Posted by Steve White on Jun 30, 2010
If you are in Maine or nearby states around the beginning of July, you should make a trip to Kingfield. On the 9th of July, 2010, the town’s popular Stanley Museum will be holding the much awaited Stanley Museum Consignment Auction. This auction offers vintage and classic car enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire prized auto parts and memorabilia, and it promises to be a most exciting event.
Last year, the auction was a great success. More than 350 items, including 5 running Stanleys, crossed the block, and bidders and sellers enjoyed intense bidding action throughout the day. The auction managed to raise about $50,000, which contributed significantly to the survival of the Stanley Museum. As such, it is considered a very important event for the museum, and much effort is being expended to make this year’s event a success. So far, about 250 lots are already consigned, and these include auto parts, engines, literature, and photographs. There will also be a few cars at the auction.
Those who wish to bid at the Stanley Museum Consignment Auction are required to pay a non-refundable fee of $25.00. Bidders will be given an auction catalog, and they will be notified of the final results of the auction. It is also possible to bid online or via the telephone. For more information about the auction, you can visit the Stanley Museum website.
Posted by Steve White on Jun 28, 2010
One great way to celebrate a special event is to rent a classic car and take it out for a spin. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, or wedding, a gorgeous-looking old car will make the occasion more exciting and memorable. You may also want to rent a classic or vintage car on an ordinary day, and go for a road trip with your family or friends, or just by yourself.
There are many companies that offer car rental services, but most of them do not have classic cars in their fleets. As such, it is not easy to find classic car rentals in any particular town or city. However, there are certain people or organizations that may be able to help you rent a classic car in your locality. If there are classic car associations in your vicinity, you can give them a call and ask them if their members are interested in renting out their cars for a day or two. If you have friends who own classic cars, they may also be willing to let you rent their cars. Some exotic car rental companies may have classic or vintage cars that are available for rent, and you can call these companies to inquire.
It is also possible to find a classic car rental service online. Just enter “classic car rental”, followed by the name of your town or city, in the search engine, and you will get some results. Alternatively, you can use the Classic Car Rental Connection website to look for classic car rentals in your locality.
Posted by Steve White on Jun 25, 2010
The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance is one of the premier classic car events in southern California, and it is in its 28th edition this year. The event will be held on the 27th of June, 2010 at the exquisite St. Regis Resort, which is situated in the beautiful city of Dana Point, California.
Every year, a featured marquee will be selected for the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, and this year’s event will celebrate Alfa Romeo’s 100 years of contributions to the auto industry as well as 80 years of outstanding auto design from Pininfarina. Those who are attending the event will see award-winning automobiles that belong to some of the most distinguished classic car collectors in the world, such as the Nethercutt Collection, Aaron and Valerie Weiss, Peter and Merle Mullin, the William Lyon Family, and C.A. “Skeets” Dunn. Notable vehicles include a 1929 Auburn 8-120, 1934 Packard 1108 12 Sport Phaeton, 1939 Bugatti Aravis T57SC, 1951 Alfa 1900 Touring Coupe, and a 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2. A number of classic motorcycles will also be displayed during the event.
Tickets for the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance are priced at $30.00 for advance purchase and $35.00 at the venue. Children who are below the age of 12 will be admitted free of charge. Excess proceeds from the event will be donated to charity organizations, such as the Mary and Dick Diabetes Center, the Ocean Institute, and various youth organizations in southern California.
Posted by Steve White on Jun 23, 2010
In 1965, the Chevrolet El Camino received a performance boost with the addition of two new 327 cid V8 options, which were rated at 300 hp and 350 hp. It became even more powerful the following year with the introduction of a 396 cid V8 with 325 hp and an L34 396 cid V8 with 350 hp. In 1967, a number of changes were made to the car, including a new front bumper and new grille.
A new model called the SS396 was released in the year 1968, and the El Camino became a true muscle car/truck. The SS model featured a rakish front end, longer hood, recessed rear window, and a tailgate with a narrow black band. The standard engine for the SS396 was the 396 V8 with 325 hp, and the 350 hp and 375 hp versions of the 396 V8 were available as options. In 1970, the El Camino underwent the same modifications as the muscle car Chevelle, and it received a new grille and new “vee” front end. A number of new engines were offered this year, and they included a 350 cid V8 with 300 hp, L34 402 cid V8 with 350 hp, 402 cid V8 with 375 hp, LS5 454 cid V8 with 360 hp, and the mighty LS6 454 cid V8 with 450 hp.
The performance of the Chevrolet El Camino began to decline in 1971 following the introduction of stricter emission standards. When it reached its final year in 1973, the top engine option was a 454 cid V8 that could only deliver 245 hp.
Posted by Steve White on Jun 21, 2010
Around the late 1950s, Ford was enjoying tremendous success with its Ranchero, and Chevrolet decided to create a car/truck of its own to compete with its greatest rival. In the year 1959, the Chevrolet El Camino was introduced, but it only survived for two years. However, it made a comeback in 1964, and it quickly established itself as one of the finest muscle car/trucks in North America.
The first El Camino was constructed on the Impala platform, and it had many features that were similar to the full-size car, including the wild-looking wings and the trademark cat-eye taillights. Its front end and interior were also very much like the Impala. In the following year, the car/truck underwent the same modifications that were made to the Impala. It featured more angular body lines, and its taillights and wings were toned down. Production of the El Camino seized in 1960, but the vehicle would reappear in 1964.
The new Chevrolet El Camino was based on the Chevelle, and it had the same flat front end as the successful muscle car, as well as most of its options. However, it did not have the top engine options that were offered with the Chevelle. The standard El Camino was fitted with a 283 cid V8 engine with 195 hp, and optional engines were a 283 cid V8 with 220 hp and a 327 cid V8 with 250 hp.
1956 Buick Special Sedalia, CO
1969 Ford Torino GT Sedalia, CO
1987 Chevrolet Blazer Sedalia, CO
1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Sedalia, CO
1966 Dodge Coronet Sedalia, CO