TRANS-AM LEGENDS STAR ON THE AVENUES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA.

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Douglas Freedman
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TRANS-AM LEGENDS STAR ON THE AVENUES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, August 27, 2012.
On Tuesday, August 14, 2012, the avenues of the picturesque seaside town of Carmel-by-theSea reverberated with the roar of powerful engines, as an unparalleled group of historic racing cars from the legendary Trans-Am Series drove into the display area of the 2012 Carmel-by-theSea Concours on the Avenue. The sixteen cars, accompanied by a California Highway Patrol escort, represented most of the teams and brands that competed in the classic era of the series from 1966 to 1972.

The Trans-Am cars were just one of the highlights of the 6th edition of the Concours on the Avenue, which has quickly established itself as a must-do event in the crowded “Monterey Week” calendar, noted for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and extraordinary vehicles. Thousands of spectator guests and local residents enjoyed almost 200 entries this year, arrayed on the tree-lined avenues of the charming village. The Concours on the Avenue marked the passing of Carroll Shelby with a brilliant class of thirteen genuine Cobras, spanning the full range of models from the 289’s to the 427’s.

Michael G. Tillson, Chief Judge at the event, stated “2012 has been, without a doubt, the best year ever for the Concours on the Avenue- the Trans Am class was over the top.” He went on to praise the talents of the more than 50 judges who serve at the Concours. “Their knowledge is astonishing, and they get it right and do it on time, with very tough choices in the class awards.”

There was, however, apparently no challenge for the judges in their unanimous choice for Best in Show; Larry and Juana Carter’s stunning dark blue 1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 ‘NART’ Spyder.  It was the epitome of the guiding principle of the Concours on the Avenue- ‘Authenticity and Originality Matter’. While the Ferrari was judged best of the best, it was emblematic of the depth of quality in the display. Fifteen major awards, provided by sponsor Tiffany & Co and presented by the announcing team of Ed Justice, Jr., Michael T. Lynch and Donald Osborne, went to cars as varied as a rare Lloyd 2-cylinder van done in period PanAm airlines livery, to a beautiful Ferrari 250 GTL Lusso and the Duesenberg-powered ‘Wonder Bread Special’ 1934 Indy Car.

The show is especially appealing to family audiences, thanks to its location in the heart of vibrant Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is an event in which the entire town shares, with many of the shops, galleries and restaurants also participating in the show with imaginative automotive-related window displays. Some of the vignettes also competed for prizes in the ‘Concours in the Windows’ contest. Tillson summed up his experience at this year’s event by saying, “The directors and volunteers do a heroic job to put this magical show on each year and I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this event.”

With the spectacular background of the historic village, The Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue delivers ‘Sophistication with a dash of fun’ to both the hard core motoring enthusiast as well as the rest of the family. Guided by the principle ‘Authenticity and Originality Matter’, it gathers together the finest examples of a wide variety of vintage and historic sports, GT, racing, luxury and family vehicles, and displays them on the avenues of Carmel-by-the-Sea in a unique show which is open at no cost to spectator guests. A major beneficiary of the Concours on the Avenue is The Carmel Foundation, in support of the work the Foundation does for the senior
community of the Monterey Peninsula.

Triumph TR6

Story Photos And Videos By Miguel Caparros

British stylist had two possibilities when designing the exterior of a car, absolutely gorgeous, like the Jaguar XKE of 1962, or at the other extreme is the Bristol 403, one ugly mother . It seemed that they rarely hit in between from the 1950's to the 70's.

The Triumph TR2 & 3 of the early  50's were not beauties yet they sold well and had a good following. When Triumph was getting ready to replace the TR3 they decided to go to one of the Italian Houses for a body design (the Italians seem incapable of designing an ugly car).  For 1961 They made some mechanical updates but kept most of the mechanical's from the TR3. Micheloti designed for the TR4, a stunning body that still looks good today.
Included in the design was a state of the art soft top and the first iconic 2 piece removable hard top that looked like a coupe when on, the rear section could stay attached and the section over the seats removed for open air driving. The TR4 went through gradual upgrades over the 7 years to the mechanics. These included an Independent rear suspension, and an upgrade from the 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine to the the more modern 2.5 liter 6 that is silky smooth and has a wonderful sound. That final incarnation was known as the TR 250 in the US and the TR5 in the rest of the world.

Not wanting to mess with success, British Leyland, who now owned Triumph, Contracted Micheloti for a refresh of the original 1961 design, working with Triumphs stylist. A more radical transformation with simple sheet metal changes has never been so successful, The result is the car you see here. The TR6 continued until 1976 when it was replaced by a completely new car that eventually outsold the 90,0000 units of the TR6 but history has not been so kind to the TR7.

SIX DECADES OF FERRARI AT MECUM'S DAYTIME AUCTION

SIX DECADES OF FERRARI AT MECUM'S DAYTIME AUCTION

1954 Ferrari 750 Monza Headlines Select Offering of Italian Illuminati

Posted By Miguel Caparros

Walworth, Wis., Aug. 2, 2012 - Mecum Auctions will present its 4th annual Monterey Daytime Auction, Aug. 16-18, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf course, featuring some of finest machines Ferrari has ever produced headlined by a 1954 750 Monza Spyder Scaglietti. 

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By turns part of the Engelbert Stieger, Brando Wang, Walter Burani and Roberto Crippa collections,S/N 0462MD (Lot S97) has been campaigned extensively for many years at the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, the Ferrari Maserati Historic Challenge, the Monterey Historic Races and the Mille Miglia rally. This great Ferrari sports racer has been maintained for years by GTO Engineering in the UK and displays a charming patina that serves as testament to its extensive racing career. It is always welcome at prestigious events around the world and remains very competitive in its vintage class.

A fully-documented factory alloy Longnose version retaining its original matching-numbers three-carburetor V-12 engine and drivetrain, the 1966 275 GTB Alloy Berlinetta S/N 08143 (Lot S95) was sold new in Rome, Italy. Reconditioned and detailed in 2011, its original V-12 engine was completely rebuilt by Ferrari expert John Hajduk, with final sorting and chassis detailing by Chris Campbell of Vintage Connection in Oklahoma City. Their combined talents were rewarded with Best in Class in the Sports Cars 1960-1973 category at the Concours d'Elegance of Texas.
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A premium example of the exceptionally rare 1972 Daytona Spyder S/N 14857 (Lot S151) was previously owned by noted Ferrari Daytona expert Steve Hill. Wrapped in a gorgeous Pininfarina-styled body and bestowed with 4-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel Dunlop vented disc brakes and a race-bred four-cam V-12 engine, this brilliantly detailed Daytona Spyder is perfectly completed with chromed Borrani wire wheels fitted with correct high speed Michelin radials.

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The lithe and athletic Ferrari 512BBi Berlinetta Boxer, S/N 046117 was the pre-eminent supercar of its time, combining a race-proven Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injected flat-12 engine with purposeful Pininfarina styling and 4-wheel independent suspension. Finished in beautiful Rosso Corsa with a gleaming Tan interior, the low-mileage (35,370) example offered as Lot F121 is one of only 1,007 very desirable fuel-injected Boxers produced. More Photos

Mecum’s Daytime Monterey Auction will also offer pristine low-mileage examples of more contemporary Prancing Horse classics. Lot S175 is a premium all-matching-numbers 1990 Testarosa S/N 082987 retaining its original 5.0 liter flat-12 engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Finished in its original White with Tan leather interior, it received a fresh major service, including an engine-out belt replacement, in June 2012. More Photos

There is no mistaking the Ferrari F430 Spider’s Formula 1 pedigree, which is evident in every aspect from its howling 4.3 L V-8 and electronically-controlled F1 gearbox, awe-inspiring handling and power to its aerodynamic shape and Sharknose-inspired elliptical front air intakes. Lot S89 is a highly optioned 2007 Ferrari F430 Spider S/N 154061 showing just 1,788 original miles, a fact reflected in its excellent overall condition. More Photos

Lot S154, a 4,600-mile 1999 Ferrari 355 spider S/N 115352, is powered by the original 3.5 L/375 HP V-8 driving a 6-speed transaxle. Well equipped with factory air conditioning, power steering and brakes, power windows, locks, seats and top and the original Ferrari sound system with CD player, it has just had a $9,000 engine-out belt service completed in June 2012.

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Mecum will offer a total of twelve outstanding collector Ferraris over the course of the three-day Monterey Daytime Auction, during which 750 specialty and collector vehicles will cross the block

The Mecum Monterey Daytime Auction is open to the public with complimentary general admission.  Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Discovery’s Velocity Network will broadcast 18 hours of live coverage from the Del Monte Golf Course. For more information, and to learn how to become a registered bidder go to www.MECUM.com or call 262.275.5050.

Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction

August 16-18, 2012

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

on Del Monte Golf Course

1 Old Golf Course Road

Monterey, CA 93940

Preview: Gates open at 8 a.m. Thursday through Saturday
Auction: Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.
Live TV Times: Thursday thru Saturday 12-6 PM

INTERMOUNTAIN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

2012 INTERMOUNTAIN CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE TO FEATURE EXHIBIT HONORING CARROLL SHELBY
Posted Bi Miguel Caparros

Eight Cars from Larry H. Miller Total Performance Museum at Miller Motorsports Park Highlight Display

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 01, 2012) – Eight historically significant cars from the Larry H. Miller Total Performance Museum at Miller Motorsports Park will be on display at the 2012 Intermountain Concours d’Elegance September 22, 2012. These special cars comprise the centerpiece for a display honoring legendary automotive designer and racecar driver Carroll Shelby. “We’re overwhelmed by the incredible cars being brought to our event by the Miller family, and see this as an outstanding way to not only pay tribute to Carroll Shelby, but to also carry forward Larry Miller’s passion for the cars Shelby built, raced and influenced,” said Chris Purdhum, Concours Chairman.

Carroll Shelby created the iconic Shelby Cobra sports car, and he developed the Shelby Mustang and the Ford GT40. He managed racing teams for Ford Motor Company that won championships on both sides of the Atlantic. He inspired thousands of people through his long career, and one of those people was the late Larry H. Miller.

Reflecting on the loss of his friend, Shelby said in a 2011 interview, “It was a sad day when we lost Larry, especially the way we had to lose him. He was my friend for many years. He was one of the first early collectors of my Cobras. He recognized before anybody that they were going to be worth something someday. You can’t say enough superlatives about Larry. He was a very giving man, and he was an absolute workaholic: he’s the only guy I ever knew besides Roger Penske who worked 36 hours a day. I loved Larry.”

“This display will not only be incredible to witness up close and personal, it will serve to educate event visitors about the magnificent vision and creative genius of Carroll Shelby. From the first Cobra that raced, to the Cobra one can spot in the movie “Viva Las Vegas”, this is something everyone needs to experience,” said Purdum. Early Concours entries value well over $15,000,000 and the event is attracting collectors from as far away as Florida.

Tickets: http://intermountainconcours.com/tickets

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntermountainConcours

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Intermountain12

About Miller Motorsports Park and the Larry H. Miller Total Performance Automobile Museum Once he had achieved some success as an auto dealer, Larry Miller finally found an opportunity to purchase a Shelby Cobra. One Cobra led to another, and another, and another, and the result is the Larry H. Miller Total Performance Automobile Museum. A few of Larry’s cars are on loan to the Shelby American Collection in Colorado, but the majority of his collection resides at his state-of-art motorsports complex, Miller Motorsports Park, located just outside Salt Lake City in Tooele, Utah. Almost every car on display is capable of being driven, and until Larry’s death in February 2009, a number of them competed in vintage racing events on both sides of the Atlantic. More: http://www.millermotorsportspark.com

Following is a list of historically significant cars from the Larry H. Miller Total Performance Museum that will be on display Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Intermountain Concours d’Elegance at The Gardens of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah.

1964 Shelby Cobra CSX-2299: This is one of six specially-built coupes built to compete on European tracks that were longer and faster than American tracks. They were nicknamed “Daytona Coupes” after they made their debut in the 1964 24 Hours of Daytona. This was the second built, and has the best racing record of them all, finishing first in the GT class and fourth overall in its debut race at Le Mans with Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant (handing Ferrari its first defeat in the GT class at Le Mans since the class was established in 1959), and took the same result in the season-ending Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in England with Gurney. It also took first in GT and second overall in the 1965 24 Hours of Daytona (Jo Schlesser/Hal Keck) and first in GT/fourth overall in the 1965 12 Hours of Sebring (Bondurant/Schlesser), helping Shelby become the first (and, to date, only) American manufacturer to win the FIA GT World Manufacturers Championship. CSX-2299 is considered the most valuable Cobra in existence, and perhaps the most valuable car in America.

1966 Ford GT40 Mk II P-1015: One of the most significant Ford GT40s ever, this Mk II finished second in what was arguably the most controversial finish in the history of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. This car, co-driven by Ken Miles and Denis Hulme, was leading in the final hour, with another GT40 (Jacky Ickx/Chris Amon) in second on the same lap. Ford executives called for a “photo finish” and the Ickx/Amon car actually took the checkered flag first, robbing Shelby development driver Miles, who had already won at Daytona and Sebring that year, the chance to be the first man to win the “Big 3” of endurance races (Daytona/Sebring/Le Mans).

1962 Shelby Cobra CSX-2002: This was the third Cobra ever built, and the first built in Carroll Shelby’s shop in Venice, California. It was also the first Cobra ever to race, driven by Billy Krause in the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix at California’s Riverside International Raceway in October 1962.

1967 Ford GT Mk IV J4: The final iteration of the Ford GT, only four J-Car prototypes were built before Mk lV production was finalized. This is the final prototype chassis and the car utilized in testing to determine the final body shape of the Mk lV. It raced only once, in the 1967 12 Hours of Sebring with Mario Andretti and Bruce McLaren, but it qualified on pole and won the race, bringing the first victory for a Mk IV.

1963 Shelby Cobra CSX-2128: This was one of two Cobras built for the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring with rack-and-pinion steering. In its original color scheme, it was photographed to appear on the cover of “Hey Little Cobra,” a record album recorded by The Rip Chords. This was the car that caused Larry Miller to fall in love with Cobras. In January 2005, Larry purchased this car after placing highest bid at auction against none other than George Lucas, who had been on the crew when the car was subsequently owned by San Francisco-based Allan Grant and designed the livery used on the car at that time, which was reversed from the original black-with-yellow scheme.

1962 Shelby Cobra CSX-2019: This unrestored Cobra was originally a “PR car” for Shelby, used in promotional pieces and magazine articles. It was painted different colors for different magazine features, to appear as though there were many cars. In the summer of 1963, it was rented to MGM Studios for use in the Elvis Presley movie “Viva Las Vegas” (red Cobra No. 98). In late 1963, it became the “Dragonsnake,” or drag racing-equipped Cobra, with which employees from Shelby’s production-car facility won a national championship and spurred a line of drag-racing parts offered by Shelby.

1964 Shelby Cobra CSX-2488: This Cobra was built as a USRRC team car. It was raced by team drivers Dan Gerber (scion of the Gerber Baby Food family), Bob Johnson and Ed Leslie from 1964-66. It won overall at Mosport (FIA) and Grattan (SCCA) in 1965, and was first in class at Mid-Ohio (USRRC) and second in class at Nassau (FIA). After the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona, it was loaned to Universal Studios for the movie “Redline 7000”. Gerber bought the car himself in 2000. Legend has it that he changed the Gerber Baby Food can on the doors to read “Prune Mush” in deference to his advancing age.

1965 Shelby Mustang GT-350R SFM5R535: Shelby Mustangs are among the most collectible cars in the world, but the most desirable of them all are the 36 GT-350Rs built in 1965 as pure racing cars. This car is number 35 of only 36 purpose-built race cars assembled in Carroll Shelby’s first shop in Venice, California.

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Cindy A. Meitle/CAR PR USA

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1966 Ghia 450SS

In the 1960s, a few of the remaining custom coach builders continued to demonstrate their ideas and skill with a number of one-off concepts, using a  production-based chassis on the speculation that they could sell the design. These cars were displayed  at the major auto shows in Turin, Geneva and Paris, hoping to attract lucrative commissions from a manufacturers, as well as sales from the wealthiest private clients. Ghia displayed the Fiat G230S Coupe, based on Fiat's 2100 sedan chassis at the 1960 Turin show.

 Burt Sugarman working as a salesman at a Beverly Hills Import car dealership, owned by Johnny Carson and some other heavy weight producers (before Burt himself  became a major producer) saw the Ghia-bodied Fiat G230S Coupe on the cover of the latest Road & Track and was so enthralled with the modern lines by the then young designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.  He contacted Ghia in Turin. Sugarman convince Ghia to build a limited-production convertible based on the Fiat design. Sugarman wanted a car with American mechanicals with a powerful V8 engine. The complete drive-train of the Plymouth Barracuda Formula S was chosen. He then formed a new company, Ghia of America. This resulted in the 450 SS and the car was branded as a Ghia. Only 52 cars were built. This is one of the alleged surviving 26.

Driving the Ghia 450SS.

 I first drove one in 1972, I too had loved its looks, although at this point and time designs were moving in the short trunk long nose direction. You can not argue with the room and comfort provided by this car in comparison to some of its other contemporaries. There was secure feeling knowing that  mechanical parts could be found at every gas station in North America. Mechanical parts for some exotics in those days could cripple the car for months.  That out of the way I shrugged it of my list due to the automatic transmission. The great sound from the engine was not backed up by great acceleration. It was not what I expected of an Italian built car. I reminded my self it is a Barracuda in a real nice Italian suit. I can appreciated now much more than my speed crazed 20 year old version.

1964 Ferrari Lusso

By Miguel Caparros

I look at the Pininfarina designed Ferrari Lusso 250 GT as not only the most beautiful Ferrari but the end of an era, the last great race cars that could be driven to the race and then home.  Available as a GT/L, sold as a road-going car and directly benefited from the successful line of Ferrari 250 GTs. It was developed from the dual-purpose 250 GT Short Wheel Base (SWB) which was delivered as both as a full-on competition or a steel-bodied grand touring car. When the SWB's time was up, its road-going version was replaced in 1962 with the smoother more shapely 250 GT Lusso.

Introduced at the Paris Salon in October of 1962 and created a stir of interest with its flowing proportions. Think of how other cars of 1962 looked, the Lusso became instantly recognizable. Slim, almost dainty roof pillars, a cropped tail and the unique three piece integrated bumper that foretold of things to come.

If you are a fan of the 250 GTO the Lusso shared many chassis and mechanics. By moving the engine forward they provided for a comfortable cabin with out compromise to the dynamics of the handling. When the GTO was no longer available many racers did like the owner of the car in this video, bought a Lusso and went racing.

Ferrari has always offered customers personalized building services of their production car and with the Lusso some  350 cars were built with the same steel body designed by Pininfarina and made by Scaglietti with aluminum doors, trunk and hoods. A few cars received custom rear end ratios, 5-speed gearboxes and competition spec carburetion and many more were modified after delivery. Custom body and interior alterations were available by Pininfarina, including faired-in headlights, extra vents and air conditioning, these factory modifications were rare.

We were fortunate enough to have both a 250 GTO and a Lusso at our store at the same time. For me two related cars could not have been more different. The GTO a retired race car that hat been slightly civilized for street duty where the Lusso had been outfitted with equipment for club racing.

The 250 GTO is a racing legend and it was built to race, Driving it on the street you are constantly reminded of that fact. The engine was finely tuned to give maximum performance and was not happy at much below 3500 rpm. But once on the cam and heading towards 7000 rpm everything starts to work as it was meant to.
The Lusso on the other hand, even in race prepared tune never lost its primary purpose, to transport two in relative comfort very quickly.