Concours d'Elegance blog

THE DISRUPTORS OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:46:03 GMT

Cobble Beach Classics at the Canadian International AutoShow celebrates the historic vehicles that made a difference

TORONTO , Ont. — Some of the most classic, rare — and valuable — cars to be found at the Canadian International AutoShow will be in Cobble Beach Classics.

Previously known as Art and the Automobile, Cobble Beach Classics is consistently among the anticipated features of the AutoShow. Presented in partnership with Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance — a show of elegant and rarely seen automobiles, often viewed as art,held each September on the shores of Georgian Bay — this year’s exhibit will feature 15 cars from throughout the 20thcentury, all beautifully and painstakingly restored.

“Each of these beautiful cars can be considered a disruptor in the automotive industry,” says Rob McLeese, Founder and Show Chair of Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “They changed the game when they were introduced with new technologies or styles. They made a difference, and turned things in a new direction.”

Among The Disruptors being featured in Cobble Beach Classics are:

1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost — The car that proved the durability and reliability of the automobile when this model completed a 15,000-mile durability run. The Rolls Royce Sliver Ghost established the “Best Car in the World” reputation. The model that will be at the AutoShow has an enclosed body, a rarity in cars that pre-date World War One. (Owned – Canadian Automotive Museum).
1934 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Coupe — Only 17 Atalante models of the iconic Bugatti Type 57 were ever made. Unlike other Type 57s, it had a single-piece windscreen and lacked the distinctive fin that ran down the middle of the roof. (Owned -Stahl’s Automotive Collection).
1938 Delahaye 135M Coupe — A unique model with Swedish bodywork, the Delahaye 135 marked the company’s turn to producing more sporty vehicles. This car won Best of Show at the 2018 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance show. (Owned – Robert S. Jepson Jr.)
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta — Tabbed a “Dream Car” during its one and only production year, the Oldsmobile Fiesta was one of the first vehicles to feature the wrap-around windshield that defined ’50s automotive styling. (Owned – Brent Erickson)
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept — Designed by Pete Brock, the concept for the Stingray set the tone for the styling of General Motors’ vehicles for years to come. (Owned -GM Heritage Collection).

1963 Shelby Cobra 289 – A factory original 289 Team Car, the Shelby Cobra 289 is considered a legend. No amenities — it was just pure power on the road. Many consider this to be the best American sports car ever built. (Owned – Legendary Motorcar Company)

Similar to last year’s ICONS installation, a commemorative poster has been painted by Canadian artist Jay Koka to celebrate The Disruptors. The poster features the 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Coupe parked in front of Toronto’s Massey Hall, with the exclusive Bugatti La Voiture Noire — which is making its Canadian premiere at the 2020 AutoShow — in the background. Prints of The Disruptors will be available for sale in the Cobble Beach Classics room at the AutoShow.

Cobble Beach Classics will host special docent tours of its 2020 exhibit for accredited media on Thursday, February 13th, 2020, following the formal Media Day Preview Tour. More details will be available once the Media Day schedule is finalized. Accredited media interested in attending one of the tours can contact media@autoshow.ca or concours@cobblebeach.com to reserve a spot. Media accreditation to the 2020 AutoShow is now online and can be requested at autoshow.ca/media-registration .

Cobble Beach Classics, presented by Hagerty Insurance, will be showcased in the 700-level gallery room in the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

For more information or to buy tickets to the 2020 AutoShow, please visit autoshow.ca .

Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @cdnintlautoshow , Twitter @autoshowcanada and Facebook /autoshowcanada .

About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star and wheels.ca

With more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and annual attendance of 360,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show — a leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive. It boasts more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles each year.

— 30 —

1867 Henry Seth Taylor Steam Buggy

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 14:22:33 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

Henry Seth Taylor designed and built his Steam Buggy in Stanstead, Quebec. It was the very first car to be designed and constructed in Canada. Henry Seth Taylor, a jeweller and clockmaker, designed the whole machine—steam engine, working parts, frame and body. He created many of the working parts himself. Construction of the Steam Buggy is believed to have started in 1865, and it was unveiled at the Stanstead Fall Fair in 1867.

1946 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Pininfarina Cabriolet Speciale

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 13:48:37 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2017 participants

This once-lost 1946 Pininfarina roadster body is mounted on a 1942 war-time Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 chassis, serial number 915.169. The car was originally constructed under the patronage of Giuliana Tortoli Cuccioli of Milan, a perfume designer who paid close to 5 million period liras for it. The Alfa Romeo was once used in a defiant display outside the Paris Auto Show held in the Grand Palais in 1946, following a bar against Italy, which was not a member of the newly formed U.N. The car was also the winner of the Grand Prix d’Honneur of the 29th annual Concours d’Elegance Monte Carlo in 1947. Chassis number 915.169 was later sold to Austin Motorworks and influenced the design of the A-90 Atlantic and later Austin-Healeys. This car was meticulously restored to its original condition when first displayed in 1946. Original colour samples were taken from every area and matched precisely. This Alfa Romeo is a beautiful example of a significant part of automotive history.

1929 Willys-Knight 66B & Plaidside

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2016 participants

In 1913, the Willys-Overland was the number two selling automobile in America, just behind Ford. That same year, John North Willys was told by his doctor that he had to take a break from working so hard and suggested he should either go abroad or to a sanitarium. Willys chose Europe. While there, he met Charles Yale Knight. Knight had invented an engine with sleeve valves rather than the usual poppet valves. Willy was not a mechanic or an engineer by any means, but he saw the novelty of the sleeve valve and its promotional possibilities. The sleeve valves were much quieter in operation, but they had the propensity to burn more oil. Ultimately, the poppet valves won out, and beginning in 1914, Willys-Overland produced more Knight-engine cars than virtually all other manufacturers in the world combined. It is believed that this car was introduced at the 1929 New York Automobile Show. It was styled by designer Amos Northup, who was better known for styling the handsome Reo Royale. It was Northup who gave the car its disinvited grid work on the doors, which the New York press labelled “Plaidside,” and the name stuck. Some 400 of the cars were produced, and only 250 had Plaidside. All with bodywork by Griswold of Detroit. An exhaustive restoration was completed in October 2012, prior to the car debuting at the AACA Fall Meet in Hershey, where it received its First Junior Award. It has gone on to win several prestigious awards including the AACA President’s Cup, one of the organisation’s most prestigious national honours, Best American Open Car at The Elegance at Hershey, Best in Class at the Hilton Head Concours and Best in Class and the Founder’s Trophy at the Ault Park Concours.

1957 BMW Isetta 300

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

Purchased from a retired school teacher December 2011, this 1927 BMW Isetta 300 underwent a 28 month restoration. The Isetta came from NY originally, however the owner found it in Plant City FL. There were about 18,000 Isettas imported from Germany in the 1950’s. This model is a rare, 1957 Cabrio, only 2% of the Isettas imported were Cabrios. The government of the Federal Republic of Germany changed the regulations for motor vehicles. Class IV licences issued from that time onward could only be used to operate small motorcycles and could no longer be used to operate motor vehicles with a capacity of less than 250 cc. At the same time, the maximum capacity allowed for the Isetta’s tax category which was 300 cc. Class IV licences issued before the change in the regulations were grandfathered and allowed to be used as before. BMW Isetta 300 – Sliding Window 4-wheel LHD version This change in regulations encouraged BMW to revise their Isetta microcars. In October 1956, the Isetta Moto Coupe DeLuxe (sliding-window Isetta) was introduced. The bubble windows were replaced by longer, sliding side windows. The engineers had enlarged the single cylinder to a 72 mm (2.8 in) bore and 73 mm (2.9 in) stroke, which gave a displacement of exactly 298 cc; at the same time, they raised the compression ratio from 6.8 to 7.0:1. As a result, the engine power output rose to 10 kW (13 hp) at 5200 rpm, and the torque rose to 18.4 N·m (13.6 ft·lbf) at 4600 rpm. The maximum speed remained at 85 km/h (53 mph).

1929 Packard Super Eight Roadster

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2017 participants

This vehicle was purchased in the fall of 1928 by an Italian immigrant, Albert Rossini of New Jersey, who had a business which failed as a result of the 1929 Depression. Stuck for money, he then used the car as a truck—the trunk rack, rumble seat lid, and lower body were removed, and a small wooden box was inserted, making it into a small truck. It was used this way until Mr. Rossini’s death in 1958, when his son had the car partially restored to the original Couple Roadster style. It was purchased by the current owner in September 2005. The car was fielded in many events in the Toronto area until September 2009, when it was wrecked upon return from an event in the U.S. The vehicle towing the Packard hit a massive highway pothole, causing the car to come off its trailer and to receive some very serious damage. After one-and-a-half years, the car was fully restored and re-entered car show duty in the spring of 2011. This vehicle is truly representative of the highest standards of the Classic Era.

1987 Lotus 99T/5 Ayrton Senna

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2016 participants

On May 1st, 1994, at 12:17 PM, while leading the Formula 1 Grand Prix in San Marino against the likes of Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, the life of Ayrton Senna, arguably the greatest F1 driver in history, ended suddenly after his 1994 Williams FW16 crashed into a concrete wall.
His tragic death shocked not only the racing world, but the world at large, and especially his native Brazil, where he was hailed as a national hero. Senna’s climb to F1 legendary status commenced in 1984, when he was recruited as a rookie driver with Tolman-Hart, and the following year, on April 21th, 1985, he won his first F1 race in Portugal, under his new sponsor Lotus-Renault. He subsequently went on to capture three F1 Championship titles in 1988, 1990, and 1991. 1987 was a pivotal year for both Senna and the Lotus F1 team. Lotus had joined forces with Honda, and working with designer Gerard Ducarouge created the 99T, regarded as amongst the best-handling F1 cars in existence– given its revolutionary Lotus Active Suspension – as well as one of the fastest cars on the F1 circuit, especially in the hands of Senna. The car was capable of achieving speeds of 340 km/h with its Honda Twin-Turbo V-6 engine, which put out a maximum 800 brake horsepower. The Camel sponsorship livery was also new in 1987, featuring the legendary race car in bright Lotus yellow with rich blue lettering. Only six examples of the 99T were created for the 1987 F1 season, which marked the last time that a Lotus achieved an F1 podium finish. In fact, the 99T won at both Monaco and Detroit, and achieved another six podium finishes that year, a feat never to be repeated thereafter in F1 by a Lotus. Senna and Lotus achieved a third place finish in the World Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship for 1987, which represented the best performance for Senna in his racing career to that point, and paved the way to his 1988 F1 World

1957 Messerschmitt KR201

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

The complete history of this 1957 Messerschmitt KR201 is not known but there is documentation that it was once owned by the renowned animal trainer Orin Benson. Owner purchased the car in 2009 with just 2,600 original miles. In early 2013, this vehicle experienced a comprehensive factory-correct restoration. All body and mechanical components were completely restored and the original hardware was returned to factory correct finish. The exterior paint color “signal White” was duplicated to factory standards. All of the factory “blemishes” were duplicated (as basic transportation, these cars were never perfect when manufactured). The folding roadster top was replicated in every detail including stitching; the folding steel frame was plated to the correct factory finish. The interior material is original to this car and is KR201- specific black with red piping with “snakeskin” trim. It was reinstalled because of its rarity and exceptional condition.

2014 McLaren P1

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2016 participants

The 2015 McLaren P1 Miles Nadal Edition is a hybrid supercar with an incredible powertrain made up of a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine and an electric motor. When combined, the two can produce as much as 903 horsepower and 1,100 lb-ft of torque. It’s beyond ridiculous how powerful this machine is, and it can do all that and still return a fuel efficiency rating of 34 mpg (6.92 L/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 194 g/km. The P1 can run on either gas or electric power independently, or use both at once, thus maximizing its performance. This makes the P1 friendlier to the planet than a lot of less-heralded models on the market today. The P1’s body consists of only five ultra-lightweight panels all made of carbon fibre. This is one of only 375 made, and the colour combination was selected by Miles Nadal, creatively fusing the hybrid supercar’s extraordinary design and dressing it up with one of the most iconic racing colours in motorsports history. The result , as you can see, is nothing short of incredible

1948 Cadillac 62 Series Convertible

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2017 participants

In 1948, the Model 62 received a total body revamp, and became the first tailfin car Cadillac produced. 1948 was also the last year for the flathead 346-cubic-inch motor that had been produced since 1937. It was replaced in 1949 with a 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8 motor. This car was delivered new in California, and received a frame-off restoration about four years ago.

1956 Dodge Lancer Custom Royal D 500

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

The Current owner’s bought our car in Lusk, Wyoming USA in 1990. The car had sat in a pasture field since the late 1960’s being used as a parts car, having many parts removed over that period of time. The complete rear axle, carburetor, seats, power steering, generator and power brakes were removed plus many other small parts. Over the next 13 years all these original parts had to be collected and assembled (on the car) from 9 States and 3 Provinces. The original motor, a 315 Hemi and automatic transmission were re-built by Art Apps of Oxford Engines, Woodstock Ontario. The rear axle, a four pinion was re-built along with the other parts by Rick Timm and the owner. The car was completely dis-assembled and re-assembled again having each part installed on the car. Rick Timm primed the car and Terry Demerling, of Demerlings Garage in Clifford Ontario painted the car the original 3 tones, base coat, clear coat and paint. The car was then upholstered by Brian Makcrow of Owen Sound Ontario. The final finishing touch was the White Wall tires by Diamond Back.

1937 Lincoln K LeBaron Coupe

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2017 participants

The year 1937 saw some changes in the Lincoln K world. These wonderful cars were coming to the end of their run in 1939; headlamps were placed in the fenders; a V-type windshield gave “a smart, modern appearance.” A simpler, more decorative upholstery gave a more luxurious appearance than ever before, with new hardware both exterior and interior taking on a “modern design.” Lincoln offered 21 body types in 1937, and advertised this LeBaron Coupe as a car to be owner-driven, even though it did not list it as a “Sport Model.” Today we look at this Coupe and are reminded of an automobile that has been “chopped.” The unbroken front fender line shouts “speed,” and the stance gives an appearance of motion even when the car is standing still. The engine was conservatively rated at 150 horsepower and sported, for 1937, hydraulic valve lifters, to make it even quieter. With the torque of this engine, one could shift into third (high) gear and drive it around town without difficulty. This would usually occur at about 10 mph or more. When asked how the owners of these magnificent coupes must feel, well-known automotive writer Beverly Rae Kimes replied “a long hood, long sloping rear deck, a large multi-cylinder engine, and room for two—all this for me.” Only 24 of these leather-topped coupes were built in 1937, with eight known to survive today. This coupe is painted Canal Gray with a Vermillion stripe. These are the original colors LeBaron chose to adorn its creation.

1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25 J.Gurney Nutting Body

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2017 participants

This car was originally purchased by Woolf Barnato, the best of Bentley’s “Bentley Boys,” as its top racing drivers were known in the 1920s. In 1927, Mr. Barnato purchased the Bentley company from W. O. Bentley; then, in 1931, he sold the company to Rolls-Royce in a sealed-bid auction. In 1932, he purchased this Rolls-Royce, GMU8, from the automaker, and had the body built by coachbuilder J. Gurney Nutting. This car represents Mr. Barnato’s lust and style a lower cut windshield and no bumpers were evident in all of his cars. After the Second World War, the car was used by the British government; specifically, an English General used the car in North Africa. During its time there, the car was shelled and blown off the road—the owner even has documentation on this event.

1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

1956 Ford 64B Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner, referred to as a glass top crown. Actually it is Plexiglas and has a zip up spandex curtain to deflect the sun’s rays. Glass tops were offered from 1954 to 1956. There were 13,344 Crestline Skyliner’s that were built in 1954, 1,999 of them Fairlane Crown Victoria’s in 1955, and only 603 built in 1956 because of lagging sales due to the heat on sunny days. The name Skyliner was originally used on all Ford transparent roof cars until 1957 were the name changed to now refer to the retractable hardtops. This car holds its original colour of Fiesta Red and Colonial White. With a standard 202 HP 292 cu. V8 engine with dual exhaust. The car has power windows, Fordomatic Transmission, power steering, power seat, power brakes, and much more listed on the window sticker. The third owner purchased it in Texas, drove it to Detroit, and stored at the Packard Assembly plant in 1976. Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack while showing it to his wife. She paid rent every month thereafter for 19 years. After 11 months of probing, paper work, phone calls, and legal proceedings, the current owner purchased the car and performed a frame off, a nut and bolt restoration in 1995-1996. Every piece of metal was submerge stripped and E-coated at the Dodge Viper frame assembly plant in Grand Bank Michigan. It won best of show with the “Crown Victoria Association” Club in 1997.

1935 Packard 1207

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2016 participants

In 1935, the Packard Motor Car Company was one of the finest builders of luxury motor cars, as evidenced by this Coupe Roadster driven by a 473-cubic-inch 175-horsepower V12 engine. While Packard had brought much of its coachbuilding in-house by 1935, they continued to license the famous Dietrich name, and applied it to their most discerning coachwork. This coupe roadster is one of the cars privileged to wear that name, is one of only six such V12 cars remaining, and is the only known example to have a rear-mounted spare tire and trunk. This vehicle is fully restored to original specifications and is in 100-point condition. This particular car was delivered new to the Packard Ontario Motor Car Company of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Its first owner was Marland Woolnough, founder of National Grocers in Canada. The next owner, Ross Fisk, was an orthodontist, and one owner, Frank Doener from Kitchener, Ontario, kept the car for nearly 35 years. The complete ownership history from new is known and documented.

1929 Ford Model A

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2017 participants

The Model A was the vehicle preferred by mail carriers back in the day. It survived much abuse and was more reliable in the winter when the roads got bad. The current owner purchased a Model A 1930 Tudor in the 60’s but was pining for an open car. With a limited budget, he purchased this 1929 Ford Roadster which was in bad condition for a mere $185.00. For several years this became his afterhours project. After a great deal of sheet metal repair and replacement, it finally started to look like a car. By the late 70’s the Roadster was painted Andalusite Blue. With 3 kids in the rumble seat, it was driven a lot, taken it in parades and shown at the CNE in 1979 where it took top prize in its class. After thousands of miles, the Roadster was looking tired so in 2005 a restoration was begun. Following “Restoration Guidelines” many items of this Canadian built Model A were refurbished or replaced, when found to be incorrect. Restoring a Canadian built Model A is a special challenge as there are differences compared to the US built ones. The car was completed in Hena Red and Black, one of the 3 original colour combinations available. There is reported to be only one other surviving Sport Roadster in Canada, but this is the only restored example. Shown at the Model A Restorers Club National Meet in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in June 2012, this Roadster won the Award of Excellence and was also featured in MARC magazine, Jan-Feb 2013.

1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

A masterpiece of the “French curve” with unique styling on a shorter version of the 135 Delahaye chassis. One of three surviving Figoni short-chassis coupes. This particular chassis displays numerous competition engineering features including a rare, competition four speed manual transmission, outside mounted rear springs, a low mounted engine, an oil cooler mounted below the radiator and a racing-style fuel tank with dual filters. Another exclusive feature of this Type 135 is the headlamp location faired into the front fenders to keep them competitively low on the road and add significant styling to the front end. Originally delivered back to the Delahaye factory, it was likely used as a show car and demonstrator for a number of years before being hidden away during WWII. It resurfaced in the early 1950’s and passed through the hands of several owners before being put away for another 40 years. Having undergone a restoration in the 1990’s and still mated to what’s believed as the original 160 hp 3,557cc six-cylinder engine, it has since competed and garnered many awards for its beauty and uniqueness.

1932 Marmon Sixteen

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:07:26 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2015 participants

This Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupe was delivered new to a Dr. Smith of Rocky River, Ohio. The next three owners– S. Manton, D. Vesley and R. Caroll – all lived in Florida. The next owner, D. Mayoras, lived in Massachusetts, and then Robert Lee from Reno, Nevada owned the car. Current owner Brent Merrill is the seventh owner. The car is one of eight remaining Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupes and one of 44 originally produced. The 200-horsepower V16 engine has an aluminum block, and the body is aluminum over wood, made by LeBaron. Howard Marmon won a Society of Automotive Engineers award for developing the Sixteen’s engine. Unfortunately, it was not enough, and Marmon’s company succumbed to the Great Depression, closing its doors forever in 1933.

2014 Pagani Huayra

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

Introducing the newest model from iconic automotive manufacturer, Pagani Automobili. The Huayra is made of more than 4,000 components (engine and gearbox not included) and marketed at €1,198 million. The design is considered to be a complete redesign of Pagani’s first model, the Zonda, a vehicle which itself took seven years to complete, and demanded the utmost attention from Pagani’s impeccable team in Italy. In developing the Huayra, it was important to maintain Pagani’s approach – a concept first introduced by Leonardo da Vinci – that art and science are disciplines that need to walk alongside. All Pagani vehicles are custom made from start to finish.

1913 Mercer Raceabout 35J

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

The Mercer Raceabout was created by Finley R. Porter (designer and engineer) and the Roebling and Kuser families of Brooklyn Bridge construction fame. The minimalist vehicle was agile, had an impressive power-to-weight ratio, and proved extremely capable in competition.
Many were driven off the showroom floor to the race track where they often emerged victorious. They carried a base price of $2,250 making them unreachable. Never produced in mass quantities nor hailed as a practical car, as there was no place for additional passengers
or luggage, they offered no doors, windshield, protection against the weather, no creature comforts, and the ride was harsh. The most desirable Mercer Raceabouts are the models built with T-Head engines that were produced from 1911-1914. Before and after those years Mercers were fitted with less performance inspired L-Head engines that cut the potency of the Mercer lineup. Most desirable of the T-head models were the 1913-1914 production years built with the newly developed 4-speed transmission and multiple disc wet clutch that enabled the

1932 Cadillac V12 Model 370B Sport Phaeton Body by Fisher

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2015 participants

Cadillac built thirteen 12-cylinder Sport Phaetons in 1932, according to an article by Carl L. Steig, past president of the Cadillac LaSalle Club, Inc. Approximately three survive. This particular car is body number 5 (32-12-279 #5), chassis number 13-1135, engine number 1301125, and has been authenticated via the original build sheet, as personally researched for the owner by Greg Wallace, curator of the Cadillac Museum. The interesting history of this car includes ownership by Thomas Cadillac of Los Angeles, California. The car was the flagship of their collection and was featured in the promotional materials for their museum. The ’32 was originally restored in the early 1970s, according to former employees. It was then used for various events such as the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. When Thomas Cadillac closed its doors, the car was auctioned off, and found two successive owners before its current one. Mr. Plunkett acquired this Cadillac in January 2002, and has extensively restored the vehicle. Accessories include dual side mounts with metal covers and mirrors; wind wings; new side curtains; and a top boot. Included in the many special features of this vehicle are high-speed gears and a well-designed electric fuel pump system for touring. The car has both a restored power brake booster and a vacuum-operated clutch, which are usually missing from most cars! It was shown for the first time at the CCCA Grand Classic in Fort Worth, Texas on October 23, 2004, where it received a first place award and 100 points. Mr. Plunkett has toured the car around some 100 miles and it drives flawlessly.

1912 Stutz Bearcat

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 15:20:21 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

In 1911 Harry C. Stutz and his ‘Ideal Motor Car Co.’ commenced construction on the Stutz motor car. Six weeks after the company opening, the new car finished first at the Indianapolis 500. It was dubbed, “the car that made good in a day”. Orders poured in after the famed performance, and commercial production of the 1912 models kicked off almost immediately. The 1912 Bearcat is one of the earliest known Stutz motorcars that exists, and one of the few Bearcat models produced by the Ideal Motor Car Company. Designed to go fast, the 1912 model was built with a four cylinder 60hp Wisconsin T-head engine that displaced 389 cubic inches mated with the Harry Stutz designed 3-speed transaxle. This combo could propel the car to speeds in excess of 90 mph. The Stutz, a racing machine often went head to head with the dominant Mercer Raceabouts of Trenton, NJ. Those in favor of the Stutz would proclaim “there is nothing worser than a Mercer!” and those in favor of the Mercer would rebut “you have to be nuts to drive a Stutz!” The current owner acquired this Stutz from William Ullom III who found the car in the late 1970’s on an Indiana farm where it sat several years in disrepair. After a well intentioned repair by Ullom, the final restoration was completed by the current owner with great effort to preserve the originality of the car. Preservation of the original factory supplied low-tension Splitdorf two-spark ignition system (which was notoriously unreliable when new), was a challenge. Most Stutz owners scrapped the Splitdorf system and retrofitted with the more reliable high-tension Bosch ignition system. Amazingly, this Stutz is the only 1912 model extant with the original Splitdorf system. When the original bucket seats were restored, the original upholstery was carefully and painstakingly preserved, and albeit brittle it wears 101 years of patina proudly.

1906 Studebaker G Touring

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

This Studebaker Touring car serial # 841 is the oldest known 4 cylinder model G to survive. It was the flagship of the line and sold for $3,800 with optional folding top for an additional $200. In the upper price range of all American automobiles, it was both mechanically and stylishly innovative. Its chassis was powered by a state of the art 300 cubic inch T-head twin cam internal combustion engine developing 36 horsepower. It transferred power to the wheels by way of a 3 speed progressive transmission. Studebaker designed and built the ornate coachwork with the Garford Company building the chassis. Its elegance and mechanical superiority were unmatched at that time. This vehicle was originally rediscovered by Henry Austin Clark in the late 40’s and later found its home in the famous Harrah Automobile Collection of Reno, Nevada. With restoration complete in 2006, the Studebaker Model G took best in its class at both the Meadowbrook and Amelia Island Concours and continues to tour regularly throughout North America with the Edwards family.

1931 Cadillac 370A Roadster

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2015 participants

This car was purchased by the Kiefer family of Michigan over 40 years ago. The car was disassembled shortly after their purchase, with the intention of giving the car a full restoration. Family and business interrupted Mr. Kiefer's plans for the restoration for the next 40 years. Mr. Kiefer’s son Karl, who was now in the restoration business, decided to honour his father by completing his dad's dream. Work was started in 2012 and completed in early 2014. The present owner bought the car in May of 2014. Cadillac produced cars with the V12 engine from 1931 to 1937. The V12 cars are rarer than the V16, as those cars were built from 1930 to 1940. This car has a body style of 4702, that being a Roadster. It is the 29th built of a total of just 91 in 1931. There are fewer than 12 of these Roadsters known to exist today. Cadillac produced 5,733 V12 cars in 1931. The car was built at Cadillac's plant in Detroit. The body as well as the interior were produced by Fleetwood. Almost all closed V12 cars had bodies by Fisher. This car has the optional six wire wheels with the optional wheel wells, trunk rack, Goddess mascot, Pilot-Ray lights, dual side mirrors and wind wings. The engine is supplied gas through two Cadillac/Johnson carburetors with intake silencers. The wheelbase of the car is 140 inches, and its weight is 5,010 pounds. The factory price of the car was $3,945 (equal to roughly $62,000 today). The car has not been shown in Canada or the US.

1950 Healey Silverstone #E-73

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

The Healey Silverstone was the first production sports car built by Donald Healey. In total, 104 cars and 2 prototypes were produced. The Healey Silverstone, named after the racing circuit, was a pugnacious, cycle-winged, bare-to the bones sports car, aimed primarily at participants in the amateur or club-racing scene that was re-emerging in post Second World War Britain. It is the only known Silverstone to exist in Canada. The car was brought to Canada from Belfast in the 1950’s by Struan Erskine via tramp steamer and was later acquired by the Smith family after Smith Sr. spotted the car behind a gas station in Clarkson while visiting Toronto in 1963. In the mid-1960s, they began the restoration process that wasn’t to be completed until 1986. In 2012 the car was purchased after almost 50 years ownership by the Smith family. Under the new ownership it has been refurbished to its original glory with many of its unique features left untouched.

1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

Purchased in 1991 from Scranton, Pennsylvania in fairly good condition, the floor boards and trunk floor were replaced as well as the right rocker. The car was built in Tarrytown, New York and was born with a 348 engine, power glide transmission, power brakes, power steering and cashmere blue paint. The convertible top is white. The body was removed from the chassis and placed on a rotisserie to replace and repair panels. The body chassis was sandblasted and primed with epoxy primer. The engine, power glide differential and chassis were completely rebuilt with new parts. The interior has been completely replaced and exterior parts were buffed and polished, or re-chromed. The owner chose the 1958 convertible as his restoration project because of its many aesthetically unique and distinctive qualities. After 5 years of researching, analyzing, and gathering parts, the restoration began and took approximately 5 more years to complete. The car has been on the road for nearly a year now. It runs and drives with ease and has been a restoration project that has been enjoyed by the entire family.

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

This very rare L78 396/375 HP Chevelle SS convertible has had a full nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration. It has since been judged at several events, winning Best in Show and Best in Class, at the Music City Chevy Meet. Finished in the rare and beautiful combination of Monaco Orange with a black trato bucket seat interior with console and black power top, it incorporates a date-code correct L78 396 CI engine and retains the original 4-speed M22 gearbox. F41 suspension and a 12-bolt positraction third member complete the drivetrain. Optional extras include power steering and brakes, sport stripes, tilt steering, dual exhaust, AM/FM radio with 8-track, SS instruments and Firestone Wide Ovals on SS wheels. Documentation includes the build sheet and window sticker.

1941 Cadillac Convertible Couple Model 41-6267D

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2014 participants

This Cadillac has been in the current owner’s family since 1993. Mr. Cadman acquired it from his father’s estate in 2011. Hess and Eisen Hardt, who were major coachbuilders in Cincinnati, Ohio had rented part of their manufacturing facility to “Dutch” Darrin from 1937 to 1942. Darrin, also a prominent coachbuilder, was known for his “Darrin dip” in the doors of Packard’s and Cadillac’s. This Cadillac when new was shipped by General Motors to Cincinnati on April 29, 1941. It is believed that Darrin did the doors, roof, removal of fender spears and special paint modifications in his rented coach building facility. This is the only 1941 Cadillac convertible coupe with the “Darrin dip” known to exist. This Cadillac went thorough restoration by Mr. Cadman and was completed in June, 2014.

1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:02:22 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 participants

The Chrysler Town & Country was one of the most exciting postwar cars produced. A favorite of celebrities, personalities, and the rich and famous, made it the first choice of the Hollywood crowd. The convertible was the most favoured of the Town & Country line with 8,368 produced and possibly fewer than 200 remaining today. The body style was the most memorable of all the Chryslers with its name coming from the combination of the steel front end representing ‘Town’ and the wood paneled rear portion resembling ‘Country.’ The body was framed with white ash, fitted with interlocking miters, and varnished to perfection. Mahogany veneer plywood filled the spaces within the framing. It features a Spitfire Straight Eight, 323.5 cu. inch engine developing 135 horsepower coupled to a unique fluid drive semi-automatic transmission. This beautiful Town & Country was an incredible all original wood and paint example prior to the painstaking nut and bolt restoration carried out while in the ownership of well known Town & Country collector, Jim Covert of Jupiter, Florida. It has been finished in its original colour scheme of Newport Blue with a Highlander blue interior.

1953 Buick Skylark Convertible

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:54:43 GMT

Flashback to one of our participants

One of 3 specialty convertibles introduced in 1953 by General Motors to mark Buick’s 50th anniversary. The Skylark was the most successful
production run of the three. This convertible marked the first for V8 power and a 12 volt electrical system for Buick, a feature that continues
to this day. It is notable for its handmade trademarks and has been restored in New York. Its white top, black exterior and charcoal interior
compliments the handsome body lines of this model.

1928 Isotta Fraschini 8ASS

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to our first Best of Show Winner!

This chassis was built in Italy in 1928 and was delivered to Lebaron Coach Builders in the U. S. Lebaron produced this convertible coupe boat tail with a single seat rumble seat. The car is equipped with the 8a ss engine and a super eight of a 160 horse power, (standard horse power was 120hp). Introduced at the New York auto show in 1928 the Isotta was purchased by Harry Williams, an aviation pioneer and his wife Marguerite Clark, a silent movie star from Patterson, Louisiana. Harry Williams was an adventurer and liked things fast. As the curator of the Harry Williams museum in Patterson, Louisiana explained: Harry was driving the Isotta through the Louisiana country side and was stopped in a small town for speeding. He was taken down to the court house to pay the fine, which was $10.00. Harry said “okay, here is $20.00. I will be back through town later and don’t bother me.” 2007 was the first time the car was shown in public since the 1930’s. This car only has 22,000 original miles and was previously owned by collector Jim Thomas of Florida since the 1960’s.

1918 Roamer 4 passenger sport touring

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

Named after a race horse, the “Roamer” was marketed as America’s Smartest Car. Roamers were distinguished from the products of competing marques by offering discerning clientele custom designs and an enormous colour palate of interior and exterior treatments from which to choose. This wonderful 1918 model was restored by the late Tom Carrig, of Wapakoneta, Ohio. One of a handful of surviving examples, this 1918 Roamer Four-Passenger Sport Touring comes complete with a selection of literature, photographs, and spare parts. This rare and attractively restored vehicle is an ideal candidate for both touring and show appearances.

1984 Lamborghini Countach LP5000s

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:46:08 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

The Countach is a mid-engined V12 sports car produced by Italian car manufacturer, Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. It’s design pioneered and popularized the “cabin forward “ design concept which pushes the passenger compartment forward to accommodate a larger engine. The radical design of the Countach was styled by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone Design Studio, and was the first of the Lamborghini trademark “scissor doors”. Powered by a 4.8 litre V12 with 6 carburetors, the Countach is capable of a top speed of 180MPH. Only 321 of the LP5000S models were produced from 1982-1984. This highly original Countach spent most of its early life in the Chicago area with only 2 reported owners. The last owner, a Chicago dentist, put the car into long term climate controlled storage from 1999 to 2009 accounting for the low original mileage of less than 14,000 km. More recently this car has undergone a major mechanical and cosmetic refresh at which time the rear wing was removed and body panel strips were fabricated to cover the mounting holes for the wing. The original rear wing is still in the owner’s possession. This Countach is now one of the finest low mileage original examples in existence.

1936Bentley 4 ¼ L Pillarless Coupe

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:06:35 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

The completely aluminum 1936 Gurney Nutting Pillarless Coupe, was designed by John Blatchley who in 1937 had been promoted to Chief Designer with the fashionable coach building firm. He was only 23. This car has specs for the Canadian market and climate, and was first sold in Canada in October 1936. In April 1937 it was shipped to Montreal. In the early ‘50s the car was sold to Dr. C.S. Shoup in Tennessee, one of the founders of the Rolls-Royce Owner’s Club, who owned it for nearly 20 years.

1930 Cadillac Series 452 Model 4302 Rumbleseat Roadster V16

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:05:47 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

The raciest of all the V16’s was this wild roadster for two. Fleetwood body, also known as the Fleetdown with its top up or down, it projected an image of speed and grace. Power brakes, anti-theft ignition, linkage operated driving lights and rear mounted trunk. Boasting 5,310 lbs and wheelbase of 148 “, this beauty was purchased from the Imperial Palace auto collection.

1931 Chrysler CMRS Coupe

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:21:36 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

Built in Windsor, Ontario this Chrysler Coupe has been in Canada throughout its life. In 1964, the owner’s father purchased this car for his son at a price of $325. It was purchased in Port Rowan and was sitting in an old barn at the time. The surprising part of this story is that the
son and current owner, was only 15 years old that year. The car was originally midnight blue and black. It was repainted red and black, and after some work to get the car running, it was driven to and from high school. Since 1966 the car has been in storage until 2010 when a frameoff, every nut and bolt restoration was undertaken and the finished product completed in July 2013.

1903 Stanley Steamer

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 13:03:33 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

This is a 1903 Stanley Model C Stick-Seat Runabout, serial number 582. It has two cylinders and six-and-a-half horsepower. This is a compound engine, which means that every stroke is a power stroke, as with a four-stroke V8 engine, for example. The bore is 2 ½ inches and the stroke is 3 ½ inches. This car has no transmission, and is always in gear; to back up, you have to stop the engine, and there’s a pedal to push to reverse the valves to make the engine run backwards. It’s the same principle as a locomotive. It carries 13 gallons of fuel and 20 gallons of water. This car will use one gallon of water per mile. Empty it weighs 750 lbs. These cars were built in Newton, Massachusetts by twin brothers Francis Edgar and Freeland Oscar Stanley. The Stanley brothers were very interested in speed and competition. In 1903 this car sold for $670, more than $16,000 today. The original owner was John P. Wahlem, and his address was 1 Castle Street, Wahlem, Massachusetts. The current owner found this car in Chickasha, Oklahoma in 2001 in unrestored condition.

1956 Maserati 200 SI

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:38:41 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

Chassis 2401 occupies a place of distinction in the evolution of Maserati sports racing cars. It was the first 200SI chassis produced, the works development car for the series, and a member of the factory racing team.

In May 1956, Cesare Predisa tested the new and improved 2401 at Monza, ushering a new era of racing success for Maserati. Famed French Maserati team driver Jean Behra was enlisted to pilot the 200SI at the Grand Prix di Bari on the Adriatic Coast. His talent helped him to capture an overall victory and record the fastest lap of the race.

On August 1, Sir Stirling Moss piloted this bare aluminum 200SI, fitted with a 1.5 liter engine, to a 2nd place finish behind Hermann’s 550A in the Rheinland Cup sports car race. Chassis 2401 immediately became the subject of Maserati literature, including the factory’s sales brochure and specification sheets.

1930 Morgan Super Sport

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

Harry Morgan first started manufacturing 3 wheeled light cars in 1909, and until the advent of 4 wheel production in 1936 the 3 wheeler offered sports car performance with more comfort than motor cycles. Three models were available, a family 4 seater, sports, and the super
sports which gained much success in competition and held many speed records at Brook Land Race Track and other notable race tracks of the time. The Morgan Motor Co. is the oldest privately owned car company in the world and it still hand builds sports cars with an annual
production of 700 cars per year.

1930 Packard 740 Roadster

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 15:45:59 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants and the lovely Lady who owned it ...

This 1930 Packard 740 Roadster was the first car to get 100 points in a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) event. This vehicle was owned by Ms. Dunning for sixty-three years and was still in the same condition that she bought it in, back in 1950. The Packard, pre-World War II antique, has an inline, eight-cylinder engine, black fenders, a rumble seat and a storage compartment in the back.

Ms. Dunning and her Packard where two treasures of the classic automobile world, and Cobble Beach was honoured to have them both at our first Concours in 2013. Ms. Dunning passed away in May of 2015 just shy of her 105th birthday.

1978 Ferrari 312 T3 s/n 034

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 19:30:32 GMT

Flashback to one of our 2013 Participants...

Between 1974 and 1977, Ferrari and McLaren had been the dominant forces in Formula 1 with Lotus quickly becoming a challenging team. This was largely due to the ‘ground effects’ aerodynamics introduced in 1977 on the Lotus 78. Few of Lotus’ rivals, Ferrari included, realise just how the new Lotus worked and continued much along the same lines for the 1978 season. However instead of developing a ‘ground effects’ car, Ferrari’s Mauro Forghieri spent the winter adapting to the team’s new Michelin radial tires.

This 312 T3 sported a brand new aluminum monocoque chassis, which was required to make the most use of the Michelin radial tires. Suspension was by lower wishbones and a top rocker arm at the front and reversed lower wishbones, top links and radius arms at the rear. What was carried over from the 312 T2 was the very powerful 180° V12 engine. This was used as a fully stressed engine along with the transverse gearbox. Whereas the Lotus relied on underbody tunnels to generate the now vital down force, Forghieri used more old fashioned aerodynamic devices. At the front a full width single piece wing was used while a two-piece rear wing was mounted on top of the gearbox.

Even before the end of the 1976 season, the newly crowned World Champion Niki Lauda had left the team. His place alongside Carlos Teutemann was taken by talented Canadian, Gilles Villeneuve and this pair was retained for the 1978 season. Villeneuve scored a memorable first win at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, at the track which would later be named after him with this very vehicle.