The 2013 Boys Republic / Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle show, or how I survived 104 degree temperatures…

Posted on June 8, 2013 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning June 1 dawned cool and overcast as I prepared for my first time visit to the Boys Republic and the Friends of Steve McQueen Car & Motorcycle show for 2013. Half an hour later, I was entering the grounds of the Boys Republic property located in Chino Hills, California. Growing up in Southern California, my awareness of the Boys Republic had been due to my mom’s yearly purchase of one of their Della Robbia Christmas wreaths. What stuck with me all these years was the visual impact created by the inclusion of two bright red apples and one single lemon, contrasted against the green foliage of the wreath and the collected seed pods; a design element unique to the Della Robbia wreaths. To view the wreaths or to inquire about purchasing one in the Fall (with the proceeds going to the Boys Republic), please click here.

And now back to the primary purpose behind my trip to the Boys Republic; The Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle show. Many of my car friends have shared stories of their experiences at past Boys Republic / Steve McQueen events, so there was no way I was going to miss this years show.

After parking, I made my way over to the track and field area, where parked within the grassy infield area were two long rows of Porsches on display…

Parked further up and across the row from the 911s, was the first of the Porsche 356 models being displayed…

More of the long hood Porsche 911s being displayed, in this case a beautifully restored black 1973 911E and friends…

In addition to Steve McQueen’s appreciation for four-wheeled vehicles ( with a special passion for Porsche street and race cars), he was equally enamored with motorcycles. As a result, a large part of each years show is devoted to two-wheeled vehicles. The following photos represent a small sampling of the many motorcycles present this year, including a number of Husqvarna 400 models, in no small part due to Steve McQueen’s preference for this make.

An amazing 1969 BMW R60/2 motorcycle, equipped with its rare German, 1952 vintage Steib sidecar…

Another BMW motorcycle, but with a custom fabricated, hot rod influenced sidecar. This 1970s vintage BMW R60/1000 with side car, was modified and owned by Southern California pin stripe legend “Von Dutch” (aka Kenneth Howard).

Another of the rare motorcycles on display was this 1953 Vincent Black Shadow (below). According to its owner, this is a documented Korean war model, complete with black wheels (due to the limited availability of chrome plating during the war).

Located along the outside of the track, and situated beside their fellow vendors, was the display by Los Angeles based Kott Motorcycles, arranged beneath a brilliant blue canopy. Their creations are derived from Honda’s classic 1970s vintage CB series motorcycles. Each of the Kott motorcycles possess and convey a very clean, stripped down purpose built aesthetic. The craftsmanship, finish, material selection and attention to detail on each bike was amazing and obviously made an impression…

Another creation by Kott Motorcycles (as seen below); a daily driver named ” The Patina”. Upon closer inspection, it became obvious why the bike was given its name. A number of key components had been copper plated, and with normal wear and exposure, all have begun to develop a patina, similar to that found on a penny.

(Below) A trio of motorcycles originally owned by Steve McQueen; two Husqvarna 400s and the silver Honda Elsinore…

After checking out the motorcycles, I headed over to the baseball field and discovered a beautifully restored, vintage car transporter, loaded with classic cars (below), part of the Dunkel Brothers fleet…

As the morning progressed, the temperatures began heating up along with the activity throughout the property. At 11 AM, a WWII re-enactment began, which was themed to this years selected Steve McQueen film “The Great Escape”. In addition to a staged prison break, military tank interaction, simulated gun fire and a motorcycle jump, aerial realism was included in the form of a P-51D Mustang fighter plane circling and making passes overhead. Plus there’s nothing like the distinct roar of a soaring P-51 Mustang at speed, to get ones attention…

The outfield area of the baseball field served as an additional display area, which in this case was home to the Ford Mustangs, as well as multiple examples of the “Bullitt” model, along with a variety of classic Airstream trailers…

One of the biggest surprises of the show was finding this immaculate 1931 Ford 5 window coupe hidden behind the Mustang display…

My next stop was to the third and final display area, which was home to some other very cool cars… the first being the Red, 1970 Porsche 917 Salzburg re-creation seen below.

Another of the unique Porsches: in this case an orange, 1976 911 Turbo with IROC styled front bumper and massive, race derived rear whale tail spoiler.

The final Porsche race car being displayed was this impressive turquoise blue, 1988 Porsche Kremer 962C “Leyton House” sponsored coupe.

The 1988 Porsche Kremer “Leyton House” 962C showing off its highly evolved, low drag profile…

Parked across the grassy field and behind the Porsche 962C, was this spotless, dark British Racing Green 1961 Cooper T-56 race car, originally owned and raced by Steve McQueen.

Another very rare and seldom seen vehicle in the U.S, was this freshly restored 1956 DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen. In talking with the owner, I learned that this is the only restored DKW Schnellaster model in the United States , and this very event marked the DKW’s car show debut.

A look beneath the DKW’s hood, revealing a restored, three cylinder, 2 stroke water-cooled motor, and a display of some very creative thinking regarding the vehicles headlight and city light placement.

One of only two Italian cars on display, and the sole Alfa Romeo; This beautifully restored, red 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV – AM race car…

and what Italian race car would be complete without the installation of a L’ROMANELLA Extra Virgin Olive Oil, engine oil / breather catch tank as shown below.

Representing the classic touring cars of the 1930s, was this stunning, black 1934 Packard Super 8 Dual Cowl Phaeton.

It’s always very cool to see an owner of a flawless, museum quality car share it with the public at this type of event. With each new show that I attend, I see and learn something new, and this stunning Packard gave me a whole new appreciation for the 1930s classics. As the photos reflect (no pun intended), everything about this car was spectacular. This Packard had by far the best black paint finish and chrome plated components I’ve seen, and at the end of the day, the owner and his wife were presented with a trophy for winning their class.

The two trophy tables ready and awaiting the awards ceremony. Each of the trophies were hand-made by the students at Boys Republic, and incorporated the appropriate parts or components based upon the specific award, which varied from either car, motorcycle or items related to this years featured film, “The Great Escape”.

Prior to the trophies being awarded, it was revealed that next years show will be themed to Steve McQueen’s film “The Thomas Crown Affair”, to be held on June 7, 2014 (the first Saturday in June), hopefully under cooler weather conditions than those experienced this year.

As I made my way back to my car and opened the door, I was greeted by a blast furnace wave of heat exiting the interior. While I waited for the air conditioning to begin cooling, I noticed my ambient air temperature gauge reading 104. I had survived the heat, and as I cooled off, I reflected on a great first time experience at the 2013 Boys Republic / Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle show. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who is a fan of Steve McQueen’s work, or has an interest in cars or motorcycles. I know I will be back for next years show…

(All photos by the author)

New track shoes, an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the return of a Porsche 911R tribute and some new fresh faces…

Posted on March 24, 2013 by digitaldtour

What Porsche 911 owner hasn’t dreamed of putting a set of BBS wheels on his or her car, given this brand of wheels presence on so many of Porsches championship winning race cars. And what better vehicle to have for running a set of centerlock, BBS GT3 cup wheels wrapped in Michelin race rubber, than a black Porsche GT3RS…

In talking with the owner, I learned that his GT3RS would be making a trip out to the Willow Springs Raceway on the following Monday for a track day, and would be wearing its new BBS “track shoes”…

And parked next to the GT3 RS was this brand new red, 2013 Porsche type 991, 911 Carrera S…

complete with the Aerokit cup option; a performance inspired front spoiler and fixed rear wing ( a smaller version of the rear wing found on the newly introduced Porsche GT3).

Rolling on 20 inch sport wheels…

Parked just across the aisle over on Porsche row, was this occasional visitor to Cars&Coffee; the highly modified, pastel blue 1971 Porsche 911T, equipped up front with enough added candle power to light up any road once the sun goes down…

Even the rear portion of the hood mounted, fog lights housings were painted to match the pastel blue body color. The stock appearing wheels were also modified; billet centers were created to mimic the look of the original, base level steel wheels Porsche offered during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. However, these new wheels were designed with sufficient backspacing to not only accommodate the larger than stock brake calipers and wider tires, but eliminated the need for the owner to alter the stock fenders in order to run the new wider wheels and tires.

Located further up on Porsche row was this freshly restored, new fresh face in attendance; the beautiful, black 1973 Porsche 911E as seen below…

A beautiful car that could pass for brand new, and sporting a very unique interior; full leather in the two-tone combination of green and black. This color combination may appear odd at first, but was one that really impressed me the more I looked at it…

Even the 2.4 liter 911E spec motor out back was spotless and appeared showroom fresh, with the underside of the rear deck lid revealing the drive mechanism and housing with its mounting bracket for the rarely seen, factory optional rear window wiper.

Parked perpendicular to Porsche row, was another trio of fresh faces to cars&coffee; a viper green Audi R8, a silver Porsche 911 Carrera, and an orange Porsche 911 Carrera RS recreation.

And located just several cars away to the right of this trio, was this grand prix white with blood orange striped, 1967 Porsche 911R tribute, making its second appearance at cars&coffee (below)…

What’s so cool about this 911R tribute, is that the owner used one of Porsches original 911R’s as the blueprint for building and detailing this car. Even more impressive is that the owner produced all of the fiberglass parts himself; from the front fenders with their 911R specific flare (below), to the front hood, rear decklid, rear tail light lenses, and all of the fiberglass shrouding found on the motor. He even designed the water shields with integral carburetor venturi, lower heat shields, as well as the housing to protect the electronics within in the engine compartment.

The 911R treatment was also carried over to the wheels and hubs, with longer length wheel studs, and the cad plated steel, open-ended lug nuts, on what appeared to be a set of deep six , 5 spoke alloy wheels…

Even the front trunk received the R treatment, with a fiberglass lid created for the smugglers box, and the inclusion of a custom fabricated, steel 100 liter fuel tank, incorporating a center fuel filler with gasketed collar and drain, race inspired gas cap, and a period correct strut bar.

A detail of the underside of the fiberglass front hood, complete with the glassed in balsa wood battens for added strength just as the factory had done. The owner shared that he even went as far as sourcing the same type of fiberglass cloth (for weave and weight) as that used by Porsche on the original 911R’s. And just like the original factory cars, the underside of the hood and rear decklid were left unpainted…

More of the owners handiwork; the fiberglass motor / fan shroud, the carburetor venturi/water shields and lower heat shields, as well as the protective cover for the electronics; all eye candy for the 3.0 liter, high horsepower Porsche boxer six motor.

Even the rear license panel with integral bumpers and the under fender extensions were produced in fiberglass by the owner. And instead of simply purchasing a set of the 911R inspired rear tail light assemblies, he decided to create his own colored lenses. (For additional photos and information regarding this car, please use this link to access one of my recent posts).

By now the crowds had begun to thin, so as I was heading back to my car, I was intercepted by a friend who asked what I thought of the red Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione? I told him that I had not seen the car and asked where it was parked. It turned out the car had been hidden away, out on the very last row, in the back corner. So after thanking him for the information, I hurried off to see if the car was still there. Fortunately, as I approached the block wall that divides the rear parking area from the loading dock, I could see what appeared to be a lone, red Alfa Romeo still drawing interested parties.

As I began photographing the car, the owner who was standing off to the side, shared some of the back story of his car with those of us present.

We learned that the coupe version of the 8C was built between 2007 and 2009 for a global market, with the first american market vehicles being imported in 2008, carrying a sticker price of $259,000 for the coupe, and roughly $300,000 for the roadster version. During the 2 plus years of production, only 500 examples of the 8C were produced. We also learned that the body shell was made of carbon fiber, and then mated to a steel chassis, with final assembly taking place at the Maserati factory in Modena, Italy.

Power comes from a 444 horsepower, 4.7 liter V8, assembled by the folks at Ferrari, with the drive transferred to the rear wheels via a six speed transaxle gearbox , actuated by paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. Also included within the drivetrain was a limited slip differential.

A detail of the 4 leaf clover logo inspired wheels, rolling on specially designed 20 inch tires…

A boomerang inspired, mesh side vent and turn signal, set into each front fender…

Now that spring has arrived, I would suspect that there will be an influx on new fresh faces making their debuts at cars&coffee. And if the past several weeks are any indication, spring and summer promise to reveal some amazing cars…

(All photos by the author)

Zagato’s, Spyder’s, Daytona’s, a Classic Alfa, one Porsche 911R Tribute and some 911 friends…

Posted on February 24, 2013 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning turned out to be one of those mornings destined for celebrating the classics. Scattered throughout the parking lot were a number of vintage, automotive treasures awaiting discovery by an unsuspecting visitor. In fact, we even had the first classic of the morning roll up and park right next to where we were standing, and stop just behind my friend Dave’s Porsche 930 turbo. The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 , also known as the Daytona coupe was produced from 1968 through 1973 in limited quantities (only 1284 Coupes were built). The Fly Yellow, Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona coupe (as seen below), equipped with pop up headlights, establishes its vintage as falling within the three-year period from 1971 thru 1973.

Ferrari introduced their pop up headlight detail on the 365 GTB/4 beginning with the 1971 model year, due to their previous design (headlights set behind a fixed glass lens, utilized from 1968 -1970) becoming illegal due to new safety regulations established within the United States for 1971.

A glimpse of 365 GTB/4’s 12 cylinder, 352 HP motor up front…

The Fly Yellow Ferrari and its opened hood reflected in Dave’s Porsche 930 turbo’s polished intercooler (above), and the parked 1984 930 turbo and Ferrari Daytona Coupe (below).

On this morning, Dave decided to shadow me as I explored and collected my weekly photos. Our first stop would be over at the featured lot, but on the way we came across one of the events hidden gems. And in this case, a truly rare find; a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 race car (below).

One of the very unique aspects of this car; its supercharged, dual DOHC straight 8 motor, displacing 2.6 liters. This supercharged configured motor powered this race car back in the day, while being campaigned under the Scuderia Ferrari banner (thus the Ferrari badging displayed on the sides of the cowl).

So after checking out the Alfa Romeo, we continued our trek towards the featured lot, where we encountered a pair of classics parked side by side. First up was the charcoal gray and red striped, 1955 Zagato Fiat 8V “double bubble” coupe.

The Zagato bodied, Fiat 8V (which in Italian translates to “Otto Vu”), was created as a two-liter, V8 powered sports car, for the sole purpose of competing against Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari,who already had two liter race cars. Fiat needed to produce 200 examples of the 8V model in order to qualify for homologation, but unfortunately were faced with insufficient demand for their 8V. As a result, Fiat offered up chassis for these cars to the coach builders of the day. Due to their participation in a joint venture, Zagato ended up purchasing a total of 32 chassis. And of those 32 examples, four were delivered from Fiat with partial bodywork already installed. These four cars received further modifications by Zagato, creating what came to be known as the aluminum “double bubble” roof, including further modifications to the vehicles windows to integrate all of the elements together.

Fiat officially ended production of their 8V model in 1954, having begun building 8V’s in 1952, culminating in a total of 114 vehicles being produced. However, it took an additional two years to complete production on all of the remaining vehicles. But it was during 1955 that the 8V really made its mark. As raced by Elio Zagato (the Coach Builders son), he and the 8V became the winners of the 1955 Italian two-liter championship, and continued their winning ways together through 1959. (The 1955 Zagato 8V, Double Bubble Coupe shown here is chassis # 084).

Parked immediately to the left of the Zagato, was the 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, painted in a brilliant blue, and complete with a hard tonneau cover (below)…

And yes, it’s the real deal; an honest, factory built Porsche 550 Spyder race car…

Heading back towards Porsche Row, I noticed an early white 911 with a single orange racing stripe and gathering a crowd, so off we went to check out the car.

As I walked around the car, I could hear the owner discussing some of the features found on his car. I learned that the car had been built using the 1967 Porsche 911R as a template, and that the owner actually fabricated the fiberglass front fenders, hood and rear decklid himself, maintaining the original visual aesthetic, as well as the lightweight performance theme of the original 911R.

The custom fabricated, 911R inspired, lightweight fiberglass rear deck lid with the underside left raw and unpainted, revealing the true nature of the substrate (above).

A glimpse of the high output, Weber carburetted boxer flat six residing out back, and according to the owner, a motor delivering approximately 300 HP; well in excess of the original 1991 cc, 210+HP produced by the original 911R back in 1967.

A collection of early 911’s on Porsche Row (above and below)…

A pair of Porsche 911S models reflecting on the morning…

Nick’s beautifully prepared silver European spec, 1970’s vintage 911S…

and its beautifully detailed and potent, 2.7 Carrera RS spec motor.

And parked over on the opposite side of the parking lot, was one of Porsches more recent classics; the 2011 911 GT3 RS in gray with red accents, graphics and wheels…

So regardless of your preferences for the Classics, rest assured that on any given Saturday morning, you too can come face to face with the rare and previously unseen examples of your favorite classic…

(All photos by the author)

digitaldtour

A photographic journey through the Southern California car culture

Category Archives: Alfa Romeo

The 2013 Boys Republic / Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle show, or how I survived 104 degree temperatures…

New track shoes, an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the return of a Porsche 911R tribute and some new fresh faces…

Zagato’s, Spyder’s, Daytona’s, a Classic Alfa, one Porsche 911R Tribute and some 911 friends…