It wasn’t until this year that she has taken wings. Her striking profile being recognized by three major shows (Amelia, St. John’s – formerly Meadowbrook and Pebble Beach). She has (or will) appear at all three shows, by invitation. Any collector would be proud to showcase their car at either of these events, let alone all three.

At St. John’s concours this weekend past, she garnered an award being named the “Most Photogenic” . A gorgeous trophy being it’s prize. We were thrilled, naturally, and thankful to the judges at this fine event.

Of curious note is her hood ornament – a resting frog, which is oddly appropriate for a French classic. Everyone took pictures of that darn frog. Believed to be a rare option for Delahayes, ours displays it with pride. Perhaps that is why she won the award that she did. Regardless, the gleaming trophy now sits on our shelves reminding us of our good taste in automobiles (notice a bit of snobbery in that statement?) – let me rephrase then – the trophy pays homage to a time in automotive design history when flowing lines were more important than the cost to manufacture same. Form verses function and form won.

She is not a vaunted Figoni and Falaschi design but you wouldn’t know it by looking at her. She displays remarkable flowing lines from the very front of the fender to the elongated rear fenders. And she is long and low. Compared to a similar vintage Jaguar (whose resemblance you can discern) the Delahaye dwarfs the Jag. Think 3/4 size next to the Delahaye. Yet, there is scarcely enough room in the front seat for two adults. Were the French that small in 1947?

Pebble Beach (www.pebblebeachconcours.net) is approaching quickly and we are anxiously awaiting that weekend. It’s the culmination of a lifetime dream to display a car on the 18th green at Pebble. Widely known as the best concours extant, we will bask in that sunshine as long as we possibly can.

Stay tuned to our blogs and Facebook pages for an upcoming surprise announcement concerning another Pebble Beach eligible addition to our collection. At Pebble it’s about choices – and we need to give the judges options for 2013.

So, if you are near Pebble Beach on the 18th of August (by chance?) please stop by and say hello. We’d love to talk cars with you.

Paul

I’ve loved these 190′s since their introduction in 1984. Of course, they were a purpose built super sedan long before Mercedes thought of purchasing AMG. Aimed at a younger audience, these gas crisis rockets were very engaging to drive. Available with a 5 speed or automatic transmission, they were relatively light, even by today’s standards and were powered by a Cosworth developed motor. The 16V after the 2.3 refers to the 16 valve Cosworth head. Most erroneously thought that the motor was developed by AMG. By 1984 standards the car was quick – 0-60 coming up in 7.8 seconds (in 5 speed configuration). Top speed was an equally impressive 154 mph, all from 167 horsepower. In fact, that year the 2.3-16V set three world endurance records at the Nardo track in Italy. Of course, you knew that you had to keep the revs up to acheive any of these figures, but no matter, it was one of the coolest cars available for sale that year – by any manufacturer. Long criticized for it’s boy racer looks, with it’s obligatory body kit, spoilers and all, but I think it wears them well, especially today. I liked the looks then – and am impressed now that Mercedes took the leap and produced such a forward thinking car in 1984.

The front Recaro seats are still very supportive and if you’ve ever been in one you’d remember the rear seats, they too were buckets (predicting the future of cars like the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide).  The ride is a bit softly sprung but we never noticed it then. She hangs on in corners despite the obvious lean and corners with predicability. Although not up to the BMW’s M3 prowess, she still does all of the right things on the road, if not perfectly on the track.

Also not widely known – this new generation of cars (190′s included) were developed because President Jimmy Carter mandated the CAFE regulations and forced manufacturers to introduce more fuel efficient vehicles. Hence the “small car” revolution. Also not well known was the fact the 190 2.3-16v was the impetus for the development of the venerable M3 by BMW. Hard to believe but true. BMW had no car in their arsenal to compete with this new “super sedan” directly. Anyone who owns an M3 should ultimately give praise to these 190′s for their heritage.

Top Gear fans would know that the 2.3-16V was featured on their second episode.

There are several significant differences between the regular 190′s and the 2.3-16v. There is the obvious difference in appearance, such as the body kit which lowered the drag coefficient to .32. Lesser known differences are more subtle. The steering wheel is smaller, the steering ratio quicker and the fuel tank larger. It also used the same Getrag 5 speed transmission that was later used in the M3 – but to a much different affect. There is an transmission oil coiler – standard. I’ve already mentioned the excellent Recaro front and rear bucket seats in the interior but there are also three additional gauges in the center console; oil temperature, voltmeter and a stopwatch. Clearly designed for racing then!

Under the car there are differences too. A limited slip differential is standard. She sits lower and is more stiffly sprung. It has quicker dampers, larger anti-roll bars and a self leveling rear suspension (which has proven to be problematic).

Considered fairly rare then, they are more so today. They were very pricey in 1984 and Mercedes discontinued the import of the car to the United States in 1986, although continuing the evolution of the theme in Europe and other countries (2.5 litre, Evo I and II, etc). They are not fast, as we know fast today, but very entertaining, handsome and unusual. True Mercede-philes know the car and always offer a thumbs up. Built with typical early Mercedes quality, they are well worth collecting as they can be had for a song. You’ll enjoy excellent gas mileage also – an added bonus while driving such a unique piece of Mercedes Benz history. The 190 2.3-16v was truly a game changer and we should recognize it for being well ahead of it’s time.

We currently have two in the shop. Both will be cosmetically and mechanically “restored” to a driving condition. I’m looking forward to it – in a “small” way.

Paul

We were lucky enough to find a 1958 Chris Craft Silver Arrow several year ago. However, this is the first year we’ve put her in the water. And on Lake Michigan no less – so yes, we’re slightly off. She’s only 19′.

Chris Craft only made 92 Silver Arrows – purportedly only 30 are accounted for. Like the COBRA, this was the first time Chris Craft married fiberglass to a wood body. Notice the fins at the rear. Clearly Chris Craft was influenced by the car designs of the times. The wrap around windshield is another wink to, perhaps, the Corvette. Chris Craft themselves eluded to the design mirroring the 1959 Buick. I can see that. Even the name is inspired by a car, the legendary Mercedes Silver Arrow race car.

Here is a picture of her at speed on the lake. Enjoy !!

I’ve long been enamored with Indy Race cars of, um, my vintage. They were long (longer in person than you might realize) and edgy. The rear wheels large  - the steering wheel too! She sits level despite the imbalance of the wheel and tire sizes. The hood – long. The brakes – poor, the safety – non existent.  Recall that racing this vintage Indy Car required only a leather helmet. Many racers – of vintage cars, wore suits and ties while racing their cars. Fire retardant suits were not en vogue. Gloves were rarely worn and a single lap belt was generally all the safety that one afforded themselves. The gas tank was directly behind you – meaning that rear end collisions always resulted in a fire. And death. Hence the description of edgy. Today a driver can withstand an impact of 200+ mph with minor bruises. Amazing.

But to race an Indy Car, in the 50′s, required a particular amount of courage and dedication. Sitting in this car, caressing the overly large steering wheel, brushing against the aluminum panels, that at a fraction of an inch, couldn’t presume to protect it’s fearless driver, graphically advertises the danger. The sensory rush has to be experienced.

The car has a lap belt – that’s all. I’m not even sure that it’s original – or that one was ever used by the racers. I’ve driven her in the local 4th of July parade. During my drive there I hit speeds of, oh, 45 mph. I can’t possibly imagine speeds in excess of 140 mph. The rear tires are large and humming right behind your ears. If you were careless with your elbows – you might loose them. Or at least – rub your skin off. Either option – not ideal. The aluminum body panels – all rattle. The suspension is, rightfully so, rigid and non forgiving. She tends to understeer – which is probably ideal for this type of racing. On the road, however, it’s all eyes on the car. Painted in patriotic red white and blue – she is a sight on the road. Is she street legal – no – but hey, when has that stopped us?

We are trying to uncover the history of this car – as there must certaintly be one. We’ll update the blog with more information soon.

Enjoy!
Paul

Witness the 1979 300CD Coupe. Recall that in the late 70′s through most of the 80′s Mercedes imported 80% of their production to the US in diesel form. Hence, this coupe is a also a diesel. I’ve long been fond of this design though never owned one. We found this clean car in California at a Manheim auction being largely ignored.

A Mercedes diesel, with proper maintenance, will last for hundreds of thousands of miles. This car has 147,000 miles on the clock.

We’ll freshen her up – apply a quality repaint – and assure that she is mechanically perfect and then take to the open road – getting 30 mpg along the way. With the windows down, she is a true open air coupe worthy of collecting. Although there is currently a bit of a cult following for any Mercedes diesel from the 80′s – especially the coupes and wagons, they are becoming harder to find.

We’ll keep the post updated with progress on this graceful coupe – so stay tuned.

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!

5:30 am – unloading the Delahaye

Although I had a personal family commitment and couldn’t attend, Peter 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 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

]]> http://www.theburtcollection.com/index.php/2012/03/2012-amelia-island-concours-coverage-the-burt-collection-llc/feed/ 0 http://www.theburtcollection.com/index.php/2012/03/heading-to-amelia-island/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=heading-to-amelia-island http://www.theburtcollection.com/index.php/2012/03/heading-to-amelia-island/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:47:02 +0000 Paul http://www.theburtcollection.com/?p=6378 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 -

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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