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FROM THE EDITOR A
L E T T E R
B Y D U S T I N T R OYA N
MORE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Folks, this letter from the editor is going to be a little bit different. It is going to be short and sweet. A little unconventional, but that is ok. Such is life. Here it goes:
YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED
This year is OURS, mine, yours, everyone's 15th Anniversary of Motor4Toys. You all have made it what it is and has become. It is a car community event and now, a community event, meaning that we have expanded outside of the car community. It is a state movement and people now attend from all over the western United States. We are growing. We need to grow.
Woodland Hills
At The Auto Gallery, we like listen to our customers. As you read this, the 15th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Car Showto and Toy Drive is around the corner. We Ourneed 2013 Customer your help to make this the best year yet. WeSurvey need you results to attend and Satisfaction Canoga Park Van Nuys bring new toys valued at $15.00 or told us that the number more. We need silent auction items. one We complaint amongst our need more sponsors. We need owners was the lack donations. We need you to invite all of convenience of ourfriends and of your car community associates. We need your help. service locations.
Calabasas
Beverly Hills West LA
We are very excited to announce that we have a new Presenting Sponsor, the Keyes Automotive Group. You know, "Keyes, Keyes, Keyes...Keyes on Van Nuys. A very heartfelt thank you to Keyes, we are so excited to partner with you.
CHOOSE THE LOCATION THAT’S CONVENIENT So ladies and gentlemen, if there was a time to dig deep, to put FORforthYOU some effort, to pay it forward,
SERVICE YOUR CAR
CANOGA PARK BEVERLY HILLS
WOODLAND HILLS
2 NEW LOCATIONS
points in West LA and Van Nuys.
Santa Monica
AT THE AUTO GALLERY LOCATION NEAREST YOU
We have a new location which is Pierce College. We are taking over the entire College. Every single spot. We will have tremendous support from ALL the law enforcement agencies at the event, they are an important part of our community. The 15th Anniversary is going to be Introducing huge. two new drop-off
CALABASAS
to help, now is the time. To make
With sites inbest Calabasas, Canoga this the year yet, we need each Park, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, and every one of you to do your very bestHills, to helpWest us. LA, and Beverly Santa Monica, you now have Forlocation more information a choice of to use.and to support the Foundation, you can visit: www.motor4toys.com.
From all of us to all of you, we thank you for all these wonderful years, and let's keep it going! See you at the 15th Anniversary Motor4Toys!
YOUR VAN NUYS SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT TODAYDustin &
SANTA MONICA
WEST LA 5
To make your next service The Motor4toys Family. appointment and arrange a drop off point that best suits you. Call Irene Velazquez at (818) 932-1707 or email irenev@theautogallery.com.
drivenworld ISSUE 104, NOVEMBER 2018 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dustin Troyan ART DIRECTOR James R. Stanley Jr. COPY EDITOR Heather Troyan DESIGN Connected Media Group CONTRIBUTOR Dustin Troyan Ted Lighthizer Doug Campbell Dee D’Orazio Eric Iwasaki Mike Grudt Greg Grudt Gwen Banta Tory Herald Steve Geldman Mark Llewellyn
ADVERTISING / MARKETING dustin@connectedmediagroup.com (818) 516-5053
www.drivenworld.com
www.connectedmediagroup.com www.supercarsunday.com
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 highnet-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. Connected Media Group LLC does not assume liability for any products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers or editorial information.
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Continental Tire
Monterey Grand Prix
Article and Photos by Ted Lighthizer
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was the host for this year’s Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix held September 7-9, 2018. A full weekend of sports car racing featuring 3 classes from the International Motorsports Association (IMSA), 3 classes from the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, 2 classes from Pirelli Trophy West USA (replaces Porsche Cup) for GT3 and GT4 Porsches. and finally the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. In total, over 130 different sport cars raced throughout the weekend which included Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Corvette, Ford, Mercedes AMG, Acura and Lexus, to name a few. Sports car racing on the Monterey countryside has been around since the 1950’s when the Pebble Beach Road Races were held on the roads around the Pebble Beach Lodge. Race track length was approximately 2.1 miles and was both paved asphalt with sections of dirt or gravel on two lane roads. The exciting and dangerous sports car road races continued until 1956 when Ernie McAfee was killed when he fatally slammed his Ferrari into a tree. This spelled the end of the popular Pebble Beach Road Races, although it was the inspiration for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, its current successor. Laguna Seca Raceway is one of the most fan friendly racetracks in the U.S.
Excellent grandstand viewing is available along the main straight away from the hot pits to the start finish line and on turn 4, half way down the short strait away to turn 5. Track length is currently 2.238 miles, with numerous elevation changes and eleven turns including the world famous Corkscrew turn at the tracks highest elevation point. Fans can easily access almost all eleven turns for up close viewing and picture taking with a little walking or using the golf kart shuttles provided by the Monterey Veterans Association. Shuttles run throughout the paddock and pits and up the hill to the Corkscrew. Exclusive inside car corral parking is available at most races for Porsche, BMW, Corvette and Ferrari. Ticket price includes full pit and paddock access to race teams and their race cars where fans can meet drivers and watch the crew members service the race cars between races. Use the Continental Tire pedestrian bridge to access the infield “Island” where you’ll find numerous vendors selling sports car racing collectibles from hats, t-shirts, die cast cars, books and art and also food vendors offering everything from breakfast burritos to tri-tip sandwiches. You can also experience major events from the comfort of your campsite and be a part of the thrilling action. Laguna Seca Recreation Area offers Premier, Reserved, and General Camping in
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six different locations around the track in total 164 sites. There is also hillside reserved parking for RV Motorhomes above turns 9, 10 and 11 on race weekends. Besides great on track pro sports car races starting in April and running through September, all the car clubs, i.e. BMW CCA, PCA, etc. and the high performance driving schools, like Hooked on Driving and Speed Ventures, hold 1 and 2 day driving schools throughout the year on track. To learn more about all the on track activities happening at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, please visit www. weathertechraceway.com This weekend’s IMSA Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix featuring AMERICA’S Tire 250 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was voted by fans and “USA Today” experts to be the fifth Best Motorsports Race in the World. This year also marks the pre50th anniversary celebration for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). IMSA was started by John Bishop, a former executive director of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), and his wife Peggy in 1969 with help from Bill France, Sr. of NASCAR. Weekend race Series Winners were as follows: IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge 120 GS Grand Sport: Owen Trinkler and Do Borrow, #46 Mercedes-AMG GT4 TC Touring Car: Britt Casey Jr., #77 Audi RS3 LMS ST Street Tuner: Nick Galante, #81 Bimmer World Racing BMW 328i America’s Tire 250 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship P Prototype: Luis F.Derani and Johannes van Overbeek, #22 Nissan Dpi
GTLM: Alexander Sims and Connor DePhillippi, #25 BMW M8 GTE GTD: Alvaro Parente and Katherine Legge, #86 Acura NSX GT3 Mark your calendar now for the 2019 Monterey Grand Prix. It will be held September 13-15 2019 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Weekend race Series Winners were as follows:
IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge 120 GS Grand Sport: Owen Trinkler and Do Borrow, #46 Mercedes-AMG GT4 TC Touring Car: Britt Casey Jr., #77 Audi RS3 LMS ST Street Tuner: Nick Galante, #81 Bimmer World Racing BMW 328i America’s Tire 250 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship P Prototype: Luis F.Derani and Johannes van Overbeek, #22 Nissan Dpi GTLM: Alexander Sims and Connor DePhillippi, #25 BMW M8 GTE GTD: Alvaro Parente and Katherine Legge, #86 Acura NSX GT3
Mark your calendar now for the 2019 Monterey Grand Prix. It will be held September 13-15 2019 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. 9
CARS & COUPLES
Monterey Car Week
Article & Photos By Doug Campbell
Without a doubt one of my favorite weeks of the year every year is Monterey Car Week. It is a week full of amazing events, people food, and yes – cars, cars, cars!!! The best part is getting to share the week with my wife and work family from Hillbank Motor Sports, Superformance and Shelby Legendary Cars. This year we took twenty cars up to Monterey for our display at the track and a few of the other events we cover during the week. We started off the week on Monday in a caravan of trucks and trailers getting the cars up to Monterey and dropping everything off at our main display area at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. We settled in to our “headquarters” for the week in beautiful Carmel-By-The-Sea and rested up from the trip. Tuesday is when things really get going. We unloaded some cars and positioned trailers where we wanted. We unloaded the cars needed for our first event – The Classic Motorsports Kickoff Part and Cruise-In
in downtown Pacific Grove. Always a great way to kick off Car Week and a great chance to connect in real life with friends we met through Social Media, old friends, clients, and just hang out with car people. Wednesday is setup day and the team worked hard to get the full display at the track set up as well as a couple of our special Shelby Legendary Cars over to McCall’s for Gordon McCall’s Motorsports Revival, also know simply as “The Hanger Party” at the Monterey Jet Center. Lance Stander, his wife Deborah, and Rich MacDonald (son of legendary driver Dave MacDonald) attended on behalf of Shelby Legendary Cars. On display were two of the very special Bondurant Tribute Cars – a 1964 Spa liveried 289 FIA Roadster and a 1965 Reims liveried Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe which pays tribute to the Daytona Bob drove in 1965 to clinch the World GT Championship for Shelby. Gordon always puts on an amazing event and is definitely a don’t
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miss if you have never been! I love Thursdays as this is when racing begins and the track comes to life! We were fortunate to also have Bob Bondurant and his amazing wife Pat drop by along with Peter and Gayle Brock to film Bob and Pete talking about their days at Shelby, the Daytona Coupe and just catching up with each other in general. It was a very special treat to watch two legends just hang out and enjoy the cars, and especially see their appreciation for CSX2751, the new aluminumbodied Bondurant Tribute Daytona located in our display for the week. We capped off the day with a cruise over to Baja Cantina which is another staple of Car Week. Great people, great cars and some of the best Mexican food on the planet! Friday was another great day at the track and our display at Laguna Seca was packed with people. The display is always impressive and one of the few places you can see a complete collection of Cobras, Day-
tona Coupes, GT40s, and Corvette Grand Sports all in one place. We even had a newer Peter Brock creation in our display – one of his amazing Aerovault car haulers! We also were lucky enough to have Bob Walker back again this year who authored the book “Cobra Pilote” which tells the story of Ed Hugus who was a racing driver and car dealer, with special emphasis on his relationship with Carroll Shelby and the development of the first Shelby Cobra racing cars in the early 1960s. Marissa and I got to walk around a bit as well, and “Vendor Row” is a great place to visit at the track to stock up on all things related to cars and racing. We ran into our friends Nicolas and Heather from Hunziker design where we were happy to trade some money for some shoes, shirts and other things. No trip to Car Week is complete without picking up some cool stuff ! Saturday was an early morning for us as Marissa and I along with our friend Bob were covering Concorso
Italiano for the day. It was a fun drive over to the event as my commuter car for the week was a MKI Gulf-liveried GT40. Marissa’s ride for the day was a Black Superformance MKIII Roadster and Bob was driving a Titanium/ Blue Superformance MKIII S/C. The weather couldn’t have been better for the day and the show was amazing. Once again, we got to meet up with old friends and meet some new ones. I was amazed watching Marissa talk to people about our Superformance and Shelby cars – she is obviously absorbing more than I thought and worked (if you can really call it work) hard all day sharing about our Cobras, GT40s and Grand Sports. We also had a group for the first time at-
tending “Exotics on Cannery Row” which was a PACKED event full of supercars, people, music, and fun! Sunday was back at the track and the final day of racing followed by tear-down and packing up of the display. We loaded up all the tents, cars, table and equipment for the trip home and had a really nice dinner reflecting on the week and how blessed we are to be part of such a great event. There are so many other incredible events during the week I wasn’t able to attend or cover, like the “Cars on Ocean” in Carmel, the Quail, the Pebble Beach Concours, as well as all of the auctions and other social events. My favorite part of the week by far was watching the sheer joy on
Marissa’s face while driving a Superformance MKIII Cobra, although I think this may have accelerated her timeline for wanting one for the garage. We have to get her Daytona finished up first as well as our SEMA car before we launch that project, perhaps in 2019. I wrapped up my first week back at work with a trip up to Super Car Sunday. It was a great cruise up from Newport Beach Sunday Morning in the Corvette Grand Sport by Superformance. I drove the Admiral Blue #2 car that Jay Leno drove on a recent episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” which was perfect since Corvette was the marque that day. It was a packed house by the time I arrived at 7:00
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AM. I have never seen so many Corvettes in one place. A really special treat was seeing Bruce Meyer roll up in is old school Mustang GT CHP car. Coming up next for work is Barrett Jackson Las Vegas September 2930 and then Marissa and I will be fully focused on SEMA. We have never displayed a personal car at SEMA before and are very fortunate to have a lot of support from our Hillbank/ Superformance family and some incredible sponsors. Our car will be a featured car in Magnaflow’s booth in the Central Hall and I am sure will be an amazing experience for an upcoming article here in Drivenworld!
NSXP
SA
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2018
PO
AN FRANCISCO, CA
" Nearly 230 people from 22 states and 7 countries along with 110 NSXs...
Article & Photos by Dee D'Orazio (Additional Photos by Eric Iwasaki and Loree Andreasson)
The quintessential annual NSXPO 2018 took place this year in San Francisco (and surrounding environs) at the Hyatt Regency SF Airport Hotel in Burlingame. Nearly 230 people from 22 states and 7 countries along with 110 NSXs, including 17 Gen 2 models, participated. The festivities kicked off with the High Performance Driving Event at Thunderhill Raceway in Willow, CA on Wednesday and Thursday with guest speakers Motoharu Kurosawa (“Gan-San”), Graham Rahal and Chad Gilsinger/ Kurt Baker from the Honda of America Racing Team (HART) sharing stories. First on the agenda Friday morning bright and early was the group caravan drive over the Golden Gate Bridge in rush hour traffic to Horseshoe Bay for our panoramic NSX Photo against the backdrop of that legendary bridge. Then, we all motored back over the grand Golden Gate to the splendid Presidio for a vendor showcase and lunch. Later that evening, a large contingent of owners, spouses and guests hopped on several buses and headed for the Embarcadero Pier. There, we boarded the “California Hornblower” for a 3-hour sunset dinner cruise that took us out to the Bay Bridge, around Alcatraz Island down to AT&T Park where the Dodgers were beating the Giants against the beautiful city skyline all aglow! The highlight was seeing Randy Chua propose to his smiling fiancée, Bryana who said “YES” amidst an affirming crowd of NSX well-wishers! On Saturday morning, after sleeping off the previous night’s festivities, we caravanned southward to the bucolic mountain village of Woodside nestled in the towering pines. Brunch was served at the lavish Mountain Terrace surrounded by several Gen 2 NSXs staged handsomely within the pine groves. There, another group photo was the traditional order of the day! With our spirits satiated and anxieties running hot, we revved our engines and sped off on a lively drive through the pines down Highway 84 La Honda (no pun intended) westward toward Highway 1. Surprisingly enough, there wasn’t the typical Saturday 13
afternoon beach traffic, as we were able to easily traverse onto Highway 17 eastward toward Scott’s Valley. We rendezvoused at the legendary Canepa Car Museum where we toured the facility and held our NSX concourse judging event. That said and done, as if it wasn’t enough already, we headed back northward to the Hyatt Regency for our annual NSXPO Banquet dinner and awards presentation. The guest speaker was the revered Japanese racecar driver Motoharu Kurosawa (“Gan-San”) who was the Honda test track driver in the early development stages of the NSX. After dinner, the NSXCA President Peter Cunningham and members of HART spoke to our group and Concours awards were given out to the best-original and best-modified Gen 1 NSXs. Also, a proud owner was awarded for the most miles driven on a 2017 Gen 2 – an ambitious 8,000 miles. Sunday morning had a small contingent of loyal NSX owners take part in the Lombard Street photo op staged on its infamous downhill, switchback street featured in the classic Steve McQueen film Bullitt. After a whirlwind, wonderful four days, upon our departure I think I can safely say, I wasn’t the only one humming “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”! Next year, NSXPO will be held in Washington, D.C. on October 9-13 for those NSX owner’s faithful enough to make that adventurous drive. Special thanks to: NSXCA VP May Lee, Southwest Regional Representative Les Rowe and Cochairs James Ubarro and Roger Estrella.
Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance
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Article & Photos by Dee D'Orazio (Additional Photos by Eric Iwasaki and Loree Andreasson)
his September, celebrating its 25th Anniversary year, the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance returned to the Louis Zamperini Airfield in Torrance, Calif. The Concours featured a high standard of historic automobiles set alongside vintage aircraft. The theme of this year’s show was ‘California Style’; marques of California Coachwork and Ferrari, along with magnificent concours automobiles from around the world. There is something to say about a
concours auto show. It is the best presentation and display of automobiles, with drivers and owners giving you the history of their great automobiles; The World’s best! Concours’ Chairman, Ray Johnson, states that the past years have seen the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance grow in stature among auto enthusiasts and is now one of the premiere concours events on the West Coast. Next year, put this show on your list to see the very best in vintage aircraft and classic automobiles.
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MECUM AUCTION Article By Mike Grudt | Photos by Greg Grudt @exoticcarfotos
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he 10th Annual Mecum Monterey Auction was recently held during car week. Mecum is probably the most well-known of the auctions due to their numerous events across the U.S. and their televised coverage. They are known as the “Daytime Auction” when other auctions take place in the evening. Mecum’s total of 690 lots offered for sale was more than the total number offered by the other five Monterey Auctions combined. They sold slightly more than half of the cars and motorcycles for total sales of slightly more than $45 million with an average price of $126,000 each. Mecum is one of the four auctions to achieve over $1 million each for the top ten cars of sold. Mecum took over a huge section of the Del Monte Golf Course next to the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa to display the numerous cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and even a vintage Japanese Fire Engine. We enjoyed walking by the random selections since they weren’t assorted by make or model. It was almost like a scavenger hunt to make sure we found everything. In recent years the Mecum Monterey auction has added a separate pavilion adjacent to their auction hall filled with some rare and exotic vehicles unlike the typical American muscle cars they have been known for. This year the top sale was actually an American car, a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Bohman and Schwartz Convertible Victoria ($3.85M). The next top sales were a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Coupe ($3.19M), a 2003 Ferrari Enzo ($2.86M), a 1989 Porsche 962 Coupe ($2.2M) and tied for fifth place a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P40 S Coupe ($1.12M) and another American Classic 1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan ($1.12M).
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This year the top sale was actually an American car, a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Bohman and Schwartz Convertible Victoria ($3.85M)
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HOME
APPRAISALS
(323) 252 1700 (310) 985 2719 Connecting the Worlds of Real Estate www.LosAngelesLuxuryHomesForSale.com 18
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Home appraisals and what to know: If you are buying a home, you will likely need an appraisal done on the property during your escrow period. This comprehensive report, done by an appraisal expert, will determine the fair market value of the home and is an integral part of the loan process. Since this is such a central part of the transaction, it’s important to know what an appraiser will look for when conducting his/her evaluation. Here are some of the elements used to determine value: What is the average time that it takes for homes to sell in that neighborhood. How much other inventory exists at the present time‌ i.e. what is the supply and demand of homes in that area. What is the zoning of the property. Other similar sold properties within the last 6 months or less in close proximity to the property. What condition is the home in currently. What is the construction quality of the home.
Article by Gwen Banta & Tory Herald
Are there any design features that can be easily changed that would reduce the value of the property. Does the home have any distinct features and/ or is unique in a way that would increase its value. What upgrades, renovations and/or home improvements have been made to the property (this includes both in the home and on the grounds) since the purchase date. What is the legal square footage of the home and its lot size and how do those compare to other homes in the neighborhood or general area. Are home values in the neighborhood trending upward or downward?
Selling a home is a team effort so be sure to ask your professional Realtor to supply comparables that will help you during the appraisal process.
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How to Survive a
Cobra Bite
" one-of-27 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, but the 2017 Superformance Mark III replica in his possession is much more than that
Article By Ruark Dreher & Photos by Pablo Bayo
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ome people buy their dream cars, but Ruark Dreher had his built. To the untrained eye, Ruark’s car just looks like a regular ol’, one-of-27 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, but the 2017 Superformance Mark III replica in his possession is much more than that.
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uark is a Cobra aficionado through and through, as it’s the car that jump-started his automotive obsession. After riding in an original Shelby at 18 years old, he knew that the Cobra was the car for him...someday. “People enjoy seeing it because it’s something different and it’s classic,” Ruark explained. “The old guys know exactly what it is, but a lot of younger people enjoy seeing it because it’s something a little different.”
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e discovered Irvine, CAbased manufacturer Superformance 15 years prior to buying the car, the only Cobra replica chassis manufacturer officially licensed by Shelby American, so he knew this might be almost as good as the real McCoy. “Last year I ended up with the opportunity to get the car… and instead of buying a used car, I decided I wanted it done the way I wanted it.”
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o pick out his dream configuration for his Cobra, Ruark put down the computer and picked up an Xbox controller, using “Forza Motorsport 6” to test different color combinations on a virtual Shelby Cobra. He settled on Shelby Navy Blue with Viper Steel Gray Le Mans racing stripes and custom Monza Red fender stripes. After ordering the car from Hillbank Motor Sports, Superformance’s primary dealer, Ruark recruited Voss Performance of Anaheim, California, to add life to his new ride. Voss installed a carefully-chosen Ford Performance 427 cubic-inch crate motor and Tremec TKO-600 fivespeed manual transmission, as well as power steering and electronic fuel injection for what Ruark calls “a touch of modern mechanical convenience.” The Franken-snake currently spits out 535 horsepower.
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n the span of a year, Ruark has put 6,000 miles on his car, as he enjoys bombing around the canyon roads of the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains whenever he can. “With
that short wheelbase and all that power, it’s quite the beast,” he explains. “[I]f you mistreat the car, it’s gonna let loose on you and you’re gonna be in trouble. Driving something like that, you’ve gotta have a healthy respect for it.”
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he bread and butter of Ruark’s relationship with his Cobra however comes from the shows he goes to. He attended the Carroll Shelby Tribute Car Show for the first time this year and won a recognition award in the Cobra class, which he claimed over a couple of original examples. But it’s not strictly Shelby stuff, as people who go to Piazza Gran Turismo in Thousand Oaks or Malibu Cars & Coffee at the Malibu Bluffs Park may encounter Ruark there, having a stare down with some Ferrari owners. Ironically, he dreams of someday owning a Ferrari 308 or Dino 246 GT.
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on’t worry though, Ruark is still loyal to his first love, and wears the car’s chassis number, SP03332, proudly on his sleeve wherever he goes.
The carpool lane really is faster.
Rusnak/Westlake Porsche 3839 Auto Mall Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (866) 976-4211 RusnakWestlakePorsche.com
Š2018 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.
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The English Car Company’s Royal Treatment Plus Axon’s ‘The Great British Car Meet’
Article and Photos by Steve Geldman, Image Photo Motorsports Many local automotive enthusiasts who occasionally visit our nearby car events, including Supercar Sunday, already know of or has had the pleasure of meeting the cheery Brit, Michael Axon. As a matter of fact, Driven World has already written a piece on this gentleman nearly three years ago. This author felt it was time to catch up with Axon to discover not only what he’s now up to within our car culture, but to also visit his current collection of fine British automobiles. More recently Axon started to host a small (but intimate) monthly British influenced motorcar meet which I will get to later. First with some brief Axon background.
Welfare and a big longtime supporter for Motor4Toys, just to name a few. This unexpectedly turned into another business, the English Car Company. The English Car Company has grown to not only a supporter to our local charities, but they now offer many useful items such as car care products, clothing, books, videos, posters, California Dusters and battery (trickle) chargers.
Born and raised in Great Britain, Axon focused on his Engineering career, specifically in aircraft design. Years later and after moving to Southern California, he formed his own company, LaZerCADTM, after inventing an improved method of accurately measuring building dimensions and therefore providing completed surveys to his clients. Axon remains CEO but due to having a great management team, he can focus more attention on his real passion, post war British Motorcars.
As for your exterior and interior maintenance, Axon recently became the U.S. authorized retailer for the AutoBright car care range of waxes and detail sprays, developed and produced in the UK. As Axon explains, “these products are so good, prior to becoming an authorized dealer, I was flying over to the UK and lugging cases of it back to the U.S. to use on my own cars. After being harassed by U.S. Customs on numerous occasions assuming it was for resale and wanted it to be taxed, I was later able to strike a deal with AutoBright and become a U.S. dealer. This eliminated the customs issue plus I started to sell AutoBright at the English Car Company.” AutoBright products, clothing and other items are available in-store as well as on-line through their website.
As with most car collectors, it all starts with the first car purchase. One then turns to two, then three and so forth. He knew with so many cars accumulating in his home driveway, he had to find a secure location to store them. After Axon finds a commercial storage area and his car collection continues to grow, he realizes these cars should be shared with others. He got involved with local charities, such as those focusing on homeless children, LAPD programs, Animal
Let’s finally get to the nitty gritty and talk British Motorcars. Axon currently has eleven fine examples of UK automotive engineering. He occasionally will sell or purchase, so his motorcar inventory is known to change from time to time. One thing is for certain, Axon drives each of his mint condition automobiles to local car and charity events, plus with the help of friends, occasionally taking several to a single event. Here is a brief description of each:
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• 1953 Jaguar C-Type (C for ‘Competitive’) Dark Green; 3.5L Straight 6; 2nd place finish at Le Mans • 1956 Lotus 11 (Team Lotus 5) Green; 130hp; Raced at Monza • 1973 Jaguar E-Type Prime Rose Yellow; V12; 49k original miles • 1968 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 (9” longer than standard sedan) Dark Green; Rear bench seat; 280 limited production; 4.2L Straight 6; Triple Carb • 1974 MG Midget Burnt Orange; 1275cc • 2014 McLaren MP4-12C Volcano Orange; 3.8L V8; 616hp • 1972 Mini Cooper S (#37) Dark Green; 1275cc; Raced twice in Texas • 2016 Jaguar XKR-S French Racing Blue; 50 limited production; 1 of 3 of this color in the U.S.; 5L V8 Supercharged; 550hp • 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR (Special Vehicle Operation Division) Ultra Blue Metallic; 5L V8 Supercharged; 575hp • 2015 Range Rover Sport Black; 5L V8 Supercharged; 510hp •
1967 Morris Minor Green; 1000cc; 65 mph max
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The British Car Company hosts their monthly family-friendly ‘The Great British Car Meet’ the first Sunday of each month from 9:30 AM to noon, but it is advised to first check their website to confirm. Besides meeting many other British car enthusiasts, you will see Axon’s fine collection this article has detailed as well as view the amazing vehicles, British and otherwise, in the parking lot of those who attend. Some arrive after the Woodland Hills Supercar Sunday event. Axon does everything in British style so expect complimentary tea and biscuits to be waiting for you. If you are interested in a personal AutoBright detailing demonstration, feel free to bring in your vehicle and ask for Sir Axon. Turbos and tea, anyone? The British Car Company is located at 28714 Canwood Street, Suite 120, Agoura Hills 91301. For more company information and purchasing online, visit www.theenglishcar.com 29
4th Annual ADA Charity Car Show The 4th Annual ADA Charity Car Show is here! This car show will be benefiting the American Diabetes Association. There will be Classics, Hot Rods, Customs, LowRiders, Cruisers, Imports, Muscle Cars and more on display. This is the only car show in the Conejo Valley with a mobile dyno courtesy of MCE Racing. Who will have the highest Horse Power? There will be live music courtesy of Triple Distilled. Bob Beck, Announcer from Irwindale Drag Strip and host of Great American Auto Scene as well as Randy Kerdoon from KNX1070 News and Talking About Cars will Emcee the event. Be prepared to laugh and enjoy their commentary. There will be other celebrity guests such as Constance Nunes, Colin Ford and John Soley and for the younger car enthusiasts there will be a kidz zone. Various local food and car related vendors as well as a raffle and more will be on hand to make the most of this annual car experience. Join us November 18th from 11am to 4pm. Car Entries need to arrive by 10am Located at the MB2 Raceway. 1475 Lawrence Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 Spectators enter FREE! Car Entry: Pre November 1st- $25 Post November 1st and day of show- $30 Register online at 4adacharitycarshow.eventbrite.com For further information, call: 805-906-1339
by Mark Llewellyn
spoiled rotten? Elections, sporting events…remember the high school dance? You’re standing there for half an hour getting the courage to ask your dream girl for a dance only to have Romeo (also captain of the football team) walk up two steps before you to ask her first. “Spoilers” can show up at the damnedest places! One place a “spoiler” is welcome is on the race track. Spoilers got their name because they are a device used to “spoil” air movement across the body of the car. Scientifically, a spoiler diffuses air by increasing amounts of turbulence flowing over the shape of the car, “spoiling” the laminar flow and providing a cushion for the laminar boundary layer. For the rest of us, a spoiler’s function is to change the handling characteristics by the manipulation of air movement or reduced drag. A spoiler on the front of the car is referred to as an ‘air dam’. Spoilers come in many different configurations and can be made of a variety of materials. 1973 saw the ‘ducktail’ on the Porsche 911 Carrera. In 1975, Porsche followed up with the ‘whale tail’ on the 930 Turbo. The exotic automobiles you see in this magazine come with active spoilers which adjust themselves via the car’s computer to vary handling conditions at different speeds. They often disappear when they are of no use, retracting into the sleek body lines of the vehicle. For you Mopar lovers, the Dodge Daytona Charger and Plymouth Superbird came with ‘wings’. Wings differ from spoilers as a wing’s job is to produce drag. The drag is converted to downforce which pushes the vehicle downward to enhance traction. The goal of spoilers in passenger vehicles is to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Many spoiler applications rarely provide further aerodynamic benefit. So ends your “spoiler alert” for this addition of Driven World.
www.LeonsTransmission.com
Japanese Classic Car Show
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Story and Photos by Steve Ellis
his year is the 14th annual Japanese Classic Car Show, which took place September 15th, at the Marina Green Park in Long Beach, California. In attendance were Japanese cars from 1960 all the way to 1990 models. Over ten thousand people attended this year even, and it was a show that definitely raised the bar for next year. I remember back in the day when people thought that Japanese cars were just simply economy cars, or sports cars that would never be taken seriously, yet here we are in the present world where the Toyota 2000GT is valued at a million dollars, and where rare Datsun Fairlady 432 Zs, and Hakosuksa Skyline GT-Rs demand great auction prices. Even the famed cars from the 90s like the Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, Mazda RX-7, and 300zx TT are becoming high priced and sought after. From personal experience, I never dreamed of the 60s American muscle cars, because they weren’t from my era of admiration. In the digital world of Gran Turismo, it was the cars that were never sold here or rarely seen that I always dreamed about. The great American classics can be seen on Mecum and Barrett-Jackson selling well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. I believe that soon we will see Japanese cars going for the same prices. JCCS had some of, if not the best, classic Japanese cars on display from all over the states. Tons of vendors that had clothing and car parts for sale. Everything from common, and new parts, to rare and hard to find. There were Datsun 240z as far as the eye could see, classic Hondas, tough Toyotas, sleek Nissans, and even vintage race cars such as the Mazda 787. My favorite cars from the show had to be the beautiful Midnight Purple Pearl Metallic Acura NSX, and the only Nissan Leopard in the states, which was immaculately clean. If you are a fan of the vintage Japanese cars, make sure to checkout next years JCCS event in Long Beach, CA and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. https://www.japaneseclassiccarshow.com/
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PIRELLI TROPHY WEST USA SERIES
Words and Photos by Ted Lighthizer Photojournalist and member PCA-Santa Barbara Region
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.....lots of passing and close racing throughout both races
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he Pirelli Trophy West USA Series was the brainchild of Competent Motorsport of Newport Beach California in 2007 and in 2012 they partnered with Porsche Motorsports North America making the series the 22nd one-make Porsche platform series in the world. The Pirelli Trophy West USA Series is also the replacement series for the Porsche Cup racing series for both pro and armature drivers. The charter of the Pirelli Trophy West USA is designed to provide drivers competitive seat time as they further their racing education and advance their race craft, while offering driver coaching and extensive track time. The racing events feature a focus on driver development, serious competition and a strong sense of camaraderie among the drivers. The Pirelli Trophy West USA Series contains 5 classes. The Diamond Class is for 2017 to 2018 Porsche
991.2 GT3 Cup cars; the Platinum Class is for 2013 to 2016 Porsche 991.1 GT3 Cup cars, the Gold Class is for 2010 to 2013 Porsche 997.2 GT3 Cup cars, the Silver Class is for 2017 to 2018 Porsche Cayman GT4’s and finally the Bronze Class is for 2014 to 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4’s. At this year’s Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in September 2018 the Pirelli Trophy West USA Series held 2 forty-five minute races involving all 5 classes on track at once with a field of thirty five cars for both races. Lap times ranged from 1:10 seconds to 1:20 seconds with lots of passing and close racing throughout both races. To learn more about the Pirelli Trophy West USA racing series go to www.competentmotorsport.com for race results, governing guidelines and upcoming racing events.
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Motor4Toys 15th Annual Charity Car Show & Toy Drive he 15th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive is around the corner! On Sunday, December 2nd, 2018 the entire car community will come together with one purpose in mind, to help children during the holiday season. It is that simple and it is truly magical. Just about every type of car imaginable will be present and will be loaded with toys to donate to the Motor4Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive. The car show kicks off the toy drive season for the Motor4Toys Charitable Foundation which over the last eleven years has collected over five million dollars of toys which have been distribute to needy children throughout the state of California. The Foundation revolves around the very kind motorsport community and over the last handful of years, has grown outside of the car world. Many schools, businesses, Chambers of Commerce and even city officials have gotten behind the toy drive and helped to collect toys during the holiday season. Every year, the Motor4Toys Charitable Foundation continues to grow with the kindness and support from so many kind people. Over the past fourteen years, so many people have played such an important role in making the Foundation what it has become, that when you think of Motor4Toys, you think of the car community. Every single person that has ever given a toy is considered part of the Motor4Toys family. As the Foundation has grown, many people have asked how can they support the toy drive outside of the car realm? That is simple. First and foremost, we would love for you to do a toy drive at your school or business. Many people have actually done Motor4Toys holiday parties at their business or home and asked the guests to bring toys in lieu of wine or other gifts. It kind of changes the whole atmosphere of a holiday dinner. It has become a tradition for many. How long does Motor4Toys collect toys? All year round. We collect toys all the way through the month of December and have the ability to get the toys into the hands of children very effectively. Last minute toy donations are always appreciated. We receive toy donations throughout the year and have the ability to distribute toys all year long. Children always need something to know that people they may not know care about them. For more information, please visit the Motor4Toys website: www.motor4Toys.com You may also donate online as well. See you at the car show on Dec. 2nd It is going to be one for the record books! -Dustin & the Motor4Toys Family www.motor4toys.com
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