at the Sir Francis Drake Yacht Club.

Still on the clock, half the ralliers were out of the dining room and back on the run before the main course was even served. So goes the competitive drive, especially when you're behind the wheel of a car like the F430. We'll have a more complete report later this week!

Posted in : Industry

Cordes Out at Benz

By Marty Padgett August 18th, 2005

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Straight from DaimlerChrysler, folks:

The Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG today has taken the following personnel decisions:
As previously announced, Dr. Dieter Zetsche (52), at present Head of Chrysler Group, will be appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG as of January 1, 2006. In addition, he will become Head of Mercedes Car Group as of September 1, 2005.

Dr. Eckhard Cordes (54), Head of Mercedes Car Group, will leave the company at his own request on August 31, 2005, after 29 years of service.

Thomas W. LaSorda (51) will become Head of Chrysler Group as of September 1, 2005. On the same date, Eric Ridenour (47) will succeed Thomas W. LaSorda as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Chrysler Group. Ridenour has been appointed as Member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management for a period of three years starting on September 1, 2005.

Cordes, appointed last year to the Mercedes post, was passed over to succeed Schrempp in favor of Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche. Cordes offered his resignation, insiders say, because he felt he had lost the confidence of the board of directors. Zetsche replaces Schrempp on January 1, 2006.

Posted in : Industry News