Let's Celebrate International Ford Model A Day

The other day I was writing about Porsche's 60th birthday and now I'm extolling the 80th anniversary of the Ford Model A. What a difference 20 years made in the development of the automobile! To celebrate the Model A's birthday a number of owners around the world have declared Saturday, July 26, 2008 as International Model A Day. Thousands of Model A Ford restorers and preservers will be taking their cars for a drive, socializing with other enthusiasts and showing the world the car that replaced the Model T. Activities will be arranged by local clubs in all fifty states and some thirty other countries including Canada. Some will simply be driving to picnics or coffee meets; others will participate in shows and contests. Many are expected to coordinate their activities with local Ford dealers. So wherever you are in this world, if you own a Model A or just enjoy seeing them, make a note of the date and be sure to celebrate one of the world's most-loved motor cars.

[Photo + Car: Richard Barszczweski]
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Classic Cars and Speedboats Coming to the PNW's Finest Concours

It's been four years since I last attended the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance and though it was a good show then, it has developed into a world-class international concours. So I don't intend to miss it this year since its the only one of of its type to be held in the Pacific Northwest. (Kirkland, should you be wondering, is a Seattle suburb on the east shore of Lake Washington.) The concours setting, on the grounds of Carillon Point, home of the Woodmark Hotel, is quite lovely, although the year I was there it rained and the entire show had to be moved to an underground parking garage. As one who loves traditional wooden speedboats I like the fact that a small collection always accompanies the concours. For 2008 the organisers are promising at least six will be on hand, including a 1939 Gar Wood Custom Runabout with triple cockpits and an Italian-made 1965 Riva Aquamarina. The cars, of course, are of Pebble Beach quality; witness the 1937 Talbot-Lago above, which won a "triple crown" at last year's event: Best of Show, People's Choice, and French Curves First of Class. The Kirkland Concours d'Elegance will take place on Saturday, September 06. A date to remember.
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Cars That Matter Partners With Classic Cars Insurer

Two years ago while attending the Scottsdale auctions I was privileged to meet Dave Kinney, who was promoting his new Cars That Matter publication offering regular updates on collector car prices. Cars That Matter grew to the point where it is now partnered with Hagerty, the leading insurance agency for collector vehicles and boats. CEO McKeel Hagerty said that "we are pleased to announce our new partnership… it means that you'll have the expertise of the Cars That Matter editors and contributors at your fingertips."

I must personally congratulate Dave Kinney for this because it takes a heavyweight like Hagerty to make it work, while the insurance company also needs unique features to draw visitors to its site. Well done, guys.
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So What's a Pegaso? Pride of Spain Takes Second at Pebble Beach

One day in the early 90s I received a panic call from Ray Fry, art director and former creative team-mate at MacLaren Advertising in Toronto. "Philip," he said, "I've been hired as co-host for a travel group to the Pebble Beach Concours. I'm supposed to know everything but… what the heck is a Pegaso?" Well, of course, I wasn't going to let down a buddy and so I filled him in on the background of this rare and expensive Spanish motor car. Launched in 1951 as a replacement for the revered Hispano-Suiza, it was intended to be a sports car of the highest quality. All Pegasos were powered by dry-sump V-8s ranging from 2.8 to 4.7 liters producing up to 300 hp and featuring torsion bar suspension and 5-speed gearboxes with ZF limited-slip differentials. Several body types were manufactured, all of them advanced for their time. Unfortunately they were prohibitively expensive and only eighty-eight were made, one being this gorgeous 1954 Pegaso Z102B Saoutchik Berlinetta, second-place finisher in the Postwar Touring class at Pebble Beach. Nigel Matthews informs me that it looks much better in motion than standing still.

[Photo: Nigel Matthews]
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Antique Cars Honour Franciscan Priest in Pebble Beach Drive

The fabled Pebble Beach/Monterey week is already in full swing. Unfortunately my 2008 travel budget is maxed-out but that doesn't prevent me from linking you to the Concours, auctions, art shows, Concorso Italiano, and the fabulous vintage races at nearby Laguna Seca. One of the fun events is the "tour," where Concours entrants can gain a points advantage in the event of a tie by participating in a drive down California 1. Two years ago I watched (and heard) a lengthy parade of classics on the tour; a real treat to see and hear. The only thing that worried me was the stress put upon the antiques class (built before 1916) as they struggled to keep up on a steeply-hilled course. Fortunately the antiques have now been given a less-stressful route that will connect with the modern classics at the start and finish.

Among the highlights will be a stop at the Carmel Mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771. The Carmel Mission, one in a chain of 21 built between 1769 and 1823 from San Diego up the coast to Sonoma, attracts visitors from around the world to see its unique Moorish influences, stately stone churches, and beautiful gardens. The Carmel Mission was the favorite, and the burial place, of Father Serra, known as "presidente of the missions." Years ago, when shooting a car commercial in California, my producer friend Alan Watanabe introduced me to a priest from the Franciscan order. I was startled, over lunch, to hear him swear along with the rest of us while relating some ribald tales and it wouldn't surprise me if he showed up at the Carmel Mission when the antiques roll in. After all, if a priest is allowed to curse, he's surely entitled to drive a classic automobile.
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