Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , ,



As we slowly emerge from our Thanksgiving food comas, we can start gearing up for more holiday food, family, and fun in December, with an automotive twist. We can also look forward to the real beginning of the auto show season with the first major American show, the LA Auto Show. There are also some smaller shows like the New England Auto Show in Boston, and the conclusion of the San Francisco International Auto Show at the Moscone Center.

All of the major motorsports seasons have concluded, but there will be plenty of silly season news to cover. There are small concours and special events going on in December as well -- The 2nd Spirit of Competition Awards Dinner at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, East Coast Indoor Nationals at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, Gulf Coast Motor Sports Holiday Cruisin Southern Style, 8th Annual Kustom Kulture Show in Anaheim, CA, and the 4th Annual Family Picnic and carnival at The Petersen Automotive Museum in LA,

There will also be a slew of Toys for Tots-type charity car shows as we head into the Holidays. We'll be returning to two of our favorites, the 6th Annual Motor4Toys event, and the 6th Annual Toys for Tots Drive hosted by the Schnuerer family in Huntington Beach, CA, but there are many more such events going on all around the country. Check your local paper for more and if you come across any, feel free to post details and links in the comments.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowautoblog calendarAutoblog calendar of eventsAutoblog event calendarAutoblogCalendarAutoblogCalendarOfEventsAutoblogEventCalendarEast Coast Indoor NationalsEastCoastIndoorNationalsGulf Coast Motor Sports Holiday Cruisin Southern StyleGulfCoastMotorSportsHolidayCruisinSouthernStyleKustom Kulture ShowKustomKultureShowLAla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeleslos angeles auto showLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowMotor4ToysNew England Auto ShowNewEnglandAutoShowpetersen automotive museumPetersenAutomotiveMuseumSan Francisco International Auto ShowSanFranciscoInternationalAutoShowSchnuererSimeone Foundation Automotive MuseumSimeoneFoundationAutomotiveMuseumSpirit of Competition AwardsSpiritOfCompetitionAwardsThe PetersenThe Petersen Automotive MuseumThe Petersen MuseumThePetersenThePetersenAutomotiveMuseumThePetersenMuseumtoys for totsToysForTots Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: November Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , , ,



For many of us November means football, parades, turkey hangovers, and family dysfunctionality in the form of Thanksgiving, but we car people tend to be more thankful for SEMA, the Chase and the crowning of a new champion in Formula 1 (Well, the conclusion of another season at least, since Jenson Button already locked up his first drivers championship and Brawn likewise nabbed the constructors title in its maiden season.)

As the year begins drawing to a close, we still have a handful of Fall cruises, auctions, meets and concours going on, but the automotive calendar is otherwise looking pretty sparse as we enter the penultimate month of 2009.

Connecticut has its local auto show, the Petersen is hosting an auction and tribute to Trans-Am racing, the Best of France and Italy show hits Van Nuys, and the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals visit Rosemont, Illinois. Other than that, we can expect a lot of silly season musical chairs and a slew of new car sneak peeks ahead of the first major show of the 2010 season in Los Angeles at the beginning of December.

If none of those events appeal to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: November Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: November Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog calendarAutoblog calendar of automotive eventsAutoblog calendar of eventsAutoblog event calendarAutoblogCalendarAutoblogCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsAutoblogCalendarOfEventsAutoblogEventCalendarbest of france and italyBestOfFranceAndItalyF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemuscle car and corvette nationalsMuscleCarAndCorvetteNationalsnascarpetersen automotive museumpetersen museumPetersenAutomotiveMuseumPetersenMuseumSEMAsema 2009Sema2009the chaseTheChase Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:25:00 EST <![CDATA[Auction find: <i>Duel</i> Peterbilt for beating up on Valiants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/auction-find-duel-peterbilt-for-beating-up-on-valiants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/auction-find-duel-peterbilt-for-beating-up-on-valiants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/17/auction-find-duel-peterbilt-for-beating-up-on-valiants/#comments Filed under: , ,



One of the most sinister automotive movie characters ever, the tanker-hauling Peterbilt from the seminal Spielberg picture, Duel, is up for auction. Perhaps only a little less evil than the '58 Plymouth in John Carpenter's adaptation of Christine, nearly 40 years have done little to dull this truck's malevolent countenance. The MotoExotica and Manheim event in St. Louis started on Friday, and finishes up today, October 17th.

The 1960 Pete has an overhauled engine, and air and electrical lines on the chassis have been replaced, too, according to the seller. It appears that this truck is the second of three used in the filming of the movie. It's a 1960 Peterbilt 281 made up to look like the 1956 model that was used for most of the scenes. Since that '56 was on its last legs, this truck was its double, and has also appeared in other productions, like a David Lee Roth video. We can't find out if there's a reserve, but it did just come out of a restoration, so it'll likely be well above the $20,000 range that normal 281s seem to trade for. Add in its matching vintage trailer and the movie provenance, which is purportedly documented, and this truck could well go for more money.

For a work vehicle, it's likely pulled its last real load a long time ago. Movie appearances tend to make people all kooky about a vehicle having some sort of added value just because it exists on a few million frames of release print somewhere. Either way, we've found both the movie's trailer and the full feature (they're embedded after the jump), where you can see the Peterbilt in action. Thanks for the tip, Greg.

Gallery: Duel Peterbilt for Auction in St. Louis


[Source: MotoeXotica]

Continue reading Auction find: Duel Peterbilt for beating up on Valiants

Auction find: Duel Peterbilt for beating up on Valiants originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> duelduel peterbiltDuelPeterbiltfilm vehicleFilmVehicleMovie Carmovie carsmovie truckmovie vehicleMovieCarMovieCarsMovieTruckMovieVehiclepeterbiltpeterbilt 281Peterbilt281spielbergspielberg duelSpielbergDuel Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST <![CDATA[Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England this weekend ]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/cars-and-coffee-headed-for-new-england-this-weekend/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/cars-and-coffee-headed-for-new-england-this-weekend/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/cars-and-coffee-headed-for-new-england-this-weekend/#comments Filed under: , ,

Cars and Coffee, the informal and inclusive wheeled hootenanny originated in Irvine, California has been spreading across the country faster than swine flu. There's no stage with bad cover bands, not a trophy in sight, but you're always likely to see some astounding vehicles.

Herb Chambers, New England dealership juggernaut, has thrown his support behind a New England gathering. "Herb himself is a super car enthusiast," says John Covell, Director of Marketing for the Herb Chambers Companies, "He thought that others would enjoy it." A new BMW dealership in Sudbury, MA, where the event is being held this Saturday, October 10th, is a supporting cast member.

Cynics may dismiss this as another ploy akin to inflatable dinosaurs, but when was the last time you were invited out by a car dealership to drink free coffee and ogle a McLaren F1 on a Saturday morning? Running from 7-10 AM, the inaugural event will be over before many people's days get under way. "Herb is passionate about cars and he's passionate about this business. If our customers understand that we share their passion, that's a good thing," sums up Covell. Hey, if he doesn't mind us drooling all over his McLaren, we'll agree.

Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England this weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cars and coffeecars and coffee massachusettsCarsAndCoffeeCarsAndCoffeeMassachusettschambers bmwchambers cars and coffeeChambersBmwChambersCarsAndCoffeeherb chambersherb chambers bmwHerbChambersHerbChambersBmwmassachusettsnew englandNewEngland Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: October Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/event-alert-october-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/event-alert-october-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/event-alert-october-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , , ,



October means Halloween to many, but to car people it also means Tokyo, The Chase, ALMS at Laguna Seca and the home stretch for IndyCar and Formula 1. There are also a bunch of Fall cruises, meets and concours, so the old car crowd won't be left out this month either.

Foremost on that list are two events we'll be at again this year, the 27th Annual Concours d' Elegance at The St. Regis in Dana Point, California, and the Wings Wheels Rotors & Expo in Los Alamitos. There's also Sportscar Vintage Racing Association at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Japanese Classic Car Show, Circle Yer Wagens, Scarsdale Concours, One Love Weekend, Vintage Rallies Mountain Mille, VRG Vintage Races at Watkins Glen, 2009 All-Pontiac Show, Super Stang Fest 2009, Vettes at the Village, Micro & Minicar Cruise at Bear Mountain, and the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance to close out the month.

There will be auction action too, with Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas, Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM, and gigantic Classic Car Auction of Toronto. Motorsports fans are in for some late-season championship action with Formula 1 making visits to Suzuka and Brazil, ALMS at Laguna Seca, the IndyCar finale at Homestead, and NASCAR making four stops as The Chase continues - Kansas, Fontana, Charlotte and Martinsville.

Besides the ever-shrinking Tokyo Motor Show, there are also going to be a regional show in Anaheim, but Americans will have to wait until Los Angeles in December to get most of the European and Asian debuts from Frankfurt and Tokyo.

If none of those events appeal to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: October Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: October Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog calendarAutoblog calendar of automotive eventsAutoblog calendar of eventsAutoblogCalendarAutoblogCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsAutoblogCalendarOfEventsautomotive eventautomotive event calendarautomotive eventsAutomotiveEventAutomotiveEventCalendarAutomotiveEventscalendar of automotive eventscalendar of eventsCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsCalendarOfEvents Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: September Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/event-alert-september-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/event-alert-september-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/event-alert-september-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



September brings a whole bunch of Labor Day and end-of-summer cruises, meets and concours. It also kicks off the international auto show season with the Frankfurt Motor Show.

For those of you missing our coverage of Meadowbrook, Woodward and Monterey, there are tons of classic car events in September, including include the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, Lime Rock Vintage Festival, Charlotte Autofair, All AMC Classic Car Show & Beach Cruise 2009, Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance, Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance, The Colorado Grand, 20th Annual Route 66 Rendezvous, Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles, Goodwood Revival, Colorado English Motoring Conclave, Sunriver Festival of Cars, Thunderbolt Historics (and vintage airshow), Brits on the Beach British Car Day, 16th Annual Fall Classic Car Show, Buckingham Concours, Dayton Concours d'Elegance, East Coast Boardwalk Classic Car Show, Southeastern Fall MG Gathering of the Faithful Mk XV, St. Michael's Concours, 12th Annual Coronado Speed Festival, 10th Annual Cruisin' for a Cure, Autumn in the Mountains, Bonhams Vintage New England Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, Ironstone Concours d'Elegance, RM Auctions: Icons of Speed and Style Auction, SWEETPORT Antique & Classic Car Show, and VIVA ITALIA: Concours D'Elegance. Whew.

On the racing front, the ALMS series visits Detroit before packing up and hitting Atlanta for the Petit Le Mans. The Formula 1 circus stops in Italy and then Singapore as the series heads down the home stretch, IndyCar has races scheduled at Detroit and Motegi, Japan, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races towards the Chase, with action in Atlanta, Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover.

If none of those events appeal to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. Please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: September Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: September Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> almsAutoblog Automotive Event Calendarautoblog calendarautoblog event calendarAutoblogAutomotiveEventCalendarAutoblogCalendarAutoblogEventCalendarautomotive event calendarAutomotiveEventCalendarcalendarColorado GrandColoradoGrandcoronadocoronado speed festivalCoronadoSpeedFestivalevent calendarEventCalendarfeaturedfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowgoodwoodgoodwood revivalGoodwoodRevivalindycarindycar seriesIndycarSeriesmonzamonza f1MonzaF1nascarRoute 66Route66 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Mr. Bean to make first 'live' appearance at Goodwood Revival to honor Mini turning 50]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/mr-bean-to-make-first-live-appearance-at-goodwood-revival-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/mr-bean-to-make-first-live-appearance-at-goodwood-revival-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/mr-bean-to-make-first-live-appearance-at-goodwood-revival-to/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



You like Minis? Comedy? All things British? Well mark your calendars for September 18-20, as comedian Rowan Atkinson will be appearing in character as the bungling Mr. Bean during the UK's Goodwood Revival. Not only that, but to celebrate 50 years of Mini, Mr. Bean will be driving his pea-green and black-hooded Issigonis-penned Mini around the Goodwood Motor Circuit each day of the festival - sitting on the roof! Turns out it's a well known Mr. Bean gag. Ahem.

Atkinson, a well known car buff (and McLaren F1 owner), will also be bringing his Jaguar Mk IV to help celebrate 80 years of Sir Stirling Moss. One more thing, Atkinson will field a 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S during an all-Mini St Mary's Trophy saloon car race. We wish him the best of luck with that last one, despite our blood-boiling jealousy. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Goodwood | Image: Max Nash/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading Mr. Bean to make first 'live' appearance at Goodwood Revival to honor Mini turning 50

Mr. Bean to make first 'live' appearance at Goodwood Revival to honor Mini turning 50 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Goodwood RevivalGoodwoodRevivalJaguar Mk VIJaguarMkViMiniMr. BeanMr. Bean MiniMr.BeanMr.BeanMiniRowan AtkinsonRowanAtkinsonStirling MossStirlingMoss Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: August Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/event-alert-august-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/event-alert-august-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/event-alert-august-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Monterey, Meadow Brook, and Michael, oh my! This August offers plenty of action for all types of car lovers. The Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance launches the month in style, along with the SEMA Show 'n Shine half a continent away in Pasadena. For folks who are going to be near Reno, the annual Hot August Nights show hits the biggest little city in the world this month as well. The biggest events for the Autoblog crew (as well as thousands of others) will be the Woodward Dream Cruise and the week-long classic car fest in Monterey, California, capped off by the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

There's lots of racing action, too, most notably the return of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher to the cockpit for Ferrari in Spain. The world's premier racing series also visits Spa at the end of the month. Meanwhile, ALMS makes stops at Mid-Ohio, Road America and Mosport; IndyCar hits Kentucky, Mid-Ohio, Infineon Raceway and Chicago; and NASCAR fans can look forward to races at Pocono, Watkins Glen, MIS and Bristol.

If none of those events appeal to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. Please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: August Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: August Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> almsautoblog calendarAutoblog event calendarAutoblogCalendarAutoblogEventCalendarf1formula 1formula1Hot August NightsHotAugustNightsindycarindycar seriesindycarsIndycarSeriesmeadow brook concoursMeadowBrookConcoursnascarpebble beachpebble beach concourspebble beach concours delegancePebbleBeachPebbleBeachConcoursPebbleBeachConcoursDelegancesemawoodwardwoodward dream cruiseWoodwardDreamCruise Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:37:00 EST <![CDATA[Crewe warehouse opens doors to liquidate vintage Bentley and Rolls-Royce parts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/crewe-warehouse-opens-doors-to-liquidate-vintage-bentley-and-rol/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/crewe-warehouse-opens-doors-to-liquidate-vintage-bentley-and-rol/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/crewe-warehouse-opens-doors-to-liquidate-vintage-bentley-and-rol/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Bentley spare parts warehouse in Crewe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 143,000 square foot Bentley warehouse in Crewe, England, has got to be a dream come true for British motor enthusiasts. The facility, which sits adjacent to the Bentley Motors automobile factory, holds some 55,000 part lines totaling over seven million individual items for Bentleys made after 1955 (as well as Rolls-Royce automobiles built there between then and 2002 when the companies split under Volkswagen and BMW ownership, respectively). In late September, the warehouse will open its doors to anyone - owner, enthusiast or trader - interested in stopping by to pick out that elusive part they were looking for, from indicator lights to engine blocks and everything in between.

With the all-new replacement for the Arnage line rumbling around the corner in August, Bentley evidently needs the space and motoring Anglophiles stand to benefit. Details in the press release after the jump and high-res images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Bentley warehouse - Crewe, England


[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Crewe warehouse opens doors to liquidate vintage Bentley and Rolls-Royce parts

Crewe warehouse opens doors to liquidate vintage Bentley and Rolls-Royce parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley factorybentley hqbentley partsbentley warehouseBentleyFactoryBentleyHqBentleyPartsBentleyWarehousecreweenglandrolls-roycerolls-royce partsRolls-royceParts Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Audi gifts hometown with 10-ton TT as part of centennial celebration [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/audi-gifts-home-town-with-10-ton-tt-upon-its-centennial-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/audi-gifts-home-town-with-10-ton-tt-upon-its-centennial-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/audi-gifts-home-town-with-10-ton-tt-upon-its-centennial-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Audi TT sculpture - click above for high-res gallery

It's not at all unusual for successive generations of a car line to grow larger the preceding edition. However, in an era where down-sizing is becoming more common, this is a bit absurd. Actually, the car shown here is a 33.5 foot long, 10-ton sculpture of the Audi TT coupe.

The giant TT has actually been around for several years now, debuting in Berlin in 2006 and having been shown in Beijing, Munich, and Hong Kong since then. The outsized work of art has now been brought to Audi's Ingolstadt headquarters as part of the centenial celebrations of the automaker. The sculpture has been placed in the center of a roundabout in Ingolstadt where it should pose absolutely no issues with driver distraction... right, guys? Check out the high-res gallery of images below, as well as the press release and a video of the sculpture being trucked in after the jump.


Gallery: Audi TT Sculpture


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi gifts hometown with 10-ton TT as part of centennial celebration [w/VIDEO]

Audi gifts hometown with 10-ton TT as part of centennial celebration [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi centenary celebrationaudi centennialaudi TTAudi TT Coupeaudi tt sculptureAudi TTSAudiCentenaryCelebrationAudiCentennialAudiTtAudiTtCoupeAudiTtsAudiTtSculpturecommunity artCommunityArtingolstadtpublic artPublicArtsculptureTT CoupeTtCoupe Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Vauxhall skate party -- Click above to watch video

Vauxhall is rolling out the retro cool by holding an invitation-only roller skating event in North London on July 29. As part of the festivities, the General Motors division has reportedly commissioned bespoke sets of Vauxhall Corsa roller boots (seriously), and the event will even feature a "pit-stop themed hair salone with free styling from a 'huge name' in celebrity hairdressing." The secret party doesn't look to have a name, but it's got the kind of vibe that doesn't need one: "'70s disco meets Knight Rider on roller skates." If only the Knight Rider show had thought of that, perhaps it would still be on the air.

You can check out the details at www.tiny.cc/vauxhallskate, and you can get into the groove with video of a young lady doing her thing wearing Vauxhall Corsa skates after the jump. Hat tip to Clarence.

[Source: Event magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> corsaeventslifestylelondonpartyroller skatesRollerSkatesukvauxhallvauxhall corsaVauxhallCorsavideo Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Mini Miglia - Slot car version of classic race to benefit Alzheimer's research]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/mini-miglia-slot-car-version-of-classic-race-to-benefit-alzhei/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/mini-miglia-slot-car-version-of-classic-race-to-benefit-alzhei/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/mini-miglia-slot-car-version-of-classic-race-to-benefit-alzhei/#comments Filed under: , ,


The Mini Mille Miglia -- Click above for image gallery

This weekend saw the running of the first Mini Mille Miglia. No affiliation to the famous touring event, the Mini Mille is a greatly scaled down version of the race. How scaled down? Well, it's run on a digital Scalextric track for 1/32-scale slot cars in Umbria, Italy. Put on to benefit Alzheimer's research, the Mini Mille was a full 3-day program of public activities, including 14 different races throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Event founder Graham Lane built a 30-meter track tucked amid an Italian countryside: 20 meters of it is a central circuit, sightseers can dip off into a 10-meter loop into a forest-lined valley and over an aqueduct. Participants could either go with their cars to Umbria to race in person, or could send their cars and have them driven -- and photographed and videotaped -- just for the experience.

While it's too late to enter this year's race, it's not too late to start prepping your miniature runner for next year's Mini Mille Miglia. Nor is it too late to have a gander at the gallery of images below.


Gallery: Scalextric Mini Mille Miglia


[Source: Mini Mille Miglia via Pistonheads | Photo credit: Jaak Beentjes]

Mini Miglia - Slot car version of classic race to benefit Alzheimer's research originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> etceuropeeventsitalymille migliaMilleMigliamini mille migliaMiniMilleMigliascalextric Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:05:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: July Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/event-alert-july-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/event-alert-july-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/event-alert-july-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , ,



As we start the second half of 2009, the automotive industry remains in turmoil but the economy is finally showing signs of recovery. And once again, we have a full calendar of events to keep our minds on the positive aspects of our industry. Show season is in full swing so you'll find plenty of concours events, cruise nights, and local shows filling July weekends. In America, Meadowbrook is the star of July, but there are also other interesting events like the GoodGuys Heartland Nationals, Hudson-Essex-Terraplane meet in Pontiac, New England Concours d'Elegance in Vermont, the First Annual Great American Car Show in Massachusetts, Micros on the Monument in Racine, International Bricklin Owners Club Annual Grand National Meet, and the Alfa Romeo Owners Club National Meet in Portland, among others.

There's lots of racing in July, too. Most Formula 1 teams will make a brief stop at Goodwood before resuming their regular racing schedule at the Nürburgring, followed by the Hungarian GP at the end of the month. IndyCar hits Watkins Glen, the Streets of Toronto, and the airport course in Edmonton. NASCAR fans can look forward to races in Daytona, Chicago, and at the Brickyard. ALMS teams can take it easy after the marathon that was the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a two-hour stint at Lime Rock Park.

There will also be plenty of other random racing action in July, with the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Portland Historic Races, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Kohler International Challenge with Brian Redman, and the New England Forest Rally. Green car fans can look forward to the Eco-Rally U.S.A. 2009, and bike fans can take in the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix or AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio.

If none of those events appeals to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. Please use the comments section to add or modify listings. Oh, and Happy 4th of July!

Continue reading Event Alert: July Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: July Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> almscalendar of eventsCalendarOfEventsfestival of speedFestivalOfSpeedformula 1Formula1FoSGoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood festival of...Goodwood FoSGoodwoodFestivalOf...GoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedGoodwoodFosindycarmeadowbrookmeadowbrook concours deleganceMeadowbrookConcoursDelegancenascarracing calendarracing eventsRacingCalendarRacingEvents Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:40:00 EST <![CDATA[Guinness Attempt: Biggest-ever Subaru gathering planned for Illinois in July]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/guinness-attempt-biggest-ever-subaru-gathering-planned-for-illi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/guinness-attempt-biggest-ever-subaru-gathering-planned-for-illi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/guinness-attempt-biggest-ever-subaru-gathering-planned-for-illi/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Thunder will descend upon Itasca, Illinois on July 11th, even if the sky is clear. The rumbling will be of the horizontally-opposed variety as Subaru of America's Great Lakes Region goes for a Guinness world record. The particular accomplishment Subaru is after is the "largest Parade of Subaru Cars," and Subie owners interested in participating in the event can hit a Subaru website to register.

The record attempt coincides with Itasca Fest, a weekend of family-friendly frenzy. Parade participants can save money on a hotel room, and Subaru's not solely seeking notoriety. Homeless pets in Chicago find refuge with PAWS Chicago, and Salute, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports military personnel, veterans, and families. Both organizations will receive $15 per participating car from Subaru, up to a total of $7,000. If you've got a Scooby with a taste for the open road, strap the whole family in and light out for Itasca, all wheel drive churning, and turbocharger awhirl. Press release posted after the jump.

[Source: Subaru, Photo: WickedBigMeet]

Continue reading Guinness Attempt: Biggest-ever Subaru gathering planned for Illinois in July

Guinness Attempt: Biggest-ever Subaru gathering planned for Illinois in July originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> guinness book of world recordsguinness subaruguinness world recordGuinnessBookOfWorldRecordsGuinnessSubaruGuinnessWorldRecordsubaru eventsubaru guinness world recordsubaru paradeSubaruEventSubaruGuinnessWorldRecordSubaruParade Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Honda celebrates 50 years in America with car and bike show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/honda-celebrates-50-years-in-america-with-car-and-bike-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/honda-celebrates-50-years-in-america-with-car-and-bike-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/honda-celebrates-50-years-in-america-with-car-and-bike-show/#comments Filed under: , ,


Honda North America 50th Birthday car show - Click above for full gallery

It's hard to believe, but it's been 50 years since Americans first saw a Honda on these shores. Way back in 1959, Honda opened its first storefront office in Los Angeles with just six employees, and started selling the Honda 50 motorbike. Skip forward to 2009 and American Honda now employs more than 25,000 workers directly, and some 100,000 indirectly at authorized Honda automobile, motorcycle and power-equipment dealerships throughout the United States. That doesn't even take into account the tens of thousands employed by nearly 600 U.S. Honda parts suppliers.

To help celebrate their golden anniversary stateside, the company had a small car and bike show at their U.S. HQ in Torrance, California. We dropped in for a bit and took a bunch of photos. Although there were far more bikes than cars, it was a still a fun outing. On the car side there were a smattering of S2000s, a couple of first-gen Insights, an NSX, a couple of early CRXes, a bunch of Civics, and even a few show cars. Our favorites had to be the Side-by-Side formula car and the 600 coupe right next to it.

On the bike side there was everything from a Trail 70 to the 2004 NAS concept. The little ZB50 even displayed a speeding ticket showing it clocked at 60 mph! Our favorites were the turbocharged CBR1000XX Blackbird and the 1970 Daytona-winning CR750. We've amassed a huge gallery and pasted in the press release after the jump. Click away and enjoy 50 years of American Honda.


Gallery: Honda America 50th birthday show



Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Honda celebrates 50 years in America with car and bike show

Honda celebrates 50 years in America with car and bike show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american hondaamerican honda motor coAmericanHondaAmericanHondaMotorCohonda 50Honda AmericaHonda North AmericaHonda50HondaAmericaHondaNorthAmerica Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:13:00 EST <![CDATA[AB visits the 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/ab-visits-the-24th-annual-huntington-beach-concours/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/ab-visits-the-24th-annual-huntington-beach-concours/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/ab-visits-the-24th-annual-huntington-beach-concours/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2009 Huntington Beach Concours - Click above for high-res gallery

We returned from a secret mission in Alaska just in time to make it to one of our favorite smaller concours, the Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance in Central Park this past weekend. Not quite as prestigious as the L.A. Concours we covered from the Rose Bowl, it's always an eclectic show, with everything from hot rods to supercars, pre-war classics to bikes. In fact, Big Dog and Nimbus Motorcycles were featured this year. Pontiac and Aston Martin were the featured automotive marques, but there were a healthy showing of Mini enthusiasts as well for the car's 50th anniversary. Not quite as many as the number at Silverstone last month, but there were about 50 of them in every color and configuration you could think of. Lots of Ferraris, muscle cars, Corvettes and motorcycles as well.

This concours always attracts mostly locals, but this year, that included seven Borgward Isabella owners! We're not sure we've ever seen more than one in any single show before so this was a bit of a treat. And there was at least one representative of each bodystyle: saloon, estate, cabriolet, and coupe. The Master of Ceremonies was local car presenter Dave Kunz and the Grand Marshall was Jim Wangers, "Godfather of the GTO," on hand to celebrate Pontiac. Although we couldn't make it on Saturday, the previous day's Grand Marshall was our MINI-mad friend, Fireball Tim Lawrence, who was at the show on Sunday as well, just not marshaling as grandly.

Highlights included the Judson-supercharged MG TD Mille Miglia, Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica, Lusso and Europa, Barbie-pink Mini, International Karate Champion Harley, BMW 501 V8, Pegaso 102, Jaguar XK120R, '31 Cadillac Convertible Coupe, Marco Rigassi's '32 Highboy, a tangerine AMX, and the Schwinn Stingray Super Deluxe and Apple Krate. Other sentimental favorites included the '81 Lancia Zagato, two Subaru SVX sports coupes, two early Mazda RX-7s, and a trio of '80s GM ragtops. It was another fun, family-oriented show that had us smiling about being car people.


All photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance

Fiat 500, Porsche 930 and others

AB visits the 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concoursconcours d eleganceconcours deleganceConcoursDeleganceDave KunzDaveKunzfireball timFireball Tim LawrenceFireballTimFireballTimLawrencehuntington beachHuntington Beach Concourshuntington beach concours deleganceHuntingtonBeachHuntingtonBeachConcoursHuntingtonBeachConcoursDeleganceJim WangersJimWangers Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: June Calendar of Automotive Events]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/event-alert-june-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/event-alert-june-calendar-of-automotive-events/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/event-alert-june-calendar-of-automotive-events/#comments Filed under: , , ,



As we approach the half-way point of 2009, the automotive industry is still in turmoil and the economy is just barely showing signs of recovery, but we still have plenty to be happy about. Dozens of concours events, cruise nights, and local shows are being held each and every weekend around the country. There's probably one close to you. Greenwich, Huntington Beach, Los Angeles, and Rodeo Drive top that list of concours in June. There will also be plenty of racing action with another running of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans June 13 and 14. Formula 1 makes stops at Turkey and Silverstone. With the Indianapolis 500 over, IndyCar moves on to Texas, Iowa and Richmond. And NASCAR fans can see action at Pocono, Michigan International Speedway, Infineon and New Hampshire. Speed junkies will also have another go at land speed records when the next El Mirage event takes place June 14.

There will also be some auction action too, with a Bonhams sale at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and the Mecum Corvette Auction during Bloomington Gold in St. Charles, Illinois. One of our favorite events of the summer returns this June, the Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show in Chino Hills, CA. Other events on our Google Calendar this month include the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals, Susquehannock Trail Rally, Fleetwood Country Cruize-In, Corvettes of Myrtle Beach, Greatest Cruise on Turf, Wranglers' All Ford Show and Swap Meet, 20th Annual Orphan Car Tour, Automezzi Colorado, Red Mill British Car Day, 14th Annual San Clemente Car Show, GoodGuys Hot Rod Nationals, AutoMat's 52nd Anniversary Car Show, 24th Annual Huntington Beach Concours, UCP Concours d'Elegance, Ault Park Concours d'Elegance, Classy Chassis, Pismo Beach Classic Car Show, 45th Annual L.A. Roadster Show, British Motorcar Gathering, Challenge Rally Cinque, The Hemmings Challenge, Annie & Steve Norman Classic Motorcar Rally, GoodGuys East Coast Nationals, CAR Show at the AACA Museum, Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance at Stanford, and another pair of AW Briefing events from London.

If none of those events appeals to you, check the Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. Please use the comments section to add or modify listings. Oh, and Happy Fathers Day to all of you Dads out there.

Continue reading Event Alert: June Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: June Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of le mans24HoursOfLeMansautoblog calendarAutoblogCalendarcalendarcalendar of eventsCalendarOfEventsgreenwich concoursGreenwichConcourshuntington beach concours deleganceHuntingtonBeachConcoursDelegancele mansle mans 24 hoursLeMansLeMans24Hourslos angeles concoursLosAngelesConcoursrodeo drive concoursRodeoDriveConcours Fri, 29 May 2009 18:15:00 EST <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/mazda-mx-5-to-celebrate-20th-birthday-at-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/mazda-mx-5-to-celebrate-20th-birthday-at-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/mazda-mx-5-to-celebrate-20th-birthday-at-le-mans/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right. The roadster known as the Miata and MX-5 at different times and places around the world is 20 years old and to celebrate, Mazda has invited 200 examples and their owners from across Europe to a party in France next month at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

Over the course of two decades and three generations, Mazda has sold over 850,000 MX-5s and it remains one of the most entertaining roadsters available. While it's never been the most powerful sports car and some dismiss it as a secretary's chosen chariot, the compact, lightweight roadster has won over even the most insecure alpha males with taut handling, a balanced drivetrain and one of the simplest convertible mechanisms known to man.

European MX-5 owners who want to participate in the party should contact their national MX-5 club or Mazda France. The 200 attendees will watch the race from the Mazda camp alongside the circuit and a best in show will be awarded, along with plenty of goodies.


Gallery: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Le Mans

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans

Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> le mansLeMansmazda miatamazda miata 20 aniversariomazda mx-5mazda mx-5 20th anniversarymazda mx-5 miatamazda mx5mazda mx5 miataMazdaMiataMazdaMiata20AniversarioMazdaMx-5MazdaMx-520thAnniversaryMazdaMx-5MiataMazdaMx5MazdaMx5Miatamiatamiata 20th anniversarymiata birthdayMiata20thAnniversaryMiataBirthday Wed, 27 May 2009 08:32:00 EST <![CDATA[Event Alert: Nürburgring 24 is now streaming live]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/23/event-alert-nurburgring-24-is-now-streaming-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/23/event-alert-nurburgring-24-is-now-streaming-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/23/event-alert-nurburgring-24-is-now-streaming-live/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Nürburgring 24 kicked off a short time ago, and as was the case last year, you can watch it streaming live (in German) at the official Nürburgring 24 site. RadioLeMans.com is providing live audio in English. Just head over there and click the "Listen Live" button in the upper left corner. Then, if you're us, you'll turn off the volume on the German video stream and listen to the RadioLeMans.com audio, since they're calling it off the same video feed. Good stuff.

[Sources: Nürburgring 24, Radio Le Mans]

Event Alert: Nürburgring 24 is now streaming live originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 May 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakinglive streamLiveStreamnurburgring 24Nurburgring24 Sat, 23 May 2009 10:21:00 EST <![CDATA[Stuttgart meets SoCal at the PCA-GPX Queen Mary Concours]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/stuttgart-meets-socal-at-the-pca-gpx-queen-mary-concours/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/stuttgart-meets-socal-at-the-pca-gpx-queen-mary-concours/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/stuttgart-meets-socal-at-the-pca-gpx-queen-mary-concours/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Click above for massive high-res gallery of some of Stuttgart's finest

The Grand Prix region of the Porsche Club of America (PCA-GPX) is centered in the Long Beach area of Southern California. It takes its name from the Grand Prix held every year since 1975 on the streets of the coastal city south of Los Angeles. Besides getting together for the race every year, the PCA-GPX also hosts a number of driving and dining events throughout the year, including a spectacular concours d'elegance in the shadow of the Queen Mary.

We tagged along with the 356 Club this year to see what the show was like. Besides seeing some of the greatest Porsche models from the past 50 years, we also met some great people, had some terrific food, and learned a thing or two about the 356, 911, 912, 964, 993, 996, 997, and the rest of the offerings from Stuttgart and Weissach. We rekindled our love affair with the iconic Gruppe B-inspired 959, we made a new friend in the form of the 1977 SCCA Trans-Am Championship-winning 934.5 and we spotted an "Outlaw" 356 with a 3.3-liter 930 turbo motor that's probably as fast as either of those two.

Primarily we discovered that despite the state of the automotive industry, one thing remains true: people are still celebrating their cars. Join the celebration by checking out the massive gallery below.

Gallery: Stuttgart meets SoCal at the PCA-GPX Queen Mary Concours

912 alley

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Stuttgart meets SoCal at the PCA-GPX Queen Mary Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 356550911912928930934.5944959concoursconcours deleganceConcoursDelegancePCAPorsche Club of AmericaPorscheClubOfAmericaqueen maryQueenMary Tue, 19 May 2009 19:58:00 EST