A 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K, winner of Best in Show at the 2019 Cobble Beach Concours dEleganceCobble Beach Concours dElegance A one-off 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K commissioned when new by a Swedish Olympian swimmer earned top honours at Canadas most prestigious classic car event this past weekend, the 2019 Cobble Beach Concours dElegance in Owen Sound, Ontario.The Best in Show win is the second in a row for owner Robert Jepson Jr. of Savannah, Georgia, who last year took the award home with a French coachbuilt 1938 Delahaye.Jepsons Mercedes-Benz was deemed the most elegant of the field of roughly 113 cars, and also won the Peoples Choice award. The event included a variety of pre-war cars, microcars, muscle cars, hot rods and Porsches from Ontario, Quebec and roughly a dozen American states.The cars body was built by Norrmalm in Stockholm for Max Gumpel, who won two medals swimming for Sweden in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics. Among the 6,300-lb cars many notable features are a siren; a hood mascot molded after the Roman goddess Diana; and a special split front bench seat widened so he could ride with two women. (Greta Garbo, in fact, was frequently seen with Gumpel in the car.)Gumpel put his significant influence to use protecting the car from harm and government conscription during the Second World War, but sold it in 1955. The car traded hands and was restored and re-restored numerous times before being bought up by Jepson in 2017. He also subjected the car to an extensive restoration, which helps explain its win at Cobble Beach. The three winners of the 2019 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance Cobble Beach Concours dElegance Walter Eisenstarks 1954 Siata 200CS, one of 11 made and seven remaining, was perhaps the closest rival for the Best in Show title; the South Carolina-based enthusiast took home the award for most outstanding post-war with the Fiat-powered race car.Outstanding pre-war went to a 1917 Locomobile 48 Type M owned by John and Mary McAlpin of Naples, New York. The concours was hosted by Porsche Canada, which showed off dozens of gorgeous old and new Porsche sport cars across two classes and around the Cobble Beach resort; and raised money for the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation, among other charities.The fundraising efforts included the sale of a guitar by astronaut and car enthusiast Chris Hadfield, who performed a cover of David Bowies Space Oddity on the instrument directly before its auction, for $6,000, Saturday
Origin: Collector nabs Best in Show at Cobble Beach concours second year in a row
Beach
Crescent Beach Concours a stunning end of summer treat
Ben Bekers beautiful 1954 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Sport Coupe on the Crescent Beach Concours lawn last Saturday.Cam Hutchins Last weekend was the perfect way to end the summer season thanks to lots of great showsAs always, Saturdays Crescent Beach Concours was outstanding. I was there for morning roll-in and the selection of cars was absolutely stellar. Too many great cars to pick my favourite, so Im lucky not to be a judge. John Carlson taught me most of what I know about working on engines and it was great to see him there as chief judge. I spent lots of time talking to many owners and one cool story concerned three generations of carnuts presenting a 1968 Fiat 500 bought new by Grandma (or Nonna) in Italy and the a SILA Bimboracer owned by grandson Massimo Calandra. This was an electric childrens car built by S.I.L.A. in Turin, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, and based on the open Ferrari Spider of its time and has Connolly Ferrari leather interior. Young Massimo was a hit with the judges.Another Italian supercar of its day was the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C2300 Touring owned by noted car collector and vintage racer Jon Shirley of the Seattle area. This car has a supercharged straight eight-cylinder engine and its snarling exhaust note rivals any of the muscle eras V8s. It rolled in to a prime spot in the centre of the field and won best of show. But choosing best of show must have been tough because there were so many cool cars. There was a 1909 Pierce Arrow 24 Runabout that came in with protective bags over the brass to protect it, along with a 1910 Russell Knight 22 owned by Peter Findlay. The 1929 Franklin Speedster at the show has an aluminum body and a similar vehicle was given to Charles Lindberg in hopes of promoting the benefits of the Franklins air-cooled engine.Another cool engine was the six-cylinder in the 1936 MGNB. After the Thirties most MG were stuck with all sorts of four-cylinders so this was a pretty unique car to see. The flip side to small engines was the big bad Shelby GT 500KR of Postmedia columnist Alyn Edwards with the 428 Cobrajet. Alyn took a day off of reporting and judging to just come to the show as an entrant. Beside the Shelby was the biggest baddest of the 50s wild decade, the audacious 1959 Cadillac Series 62. The rear of these cars are probably the most photographed tails of all time.Other of the crazy 50s tails included: the 1958 Imperial 4 door Southampton, owned by Ernie and Colleen Stepney; Doug Taylors 1957 Mercury Turnpike; and the 1957 Dodge Custom Royal D-500 of Bob and Josie Cunningham. Similar to the Dodge Custom was the Orange Creamsicle-coloured 1958 DeSoto two-door hardtop Firedome Sportsman owned by LDonna Lynds. This weekend I am going to take a cue from Alyn and enter my old Chevy truck in the Langley Good Times Cruise-In, and look forward to meeting up with all my B.C. Hot Rod Association buddies at 6:45 a.m.at the Starlight Drive-In and all drive in together to park as a group. I have not been able to make it for the last few years but am really looking forward to being an entrant this year. I am going to start the weekend off with a visit to 192th Street in Surrey for the classic Cruise-In held every Friday evening and also to the Currus Metalworks open house. Sunday will probably include a trip down to Cloverdale for the Bill Larson Memorial Pub Run Newton Boys Hot Rod Run Show Shine. For decades the McLander brothers put on this awesome show, and although they are sort of retired it is still a super cool show and there is a great food at the pub. Another good place to eat that has a car show on Sunday is the Cat Fiddle Pub in Port Coquitlam.So the suggestion for this weekend is bring a kid and an appetite!SHOWSSEPT. 6What: Currus Metalworks Open House and Car ShowWhere: 208-19138 26 Ave., SurreyWhen: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Admission: FreeInfo: 778-545-8422 or george@currusmetalworks.comSEPT. 6-7What: Queen City CruiseWhere: Downtown NelsonWhen: Friday Cruise 2 p.m to 6 p.m. Parade from the Railtown district of downtown Nelson.Saturday show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: Saturday 9 a.m. $25 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-551-5848 or info@nelsonroadkings.comWebsite: nelsonroadkings.comSEPT. 7What: Langley Good Times Cruise-InWhere: Downtown AldergroveWhen: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: $30Info: 604-371-3770 or registerforlangleycruisein@gmail.comWebsite: langleycruise-in.comWhat: Cars Rods RidesWhere: Archie Browning Curling Rink, 1151 Esquimalt Rd., VictoriaWhen: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Admission: Donations acceptedRegistration: 8 a.m. $5 to support children in the region over the holidays. A cash donation or a new unwrapped toy is appreciated.Info: 250-920-0946 orlorneargyle@gmail.comWebsite: esquimaltlights.ca/car-showWhat: English Car Affair in the ParkWhere: Government House, VictoriaWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeInfo: 250-477-9832, info@oecc.ca or susanchapp@shaw.caWebsite: oecc.caWhat: Endless
Origin: Crescent Beach Concours a stunning end of summer treat
Two-wheel heaven at Crescent Beach Concours d’Elegance
This 1928 Harley Davidson Model JL Special Sport Solo was purchased by Roger Seaholm from Fred Deeleyís Vancouver dealership in 1928.It has narrow fuel tanks, speedster handlebars and a high performance motor with larger inlet valves, a special camshaft and magnesium alloy high compression domed pistons. It also features standard 18-inch wheels as well as a speedometer, luggage carrier, tire pump, side stand and a fire extinguisher, which were special order accessories at the time. The J Range of Harley Davidson was produced from 1915 to 1929.Submitted For classic motorcycle fans, this weekends Crescent Beach Concours dElegance is serving up a 15 beauties from five countries.The 8th annual outdoor show on the grassy lawn of Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach in South Surrey actually marks the 17th year that event organizers have brought together a Labour Day long weekend gathering of collector automobiles and motorcycles, with the first nine taking place on the cobblestone streets of Gastown.This year, as in the past, the spectacular list of entrants80 cars in addition the vintage two-wheelerscome from all over the west coast of North America, and cover a broad span of makes and years and included vehicles that are often rare and seldom seen by the public. There will be six motorcycles built by British manufacturers and representing a wide variety of interests from the land that at one time virtually ruled the roost for motorcycles as transport and sport. Three of these represent the very best England had to offer for fast, efficient road travel for their time. These include two models from AJS, a 1956 Model 30 shown by Ben Bekker and a 1928 K6 shown by John Parsons, and a 1970 Norton Commando shown by master restorer Tony Cording. For fans of sport bikes Tom Nelson will be bringing his 1969 Greeves 380 Griffin, a bike designed specifically for motocross racing and the American desert racer market.Then there is a Brian and Randy Pollocks bikeor is it a car? Depending on where it was registered, the 1932 Morgan Aero Super Sports can be classified as both. This particular three-wheeler is registered as a motorcycle, and represents a unique and innovative vehicle that harkens back to an era when not all machines looked like they came out of the same mould.Rounding out the Brit bikes is a Triumph T160 Rob North Replica built and shown by John Martin. These bikes were raced by Triumph in the early 70s, and this particular example is believed to be the only Rob North special in North America that is street legal.Another rare motorcycle in the show hails from Germany. Alyson Nerkers very rare 1967 BMW R69S is a fine example of the R69 range, which was produced from 1955 to 1969. A 1962 magazine article published in Cycle World stated, It is still the smoothest, best finished, quietest and cleanest motorcycle it has ever been our pleasure to ride.From the land of the Rising Sun we have two bikes, as different as the proverbial chalk and cheese. A much modified 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000S1R Eddy Lawson Replica shown by Steve Willgoose and a 1974 Honda CT70K3 Trail 70 shown by Steve Gurry. The Kawasaki is about as close to a full race bike that can be legally ridden on the street, while the Honda is a charming little machine used for casual riding on streets and trails.From the U.S. there will be three remarkable machines. Representing Harley Davidson, a tasteful and skilfully modified 1992 Sportster Caf Racer shown by Fred Dallyn and a 1928 Model JL shown by Rod Busch. The differences (and similarities) between these two machines are remarkable, but both epitomize everything one can expect from this iconic company. Also from the U.S. is a 1948 Mustang 2 shown by John Crawford. These lightweight motorcycles, said to be named after the famed P51 fighter plane, were built in California from 1946 to 1965. This bike is a much sought after piece of U.S. history. In addition to beautiful bikes, the Crescent Beach show features an eclectic array of very collectible cars, such as this 1938 Steyr 220 Roadster, one of just six ever produced. Cam Hutchins And lastly, from Italy, are three of the very best produced by that country. A 1982 Laverda Mirage 1200 TS will be shown by Robert Smith. Primarily meant for fast cruising, it combines great engineering with superb styling. The 2002 Ducati MH 900 Evoluzione shown by Bill Dickinson and the 1981 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica shown by Rick Crebbin are both a perfect fit in the motorcycle world. They go extremely fast, are extremely beautiful, and sound fantastic, just what you would expect from their country of origin.Returning to the show this this year is well-known motorcycle journalist and photographer Robert Smith as part of the panel of motorcycle judges, joining Steve Harding, Gary Richardson and Alan Comfort.Awards will be presented for first, second and third in the Judged Class and for Best Presented Motorcycle from all motorcycles entered.IF YOU GOWhat:
Origin: Two-wheel heaven at Crescent Beach Concours d’Elegance
Post-Pebble Beach hangover
The Canadian-built Sadler Mk IV was a joy to watch as it attacked the famed Corkscrew at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.Cam Hutchins Although this weekend boasts some great local events, I relish the thought of only going to one a day after last weekends mad dash to cover as many events as possible during Car Week in Carmel. We were up at 6 a.m. most days with one 4:30 a.m. alarm on the day of the Pebble Concours d Elegance. I was stoked to see the car restored by RX Autoworks, the North Vancouver shop that won the best of show last year and attended this years concours with a freshly restored 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia. Unfortunately it did not win, but in fairness the winner, a 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Gurney Nutting Sport Tourer owned by the Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong, was stunning.Also very impressive was the Tour dElegance, where concours entrants drive their cars on a tour down the coast and back to give them an edge if they were to tie with another entrant that does not complete the tour. The RX Autoworks’ restored 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia was another feather in the North Vancouver shop’s cap after winning Best of Show last year with an older Alfa Romeo. RX didn’t win that title this year but still didn’t go home empty-handed as the Ghia won first place in the Postwar Touring class and was named Most Elegant Closed Car. Cam Hutchins The 2019 Pebble Beach Concours celebrated the 100th anniversary of Bentley and no less than 55 Bentleys were on the fairway of the fabled golf course, representing roughly 20 per cent of all the entrants.As Ive stated before, my favourite event during this carnut-fest is the historic racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The entrants cover almost all types of auto racing, but without a doubt my favourite class is the Trans Am series of 1966 to 1972. These cars look very similar to the cars that left the showrooms back in the day except for their stance and lack of hood scoops. The sounds of these howling V8s is magical and the creative use of the rulebook back in the day is almost legendary for these cars.The 1959 Sadler Mk 4 was my favourite car of the weekend of races. This car was built be Canadian Bill Sadler for Dave Greenblatt. Sadler took the previous Sadler Mark III and made it less complex, without fully independent suspension but adding a Latham supercharged Chevrolet V8. This was the era when lots of very competitive cars were being built by Ferrari, Maserati, and independents like Lance Reventlows Scarabs. The Sadler Mk IV won one race back in the day, but this was against amazing competition with huge wallets. During the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion the Sadler was in the front of the pack the entire race and was a real crowd pleaser.Next year join me on our trip to car week, and lets bring come kids with us!SHOWSAUG. 24What: Jaguar/MG Club 50th AnniversaryWhere: Hazelmere RV Park, 18843 8th Ave., SurreyWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: $10 and open to Jaguars and MGsInfo: 604-618-2537, newby@telus.net or patilbury@shaw.caWebsite: jaguarmg.comWhat: ElectraFest 2019Where: Round House Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, VancouverWhen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Admission: FreeWebsite: veva.ca or electrafest.caWhat: Vision Tree Cruise-in AutocrossWhere: Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd., ChilliwackWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: By donation to Send a Kid to Camp FundRegistration: $15. Autocross Runs three for $20Info: 604-795-1044 or wayne@chilliwackalliance.bc.caWhat: Shriners Car Show BBQWhere: Kenyon Park, Okanagan FallsWhen: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. $20 (second car $15). Proceeds to benefit children of B.C. in need of medical help of special concernsInfo: 1-250-473-7454 or gwalhughes@shaw.caAUG. 24-25What: Cruise the ShoreWhere: Saturday North Shore day cruise. Sunday Edgemont Village showWhen: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both daysInfo: 604-818-8162 or info@cruisetheshore.caWebsite: cruisetheshore.caAUG. 25What: GVMA 2019 36th Annual Mustang Ford Roundup ShowWhere: George Preston Rec Centre, 20699 42 A, LangleyWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8:30 a.m. $20 and open to all Mustangs, other Ford models and Ford-powered vehiclesInfo: 604-802-1024 or mustang390@gmail.comWebsite: gvma.orgWhat: Prospectors Gold Pan Steak OutWhere: LeBourdais Park, QuesnelWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. to 11a.m. $10 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-747-4353 or prospectorscarmail@gmail.comWebsite: prospectorscarclub.comWhat: 2019 Vancouver Island Motorcar Weekend Concours dEleganceWhere: Shawnigan Lake School, 1975 Renfrew Rd., Shawnigan LakeWhen: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: Minimum $5 donation per personRegistration: $25Info: info@islandconcours.comWebsite: islandconcours.com COMPETITIONAUG. 23What: Westshore Spring 44 NightWhere: Western Speedway, 2207 Millstream Rd., VictoriaInfo: 250-474-2151 or denise@westernspeedway.netWebsite:
Origin: Post-Pebble Beach hangover
Bugatti Centodieci: EB110 revival leaks ahead of Pebble Beach debut
Images of a new Bugatti hypercar have leaked online ahead of its official reveal later today (16 August) at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Called the Centodieci in reference to the iconic EB110 hypercar from which it takes styling inspiration, the new model looks to be based on the Chiron production model. It is likely that, as with the limited-run Divo and one-off La Voiture Noire, the Centodieci will be powered by the same 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine as the Chiron. Design-wise, the Centodieci retains the low, wide stance of the Chiron, as well as its arch-shaped front grille, wraparound rear light and prominent rear wing. Modifications include slimmer headlights, sharper bodylines and circular cutouts on the rear window inspired by the EB110. Production of the recently revealed Chiron Sport is capped at 20 units, so we can expect the Centodieci to be equally, if not more, exclusive. The media wanted to get an early scoop with BUGATTI! We have a lot we want to say about our latest addition so we invite you to join our live stream of the official press conference at The Quail Motorsports Gathering at 11:20am PCT.#Centodieci #BUGATTICentodieci #BUGATTI110ans pic.twitter.com/qBMmalihHE — Bugatti (@Bugatti) August 15, 2019 Bugatti acknowledged the leak on its Twitter feed, before revealing that the model will be officially unveiled later today at Monterey Car Week as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations. Read the full story here when it’s revealed at 7.20pm
Origin: Bugatti Centodieci: EB110 revival leaks ahead of Pebble Beach debut
New McLaren GT Special Operations showcase heading to Pebble Beach
McLaren has unveiled a series of personalisation options open to buyers of its new GT through its in-house Special Operations division. The McLaren GT by MSO will make its public debut at this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It showcases a range of interior and exterior styling tweaks said to be inspired by iconic British architecture. The model is painted in a newly developed shade of silver that’s exclusive to MSO, with the door skirts, front splitter, wing mirrors, brake calipers, rear bumper and diffuser finished in the division’s graphite grey. Also included is the MSO Bright Pack, which comprises a polished titanium exhaust tip, black diamond-cut alloy wheels and chrome window surrounds. Inside, the seatbacks, sunvisors, door cards and armrest are stitched in a pattern that pays homage to the geometric canopy design of the British Museum in London. The seats are trimmed in white leather, with elements of grey leather throughout the interior continuing the exterior’s design theme. Additional interior features unique to the model include MSO-branded headrests and sills, silver-infused carbonfibre shift paddles and bespoke floormats. The GT by MSO also shows off the optional electrochromic sunroof, which can turn opaque in high-intensity sunlight and shield the car’s occupants from glare. MSO hasn’t modified the GT’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, meaning the special edition model can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.2sec and on to a top speed of 203mph. Ansar Ali, managing director of McLaren Special Operations, said: “We believe that the McLaren GT has class-leading elegance and sophistication and is the perfect car to further personalise, whether it be through an MSO Defined or MSO Bespoke option or, alternatively, a unique, customer-inspired design that MSO delivers a stunning interpretation of.” MSO unveiled a one-off reworking of McLaren’s new 720S Spider at this year’s Geneva motor show. As well as a unique blue-grey colour scheme, the 202mph roadster featured a carbonfibre tonneau cover, a sports exhaust and Alcantara interior trim. Costs for MSO’s range of bespoke GT upgrades are yet to be detailed, but deliveries of the standard model are scheduled to begin this autumn, with prices starting from
Origin: New McLaren GT Special Operations showcase heading to Pebble Beach
Karma SC1 Vision Concept will make first public debut at Pebble Beach Concours
Karma Automobile is bringing its brand-new SC1 Vision Concept to life and is prepared to show it at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, set to be the first public showing of the futuristic-looking vehicle.The SC1 Vision Concept is Karmas vision for the future of motoring, and if the future looks anything like the SC1, were in.The SC1 is a signpost to Karmas future, says Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou.Designed and engineered in less than 12 months, SC1 is a full battery-electric vehicle that explores the brands striking design language and the innovative technology integration possible through our collaborative Open Platform strategy.The most important thing about this vehicle is the tech: its been future-proofed to accept full self-driving when it becomes available. Eight radars, six lidar sensors and half a dozen external cameras help the car see what humans see. Almost. The infotainment system also has a humanized communication system with touch, voice, eye and graphical interfaces and a camera-based eye-tracking system that is capable of biometric identification. That all sounds like something out of Blade Runner, but we like it.As for power, we dont really know whats motivating it yet, but we think its safe to say this vehicle will be more on the sporty side of electric, rather than economical.The SC1 Vision Concept will be displayed on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance on Sunday, August 18. The 2020 Karma Revero GT will also make be on display next to the Karma GT during Monterey Car
Origin: Karma SC1 Vision Concept will make first public debut at Pebble Beach Concours
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