Preliminary Monterey 07

[bitzman]

It was the usual rush rush to get to all the events as they all seem to be occuring simultaneously.

Saw Rick Kopec's R-model Shelby in the outside display at the RM auction, and have no doubt it probably broke a record for a Shelby sale (go to RM Auction website for gavel price) The auction catalog features several very tasty pictures of his car in color and the printing quality makes it a collector's item in itself. The same auction also featured an Autokraft Mk. IV and a real 427 Cobra roadster

The Fabrizio Guigiaro-designed flip up door Mustang (in George Barris style gold) was at Pebble. The mop-topped progeny of the World's Greatest Car Designer (my own description) was letting journalists have a drive in it, which is risky indeed since the car was scheduled to go on display within hours. Ford won't really mass produce it because they are changing the platform on the next gen Mustang but it sure gets a lot of looks...tho I don't care for the horsehide upholstery. Ever sit on horse fur? Nasty, especially when it's still on the horse.

There was a mint condition Daytona coupe racing at Monterey. But several 250GTOs to give it a run for its money. Still it's good to see a real Daytona out there on the track again. There were at least five small block Cobra roadsters including at least two owned by Cobra king Lynn Park. I didn't see a 427 roadster so I don't know if there's a new one accepted since the death of a longtime competitor sidelined the red one carrying number 22 in the roundels. Dick Smith, another frequent competitor in a big block Cobra, also died before this year's Monterey.

Shelby made an appearance at the posh AFAS art show at Pebble on Saturday afternoon, talking about a children's art contest for charity.

Chip Foose, the darling of the custom car world, was also at the AFAS show with some hot rod that had no paint and what looked like a nose bullet from an airplane and a wrap around windscreen with metal framing that looked like it came from a WWII airplane. Everybody loved it!

All in all it was a great week blessed with great weather but because of the $100 plus ticket prices for the big events (Concorso Italiano, Monterey Historic and Pebble Beach) you really have to break your piggy bank to go to Monterey--I spent $500 on fuel and accomodations and I was doing everything to pinch pennies including staying at the unfashionable Motel 6!