Barret Jackson 2017

Carol Freshley January 27, 2017

Tom would rather photograph hot rods but when that is not possible he will grab his gear and head to just about any car show. Barrett Jackson is an auto show that he enjoys attending if it is close to wherever we are. This year there was a 'special' car, one that Tom actually owned in 1971.

First attempt at a compact car by an American company, Bantam.

This was Tom's 1963 Corvette Stingray that he owned for a brief time in 1971.  He purchased it at a bargain basement price.  It had been neglected and Tom sold it when he decided it would require more repair than he was willing to put into… — This was Tom's 1963 Corvette Stingray that he owned for a brief time in 1971. He purchased it at a bargain basement price. It had been neglected and Tom sold it when he decided it would require more repair than he was willing to put into it. It has been restored by subsequent owners, including the Peterson Museum. It was sold at the auction for $62,000.

Rare Ford Cobra Daytona Coupes built for the road racing circuit.  First car to challenge Ferrari's domination of that type of racing. — Rare Ford Cobra Daytona Coupes built for the road racing circuit. First car to challenge Ferrari's domination of that type of racing.

Collection of Indian motorcycles, an old brand (1901 to 1953) During that time it was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. In 2011, Polaris purchased the bankrupt company and resumed production. The motorcycles above are new.

McLaren were built to race for the road racing circuit.  There were several being shown in the McLaren boot at the show.  While original McLaren are very expensive, the company now offers a 'less expensive' version. — McLaren were built to race for the road racing circuit. There were several being shown in the McLaren boot at the show. While original McLaren are very expensive, the company now offers a 'less expensive' version.

Concours Tour

Carol Freshley August 20, 2016

One of Tom's favorite events during CAR week, as the locals refer to this week, is the Tour. In past years the tour was about twice the distance as this year and cars completing the tour got points towards the prize. This year the distance was shortened because of fires in the area. It also was 'optional' meaning that points would not be awarded for completing the Tour. Nonetheless, many cars lined up and 'toured'. They are accompanied by police escorts but traffic is not held up and regular cars can find themselves driving alongside these fabulous cars.

The Tour is conducted with two groups.  Tom had scouted out the road where the cars both come and then return.  Here we see the first group (right side) returning and the second group coming by for the first time.  That black car can … — The Tour is conducted with two groups. Tom had scouted out the road where the cars both come and then return. Here we see the first group (right side) returning and the second group coming by for the first time. That black car can only wonder how he got into this crowd!

This is a Delahaye at the starting line.  The French coach builders in the 1930s would accept a chassis from a high manufacturer and custom build a body for a very wealthy customer.  They were the first streamlined cars and other builders … — This is a Delahaye at the starting line. The French coach builders in the 1930s would accept a chassis from a high manufacturer and custom build a body for a very wealthy customer. They were the first streamlined cars and other builders followed their lead. This is one of Tom's favorite cars.

Adding a bit o' color to the line up.  It is another Delahaye.  It is one of the featured marques at this year's Concourse. — Adding a bit o' color to the line up. It is another Delahaye. It is one of the featured marques at this year's Concourse.

A Dusenberg, the biggest, fastest and most expensive car made in the world in the early '30s.  They are so large that the comment, "It's a Doozy" was derived from this car. — A Dusenberg, the biggest, fastest and most expensive car made in the world in the early '30s. They are so large that the comment, "It's a Doozy" was derived from this car.

In line and showing off.  A two passenger Indy 500 race car, another featured class this year. — In line and showing off. A two passenger Indy 500 race car, another featured class this year.

There were crowds along the road where safety permitted people gathering.  These folks waved and smiled. — There were crowds along the road where safety permitted people gathering. These folks waved and smiled.

Deusenberg touring car.  Top of the line! — Deusenberg touring car. Top of the line!

Unknown make but Tom believes it is a Ferrari due to the egg crate grill.

Another Deusenberg touring with the top down.

A 1937 Cord Sedan.  Cord was the first American car with a front wheel drive. — A 1937 Cord Sedan. Cord was the first American car with a front wheel drive.

A Type 57 Bugatti, the most rare and desirable model of the older Bugattis.  The original cost could have been around $10,000 (so much that only kings could afford it. — A Type 57 Bugatti, the most rare and desirable model of the older Bugattis. The original cost could have been around $10,000 (so much that only kings could afford it.

A Deucenburg.  I wonder . . . since it is red if it can go faster? — A Deucenburg. I wonder . . . since it is red if it can go faster?

Tom had to really hustle when they started passing each other coming and going!!

A Delahaye.  This is the standard body from the factor. — A Delahaye. This is the standard body from the factor.

One of Tom's favorite streamlined Delahaye.

Tom is not sure on this one!!  Stumped him! — Tom is not sure on this one!! Stumped him!

This is a car that probably is not part of the Concours d'Elegance!!  It just joined up and drove along with them.  It is a hot rod and does not qualify for this car show.  It is a beautiful example of the Rolling Bones style. — This is a car that probably is not part of the Concours d'Elegance!! It just joined up and drove along with them. It is a hot rod and does not qualify for this car show. It is a beautiful example of the Rolling Bones style.

This is a Delage, a French luxury manufacturer.  Notice the selfie! — This is a Delage, a French luxury manufacturer. Notice the selfie!

The Tour is just one of many events going on all over the Monterey Peninsula. There are auctions at several large resorts. There was a nostalgia race car event at the famed Laguna Seca road race course. Tom needs an assistant to cover all of them!!

Prescott Antique Car Show

Carol Freshley August 3, 2015

Tom attended the 41st Annual Prescott Antique Car Club show. It showed a number of “World Class” cars, the likes of which Tom did not expect to see outside of the circuit of prestigious shows he attends across the country, much less in Prescott!. The show covered every inch of Watson Lake Park.