FROM THE EDITOR B Y D U S T I N T R OYA N
If you are reading this December is just around the corner. The holiday season. I love the holiday season. It is a very hectic time for most of us but it is also a time where we can be very appreciative and giving. I have always liked this time of year and now that I have two kids, I really like it. To see all of the holiday cheer in action, fun stuff. The kids get excited about Christmas and Santa Claus. I tell them that I personally know Santa Claus but they don't believe me. I tell them that Santa helps out with Motor4Toys but they still don't believe me. And, I will let you folks in on a little secret, I do know Santa. As a matter of fact, my brother and I saw him flying once on Christmas eve. I will never forget it, we were coming back from my Aunt and Uncle's house in Simi Valley. We were on the 118 freeway getting ready to exit on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. We saw Santa, the reindeer. True story. I bet my mother remembers too. We were both probably under the age of ten and at that age, you don’t tell lies. I saw Santa! My last letter from the editor was a little more serious in nature, so let’s try to make this one a little lighter. Where should I begin?. I can be verbose at times which most of you know. Let’s laugh for a bit...let’s talk about my Camaro, it still doesn’t run. Nope. I told myself it would be running by the end of the year, it doesn’t. Well, let me re-evaluate that statement. It starts, I can move it. It doesn't want to hold idle, needs a ton of work. But, the good news is that it starts. The exhaust was run, but now, since I went with a 3 inch exhaust, I have to move the brand new brake lines I just put in. You have to understand, I love taking the hardest possible path and doing the work over and over. It makes me feel...like a man. I did put new tires on. I had a lot of momentum for a few months. I was moving forward and then...wait for it. I stalled out! I mean really, how hard can this be? Where am I at? If I just had the gauges in and of course I have a lot of those, if I got the car tuned, I could throw some other bolts in here and there and I could drive the car. It wouldn’t be pretty, but it would be fast. Of course the irony is...now that I have two darling kids, I am not worried about going so fast. And these days, seven hundred horsepower, well, that is so passe. If you don’t have a thousand, well, why even bring up horsepower numbers. A day late and a dollar short. Of course we all make our own problems right and in a world full of big, real problems, I just have a project car. Boy am I blessed. So, the other day a friend comes over to look the car over and make some suggestions, he then checks the oil and smells the dipstick. What kind of guy smells a dipstick? Well, the car has injectors that are bigger than a house and the car isn’t tuned and he now thinks there could be an issue with the rings and there is a lot of gas in the oil. Of course there is gas in the oil. I'll tell you what, if the rings are shot...that Camaro might get shot, or pushed off a cliff. It would be par for the course, with that cursed car. But, the good news is, I have a really fast car parked on the side of my house covered with a tarp. That is the really good news! I could say Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was this Camaro, but, I have written that a lot of the years. In my head, the mantra, “don't give up” keeps playing over and over. “Endeavor to persevere, it is my personal anthem. If that engine is shot, but, I better have an even bigger sense of humor and I better be even more grateful for everything I have in my life, because...wait for it...if you are reading this, LIFE IS WONDERFUL. That’s it, LIFE IS WONDERFUL. The days of cars, kids, to-do lists, lack of sleep, lots of work and so on and so forth. How lucky we all are to have work. To be tired, to be alive during the magical time of the year. I come home and one kid runs and jumps into my arms and the other doesn’t give me the time of the day. My little one, Ava, she shows affection by not showing daddy
affection. But she gives me the look like “daddy you know I love you... but you better earn it.” Her and I have an understanding. And, on the rare occasion she gives me a hug, it is like hugging an angel. And then there is Scarlett, always there to help her daddy. How lucky I am indeed. Did I mention my hair is falling out, I am a bit out of shape and my car still doesn’t run? Who cares! I mean it, Who cares. Don’t get me wrong, I do care, but I don’t care. The car is an object. A thing. A task. A dream. But, I am living the dream. We are all living the dream, maybe we just don’t see it. The stuff we take for granted, man do we have it good. Part of me didn’t want to write a letter from the editor this month. I am a little behind, a little under pressure, truth be told, a little tired. A little tired, how funny. In this day and age, I press a button and whatever my little heart desires shows up with free shipping in less than forty-eight hours. I can’t imagine how much harder people have it than I do. And poor me a little tired. Too tired to sit at a computer with a full belly in the comfort of my own home while my espresso machine warms up for my afternoon double espresso. And, the espresso I drink is batchroasted by Louis Berkman who used to own the Village Coffee Roaster, who roasts it from his personal coffee roastery in his garage in Louisiana because you know, we love great espresso. . Damn I have it rough. I might actually be drinking the best damn espresso in the world! Yea, I have a reason to complain and whine. And did I mention my wife puts up with me and all the wacky things I do? The take-away from this article or letter or rambling whatever you call this…(and if you are an English professor you probably hate how I write) the take away from all of this is that during this holiday season, cherish what is important. Not the stuff. Not the things, but the people. So my car isn’t done. So I didn’t meet the goal, I have people that I love and people that I love me. Some are not family, but they are family. Some are young, some are old. Some drive me absolutely crazy, I mean super crazy, but I still love them. This holiday season, take a big deep breath and remember to slow down, do something nice for those around you. Doesn’t have to cost a thing. A smile, a hug, some acknowledgment. Remember why we are here, remember that you matter and be kind to yourself. You are living the dream, I am living the dream, we just have to understand and appreciate that we are the authors of that dream and what is truly important, love. And yes, I can be a tough guy when I need to be and all that macho stuff. And I can tell you I have been doing quite a bit of reflection, but love...you could have everything your little heart desired..but if you didn’t have any love, you might be a little sad. And if you are short of love, go find some. Go create some. Be the love, be the light and be the joy. It is all a choice. This holiday season, embrace the wonderful gifts we have been given. Love. Happy Holidays and Wishing you the very best! Dustin
drivenworld ISSUE 120 NOV 2019 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
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.
“Imagine the perfect drinking water found in nature, tumbling down rocky mountain streams and rivers, flowing through pristine subterranean aquifers, chilled, pure and delicious.”
ON THE COVER: Koeniggsegg Agera FE Väder Photo by: Steve Geldman, Image Photo Motorsports Motor 4 Toys, December 2018
MOTOR4TOYS REVIEW of 2018
Join us this year on Dec. 1st!
15th Annual Charity Car Show & Toy Drive
he 15th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive is just around the corner! Last December 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 distributed 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 thirteen 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. 1st. It is going to be one for the record books! -Dustin & the Motor4Toys Family
Emory Motorsports: A Master Bodybuilder Article and photos by: Steve Geldman, Image Photo Motorsports | @ImagePhotosMotorsports
Back in July, a group of 35 Porsche enthusiasts from the Porsche Club of America-Los Angeles Region were given the opportunity to attend an Emory Motorsports Tech Session. Emory Motorsports, located in North Hollywood, CA, is perhaps the most well-known Porsche aftermarket “bodybuilders” in the world. Heading up the company is Rod Emory, third generation of a family in automotive racing and businesses. Emory Motorsports is not in the business of restoring a Porsche back to stock condition. Their niche is transforming a client’s 356 or 911 into a piece of automotive art that can be a daily driver. As a matter of fact, Emory hopes that every “restored” Porsche leaving their facility is driven on the road as if it were a family sedan, albeit that’s unlikely to happen. What do we mean by transformation? As an example, drop off your Porsche 356 originally having 75 horsepower, drum brakes and a 4-speed manual transmission and 6 to 18 months later, depending on the extent of modifications, drive it off with over 200 horsepower, modern disk brakes and a 5-speed ultra-smooth manual transmission. Work includes concours-quality metal body restoration and modifications, interior rebuilds using the finest leathers, instrumentation updates and the check-list goes on. This same car rolling out their driveway is now officially labeled, and coined by Emory, as an Outlaw. The Outlaw term, originated by Emory Motorsports, today is recognized throughout the Porsche world. To date, Emory has built-to-order nearly 200 Porsche 356’s and 911 Outlaws. As Emory puts it, “We are not in the stock restoration business, but each original Porsche we build is restored to ‘factory-plus’ standards, from its metal unibody and exterior to its mechani-
cals and interior.” A ten page article can be easily written to describe all that goes on at Emory Motorsports as there are a variety of Porsche models and configurations they modify. If that is not enough, they have their own powertrain replacement using the visually and performance impressive Emory-Rothsport flat 4-cylinder engine. This air-cooled 2.4 to 2.6-liter, twin-plug design, can be ordered as distributor-carburetor or with electronic ignition. For special applications, the engine can also be ordered in a turbocharged version. The Emory-Rothsport flat 4-cylinder engine is installed in every 356 Outlaw as standard equipment. Speaking of Emory Motorsports incredible capabilities, one of Rod’s more recent personal accomplishments is manufacturing what he has named as a 1960 356 RSR. This was the creation of combining a 1960 Porsche 356B T5 with a 1990 Porsche 964 C2. This 5-speed manual beauty, weighs in at only 1,950 lbs. It’s powered by a custom twin-turbo 2.4 liter 4-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injection 911 engine putting out 393 horses. That’s one impressive power-to-weight ratio! Back to the PCA-LAR Tech Session at Emory ... we were first treated to a tour of their library where four special rides were beaming as if on a dealer’s showroom floor. We’re talking a VERY special all-silver lineup. First, a 1965 Porsche 904-6. This is one of only a handful of 904s that Porsche used to test the larger 906 (6-cylinder) engine and bears a 906-011 chassis number. Next, a mint condition 1980 Porsche 930 Special Edition with 60 original ‘pre-delivery’ miles on the odometer. Third, Rod’s 1964 356
Cabriolet full custom, the first ‘Emory Special,’ built in 1998. Saving the best for last, the #46 1951 Porsche/Gmund 356 SL (Super-Light) which was Porsche’s first works race car that won its class at the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1100cc trim, placing 20th overall. Search on YouTube and watch ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ 2016 interview with Rod and this amazing 356 race classic. As we entered the large main shop floor, Rod took us through his automotive culture of family history dating back to his Grandfather, Neil Emory, who owned and ran Valley Custom Shop in Burbank in the late 40’s. Rod’s father, Gary, took automotive to the next level with his ‘Porsche Parts Obsolete’ retail business as well as being the creator and builder of the modified VW Beetle, known as the “Baja Bug”. Rod himself is still rock’n roll’n at Emory Motorsports in Porsche mods and has set his own name in Porsche concrete with the term Outlaw for more than 20 years running. As we continued onto the ultra-clean production floor, we passed decades old and still used metal bending machines, metal working handtools, fixturing, plus welding and spot-welding equipment. Rod presented an incredible amount of information in terms of fabrication to general Porsche service. Ongoing Q&A persisted through the entire event with every attendee walking away with learning something new. Knowledge is power, as they say. Emory Motorsports holds club group tours of the facility on a reservation basis. You do not need to be a ‘Porsche person’ to appreciate this facility. Any gearhead, especially Supercar Sunday attendees and Drivenworld readers, would enjoy the tour and who knows, you just might learn something new about one of the most iconic automotive breeds out of Germany. More can be read on the magical facets of Emory Motorsports, including contact information, on their website: www.emorymotorsports.com
MOTOR4TOYS REVIEW of 2018 CHAPARRAL elementary school
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"A toy drive, cool cars and a song. It was such a win."
Article by dustin troyan photos by steve geldman
Chaparral Elementary School in Calabasas has done a Motor4Toys drive for almost a decade now. How does it work? Well, it starts with an awesome school. Chaparral Elementary School is absolutely incredible. The Principal, the staff, the kids and the families have been so kind and generous for so many years. When you start with good people, you get a great outcome.A few weeks before the holidays, I head over to the school and do brief speech. I thank the kids for their years of participation with Motor4Toys and we then kick off the toy drive. A couple weeks later, we head back to the school with about twenty cool cars. It is so much fun. This year, it was another huge success.
We showed up for the toy pick up and as the sun came up, we knew it was going to be a great day. The kids went absolutely crazy when they saw the cars. We had the Tri-Five Chevys an a variety of other classic cars. The “car guys” that came along had a great time. The kids asked them about the cars and the kids even got to sit in a few. The children also had a “song presentation” for the holidays. A little private concert for everyone there, it was truly magical. A toy drive, cool cars and a song. It was such a win. Thank you Chaparral and Car Guys. It was an- other magical year, hundreds of toys collected for needy children, and we all won. It was simply beautiful.
MOTOR4TOYS REVIEW of 2018
Join us this year on Dec. 1st!
By Dustin Troyan Photography by Tommy Huth & Image Photo Motorsports
The 15th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive was a huge success. Presented by Keyes Cars, the event was the larger than ever and the new location of both Motor4Toys and Supercar Sunday, Pierce College was a perfect fit. The goal of the annual toy drive is to collect as many toys as possible for needy children all over the state of California. Over the last fifteen years, Motor4Toys while operating at 100% charity has distributed over $5,000,00.00 in toys. The 15th Annual Car Show hosted some of the rarest and most radical cars on the planet. From low riders to imports and 4x4s, this show is very unique in that the entire car comes out to support this event with their cars filled with toys. This year, the show went crazy when five Koenigseggs drove in together. The value of each car is estimated at three to four million a piece with a couple “one-off � cars estimated to be worth almost ten million. To see all five of these cars along with all the other collector cars, it truly embodied the passion that the car community is known for. And of course, Batman was present. Comedian and all around car guy Jeff Dunham was very kind to have three of his Batmobiles on display and an incredible 1934 Lincoln. They were a huge hit! Of course there were toys, toys toys for the children. Motor4Toys has become one of the largest toy collecting organizations in the state of California, with the help of so many kind people! Stay tuned for the 16th Annual event a year from now, you will not want to miss it! For More Info: www.Motor4Toys.com
The Reverse Bucket List Article and Photos by Hot Rod Jay Santos “Bucket List” - A number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. The term “Bucket List” is well known but actually relatively new. The first time that I first heard of it was when the 2007 movie called “Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman came out. Since then, it’s quite common to hear someone lay out what “his or her” bucket list is. Maybe it’s to travel all over the world to places that they’ve only dreamed of, or to do those unique activities they haven’t yet been able to do. Whatever each one of you may describe as your bucket list, there’s no doubt that each one will be quite unique and different. A few months ago, a very good friend of mine named Elvin took a giant step towards his own bucket list. And as I’ve said before in my other articles, “Everybody has a story”, here’s Elvin’s. I’ve known Elvin for over 15 years and was lucky to meet him while I was working. He’s probably one of the nicest, most generous guys that I know. He’ll offer to help you before you even get the chance to ask him. The most interesting thing about him is that he’s an old time drag racer. Back in the day, he used to drag race at the infamous Los Angeles County Raceway. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the track, LACR was a motor sport facility located in Palmdale California, which featured an NHRA sanctioned ¼ mile drag strip, which opened up in 1964 and unfortunately held its last race on July 29, 2007. Elvin frequently raced there before an abrupt end when he crashed his nitrous powered Mazda RX7 into the wall. Shaken up but still hungry for the crazy on edge rush of drag racing, he yanked the nitrous injected Chevy based power plant from his mangled RX7 and stuffed it into a fiberglass bodied tube chassis Chevy Vega. Now some of you may remember the short wheelbased Vega of the early 70’s. These small lightweight cars were a favorite for the grudge racers and are making their way back to the strip even today. What caught Elvin’s eye was the bright yellow paint that covered the compact body. Since Elvin has a heavy work schedule as a Longshoreman, he parted out the work to some friends to get the car constructed. As fate would have it, the Vega was put together in record time. Once again, Elvin was ready to hit the drag strip at LACR to see what his new race car could do. His first trip back was memorable. As he lined up and entered the water box, he pressed the button for the line lock and pushed his foot down on the gas pedal. The huge drag slicks spin and smoke engulfs the rear of his car. Creeping forward he bumps in and triggers the pre-stage lights. Pushing and holding down the trans-brake button he presses the gas pedal to the floor as he waits for the last amber bulb to light. He releases the trans-brake button and the Vega shoots forward like a rocket with the front wheels in the air. Immediately, he backs off the gas pedal for a moment to allow the front end to come back down to earth. Once again he smashes the pedal to the floor and the Vega is a flash across the drag strip. Now let me stress this fact to everyone. I’ve heard this story countless times from the man with the yellow
Vega. His account has been extremely consistent, other than the miles per hour that was printed on his time slip. He’s gone from 160 mph to 140 mph on a few occasions. So for arguments sake, let’s just say he went 150 mph! If you’ve ever drag raced before and have done at least a 100 mph in 660 feet (1/8th mile), then you would know you’re on a fine edge of victory or disaster. If you’ve gone over 100 mph in a short wheelbased car then you know everything is magnified. In Elvin’s own words - “It felt like I was on the edge of death, with just barely any feeling of being in control. I never saw the guy next to me. When I lifted off the throttle at the finish line, I was scared as hell! I was so scared and shaken, that after I picked up my time slip, I pulled the Vega right up on the trailer, strapped her down and she’s sat there on the trailer in my driveway ever since!” Let me quote Elvin’s last statement again, “I pulled the Vega right up on the trailer, strapped her down and she’s sat there on the trailer in my driveway ever since!” It’s been 13 years since that Vega fired up. Every time that I’m at Elvin’s house I look at the Vega, then I look at Elvin and I tell him he needs to get the car running. I explained to him that I don't want his motor to seize. I offer to help and to come over anytime he wants to see some progress. Elvin smiles and says, “Ok, we will!” Now this goes on for years, but I can say with confidence that my continued assault on his unwillingness is slowly working. Fortunately, since I compete in the NHRA Summit Drag Racing Series, I used it to my advantage and have invited Elvin multiple times to be part of my pit crew. Each time he went, we would end our day in the same manner – unload my drag car and head to his favorite restaurant, “Yard House". Dinner and a few drinks later, all conversation is about how fun it was at the track. But, the main discussion was about the Vega and what I could do to help him get back to the drag strip. After repeated attempts I realize that as long as the Vega is on his driveway, I’m never going to get to work on it. I had to come up with a new plan. I tell him that I’ll bring my truck over and I’ll pick up his car and trailer and park it at my house. This will make it easier for me to work on it, plus I have all my tools there! My idea works and we agree that the next weekend Elvin will bring it over himself. Now let me tell you this, Elvin is very busy. He has a tendency to forget plans that he’s made and on a few occasions has done that to me. I’m a little skeptical that he’ll actually show up, but deep down inside I’m really hoping he will. As the next weekend comes closer, I’m anticipating him coming. But by Friday, I still haven’t heard from him and I fear the worse. Feeling defeated, I bet my girlfriend Lisa lunch that he’s not going to show up. She thinks he will and agrees to the bet. Saturday comes around and nothing. Sunday morning creeps in and still no call from Elvin. I head off to Supercar Sunday and then to my girlfriend’s house. I really don’t think he’s going to show up because now it’s starting to get later in the day. As I’m leaving her house, I announce that I’ll start thinking of where I want to go for lunch. She replies with “It’s still early!" By the time I get home the sun is just beginning to set. Then, all of a sudden I get a call on my phone. I look and it’s Elvin! He tells me that he’s on his way, and to make room on my driveway for the trailer. Shocked and quite happy, I tell him “Well alright”! Sure enough, 20 minutes later Elvin pulls up. With a giant smile on his face he asks me where he should park it. I point to the spot on my driveway and guide him into it. He gets out of his truck and immediately I tell him that I can’t believe he brought his car. He just laughs and says, “I told you I would!” I do a quick check on the Vega and then ask him for the trailer ramps so we can unload the car. He looks at me with a puzzled face and tells me that he forgot them. I shake my head and tell him that we can use the ones I have. I take another visual around the trailer and can see that all the tires are flat on the Vega. I also see that he’s missing one of the tires from his tandem trailer and ask him about it. Once again Elvin smiles and tells me a little story of what happened on the way over to my house. “Since my trailer isn’t registered and pretty much illegal, I decided to take all the side streets to your house. When I was coming down Oso Ave., I was driving pretty slow. All of a sudden I looked out my window and I noticed this wheel rolling along side of me and then into the curb. Wait a minute I thought, that’s my wheel from the trailer! I pulled over and luckily the tire didn’t hit anybody or another car. I jumped out, grabbed the tire and threw it in the back of my truck. That’s why I’m missing one wheel from my trailer!” We both stand there and laugh hysterically. Knowing that the tires on the Vega are all flat, it’s going to be a challenge to get the car off the trailer. Also, we don’t have the right ramps and the shortened rear end of the Vega is going to cause another issue. Only 25% of the huge rear slicks are going to be on the ramps as it rolls down. Carefully, we try to roll her back but it doesn’t budge. Elvin’s in the driver’s seat and I keep teasing him to stop pressing on the brakes. He yells back at me “I’m not, maybe the transmission is seized or something?” I tell him to make sure it’s in neutral, but once again it doesn’t move. By now, it’s pretty dark outside. I bring out some lights and Elvin decides to crawl underneath the trailer so he can disconnect the driveshaft. My neighbors Lori and Josh see all the lights and come over to see what we’re doing. Lori takes a trip down memory lane and tells us about how her mom had a Vega. Josh on the other hand is more interested in why it’s not rolling and how we’re going to get it off the trailer. Elvin, who stands about 6’4”, has twisted his body under and between the trailer and rear end of the car and is shouting out requests for wrenches and more lights. I accommodate him and he quickly removes the U-joint bolts and disconnects the driveshaft. Once again, we try to roll the car back but it still doesn’t move. I break out my Come-Along but it still is stuck like a rock. “What the heck!” I yell. I give in and tell Elvin that we can just park the trailer on my front lawn. I’ll check it out tomorrow and figure out what’s going on. He agrees, and he backs the trailer in the yard. We unhook her and she finds her resting place. Defeated, we all say goodnight and look forward to what the next day brings. Monday comes quickly and I’m really looking forward to figuring out why the Vega isn’t moving. I crawl underneath the trailer and now that we have daylight, I can immediately see what was holding up the car. The front part of the frame is stuck in front of the trailer edge. Even though we filled the leaking front tires with whatever air they would hold, they didn’t raise the front of the frame high enough to clear the trailer! This is good news. We might get lucky and have no issues with the transmission. Even though the Vega hadn’t been started or driven in 13 years, Elvin had her covered rather well. When I removed the engine hood, the motor was surprisingly clean. There were only some leaves and rat droppings on the intake manifold. Over the next few days, my first step is to clean her up and go over all the electrical and fluids. A new battery and a full inspection show’s that everything looks good. I check the ignition, fuel pump and electric water pump and they all work. The only issue I find is with the electric radiator fan, which ends up being a loose ground. Elvin ran all the fuel out of the fuel tank, so on the surface nothing is gummed up! Next up is the most important question… “The Big Question”. Will the engine turn by hand? I would like to tell you, but you’re going to have to wait for my next article.
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Join us this year on Dec. 1st!
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ARTICLE BY Dustin Troyan Photos by Cordero Studios
LAVAGGIO THE ART OF AUTO DETAILING
When I first heard of Lavaggio, I didn’t believe what I was told. “The most amazing detailing facility ever built!” that was the quote. Years ago, I had an auto detailing business and all of us know, auto detailing is a bay or a trailer. So, when I heard about Lavaggio, I just wrote it off. Over the next couple of months, I kept hearing about Lavaggio and it always followed with “you must go see it, you will not believe it.” So, curiosity got the best of me and I headed over. Exiting the 101 fwy at Reyes Adobe, I was told I could not miss it, “turn right off the freeway and make the first right onto Canwood St. and you will see it on your left.” So off the freeway I went, turned right and right onto Canwood Street. But, something must be wrong. All I see is a spa or a medical building, everything else is residential. There is no detail center around here? So, I drove back and forth a few times and I kept seeing the Lavaggio waterfall and signage by the street, but where was the facility? All I see is this stunning building that is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. So, I turned into the medical building or villa or
whatever it was and my jaw dropped, IT WAS LAVAGGIO! A little intimidated, I pulled into the parking lot. I didn’t understand this was the detailing facility? I walked up the marble steps and entered automotive nirvana. Allow me to assure you with 100% certainty; there is no other detail facility on the planet like Lavaggio. Everything I was told was true, and more. Lavaggio is an entirely new concept in auto detailing. It is not a bay or a body shop it is quite possibly the nicest automotive venue that has ever been created. Lavaggio is dedicated to one simple principle: Exceed your expectations. To fully understand Lavaggio, you must visit. No expense has been spared in providing your vehicle and yourself with the finest experience possible. So what makes Lavaggio so special? It begins when you pull onto the property. As you pull in the lull of waterfalls immediately puts you at ease. As you pull up, Lavaggio’s service advisor, Gabriel greets you with a friendly smile and an extremely high level of expertise. Once you have agreed upon a service, you enter Lavaggio’s state-of-theart building. The concierge greets you, not unlike a five star hotel. She asks if you are “staying” or if you would like to be “transported” back to your home or office. Now here is where it starts to get very interesting. Included in the
price of every service is a meal made to order and a ride home. Do you need me to repeat that? You pull up to get your vehicle washed or detailed and you have your choice of a freshly made meal and/or a ride back to the office! NO EXTRA CHARGE! If it is the case that you decide you are going to stay at Lavaggio while your vehicle is being cleaned, you have your choice of relaxing on their stunning patio, watching the flat-screen TV inside, using one of three IMacs or your own wireless laptop or device. And, this is only a small portion of the facility! If it is the case that you have work to be done or want a little more privacy, just head upstairs and there is a desk and a private sitting area as well as offices that are available to you. At no extra charge! Ok, ok, sounds great, but if I am getting a ride home and a return pick up to get my vehicle and a complimentary meal, this place must cost a fortune right? WRONG! That is the most amazing part of the Lavaggio experience; it is priced at a level that anyone can afford! In fact, it is priced better than most other quality detail shops and mobile detailers. Throw in the lunch, amenities and pampering, it is a no-brainer. Back to exceeding expectations, the base service is the Lavaggio Signature Wash. Now, what you have to understand here is that their wash is everybody else’s mini-detail or detail. That signature wash which is expertly executed by
detailers, is fully customized to each vehicle, meaning that it is not a conveyor or a line, it is two detail professionals using mineral free water (R-O water) in a dedicated wash bay utilizing the finest products available. After the car is washed, it is pulled into the detail bay. Oh, the detail bay. Again, I assure you with 100% certainty that you have never seen such a detail bay or work area (see next page). Your vehicle is pulled into the bay and the detailers go to work on the inside and exterior of the vehicle. Your floor mats are put through a state-of-the-art washing and sanitizing machine. Your steering wheel, shifter and door handle are sanitized. From your wheels to your windows to your gas door, the attention to detail on the Signature Wash far exceeds the norm. To ensure the paint looks great, the detailers finish the vehicle with a liberal portion of detail spray. Yes, this is the wash! Upon completion, your vehicle is inspected three times. THREE TIMES! This ensures that Lavaggio lives up to its promise: Exceeding your expectations. If this is just the wash, image the detail! Also worth noting are the big, soundproof bay windows, which are incorporated into the structure. Every step of the way you can observe the skilled technicians perfecting your vehicle! Nothing is hidden and the entire process is there for you to see. The entire approach at Lavaggio is to ensure that you are 100% comfortable with every aspect of your experience and the services
being rendered on your vehicle. When I tell you that you have to experience Lavaggio, you really must. I believe it actually takes a few visits to really understand the scope of what Lavaggio has to offer and the vision that has been recognized. Lavaggio is truly redefining auto detailing. When one publishes a magazine, space is a precious commodity. I figured I would dedicate three pages to Lavaggio, but I could not tell the whole Lavaggio story in just three pages. I could actually dedicate a whole magazine to really elaborate on the level of detail at Lavaggio, but if you are a car guy like me, check out this one of a kind detail bay. To detail properly, you must have an environment, which is conducive to detailing. Environmental factors like temperature, wind, fallout (overspray, dirt/dust in the air, other pollutants) all play a major role in the preparation, application and execution of detailing. At Lavaggio, the detail bay was designed to guarantee that Lavaggio had the perfect environment. From the climate controlled bay to the “clean room” air treatment system to remove dust and pollutants in the air, to the natural lighting, and the finest and most modern equipment, Lavaggio is truly one of a kind. The detail team at Lavaggio has been trained, retrained, trained again, some more training and are always training. Enough is never enough and to stay sharp, industry experts are in constant contact and are being flown in from all over the United States to ensure the Lavaggio team is current on all new techniques, products and information. At Lavaggio, detailing is more than detailing, it is keeping you and your
family healthy! Lavaggio has researched and found that there is a direct relationship between time spent in a car and illness. This is often attributed to contaminants in your vehicle. Research shows that if you eat in your vehicle, have kids or animals, your vehicle can be as dirty if not dirtier than your toilet. It’s true, Google it! To combat this, Lavaggio has taken a “health approach” and again, invested in training and equipment to kill germs and bacteria in your vehicle. The purpose of this “Health Approach” was simply that the Lavaggio management felt it was their responsibility to keep their guests and the guest’s families healthy. The lift in the corner. Yup, you go it, concours detailing. There was such a high demand from guests that wanted more than just the top and inside of their vehicles done, that Lavaggio decided to put in a lift with extra-low ramps (for the sports cars owners out there). Lavaggio offers concours detailing and under-carriage detailing. They offered story about a set of wheels that they were preparing for a guest. The wheels were to be put on a vintage Ferrari that was to head up to Concorso Italiano. So Lavaggio went to work on the wire wheels and the vintage tires. Having completed the “Concours wheel and tire service”, what did Lavaggio do? They called in a local certified concours judge and had them inspected prior to delivery to the client. The vehicle took a trophy! What types of vehicles frequent Lavaggio? On any given day, you will see a mom pull up in an SUV or a Prius owner pulling in. The irony is that most people think that Lavaggio is only for “certain cars”, but truth be told, every type of car imaginable pulls in on a daily basis. I have been there when a boat
pulled in, followed by a Carrera Gt, then a couple “soccer moms” in SUVs and then a Harley. Lavaggio was created to suit the needs of every type of vehicle owner and every type of vehicle. I have seen 4x4s covered in mud from weekend in the desert to real 440 6-pack Cudas to Hondas, Toyotas, Kias and everything else under the sun. Lavaggio is such a value and an experience, once you visit, you have found a new home. Lavaggio has also reached out to the car community. From offering their facility to car clubs and charitable foundations, to holding private events at to partnering with dealerships and manufacturers. Lavaggio has hosted guests like the Santa Barbara Porsche Club and parties and receptions from Hotchkis Suspensions, Lamborghini Aventador Launch parties with the Auto Gallery, Galpin Auto Sports Mustang drives, McLaren Beverly Hills test drives, Tesla test drives, and so on and so forth. Lavaggio is becoming a central hub for everything automotive. Back to the detailing. Lavaggio takes such great care of your vehicle and they take it so seriously, every vehicle is inspected three times by three different trained experts. The technicians wear white cloth gloves and lab coats. Upper management will even does “spot inspections” to ensure the highest level of work possible. And, within 48 hours, a follow up call is made to the guest to ensure that their experience was of the approval of the guest. At Lavaggio, the experience is in the details and they are in the detail business and trust me, it shows. Being very immersed in the automotive world, I have never come across such an organization and operation. Lavaggio has truly set a new bar that
will be very hard to replicate if it is even possible. Again, I have to stress, you have to visit the location to fully understand what has been created. The Platinum Club at Lavaggio: Lavaggio has had such great demand for a “yearly program”, that they came up with a concept called the “Platinum Club.” The Platinum Club is a yearly program in which you enroll your vehicle. The program allows you to get your vehicle unlimited Signature Washes. Yes, that does mean every day. It entitles you to a meal with every visit, concierge services, courtesy shuttle service, use of the business centers and offices, invitations to private events and product launches. It also entitles you to (4) Ultimate Details, A Lease Return Detail & A New Car Detail (in the case that you trade in your vehicle), VIP treatment. You might ask if anyone gets their car washed everyday and the answer is “yes”, they do. The value of just the washes (annually) once a week is well over $4,000.00, not including the Ultimate Details, the meal with each visit, the New vehicle and Lease return details and all of the amenities. The true value of this programs is somewhere over the $6,000.00 mark. But in classic Lavaggio style, they have priced the Platinum Club at $2,579.00 and even have payment options available to you. In essence, your vehicle is guaranteed to be clean and resale value or trade-in value is realized. I have personally enrolled two vehicles and have to tell you that it is the finest experience ever. I would suggest joining to everyone. For more info on Lavaggio & the Platinum Club contact Dustin Troyan 818-584-3240 www.lavaggio.net
Home Sweet Home Safe and effective home security is a fundamental component of every homeowner’s experience. Below are some tips to help you think about your own home needs. Install an alarm system: Whether wired or wireless, in today’s technically savvy market, there are a wide variety of options. Place security signs and stickers in visible locations. Your homeowner’s insurance may offer you a discount for an approved alarm system. Secure your doors and windows: Insure your door frames are strong with protected hinges. Install deadbolts and/or upgrade
to smart locks. Reinforce your sliding glass doors and windows with door sensors or glass break sensors. And, if your door has a mail slot, make sure an intruder isn’t able to reach through to unlock the door. Plant prickly and thorny bushes and hedges: This is an especially good idea underneath first floor windows. Holly, flowering quince ( Japonica), Whitethorn (hawthorn), and thorny climbing roses/briars that can be trained to grow up walls and gates are all great ideas. Keep plants and trees close to the home trimmed so as to avoid places that could be used for “cover.”
Light everything up: Ample outdoor lighting is a great deterrent. Place motion detector lights, flood lights, lights on timers, solar powered lights or a combination of these near the garage, along pathways and/or any other exterior structures. As Kathleen Norris, the poet and essayist, so elegantly wrote, “Peace, that was the other name for home.” We hope the above offers a few practical options to help honor this sentiment.
GWEN Banta (323) 252 1700
Tory Herald (310) 985 2719
Connecting the Worlds of Real Estate DRE# 01362887 & 01920423 Sotheby's International Realty
CLASSIC
CHEVYS of SoCal Article by Dustin Troyan | Photos by Greg Grudt The 39th Annual Classic Chevy Show is an event not to miss! This show, which is open to all makes and models, not only brings a variety classic and hot rods, but late model street cars as well. If you are unfamiliar with the Classic Chevy Club of SoCal, there might not be a more energetic and passionate group of car owners out there. The Club has chosen Rancho San Antonio Boys Town not only as their location, but the beneficiary of the show. Proceeds from the show will be donated to Rancho, which helps to provide underprivileged youth a safe home and learning environment to help secure their futures. Over the last dozen years, the Club has donated over $160,000.00 to Rancho. The boys at Rancho will also be present to assist with the show and provide an amazing bar-b-que. This show is one of the largest car shows in the valley and also one of the longest running. According to Crazy Al aka Big Al, this is in fact the largest show around! What many people do know is that this show is open to all makes and models. Everyone is welcome to the show and the more the merrier. Beyond having a great show, it is a huge goal of the Chevy Club to generate as much revenue as possible for Rancho. The club has a strong connection with Rancho and Brother John who operates Rancho and they do their best to raise the bar each year and put on the best show possible. If you do not have a car to enter into the show that is also ok, the club welcomes you to come by and enjoy the show, bid on auction items and have a wonderful meal. The show is on Sunday, May 3rd, 2019. See you there! For More Info: www.classicchevysofsocal.com
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PHOTOS BY STEVE GELDMAN and Tommy Huth
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FOR SALE
1997 FORD F-250 4x4, 460 Big Block, custom stereo, Alarm, sun roof, Line-X bed, Cam, Hedders, Borla Exhuast. Registered and ready to go! 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
1981 Corvette Pace Car 1981 Corvette Pace Car A very nice example of a 1981 Corvette Pace Car. Updated with a 454 cubic inch big block, this car drives as great as it sounds. A new interior as well, this car is a great example of a driver that is also show ready. Priced to sell, this is your chance to get your hands on a collector car at a great price. Asking $6,000.00
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: $23,500 Contact Information:
Dustin@Connectedmediagroup.com
Price: Contact for Pricing Contact Information:
Dustin@Connectedmediagroup.com
Price: $55,000 Contact Information:
Dustin@Connectedmediagroup.com
Price: Constact Dustin Contact Information:
Dustin@Connectedmediagroup.com
Price: $6,000 Contact Information: Eric at 818-284-3439
SOLD Price: $25,000 Contact Information:
Dustin@Connectedmediagroup.com