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Horsepower. Power adders. losing something. It is so interesting. I remember I think we have all seen those hot rod pictures from the past where there are my first car. It was a 1992 Z28 four or five guys working on a car. You know the black and white picture. Maybe Camaro with a LT-1 Corvette they have a beer in their hands. Long afternoons and evenings in a garage with motor. It was black with a grey your pals, turning wrenches, telling lies and dreaming. interior and T-tops. At seventeen My friend Brian had a neighbor named Scott who was into cars. Some of At The Auto wetearing like years old, I had a really nice car. the stories Brian tells about him and Scott, painting cars Gallery, in the garage, Really nice. stuff apart, having beers, when he tells the stories, he lights up like he was a kid to listen to our customers. My grandmother promised again. Although they live thousands ofOur miles2013 apart, they are still great friends. Customer both my brother and I a car when And both still car guys. Satisfaction Survey results Canoga Park Van Nuys we turned sixteen. Lance, two There are so many lessons that get passed on in a garage setting. The biggest told us that the and a half years older than me lesson is that you can do it. It is just nuts and bolts...right. It number is just metal and one complaint amongst Woodland Hills ended up with a twenty-fifth wiring. I remember when I got into cars, I didn’t know anything. Zero. our Man was the anniversary Mustang GT, 5.0 I have learned a lot. All because of my owners friends. First they havelack been so kind to with a 5 speed and a sun roof. Lance and my dad went back to Detroit to help me, but it was almost like they were a torch of knowledge ofpassing convenience of our to me, that get the car, where my grandmother lived. They drove it back, cross country. someone had passed to them. service locations. It must have been a really amazing father and son adventure. I remember And yes, I have gotten yelled at, laughed at, screamed at by my friends some story about a semi-truck and my brother driving.... helping me when they are shocked at how I did something or tried to do Calabasas If it were not for my grandmother coming through on her promise to something, but then they help me do it right. A right of passage. buy us cars, it would be safe to say we probably wouldn't have had a first car If you asked me who could tune a carburetor these days, well, I have only a at sixteen years old. If we did, it definitely would not have been a brand new few guys to call. Most shops won’t work on or don’t want to work on the older car, let alone a sports car. cars. It is simply more work than they are accustomed to and it is easier to hook That Mustang and that Camaro. The 1989 Mustang 5.0 GT came up a computer and read a screen. Some of the old technicians I speak to say that with a whopping 225 horsepower. It seemed mysteriously fast. The Z28 the mechanics schools aren't teaching mechanics, but rather how to change parts. with the LT-1 350 Tune Port Injected motor came with an astounding 245 That the artHills of being a mechanic is being lost. I cannot speak to that, but I am Beverly horsepower. Back then, two-chambered FlowMaster Mufflers were the always amazed by guys who really know how to work two on cars. Introducing new drop-off West LA standard and if you were a little wild, you would get rid of the Catalytic Recently I saw a young man on points Facebookin tearing apart 2001 AudiNuys. S4 West LAhis and Van Converters. Man those cars were fast. Not even 250hp. Avant (wagon) to throw on some go fast parts. He had about four of his friends, The concept of speed has become somewhat distorted in my opinion. the cherry picker and they were knee deep in it. I had an Audi S4 Avant, and When a 2017 V6 Mustang is standard with 300 horsepower, my days of a I didn’t want to pull it apart. Good grief, that is a job. I saw his picture, I saw fast Camaro seem really outdated. A little four-cylinder turbo import car his excitement, his commitment, his friends with him, it made me so happy. He comes with over 300 horsepower...well, things have changed. was going for it. He is not a mechanic, but he will be. He will have so much Struggling for horsepower. I suppose the same technology that Santa resapesMonica more confidence for having the courage and guts to pull that Audi apart. I can so much of our communication and our lives has also changed the “car guy.” just imagine that sense of pride when they start that car up. I bet they all laugh Away with carburetors and the guys that knew how to tune them and in and hug and high-five. Maybe they go out to eat and have a beer. They will have with programmers. Jets and floats are now software updates. Turning the done it. And, they might just talk about it for the rest of their lives. “I remember distributor is now pressing a button on a keyboard. Plug and play rules the when...” day. As our culture is changing, I fear that one of the most important parts of it is I once sold a 1967 Belvedere. It was a car I bought to learn on and then being lost. The time in the garage with friends. The passing on of knowledge and sites into Calabasas, flip. It had a 400cu in engine and it just didn't run right. I couldn’t seem to experience. The long hours trying toWith get something work that then Canoga gives you a Park, Woodland get it tuned right. I tried everything. It started and ran but there was a total greater appreciation for effort, yours and others. There haveHills, been soVan manyNuys, things lack of power. In any event, the guy that bought it asked me to start it up. that I have learned from others and they learnedHills, from others; Beverly Westfrom LA,their anddads, He listened for about thirty seconds and then told me that my firing order their uncles and so on. And now, I fear that so much of ityou will be lost,have including Santa Monica, now was wrong. He asked if I could “hear it?” I couldn’t. the bond. The bond between car guys and car gals that can be life lasting. I fear a choice of location to use. It is pretty amazing that you can buy a current 5.0 Mustang, throw a that we may just be losing that. As cars become more sophisticated, I fear that we supercharger or turbo on it, maybe a more radical Camshaft, and a tune and might become a little less sophisticated with our mechanical knowledge and time be at over 700hp. All the while the car is street-able and possibly pass all spent together sharing that knowledge. emission requirements. Think about it. For under $10,000.00 of aftermarket Also, there is the appreciation. Until you build a car or pull an engine or parts, you can have a car that is over seven hundred crank horsepower. The paint a car...you really don’t know what it entails. You might think you do, but same goes for a Camaro. As for the Diesel trucks, it is currently a race to man, until you do it...you really don’t know. Appreciation is another gift. Being the 1,000 lb/ft of torque and 500+ hp. Stock! The domestic manufacturers able to look at a car or anything for that matter and to understand the knowledge, are racing to hit that magical thousand torque from the factory. So after experience, effort, time and monty that went into something... a car, a house, a the modifiers and tuners get their hands on the trucks and play with them, painting, a business. Understanding what it took and being able to look into it is safe to say that you might not be so safe in your sports car getting on a someone's eyes and say “well done,” well, it means a little more when you have freeway on ramp with a diesel truck next to you. been there and done it, I believe. To make your next service I bet if you told a guy in the 90s that a factory diesel truck would appointment and arrange a someday be at 1,000 ft/lb of torque, they would tell you that you were nuts. As I get older and reflect more, the best times I have had are with the ones drop off point that best suits It would never happen, would be way too expensive, the transmission could I love. My family and friends. We share so much including knowledge. I hope Irene at not take it, the mileage would be horrible, the emissions wouldn’t pass and it as cars get faster and faster from the you. factory,Call we don’t loseVelazquez what we have learned, (818) 932-1707 or email would not be reliable. The future is now. what we share and that intimacy with our cars that comes from greasy hands, long irenev@theautogallery.com. Technology. Listen, we all use it, we have to love it right. Turning up hours and friends. Now go take something apart...and call a friend to help you! boost and timing does add a lot and very easy. Plug the little gizmo into your PCM and change some settings and it is off to the races. But, I fear we are
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drivenworld ISSUE 131 DEC 2020 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dustin Troyan ART DIRECTOR Staff COPY EDITOR Heather Troyan DESIGN Connected Media Group CONTRIBUTORS Dustin Troyan Gwen Banta Hot Rod Jay Santos Mark Llewellyn Steve Geldman Tory Herald Greg Grudt Mike Grudt Tommy Huth McCollough GM Doug Campbell
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ON THE COVER: 2019 26th Annual Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance Photo by Steve Geldman
Can One Click of a Butt ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY HOT ROD JAY SANTOS
There are significant times in our lives that create incredible memories or change the direction in which we go. Such as the birth of your first child, reaching a lifelong goal, completing something that you never thought you would or simply finding peace within yourself. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience these amazing moments and always continue to search out new challenges and memories. My passion and involvement within the car community has brought me countless new friends, associates and experiences. As we come to the end of another year, I can’t help but think, “How did I get here?” Was it by luck, a big life plan, or simply fate? As I contemplate these questions I’ve come to one simple explanation, it was one click of a button. Let me explain… My mother was born in Arizona and my father in Colorado. They were introduced by my dads best friend Ernie. Ultimately Ernie became my uncle after the both of them returned from serving in the Army during the Korean War. From what I remember, I can only recall my father talking about his experience in the war one time. He showed me the scars on his lower stomach and legs that he received from shrapnel from a hand grenade. I asked him if it was painful and what it was like in Korea. He
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simply said, "It burned a lot and the weather was very cold!" I must thank my father, brother and all the women and men who have, are and will be serving in our military. Without all of you, all our lives would surely be different. Thank you. My mother and father were always planners. They looked at the big picture and planned accordingly. My dads first and only job was working at McDonnel Douglas Aircraft doing chrome plating. He got the job right after returning from Korea by luck. His sister was the secretary for the president of the company and she was able to get him right in! (He ended up working there for over 40 years before retiring) My mom took care of my oldest brother, and they all live in Santa Monica right down the street from my dads work. They were planning on having more children and started looking in the surrounding areas as well as a new area called the San Fernando Valley. Because my dad would be commuting to work with their only car, they needed to find a house that was centrally located to schools, stores and a hospital. Welcome to “Woodland Hills”. My parents bought the second house built in a housing development that is now know as “Carlton Terrace”. Woodland Hills, which
was originally named “Girard”, was incorporated into Los Angeles in 1945, offered everything that my parents were looking for. When my parents purchased the house, there were only two houses on the street. (to give you a better perspective, there’s now 50 homes on the street!) My oldest brother was the only child at that time and would wander off behind the house into the empty fields. Luckily he would be brought back home by the sheepherders. Funny now to think of that because the sheepherders always knew where he lived – of course they knew where he lived! There were only two houses on the whole block. If you read my articles frequently, then you would know that my parent’s decision to move to Woodland Hills would ultimately shape my car obsession. Our soon to be neighbors, “The Wagoner’s” were the spark towards my love of cars. As I said earlier, my parents were planners. As I got older and actually paid attention to them, they had a spontaneous side as well. It wasn’t uncommon that on a Sunday night they would announce to my brother, sisters and me, “Everyone start packing clothes, because we’re going to Yosemite tomorrow!” I’m happy to say that I’ve inherited a lot of their traits. About 11 years ago I was sitting
at a computer just like the one I’m sitting at right now. At the time, I was heavily into Harleys and was a member of a well-known motorcycle club. I also had a great passion for speedboats. Ironically, I really wasn’t even interested in cars anymore. I still owned my 1967 Mustang, but I never attended car shows. Unfortunately, I was just burned out. Then unexpectedly, everything would change. I really don’t know why, but I was being drawn towards Rat Rods. There was something that was so intriguing about them. Maybe it was the stripped down look or the custom fabrication. Maybe it was the simple fact that you didn’t have to wash it, or not having to worry about getting scratches or chips on the paint. Whatever it may be, I was hooked! Over the next year I searched online for the right one to buy. Now don’t get me wrong, we’ve all bought, sold and hung on to various cars throughout our lives. But I could never imagine how much this one vehicle would drastically change “my life”. Right from the very first day that the soon to be named “30 Rat” arrived on a flatbed, cars that were driving by stopped and admired the Model A. I’ve never owned anything like it, so it was quite shocking. I have to tell you, I wasn’t used to all the attention. Opportunities have a way of presenting themselves whether we
tton Change Your Life? ask for them or not. From that day on, they just kept coming! The first is quite memorable because it brought me to Supercar Sunday where I met the infamous and very likeable Dustin Troyan. Now let me ask you, “How is it possible that Dustin ended up living right around the block from my girlfriend Lisa’s house?” He had seen my various cars parked in her driveway but didn’t put two and two together. It wasn’t until one afternoon he came screaming by in his Mustang and I just happen to be outside in the front yard. He slammed on his brakes and yelled out of his window “Hey!” Once again at Supercar Sunday, I met my now good friend DJ Von Zell. He was the only other person there that had a Rat Rod. This chance meeting snowballed into some incredible opportunities. The first was a phone call I received from DJ, it went something like thisDJ -“Hey Jay, its DJ. Do you wanna be in a movie? I got a friend who needs some cool cars and we’ll get paid. Me - “Ok!” We ended up shooting for one day on a fun YouTube movie called “The Boss 2 – More Boss Than Ever”. Look it up, it was a blast! I met some great people and was offered multiple movie appearances because of it. Next, since DJ and I were the outcasts to some of the car clubs that
went to Supercar Sunday, I ended up starting my own car club, “Rock n’ Roll Hot Rods”. The birth of this club led to meeting countless great people across the U.S., Canada and Switzerland. Things just kept rolling along! Next, DJ and I attended “The Mooneyes Christmas Car Show
One night at the dragstrip, I was spotted for a T.V. commercial for Lucas Oil Products. “Lucas Oil TV Commercial, Grandma Lost”, look it up. That was a fun shoot and it aired regularly on the Fox Sports Channel. The actress that played the “Granny” role was as sweet as she looks!
and Drags” at Irwindale Dragstrip. Little did I know, this innocent event would send me in another direction it got me hooked on drag racing and every god forsaken thing that goes along with it! I’ve been competing in “The Summit Drag Racing Series now for 5 years. I have to say that my knowledge and skills involved in owning, building and racing a drag car have multiplied tenfold.
At that time, Rat Rods were pretty uncommon in Woodland Hills. So as you could imagine, wherever DJ and I would drive, it was literally a rolling circus. People yelling at us, taking video and pictures at stoplights and a few marriage proposals…ok, just kidding – no proposals! As a matter of fact, the regular readers of my articles may remember that I met “Barry, The Hat Buchanan” while driving
the “30 Rat”. If I could name all the people that I’ve met at Supercar Sunday it would surely fill an entire page. Redline Johnny, Electric Mike, Angie, JJ, Tim, Ritchie, the crew from The Hollywoodz, Len, Frank, Ronnie and Alan etc. etc. etc. It’s just amazing what a four wheel vehicle can do! As you can see, the opportunities and changes in my life have been quite astounding. Could this of happened if I bought an import? I think you know the answer to that. The point here is actually rather simple. I’ve always believed that everyone has a story. - The lady in front of you in the coffee shop. - The guy that’s next to you putting gas in his car. We all have a story. Get out there and follow your dreams. Our lives go by so quickly. Take a chance to give yourself the opportunity to experience something new. Take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on. Get that degree that you’ve thought was out of reach. Help that friend that could use a little help. Get on your computer and search out that amazing car that you’ve been dreaming of. You really just don’t know how much one click of a button can change your life. Wishing all of you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Fantastic New Year! See ya on the road!
PHOTOGRAPHER Driven World photographer Steve Geldman picked up his first 35mm film camera in the mid 70’s while starting an Engineering career within the electronic manufacturing industry. While working at local companies such as Raytheon and Micom Systems in an Engineering capacity, he also assisted with their monthly employee newsletters accepting photo assignments. In the evenings, he would then use his darkroom to develop film and enlarge photographs. As Steve puts it, it was the fun days of working with negatives, an enlarger and multiple trays filled with chemical solutions. It was much more challenging than what
STEVE GELDMAN we have today with digital photography. Wanting to earn extra money, Steve went onto starting a weekend side business, Mirror Images Photography, where he shot weddings, portraiture and sports. After entering some photography contests and winning additional photo equipment, Steve included custom picture framing to offer his clients. That ended up becoming more profitable than just the photography, so he
changed the name of the business to Image Graphics. With Engineering remaining as his main career, all this changed in 1991 after leaving corporate America and starting his own electronic component Sales Representative company (and retaining the word ‘Image’) naming it Image Associates. Now on his own and the need to be totally focused on this new sales career, Steve sold all his photography, darkroom and picture framing equipment. His total mindset remained on his rep business over the next 26 years until an opportunity arose to sell the business and ultimately plan for retirement. Retirement turned out to be only a thought. Weeks after signing the company over, Steve purchases a DSLR camera and was back into photography, only this time digital. What was planned only to get back into a missed hobby, he soon embarks on another business venture, naming it Image Photo Motorsports. With interest of motorcycles and automobiles, it was no accident this would be his new medium. After posting some automotive photos on a Porsche club Facebook website, he got the attention of a local automotive magazine publisher, Dustin Troyan. After submitting some photos taken at a recent track race, Dustin encouraged him to try his writing skills to compliment the photography. Today, Steve has written many automotive articles, some as automotive reviews, for local and national publications.
in
Steve is a member of the Motor Press Guild and works with magazine and newspaper publishers on a regular basis. Some of these include Driven World Magazine, Calabasas Style Magazine, Porsche publications, and the Acorn Newspaper. He is often spotted the Ventura and Los Angeles County areas shooting at local Cars & Coffee, on the side of a racetrack and other automotive events. For inquiries about publication or commissioned work on motorsport photography, such as automotive events including track racing, contact: steve@imagephotomotorsports.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagephotomotorsports Instagram: @imagephotomotorsports
Tips
For Maintaining & Protecting Your Ferrari From the Mattioli Automotive Group
DETAILING In addition to keeping a car looking its best, consistent detailing is an important step in protecting a vehicle’s finish. Contaminants such as dirt, pollen, tree sap, and bird droppings can scratch and deteriorate painted surfaces if left over long periods. Given the value of a Ferrari, It is important to ensure that “best practices” are followed when performing a car wash; here are just a few from Mattioli Automotive Group’s (MAG) very own detailing specialists. • Use the proper products: Ensure that the soap and other cleaning products being used have been formulated specifically for automotive use. Excessively strong chemicals and detergents will not only strip the wax off but can also dull the finish on paint and trim. • All Towels are not equal: Microfiber towels offer low friction and can absorb more than seven times their weight in water, making them less abrasive and more effective than other towels. It is best to use a separate towel for each function (i.e..washing, drying, applying chemicals, etc). Also, towels should never be used if they are contaminated or have fallen on the ground; washing your towels often will help ensure that they are free of debris. • Two bucket Technique: To help prevent the re-introduction of dirt and contaminants It is best to employ the “two bucket technique” when washing your car. One bucket should contain the diluted soap and a second bucket should have clean water. After each pass with the soap, rinse contaminants off of the sponge in the clean water before re-introducing into the soap solution again. • Nooks and Crannies: Dirt and water can gather in the seams of the doors, trunk, and hood. It is important to clean and dry these areas thoroughly to prevent dripping onto clean surfaces. • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Water evaporates quickly in direct sunlight which can result in watermarks. Is your Ferrari in need of a thorough and professional cleaning? Feel free to reach out to one of the MAG’s four service centers to schedule a complete detailing service. PROTECTIVE FILM Stones, road debris, chemical stains, and UV damage are all potential dangers when exposing your prized Ferrari to the road and the elements. But owners can save themselves from headaches and costly refinishing bills simply by installing protective film over their immaculate finish. This nearly invisible film can be applied just to the most vulnerable surfaces or the entire vehicle depending on your needs and driving habits. Protect your Ferrari against road hazards and the harsh elements before it's too late. The Mattioli Automotive Group contracts several of the top protective film installers to perform the service in our facility and can guarantee timely turnaround and flawless results. To learn more about protective film options for your Ferrari, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers. CERAMIC COATING Ceramic Coating is another popular option for protecting paint and other vehicle finishes. When compared to protective film, it can be a more comprehensive and economical alternative. Ceramic coating is a special chemical compound that is applied to various vehicle finishes to form a permanent bond with the surface. The result is a 9H+ hard coating that repels water and offers protection from UV rays, chemicals, oxidation, and corrosion. It can be applied to paint for protection against light scratches, wheels to prevent the build-up of brake dust, and glass for increased visibility in wet weather. The MAG contracts several of the top ceramic coating specialists to perform the service in our facility and we can guarantee timely turnaround and flawless results. To learn more about ceramic coating, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers.
Keep your Ferrari ready for your next drive. SKID PLATES The most common dangers for Ferrari owners are steep driveways and parking curbs. Even with the optional lifter, which is available on newer models, there are still some obstacles that are too big to maneuver over unscathed. To add protection against marring the underside of the front bumper, many owners elect to install a skid plate. This sacrificial piece of durable plastic polymer is precision cut to fit precisely on to the underside of the front bumper. The result is a nearly invisible layer of protection against costly paint and autobody repairs. To learn more about skid plates for your Ferrari, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers. Each MAG location stocks an extensive inventory of skid plates for various models and can complete the installation in a matter of hours. BATTERY MAINTINENCE The phrase “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” has never been more accurate than with regards to automotive batteries. When a battery is in a discharged state for an extended period of time the lead sulfate crystals inside the battery begin to increase in size. The bigger the crystals get, the harder they are to dissolve which ultimately blocks the chemical reaction that allows the battery to charge, and eventually leads to battery failure. For this reason, Genuine Ferrari offers Battery Re-conditioners which are designed to maintain a battery’s charge and combat the growth of sulfate crystals. A Battery Re-conditioner should be utilized any time a vehicle is parked for long periods of time. This is especially vital for new vehicles which contain more electrical components that put a drain the battery. For specific questions regarding the use of the Ferrari Battery Re-conditioners or to order one for your vehicle, feel free to reach out to one of Mattioli Automotive Group’s four service centers. "STICKY INTERIOR TRIM" Over time, environmental factors and harsh chemicals can take a toll on the interior components of a mature Ferrari resulting in sticky buttons, controls, and trim pieces. The only remedies to this condition are to replace the deteriorated components or have them re-finished. Either way, the process is very involved. Thankfully, the Mattioli Automotive Group’s service centers are very experienced with this issue and can help advise owners of their options when restoring their interior to like-new condition. If your Ferrari is in need of interior trim restoration, we invite you to reach out to one of MAG’s four service centers to learn more or schedule a service appointment.
Mattioli Automotive Group’s service centers are happy to help with any inquiries about these and other services offered to help protect and maintain your Ferrari. Ferrari South Bay Service 23305 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505 (877) 887-9183 service@ferrarisouthbay.com www.ferrarisouthbay.com M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm
Ferrari Beverly Hills Service 2110 Cotner Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90025 (888) 849-9726 service@ferraribeverlyhills.com www.ferraribeverlyhills.com M - F 7:30am - 5:00pm
Ferrari Los Angeles Service 7051 Hayvenhurst Ave. Van Nuys, Ca 91406 (888) 545-4385 service@ferrariwestlake.com www.ferrariwestlake.com M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm
Ferrari Silicon Valley Service 2750 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA (888) 875-8963 service@ferrarisiliconvalley.com www.ferrarisiliconvalley.com M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm
Oh you mean SuperTuning in the valley, yeah I know Koko. Photos and Article by Barrett Mitchell
In the mecca of car culture here in southern California there is no shortage of automotive shops attempting to sell you the latest and greatest in efforts to make your car stand out. Everyone touts they have a guy that can “totally hook you up” with whatever you need to make your car cooler, faster, and better. The problem I’ve found when going to some of these shops is that it’s difficult to put your trust in someone you don’t know based off of a referral from someone you may have just met. Now you are trusting a stranger with one of your largest investments, a car, mixed with spending your hard earned money you start to worry if they are really as good as you have been told. I had lived in the San Fernando Valley four years before I found out about Super Tuning & Performance (STP) from a buddy who recommended them to me as a place to find a Honda shift knob. I was told that it’s an exhaust and muffler shop but that the guy who runs it is big into Honda’s, and the import scene, and probably has what I’m looking for or knows someone who does. What I found was way more than I bargained for, like instantly walking in to a buddy’s garage where my friends and I would be working on our cars in the driveway. There were K series motors on the floor and rare JDM exhausts hanging from walls that were wallpapered with all the big names in the import world. The man who greeted me
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as I walked in was welding up an exhaust under a new M3 with a bit of a cholo look wearing baggy shorts with flip flops and socks who introduced himself as Koko. I told him what I was needed and he directed me to a display case to which he had exactly what I had been searching for. Most shops will happily take your money and show you the door but Koko being a true car guy was interested in what kind of Honda it would be used for and if I had any custom work done. That was the beginning of it as I followed him around under the bimmer on the lift for 30 minutes as he effortlessly laid down perfect welds while we talked about the import car scene. STP isn’t a one man show either as the shop is staffed with another gear head and tuner fan named Mark who will happily give you his two cents on anything whether you asked for it or not. Both guys are incredibly knowledgeable and have been involved in the car world for over 20 years
with some fantastic stories to tell. SuperTuning has worked on every kind of car you can imagine and like most shops sponsored a few race cars over the years. When asked how he got so deep into loving imports, with his tuned Civic EK hatch sitting a few feet away, he just laughed a little. Koko came up with the name Super Tuning Performance as a mash-up of combining two popular import magazines using Super Street and Honda Tuning. This now local legend tells me it has been a crazy ride along the way from his high school days hanging out at “Bouncers Hydraulics” to taking the leap and starting STP back in 1995. When asked what drove him to opening a garage he said it was actually at the direction of his dad who told him to open a SMOG shop. Koko not realizing the strict time frame had missed the deadline to apply and decided, “well I like working on cars so why not apply to general mechanics school in-
stead”. Since then he has had plenty of cars he helped work on grace the cover of just about every car magazine. He tells me a story about one guy who called him up from Pennsylvania who wanted some crazy custom exhaust build that no one else in his area would or could do. So of course Koko said “sure no problem”, but discounted the guy figuring no one would be crazy enough to drive or have their car hauled 3000 miles across the country just for an exhaust on a Honda Prelude. Sure enough 5 days later there was a white Prelude with Pennsylvania plates waiting out front of the shop as he arrived that morning and standing next to it a guy asking “hey, are you Koko?”. Of course there have been plenty of obstacles over the years as things didn’t fall in to place so easily, but he owes a lot of his thanks to a supportive family, his loyal friends, and his loving wife who he talks about fondly like they are still dating in high school. There are a lot more stories from both Koko and Mark who are there almost every day except Sunday wrenching or welding under every kind of car you can think of. Their main area of expertise is exhaust repair, replacement, and fabrication but they can tackle just about anything import or domestic, so if you need help with your car I’m happy to say that now I too know a guy that “can totally hook you up”.
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The Evolution of the Christmas Card The first recorded Christmas card was sent by German physician Michael Maier to King James 1 of England in 1611. Much larger than the Christmas card we are familiar with today, this card was 33” x 24”, folded into panels with a Christmas and New Year message written to the King and his son.
Over 200 years later, in 1843, the first commercially produced Christmas card appeared in the U.K. Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and inventor, collaborated with his artist friend, J.C. Horsley, creating a card that was printed on thick cardboard 5 1/8” x 3 ¼” in size. The image depicted a family celebrating Christmas, while on either side
were images of people helping the poor. The caption on read “A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year To You." Over 2000 were sold for approximately 8 cents each. In the USA, Christmas cards appeared in the late 1840’s. They were expensive, so few people were able to afford them. However, with advances in printing technol-
ogy and mail service, by the end of the 1800’s the exchange of Christmas cards had become and integral part of connecting with friends and loved ones during the holiday season. Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter and star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, is credited for creating the first “personalized” Christmas card in 1891 by having cards
made that included a photo of herself to send to her friends and family. It was in 1915 that the modern Christmas card industry likely began when the Halls brother’s company (later to become the Hallmark company) published a newly formatted holiday card - 4” wide x 6” high, folded once and inserted into an envelope. As our definition of the holidays has expanded over the years to include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the Winter Solstice, “Christmas” cards have evolved into “Holiday” cards. In ourever-changing digital world, Holiday cards continue to hold long-lasting appeal and charm. Perhaps this year, as we continue to exercise social/physical distancing protocols, the annual tradition of sending Holiday cards to our dear friends and loved ones will become even more cherished. Happy Holidays!
Gwen Banta
Tory Herald
(323) 252 1700 (310) 985 2719 Connecting the Worlds of Real Estate www.LosAngelesLuxuryHomesForSale.com
MOTOR4TOYS LOOKING BACK 2016
Article by: Dustin Troyan Photos by James Stanley & Greg Grudt
What Will The House of the Future Offer With the increasing cost of housing and the modern technology amenities expected by today’s buyers, houses of the future are expected to incorporate practical architecture, ‘Smart’ design and space efficiency.
cial, biomorphic wall skins (shapes inspired by forms found in nature) will change color depending on the weather - dark for cooling in summer and clear on dull days to maximize light.
Is Big Really Better?
Even Smarter Appliances
Increasing prices and an extreme shortage in housing underscore the need to live in smaller spaces, including modular and portable housing designs. The trend in designs of mobile houses and converted freight cars will require adaptability in a clever, practical and even luxurious way.
Appliances of the future will capitalize upon existing technologies. Built-in kitchen coffee hubs will allow you to pour a cup of your favorite brew from anywhere in your home via a smartphone app. You may already be familiar with induction hobs - stove tops that generate heat directly through the pan base to assure no energy is wasted and only ignite when the correct pan is placed on the burner, assuring maximum safety. However, there will be no need to worry when too tired to cook—robots have already been developed that will prepare dinner while you are still at the office and greet you with your favorite beverage as you walk in the door.
Ecological Housing Design Wafer thin solar-paneled roofing with rainwater channels are expected to replace the cumbersome solar panels now in use; and solar roofing advancements developed by Elon Musk have resulted in a strong and attractive solar roof tile made of glass that looks like a normal roof. According to First Street Finan-
Tech-Free Lifestyle Backlash Due to the need for a break from the increasingly fast-paced technological world we live in, the ‘tech-free living room’ concept is growing in popularity with builders and designers. (Of course you still may want that robot to pop in every now and then to deliver your beverages.) Another trend will be garages designed to convert into outdoor living rooms to expand family space. Digital Wallpaper! First Street Financial reports, “Redecorating your home will become a touch of a button with internal walls featuring digital wallpaper.” Decor can be changed whenever desired by uploading scenes from your smartphone, and advanced 3D technology will be able to turn walls into a giant cinema! Changes can be challenging, but they can also be exciting. The future is here, so hold on for the ride!
GWEN Banta (323) 252 1700
Tory Herald (310) 985 2719
Connecting the Worlds of Real Estate DRE# 01362887 & 01920423 Sotheby's International Realty
BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL Article and Photos by Steve Ellis @GetBTW
These past few months have been a whirlwind to say the least. My younger brother graduated from Texas A&M University, I screened my first feature film, which covers mental health and substance abuse in youth, in my hometown, I bought another car and have been “restoring” it, the film I’m in also screened in Houston for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals conference, where I sang the National Anthem in front of 6,000+ people, and my mother had surgery…. I’m exhausted just typing and thinking about all of that. Life comes at you in so many ways, sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes it comes at you and you just have to take a moment to step back and take a break before you re-engage. I had to apply this to my love of cars. With all of the above mentioned going on, my Facebook page was hacked, which meant that I lost access to my Stateside Skylines group, as well as lost my Behind the Wheel page. When the hack happened, I was furious, but then I realized is that sometimes you have to let things go, so that you can come back fresh. When I wrecked my car, I was furious, but I realized I was alive, no one was hurt, and that as much as I loved my car, it could be replaced. If you’re on social media as much as myself, you come across a lot of memes. There is a meme where Jesus is holding a large teddy bear and asking a little girl to let go of her little bear, with her unaware that he had a bigger better bear waiting for her. I started to think about all the things that needed to be serviced, replaced, fixed, or that I just didn’t like, that I no longer have to deal with on the new to me car. This car was also the model above my previous model, as well as came with a lot of upgrades from the factory that my previous car didn’t have. Because I couldn’t see the future and understand there was something greater, I fought to hold on to my old car. Granted my 2004 Nissan 350Z isn’t a collector’s car, it was one that I did greatly enjoy. If you go back to my previous article about “Zoey” you can see how much I enjoyed the car over the previous 8 years. However, the new to me car, is a 2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo edition, which they only made from 2007 to 2008, and here in the states we only received 1,615 models of it (that number varies depending on who you ask). By the time this article is published, I may or may not have revealed the car to my fellow car friends. I admit I have enjoyed trolling them via Facebook and Instagram keeping them guessing about what I did end up purchasing. What are my plans for the car, which I’ve yet to give a proper name? Well, since I’ve been in Los Angeles now for 7 years this coming November, I have yet to hit any of the SoCal race tracks, which is one of the first things I’d like to do once I sort some things out on the car. The last track day I attended was at Motorsports Ranch I think. I did do a drive experience at Circuit of the Americas, but I don’t count that as I wasn’t in my own car. There is a list of parts that are on order to really make this car feel familiar, and then I can’t wait to hit the track, grab a Saturday’s breakfast at Newcomb’s Ranch, a Sunday lunch at Neptune’s Net in Malibu, or of course sit in the 101 and 405 traffic as I very slowly head to a mundane location.
by Mark Llewellyn
www.LeonsTransmission.com
Fashion Freeway:
White Stripes Are In This Year Like Clothing, if we look at pictures of automobiles throughout time, we can trace automotive fashion trends. The Art Deco looks of the thirties, the fins of the fifties. But white wall tires have seemed to transcend the constraints of time and have been in use over the last eighty years! At the turn of the 1900’s all automotive, motorcycle, and bicycle tires were made with white rubber. Rubber in its natural state is white but white rubber is very slippery. To improve traction, carbon black compound was introduced in the tread section to improve traction. Eventually, all black tires were considered the “Premium Tire”! Some consider it a sleeker look. But for many, the wide bright white wall was still the way to go! Their popularity started in the 1930’s and reached its prominence in the 1960’s and 70’s. Even though the white wall has survived all these years, it has changed style over time. It was a wide white strip of
several inches in the beginning, but by the late 1950’s we saw the white wall shrink to a one inch strip. Some tire manufacturers like “Vogue”, incorporate a design insignia into their white wall.
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We can still see white walls today on high end cars like Cadillac and Lincoln. Harley Davidson still sports them on select models as well. It goes to show that a truly classic design never goes out of style.
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FOR SALE
2006 Porsche Cayman 987 A beautiful example of a 2006 Porsche Cayman S that is ready for the next owner. Owned by a mature car collector this Cayman S is in impeccable condition. Service records are available upon request. - Displacement: 3.4l - Transmission: Automatic/ Tiptronic S - Exterior Color: Red Metallic - Interior Color: Stone Grey Stadard Interior - Heated Front Seats - 19in Sport Design Wheels - Bose Surround System - more options as well. For More info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com FOR SALE
1996 FORD MUSTANG COBRA #1205 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra #1205 with Mystic Paint. This Cobra is a single owner car owned by a Ford Collector. With 20,829 Original Miles, this is the rare opportunity to own an “unmolested” Cobra. The vehicle is fully documented, clean Carfax and all original. All servicing has been done at the dealer. This rare cobra is ready to go into your collection. Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com for more info. FOR SALE
1989 PONTIAC TRANS AM If you're a fan of Pontiac, then you know how special this car is. Besides it being a limited production Trans Am GTA, it's fully loaded and completly stock. It has never been registered, and rarely driven with only 740 original miles on it. This 80's icon will only increase in value, and it a piece of Pontiac history. For more information please contact dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
FOR SALE
1930 FORD COUPE Out of the Harrah’s Collection. This is a stunning 1930 Coupe. Owned for 40 years after purchased from Harrah’s. Ruble Seat, All steel, All original. Needs the interior to be finished. For more info: dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
FOR SALE
1970 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 1970 Ford Mustang Mach1 This car is a 351 Cleveland, with an Automatic transmission. All options including air conditioning. This car is a show car quality, has been featured in magazines and is ready to drive cross country. The car has had the same owner for over over 20 years and is collector owned. Asking $55,000.00 For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
FOR SALE
1954 Chevy Sedan Delivery 6 cyl. Registered, Running and ready to go. Restoration is 85% done, needs interior work to finish. A very nice example. For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
Price: $29,500 Contact Information:
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Price: $55,000 Contact Information:
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Price: Constact Dustin Contact Information:
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SOLD
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Price: $25,000 Contact Information:
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1988 Porsche 928 S4 Barn Find Original Owner! What a find! Local to Southern California, this is an original owner 1988 Porsche 928 S4. This Porsche is extremely well kept with just over 52,000 original miles. Only having had one owner in its lifetime the record keeping of this car is mostly complete and the sale comes with years of maintenance records and documentation of the car. Contact Information: Collector owned, this Porsche was always kept in pristine condition. Only driven on the weekend, this is Porsche is Dustin@Connectedmediagroup.com owned by the type of person you want to buy a Porsche from. This 928 is accident free and has never had any body or paint repair in its lifetime. The exterior of the Porsche is in wonderful condition. All light assemblies are complete and intact. The front spoiler, vinyl hatch trim, and rear bumper guards are excellent. All glass is clear without any scratches. This Porsche is all original. Yes, All original. The interior is in excellent condition. Ready for your PCA run or out do dinner, this Porsche is as new as an unrestored car can get. The leather seats show no wear and the carpets look showroom. The 928 has the distinction of being Porsche’s first production V8 powered model and the only coupé powered by a front-mounted V8 engine. The automatic transmission shifts beautifully and is very smooth. The engine sounds great and the car drives as it was designed to. Everything on this Porsche works and the car is ready to drive. If you are looking for a one owner Porsche 928 s4, look no further, this is your unicorn. For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
SOLD
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2012 PORSCHE GTS CABRIOLET One owner, 6,700 miles. All options other than ceramic brakes. In perfect condition. Garage kept, only driven on the weekend. NOT a daily driver. This Porsche is in showroom condition For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
FOR SALE
1932 FORD | V8 3 Speed Manual. All Steel. Running, driving, registered. Not the original motor. Added hydraulic brakes for safety. Rumble seat car. Same owner for 30 years. A great example. For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com
FOR SALE
1964 1/2 FORD K-CODE MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE 1964 1/2 K-Code Mustang Convertible K-code convertible with a 289 that is Paxton Supercharger installed by Paxton for a Magazine Story. No power-steering, power brakes or power windows. This car is running, registered and is a show car. The car is all original other than the supercharger and is a true K-code. A very rare example indeed. The car has had the same owner for over over 20 years and is collector owned. Asking $65,000.00 For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com FOR SALE
1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 283 cu. in, four barrel, power brakes, power steering, power windows, padded dash. Same owner for over 25 years. A very clean example, running, registered and ready to drive For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com FOR SALE
2001 DODGE VIPER GTS Purchased 4 years ago with 3600 original miles. Now has 8600 original miles. All original except tinted windows and muffler delete Original owner’s manual and dealer brochure. Sounds amazing! Stunning and rare collector car in EXCELLENT condition.
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Price: $75,000 Contact Information:
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Price: $50,000 Contact Information:
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