There's a nice show in Gettysburg that is back on again after a break. It's the British Invade Gettysburg held at an outlet mall on July 11.  If you have trouble getting your wife to go to the shows she might just want to come this time!  Make sure you take the LBC with the small boot! 

***

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (July 11-15) is also always worth attending.  With events running nearly two weeks, there is always something going on. On the last Saturday, an all-British Car show is held as the vintage racers blast through Schenley Park.

***

At he end of July (30-31) this year is the Roadster Factory Summer Picnic, which is always a good time.  Charles Runyon and company host a multi-day camping event right on the grounds of the Roadster Factory in Indiana, PA, about a five-hour drive west of Philly. It's laid back with bonfires and barbeques. Hotels are nearby if you are not a camper.

***

If you don't want to drive on the weekend of July 30-31, I can recommend the Doylestown at Dusk Car Show. The original Heart of Bucks car show has now moved to an evening event in town.  I'm sure this is one will be a success!

---

Through the Rearview Mirror
(A look back at events from the past) 

Amelia Island 2010

The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is always one of my favorite shows. Just when you think Bill Warner has put together a great show he does one better!

This year's show (March 14-16) was no exception, as the Concours founder, long-time photographer and writer for Road & Track magazine, did another great job of hand-picking the majority of more than 250 European and American vintage race cars and classics. His past racing experiences always guarantees a strong field of competition cars. Vintage cars from all over the country and Europe, some from seldom-seen private collections, came for display on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island.

Photo Album

On Saturday, we attended “The Three Greats” featuring Richard Petty, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, and Carroll Shelby, who was a last minute substitution for Sir Stirling Moss, who was unable to attend because of a fall at his home in Britain.  All three drivers shared their stories from back in the day.

In a panel forum, these legends regaled us with some “business of racing” tales that involved a hanndgun and many humorous stories of trying blow up engines from their colorful careers. Moderator Sam Posey asked the audience to get involved with the questions. Big Daddy said that he had learned one very important thing in his career…."gasoline is for washing parts, alcohol is for drinking and NITRO–METHANE is for racing!" Carroll Shelby spoke of the early days of the development of the Cobra from its roots at AC.

Also, for the first time this year, both R&M and Goodings held auctions and sale were reported very strong. There were no signs of recession at the auctions, where 153 cars sold for a total of $37.5 million.

Sunday morning was a very special time at Amelia. At the crack of dawn, as a light mist enveloped the island, one could hear the rumblings of many vintage engines coming to life, from a small four-cylinder Coventry Climax to the full blown roar of a Porsche 917!

This year’s weather was a bit chilly; however, the venue was spectacular and the show cars outstanding. There was one big difference for me - for the first time, I attended as a spectator as we did not field a car in the show this year. It gave me a much different perspective, allowing me to take it all in and wander the show field among the 18,000 attendees and enjoy the sights and sounds. It was the largest crowd I can remember.

Entering the show I saw an impressive display of many of the race cars driven by this year’s honoree, “The King” Richard Petty.  A couple of steps further was a row of ten Porsches 917s!  The Concours also highlighted the 40th Anniversary of Porsche's inaugural victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and LeMans by showcasing a number of influential 917s. Local Philadelphia collector, Dr Fred Simeone, had his “Hippie Car” in this impressive group.

There were sports cars everywhere you turned, including the one and the only Jaguar XJ13 Prototype - I've read about it, now I can’t say I've never seen it.

Car classes ranged from the Concours d’ Elegance classifications of Duesenberg, European and American Classics to the Concours de Sport classes of Ferarri, Sports & GT Cars and Race Cars.  I really enjoy how Bill keeps things fresh by coming up with some unusual classes each year. This year’s classes included Motor Trend cover cars, Cars You Never Knew Existed, Forgotten Fiberglass, Etceterini, and many similar one-off categories.

The “Birdcage” Maseratti Tipo 61" owned by Jonathan Feiber that was autographed earlier by Shelby, went on to capture Best of Show in Concours de Spirit. Sam and Emily Mann chalked up their fourth Concours de Elegance victory with their stunning 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K.

While it was great to these incredible automobiles and listen to these wonderful speakers, we have to remember the there is a serious side to the Concours.  Not counting this year, the show has raised an estimated $1.6 million to benefit the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.  It was a terrific weekend and I am already wondering how Bill will top himself next year!

---

Grand Classic at Malvern

Ragtops & Roadsters double-teamed the Grand Classic at Malvern this year, with Dave Hutchison attending on Friday, April 16 and Mike Engard taking over on Saturday, April 17.

Dave spent some of his time Friday helping the local DVR chapter of the Classic Car Club of America with parking trucks and trailers. Then it was off for a bus trip to the Simeone Foundation Auto Museum, where about 45 people had dinner and listened to Harry Hurst talk about the "Full Classics", including a 1937 Cord, 1935 Auburn, and the largest collection of Alfa HCs in the world.

Photo Album

Grand Classic coordinator Thym Smith was recognized and presented by Howard Schaevitz and Cliff Woodbury (co-directors of the CCCA) with a copy of "The Spirit of Competition," photographer Michael Furman's book showcasing Dr. Frederick Simeone's amazing automobile collection.

Grand Classic

The tour culminated with a hands-on demonstration of the '66 Ford Mark 4 GT40 in Dr. Simeone's collection.
On Saturday, Mike Engard drove a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 convertible coupe from Perkasie to Malvern for the Grand Classic. The car, owned by Mr. Lea, a Pollock Auto Restoration client, was a pleasure to drive to and from the Desmond Hotel.

After registration and photos, Mike parked the car in the Exhibitors Class. Then it was time for the Judge's breakfast -- this was Mike's first time as an Apprentice Judge for the CCCA. Working with team leader Robert Franz, judging was an "eye-opening experience" as they walked, talked and shook hands. Among other vehicles, his team judged a 1931 AC, a 1939 Packard and a WHAT?.

"I really enjoy the CCCA," Mike said. "At most shows you see three or four truly remarkable cars. At the Grand Classic, it was all special, unique stuff. Every car was a standout in its own right. Seeing them all in one field was quite impressive."

---

How the Pennsylvania Budget May Affect You

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has proposed lowering the state sales tax from six percent to four percent. That's the good news.

The bad news is that he also has proposed taxing many items that previously had been exempt from sales tax as a way to help close the state's budget gap. Among the items he wants to tax are automobile storage and towing. While not big-ticket items, if sales tax is added to these services, your bill may increase.