Rolex Historics at Monterey 2010…

“Sensory Overload.” This entire weekend pushed my sensed to their very brink, and Historics without a doubt pushed that threshold even farther. Before I go any further, I do realize that I have been extremely fortunate to not only view, touch, but fully experience things that the majority of the world only dream of - for this I am extremely thankful, however when given or fed these experiences bit by bit it is easily digested and one’s body, mind, soul adjusts. If living life was enjoying a sip at a time, Monterey Car Week was the three story fraternity beer bong of life’s experiences - for an automotive enthusiast anyways.

This was literally the scene that greeted us as we arrived in the paddock parking area of Laguna Seca, I mean…a lucid display of wealth, what could really top this? Keep in mind the following day I was exposed to 21 Ferrari F40’s, as well as ultra rare vehicles at the RM Auction and had the pleasure to hands-on inspect a ~$3.5MM Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix (Remember this car, as it will come up later.) How wrong would I ever be…

Only meters from where we parked were vintage race cars throttling around the track, I mean this is what the Monterey Historics is all about right? Vintage automobile owners fully flogging their incredible machines around the track at full throttle and not holding back? Absurd sounds. Just delightful.

It was tough just getting out of the parking paddock, there was just so much eye candy everywhere. This Ruf clad 964 turbo stood out, and I was extremely interested until I found out he wanted over $99,000 for it. Ouch.

As we walked toward the paddocks we passed BMW hospitality where Alpina had a beginning to present display of their Alpina vehicles. This 2800 CS or Alpina B1 was something that I’ve never seen, not even in photos prior. This is the stuff that you see out in Monterey this weekend.

Rick was relentless promoting Club Sportiva the entire weekend. One of the hardest working persons that I know. Thinking about this now, there are many hard workers around me - I could only hope to stack up at some point.

All this was going on as Porsche 964 RSRs were flogging around Laguna Seca, the Jagermeister Orange being one of the all time favorite liveries in motorsports.

We finally found our paddock. Team Mazda with Borelli Motorsports, T(oo) M(uch) F(un) C(lub), and Patrick Dempsey…yes as in McDreamy.

Patrick races a quad-rotary Mazda RX-792P. These cars were built for IMSA GT Championship’s GTP category and I believe there are only two in existence.

Ralph and John were racing their LeMans winning Lola-Mazda T616 GTP’s. These two vehicles represented the first 24 heures du mans win for a Japanese campaigned team. They acquired these cars a little over a year ago and what was more incredible was Ralph only raced with two gears - second and fourth, and actually passed a car!

With the initial greetings done, we were free to walk about. I took full advantage of this, and tried to cover every square foot physically possible.

I had no plan, just started walking, and walking, and walking. I come across Jonathan Feiber driving his Bugatti Type 35 around the paddock area like it wasn’t any big deal. This was my first hint that Bugatti would define this weekend for me.

You see, Jonathan was bringing his multi-million dollar Bugatti to the line up grid, they were about to race. The next thing you knew, 20 or so of these extraordinary Bugatti Type 35s and Type 51s were racing around the track - wheel to wheel and wide open throttle. 3, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 million dollars and counting just whirling out there on Laguna Seca. This blew my mind. I was fortunate to see a Type 51 the day prior valued at $3.5MM, and the very next day I see so many of them flying around the track with disaster and tragedy awaiting at every segment of the asphalt. Ridiculous.

I was rushing around the paddock now trying to get to some grand stand seating to watch these vintage machines, but got distracted by a shiney…or matte rather, new Porsche. Guess I’m still a Porsche guy at heart. The new GT3R Hybrid was out on display and I thought was very cool. Can’t help but look at awe in Porsche’s lines.

When I discovered the Bugatti paddock, it was a bit surreal…was I in here? Was I supposed to be in here? Well, I was in there and there was no way I was leaving now! Can you believe you could find spare wheels and tires for these things?! Not sure why this was so hard for me to believe, but believe me…it was.

Then I stumbled into Pierre Henri Raphanel, Bugatti’s lead test driver. This guy drives Bugattis for a living! How cool is that? Not only this but I nearly shoved him out of the way getting to…

The Bugatti Veyron Supersport. With only 30 of these slated for production, there is a very good chance that I would never see another one again. I should have learned by this point to ‘never say never,’ but it’s moments like these that truly humble me. I’ve seen many Veyron in my short time. Again, more then my share. Although I could never get enough of the Veyron, they’re just so over the top for me, the Supersport was just something else. If my jaw could drop like jaws drop in cartoons, I would have been picking it up off the floor. If these was such a thing as ‘cloud 9,’ I definitely was on it. Loved the color, loved the carbon, loved the lines, loved the sound, I mean what was there not to like about this thing? Ostentatious, Absurd, Over the top and just oh so right. This defined my weekend at Monterey Historics 2010. It was just too much, but there was no way - no way - I was going to say, ‘no.’

By the time my feet finally pried me away from the supersport I stumble into something else intriguing. A Bugatti Type 35, however unlike the others this one looked as if it’s been through a couple world wars and then some. Hammered panels, faded paint, cracked leather, this car had character and was just the type of stuff that stops me in my tracks. I had to stare, breathe and feel this car. I trembled.

When we left our paddock we agreed to return some 2 hours later, it was not 3 hours after and I rushed back. Patrick Dempsey was giving a pre-race interview and the rest of the staff was doing final prep and final tunes on the Mazda GTP cars.

Before our racers took off we posed for a pre-race photo where Rich quickly jumped into for a photo op or two. Hilarious, but not the funniest moment of the weekend.

The funniest moment was right here. Durjay and I rushed back to the supersport as soon as we cheered our team on and as they rolled out to the grid. While at the supersport I joked that maybe Durjay should lick it, we really don’t know if either of us would ever see this amazing vehicle again and if so, allowed to get so close. At first we laughed, then a minute or so later Durjay got quiet. We were sure we were going to get booted out of the Bugatti area, and possibly arrested, but this was an opportunity and we were not about to pass it up. Durjay got on his knees and palms…I’ll let you figure out the rest.

We left, giggling like school girls.

As we strolled out of the Bugatti area, we caught Ralph driving by in his Lola-Mazda T616

And with that, we rushed back to the rest of our team in the parking area. This concluded Historics for me.

The weekend was just over the top in every way, and tickled every sensory receptor I had - and then some. In fact, it’s only now that I could believe and have digested what I’ve seen, touched, experienced, breathed, and tasted. Absolutely honored to have finally participated in such an event, and now I could finally understand why this weekend means so much to automotive enthusiasts the world over.

[ 443 frames on Flickr ]

-Wallace

Summer has finally arrived…

These photos were actually from a couple weeks ago, I’m a bit behind on ‘activities’ and I know I still owe you guys the ‘Monterey Historics’ set. Anyways, summer finally rolled into the bay a couple weeks ago and temps are finally up in the 80’s and 90’s. Mike, Janine, Sia, Shebani and us decided weeks prior to meet and have a bbq at the beach.

So the evening prior I prepared a couple tri-tips, some chimichurri, and bomber full of Linden Street Black Lager. Sia brought is awesome ‘Persian’ burgers, and Janine incredible wines, a heirloom tomato salad and the most interesting orzo I’ve had.

It was a bit windy when we arrived at Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay but we soon melted into the sand and the kids were running in the surf.

You can actually make out the weber wheel trail that Sia’s grill made in the sand toward the right in this photo. We lugged out our grills, put on some charcoal and had ourselves a bbq. Only thing missing was Crystal who caught some kind of cold bug and was back at her apartment hanging out with Sniffy.

Great food, Incredible company, The Pacific Ocean,…what else could one want? Oh yeah…sunscreen.

Anyways, as we wrapped up I went back to snap a few photos. My camera does not go near a beach bbq/lounge these days. One bad experience with the previous set up was enough.

Sia’s ‘man-mobile’

This little guy gets around. We saw these same ‘find my turtle’ flyers when we did the 1000|SF road trip a few weeks back.

As an automotive guy, this was cool. An old rusted out, weathered V8 block at the bottom of the entry. Most people walked right past it thinking it was a rock. I did too until I took a second, and third take.

Finally…I wonder if Crystal would protest a beach house.

Hope you’re enjoying your weekends too!

-Wallace

Chimichurri…

Enough people who dropped by the last couple of bbq’s asked what is, and how did I make that “green sauce?” Well, for starters that “green sauce” is called “Chimichurri,” and it is incredibly easy to make. Here’s what you need to get started:

A food processor - this is the most important part, otherwise you’re in for a work out.
A bunch of Cilantro
A bunch of Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
Garlic Cloves - I prefer the pre-peeled stuff for this (It’s easier)
Dried Chili Flakes
Ground Cumin
Kosher or Sea Salt
Red Wine Vinegar
Olive Oil

What you do next is grab a cup of loosely packed Cilantro and toss it in the food processor, the same with a loosely packed cup of Parsley. Then add 4 or 5 cloves of garlic, a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of chili flakes, a 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and finally 1/4 cup of vinegar matched to 1/4 cup of olive oil.

Blend.

And your done. Easy, right?

You can and should adjust to your palate. For example I usually do 2 to 1 cilantro to parsley, as I don’t exactly care for the parsley flavor and I also cut back on the vinegar, but might up the chili or garlic elements. Serve on grilled skirt steak, pulled chicken, pulled pork, or whatever protein you see fit.

Eat Well.

-Wallace

Garmin Edge 800…

This is exciting. Garmin just announced their Edge 800 cycling computer this morning. A full color, element proof, led display with touch based navigation. Might be a good excuse to put some miles on the bike, other then the fact we have a charity ride coming up at the end of the month and I’ve put 0 miles into training thus far. I’m going to get crushed.

The Garmin Edge 800 is also compatible with Garmin’s SD Topography maps, and navigation, essentially allowing the user to pre-plot rides and/or alter course at any time while knowing exactly where they are located. To be quite frank, I’m still very happy with my Garmin Edge 305, just window shopping at the newest and greatest…or so they say.

[ Garmin ]

-Wallace

Hlaska | Nominal Duffle…

If you’ve been following this blog, or if you’ve been around me for more then a second you probably know that I’ve been eyeballing this bag for over a year now. Fell head over heels when I first caught it, but 1) I really did not need a new weekend bag 2) when dropping this much coin on such a bag I wanted to be absolute that it was what I wanted.

Last Friday after drinks with Terra and Sunny I bit the bullet and apparently made Tony’s day at Hlaska Santana Row. This entire shop has seen me time and time again drawing my fingers over this duffle only to end up picking up other items such as wallets, dopp kits, misc pouches and so forth. So, naturally Tony thought it was one of those nights again.

Only, this time it was now or never and he brought out three examples from the back room for me to examine. I obviously ended up with this one. Coloration was more uniform, the others had a couple splotches. Nothing wrong with splotches, but I like my stuff a bit more uniform to begin with.

As with all Hlaska items the customized hardware on this bag is absolutely stunning. Every last detail has been re-worked, and probably re-worked again. Nothing about this bag was average. My favorite part in fact is actually on the bottom.

Not the huge Hlaska logo (I hate logos), and not even the small bespoke peg feet, but those two square patches of leather for the center feet was a detail that I truly enjoyed.

Well…it enjoyed a quick 11 or 12 hour rest, then it was packed and we were off to Targa Trophy.

[ Flickr Set ]
[ Hlaska ]

-Wallace

RM Auctions | Monterey 2010

Every year there’s much hype, anticipation and gossip surrounding the auction scene at Pebble Beach. Which car were going on the block? What car has the possibility of setting a global record? Where are the sold vehicles going? That sort of thing. This year I was fortunate to be able to participate in the RM Auction at the Portola Hotel in Monterey.

Many of the featured vehicles here were either extremely rare, or one of a kind like this 1949 Delahaye Type 175 Roadster. They sure don’t build vehicles like they did in the past. Just ostentatious in every way. Loved it.

There were also vehicles I have never heard of such as this Talbot. In fact this is the only long wheelbase Talbot lago 150 speciale teardrop coupe in existence!

Although we missed the actual bidding scene on this evening, being able to get this close to the vehicles was nothing short of amazing. Most of these vehicles will be purchased by avid collectors and might never see the public sunlight again. This Ferrari 500 Mondial Berlinetta was my favorite display car there.

The RM Auctions was just another layer of this fabulous weekend, it was just more, and more, and more.

Did I mention that I was absolutely tipsy over the Lamborghini Miuras? What were the odds, not one but two orange Miuras this weekend!

Except not only was this one for sale, but it was an SV or Superveloce. The rare of the rare. It was flawless all around, inside and out. Someone became a very proud owner of an extraordinary example this weekend. I mean, the interior still felt and smelled new. Quite amazing.

Now, if there was a definitive vehicle that defined this weekend I believe it would be this 1931 Bugatti Type 51. It was estimated to fetch at least $3.5-$5MM at auction. This simply baffled me. Take notes, as you’ll see why this was so important when I finally get the Rolex Historics post together.

Being able to get so close and physically touch such an extraordinary example was already quite an experience. Little did I realize what I was in for the following day.

The auction was full of amazing vehicles and probably some of the nicest people I’ve met. Everyone was incredibly open, I mean who lets another try on a $20k+ plus watch?

Well, he was a Romain Jerome dealer, but we just met not more then a 5 minutes prior and when I inquired about their Titanic DNA watch (I’ve been haphazardly following their gimmicks for quite a while) he whipped it off his wrist and handed it over. Had no idea he was wearing it. Not only this, but he made no qualms about the brand. “We’re a marketing company,” he said, “plain and simple. We have no heritage, we have no complications, we’re the DNA company.” I can respect that.

Hey Bueller!!!! Check it out, another Ferrari 250 California. Was never huge on these cars, but hard to look any other direction when one is right in front of you. Beautiful.

Finally, the crown jewel of the weekend - a 1958 “pontoon fendered” Ferrari 250 Testarossa. This was Chassis # 0738TR, and expected to fetch upwards of $12MM. RM also sold a 1957 example, Chassis # 0714TR, at this very same auction the prior year for a record shattering $12,402,500 - the most expensive car sold at auction.

[ Flickr Set ]

-Wallace

“Machete” with Danny Trejo & Mister Cartoon…

Stumbled upon this trailer through the Gumball 3000 mailing & updates.

From Hypebeast - “Twentieth Century Fox commissioned SA studios to produce a promo video for Robert Rodriguez’s upcoming film Machete. The film stars L.A. native, and Mexican cult hero Danny Trejo, and the video, directed by Estevan Oriol, posits Trejo alongside another L.A. and Mexico representative, Mister Cartoon as they cruise through East LA in lowriders. The two describe the lowrider culture as a family affair and describe some of the technical aspects of the cars and the culture which has blossomed across California. Look out for the film in theaters come September 3rd.”

What I found blogworthy in this video is the perspective this was filmed with came from the heart. It personified what most people simply refer to the ‘low riding scene.’ Having grown up in San Jose, these low riders were a frequent sight not to mention I’m pretty sure they were a popular t-shirt theme for quite some time. It just goes to show that vehicles are not just vehicles, but many have entire lifestyles and livelihoods around them.

-Wallace

Concorso Italiano 2010…

Let me begin with saying that I firmly believe that I have seen more then my fair share of Ferrari for a lifetime. This event was just incredible, and what a event to open up Monterey Car Week with. As we rolled into the golfcourse at the Quail Lodge all I was able to see as far as my eye carried was a sea of red. As I stepped closer there were Ferrari of every make and model or so it seemed.

The first thing that stopped me in my tracks was this 288 GTO, or what I thought was a 288 GTO. Turns out it is a replica based on a 328 GTS, and ironically I loved the slightly more aggressive and pronounced lines of this kit then the actual 288 GTO which I would see later.

We walked in a group through the Quail and at some point I broke off and wondered off into my own little world. Amongst the vehicles I saw this day were vehicles I never even thought of seeing in person with my own eyes. Although a legitimate 250 California is amongst many’s dreams as it is the Ferris Bueller car…

…but seeing a commissioned one off Ferrari is truly something, especially when it’s one of famed Ferrari collector Junichiro Hiramatsu’s vehicles. Enter the Ferrari F430 SP1 or “Special Project 1.”

Seeing this incredible vehicle in person was a really special moment. Throughout the show I must have walked back to the F430 SP1 three or four times to view it from different angles, distance, and in different light. The body is clad in carbon fiber unlike your typical F430. Also, JP plate #1.

I strolled around the Ferrari section, and in reality the entire show was really about Ferrari but every now again you’ll find pods of other makes.

One of those makes, and arguably the second most famous Italian badge is Lamborghini. The Blancpain Super Trofeo was here at this meeting, and although already incredibly rare in europe this is the only example in America. I simply could not get enough of this vehicle.

Now this car I knew was going to be in Carmel this weekend. It was shipped down from the Seattle region along with two other supercars. The bright green LV670-4 Superveloce, essentially the current prince of the Lamborghinis, the king being the elusive Reventon - which to my surprise did not make an appearance this weekend.

On the way back I ran into a genuine Ferrari 288 GTO, if you compare this vehicles lines with the replica you will find that they are indeed flatter and more period correct. Beautiful car, and my current favorite Ferrari supercar.

I was also surprised that this was the only F458 Italia example in the entire show, not a huge fan of the wheels but overall love the car. Funky headlights and all. Can hardly wait till Sportiva’s comes off the boat.

This was a track stopper, you almost never see these vehicles in anything but the most exclusive shows and gatherings. I’m not talking Pebble Beach Concours as this weekend was all about, but gatherings such as Goodwood Festival of Speed in London. Well, as they say if it’s too good to be true…it’s a replica.

The Tillett seats in this Ferrari P3 was the give-a-way, but no matter the presence of this vehicle and the detail of workmanship that went into it solidifies is as a Ferrari in my mind. Just mind blowing beautiful work, and how did it sound? Amazing.

Now, this is actually a local vehicle. I believe this belongs to an original iPod team member at Apple. The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, one of the most famous classic Ferrari in existence, made popular by the late Steve McQueen. McQueen’s 1963 Lusso was actually a gift from his first wife, Neile, for his 34th Birthday.

Finally, as I strolled back to the German that we snuck in I found that the Miura S that was hanging out in the upper parking lot has also snuck in and parked next to us. I simply could not get enough of the Miuras, such beautiful vehicles and amazing vehicles. Funny how the odd and the ugly come back as one of the most sought after vehicles of current day.

One final frame of the back to back Ferrari F40’s. There were 21 F40’s here that day, when else does one get to see such a sight?

I was blown away on this afternoon, little did I know what was in store for me that same evening and the following day.

[ 189 Frames on Flickr ]

-Wallace

Abita Save Our Shores | A Charitable Pilsner…

Wow. Not sure where to begin. Let me preface this with the fact that I actually enjoy Abita’s offerings, especially the Turbo Dog. However when I caught this bottle of “SOS” on the shelves of my local Whole Foods I thought, “why not?”

Well, here’s why - this is not beer. This is just plain bad. This is not a bad example of a Weizen Pils which is what it claims to be but an abomination to the very definition of the word “Beer.” I really did not think anything would have surprised me more then what Heineken Light did but Abita did the impossible. At least Heineken knew what their target wanted and I was just stubborn enough to be doped by the sleek bottle.

I’m still recovering from shock, and it’s been about 5 minutes since I drain poured the bottle but if you were to ask me about my first impressions: “natty ice with a drop of dawn and lots, lots, lots of fizzy foam.”

Sure Abita donates $0.75 to help our oil burdened gulf, but I’ll tell you what - donate the entire $5 or $6 or whatever this bottle costs to the effort directly. This is just not beer, and I wish what I just experienced on no one.

[ Abita S.O.S. ]
[ Flickr Set ]

-Wallace

Monterey Car Week 2010…

There’s a weekend every year in Monterey where only the world’s foremost automotive enthusiasts gather. It’s Monterey Car Week and although I’ve known about this event for years this year was the first year where I’ve actually gone. Usually I’m out of town or double booked as I rarely keep track of when it’s supposed to happen.

A small collective of us gathered at Club Auto Sport early Friday morning then jumped into our first selection of vehicles for the day. Being that I’ve been in everything else, I opted for the Maserati Gransport. I tried to find a compensating factor, but aside from its somewhat exotic looks there is nothing redeeming about this vehicle.

After our first gas stop we played musical cars and I ended in something a whole lot more familiar.

What I didn’t bargain for was driving an exotic over seriously golf cart paths. Plenty sure that the majority of the world, including exotic owners don’t do this.

We arrived late to Concorso Italiano, so they initially wouldn’t let us onto the green. The parking above was the public lot not for the registered show vehicles.

Sia and Rick made quick work out of the organizers and soon we were somewhat on the green.

The moment we walked in we were surrounded by a sea of red Ferrari. It was definitely a sensory overload, which I would soon realize was the theme of this weekend.

I will have a separate post about Concorso Italiano later, but this is just a glimpse into the weekend. Absolutely unbelievable vehicles at this event.

Definitely an event that would set the course of things to come. This weekend worked in layers, you’ll see what I mean in a bit.

After Concorso Italiano we split up. Benoit, Dan, Durjay and I went to floss at Ocean Ave while the rest of the Sportiva cast went to the hotels to freshen up.

What an incredible scene. If I lived near Ocean Ave I could have tailgated on a street corner just to gaggle at the vehicles driving by.

There were vehicles I’ve never seen in person before, and when I thought I was fortunate to see just one - five more would appear in the following 5 minutes. It was simply astounding.

The Rally Figher from Local-Motors.

Finally we checked into the hotel and freshened up, only to drive back into Carmel for dinner. Along the way I run into this BMW 3.0 CSL - beautiful.

Unlike Benoit and Dan I was actually swapping hotels for the evening. They ended up taking the Gallardo and myself with my co-pilot “mr. duffel bag” in the R8.

Dinner was fantastic. Rick and June let us into their lives at the Highlands Inn. We celebrated Sia’s birthday at Pacific’s Edge in Carmel. What an incredible view and an amazing group of warm hearted people. With a bats flying overhead we headed out to the RM Auctions and what I meant by ‘layers’ the vehicles just seemed to grow more exotic and more rare by the minute. The pontoon fendered Ferrari 250 Testarossa was estimated at a staggering $12MM.

I also found this Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix car amazing. This was what motoring was all about in the 50’s. Estimated at $5MM

This DeLaHaye told us that vehicles today are not built like how they were built in the past. Ostentatious in every way. Over the top. Beautiful. Sold for $3MM I believe.

This was the view we awoken up to the following morning. I could definitely wake up to this view everyday, just need to convince Crystal that we could live off the Pacific.

Breakfast with this view was nothing short of re-energizing. Best corned beef hash ever, need to bring Crystal here at some point.

As we strolled back to our suite, this Aston Martin Rapide was outside awaiting our gander. Such proud lines, exceedingly beautiful.

Love the details on this vehicle.

We finally got washed up and left for the Rolex Historics. Durjay was nice enough to drive me in the Cayenne. This was a welcome change as although rather unbelievable, I was tired of driving low slung high horsepower manual transmission vehicles. The 640 horsepower automatic Cayenne Turbo S allowed us to joke around, sprawl out and actually snap rolling photos.

We arrive at Laguna Seca shortly. Mazda was pimping their new Mazda 2, and Mazdaspeed 2. I thought they were more then cool.

We arrived late and the Porsche RSK’s were already whipping around the turns.

Racing along side the RSK’s were BMW 3.0 CSL’s. I mean when does a person ever see these things race trackside? Almost never.

Remember, me being in awe over the $5MM Bugatti Type 51? There was a whole grid of them racing this day. 5, 10, 15, 20…you get it - $XXX Million on the track, none of them holding back. Just wow.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport at the very top of this post was the highlight of my historics visit, but Patrick Dempsey was a part of the pit that we shared. Club Auto Sport’s owners Ralph Borelli and John Davis were also racing vintage Lola x Mazda vehicles as was Patrick.

There’s Ralph Borelli in front of his 1984 Lola-Mazda T-616 GTP

Just like the separate post on Concorso Italiano, expect a separate post on the Rolex Historics.

Monterey Car Week was just absurd. A total sensory overload. So much that I haven’t processed everything that I’ve seen, touched, tasted, heard or smelled yet. 48 hours was much more then I bargained for, and could only hope that I actually am able to walk into the main Concours de Elegance event next year.

Stay Tuned.

[ Flickr ]

-Wallace