December 2013 Issue of Driven World Magazine

D RIVENWORLD Event Calendar | Supercar Sunday | Car Culture

Dec 2013

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Contents

D RIVENWORLD ISSUE 48, December 2013

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Dustin Troyan

ART DIRECTOR

Connected Media Group LLC

COPY EDITOR Melena Gergen Heather Troyan

DESIGN Connected Media Group WEB DESIGN

Jeff Balbien

STORIES BY Dustin Troyan Brooks Smith Mark Llewlyn Scott Martin Alan Gonick

Page 14

PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Grudt Scott Martin Alan Gonick Duane Steinter Ian Demroff

Advertising/Marketing: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

818-516-5053 www.drivenworld.com www.connectedmediagroup.com www.supercarsunday.com Page 6

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.

All rights reserved. Driven World and Supercar Sunday are registered trademarks of Connected Media Group LLC. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or any other materials or advertisements herein may be reproduced without permission of copyright owner. Driven World Magazine and Connected Media Group LLC, do not take responsibility for the claims provided herein.

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.

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Page 1 6

On the Cover: “Veyron Art�

Photo: Greg Grudt Exoticcarfotos.com

From the Editor I am going to let you in on a little secret…I have no idea what I am doing. Not a clue. I just kind of keep going. I can’t tell you why but I just do. It boggles my mind sometimes. I guess I must love what I do although most people don’t know what exactly it is that I do. Oddly, I fall into that category. Perhaps I am crazy but I think I’m moving forward. You know that I wear an orange hat with a dress suit. No, really, I do. The wife has me wearing these funny colored socks with all sorts of patterns. My dad questions them but my mom thinks they are “pretty.” I guess it works.

No idea. I operate in a “no idea” state quite a bit. But, somewhere in there I have found something I love. Some people suggest that I am passionate. I don’t know if I am or not. The one thing that I do know is that with me, you get me… nothing more, nothing less. Good or bad, I am all I have to offer. I hope there is value in what I offer; I hope I can make a difference in this world.

I really do.

This world, our world. Yours, mine, his, hers, that idiot revving his engine (laugh, will ya?), it is our world. Now I am not here to judge you and it is the holiday season, a time to be a bit more patient and kind to each other, and the conclusion of a year and a start of a new one.

(I know, where is this oddly dressed guy with a screaming orange hat going with this??)

I could write the usual happy holidays wish, and I assure you I wish you and yours all the best. I extend those wishes to you all year long.

Yes, the holidays are a truly special time and they are a tradition that I love. I really don’t care what you celebrate but why not decide to celebrate each other. Now, that sounds like a great holiday season to me. Let’s celebrate each other and wish the best for all of those in our world. Even those people we don’t like. Hell, extend the greatest wishes to them! After all, it is the holidays.

Does any of this make sense? Ok, I am getting to it. Yes, back to the New Year and the holiday spirit. Did you know that I believe in miracles and heroes? I do. I believe with 100% of my being that miracles happen every day, every moment, every second, and every nanosecond. I also believe in heroes. I believe that they come in all shapes and sizes. Big fat heroes, small little, nerdy heroes, heroes that might not speak the same language as you, heroes that go unnoticed, heroes who have lost hope, heroes who cry at night when they are alone, heroes who are crying on the inside all day long.

Yes, it would be great to be a hero. You know that I believe that each of us has a bit of hero in us. I really do. I swear to you, I do. Even someone who might not be the greatest person has a hero somewhere in them and they just need to find it.

Happy holidays to heroes! (Where is this guy going with this?) I suppose that the holidays are a time when maybe we are a little more hero-oriented. What constitutes a hero?

Leap tall buildings in a single bound? We can’t all be Superman, but we can still be heroes.

This past year I have heard so many people speak poorly about the state of our world, our country, our community. It is going this way and that way. But is seems that we all just talk about it. If you note, most heroes don’t talk, they simply do. They do because, it needs to be done.

They do because others don’t. So in this New Year, I would like to ask you for a favor… please be a hero.

How to be a hero? Hell, what do I know? I can barely dress myself and admittedly I have no idea what I do. But if I did, I would say a hero should do a few things (things we all could do daily). A hero, a hero opens doors for women and the elderly. Yes, I like that. I think that if we each opened a door for a woman or a family or an elderly person, that would be a miracle.

Wouldn’t that be a miracle? And, yes, I do believe in miracles. Did I already say that? Maybe my hat is on too tight. If each of us did this I bet our day would be better. For 2014, can we open doors for others?

“My own heroes are the dreamers, those men and women who tried to make the world a better place than when they found it, whether in small ways or great ones.

Some succeeded, some failed, most had mixed results... but it is the effort that’s heroic, as I see it. Win or lose, I admire those who fight the good fight.” George R.R. Martin

I always think of heroes as being polite.

Saying things like “please” and “thank you.” What if we all took a moment and were a little more polite. It really does go a long way. For 2014, can we do a little more of that too?

A hero has a firm handshake and a look in his eye, which is better than any contract, it is his word. A bond. A bond between two people that was written on something better than paper that answers to an authority greater than our court system, it answers to personal honor. You can shake a man’s hand and know, what he stands for. Stand for being a hero.

A hero is a good illustration. A hero gets the job done. Cold, tired, sick, a hero gets the job done because somebody has to. And somehow that hero gets it done. Sometimes without recognition, without a thank you.

Truth. Speak truthfully and from the heart. You always know what a hero stands for.

Think about it, hero stories are always some version of good vs. evil. And perhaps the hero was good for goodness sake and for no other reason than truth. And the reality is truth is the only

thing we have. Just like a handshake.

Now, again, if you go back to the beginning of this letter from the editor, I admit, I have no idea what I am doing. I admit I have no idea about most things but I am 100% sure of a few things: We need more heroes in our world today.

We need them to lead by example. Boy, oh boy, do we need them!

I know that each of us has a hero inside.

I know you can feel it. I know you have felt it.

I am not saying it is a full-time job although it should be. It can be a part-time job. We can all put more effort into our world, our country, and our community. So, for whatever it is worth, for 2014, be a hero. We need you.

I thought I was done. Really I did. I guess the espresso is still pulsing through my veins. In the New Year I have one more request.

Hope. My mom told me you always have to have hope. And, no I am not quoting any politician and I’m not promising a damn thing…anyways my mom said it first. HOPE.

In 2014, I hope that you hope. You always, no matter your situation, have to have hope. You know, Heather and I are having a baby any day now. And my mommy, who is quite a lady, sat me down and explained the relevance of hope in one’s life. Hope is not an age thing, it is not a religious thing, although many religions imply that hope or positive thinking is valuable. She stressed that we raise our child with the philosophy of hope. Hope matters.

My mom, a woman I have tremendous respect and admiration for, believes in hope.

Hope can carry you through the hardest of times.

You gotta hope. And, you have got to step up and make your hope happen. Hope can be a pure thought, the genesis, a spark, a spark that can turn into a fire, a fire that can ignite a passion, and a passion that can change your world as you know it for the better.

I think the espresso is starting to wear down now... I sometimes have so many different thoughts that I want to share. The relevance is up to you. This time of year, with the Motor4toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive, I get a little sentimental. I am so mesmerized by the kindness and generosity of our community. You car guys and car gals give me hope and you are the gasoline that fuels my fire. You are all the heroes that have made Motor4toys such an amazing event.

To be a hero for a day is better than not being a hero at all. And, not to beat a dead horse, I really don’t care what your stature is. I don’t care if you are rich or poor. I don’t care if you have one car or fifty cars. We have the opportunity to make 2014 a better year than the last, an opportunity to make positive changes in our lives, to lead by examples, to become a hero, to make a miracle happen, and to hope. To hope for the best future for all of us. Make it happen, will ya?!

With my complete and utter appreciation and gratitude, wishing you and yours the greatest in this coming year, Dustin

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Bernar Venet Edition Visits Beverly Hills

During the month of October a very exclusive automobile sat all by itself inside Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills. This very special car is the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Bernar Venet Edition. This one of a kind automobile, capable of speeds over 250 miles per hour, was more than just a Bugatti, it was a rolling piece of artwork.

With only 150 Grand Sport Veyrons scheduled to be built, I can safely say that there will not be another one like this on the planet. The exhibit not only featured the Bugatti, but also the artist’s abstract artwork on the surrounding four walls as well. The exhibit was so large and quiet that when I closed the doors on the car after shooting the interior, you would have thought there was an earthquake. I was the only person in the gallery

on opening day of the exhibit and I photographed nearly an hour capturing every possible angle of the Bugatti.

French artist Bernar Venet was invited

by Bugatti to artistically transform a standard Grand Sport Veyron into his own personal work of art. One might look at this car and assume that it has simply been wrapped because who on earth would use a Bugatti as a base for an art project?

You may wonder why there are mathematical formulas stenciled all over the car. These are actual working mathematical formulas that were utilized

by Bugatti engineers to allow the car to achieve such a high rate of speed. Venet’s concept was one that the numbers appear to be swept away by the high speed of the car, which is why the Bugatti

exterior also fades from copper to a dark brown.

These formulas are not just on the outside of the car, but also on the interior as well. The attention to detail on this one-of-a-kind car is truly remarkable.

I have seen nearly fifty Bugatti Veyrons since the car was introduced in 2005 and I must say that this is by far the most unique one I have photographed. This Bugatti has since left the art gallery but hopefully some day you will have the opportunity to view it in person. The folks at the Ace Gallery are absolutely fantastic. I recommend visiting the Ace Gallery. Their address is 9430 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills 90212. Admission and parking are free, too!

A photo Submission from Ian Demroff

One of the greatest parts about publishing Driven World magazine is that I get to share stories and photos from my fellow car enthusiasts. Ian Demroff has been documenting the car community for years and I am happy to share some of his photographs from a recent Supercar Sunday and a drive with the Classic Chevy Club to Lavaggio.

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A Car Guy Goes to Italy Part 2

The city of Florence, gateway to Tuscany, was the focal point of this car guy’s trip to Italy.

We’ve had the good fortune of visiting on several occasions before, but only for one to two days. This time, we decided to rent an apartment for three weeks and use that as our base of operations to explore the surrounding areas with overnight trips by train to Bologna, Siena, Lucca, and Cinque Terra.

(Yes, Bologna is near Modena, which is in the same region as Maranello and Sant’Agata, so get ready for more on Ferrari and Lamborghini next month.)

Anyone who has ever been to Italy has one or two favorite cities, which invariably include Florence. Everywhere you look—the buildings, the roads and walkways, the bridges and riverside—is breathtaking. To think that this was all planned and built centuries ago and then re-defined by the Medici family during the Renaissance is mind-boggling.

Story & Photos by: Scott Martin

Italy Continued

We had chosen an apartment outside of city center and across the Arno River so we could feel more relaxed. Through trial and error, we actually mastered the local transportation system. But the one thing I never got used to was riding on a full-size bus down a one-way, cobblestone street at about 60 miles per hour with the driver’s foot nowhere near the brake pedal—all the while dodging dozens of motor bikes going the same speed and cars parked on both sides! Although we had our Fiat 500 in the city, it was best to leave it parked and take public transport because most of the places we wanted to visit were in the historic city center, which is restricted for everyone but taxi drivers and residential or business permit holders.

Even where the streets are accessible, it is almost impossible to find a place to park (see the photo of one of my more successful parking attempts… not bad for a turista!)

Through necessity, the majority of the cars in Europe are smaller on average than in the states. Especially when driving around in a city like Florence, you can really appreciate the size advantage on the narrower roads. As opposed to cities like Los Angeles, you will not see many supercars on the streets, nor will you see many SUVs, especially large ones, or bigger luxury cars,

such as Porsche Panameras or Audi A8s. No, the rule of the road there is Smartcar, Fiat, compact hatchbacks or wagons, mini cargovans and motor scooters. The photos of mini-cars and scooters parked on the side of the Medieval and Renaissance-age roads really tell the story.

Since much of the most influential Italian food originated from the nearby Tuscan area of the country, eating in Florence is like heaven on earth. The variety of bar/caffes, trattorias (inexpensive, informal), restaurantes (sit-down full service), pizzerias, osterias (simple food of the region), rosticcerias (fast food or take away), birrerias (beer bars), and, of course, gelaterias (gelato or ices and ice cream shops) is amazing.

Although everyone in Italy tells you the economy is bad, each one of these places is filled to capacity at all hours of the day and night. We were also able to visit some of the outlying areas of the city such as Fiesole, known for its ancient origins and incredible views of the city. After touring the Etruscan ruins (see amphitheater and artifact from 600 BC), we had an incredible meal at a royal villa-turned-hotel overlooking all of Florence.

Starting with authentic bread and tomato soup, we moved on to fresh gnocchi with basil and cherry tomatoes in a white sauce with very fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, followed by slowroasted Cinghiale (wild boar) with a mushroom medley and white truffles. As with every meal, we capped it all off with a double (pronounced dublay) Espresso.

Besides all the restaurants, trattorias, and bars, I was treated to some amazing homecooked Italian meals.

On a couple of occasions, my wife, Tobi, and I travelled by bus to the Mercato Centrale di Fiorenze (central market) which has been in existence for hundreds of years (since 1874 in the “new” building).

There, we bought fresh produce, herbs, local olive oil and balsamic plus fresh pasta and bread. I knew I was in for a treat because Tobi is a professional cook, and she did not disappoint. We got to use our balcony and ate al fresco to the sound of church bells in the distance with the sun setting behind the hills. Topped off, of course, by the perfect local Italian wine selections.

Although the main focus of our trip was cars and cuisine, we would have been negligent to leave out the museums and art of Florence. Originally designed by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo Medici to be used by magistrates, the Uffizi (“offices”) developed into one of the major art museums in the world since opening to the public in 1765 and houses hundreds of important pieces of artwork including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo, and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci.

Probably the most famous statue in the world, David by Michelangelo, stands in the Galleria dell’Accademia. We were lucky to find out about a special “Appertivo with David” event where we were two of only 40 people in attendance instead of the usual thousands. The amazing Bargello, Palazzo Vecchio, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens are major draws for art lovers from around the world. All of these places contribute to Florence’s status as one of the top 50 tourist destinations every year (not to mention their roles in Dan Brown’s books). In addition, because religion has been the focus of life in Italy, every church is literally a work of art inside and out. Two of the primary examples are the mega-sized Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce (pictured), also known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories” because luminaries including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, and Machiavelli

are buried there.

No description of Florence is complete without mentioning the iconic Ponte Vecchio, or “Old Bridge,” that stretches over the Arno River with shops built on it. Its shops mainly function as jewelry stores now, but many people do not know that butchers monopolized the bridge from 1442 to 1593. After the Medici Grand Dukes had Giorgio Vasari build a private corridor atop the bridge to connect Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace across the Arno, they banned the butcher

shops due to the bad smell and the gold merchants moved in. In Dan Brown’s book Inferno, art history professor Robert Langdon together with Dr. Sienna Brooks escape from soldiers who follow them through the Vasari Corridor.

In the next issue of Driven World, I will take you to supercar centrale or, as the Italians call it, “The Capital of Engines,” in the areas surrounding Modena where you will find Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Maserati. Until then, arrivederci!

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race Series Comes to North America Story and Photography by Greg Grudt

For the first time ever, North Americans had the opportunity to view the Super Trofeo race series. With five locations in North America, we were extremely fortunate that the tour made a stop at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. With this track only an hour-and-a-half away, I was eager to make it to the race because the occasion had never presented itself before. This particular race series doesn’t draw as many fans as NASCAR or F1, but all those in attendance were definitely true car enthusiasts.

There were quite a few Supercar Sunday regulars in attendance including Bruce Jenner, who owns a Super Trofeo and raced the car for

the Jenner Racing team. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, was also in attendance. He spoke during the press conference and was seen in the hospitality tent mingling with Lamborghini owners and enthusiasts. The hospitality tent was set up in the paddock area and was a nice place to catch some shade or grab a bite to eat and beverage from the open bar.

Some of the local dealerships held drives out to the race so the spectator lot was full of Lamborghinis! Outside the hospitality tent there were some very special Lamborghinis.

There was a Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50°

Anniversario Edition, 1 of just 100 ever made.

This particular car was painted in Giallo Maggio (a highlighter yellow). It looked absolutely stunning next to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse which is 1 of 50 to be made. There was also a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse in the parking lot. The Bugatti seemed a bit out of place at a Lamborghini event, but hey I am not complaining. The new owner threw the keys to Bruce Jenner’s daughter, Kendall, for a quick spin around the parking lot, which she seemed to enjoy. There were roughly twenty other Lamborghinis ranging from Gallardos to Aventadors in the spectator lot for enthusiasts to appreciate.

During the course of the day, the Super Trofeos completed practice and qualifying laps before the big race at 4:00. I captured photos at different locations on the track—many times shooting through small holes in the fence that my lenses barely fit through. I have always enjoyed shooting at different race tracks throughout the years.

The race started a few minutes late and

a dozen or so Super Trofeos hit the throttles and sped off. The unforgettable sound of a dozen V10 Lamborghinis was amazing! The race lasted approximately one hour. I made sure to hit different portions of the track to insure the best possible photos during the duration of the race. The sun was pretty harsh so many of the spots where I shot earlier in the day were no longer options. I missed photographs at the finish line because I

was shooting the end of the race on the other side of the track.

Overall it was an amazing day and a very rare opportunity to see the Super Trofeo race cars in action in the United States. I walked so many miles that day around the track but, thankfully, it was worth it. I am already looking forward to next year!

Seven Stock

Story and Photography by Alan Gonick

For those who don’t realize that there are still quite a few rotary-powered cars on the road, the annual meeting of anti-piston loyalist “Seven Stock” would be an eye opening experience.

Mazda groupies started meeting as a BBQ in 1998 and each year the event grew.

Some of the recent locations have been at Mazda North America in Irvine, the Fairplex in Pomona, and Willow Springs International Raceway where, for the first time in Seven Stock history, true believers got to see the cars they day dream about run at speed.

The 16th Seven Stock took place on November 9, at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. For those who lived through the 1970’s and 1980’s and remember when the rotary was the de facto engine for all Mazda cars and trucks, there was every model represented: R1000, RX2s, RX3s (wagons), RX4s, RX8s, Cosmos, pickup trucks, and RX7s. There was also a Suzuki Rotary bike in attendance! The back pits of the raceway became the home for all the proud owners to show off their rotary powered gems.

All together, an estimated 400 cars and 3,000 attendees participated in this year’s event. A return appearance of three historic, factorysupported race cars—the 1991 GTO 4 rotor RX 7, the 7B7B Le Mans car (show only), and 1992 Sebring racer RX-792P—were all there. Long rows of vendors showing their wares were also there to help keep the vintage rotary cars on the road Did I also mention music and food trucks?

Just after noon a spectacularly loud roar could be heard through the pits and around the track as fans were treated to the sound of Mazda’s racing history. The 4 rotor and the RX-792P diced for a few laps with other rotary,

track only, race cars. A co-organization Speed Ventures also populated the track to add some additional race action. Mazda fans could also watch a group of (piston engine) Miatas brawling with each other.

So when you catch a fleeting glimpse or hear a strange revving and backfire, it’s not the spark of high heel boys… it may be a vintage Japanese rotary traveling to the next Seven Stock.

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Car Culture

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Mark Llewellyn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tin Can Toys!

If you were a child in the 50’s or 60’s, the chances are you owned some type of battery operated tin toy.

There were character toys, holiday toys, and vehicle toys! Most of these toys were produced in Japan. After World War II ended, the treaty with the Japanese limited the type of items that the country could produce. With a strong sense of ingenuity and work ethic, they became the premier manufacturer of inexpensive toys after the war. Soon the toys they produced had multi functions. They would move, make sounds, and have flashing lights. The majority of components used were tin. Since resources in Japan were very limited after the war, much of the tin used was from old food cans. Many of these toys if taken apart reveal names like “Hunt’s” or “Dole”. These toys were fragile to say the least. They had multi colored lithographics, plastic parts, and rubber tires. It did not take long for plastic parts to break off and batteries to wear down. A toy left in the rain was “rust” the next day.

Not a lot of these toys survived. Japan has a tin toy museum, which preserves and restores these classic toys. Many books can be found on these and there is a high cash value on many. Have you been good this year? Maybe Santa will leave one of these under your tree!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Leon’s Transmissions!

www.LeonsTransmission.com

Heros...they last a lifetime

It’s been two years since the documentary was released, and it’s been very nearly twenty since the horrific accident that ended the life of, and robbed the world of the incredible talent of Ayrton Senna da Silva.

I finally watched the film, and the memory of that weekend was fresh in my mind.

I was late to the F1 party because it was almost never aired in the US, except for the odd race on cable, of which my house was devoid. I discovered F1 at age fourteen during a visit to see my friend, Pasha, in Switzerland. I was hooked. F1 was on a different level than anything going on in the US. I only had to watch five minutes to realize that the cars were simply lighter, more responsive, and far more sophisticated than the Champ Cars to which I was accustomed. The aggression and talent of the drivers shone through as well. F1 made NASCAR and CART look lazy.

I can’t remember where the first race I watched took place but I remember that Senna won. Pasha told me that he almost always won.

It was 1991 and Senna was at the height of his career, though arguably not his powers. Pasha was a huge fan and I rapidly became one.

When I got home from Switzerland, I had F1 firmly on the brain. The problem was that my parents still refused to pay for cable (I had a deprived childhood) and the racing I had come to love became something I experienced secondhand, through reports in magazines. Road & Track provided the first bits of coverage but then I

Story by Brooks Smith

found Autosport, which brought real analysis and extended articles. Features in Car, Motorsport, and occasionally Performance Car gave insight into not only the sport, but vehicle dynamics in general. They brought education and drama.

It was now 1992-3 and McLaren was firmly outclassed by Williams. First Nigel Mansell, and then Alain Prost, would take titles with relative ease. I would rapidly learn the addictive agony of rooting for underdogs. Much to the annoyance of the staff, I made a weekly trip to the fancy bookstore at the mall and spent an hour reading through magazines I couldn’t afford, looking for information on F1 races that were, at best, two weeks old.

Though Senna’s brilliance hadn’t dimmed, Williams’ mastery of active ride and traction control were too great a gulf for even his talent. I remember an article in Car stating that he would rather commit suicide than allow himself to be passed. It was accompanied by a cartoon of Senna holding a toaster outside his cockpit, threatening to jam a fork into it. These days, I find that image chilling. If you watch some footage of the 1993 South African Grand Prix, you’ll see what I mean.

It was with hope that I read Senna had left McLaren for the 1994 season, signing to Williams. That hope was demolished the instant the FIA banned all driver aides. Williams’ FW16 was designed for those systems. Without them, the chassis was too twitchy for any driver to master

for more than a few laps. Ayrton took pole in the first two races, spun in the first, and crashed out of the second.

Then came Imola.

I didn’t see anything of the race weekend. My father called to tell me. I didn’t believe him.

I’ve lost two heroes. First, my grandfather, to lung cancer. In some ways, I felt Senna’s loss more. He was the hero I chose. The one I followed purely out of natural admiration. I’ve never really had another one. Schumacher was too cold and had too great an advantage at Ferrari to inspire much in the way of my devotion.

The current top drivers all have their fans. Kimi Raikkonen has the most charisma.

My favorite, however, is Alonso. At Renault, with all the advantages, I wasn’t so sure. After years of watching him make the best of bad situations at McLaren and Ferrari, I’ve come to admire his fighting spirit. I may, though, simply be too old to see a young driver as anything but a kid. But he reminds me of Ayrton. I wasn’t aware of Senna when he was winning. It was only later, watching him fight desperately against the odds—and occasionally triumph if only for half a race—when I became a fan. I hadn’t really thought until right now about how much that may define my world view, my values. I owe him a debt for that.

I may never have another hero. Fortunately, the first one may have been enough.

Valley Indoor RV Storage www.valleyindoorrvstorage.com

818-STORE-RV Classic & Exotic Car Storage

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

Cars For Sale

1961 Ford F100 Unibody Rare CA black plate truck, only built from 1961-63. 460 Motor with 80,000 miles, c6 trans. Lowered with

adjustable air shocks in rear. New battery, radiator, tubbed in rear.

Asking: $18,500. Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup

Offering this 1932 Chevrolet all steel Hi-Boy roadster built by Gene Vredenbergh, retired executive from General Motors. Featured in the Aug. 2002 Street Rodder Magazine. This is a full custom frame and chassis. Steel EMI body with rumble seat converted to trunk by Dick “Magoo” Megugorac.

Custom hood by Magoo.

The engine is a Chevy 4.3L V6 fitted with a B&M Blower, Holley 600CFM Carb, GM Splayed-Valve Covers (for Indianapolis competition), Crane Cam and Isky roller Rockers.

Transmission is a ‘88 Chevy Camaro

5-speed. Cusotm interior and lift off top by Mike Harper Interiors. Custom Dash, VDO gauges, Ron Francis wiring. Budnik Wheels and Goodyear Tires. The undercarriage is as detailed as the rest of the Hi-boy. All records.

Asking $60,000.00 Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

This 1997 Ford Mustang was built right! Bored and stroked to over 300 CI by Nelson Racing, all forged internals, billet cams, Vortech V2 Supercharger, Art Carr transmission, upgraded brakes, suspension, Basani exhaust, heads ported and polished, all ARP studs, Cold air intake, Canton oil pan and windage tray, MEZ Water pump, Ford racing headers, BBK Valve Covers, back up camera, Carbon

hood and wing (currently off the car) and so much more. Receipts for all work on hand. Clean title. Tuned for street driving. Over $45k invested in build alone. This would be a great street/race car or pull the drivetrain for your own project. Great platform to your pro-touring Mustang swap.

Asking $17,500.00 Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

8

www.drivenworld.com

Art Center Car Classic 2013 Story by Mike Grudt and Photos by Greg Grudt

Congratulations to our own Gary Wales for winning “People’s Choice” with his 1917 La Bestioni Boat Tail Speedster.

Last month I finally had the good fortune to view an actual Tyrrell P34 6-wheeled F1 car from the 70’s. Since the first race appearance at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1976 this car has been described as one of the most radical designs in racing history. I remember a couple of other radical departures in race car design during my life: the Indy turbine car of 1967 driven by Parnelli Jones and the mid-engine Top Fuel dragster designed, built, and raced by “Big Daddy” Don Garlits starting in 1971. Some designs work and some don’t. This brings me to my story of the recent Car Classic 2013 Car Show that my son Greg and I attended.

The annual Car Classic show at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena is not the largest car show of the year but it is definitely the most unique. The college is a beautiful campus tucked in the hills above the Rose Bowl (Go

Bruins! Sorry Trojans, I just couldn’t resist). Virtually every major car manufacturer currently employs or has previously hired designers who graduated from this campus. The alumni from this school have greatly influenced car design over the past few decades.

At this event Greg and I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Brock (who, by the way, is extremely friendly and very nice to talk to). He attended this school in the 1950’s and became the youngest designer at General Motors.

During his tenure at GM he penned a sketch that ultimately became the Corvette Sting Ray. Documenting Peter’s career could literally fill a book (in fact, he had his book available at the event) so I’ll keep it short. Peter left GM and became involved with Carroll Shelby as his first, paid employee. He designed numerous vehicles including the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe,

which won the World GT Championship in 1965. Peter also brought a very cool car trailer he designed called the Aerovault. This is sort of an Airstream-style single car hauler.

Another famous Art Center alumnus who was present at the event was Tom Peters, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

He designed the first Saturn prototype, the XLR Cadillac Roadster, the C6 Corvette, and, last but far from least, the 2014 Stingray. I spoke to him briefly and he let me sit in a yellow 2014 Stingray (my next car?). Tom said: “Bringing the Stingray back has been a personal goal of mine for well over a decade. Our team knew the Stingray name would have to be earned and deliver an incredible, purposeful visual impact—just as the original did in 1963”.

There were a number of other unique vehicles at this show: a beautiful, white

Lamborghini Miura and the original Chevrolet XP-755 concept car from 1961, known as the Mako Shark. I have seen pictures through the years, but it was really nice to see the real deal.

Of course Bruce Meyer was there (what is a car show without Bruce?). He brought a 1929 Bentley 4.5 liter Tourer by Vanden Plas. As usual, Bruce actually drove the rare vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no trailer queens for him. Jay Leno also attended and drove his black McLaren F1 to the event so I finally got to see this amazingly rare car in person. As you all know Jay is a true car guy and will not hesitate to talk to anybody or pose for photo opportunities.

Please enjoy more of Gregâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos from this event at www.exoticcarfotos.comw

Supercar Sunday GT Marque

If you have yet to attend Supercar Sunday, there is something wonderful that you might notice on your first visit and that is: we are truly a family. Every Sunday for the past thirteen years or so, we get together and share our passions, energies, friendship, and ideas. This is a community that has become a family.

Every week, the Supercar Sunday family continues to grow. It is always great to see new entrants pulling up in cars or being born (see below).

Some people think Supercar Sunday is just a car show but it is truly so much more. It is a community and a wonderful one at that!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Girl!

We would like to extend warm wishes to Aubrey and Matthew Duclos on the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Bianca Duclos, who was born November 16, 2013. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to meet her at her first Supercar Sunday!

December Calendar of Events

1 Sun Long Beach - Hi-Performance Swap Meet & Car Show - Veterans Stadium. Vintage, Classic & Hi Performance trucks. New/used/vintage/parts/cars/accessories, www.toppingevents.com or 800-762-9785 4 Wed Pomona- Prolong’s Twilight Cruise Night ; NHRA Museum 1101 W. McKinley Ave; 4PM - 8PM, www.calrods.com 6 Fri Mission Hills – First Friday Niter, Santa Monica Sports Car Club/SCCA Navigation Rally, BofA rear lot, NE corner Devonshire and Sepulveda, 7PM, Info: 310-372-7168, 818-986-4565, http://ffn.smscc.org 7-8 Sat Sun Desert Center-Arse-Freeze-Apalooza (24 hours of Lemons), Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, www.24hoursoflemons.com 7 Sat Burbank – Autobooks open 9AM! George Follmer, American Wheelman, book signing 10 -2 Free coffee and Donuts, 2900 W. Magnolia. 818-845-0707 Ventura-Ventura Auto Swap Meet, Hot Rods and Harleys, 7AM-3PM Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd, oldparts62@yahoo.com, 714 276-3859 Irwindale - Mooneyes Xmas Party Show & Drags - Irwindale Speedway - 6AM, www.mooneyesusa.net Ontario - 15th Annual Christmas on Euclid Show, Shine & Shop - Euclid Ave. - 9AM - 2PM 91 206-5731 Redondo Beach - 6th Annual Cruise at the Beach Christmas Car Show –Ruby’s 245 N. Harbor Dr. - 9AM - 3PM 310 376-7829 8 Sun Pomona-Pomona Car show & Swap Meet Fairplex, Info @ www.pomonaswapmeet.com La Habra - 3rd Annual Santa Cause Classics & Customs for Kids - 777 S. Harbor Blvd. - 9AM - 1:30PM www.lahabralions.com San Diego - 28th Annual Christmas Cruise for the Kids - 3710 Del Mar Heights Rd. - 8AM - 2PM 858 566-8629 14 Sat Burbank – Autobooks open 9AM! John Morton, Inside Shelby American, book signing, 10 - 2, Free coffee and Donuts, 2900 W. Magnolia. 818-845-0707 15 Sun Buena Park-Picker’s Paradise Automotive Swap Meet, Elks Lodge 7212 Melrose St, 8am-1pm, 714-299-1776 21 Sat Burbank – Autobooks open 9AM! , Jimmy and Me, Lew Bracker book signing, 10 - 2 Free coffee and Donuts, 2900 W. Magnolia. 818-845-0707 22 Sun Long Beach–Cycle Show & Swap @ Veterans Stadium Motorcycles & bicycles. Buy/sell/trade.vintage/parts/bikes/accessories. www.toppingevents.com, or 800-762-9785 28 Sat Burbank – Autobooks open 9AM! Free coffee and Donuts, 2900 W. Magnolia. 818-845-0707 Sun 29 Los Angeles -Petersen Museum Breakfast Club Cruise-In 9:00 - 12:00 Bring any special interest car, truck motorcycle or scooter and get free parking and 2 for 1 admission to the Petersen. www.petersen.org

Supercar Sunday: Every Sunday 7-10am Supercarsunday.com

Jeff Dunham Brings a Boat to Supercar Sunday

Photos by Duane Steiner

All sorts of amazing vehicles show up at Supercar Sunday—cars valued in the millions, race cars, and so on and so forth. This is why we call it, “Supercar Sunday!” One of the Supercar Sunday regulars is comedian Jeff Dunham and I really never know what he is going to pull up in—perhaps the Batmobile, perhaps a Hummer, perhaps a boat!

Recently, Jeff mentioned that he was going to bring something that had never been seen before at Supercar Sunday. I kind of rolled my eyes because I have been doing this for a long time and I was thinking, “Yeah, I’ve heard that before.”

But then Jeff arrived driving a 1964 Amphicar!

He sure did bring something that had never been

there before.

This particular Amphicar is amazing because it’s completely unrestored.

Jeff explained, “When I got it, the only thing we did was change out a few hoses and belts and have the tranny worked on. It had been a one-family vehicle. The guy who sold it to me was fourteen years old when his father bought it off the lot in Kentucky in 1964. I have the original, signed receipt and all car documents, manuals, etc.”

Interestingly, it has to be registered as both a car and a sea vessel (you can see the boat registration numbers on the side.) Just before theAmphicar’s appearance at Supercar Sunday, Jeff and his wife, Audrey, took it boating on Lake Castaic—a maiden voyage.

In Memorium

The car community has lost one of our own. Victor Gutierrez Escalona was born on November 9, 1993 and had recently graduated from highschool. He was a devoted car enthusiast and member of the Stang Club who tragically passed away in an accident.

Victor’s father remembers that his son fell in love with cars as a young child when he received his first toy firetruck from Santa Claus.

By the time Victor was 15 years old he started working at a car wash just so he could be around cars—one time he even got stuck inside a limousine he was cleaning and the driver didn’t realize until they had driven miles away from the car wash. Victor was mad but then he had a couple of laughs and got over it! Everyone will remember that Victor always had a smile on his face. His mother says that “Vichito”taught her to live without rushing, without anger, without hostility,and with a lot of patience.

Victor’s family remembers how excited he was when someone left aninvitation to join the Stang Club on his white Mustang—his smile grew three times bigger. In memory of Victor, his fellow club members organized a drive after a recent Supercar Sunday.

Victor will be missed by all who knew him and especially by his loving family. As his sister says, “No te digo adios, sino hasta pronto,” which means, “I don't say goodbye; I say see you later.”

Sunday, May 4th, 2014

Save the Date for one of the Largest Car Shows in the Valley!

Over 30 years and running.

At Rancho San Antonio Boys Town in Chatsworth.

All Makes and Models Welcome The 32nd Classic Chevy Show is to benefit Rancho San Antonio Boys Town. www.yesterdayschevrolet.com Show info: Jerome Real409@aol.com 818.259.1964

For sponsorship, vendor & booth space: Benn: 818.635.4142