Porsche 959 engine picture

My Maserati engine block coffee table may be happening.  I am close to putting down a deposit on it.  It should be ready in two to three weeks.  While we wait for the close-to-final product (I still have to figure out how to make it level and I have to buy a glass top), here is the 959's engine.  That looks level enough for a glass top, right?

2010 Laguna Seca Monterey Historics parking lot photos

Paddock photos here.

I stand by my assertion that at car shows, the cars of the spectators are just as interesting as what's in the event.

This Porsche 928S with a Nurburgring sticker was the first cool car I saw parked.

Ford GT with Gulf Oil livery in dirt lot.

Exhibit 1: Evidence of hoonage.

Lotus Esprit.

This is the first Opel Monza I have ever seen in my life.

Aston Martin V8.

Aston Martin DB5.

Sunbeam Tiger.  The reason why I came.  More later.

This specific Mercedes 500E I spotted inspired this piece back in 2007.  The giveaway was the license plate frame.

Ferrari F40.

F40 exhaust.

This Fiat 124 coupe certainly was not the fanciest at the lot, but I was drawn to it.

Ferrari 288 GTO.  I rest my case.

Italian Superstars V8 touring car series

This Eye-talian series beats NASCAR, DTM, even Australian V8 Supercars.  Besides BMW M3s, M5s, and Mercs, and Audis, it's got:

• Maserati Quattrportes, 

• Chevrolet Lumina CR8s (=Pontiac G8/Holden Commodore/Vauxhall VXR8), 

• Chrysler 300Cs, 

• Cadillac CTS-Vs,
• Jaguar XFs, 

• and even a Porsche Panamera S!

Play this for the most exciting 8 minutes of your Sunday:

Here is the official roster.

Porsche 928 speed record on Bonneville Salt Flats

Note the disappearing rear view mirrors.

The 928 is a badass.

Marin Sonoma Concours parking lot cars photos

The Concours today was fantastic.  Even the cars in the parking lot got me excited.

Cool "Bring Alfa Back" sticker on Giulia.

There were literally dozens of 356s in the parking lot and on display in the Concours.

Ferrari 456.

Mercedes-Benz 500E.

Volvo and Ferrari.

La Carrera Panamericana Volvo.

Alfa Romeo Montreal.

Old Jag saloon.

Brave Aston owner.

Best NPR thank you gift

I just made my contribution to NPR, which I listen to at least three times a day.  My original intent was to turn down the thank you gift, but how could I turn down a pair of tickets to the American LeMans Series race in two weeks at Laguna Seca?  Now I just gotta find my earplugs.

Here is the GT2 battle from last season between a Corvette and a Porsche.  That is some exciting sh&t.

Porsche 911 gas tank door location

I was filling my tank at an independent gas station when I saw this image on the screen.

I thought to myself-- Self, isn't the 911's gas tank door on the front fender?

Why, yes it is.

1990 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet review road test

Canepa Motorsports Museum review and pictures (Part 2)

(Part 1 is here.)

On the second floor is the museum proper.  The great thing about the Canepa Motorsports Museum (and showroom) is that there are no velvet ropes to separate you from the cars.  The experience is intimate and private.  It also helps that for the entire time you are there, there may only be one other visitor present.

The centerpiece is this Porsche 917 in Gulf Oil livery.  I have never said this about any inanimate object, but I wanted to lick this thing.

Note the unique two wiper design.

Next we have a 1985 Formula One Tyrrell 012.  It is in immaculate condition as it has undergone a 3,000 man-hour restoration at Canepa's on-site facilities.

When I think early 90s race cars, this red, white, and blue Nissan GTP ZX Turbo always comes to mind.  Asking price-- $750,000.

This 1983 Lancia LC-2 Group C competition car in Martini livery has a 246 mile per hour top speed.

I'll end this piece with this Porsche 956 engine.  If you ever have to be drive to/through Santa Cruz or Monterey, I strongly recommend visiting this collection.