First you'll all have to excuse my hiatus from the blog. Seems that when nice weather appears I seem to disappear from the computer. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I feel as if I'm ignoring a commitment.
So for the next few months I'll have updates on up coming auto shows/events in the region and around the Pacific Northwest and hopefully photos of said events.
First up on the list: the 8th Annual E30 Picnic. This is the 8th year that the Puget Sound Chapter of the BMW CCA has held this event. It is the largest gathering of the BMW E30 in continental North America.
For those of you not familiar with the BMW E30 series, please check out one of my posts regarding my very own E30, The Bronze Bitch or just wiki the E30 for a brief summary of the the car.
Oddly I wasn't a fan of this body style when it first appeared back in 1982. It just didn't appear to be as aerodynamic as the outgoing E21 body style of the 3 series. The other turn off for me was that the engine got smaller for the first year of the E30. The outgoing 3 series had a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder and the new 3 new series would have a 1.8 litre in the new model which was heavier by a good couple of hundred pounds. The upside looking back now: the E30 has the pleasure of being the first M3 introduced by BMW.
The E21 had the pre-M3 sports models from perfomance companies such as AC Schnitzer, Hartge and Alpina.
Over time though the E30 did grow on me. I mean a really long time. My first BMW was a 1981 E21. Black exterior/black interior. Fun car to drive for what it was. My friend had an E30. Just still couldn't get into that car. Seemed so lacking compared to mine. Well one more BMW under me and some 8 years later I was cruising Craigslist and searching for my next BMW when at the unholy hour of 1:30 in the morning (or there-abouts) I came across a freshly posted ad for this lovely 1987 325is. Those last two initials caught my attention so hard that my ADD could not pull me away from the monotony of staring at endless car ads. Those two little lettres: is. The "is" meant that this was the one that was the predecessor to the M3. It was also the one that was sold in market areas where the M3 was not available. The 325is had all the thrills and punch that this model should have had from the very begining.
Well here it is 3 years later. I'm still enjoying my E30 and thankfully there are enough enthusiasts out there that are still loving these cars as well and this weekend we will celebrate them. This event has grown from an afternoon gathering to a full on sponsored weekend event.
Saturday is the tech session at Griot's Garage (just one of the BMWCCA's many supporters) and then a friendly's gathering for the owners to hang out and chat E30's and general debautcher.
Sunday is the big get together at the XXX Drive In in Issaquah. Cars start arriving at 8am and we finish up about 2pm and then there is the after picnic drive. This year we are expected to break the 200 car mark.
We are also expected to have some special guests with joining the picnic this year. First up is Satch Carlson; editor in chief and columnist for the BMW CCA national magazine Roundel.
Second guest will be (from what I have heard) Steve Johnson the Vice President of the Pacific Region of the BMW CCA.
If you find yourself in the area, come in and see these amazing cars!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Decisions decisions
If you're a regular reader then you've figured out that I'm somewhat of a car buff. Kind of weird since the father figure in my life was not a car buff when I was kid.
Although he has told me of the hotrods he had as a teen and now I wonder what happened to that man that he lost that part of him. I mean he had some really sweet cars!!! A 1965 Mustang 2+2 Fastback, a 1968 Camaro SS, a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair. When he met my mother he had a 1974 Chevy El Camino SS.
Domestication can do weird things to people I guess. I've tried to not lose parts of who I was/am in life, marriage and kids. I'd like to think that you can change direction without losing touch.
So where is all this going? Well I've had something come up twice now the last time we have been at the in-laws place.
For a quick brief history lesson, apparently when my father in law came to Western Washington in the late 1960's he wanted to be involved with auto racing in the worst way. He wanted to build cars for racing teams. Again domestication kicks in and he became a printer. He didn't completely lose sight though. He did restore 2 Studebakers and one Avanti.
He has always wanted a Porsche though. About 3 years ago he finally bought one for himself for Father's Day.
A nice Guards Red Porsche 944. Some will argue that since it's a watercooled, front mounted engine that it's not a real Porsche. True it's not a 911 or a Caymen or a Carrera, but it's still a Porsche. Get out and drive one and you'll see what I mean.
Back to the dilema at hand.
So regular readers here will know that I belong to the local/national chapter of the BMWCCA and that I have a 1987 BMW 325 is. Affectionately dubbed the "Bronze Bitch" for some of the issues that it can tend to throw my way.
One of the better angles of the Bronze Bitch.
This shot doesn't really do it justice. It was taken more as an art photo.
So getting back to the subject at hand (again) is that my father in law has been itching for a newer Porsche. He really wants a Boxster. He's even been out to see a few of them.
This leads to him asking me if I want to buy his 944.
*dead silence as I ponder this briefly in my head*
Do I want to buy his Porsche 944?
Well hell yeah who wouldn't. It does need a few things and fortunately these are minor things. It needs new engine mounts (he has them in his garage, thank you) and some minor body work on one fender. No big deal.
This is not the actual car that my FIL owns, but it is the same model and the same Guards Red that it comes in.
I really do love the Bronze Bitch. I've had it almost 4 years now and I've definitely spent the time and money to get it to where it is now. It does have a way to go however.
This car on the other hand does have fewer issues. Only one is really all that major and doesn't need to be done right away. It will need a clutch. The bonus is that my in laws have taken it on several road trips in state and out of state and it has never let them down. That is really huge in my book. I like to road trip and I want a car that can handle it. I don't want to have to rely on the Paisley's Subie and even though renting a new car is fun, it can get expensive.
Another bonus is that the local chapter of the Porsche Car Club of America is affiliated wit the local chapter of the BMWCCA and events of both groups often coincide with each other. That makes me happy since I really want to be more active in my car club and to be able to go to events with folks that I already know is important to me.
At this point I'm leaning towards selling the Bronze Bitch in order to push me into the world or Porsches. It's a natural progression and well quite frankly it's one that I would have made later if not sooner. If only there was a way to keep them both.
Although he has told me of the hotrods he had as a teen and now I wonder what happened to that man that he lost that part of him. I mean he had some really sweet cars!!! A 1965 Mustang 2+2 Fastback, a 1968 Camaro SS, a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair. When he met my mother he had a 1974 Chevy El Camino SS.
Domestication can do weird things to people I guess. I've tried to not lose parts of who I was/am in life, marriage and kids. I'd like to think that you can change direction without losing touch.
So where is all this going? Well I've had something come up twice now the last time we have been at the in-laws place.
For a quick brief history lesson, apparently when my father in law came to Western Washington in the late 1960's he wanted to be involved with auto racing in the worst way. He wanted to build cars for racing teams. Again domestication kicks in and he became a printer. He didn't completely lose sight though. He did restore 2 Studebakers and one Avanti.
He has always wanted a Porsche though. About 3 years ago he finally bought one for himself for Father's Day.
A nice Guards Red Porsche 944. Some will argue that since it's a watercooled, front mounted engine that it's not a real Porsche. True it's not a 911 or a Caymen or a Carrera, but it's still a Porsche. Get out and drive one and you'll see what I mean.
Back to the dilema at hand.
So regular readers here will know that I belong to the local/national chapter of the BMWCCA and that I have a 1987 BMW 325 is. Affectionately dubbed the "Bronze Bitch" for some of the issues that it can tend to throw my way.
One of the better angles of the Bronze Bitch.
This shot doesn't really do it justice. It was taken more as an art photo.
So getting back to the subject at hand (again) is that my father in law has been itching for a newer Porsche. He really wants a Boxster. He's even been out to see a few of them.
This leads to him asking me if I want to buy his 944.
*dead silence as I ponder this briefly in my head*
Do I want to buy his Porsche 944?
Well hell yeah who wouldn't. It does need a few things and fortunately these are minor things. It needs new engine mounts (he has them in his garage, thank you) and some minor body work on one fender. No big deal.
This is not the actual car that my FIL owns, but it is the same model and the same Guards Red that it comes in.
I really do love the Bronze Bitch. I've had it almost 4 years now and I've definitely spent the time and money to get it to where it is now. It does have a way to go however.
This car on the other hand does have fewer issues. Only one is really all that major and doesn't need to be done right away. It will need a clutch. The bonus is that my in laws have taken it on several road trips in state and out of state and it has never let them down. That is really huge in my book. I like to road trip and I want a car that can handle it. I don't want to have to rely on the Paisley's Subie and even though renting a new car is fun, it can get expensive.
Another bonus is that the local chapter of the Porsche Car Club of America is affiliated wit the local chapter of the BMWCCA and events of both groups often coincide with each other. That makes me happy since I really want to be more active in my car club and to be able to go to events with folks that I already know is important to me.
At this point I'm leaning towards selling the Bronze Bitch in order to push me into the world or Porsches. It's a natural progression and well quite frankly it's one that I would have made later if not sooner. If only there was a way to keep them both.
Group 2, Gerber and Goodman: Pt II
Thought that I should get something posted up today.
No better place to start than some of the cool shit in the collectors warehouse at Gerber.
If you've ever seen the movie Animal House then this is familiar to you.
The Deathmobile as constructed from a Lincoln Continental.
Back upstairs in the cleaner of the two level are some Porsches just hanging out itching to hit the pavement running again and show off their timeless looks.
Back on the lower level again. There's just so much in here you really don't know where to begin.
One of many business signs/banners posted all over the lower section of Gerber.
Looks fun, but it just can't take the place of the real deal.
I remember these in arcades about 15 years ago.
One of my favs: the classic mini. Quite a hardy little car and I seem to be seeing more of them in Western Washington these days.
I would love to have one as a commuter for work. Sure would make parking easier since most people don't know how to properly parallel park.
This is a tasty little treat in a shop filled with vintage and collectible cars........the lonely motourcycle just sitting here longing for another to be added.
I think a Norton or and old BSA would be perfect sitting next to this Ducati.
Here's an interesting one: the Messerschmidt car. Who knew?
You can actually see one of these in the Addams Family movie toward the end. Cousin It drives one.
Lastly the rare and coveted Ford Rally. Only a handful of these little gems in the world and Gerber just happens to have one hiding out in the lower garage among the other rarities.
Look for the final follow up with the photos of Goodman Racing.
No better place to start than some of the cool shit in the collectors warehouse at Gerber.
If you've ever seen the movie Animal House then this is familiar to you.
The Deathmobile as constructed from a Lincoln Continental.
Back upstairs in the cleaner of the two level are some Porsches just hanging out itching to hit the pavement running again and show off their timeless looks.
Back on the lower level again. There's just so much in here you really don't know where to begin.
One of many business signs/banners posted all over the lower section of Gerber.
Looks fun, but it just can't take the place of the real deal.
I remember these in arcades about 15 years ago.
One of my favs: the classic mini. Quite a hardy little car and I seem to be seeing more of them in Western Washington these days.
I would love to have one as a commuter for work. Sure would make parking easier since most people don't know how to properly parallel park.
This is a tasty little treat in a shop filled with vintage and collectible cars........the lonely motourcycle just sitting here longing for another to be added.
I think a Norton or and old BSA would be perfect sitting next to this Ducati.
Here's an interesting one: the Messerschmidt car. Who knew?
You can actually see one of these in the Addams Family movie toward the end. Cousin It drives one.
Lastly the rare and coveted Ford Rally. Only a handful of these little gems in the world and Gerber just happens to have one hiding out in the lower garage among the other rarities.
Look for the final follow up with the photos of Goodman Racing.
A bit of "thanks"
I've been really bad about posting anything lately.
I seem to be pre-occupied with work and getting out of the house now that the weather is nice and a myriad of other things that just happen to come up.
I see from my tracker map that more people have been reading either in part or in whole. Thank you all for reading along.
Thank you especially to those that read on a regular basis. You all help keep me writing.
Cheers.
I seem to be pre-occupied with work and getting out of the house now that the weather is nice and a myriad of other things that just happen to come up.
I see from my tracker map that more people have been reading either in part or in whole. Thank you all for reading along.
Thank you especially to those that read on a regular basis. You all help keep me writing.
Cheers.
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