I’ve had the pleasure of driving many, many cars. There has been quite a variety; sports cars, sedans. muscle cars and antiques. I’ve driven two doors, four doors, convertibles and wagons – old and new. Of course, amongst all of this fun, I still require a daily driver. A car that is imminently dependable, one that is attractive but also entertaining and, need I say, desirable.

In all of my searches, I keep coming back to one car.  The Mercedes Benz E55/E63. Actually, that’s two. But, in my evaluation – the are virtually the same. I like them both for some of the same reasons and for several quite different.

There are quite a few cliches that apply – a wolf in sheep’s clothing works. A mild mannered reporter might do it too. The fact is, the untrained eye see the E55/E63 as a regular Mercedes sedan. And that’s how you want it. Any unsuspecting sports car wannabe will be embarrassed repeatedly, both on the track and at the stop light. Let’s just call it “Superman Sedan”. This car flies!

The E55/E63 is, first and foremost, a rare car. It’s a mid size sedan, able to fit four (or five if you squeeze them into the back seat) adults. easily maneuverable in mall parking spots (if that is ever a requirement) and, need I say – blisteringly fast. But the two cars deliver that power in entirely different ways. The E55 (my personal driver) delivers more guteral acceleration thanks to it’s supercharged engine. The torque is more pronounced than in the E63 and, naturally, louder. The whine of the supercharger is sweet music and addicting. The E63 is, then, more refined. You need to rev the E63 to higher RPMs to extract it’s full potential – but rewards you when you do. She is every bit as fast as her older sister – but quieter during acceleration also. Frankly, it s a matter of personal preference – and to some degree – your personal budget.

Oddly. despite the fact that the E63 is newer, the 0-60 times (depending on where you read them) are nearly identical. Any daily driver that can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds is, even by modern standards, thrillingly fast.

You also have to admire the muscular stance that AMG proudly gives this car. The subtle changes from the regular, run of the mill, Mercedes sedan (E350) makes all of the difference. The rims are actually quite well done and contribute to the overall sporting look. Although a great looking sedan in any color, Black is my favorite. I’ve darkened the windows in mine (added E63 rims to my E55) and attached a carbon fiber rear deck spoiler.

These sedans weren’t inexpensive new ( you can still buy them – but expect to pay six figures). Luckily the used market for these cars is relatively abundant and they retail for less than half of their original cost. A substantial bargain.

Here is my example – let us help you find yours!

Well, we made it to Amelia Island Concours in one piece. Reliable Transport did a fantastic job, as always and our beloved 1947 Delahaye 135MS Teardrop coupe made it there without an issue.

5:30 am – unloading the Delahaye

Although I had a personal family commitment and couldn’t attend, Peter Hoffmann, from our collection, represented The Burt Collection in fine style. Of course, a five day junket to Florida in March didn’t necessarily require arm twisting or combat pay.

Peter Hoffmann wowing the crowd with is knowledge of a 1947 Delahaye

Our class was exclusive and included the show winning Bugatti (cited directed beside us) and another beautiful Talbot Lago. Stiff competition Keep in mind, our Delahaye is largely unrestored and shows well, but not pristine. Plans are underway to bring her back to her original cabriolet configuration and restore her more completely. So, this was her last show as a teardrop coupe.

Congrats to the Bugatti beside us – the overall show winner!

One of her most stunning views

The weather was great – the show – amazing and we were proud to be there

Enjoy

Paul J. Burt

The time has come to load the 1947 Delahaye on a truck and send her to Amelia Island, arguably one of the best car shows in the world.

If you think that she looks different, you have a good eye. We added period correct white walls to her wire wheels. It is likely that she always had black wall tires, but we mounted these whitewalls simply to see how it looked. If we didn’t like them, we’d flip them back to black. Turns out – we liked them a lot. The long swooping lines on the body are only accentuated by the white tires.

We detailed her for the show, including the motor compartment – and, although mostly original and unrestored, we think she’ll be a proud addition to the field.

Enjoy -

Yesterday she arrived. Jason, from our shop, went to collect her. Our newest project; a 1960 Buick 225 Electra Convertible, is here.

For some unknown reason, I didn’t want to transport her in the usual fashion. I already had a personal affinity towards this Buick, so I didn’t want anyone, other than our own staff, to move her. She was, at one time, the passion of another. The previous owner, now deceased went to great lengths to restore her – to the point where she is now. Yet, I don’t know the whole story. Was it his first car; repurchased? Or perhaps –  a car in which he met his wife. Everyone has a story – every car a tale. That story is very personal and it’s sad when the last chapter isn’t written and the restorer isn’t able to proudly drive his passion to it’s first show. There are only a few better feelings of pride that one experiences (outside of family) that evoke both the past and present when you bring your restored beauty to a car show for all to see.

I wanted to treat her with the respect that she deserved. She was, after all, the pinnacle of the Buick lineup in 1960. If you wanted a Cadillac but eschewed the statement it made to your employees, perhaps, you bought this top of the line Buick. She is long and elegant and can be proudly driven. The Titian Red color far more rich than I expected. The lines, far more pronounced in person. They flow easier in person. This is a three dimensional car – not best appreciated in two dimensional pictures. Further, I can hope that the previous owner, frolicking in heaven one hopes, is looking down and smiling broadly.

The interior is where the restoration stalled. Given that the 225 was trimmed in leather, this part of the restoration won’t be inexpensive, but there is nothing better for the interior of a car than rich leather. The smell of the tanning never leaves you.

The interior color is two toned – as we have the removed pieces prior to restoration. It’ll be dark and light burgundy color. When done, she’ll probably look like a bottle of wine. This Buick certainly has gotten better with age.

As the motor appears to have been fully restored, she starts on the first turn of the key and runs perfectly. The 225 came standard with dual exhaust and the previous owner capped the exhaust with period correct chrome tips. Although she is quiet – she maintains a slight muscle car burble. After all the 401 cubic inch motor offers 325 hp in the Electra.

We’ll need to repaint her however, as the paint applied (and we think it’s lacquer) was poorly executed. No matter ,we want her to be perfect. The chrome, by the way, is. Completely redone -and very well at that. The grill looks new, perhaps NOS. The fender skirts – probably a popular aftermarket option in 1960, are growing on me. I think that they interrupt the lines of the car, but the guys in the shop want them to stay. At least there are easily removed, if I prefer. They too – are chromed.

She’ll be ready for the 2012 show season. We’ll try to get her into the Barrington Concours perhaps. Or St Johns. She is that pretty and deserves to be admired by others. If the man upstairs has his way, you’ll see her there.

Paul J Burt

As so often is the case, an automotive restoration starts with all good intentions. There is always an initial love affair with the suspect vehicle. That’s how it gets started and for good reason. After all, your Dad owned one or you drove one to your senior prom, or? There are so many reasons why we become attached to one particular car. We rarely deviate. It’s the same year, the same color – the same memory. We long, perhaps, to relive all of goodness that this car holds in our minds. We believe that driving this emotional attachment, one more time, will rekindle all that was worth remembering during that period of our life. We might go as far as to believe that we’ll see our father sitting next to us again, on that sunny summer day, just like it used to be. That is why this wonderful hobby exists. We all remember. We remember the songs blasting through those, woefully inadequate, am radio speakers. Our collector car hobby thrives on memories and continues to seek them.

So I wasn’t surprised when a friend (another car junkie dealer like me) called and spoke those venerable key words “I found a car you’ll love” – “it’s right up your alley”. The truth is, most cars are right up my alley. I love them all and for various reasons. However, I was already hooked when he told me that it was a 1960 Buick Electra 225 Convertible. As far as American made collectibles are concerned – Buicks rank right up there with Packards, Lincolns and Cadillacs to me. I love the “top of the line” models. The ones where the manufacturer bleeds all of the style and excess into their best – and most expensive – flagship.

Our newest collectible car, painted in it’s original Titian Red color, was exactly the scenario that I explained at the onset of this story. An older gentleman acquired her and endeavored to bring her to a “showroom” new brilliance once again. He made great progress. The car was nearly finished and sadly, he passed. His heirs had no desire to finish the stalled restoration and that’s how my friend found it, relegated from the house garage where progress ensued to the barn where she waited for a new owner.

There were a few items on the 1960 Buick Electra that always attracted me – and they are minor really, but important. The first are the portholes. 1960 saw the reintroduction of the famed portholes. They were mysteriously dropped in 1958. Buick rightful recognized that this iconic styling cue, harking back to 1949, was important to their buyers, so they returned after this short two year hiatus (and exist to this very day – and appear on cars like Maserati – if you notice). The speedometer on this Buick fascinated me too. It was adjustable. Meaning it could be moved up or down according to the height of the driver. Called Mirror-Magic, it was, in fact, a mirror reflecting the inverse image of the speedometer nestled slightly below the dashboard, out of view.  The 225 Electra was also longer than the other full size Buicks, gaining it’s length behind the front door and before the rear wheels. Look at the Invicta from this year – and you’ll see it. The longer wheelbase suits the design. When the convertible top is up it’s particularly noticeable. Incidentally, the name 225 eludes to the overall length of the car. Fancy that. This is also the last year of the tail fins.

Only 6,746 Electra 225 Convertibles were produced in 1960. So they are relatively rare.

Perhaps the most attractive design element of this Buick IS the design of this Buick. Gone are the slanted headlights from 1959 – thankfully. The long and swooping crease that starts at the very front of the hood and gracefully arches to behind the rear wheel adds an undeniable elegance to this car. The concave grill treatment makes the front of the car more attractive too. There is a tasteful smattering of stainless and chrome here  - but nothing like the “rhinestone cowboy” Buick of 1958. Although, we have one of those also, in the collection, and are quite fond of it’s excess. But most interestingly these Buicks were styled after – of all things – the B52 Bomber that was in service at that time. This car drips from the cues derived from “jet age” styling. The front fenders upper fin is themed from the wing of the B52 – and the headlights represent the dual jet engines. If you look between the headlights there is actually a raised vertical “stem” that would, in the B52, connect the wing and engines. I’ve included a picture of the B52 for reference. This Buick was truly inspired by an aircraft. Look at the rear tailights – yep, styled after the cone of the jet exhaust. All rather impressive.

Back to the portholes. Only the Electra 225 had four portholes. All other, lesser models, only had three. Just like the “Roadmaster” and “Super” models from the 50′s. Also, 1960 was the first year for the tricolor badge on the grill.

Powering this massive car is the proven 401ci nailhead V-8. Pumping out 325 respectable horsepower and a stately 445 lbs of torque. The automatic transmission is now called the “Turbine Drive”. All 225′s came with power windows and beautiful, if not artistic, hubcaps (pictured below).

Here is a final fun fact about the 1960 Buicks – their warranty? It was only 90 days or 4,000 miles. Thankfully, they don’t make them like they used to.

Paul J Burt

Winter is such a depressing time to be in the car collecting hobby. Especially in Wisconsin – (or Chicago for that matter). The skies are grey, the temps – not conducive to spirited driving. Anything with two wheel drive is, at best, suspect transportation. So when we were asked to donate a few of our cars for display purposes at the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show (2-25 thru 3-4-2012 at the Frontier Center) we jumped at it. Although we are biased towards our own Chicago Car Show – we did want to see what Milwaukee to offer.

Frankly, any excuse to take our cars out during the winter months is welcome.

We decided to display our 1947 Delahaye 135MS, Langenthal bodied, Teardrop Coupe. Which, incidentally, goes directly from Milwaukee to Amelia Island, Florida, to be featured at the Amelia Island Concours (http://www.ameliaconcours.org). We also took our 1955 Packard Caribbean. The Packard also head to Florida – not to be shown however, rather to be auctioned at the Fort Lauderdale RM Auction. Sadly, we are parting with her – as we have another, waiting in the wings, to be restored. That car, a white/pink/charcoal three tiered color car. The Delahaye is original and not restored, the Packard, rotisserie restored. They both show well however.

The show, as it turned out, was quite pleasant. Free of the general malaise of the Chicago show, smaller, more intimate and vastly easier to navigate. The crowds were lighter, the displays well done (witness the LFA at the Lexus booth, the 2013 Cadillac XTS or the 2012 Camaro ZL1 and 2012 Shelby GT500). There were also the aforementioned show cars (ours included) which peppered the general new car displays. They were a pleasant distraction. Parking was a breeze ($15 – but watch out for the attitudes of the attendants – quite Chicago like there) – and the center – clean. It was well worth the short drive from Lake Forest, IL to the show – which took only an hour.

So, if you are in Milwaukee, plan to be in Milwaukee – are curious about Milwaukee – or otherwise want to see new cars during these winter months – head on over to the Frontier Center. Our cars will be in the lobby waiting to greet you. It’ll be worth your time.

Paul J Burt

Mercedes Benz has never made a poor looking coupe. Choose a year – any year, you won’t find a poorly styled, nor poorly designed, coupe. 1953 – 300S coupe – beautiful. 1962 220 SEB – stunning – 2003 CL 500 – masterful.

Consider the renewed 2007 CL550 Coupe.  Absolute artwork. There is no post = as with all Mercedes coupes – between the A and C pillar. No B pillar is the key.

Our example has travelled only 27,000 miles. She is silver with a black interior – and being a CL 550 – the top of the line coupe, is FULLY loaded. Here is a sampling of the amenities;

Massaging seats, heated and cooled

Night time driving assist

Rear camera

self leveling and dynamic (moving) lights  - they lead you around a corner

Self leveling suspension

Sirius Radio

Rear back glass shade

and, of course, massive style, plus…

Dynamic seats – they hug and love you

The silver color has a tinge of blue in it and looks far better in person than in pictures. Initially, I was inclined to object  -  recalling that I had previously owned a higher mileage CL 550 in black with a tan interior. So I was biased. Until she arrived, gleaming in the morning sun – I was smitten.

She is as new- with the low mileage previously mentioned. Everything works – perfectly.

We added new tires to the front – which were probably rotated from the rear. They are top of the line Michelins and cost $360 EACH. Ouch. But – no further additions were required.

It’s still hard for me to believe that a car of this caliber (clearly a six figure car today) can be acquired for only $45,000. That’s the cost of a new Mustang for crying out loud. Which would you rather drive?

Paul J Burt

There was a day, not long ago, when being seen in a station wagon was, well – uncool, odd – even queer. Which isn’t to say – gay, just “not cool”. However, so few of us have a memory that ISNT full of rides in the back of the family “wagon”. Many of us recall, oddly but fondly, facing oncoming traffic in the “way back” seat – waving blissfully at the motorists – and feeling relatively safe doing so. Never mind that a rear end collision would have catapulted us into oncoming traffic lick a human cannonball. Our parents didn’t seem to mind either – our grandparents were ever so happy to not have us squirming next to them, and we – well – we fought for the privilege of being in the “death seat”.

I’m reminded of those good ole days – now, with our recent purchase of a beautiful 1959 Nash Rambler Greenbriar Super Wagon. An economy wagon in the truest sense, it has no third seat and, in fact, no carpet in the “cargo” area at all. None the less, there I was bouncing around this claustrophobic metal coffin hitting the roof with every pothole, manhole cover or railroad track. And while driving, my father, seems to enjoy finding all of these road impediments. Imagine watching your child, in mid air, from your rear view mirror – bouncing down the diver laden road. Now you get the sense of why these wagons were so popular to our parents.

I couldn’t resist adding her to our collection. Her colors, light and dark green, remind us of how colorful and bold the late 50′s cars were. I normally would not take a liking to a green car but looking at the pictures, you might agree, she is very attractive.

The Nash Rambler design has roots by Pinin Farina – and is very art deco. Of course, at first glance, you ask yourself  - how did you change a tire when flat? We still are not sure – having no need to do so yet. But no matter, she is sexy in a Kirstie Alley sort of way. Plump but sexy – from certain angles and elegant in an evening dress – of light and dark green.

Paul J Burt

OK, it’s not just like the island – but I now have your attention.

Our avid readers will remember that, a week ago, we hosted a Porsche Club meet here at The Burt Collection. It turned out to be a great event with many cars in attendance. While there one of the members asked if we could sell his beautiful 2009 Porsche Cayman. He ordered the car new – drove her only 10,300 miles and truly coveted her. She repeatedly won first place honors at all of the Porsche events she participated in. More interestingly he ordered her with the, new for 2009, PDK transmission. Having never driven a Porsche with the PDK (remember – I’m old school) – I was amazed at how smoothly and quickly this new transmission shifter.

Our new friend was also a fireman – now retired. Naturally the car is red – red – red. A very complimentary tan leather interior sets this little hot rod off nicely. And is she clean – my lord, I’ve not seen new cars this clean. Truly – she is detailed to a level that new vehicles don’t enjoy. Perfection really.

She has NAV, PDK, floor mats, and other desirable options. In 2009 she was a nearly $60,000 car. Yikes.

She drives perfectly, of course. WIth only 10,300 miles on the odometer, you would expect that. The paint is perfect – the interior, you guessed it – perfect.

We are selling the car for him and are accepting offers north of $40,000.   She will undoubtedly sell quickly. So please call Peter or myself and schedule a test drive.

Paul J Burt

After these many years and myriad cars – a transport issue was bound to surface. A no minor issues this.

It  all started at Manheim in Baltimore, Maryland.. A few weeks ago we bought a 1980 Corvette. Most of our blog followers now know that I love these anemic pseudo sportscars. It’s the shape that draws me in every time. The integrated front and rear spoilers changed the already pleasing shape (1978 and 1979) to a point where I had to – one day, acquire one. Now we have 7 or 8. Ok, Ok – I’ve gone overboard. But this lonely Corvette sitting amongst the nearly new Hondas, Chevys and Pickups at Manheim begged me to rescue her. And I did. And for not much money – all told.

So we sent  transport company there to pick up our new, but very old, Corvette – and off she went, heading for Lake Forest, Illinois. But she never made it.

The driver fell asleep somewhere on route 80 in Ohio and flipped the car hauler. Of course, all of the eight cars on board had fuel in the tank. One of them burt into flames – and poof – no more 1980 Corvette. She lay there at 5:45 am smoldering and melting on Route 80 – sadly. Another one bites the dust.

I thought our readers would like to see the video of the accident shot by a casual passerby on a cell phone. Here it is -

Also check out the local news coverage

Turnpike open after morning wreck: foxtoledo.com

Today was a good day, no – strike that, Sunday the 23rd of October was a great day. The sun was out – the breezes were present and a gaggle of great looking Porsches found their way to The Burt Collection.

It was all for a good cause. As is in Porsche Club fashion, an event that attracts a wide variety of Porsche’s best is usually there to support a worthy charity. Today was no different. John Affourtit was on hand to honor his deceased wife through the Christine Neuman-Affourtit Foundation. Christine died of cancer in March of 2009 and John has been a tiresless promoter of cancer awareness through her charity. We were only too happy to support this great cause by opening our doors to the Porsche Club.

Although we have a number of Porsches in the collection, the interest from the members seemed to be mostly every other make. Which proves that, despite their love of Porsche – car guys (and gals) don’t discriminate!

But the focus is on Porsches today. I took the liberty of photographing a number of the attendee’s cars and share them with you below.

Perfect weather for a Cabriolet

A “Viper Green” 2001 RUF Boxster 3400 – now that’s rare

A “Pre A” Coupe – Stunning

A very tidy Cabriolet basking in the sun

Ruf brakes prominently displayed

The windy city prevails – and it was a warm October breeze 

The front of that lovely Pre A – wonderfully preserved

How about a “paint to sample” Carrera 4 – love that color!

Several blogs back I discussed our new refurbishment program for the Land Rover Discovery series trucks. Our second truck has arrived and is waiting on a new motor. Seems that the oil pump went out on this unit too – causing the motor to freeze. We’ll find a great donor engine and replace it. She is extremely clean. The paint – near perfect and I love the color. The interior – tan. She is a five seater – no rear sunroof – so perfect for transporting your hunting dog, or in my case – one Great Dane and two German Shepherds. I’ll need to put the rear seats down

What a nice truck. I hadn’t seen this color before – and I might just keep her. Well, winter is coming – we need to keep humping to get these done. If you are interested in this Discovery II or another that we have in stock, please drop by or call. Ask for Peter or myself.

Paul J Burt

Ok, get your minds out of the gutter. Although – an old woody automobile or a vintage wooden boat does promote a certain amount of visceral excitement, be that for a man or a woman. Everyone, it seems, appreciates and desires a wooden boat. Their beautiful application of teak and mahogany wood recall the heady days of America’s greatness. Don’t get me wrong, America is still great. Our freedoms are unparalleled – our pride, boundless. But these old boats recall a simpler time, And it wasn’t a time devoid of conflict. The 1938 Chris Craft Runabout that we are hanging in our showroom, in the pictures below, would have carried boaters across any lake in America cognizant of a mounting threat in Germany. It would have been impossible to skip across a lake in ’38′ and not stumble upon a conversation with your lucky passenger about Hitler and impending war. Maybe that was the beauty of this sleek boat. For that short time you were her passenger you could put aside your global fears, relax and dip your hand into the clear water of your favorite lake. Perhaps it was Lake Geneva, in Wisconsin. Surely it looked similar in 1938 – before the war. Tucked into the hills of Southern Wisconsin and long loved as an escape destination from the hub bub of Chicago, Lake Geneva teemed virginity. She stood apart from the myriad lakes in Wisconsin as the destination most likely to divert your fears and pressures.

I feel older riding in this old wooden boat. Not older in age, but vintage myself. A wooden boat has in the innate ability to transport you back in time – instantly. The smell of the wood, the interior and the water all combine to create such an overwhelming appeal that you want to be transported back in time. You want to experience the thrill that your Grandfather experienced when he was a youngster. You can imagine him taking your grandmother out for a casual, if romantic, slow ride around the outskirts of the lake. Perhaps he anchored off in the very middle of the lagoon and opened a wicker basket to enjoy a bottle of wine and a circle of Wisconsin’s delightful cheese. The water was cleaner, the traffic lighter, the lake – all theirs. Did they know that we would capture that gleeful summer in a single boat ride 70 years later? I can hear them laughing and cavorting every time I ride in this wonderful woody.

There isn’t a time that I take this boat out that it doesn’t draw a crowd. The old, the young or the  dispassionate non boater. They all fall in love. And they should. These were not mass produced. Real men bent real wood making these boats. The fact that some survive, to this day, almost defies explanation. The maintenance of wood crafted in 1938 requires patience and true committment. But, I want my children to know that these old boats will be saved, savored and sailed upon. I won’t soon relinquish mine – years from now I want my grandchildren to bring this old boat to plane – then sit back and smile – remembering that there are experiences in life worth preserving. An old wooden boat is one of them.

We, at The Burt Collection, are pleased and humbled, to own several old wooden boats. Most are Chris Crafts. We decided to hang the boats in the showroom for the winter. This 1938 Runabout is the first to join the rest of the car collection. We nestled her next to the 1953 Buick Wooody wagon as the Buick was purchased (once restored) to pull her to the lake for the day. What a sight that will be. A 1953 Buick Woodie pulling a 1938 Chris Craft. Folks might just run off the road. Hey, as long as they don’t hit the boat, I’m OK with it.

Enjoy the pictures of our team hoisting her into place. And, if you are in the neighborhood – please – drop by and gape at her. She’s that pretty.

Paul J Burt

Many of our projects drone on, it seems. But we make daily progress, despite the outward appearance of the vehicle. Perhaps an obscure part holding on the bumper, or a minicule plastic roller that keeps the window in it’s track, stalls us. These parts simply fail due to age but can’t be detected until the car is apart. Restorations take time, good ones at least do. In an effort to rush the job others might overlook the important internal components that must be addressed. If that is the case, the car will have isssues in the future. We like to drive our cars post restoration  - and insist in addressing every detail – no matter how small.

I’ve uploaded a number of pictures showing restorations that are nearing completion.

Here is my pet project. A 2003 Audi S6 Avant (wagon). Only 800 or so were imported for the years 2002 and 2003. No sedan was available in these years, only the Avant. It is powered by a 4.2 litre V8 - putting out 340 horses. She’ll be relatively quick – and sure footed with it’s Audi four wheel drive system. I also like the look of the wagon. There are countless sedans out there but very few purpose  built wagons. I’ve upgraded the rims to Audi factory rims that I prefer over the stock units. The car had been involved in a minor front end accident. As the fenders and hood are aluminum – and dent easily -they all required replacement. When painting a metallic car, the match is critical and rarely does one match perfectly. So, I’ve asked the team to repaint the entire car – as you can see in the pictures. Once again, we are waiting on some minor parts from Audi. With those in hand, we’ll finish her in a few weeks. Just in time for wet weather driving. I can’t wait.

The 2003 Land Rover Disscovery II is nearing completion. A good thing too as we took deliver of a 2004 requiring engine repair so the guys are swamped. The White 2003 bad it’s top painted, hence the platic on the rest of the completed truck. We’ve applied the paint and the clear coat – next week – we put her together and she’s ready to enjoy. This one will stay, on the ready, at home waiting for inclement weather to enjoy her 4wd prowess. There aren’t many trucks that I have driven in the snow, that are better than a Land Rover.

 The 1990  Porsche C arrera 4 Cabriolet in the forefront is for sale. We replaced both of the electric top’s tranmissions. Many of the cabriolets require this repair and few owner commit to doing it. It’s expensive and the top can be erected without the power operation. Of course, that would never do for us. Other than that - a good tune up, a good detail and she was a pleasure to drive when the sun was shining this summer. As with most Porsche’s, she is reliable, fat and fun. The sound of the air cooed engine is memorable. A sound that is muted in the newer water cooled engines. The 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible beside her is waiting a restoration. At first I thought the color rather plain.  Most of the Continentals that I’ve seen are painted in darker colors. Ours has a pretty white leather interior and an offsetting dark tan top. All in – a pretty representation of the “Kennedy” era car that is so popular amongst collectors today. Ever since the sedan version appeared in “ The Matrix” and the convertible in HBO’s “Entourage” these slab sided classics are getting harder to find in non restored condition. Which is ecactly how we like them.

Finally, here is a picture of the glorious Ferrari V12 that we removed from our 1965 330 GT 2+2. I wasn’t thrilled with the job another, highly acclaimed, restoration shop did nearby – he chargd a lot of money and the paint was fair at best. I asked our team to repaint it and do it right. They took the entire car apart – again, and removed the engine to detail the engine compartment to perfection. Something the other restorer attempted (with the engine still in the car?).  The sounds that a Ferrari V12 make are legendary. It’s a sound no other engine can replicate or embody. It’s also what leads most collectors to believe that, without the 12 – it isnt a real Ferrari. When teh engine is back in the car – and running well – we’ll record her and post the sound track here. You too will agree that it is –  automotive aural nirvana.
Paul J Burt

Nothing more rugged than a Defender 90

In 1997 or 98 I visited our local Range Rover dealer, conveniently located a few miles from my home. I was new to the North Shore of Chicago and was simply checking out the surroundings. I came upon the local Mercedes dealership (as I am drawn to car dealers naturally) and noticed that they also owned the Range Rover franchise. That was the first time I had been inside a Defender 90. The dealer had two or three on the lot – none in the showroom. I recall the salesman walking me past the big 90 to view the other models there. I stopped him and said that I was truly interested in the overtly rugged offering from Range Rover. He quizzically looked at me – in disbelief perhaps that I was interested in their poorest selling model. At least in the US. It seems that no one wanted a Defender. He proceeded to explain that they rode poorly, suffered from wind noise and werent  as loved as the other larger models. A Range Rover outcast. And so, not only did I not buy one (it was many years before I bought a Range at all) but apparently no one else did either. Making this model a very collectible, dare I say, cultish classic today. Imported between 1994 and 1997 – (sans 1996?) and only 1500 wagons were sold – worldwide. Incidentally, our new Defender 90 Wagon is Willow Green – and was a special edition that year,

And they are so British looking – wouldn’t you agree? I feel that driving gloves and a cap are mandatory fare.

In 1994, they were pricey, no doubt. Price aside, the truck was not terribly stylish, not terribly fuel-efficient and virtually all were discounted in price. I seem to recall that in 1998 they were every bit of $40,000. Comparable Jeeps and other four wheel drive vehicles were thousands less.

I rarely saw one after that  – not on the road and not in classified ads, perhaps I just wasn’t looking though. Regardless, I was fond of the truck and thought it was a worthy successor to the older Defender models. After all, the Defender was the original concept for the Range Rover model.

Have you priced one lately? NADA states that in “excellent” condition they can command $71,000. I’ll say that again, Seventy One thousand dollars. Yikes.

So, we’ve endeavored to purchase a few for our “reconditioning” program. We’ve already identified Jeep Grand Wagoneers, Land Rover Defenders, the Mercedes Benz 280SL and the Datsun 280Z from the late 70’s. We’ll recondition these cars to new condition and make them available to the interested few.

So, I you want to see any of these iconic classics – although not particularly old classics, come by The Burt Collection and we’ll show you around. The 280Z is nearly complete, the first Discovery will be done next week. The 1965 Mercedes Benz 230SL will be done in a month – and the Defender – she’ll be here in two weeks.

There is a lot happening here – come by and say hello.

Paul

Our readers know that we are rather eclectic in our acquisitions to the collection. In any given row of cars you might find a Packard Caribbean next to a Delahaye which is nestled next to a Packard Victoria. Conversely, you might also find modern (ish) cars that have an enduring cult following being sanded and painted in the next room. If you were at The Burt Collection recently, you witnessed the rebirth of such a car, err, truck, errr, SUV?

We are bullish on the Land Rover “Disco” – or Discovery models. I’m partial to the Disco II – with the 4.6 liter engine and the newer headlight treatment. I’ve long loved the windows in the roof, the available twin sunroofs and optional third row seating. I like it’s muscular, take charge stance. Besides, these Discos look timeless and carry the Land Rover/Range Rover pedigree. No doubt they are capable off-road machines. A quick search of YouTube reveals a myriad of videos of the cultish figures traversing deserts, scaling impossibly steep inclines and snorkeling through running water that a more sane person would avoid. Their legendary prowess in the thick of the jungle has made them a favorite worldwide for all types of expeditions. Here in America our expeditions are mostly limited to shopping malls and the occasional romp across a neighbors front lawn (I’m just saying — it could happen). Our Discos rarely see real terrain that would tax the hill descent mode or affront the front or rear climb angle. Still, it’s nice to know that one is driving a car, errr, truck that is capable of such daring do. I like them for their supernatural handling in the slippery stuff. Last year’s significant snowfall was no problemo for our newer Range Rover Sport – there is even a button (on the Sport) dedicated to the snowy travails right on the center consol

Every idilic car has an Achilles heal and I’m afraid the Disco is no different. The front axles sometimes quit – the gas mileage isn’t fantastic, they tend to fry their head gaskets – and their internal oil pumps fail – at an early age. The early ones had electronic maladies and parts aren’t cheap. But then again, what cult is without it’s initiation? Once sorted however, the marriage is long lasting. And one shouldn’t shy away from loving them as I do.

To that end, The Burt Collection has acquired a few, very nice, examples of the venerable Disco.  Our intent is to refurbish these wonderful neoclassics to pristine condition for resale. The first such project (pictures below) is underway and already accounted for. We have a light metallic green (Disco II) and wine red (Disco I) example in waiting. The white one pictured required a transmission, mechanical sprucing and cosmetics. We’ve replaced the rotors, brakes, added new tires, struts and have disassembled a good part of the car in order to repaint it. We’ll provide a warrantee  on these vehicles and, rest assured, make them as close to a new vehicle (aside from the obvious mileage) as possible.

The pictures below are of the car in it’s “purchased state” and under restoration. The finished car, err, SUV, will be posted in a week or so.

We’ll continue to find great foundation cars and make these available to any/all cult members – Paul

When I was 16 our neighbor bought a brand new 1976 Porsche 911. That year Porsche offered a variety of wild colors – many were pastel. His 911 was bright green I recall and had blacked out trim. This was, perhaps, my first exposure to a Porsche. Every day at roughly the same time he arrived home, passed my house and I just stared. He was rather gruff and any meaningful dialogue with him was non existent. I truly wanted a ride in it – but – no such luck. I think he was an accountant which, in reflection, makes sense.

The sub-division where we lived was decidedly middle class so a neighbor owning a new Porsche was unique. My pleasure to hear that air cooled engine whining as it approached is something I would never forget. I was hooked then and destined to own a 911 in my lifetime.

And so I do. My favorite brand really. An interesting aside about this car, she was the 16th birthday gift for the daughter of the founder of the Dayton Hudson stores. We bought her from Martha’s Vineyard, where she was stored year round.

Here is our 1976 Porsche 911. The color – different, It appears to be, what Porsche calls “Irish Green” . It’s slightly metallic and more attractive in person. I’m not generally a fan of green cars, although I own a few. This one however present quite well with it’s camel interior. Thus far we’ve recovered the seats and added show quality polished Fuchs rims. Although larger than the original Fuchs that came with the car, they are original spec .The larger size tires fill out the wheel wells – a look I prefer. She has only 66,00 original miles on the clock – and runs extremely well. A five speed, the ratios are perfectly matched to the torque curve of the flat six motor.

We are planning to repaint her this winter – the paint now showing it’s age. Undoubtedly a vibrance will return to her after she receives her new coat. We’ll repost pictures when finished.

Enjoy!

Paul J Burt

Occasionally The Burt Collection gets requests to feature one or more of our cars in a television commercial, or a magazine print ad, etc. Usually we don’t honor these requests as we aren’t interested in the rental income – or the potential damage to the cars themselves. However, we recently did honor such a request from The Trunk Club, (www.trunkclub.com) a web based men’s outfitter.  They had approached us through the Men’s Book in Chicago and we like that magazine.

The Trunk Club  (www.trunkclub.com)  chose two cars, a 1976 Porsche 911S and a 1970 Mercedes Benz 280SL, from our collection. Despite the obvious beauty of these cars, both timeless in their aesthetic appeal, but the colors may have been the compelling reason they were chosen.

There weren’t many red 280SL’s made – and our’s is beautiful. She has low mileage, an elegantly offsetting camel colored interior and – well, she is a classic. The Porsche, although there are many, is a vehicle on the cusp. Let me explain. In 1976 the 911S still featured the chrome window surrounds, the chrome headlight surrounds and the opening read windows. The can be pushed out a few inches, something that news Porsches don’t offer. We adorned our 911 with show polished Fuchs rims, original to the car (but a size larger) and a new interior. You can’t see it in the pictures but the paint is in need of a refresh – which, now that she is out of storage, we’ll begin. The color is also beautiful. I’m not a fan of green cars – usually, but I managed to collect two green Porsches. This car and a 1991 Turbo Our 1976 911S is called Abergine Green. Rare indeed, and metallic. Much prettier in person than in the pictures.

The photo shoot went off without a hitch – the cars performed beautifully and were wearing their good looks.

When the photographers pictures are available and/or the catalog is available – we’ll feature it here. Until then – here is a behind the scenes look at the session.

Every once in a while someone, a random friend or associate, surprises you – they mutter words that you long to hear. Words like, “you know, I own a …” and “want to sell it”. Sweet music to my ears. And just such an utterance happened recently with a new associate of SKAN National Radiology Services, our newly formed imaging center located in Bedford Park (www.skanradiology.com). We hired this seasoned and well liked technician from out of state. In so doing, he needed to relocate. In order to facilitate his move he desired to sell some of his belongings. Good idea.

The idea was especially fruitful as it related to The Burt Collection and the, umm, 1973 Triumph Indian motorcycle that he wanted to part with. The newly acquired “Bonneville” is 99% original with only 9,153 miles on the clock. Officially named the T140 Bonneville, she maintains her original tires, seat, matching #s engine,etc. There has never been any paint work, and she runs 100%. A nice find. I’m doing more research on her so I’ll provide more details in a future blog, but if you like nearly new original 70′s British bikes, like I do – you need to come see this one. Very shagadelic! – Here is a short blurb on this iconic British muscle bike:

The early 650 cc capacity production T120 Bonneville, often known as the ‘duplex frame’ model, was replaced in the early 1970s by the T140 Bonneville, the same basic machine but with a 750 cc engine. Refined from the later ‘oil in frame’ version of the T120, the first few T140s, designated T140V, featured a larger-capacity engine of 724 cc, a five-speed gearbox and indicators, but still retaining drum brakes and kick-start. Shortly after, the engine was further bored out to 744 cc and front disc brakes were fitted (using single discs until 1982). While originally intended for ‘export only’ the 750 Bonneville twin, caused so much interest among visitors to the 1973 motorcycle shows, that Triumph decided to put the bike on the home market at the price of 679 uk pounds. In 1975, along with engine modifications, the gearchange lever was moved from right to left to comply with new regulations mandated for the American market and a rear disc brake fitted. Several T140 models followed featuring various modifications and refinements including electric starting from 1980 until production ceased with the closure of the Meriden works in 1983.

Although this should have been the end of the Bonneville, as it turned out it was not. Triumph Motorcycles was acquired by businessman John Bloor, who licensed a company called Racing Spares in Devon, run by Les Harris to manufacture the T140 Bonneville. These continuation bikes are known as the ‘Devon Bonnevilles’, which did not reach the market until 1985, and were not sold in the U.S. Production ended in 1988.