Driven World Aug. 2014

D RIVENWORLD

Aug 2014

After all...it’s a driven world!

THE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE Gary Wales- La Bestioni Silverstone Grand Prix Pagani Huayra Win a Ferrari 308 Johnny Martinez Interview R8 Day at Supercar Sunday Rock Store- California Icon

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Contents

D RIVENWORLD ISSUE 56, Aug 2014

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Dustin Troyan

ART DIRECTOR

Connected Media Group LLC

COPY EDITOR Heather Troyan

DESIGN Connected Media Group WEB DESIGN

Jeff Balbien

STORIES BY Dustin Troyan Mark Llewellyn David Neel Scott Martin Brooks Smith Tommy Mansuwan Vincent Cachot Jim Hunter Laura Hubbard Chris Miller

Page 29

PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Grudt Scott Martin Robert Jensen Tommy Mansuwan Dustin Troyan Jim Hunter Jamison Martin Dustin Troyan Rebecca Llewllyn

Advertising/Marketing: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

818-516-5053 www.drivenworld.com www.connectedmediagroup.com www.supercarsunday.com Page 10

Driven World Magazine is published twelve times per year by Connected Media Group LLC. It is distributed at upscale locations and events all over California. It is also available online and distributed electronically to high-net-worth individuals as well as members of the car community at large.

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Connected Media Group LLC, Driven World Magazine, and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, and publisher accept no responsibility for the errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein.

Connected Media Group LLC does not assume liability for any products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers or editorial information.

On the Cover: “Gary Wales- La Bestioni�

Photo: Greg Grudt www.exoticcarfotos.com Page 14

From the Editor

I like the cover shot this month. I mean, I really like it. I think that Gary Wales is the first person to grace the cover of Driven World Magazine. If you know Gary, you know that he is a passionate man. Some would say he is a showman. A throwback to an older era. I like that about Gary.

We had planned to do the photoshoot with just the car. Gary really loves his cars. We had a few weeks before the shoot and I kept thinking about what I wanted to accomplish with the shoot. I thought about Gary and what I believe he stands for, for a long time.

I would like to believe that I am a patriotic person. I believe in our country andthat for which it stands stands for. It is truly something that should be honored and cherished. Freedom.

Let it ring and let it ring loud. Now I am not going to go on some long political rant about this or that. You may wonder what my political affiliation is, well I will tell you that I am an American. Tried and true. I believe in the Red, White and Blue.

When I thought about Gary Wales, I thought what an amazing man. He did it and continues to do it his way. Gary’s way. Why? Because he can. He doesn’t give a damn if you like what he creates, he likes what he creates.

He takes raw metal and bends, grinds, cuts, welds and manipulates it into his own vision.

With his hands. With his ideas. His guts, his blood, his time, because he can. He takes something so raw or even so beaten and turns into a show winning, crowd loving work of moving art. In my opinion, because he can. HE CAN.

I always joke that I am an American. With the emphasis on C-A-N. There are American’ts and there are Americans, I wish to be the latter. Gary for sure is an American. Maybe that is why I like him so much, because I know that amongst other things he is capable and I can learn a lot from him. That he is a proud man and has reason to be. I like that.

I think of my parents, both from very humble beginnings. You know when you are poor, you have to be an American, simply be-

cause if you don’t you will starve or freeze to death. My parents are Americans, for sure. Both have always worked. I do not recall them ever taking a sick day. Sick, tired, broken bone, exhausted...whatever, they got the job done. When there is no other option, you get the job done.

My grandmother, now she was a tough lady. She had no formal education and from what I know of, no family. She worked for General Motors in Detroit for over forty years. She worked her way up from a line employee to an inspector which was a well respected and well paying job in the factory. She had two homes and never had any assistance from anyone. She worked for GM for so long, they tried to motivate her to retire. They made her take computer classes which, for an old lady didn’t go over so well. They then said the only job they had for her was that of a Janitor, washing offices, floors and toilets. Mind you, she had the money to retire, but when you have been hungry and have nobody, you work.

You work until you no longer are able, then you work some more. So, she became a janitor. She worked her way up and then came back down, but it was an honest job and she did it. Lot’s of people do. Honest work is honorable work. American.

I believe in America because I believe in people. When I met Gary Wales, I said to myself, that guy is as American as Apple Pie. I liked that. So, years later we are going to put his car on the cover and I had an idea I wanted to pitch to him...would he take a picture with the flag.

I told him why. He liked it too. I saw beaming American pride coming out of his eyes. I felt it.

I loved it. To be American is to be given a gift.

I am a firm believer that it is our duty to leave this world better than we found it. Perhaps that is a legacy we can all shoot for. I know that Gary wants his legacy to be his cars. Creations that can stand the test of time, that can be cared for and shared. I know that and appreciate that. But, I think the legacy he is leaving with those that know him is his ability, his honesty and doing it his way. The American Way.

My parents worked so very hard. They sacrificed for my brother and me. I don’t know if they have ever thought about their legacy.

We are not fancy people. We are average Americans.

Middle class.

Average, there is nothing average about my parents. But, they don’t have fancy cars, watches, collections and such.

But, they are rich with integrity.

They are rich with honor, kindness, with can-do at-

titude. They have lived exceptional lives and inspired so many around them. They have come from nothing and ended up in a good place. Their legacy is their ability. The lives they have touched which will continue to inspire through all the lives they have touched. And if those lives touch other lives, their legacy continues to carry on.

You may say who is this guy writing such a crazy letter in a car magazine. Well, I am nobody. I am just a guy and it is my magazine and in America, I can write whatever I like. I like that. You can put this down, chose not to advertise, that is your right. Rights, I love our rights. My ears are ringing right now, are yours? Hear that...that is freedom ringing.

Our lifestyle, the cars, stop and take a look. They are all expressions of freedom. They are expressions of achievement. Who is fastest, lightest, better balanced. Who can drive them faster, go further, bigger, more horsepower, better parts, better materials, be more creative. There is something excitingly American about the automobile and our community. I love our community. God I love America.

Gary is taking a couple thousand copies of this up to Monterey for car week. He offered to help me get them out and in the hands of the who’s who. I love it. Gary, a guy building cars in his home shop, taking trophies and helping me get my name out. My magazine out. Thank you Gary.

Kindred spirits I suppose. He doing it his way and me mine. Helping each other, how very American.

Being a guy that has put on a weekly car show for over thirteen years, I am so very tired of people speaking poorly of America. The country is going this way, that way...and on and on. I believe it is all of our duties to make this country better.

To add fabric to that beautiful flag and make her stronger. I agree that we should be that shining light on the hill, that beacon of hope, but I believe that it starts with you, it starts with me. It starts by holding yourself to a higher standard and leading by example. Shine so damn bright that they cannot ignore you. That they have to say how the hell did that guy do that. How the hell did that guy build that 1917 Le France Fire truck into such a work of art. How did two poor kids end up doing so well. How did some guy get this magazine into one of the biggest car events in the world (two years in a row). Well, I chose to be an American.

And like my parents, like Gary, whatever my shortcomings are I will make up for them with passion, energy, hope, truth, honesty, hard work and the American Dream. My bootstraps might not be all the way up, but, I am pulling hard and they will be.

Gary, thank you for being you. Keep doing what you do and show us how it is done!

Mom and Dad, Thank you for everything.

And to all my fellow Americans, regardless of where you come from, what you do, what religion you are, this is OUR country, let’s remind the world why we are so great. BE GREAT! -Dustin

The Saga of La Bestioni

The Saga of La Bestioni “Figoni et Falaschi”, “Saoutchik”, “Franay”, “Chapron”, “Labourdette, “Darrin” and “Hibbard” … names with history, names that spoken evoke images and, even, lifestyles. These names flow from Gary Wales’ daily vocabulary as he describes his latest custom projects. In fact, these names are the only adjectives he has to describe his “Le Bestioni’s”, the Beasts; a family of beautifully handcrafted roadsters that may be his legacy.

Following the turn of the last century and the invention and rise to popularity of the aeroplane and the buggyaut, man had a need for more power and speed. In 1909, the chaindrive Benz 200 Blitzen Benz caused a stir with

its 12.5-liter, 200-hp, four-cylinder engine.

Barney Oldfield drove it in American exhibitions, and Bob Burman used it at Daytona Beach in 1911 to set a World Speed Record of 114 miles per hour! The general consensus at the time was “build bigger to go faster”. The 1910 Beast of Turin put that hypothesis to the test.

The Fiat factory in Turin built the Beast, known as Tipo S76, for the sole purpose, most think, of breaking the world’s Land Speed Record.

The record stood at 125.95 mph. The chassis of the giant was taken from a flimsy 1907/08 Fiat production sedan while the engine of the Tipo S76 was borrowed from a Zeppelin-style airship!

This powerplant was a six-cylinder 28.4 liters (1,730 cu. in.) boat anchor that developed 300 horsepower loping along at 1,900 rpm.

Standing about five feet high at the radiator cap, the frighteningly top-heavy car was referred to as The Beast of Turin. Except for a brief appearance in England at the Brooklands racetrack, where it was timed at about 90 mph,

Story by Chris Miller Photos By Greg Grudt and Robert Jensen

the chain drive train, Gary set about building his voiture de course géant. Sporting a 14 liter engine (with pistons the size of two pound coffee cans), the completely remanufactured chassis was fitted with modern brakes and brake assist along with power assisted steering rendering the vehicles domesticated for safe & normal road use, if you call pullit never made an impact on any records and was returned to the continent where it was, sadly, lost during the confusion of World War I.

It is in honor and respect to these colossal cars that Gary began crafting the Bestioni’s.

The vehicle vision began with the discovery of the abandoned forlorn remains of a 1917 American LaFrance fire truck in a field in Sausalito, California. Ignored by time, this hero had deteriorated beyond the point of salvation. Transforming the old American fire service hero into a two seat speedster seemed a fitting tribute to the men of iron grit who had once piloted the rig to fires and rescues and a perfect match to the stout pilots of the early racers the car would replicate. Harvesting the chassis and suspension, including

ing up next to a city bus and looking down at the driver “normal”! The bodies and accouterments were all hand designed by Gary and crafted by him personally with only small assorted other pieces fashioned by his hand-selected artisans. The rusted hood, adorned with its SFD (Sausalito Fire Department) nomenclature, captured Gary’s heart; removing the light surface rust, clear coat was applied and, thus, the nickname Rusty One was born.

Now complete, Rusty One is winning awards at every showing. Gary is especially proud of the People’s Choice awards his creation has garnered. “The car just makes people happy. If you want a vehicle that is fun to drive and turns heads, don’t buy an exotic or a high dollar hot rod, look no farther than a La Bestioni!

Waiting in the wings is Rusty Two, built on a 1915 American La France chassis sourced from the American La France Museum on the east coast. It is coming along nicely thanks to Gary’s vision and Andréss’ helping hands.

The Lone Ranger had Tonto, Dan Gurney had Phil Remington, General MacArthur had General Bonner Fellers, Gary’s majordomo is Andrés Aranda. Andrés has been Wales’ sidekick, best friend and mechanic for the past 15 years. Andrés is never really surprised when Gary shares his latest concept. In fact, Andrés usually just starts working away on the plans to get the project going. Though Gary has the vision and the ability to create, it is Andrés who speeds the Bestioni’s to life, fine-tuning, adjusting here and there, and suggesting modifications here and there, until each vision fires off and motors away to capture more “People’s Choice” awards.

Audi R8 Marque Day at Supercar Sunday

Supercar Sunday is expanding! No, it’s not taking over more space in the Southwest parking lot of Westfield Promenade. But recently, aside from the historic First Sunday Marque Day, by popular demand, the now Famous Supercar Sunday has been hosting special events on other Sundays during the month. The recent Audi R8 Marque Day sponsored by The Auto Gallery on the fourth Sunday in June was a great example of this growing trend.

Tastefully customized and stock R8’s began arriving early morning on June 29th, including V8’s and V10’s, 4.2 and 5.2 Spyders and Coupes, of course all with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. After the customary schmoozarama until 10am, Dustin Troyan gave everyone directions for the scenic drive through the Canyons to their destination in Agoura Hills. The group drive up Topanga and over Mulholland Highway, then past the Rock Store was awesome. Cameras clicked along the route as the group of Audi R8s was quite possibly the largest R8 gathering ever! The line of cars sounded and looked great pulling into Lavaggio for their sponsored brunch.

The graciously hosted lunch was appreciated and everyone gave a big thumbs up to the fun and camaraderie provided by all the

Story & Photos by Scott Martin

hosts and each other on this glorious sunny Southern California day!

Just a little background on The Audi R8 Type 42 for anyone who wants to learn more about this awesome mid-engine, 2-seater sports car: It was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006.

The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, Quattro GmbH, and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform. This is due to the Volkswagen Group’s ownership of both Audi and Lamborghini. The basic construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame and uses an aluminum monocoque. The car is built by Quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminum site' at Neckarsulm in Germany.

Other little known facts that probably only I find interesting: To produce the R8, seventy workers fit 5,000 different parts by hand; The factory at Neckarsulm usually produces between eight and fifteen cars a day, up to a maximum daily output of 29 cars; Ninetyfive lasers inspect the entire car in five seconds to ensure that over 220 measurements are within 0.1 millimeters of the programmed plans.

SILVERSTONE’S 50th: ONE FOR THE HOME CROWD

Story & Photos By Jim Hunter

Following the Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal, the FIA came down on Sergio Perez with a five place grid penalty for his role in the dramatic final lap racing incident with the Williams of Felipe Massa. The ruling, which upheld review at the rebirth of the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks later, prompted Niki Lauda to publicly caution that the FIA must stop ruling over a “nanny state.”

Quoted in AUTOSPORT, Lauda stated, “What I do not like is when I watch the race like Montreal, Nico and Lewis are close in the first corner and then it says on the television that they are under investigation. I went to Charlie and Bernie and said we need to bring the old days back, like when Piquet hit Salazar at Hockenheim. You should leave it to the drivers. Don’t interfere in all this. Even the incident of Perez and Massa, it was a normal race accident, and thank god nothing happened, but I would leave it at this.

It has to be stopped. If after the race somebody wants to protest because of it being un-

fair, fine he should do it. It costs a lot of money, a lot of lawyers and a lot of bullshit. So this will not happen. I would let these drivers be free to race. There is too much control of everything.”

Indeed, the FIA has grown increasingly heavy handed in its officiating of the sport over the past several years, and especially on matters directly related to safety.

Lauda, not known to suffer political games gladly, nor to speak anything but his mind, was cutting straight to the core of the real battle for the future of the sport . . . and challenges much more acute than engine noise as noted in July’s DrivenWorld.

Fortunately, F1’s return to Austria and the Styrian Alpine city of Spielberg to the circuit once known as the Osterreichring was not overshadowed by politics. Though not as daunting as its predecessor, the circuit now labeled the Red Bull Ring retains the iconic qualities of it’s spectacular, scenic location. Nico Rosberg enjoyed a significant victory over his teammate Lewis Hamilton while Valtteri Bottas secured his first podium after he and Williams teammate Felipe Massa had surprisingly locked out the front row in qualifying.

Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, England is also iconic and resides in “Motorsport Valley,” where eight teams of the current paddock call home. This year’s race marked the 50th Anniversary of the running of The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the circuit which hosted the very first Grand Prix of the modern era.

Silverstone is a dynamic venue. Although more recent broadcasts have better relayed

its sprawling landscape, focus on Silverstone’s historical genealogy as a WWII RAF Bomber station and the formerly compressed TV lensing of yesteryear have falsely exaggerated the notion that the circuit is flat. Although not as dramatic in elevation change as the Red Bull Ring or Spa, for example, Silverstone is hardly flat. The gradual rise from the high speed Copse into Maggots recedes through Becketts before starting again on the approach to Stowe. Perhaps tranquil is the drop from Stowe into Vale when taken at a stroll, but this dip becomes a steep dive when taken at the speeds for which Silverstone is renowned.

Given the Austrian result, it was no surprise that the insular title dual between Mercedes’ teammates, England’s beloved Lewis Hamilton and German Nico Rosberg would elicit the style of support normally reserved for football clubs. Having lost the momentum he enjoyed earlier in the season, Hamilton arrived at Silverstone 29 points adrift of Rosberg and the English faithful were on hand to do their part to erase that deficit. Banners and Union Jacks emblazoned with Hamilton’s name decorated the rails of almost every grandstand.

Of note, fellow countryman Jenson Button took the occasion to honor his late father John, who unexpectedly passed during the off season at the young age of 70. John Button earned the nickname Papa Smurf because he would always wear his lucky pink shirt for Jenson on race day. Jenson’s “Pink for Papa” campaign served to remember his Dad, a very popular individual in the F1 paddock. Pink shirts were the style

of the day and Jenson donned a special pink iteration of his JB helmet to mark the occasion.

So as Sunday’s partisan crowd settled into the grandstands wrapping Silverstone’s historic corners, the race initially looked to offer only mixed fortunes for those waving the Union Jack.

Lewis’ critical error in abandoning his fast lap in Q3 cost not only a potential pole position to his title adversary but relegated him to sixth and the third row of the grid. Given Rosberg’s pace there was nothing to suggest that he would not simply drive away into the distance once the lights went out. In consolation, Jenson managed to get his wayward McLaren into Q3 and wound up third on the grid, for which he later offered, “really happy to get 3rd in front of the home crowd. I’ve had a lot of support from the fans, it’s been really overwhelming, and it’s nice to repay them with today’s result.”

At the start, Hamilton immediately made amends with a vicious getaway, climbing two positions in only three corners. This early effort would soon be rewarded by the first opening lap red flag F1 had seen in over a decade.

Kimi Räikkönen suffered a very hard shunt into the barriers on the Wellington Straight.

What for all intents should have been a safe re-entry to the circuit after going wide at Aintree, Räikkönen lost his Ferrari bouncing over a drainage culvert.

In the blink of an eye Kimi’s season went from bad to ugly, and he was lucky to escape hard impact with the armco with only minor bruising. Unfortunately Felipe Massa’s 200th F1 start became only that. With scant milliseconds to react, Felipe purposely spun his Mercedes powered FW36 in an attempt to escape unscathed.

Alas, his noble effort could not completely avert the carnage and Massa was forced to retire with a damaged left rear suspension. Kimi later faced criticism that had he walked the circuit in pre-race inspection, he might have noted the irregularity and thus exercised more caution on re-entry.

Critical to this chain of events,

it took over one hour to repair and replace the barrier at Räikkönen’s point of impact.

Upon restart, Hamilton took just over one lap to make short work of both McLarens and climbed into second place behind a flying Rosberg.

We soon looked set for another fight for the top spot between the Mercedes duo as Hamilton began eating away at Nico’s lead. Unfortunately, Rosberg began experiencing gearbox and drive issues and was forced to park his Mercedes on lap 30. From that point, Lewis had the race in hand much to the delight of his vocal countrymen in attendance.

The real excitement came further down the order as Fernando Alonso put on yet another display of driving prowess. A dreadful qualifying session for Ferrari left both he and Kimi near the back of the grid, and as Alonso experienced a less than stellar start he was also fortunate to not get caught in Kimi’s demise.

However, Alonso then took the restart in a fashion we have come to expect and immediately carved his way through the mid pack.

His early overtaking maneuvers were sheer genius, and set the stage for one of the best on track battles we’ve seen this year.

Following Vettel’s pit stop on lap 34, Alonso bravely wrestled fifth away from the four time World Champion around the outside of Copse! Vettel then took advantage of fresher tires to take the fight back to Alonso, a battle which carried almost all the way to the flag.

Driving with not only bravado but infallible race craft, Alonso defended beautifully and proved why so many regard him the best of the best. Fernando repeatedly halted Vettel’s advances while his older, over heated tires left him running wide and challenging track limits.

He had already been warned by stew-

ards earlier in the race to respect track limits, but as his fight with Vettel intensified, both drivers found themselves putting all four wheels off the circuit. Humor ensued as both Sebastian and Fernando managed to find time to air their grievances with their competitor’s allowances over the radio.

Alonso eventually surrendered the position, but added after the race, “I think both Red Bulls deserved to finish ahead of us, because they were quicker.” Gotta love this guy.

Scuderia Ferrari principal Marco Mattiaci praised Alonso. “His great climb up the order was yet more proof of this extremely aggressive mentality, which is exactly what we must demonstrate for the rest of the season.”

Indeed, Mattiaci faces a huge undertaking try-

ing to set Ferrari back on the winning path.

Regarding his very popular home victory, Hamilton stated “winning in front of your home crowd is just the best feeling. We really do have the greatest fans here and thank you so much to everyone for your patience after yesterday. To see the support all around the track is just amazing. I said before that I’d never give up but it was a tough qualifying and I really needed to dig deep and come back positive this morning.”

In the end, the stewards fortunately chose not to interfere with Vettel and Alonso, but this moment teetered precariously on serving as a another example of Lauda’s concern and the real challenges looming over the future of the sport.

One can only imagine what it would have been like at Adelaide in 1985, if Ayrton Senna, driving the wheels off his Lotus to reel in Nico’s father Keke, had been called in for a drive through penalty for flying over the outside curbing.

The truth is that Alonso and Vettel were racing, and in stirring fashion. Their duel was what Grand Prix racing is all about, and exactly what everyone comes to see.

In the end, Lauda had plenty say. The FIA took over one hour to repair and replace the barrier at Räikkönen’s impact, a decision Lauda questioned

especially as this occurred before a worldwide TV audience. Quoted in several outlets, Lauda labeled the armco repair “ridiculous”.

“This over-nursing of F1, being over cautious, over-controlling and over-regulating drives me mad. The FIA take care of every little detail and a lot of people will switch the television off,” the triple world champion Lauda added.

The FIA’s Charlie Whiting retorted in Germany’s AUTO MOTOR UN SPORT, “Niki’s comment was not very helpful, because he has shown that he knows nothing about safety.” Whiting’s remark is somewhat ironic given Lauda’s long known stance on safety and service as a driver advocate over the entirety of his motorsport career. One must wonder whether Charlie remembers the Nurburgring?

It’s impossible to ignore what Lauda is saying, however. Whatever the motivations behind the FIA’s increasing stringency may be, killing the messenger rarely serves the objective.

An Interview with Johnny Martinez Who is Johnny Martinez? I'm a simple guy with simple ethics, retired from Water and Power, living here in Woodland Hills with my wife and near family. Family is who I am, my grand kids are my substance and I love life and what it gives me each day... I believe in GOD and Miracles and past that all else is the icing...

What is with the beard? The beard I have had for a long time now...with exception to my dark time under going Chemo I have had the beard...something with me that was just me. When I lost all my hair, my wife wanted the beard back... over the years it seems that's how people have identified me...

Interview and Photos by Dustin Troyan

I understand that you have overcome some recent obstacles…. Along the way with building the '29 was life. Remodeling my house, raising kids and just plain doing things life has to offer, that and working a lot the '29 always fell on back burners...sometimes weeks on end. In 1994 we had a major earthquake and my job had me on 24-7 work schedule and on call so money became plentiful but time was not happening. Again on the back burner the '29 went. And along the way in 2001 my wife Linda was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

How long have you been into hot rodding? I got seriously into HOTRODDING in l993 when I bought my '29....but before that I had always had cool rides. From a 1957 Chevrolet 210, '56 and '57 Chevy pick ups... early Camaros...

Falcons, Monte Carlos....seems a little of all... and I had always had mild custom late model pick ups. All my cars and mine and Linda's cars together were mildly customized.

When did you get your first hot rod? I bought my first "project" would be HOTROD in 1992 a 1936 Chevy pick-up.... it was a unassembled mess but I was determined. Soon after I bought that truck I found the '29 in the paper. Thinking it might be far from me, to far to see it was 5 miles away.

I seen it, I bought it and that was the beginning of a serious build, offing the '36 I was on my way.

Our lives came to a stop...trying to protect my kids in a way I didn't know how, Linda continually smiled, thought positively and made us feel positive...but not before we all suffered the real dark reality of her illness. Linda underwent Chemo and Radiation and we forged through 2 1/2 years of total life change. Eventually she recovered and was

on the mend and her outlook on life changed and we moved in a positive direction. I chipped at the '29 stopping for numerous reasons. In 2005 my daughter gave birth to my first grandchild a baby girl and shortly after her birth I was diagnosed with LYMPHOMA CANCER. Once again we tried to protect our kids, a new baby was given to us... our lives came once again to a screeching halt. I underwent Hard Chemo and it was also another 2 1/2 years of treatment and recovery...you know your sick each day until you have nothing left.. you just stop trying to move, your energy and ability to be you stops.

You go to bed sick and you wake up sick and then one day you wake up feeling good. You don't see it coming , you just wake up and you feel good.

I too was given a second chance.

On your Facebook page, you put up a sunrise every morning, what’s with that? Photography is another side hobby I have.... the sunrise pictures I post each morning are a positive start for me and I hope for others. Linda and I seen so much darkness in our personal struggles that I see it like this, the sunrise's I have seen to me are a back drop, a canvass of life if you will that GOD gives us. And each day we have a beautiful sunrise with the paintings we sometimes have in the sky, its what we do with the day that finish's the painting in the sky.... its the choices we make in our day and that's the picture we complete from the canvass given each of us. Each day for Linda and I is a real gift.... it’s a way to start positive. I have been told by many that they look forward to the pictures , that it does something for them. I guess if it moves even one person I have done what I had hoped to do.

Now,tell us about your hot rod…what is it?

I have a 1929 Ford Model 'A' Pick-Up. I bought it a basket and started from nothing. Precision Street Rods chopped the top and a lot of metal work had to be done. Back to my house it came where I bought and fitted new wood in the interior structure as Henry Ford designed it in 1929.

I went to the Grand Nationals each year where I bought parts. Fathers Day LA Roadster Show was another event I went to , to buy parts. When Cancer struck me I talked with the guys at B&E Customs and they helped me out as I was on the tail end of recovery and in all that I injured my knee requiring surgery so I was at the shop working as much as I could until I retired. As money allowed I bought more parts and mocked and re-mocked up the body. I acquired a motor and trans from my pal Bob Grossi where eventually I opted for all new driveline. Its sits on a TCI chassis with front and rear four link suspension and it runs a small block Chevy Crate motor, shifting by means of a 200R-4 4 speed overdrive automatic. A 9" Currie rear End spinning 350:1 gears. Its old school with old school stiching for interior. The paint went

a young person about following a dream? I gotta be honest, I gave up on my hobby more than once but I stuck it out. Don't ever give up, with all that I went through I think its what drove me, that and the mentor I had and still have Bob Grossi.... as tough as times got I still seen a light that allowed me to keep the dream and results in view. I'm thankful each day.... anyone can do anything if they try...and if you don't succeed then you accept the fact you tried and that's not a bad thing

to a Satin Suede only because painters wanted more money than I wanted to pay for shiny paint. It turned out to be a good move. The Suede paint is what catapulted the '29 to the success it has achieved. With Street Rodder Magazine picking up the interest to do an article all because of the attitude the '29 sported, the paint scheme, the parts used, and the final look of a WICKED in SUEDE '29 ..

I understand you have taken a trophy or two at car shows… The '29 as I bill it "WICKED IN SUEDE" has done very well with 42 wins in 49 months. Those include "Crusin for a Cure", "George Barris Show", Numerous local shows which included "Best Interior", "Best Paint", "Presidents Pick, "Best HOTROD", Best TOP 50 Pick", "Best TOP 15 Pick", "Show Stopper", several "Best in Class", "Best Truck" and with many more wins which also included the win at the Fairplex in Pomona, "THE GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW, 2013" Is there a moment you are particularly proud of with your hot rod? Well, I have to say a few moments...A short while back I was asked to do a video shoot for a guy which was something I had never done. It hasn't gone anywhere as of yet and in that I was and am also involved in a project with another friend who is putting together a movie about the So. Cal. Car Culture and at present we are still working on it.

I recently got involved with a tv show for discovery which has aired and my '29 got some air time and the best part of that experience was working and being with very close good friends who all have customs and classics. And most recently I was introduced to Robert Angelo producer/director of "ROADS and RIDES" who wanted to do a

Let’s talk passion, what moves you? What moves me is each day...the fact I woke up and that I can do anything I want, that I do the best I can each day and I treat people with respect. I look for the good in each person I meet and I look for the good in each day. When there is a bad situation that is negative I step aside it and move on without being bitter. I'm passionate about life, I don't go to Europe, I don't travel to foreign lands, I don't buy expensive paintings.... my house is simple and I have what makes us happy and comfortable. Life drives me and the people in it and in my space. I appreciate everyone.

short film on the '29 and why I do what I do, it is now out on YouTube and has been picked up by a few TV spots all around..... it’s been a good ride with the '29 as it has been seen by many I gotta say each moment I'm in it is a proud moment.

So, you are a pin-stripper by trade? Pinstriping is something I wanted to do for a long time.

After winning many shows and winning the Grand Nationals I wanted to shift my direction to another part of the hobby. That being photo shoots and pin-up photography maybe video shoots. But pinstriping was one thing I had not done and so I went to my pinstriper I use and asked him what I needed and where to get what I needed. A bit more than a year ago I picked up a striping brush for the first time and ran with it... I have striped almost everything... a few cars , bike parts, bicycle, Bowling Pins, Traffic Signal glass lens, almost anything and everything.

I never looked back. Its merely a hobby not a job , punching a clock is something I don't want to do anymore... but I am having fun with it What advice would you give

Is your wife into cars?

Yes Linda has always been a car girl, owning a few '56 Chevys and a few Camaros....

Linda has always supported my hobby and all that goes with it. Long ago she was a trophy girl at the once infamous Saugus Speedway , yeah she was a car girl long before I met her.

Where do you see your pinstripping going?

My pinstriping has made some noise. I don't honestly know where its going to go... I have painted things for Auction which is a wonderful compliment. But I paint as a hobby although I paint things for people and they pay me its a kick and I am having fun. I just can't say where its going and for how long I will be riding this cool coaster... and at my age for how long I will have a steady hand...

You have anything you want to say….?

Someone asked me after I won the Grand Nationals " I suppose after winning the Grand Nationals all other small shows won't mean much to you"...

I told them this, "each show I win at big or not so big is special, winning a small show means you were the best that day, they all mean to me like it was the Nationals. And I am thankful for that, thankful for all the good things that people do for me, recognize me for and for the kindness people hand me. For me in this hobby its the people I meet and get stoked about...it’s all of you that I get excited about, winning a show is the icing ...

Vintage Tin Cans

by Mark Llewellyn & David Neel Photos by Rebecca Llewellyn

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I suppose one can credit the pioneers who set out across this country in their covered wagons as the first true American RV’ers.

They packed all the necessities and luxuries they could and set off to their destination of choice. With the advent of the automobile at the turn of the 20th century, it was only a matter of time until American ingenuity was put to work in the creation of the motorized ‘home on wheels’. 1910 was the year that the first commercial recreational vehicle was produced and sold in the United States. Since then, their refinement has been an ongoing work-in-progress.

The story of Southern California’s car culture would not be complete without mentioning the importance of camping trailers and RV’s. In the summertime, the highways could be seen filled with families towing their second homes to their favorite mountain or

beach campground. Most popular in the 1950’s through the 70’s, these trailers were modest in comparison to the larger trailers and RV’s seen today. These trailers were usually seen behind the likes of the family station wagon. (Larger RV’s and trailers came about with improvements of horsepower and braking capabilities.)

The nameplates on these tin cans, produced in mass, are now gone; names like “Shasta”, “Road Runner”, “Fireball”, and “Aristocrat”.

Families could enjoy going to a national park or beach and participate in the activities of the day. But in the evening, they would come together, use the restroom, get clean, and prepare meals – all thanks to their little ‘home on wheels’. Campsites offered the kids an opportunity to make new friends. Families would sit around the campfire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows on old metal coat hangers.

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Once a year, the Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard, California, hosts their annual “Vintage Trailer Show”. A collection of vintage trailers (permanently on display) at the museum is augmented with a collaboration of vintage trailer enthusiasts who come together to celebrate and show-off their precious ‘tin cans’.

What makes this event at the “Murphy Auto Museum” so special is that many of these trailers are graciously open to the public, by their owners. People who remember these days are able to rekindle their memories with a step inside one of the trailers. Young people who have been fortunate enough to vacation in their family’s Diesel Pushers, equipped with a full bathroom and satellite TV, can learn of this simpler time gone by. Everyone can enjoy the other sites at the museum as well: a large, varied collection of vintage and classic cars, vintage automobilia, and a 1,800 sq. ft. model railroad display.

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A) This 1924 Chevrolet House Car is on permanent display. It’s equipped with a 4 cylinder motor, 3-speed manual transmission, a closet, sink, and kerosene lamps.

B) Livin’ the Life of Luxury.

C) Mike & Rebekah’s 1960 Airstream “Tradewind”. Purchased 6 years ago for $2,000.00, the renovation included replacing the floor. This Airstream has the original Wally Byam Club registration #3278. Wally was the creator of the Airstream. His club offered a variety of benefits as well as a travel log.

D) Mike & Shelly found this 1963 Shasta trailer on EBay in Durango, CO. They towed it back to Southern California where Mike spent 2 and a half years restoring it. They tow it with their equally impressive ‘62 Chevrolet pickup.

H) Over 1,000 visitors attended Murphy’s annual “Vintage Trailer Show”.

I) This classic 1965 VW van was purchased by Joe & Denise at the Pomona Swap Meet from a man who saved it from a junkyard in Chula Vista, CA. J) This beautiful 1969 VW bus includes a 1971 Ariba “Pack” trailer. The owner, Linda, travels with her vintage accessory business to various locations throughout the year.

K) “Grab the suitcase and go!” It’s that easy!

L) Few of these 1939 GM transports still exist. At the time, one of these transports could be purchased as a “future liner” which included a large enclosed cabin.

E) 1948 GMC “Silverside” Greyhound Bus. Created with the look of the streamlined trains of the day, comforts include reclining seats and air conditioning, which were new for the time. A bus similar to this can be seen in the Smithsonian. This bus was restored as a motorhome in 1959. Mike & Robin purchased it 6 years ago in San Jose. It has appeared in numerous movies and rock videos.

Coupon good for discounted entry cost of just $5.00.

Beautiful vintage automobiles and Americana.

F) Beatnik Trailer and the Bobby-Soxer.

G) Purchased in Ojai for $500.00, this restoration is a family affair for Justin, Tesha, and their 9-year-old daughter, Jada. This “Traveleze” was painted just 3 days before the show.

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2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard, California 93033

murphyautomuseum.org (805) 487-4333

Classic Ferrari Raffle To Fund Scholarship Only 750 Tickets Will Be Sold for a Chance to Win a Collector’s Edition 1983 “Magnum PI” Model Ferrari!

Louisville High School, a Catholic all-girls high school in Woodland Hills, has recently become the unlikely recipient of a very valuable donation... a 1983 Ferrari 308GTS Quattrovalvole! Generously donated by the estate of its previous owner, William A. Schampeau, this classic sports car is being raffled to fund an annual scholarship in his name.

Known for its sweeping curves and aggressive lines, the 308GTS is the iconic red Ferrari model made popular by Tom Selleck in the hit television series Magnum PI. This impeccably maintained, low mileage car is a rare find for classic car buffs and collectors. It also comes loaded with many accessories, including the original Ferrari toolkit, car cover, owner’s manual, Targa tonneau cover and more!

The Louisville High School Ferrari Raffle

is open to everyone in the community, as well as Ferrari fans nationwide. It began in July and the winning name will be selected on November 8, 2014, at Louisville’s annual QUEST Dinner and Auction.

The winner does not need to be in attendance to win. For just $100 per ticket, purchasers have a onein-750 chance of winning this stunning sports car.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.louisvillehs.org/ferrari, and at select dates and locations where the car will be on display. To fully appreciate just how clean this car is, you must see it in person. Don’t miss it at Supercar Sunday on August 3, and again in September and October. A calendar for all dates and locations is posted on the website.

“Because of Mr. Schampeau’s generosity, Louisville’s young women will be inspired to ‘pay it forward’ and share with others the knowledge and gifts they have received through a Louisville education,” says Sister Myra McPartland, President of Louisville High School.

Louisville High School has been providing a Catholic college preparatory education to the young women of Los Angeles for over fifty years. Founded by the Sisters of St. Louis, the school’s mission is to work toward a world that is “healed, unified and transformed.” Graduates of

Story by: Laura Hubbard Photos by: Greg Grudt

the school go on to be responsible world citizens, actively engaged in fulfilling the school’s mission.

For more information, contact Louisville’s Director of Development, Mary Ann McKenzie, at 818-346-7510, or email her at: mmckenzie@louisvillehs.org.

WIN A MINT CONDITION COLLECTOR’S EDITION 1983

FERRARI 308GTS

ONLY 750 RAFFLE TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!

YES, THIS IS REAL! Help Louisville High School raise scholarship funds... and you could be the winner of this stunning sports car!

RAFFLE TICKETS ARE $100 EACH. GET YOURS EARLY!

LOUISVILLEHS.ORG/FERRARI RAFFLE PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE

LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

WILLIAM A. SCHAMPEAU SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Raffle drawing will be held on Nov. 8, 2014. Need not be present to win. Said vehicle is being transferred and the winner accepts said vehicle in its as is, where as condition without warranty either expressed or implied. The winner shall be responsible for any and all taxes, fees, costs and/or insurance associated with said vehicle.

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Located in Chatsworth, Valley RV Indoor Storage offers over 200,000 Square feet of indoor storage, concierge service and so much more...

Motorhomes - RV’S - Collector Cars - Race Cars - Trailers - 5th WheelsJet Skis- Off Road Vehicles - Exotic Cars - Private Car Collector Areas - Etc. Located at 20701 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311 818-701-6500

Who are they? Where did they come from? What are they all about?

“Rock n’ Roll Hot Rods” car club was established in 2010 and was actually born from attending “Supercar Sunday...”

Lets start from the beginning…..

Car club founder and President Jay Santos was born with a wrench in his hand. From the time he was in diapers to the present, he’s worked on everything from bicycles, go karts, mopeds, motorcycles, outboard motors, jet boats, Jeeps, muscle cars, foreign cars, hot rods and rat rods.

His Dad did chrome plating in Aerospace and his Mom worked on circuit boards at Data Products.

It also helped that his neighbor was a mechanic who worked at the Van Nuys GM Plant. To make matters worse, his neighbor had a son named Steve who was a Hot Rod maniac. He would race his 56 Chevy down Burbank Blvd. in the 60’s and 70’s and taught Jay everything he knows.

Jay also competes in “The Summit Drag Racing Series with his 1930 Ford Roadster Rat Rod. To add insult to injury he was also the co-founder of the touring and recording band “Lust 4 Nightmares” and host and producer of “At Dawn Rock Show” which saturated the Valley in the mid 2000’s.

“When I started going to Supercar Sunday, it was a great revelation to see and talk to other people that were just as much of a car freak as I was. The vast smorgasbord of car types was something that I’ve never seen before or even knew existed in my own backyard.. As I started to meet different car clubs, I found that even though our common bond were cars, our ideas of the type and build of a car was different.”

One of the first car club members D.J. Von Zell agreed with the same discovery of prejudice. “We both had Rat Rods and were treated like we were the outcasts. It was quite funny because our two cars always had the biggest crowd around them at the car show. A lot of the car clubs were tradionalists, or only interested in one type

of car. We liked everything and that’s how Rock n’ Roll Hot Rods was born”. We have no annual fees or scheduled meetings. “Supercar Sunday” has become our official/unofficial meeting place.

Based in Woodland Hills with a chapter in Canada this club contains quite the characters to put it mildly! The majority of the members have a background in music or acting and are all freaks when it comes to cars. You’ve seen them at Supercar Sunday and may or may not even have known it. Regular attendees include Barry Buchanan, Kat Junge, Eric Cohen, Doug Marhoffer, DJ Von Zell and Jay Santos. Many of the cars from the club have been featured in movies, commercials and magazines and range from a Hot Rod Cadillac Hearst to a Blown Hemi Coupe.

“Club member Barry Buchanan who owns “The Hot Rod Shop” has a new hot rod every few weeks and you just never know what he might be driving to “Supercar Sunday. He keeps it very interesting!”

Present members and cars: -1930 Ford Roadster Pickup - "30 Rat" - Owner/ Builder: Jay Santos -1931 Ford Coupe - "392 Blown Hemi" - Owner/ Builder: DJ Von Zell -1946 Dodge Truck - "The Rockster", Rat Patrol, Hot Rod Hooligan, etc………. Owner/ Builder: Barry Buchanan and Kathy (Kat) Junge -1956 Chevy Belair Wagon - Owner/ Builder: Scott Klein -1962 Chrysler Newport - Owner/ Builder: Yowza -1965 Chevy 1/2 Ton Truck - Owner/ Builder: Eric Cohen -1966 Cadillac

Fleetwood 75 Miller Meteor Duplex -"Dead Storage" - Owner/Builder: Eric Rhodes -1967 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 - Owner/Builder Doug Marhoffer -1967 Ford Mustang - Owner/Builder: Jay Santos -1968 Chevy Chevelle - Owner/Builder: Paul Rohn -1972 Dodge Charger - Owner/Builder: Yowza -Honorary Member - Steve Wagoner: "He taught me everything I know!"

-Honorary Member - Marvin Sohlo: Master codesigner of Car Club Plaque -Newest members Alex and Brad And from The Great White North our Canada Chapter!

If you see one of the members, stop by and say “hello“.

A special thank you to Dustin Troyan for his on going efforts in creating a great weekly environment for our car community to get together at!

“See you on the road”!

Rocknrollhotrods.com

Golf Tips with Tommy Mansuwan When was the last time you have seen a golfer hit all 18 greens in a round? Perhaps when the United States still had the space shuttle program? The point I am trying to get to is that the short game is essential in shooting good scores.

Top professionals on the PGA Tour will average roughly 70-75% GIR and even then, they still need a deft touch in order to shoot low scores. The most common aspect of any decent chipper or pitcher of the ball is to have clean contact between the club face and golf ball. When playing with amateurs, more often than not, I will see plenty of chunked chips or bladed shots. The prime cause of this is the lack of body rotation through impact and disconnection of the arms from the body.

Pinch the Ball

Just like a good putter, a good chipper should be focused on using the shoulders to move the club through impact. If you have a fair amount of those misses that I described above, you are most likely not using your shoulders. Whether it was chunked or skulled, the stoppage of your shoulders and core are the culprit of the poor shot. The only difference is if your hands decide to take over (blade) or not (chunk) to compensate.

To fix this and sharpen your ball strike, practice chipping with a towel squeezed under your arm pits. This will help promote the use of your shoulders instead of your hands. Start by chipping shots from the fringe and move further once you get the feel. To help with your setup, open your stance while putting your feet close together (reduces swaying). Keep 70% of your weight on the front foot and the ball positioned in the

middle. The grip of the club and your hands should be right above the inside of your left thigh. In effect, you’ll also have a slight forward shaft lean to help you contact the golf ball first.

Once your setup is complete, put a towel under your arm and rock your shoulders.

At no point should the towel come loose. If it does, then your arms are moving without your shoulders. Chip a bucket of balls with this drill to feel the big muscles working as a unit.

Done correctly, your chest should be pointing at or near your target at the finish. As you get better, the contact between the club and ball will also improve. The goal is to pinch the ball without taking a big divot. That is when you will know you have developed a proper chipping stroke.

After you master the stroke and contact, feel free to attempt more difficult (or longer) shots. Regardless of the type of shot you are executing, remember to always keep the shoulders and chest moving through the ball. Practice that and you will become a better short game player.

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www.drivenworld.com

National Collector Car Appreciation Day Story & Photos by Scott Martin

One of the big worries in the automotive business world today is, “Is all the advanced technology keeping the new generation from becoming Car Collectors?” Everyone from the major manufacturers to parts manufacturers and distributors to the after-market community are concerned that the overall flow of sales could slow over the next few years. But all you have to do is walk around any local car show such as Supercar Sunday to know that every generation can have the enthusiasm to be a Car Collector.

One effort to raise awareness and help call the car community to action began five years ago with the inception of National Collector Car Appreciation Day, the brainchild of SAN, or the SEMA Action Network. SEMA serves the motor vehicle aftermarket and SAN is dedicated to help preserve the classics of today and tomorrow, so efforts have been made to spread the idea around the country

to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

The U.S. Senate has helped launch Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Resolutions each year. The previous resolutions were sponsored by automotive advocates Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). There is also a trend to celebrate Collector Cars during the entire month of July.

The initiative has been gaining in popularity across the country so that many municipalities have issued proclamations naming the second Friday in July as the day to officially recognize the growing legions of car collectors and their unique vehicles. Almost every state and many car related locations in an increasing number of cities had celebrations planned on July 11th of this year or sometime during the month.

Organized events were planned at SEMA's head-

quarters in Diamond Bar and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles… if you brought your Collector Car to the Petersen and posted a photo on Facebook, you received one free Museum admission with proof at the admission desk.

Aside from special car gatherings and events, Collectors were encouraged to pull their favorite car out of the garage and drive it to work so they could help spread the word about the annual celebration.

Next year, we’ll let everyone know in advance so we can stage our own Supercar Sunday Collector Car Appreciation Day in July of 2015!

NISSAN MARQUE DAY NOW THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

sponsored by

A proud member of the SAGE Automotive Group

SUPERCAR SUNDAY IS LOCATED AT: Westfield Promenade Mall 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (On the corners of Topanga Canyon Blvd and Erwin Street)

A Motorcycle and a Dream

Um, so... I bought a motorcycle. Well, I sort of bought a motorcycle. Well, I traded a bicycle for a motorcycle. Well, I traded a bicycle for pieces of what may, someday, become a motorcycle. This was not something I planned.

It is, however, something I’ve thought about doing for a long time. Something I’ve always wanted to do, dreamed of doing, but you know, never got round to. When I was younger, I would plan, and scheme, and then a motorcycle owning friend would show up one day, often a with a “new elbow” given to him by a Volvo (somehow it was almost always a Volvo) that turned left in front of him or changed lanes without signaling.

And it would be at that point, that the idea of a motorcycle, would gently shift itself to a back burner location, where they would stay for the next few months or years. But gradually, the idea would resurface. There’s just something seductive about these machines; so much simpler, lighter, and more agile than a car…

And so the pattern repeated, for some twenty years. And then about two weeks ago, my buddy Rob wandered into Autobooks, and announced that he’d been given a Gilera 124 5V (imported as a Sears Allstate), and would let me have it on the cheap. I went out to look at the bike, and quietly wondered if it was under the pile of lightly rusted scrap that was sitting on two wheels, in a truck bed. After

Story by Brooks Smith

a moment I accepted that was not the case.

In actuality, most of the bike was there, though some of it may not be usable. And it came on a nice set of road racing wheels. It needed a couple key pieces, including a tank, and primary drive cover. My head began swirling with images of a working motorcycle. A deal was done. I named it LaGilera, because A. LaFerrari is one of the fastest pieces of Italian engineering in history, while this is probably one of the slowest, and…

B. LaFerrari is a silly name for a supercar, and riffing on it makes me giggle.

So now another unreliable, but charming, and sporty Italian vehicle is sitting at the back of my garage, while I wait to have enough time to assess what it really needs. That will probably mean dismantling the whole bike, which really needs to be done anyway. Soon enough, it will become a frame and wheels, sitting atop a couple plastic totes full of driveline, and accessories. I honesty cannot wait. It’s a chance for me to stretch my lack of mechanical aptitude, without breaking the bank (famous last words, those), or messing up a vehicle on which I actively depend.

It’s a chance to learn. The last time I had this kind of machine available to me, it was a rusted out ’65 GTO, and I was 20. I was not up to the

task.

However, the Gilera, in totality, weighs less than the Pontiac’s engine, and is probably less complicated as well. I may finally have found a project shallow enough that I can’t get in over my head.

It’s also a chance to finally have a vehicle turn out exactly the way I want it to. I’ve never had the time, skill, or money, to see a project through from beginning to end, let alone have the end product resemble the desired result.

And already, people are signing on to help. Someone has offered to make a tank, another wants to help brace the frame. There’s an offer for help getting the wheels back in shape, and to make new clamps for the fork. There’s even an offer of help making a fairing, if I want it. All of this has bred a sense of responsibility. I can’t let the project go, when so many people are investing in it.

And at last, it’s a reason to learn to ride a motorcycle. That thing I’ve always put on the back burner, is now sitting right in front of me, waiting to be made useful, and then used.

I’m still a little scared of the idea. I have too many memories of people who’ve gotten hurt to ever view this as safe. It’s probably never going to be my preferred form of transport. But after a couple years of riding a bicycle in Glendale and Burbank traffic, I kind of feel like LaGilera is basically a bicycle that can keep up with traffic… at least downhill… with a tailwind.

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The Pagani Huayra has landed in Southern California Story and Photos by Greg Grudt

On a random Monday afternoon in Beverly Hills, a very lucky out of state owner took delivery of the exclusive Pagani Huayra. McLaren Beverly Hills is an authorized Pagani Dealership and as of now sold and delivered two Huayras to customers. The power of social media lured me to Beverly Hills that day to see this amazing vehicle.

This rare Italian supercar features a MercedesBenz AMG 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 and pushes out 720 horsepower. The full attention to detail on this car is just mind blowing. You won’t see another car on the road like it. According to Horacio Pagani (Founder of Pagani Automobili S.p.A.),

there are over 4,000 components in each Pagani Huayra (not including the engine or gearbox).

This car looks and sounds like a million bucks!

This car literally is a million bucks, well more like $1.4 million dollars. Now that the Pagani Huayra has been certified in both Europe and the United, 40% of the Huayras will make it to our shores, unlike previous Paganis such as the Zonda.

I have been extremely fortunate to see six Pagani Huayras and I can’t wait to see even more of them on streets of Southern California in the very near future.

SuperCar Gathering - Haspengouw Tour May 2014 Story and Photos by Jeroen de Boer

Rock Store: Southern California Icon

The Rock Store conjures images of folklore and magic, almost mystical in its legendary reputation as the most famous motorcycle hangout in Southern California, or possibly, the World. Although it’s a simple place with basic down-home food and drinks, the Rock Store is in some ways intimidating when you pass by… just look at the works of art gleaming out front, daring you to park your lowly stock street bike next to those awesome Harleys.

But that’s the beauty of it, because on any given day, you can see a bunch of rat-bikes next to a row of totally loaded Honda Goldwing’s with matching fairings and panniers (saddlebags), and then in roars a group of full-on racing Ducati’s hot off “The Snake”. And everyone is sharing their war-stories about all the different bikes and their rides from everywhere they’ve been that day including Malibu, Topanga, Mulholland and Stunt Road.

Speaking with owner Vern Savko to get her approval to shoot the iconic location for this article, she is definitely used to the respect that being the proprietor of this unique establishment deserves. You don’t have to go on IMDB to know that the Rock Store has been the site of countless TV, film, commercial and magazine location shots using both the interior and exterior. While I was there, an Italian electric cycle company was using the front parking lot as a demonstration area. Vern was telling me that the new television series Extant just shot here for two weeks, converting the famous original 1960’s gas pumps into futuristic pumping stations. She said Halley Berry was “beau-

Story and Photos by Scott Martin

There’s somewhat of a star factor at the Rock Store, but no one makes a big deal out of it, which is probably why celebrities like Jay Leno enjoy coming by in or on a different vehicle almost every weekend. Peter Fonda, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Matt LeBlanc and Tommy Lee (he lives around the corner) among others will also cruise in occasionally. Although the long-time cook and staff serves a good, solid breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, people don’t come for the food, they come for the bikes and the camaraderie. After all, this is “Bike Mecca”, or the Center of the Biking Universe in Southern California. And especially for those who love to ride, that’s the best part of Rock Store… getting there and riding on all those amazing canyon roads.

tiful” and “the nicest person”.

Started in 1961 as a market by husband and wife Ed and Vern (Veronica), the original stagecoach stop has undergone some changes but still sports its original volcanic rock exterior. Officially in the town of Cornell, its central location on Mulholland Highway created a great stopping spot for cars and ultimately motorcyclists, cyclists and auto enthusiasts who love the winding roads and beautiful views in the natural mountainous area.

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BY FOR THE FIRST 150 PEOPLE