#Nash Chevrolet Dealer

[wiackcom]

The small, often retractable window on the roof of some car models has an official name - it's referred to as the sunroof in automotive terminology. This distinct window placement has unique advantages and a long history across vehicle brands. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various names for a car's top window, its characteristics and functionality, pros and cons, and evolution in automotive design. Whether you're curious what to call that tiny roof window or want to learn about the origins of sunroofs, read on for a deep dive into this special car feature. Official Name: The Sunroof The established industry term for a window located on the roof of a car is sunroof. This word precisely describes the position and purpose of the upward opening. Sunroof is the standard universal descriptor used by: Automotive manufacturers Car dealers and salespeople Mechanics and repair shops Auto parts and accessory retailers Detailing providers Car enthusiasts and reviewers So if you've ever wondered the right name for that unique top window, sunroof is the definitive answer. Let's examine why this roof window gets its name and distinctive features. What is a Sunroof? A sunroof is defined as: A movable window panel on the roof of an automobile that can be opened for ventilation. Key attributes include: Located in the ceiling or roof of the car cabin Can be opened partially or fully Provides ventilation and open air when opened Made of glass or laminated panoramic panels Operated manually or electronically via controls Available as a fixed option on many models Sunroofs are distinct from larger moonroofs and from standard metal roof panels that don’t open. The ability to tilt or retract differentiates true sunroofs. Sunroof vs Moonroof: Key Differences Closely related to sunroofs are moonroofs - both describe roof windows, but with distinct characteristics: Sunroof Relatively small roof opening, around 20-30% of the roof Can tilt up or retract open Usually cannot open fully flush with the roofline Manually operated crank or electric switch controls Mostly transparent glass construction Moonroof Larger roof opening, up to 80% of the roof Fully retracts and opens into the car's headliner Glass panel opens flush with the roof for an open-air experience Electric controls only for smooth powered operation Can include tinted or opaque sunshade panels While used interchangeably in casual conversation, true sunroofs and moonroofs have important mechanical differences. The larger, flush-retracting moonroof represents a more advanced design. Nicknames and Slang Terms Beyond formal names, car owners also use colorful slang for sunroofs: Sunnies Vitamin D Windows Starlight Roofs Sunshine Portals Sol Skylights Solar Tunnels Skyview Slots These creative nicknames highlight the sunroof’s ability to let warm sunlight and fresh breezes into the car's cabin. Regional terms are also sometimes used, like “Cali Tops” in California where sunroofs are especially popular. But sunroof remains the most common nickname across all areas. History of the Sunroof Adding windows to car roofs originated very early in automotive history. Key milestones include: 1901 - An aftermarket sunroof was offered for the first mass-produced Oldsmobile Curved Dash model 1924 - The Nash Motor Company introduced the first factory sunroof option called the “California Top” 1935 - The Studebaker Dictator Coupe offered a steel sunroof option and marketed “Sunshine in the car” 1965 - Porsche launched its 911 model featuring a long retractable sunroof for increased headroom 1973 - The Chevrolet Corvette starting offering a removable targa top with T-bar roof section 2001 - Panoramic moonroofs became available from multiple brands featuring expansive glass panels From

early fixed panels to today’s expansive panoramic designs, sunroofs have long aimed to bring open skies into the passenger compartment. Benefits of Sunroofs Sunroofs and moonroofs offer unique advantages that enhance the driving experience: Ventilation Opening the roof window allows fresh outside air to circulate through the cabin. This enhances comfort on hot days or when the car's interior gets stuffy. Sunlight Sunroofs provide natural light from above that makes the car's interior feel more open and inviting. The added sunlight also helps plants and flowers thrive in rear cargo areas. Stargazing Retracting the roof window at night offers views of stars, meteors, auroras and other celestial sights from the seats. Families can stargaze together on trips or camping adventures. Headroom The added vertical space of an open sunroof or moonroof allows more upright sitting and improves head clearance. This extra room relieves claustrophobia and stiffness during long drives. Versatility Powered sunroofs allow adjusting natural ventilation and daylight from fully closed to tilted to fully open. This tailors the interior ambiance as needed. Disadvantages of Sunroofs Despite advantages, sunroofs also come with some drawbacks to consider: Leaks Sunroof seals can develop leaks over time leading to water damage on interior headliners and upholstery if left unrepaired. Wind Noise When open at highway speeds, sunroofs increase loud wind turbulence that interferes with conversations and music listening. Glare Angled sunlight can cause glare on a driver’s eyes when a sunroof is open on bright days. Tinted panels reduce this effect. Weight Glass or metal sunroof assemblies add more weight versus a fixed steel roof, slightly reducing fuel efficiency and handling. Cost Power sunroofs with large glass panels range from $1000-$2000 options on new cars. Repairs can also be expensive if motors or drains fail. While adding enjoyment, sunroofs need maintenance like any car feature to minimize downsides. Proper care optimizes their advantages. Sunroof Variants Not all sunroofs are created equal - various designs provide different openings and features: Pop-up Sunroofs The original style, these have glass panels that tilt upwards and can also slide open horizontally. Manually cranked or power controlled. Spoiler Sunroofs Integrate the sunroof controls and opening into a raised rear spoiler. Provide a sporty look and good ventilation. Inbuilt Sunroofs Sunroof glass is fixed in place but an interior sunshade can retract to let in sky views. No ability to actively ventilate. Removable Sunroofs Monocoque composite panels fully remove for a customizable open-air experience. Seen on the Porsche 918. Panoramic Sunroofs Span nearly the entire roofline for dramatic skyward views. Usually power retracting with shade screens. Two-Piece Targa Tops Offer smaller power-sliding sunroof sections combined with behind-seat removable roof panels. Allow modular opening. Availability in Vehicle Models Today sunroofs are offered either standard or optional across nearly all vehicle types: Sedans – Extremely popular options, especially larger panoramic versions. Available on economy cars to luxury models. SUVs and Crossovers – Around 50% of SUV models now include a standard sunroof. They're a frequent upgrade due to the large roof space. Sports Cars – Usually optional features to reduce weight, but some performance models like the Porsche Boxster have them standard. Pickup Trucks – Were once rare truck options, but now commonly available from 1/2 to 3/4 ton pickups. Allow sky views for rear seat passengers. Vans – Optional on family and passenger vans. Let rear bench occupants enjoy fresh air and scenery. From practical commuters to off-road adventure vehicles, sunroofs offer versatile open-air enjoyment across all ty

pes of automobiles today. Are Sunroofs Worth It? Whether it’s a good idea to splurge on the sunroof upgrade depends on your priorities: For Drivers Who... Want more natural light and airflow Regularly drive with multiple rear passengers Value stargazing at night Prefer open outdoor driving feels Live in warmer sunny climates The Investment is Likely Worth It! For Those Who... Rarely open roof windows Mainly drive short local commutes alone Live in cold or rainy areas Worry about maintenance issues Are satisfied with car's interior as is The Added Cost May Not Provide Benefits Take your driving habits and local climate into account when deciding on the sunroof option for your next vehicle. Sunroof Maintenance Tips To keep your sunroof working smoothly for the long haul: Periodically clean sunroof tracks with rubbing alcohol to reduce debris grinding. Lubricate rubber seals every six months with silicone lubricant to prevent cracking. Clear drain holes along the sunroof frame to prevent water pooling. Avoid opening sunroofs on dusty roads to prevent gritty grinding. Have sunroof motors inspected if openings and closing seems strained. Immediately address any wind noise or leaking issues that arise. Proper sunroof maintenance prevents costly repairs down the road. Consult your owner’s manual for brand-specific upkeep recommendations. Emergency Sunroof Repairs If your sunroof is stuck open due to electrical or mechanical issues, emergency fixes include: Carefully tape down plastic sheeting along the edges to temporarily seal the opening. Use press-on foam weatherstrip to block gaps if tape alone doesn’t prevent exterior water intrusion. Wedge a wooden yardstick or paint stir stick to manually close the sunroof temporarily until full repairs. Have car towed on flatbed versus driving if road debris or rain could damage the open sunroof cavity. While not permanent solutions, these tips can quickly contain sunroof problems to prevent further damage as you head to the auto shop. Sunroof Regulations and Building Codes Some considerations around sunroof limitations: Tinting laws usually prohibit aftermarket sunroof tinting that blocks over 30% of light transmission. Race events often require removing glass sunroof panels or taping over permanently fixed ones. Building codes only allow a maximum 50% roof area coverage by sunroofs and skylights to maintain structural integrity. CA title laws count pop-up sunroofs the same as convertibles due to ventilation. Make sure to comply with relevant laws on sunroof additions and modifications. Check state statues for requirements. The Future of Sunroofs Where is sunroof technology heading in coming years? Some interesting innovations on the horizon include: Frameless flush-mount sunroofs for sleeker seamless integration Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal glass that can tint electronically via voltage Sun tracking sensors that automatically adjust tint based on sun position Antibacterial transparent coatings to inhibit glass fog and mold Built-in noise cancelling microphone systems to reduce wind noise Safety sensor systems to detect obstructions before electrically closing Self-healing glass coatings that repair minor scratches over time Thinner but stronger materials to maximize open-air overhead views With car buyers valuing sunroof options more than ever, we’ll see continued innovation in this special car feature. FAQs Does a sunroof reduce a car's value? When properly maintained, a sunroof typically increases resale value. But with chronic leaks or mechanical issues, they can detract value and make vehicles harder to sell. Can I open my sunroof in the rain? You generally want to avoid opening sunroofs in heavy rain or storms. Light misting is fine, but heavy rain can soak the car's interior through the opening.

Do sunroofs provide UV protection? Tinted sunroof glass blocks over 99% of UV rays, greater than side windows. But uncovered skin still needs sunscreen through open sunroofs. Can a dealership add a sunroof after purchase? Most car brands don't allow retrofitting sunroofs if the model didn't initially come with one. Headliner and roof reinforcements differ with original factory builds. Is it mandatory to take out insurance on a sunroof? Sunroofs don't require separate insurance in most states. Your standard comprehensive auto policy covers any damage that occurs to them. #Wiack

[sportyconnect]

The small, often retractable window on the roof of some car models has an official name - it's referred to as the sunroof in automotive terminology. This distinct window placement has unique advantages and a long history across vehicle brands. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various names for a car's top window, its characteristics and functionality, pros and cons, and evolution in automotive design. Whether you're curious what to call that tiny roof window or want to learn about the origins of sunroofs, read on for a deep dive into this special car feature. Official Name: The Sunroof The established industry term for a window located on the roof of a car is sunroof. This word precisely describes the position and purpose of the upward opening. Sunroof is the standard universal descriptor used by: Automotive manufacturers Car dealers and salespeople Mechanics and repair shops Auto parts and accessory retailers Detailing providers Car enthusiasts and reviewers So if you've ever wondered the right name for that unique top window, sunroof is the definitive answer. Let's examine why this roof window gets its name and distinctive features. What is a Sunroof? A sunroof is defined as: A movable window panel on the roof of an automobile that can be opened for ventilation. Key attributes include: Located in the ceiling or roof of the car cabin Can be opened partially or fully Provides ventilation and open air when opened Made of glass or laminated panoramic panels Operated manually or electronically via controls Available as a fixed option on many models Sunroofs are distinct from larger moonroofs and from standard metal roof panels that don’t open. The ability to tilt or retract differentiates true sunroofs. Sunroof vs Moonroof: Key Differences Closely related to sunroofs are moonroofs - both describe roof windows, but with distinct characteristics: Sunroof Relatively small roof opening, around 20-30% of the roof Can tilt up or retract open Usually cannot open fully flush with the roofline Manually operated crank or electric switch controls Mostly transparent glass construction Moonroof Larger roof opening, up to 80% of the roof Fully retracts and opens into the car's headliner Glass panel opens flush with the roof for an open-air experience Electric controls only for smooth powered operation Can include tinted or opaque sunshade panels While used interchangeably in casual conversation, true sunroofs and moonroofs have important mechanical differences. The larger, flush-retracting moonroof represents a more advanced design. Nicknames and Slang Terms Beyond formal names, car owners also use colorful slang for sunroofs: Sunnies Vitamin D Windows Starlight Roofs Sunshine Portals Sol Skylights Solar Tunnels Skyview Slots These creative nicknames highlight the sunroof’s ability to let warm sunlight and fresh breezes into the car's cabin. Regional terms are also sometimes used, like “Cali Tops” in California where sunroofs are especially popular. But sunroof remains the most common nickname across all areas. History of the Sunroof Adding windows to car roofs originated very early in automotive history. Key milestones include: 1901 - An aftermarket sunroof was offered for the first mass-produced Oldsmobile Curved Dash model 1924 - The Nash Motor Company introduced the first factory sunroof option called the “California Top” 1935 - The Studebaker Dictator Coupe offered a steel sunroof option and marketed “Sunshine in the car” 1965 - Porsche launched its 911 model featuring a long retractable sunroof for increased headroom 1973 - The Chevrolet Corvette starting offering a removable targa top with T-bar roof section 2001 - Panoramic moonroofs became available from multiple brands featuring expansive glass panels From

early fixed panels to today’s expansive panoramic designs, sunroofs have long aimed to bring open skies into the passenger compartment. Benefits of Sunroofs Sunroofs and moonroofs offer unique advantages that enhance the driving experience: Ventilation Opening the roof window allows fresh outside air to circulate through the cabin. This enhances comfort on hot days or when the car's interior gets stuffy. Sunlight Sunroofs provide natural light from above that makes the car's interior feel more open and inviting. The added sunlight also helps plants and flowers thrive in rear cargo areas. Stargazing Retracting the roof window at night offers views of stars, meteors, auroras and other celestial sights from the seats. Families can stargaze together on trips or camping adventures. Headroom The added vertical space of an open sunroof or moonroof allows more upright sitting and improves head clearance. This extra room relieves claustrophobia and stiffness during long drives. Versatility Powered sunroofs allow adjusting natural ventilation and daylight from fully closed to tilted to fully open. This tailors the interior ambiance as needed. Disadvantages of Sunroofs Despite advantages, sunroofs also come with some drawbacks to consider: Leaks Sunroof seals can develop leaks over time leading to water damage on interior headliners and upholstery if left unrepaired. Wind Noise When open at highway speeds, sunroofs increase loud wind turbulence that interferes with conversations and music listening. Glare Angled sunlight can cause glare on a driver’s eyes when a sunroof is open on bright days. Tinted panels reduce this effect. Weight Glass or metal sunroof assemblies add more weight versus a fixed steel roof, slightly reducing fuel efficiency and handling. Cost Power sunroofs with large glass panels range from $1000-$2000 options on new cars. Repairs can also be expensive if motors or drains fail. While adding enjoyment, sunroofs need maintenance like any car feature to minimize downsides. Proper care optimizes their advantages. Sunroof Variants Not all sunroofs are created equal - various designs provide different openings and features: Pop-up Sunroofs The original style, these have glass panels that tilt upwards and can also slide open horizontally. Manually cranked or power controlled. Spoiler Sunroofs Integrate the sunroof controls and opening into a raised rear spoiler. Provide a sporty look and good ventilation. Inbuilt Sunroofs Sunroof glass is fixed in place but an interior sunshade can retract to let in sky views. No ability to actively ventilate. Removable Sunroofs Monocoque composite panels fully remove for a customizable open-air experience. Seen on the Porsche 918. Panoramic Sunroofs Span nearly the entire roofline for dramatic skyward views. Usually power retracting with shade screens. Two-Piece Targa Tops Offer smaller power-sliding sunroof sections combined with behind-seat removable roof panels. Allow modular opening. Availability in Vehicle Models Today sunroofs are offered either standard or optional across nearly all vehicle types: Sedans – Extremely popular options, especially larger panoramic versions. Available on economy cars to luxury models. SUVs and Crossovers – Around 50% of SUV models now include a standard sunroof. They're a frequent upgrade due to the large roof space. Sports Cars – Usually optional features to reduce weight, but some performance models like the Porsche Boxster have them standard. Pickup Trucks – Were once rare truck options, but now commonly available from 1/2 to 3/4 ton pickups. Allow sky views for rear seat passengers. Vans – Optional on family and passenger vans. Let rear bench occupants enjoy fresh air and scenery. From practical commuters to off-road adventure vehicles, sunroofs offer versatile open-air enjoyment across all ty

pes of automobiles today. Are Sunroofs Worth It? Whether it’s a good idea to splurge on the sunroof upgrade depends on your priorities: For Drivers Who... Want more natural light and airflow Regularly drive with multiple rear passengers Value stargazing at night Prefer open outdoor driving feels Live in warmer sunny climates The Investment is Likely Worth It! For Those Who... Rarely open roof windows Mainly drive short local commutes alone Live in cold or rainy areas Worry about maintenance issues Are satisfied with car's interior as is The Added Cost May Not Provide Benefits Take your driving habits and local climate into account when deciding on the sunroof option for your next vehicle. Sunroof Maintenance Tips To keep your sunroof working smoothly for the long haul: Periodically clean sunroof tracks with rubbing alcohol to reduce debris grinding. Lubricate rubber seals every six months with silicone lubricant to prevent cracking. Clear drain holes along the sunroof frame to prevent water pooling. Avoid opening sunroofs on dusty roads to prevent gritty grinding. Have sunroof motors inspected if openings and closing seems strained. Immediately address any wind noise or leaking issues that arise. Proper sunroof maintenance prevents costly repairs down the road. Consult your owner’s manual for brand-specific upkeep recommendations. Emergency Sunroof Repairs If your sunroof is stuck open due to electrical or mechanical issues, emergency fixes include: Carefully tape down plastic sheeting along the edges to temporarily seal the opening. Use press-on foam weatherstrip to block gaps if tape alone doesn’t prevent exterior water intrusion. Wedge a wooden yardstick or paint stir stick to manually close the sunroof temporarily until full repairs. Have car towed on flatbed versus driving if road debris or rain could damage the open sunroof cavity. While not permanent solutions, these tips can quickly contain sunroof problems to prevent further damage as you head to the auto shop. Sunroof Regulations and Building Codes Some considerations around sunroof limitations: Tinting laws usually prohibit aftermarket sunroof tinting that blocks over 30% of light transmission. Race events often require removing glass sunroof panels or taping over permanently fixed ones. Building codes only allow a maximum 50% roof area coverage by sunroofs and skylights to maintain structural integrity. CA title laws count pop-up sunroofs the same as convertibles due to ventilation. Make sure to comply with relevant laws on sunroof additions and modifications. Check state statues for requirements. The Future of Sunroofs Where is sunroof technology heading in coming years? Some interesting innovations on the horizon include: Frameless flush-mount sunroofs for sleeker seamless integration Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal glass that can tint electronically via voltage Sun tracking sensors that automatically adjust tint based on sun position Antibacterial transparent coatings to inhibit glass fog and mold Built-in noise cancelling microphone systems to reduce wind noise Safety sensor systems to detect obstructions before electrically closing Self-healing glass coatings that repair minor scratches over time Thinner but stronger materials to maximize open-air overhead views With car buyers valuing sunroof options more than ever, we’ll see continued innovation in this special car feature. FAQs Does a sunroof reduce a car's value? When properly maintained, a sunroof typically increases resale value. But with chronic leaks or mechanical issues, they can detract value and make vehicles harder to sell. Can I open my sunroof in the rain? You generally want to avoid opening sunroofs in heavy rain or storms. Light misting is fine, but heavy rain can soak the car's interior through the opening.

Do sunroofs provide UV protection? Tinted sunroof glass blocks over 99% of UV rays, greater than side windows. But uncovered skin still needs sunscreen through open sunroofs. Can a dealership add a sunroof after purchase? Most car brands don't allow retrofitting sunroofs if the model didn't initially come with one. Headliner and roof reinforcements differ with original factory builds. Is it mandatory to take out insurance on a sunroof? Sunroofs don't require separate insurance in most states. Your standard comprehensive auto policy covers any damage that occurs to them. #Wiack

[dealershiplocator14]

The robust heavy-duty pick-up truck chevy Silverado with a roaring turbocharged engine and delivering an excellent range. The all-new electrified 2023 Chevrolet with excellent upgrades on features and performance levels. Chevy is all set to compete with its long rival Ford F-150 Lightning. Before you buy test drive the vehicles at Nash Chevrolet and Klein Honda.

[autodealerlocator]

Chevy’s decision of introducing EVs has been a hit in the market. The debut of Chevy Bolt EUV has broken all the barriers and leads to the development of advanced SUVs that can haul heavy heaps of stuff with a series of active safety features such as lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning system, pedestrian detection system, and much more. Learn more about the all-new SUV at Nash Chevrolet.

[theautomotive01]

Finding the right automobile shop can save you the hassle and money. Research, compare and buy to avoid wasting money and get the best vehicles to drive from Nash Chevrolet, and Crews Chevrolet. The right automobile shop can hook you up with the best financing options and discounted rates.

[usedcarsnearme]

Clean your car by yourself and save money. These car cleaning hacks increase the life of your car. Routine maintenance aids in higher performance and longevity. If you have a busy schedule, book online appointment service and maintenance appointments at Nash Chevrolet or Klein Ford.

Start cleaning your car by washing the tires thoroughly as it removes the dirt, mud from the vehicle and keeps the vehicle shining. Deep clean the floor mats and carpets from a brush to remove the piled-up dirt from years and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the thoroughly vehicle.

[allcarsales]

High-end tech has changed the way of working and driving. The Automotive software for your car let vehicle accelerate on road safely with vehicular safety software and autopilot to drive without any worry. The technology has turned the driving patterns upside down with the introduction of fast-paced technology in every make and model. The driver assistance and other technological features ease driving and let the driver enjoy the ride with exciting features. There are a number of technologies available nowadays in vehicles if you want to experience them before you buy any vehicle head to dealerships like Helfman Ford, Nash Chevrolet.

[usedcars]

The Ultimate Car Maintenance and Service Checklist

Car Maintenance demands good efforts to improve the life and performance of the cars. It is very important to regularly check the vehicles and schedule regular service checking at the service center. It requires basic maintenance knowledge to take care of your car. The most important thing that is important is to know and understand the need of your car and how often your vehicle demands maintenance services. To make your task easier and simpler, we have created a checklist of the most needed services for your vehicle. Let’s see the problems and their solutions one by one. There are various platforms both online and offline to explore more about car maintenance services. Dealers such as Millennium Hyundai, Nash Chevrolet are available to provide the best auto services in the market.

1) Check the engine oil in your car

The oil lubricates the moving parts in the vehicle, cools the engine, and reduces wear and tear also prevents corrosion in the engine. It is prescribed to have the oil changed after every 3000 miles or 3-4 months. Maintaining engine oil level increases the efficiency of the vehicle and keeps the moving parts moving.

2) Check the fluid in the car

Like engine oil, it also lubricates the parts of your vehicle. Its level should be kept balanced to save yourself from some serious damages to your vehicle. Proper coolant levels inside will keep the vehicle safe and will minimize the external costs of damage or accidents. Having them replaced before winters will give you icy and soft rides during snowfalls.

3) Check the battery

The battery is one of the important components of the vehicle, it supplies electricity to major accessories and engines. It might get degraded working at high temperatures. It is advised to have it checked in 8-9 months. It supplies power to components like bulbs, horns, etc.

4) Check your tire

It mostly depends on your vehicle’s living conditions, if the temperature goes below freezing point, there should be a new set of tires in your car before winters. Balanced air pressure should be there in your schedule to get a smooth, fuel-efficient, and safe ride. Before going on long trips don’t forget to have the air pressure checked and keeping extra tires is prescribed everywhere.

5) Air and cabin filter

Air and cabin filters protect the engine and improve the quality of air inside the cabin. The engine air filter removes dirt, and contaminants to enter the engine room and keeps the engine free from rust and dirt deposition. This increases the lifetime of the engine. It needs to be checked from time to time.

6) Spark plugs

For an efficient engine, spark plugs are an important factor. You can check your car manual that will provide you every detail about how often spark plugs should be changed.

You should also visit a nearby service center to change spark plugs more frequently if you are facing problems in starting your vehicle. You can easily replace the spark plugs with the help of the steps given in your car manual. Follow the steps mentioned in the manual, it will get changed.

Timely management is required for your car in the long run, these are some of the small checkups anyone can easily perform. You can take help from the user’s manual for further details.

[fastmusclecar123]

New Post has been published on https://fastmusclecar.com/amc-1969-amx-california-500-special-auction/best-muscle-cars/

AMC 1969 AMX California 500 Special Auction

By Dave Ashton

The American Motors Corporation or AMC, may not be front of mind when it comes to priced muscle cars. But in the golden age of high displacement vehicles, AMC made some outstanding vehicles like this AMC 1969 AMX California 500 Special.

For a bit of back history, AMC was born in 1954 from the Nash and Hudson company. The merger joined the other big 3 carmakers, Chrysler, Ford and GM, pumping out general roadgoing vehicles like the Nash Metropolitan and Rambler American. It wasn’t until the mid to late 1960s that the most commonly known muscle car variations were produced. These included the likes of the AMC Marlin, AMX, 390, Javelin, The Machine, Javelin AMX 401, and the Hornet SC 360. Renault took over the reins of the company in 1979, and eventually merged into the Chrysler brand in 1990.

The AMX popped into existence in 1968, scrapping it out in the pony car market with the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. At the time it was the only US produced 2 seater sports car, along with the Chevrolet Corvette. The AMX(American Motors eXperimental) stood out for its short wheelbase at 97 inches, and cost less than a Corvette at $3,250.

Under the Hood

The AMX California 500 Special was sold through the Southern California American Motors Dealer Association to acknowledge the 1969 Riverside International Raceway. As the pace car that season was a Big Bad Green AMX with a 390 ci V8, the roadgoing versions were given the same treatment, with a saddle leather interior, and an engine producing 315 hp and 425 ft lbs of torque.

Only 23 of the 283 Big Bad Green AMX models became California 500 Specials. As this example is in such pristine condition, it’s expected to fetch between $100,000 – $120,000 USD at RM Sothebys at the end of April.

[spurgie-cousin]

WHW In Memoriam: Unarmed, Murdered Black Americans from History

(Content Warning: Violence, murder, abuse, racism)

So this is definitely not the same kind of ‘weird’ history I usually post about (and it’s not Wednesday quite yet), but in light of the George Floyd verdict I thought it was important to take a moment to remember some of the unarmed, murdered black Americans throughout our history, most of whom have never received justice. Whether their lives were taken by the police or violent, racist vigilantes, their memories should always be a reminder that though we’ve come a long way, we still have a long, long way to go. 

This is in no way a comprehensive list, in fact I start at Emmett Till because the *known* lynchings pre-1955 are too numerous to include in one, two, ten posts. I know I will not have room to include even everyone post 1955 (god there are so many) but please know that all of them, from the unknown to the infamous, from our country’s beginning to today, matter the same.

“History, despite it’s wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” - Maya Angelou

 1. Emmett Louis Till

Born: July 25, 1941, Chicago, IL Died: August 28, 1955, Money, MS

Emmett Till was a 14 year-old child from Chicago visiting relatives over his summer break in August of 1955. Unfamiliar with the strictly racist social codes in the American south, he spoke to a white woman at a grocery store, and was accused of flirting with her. A few nights later her husband and his brother abducted Till, brutally beat and mutilated him, and then shot him before letting his body sink into a river. When he was found, his body was barely recognizable even to his mother. 

In an act of grief and defiance, his mother held a highly-publicized, open casket funeral to show the brutality of what had happened to her child to the world. 

It’s believed that before her death, Carolyn Bryant, the woman from the grocery store, recanted key details from her original story, including that Till whistled or flirted with her. 

2. James Earl Chaney

Born: May 30, 1943, Meridian, Mississippi Died: June 21, 1964, Philadelphia, Mississippi

James Chaney was a 21 year old field/social worker working for Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He was murdered along with two colleagues, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, by the Ku Klux Klan while they were in Mississippi investigating the burning of a church. The 3 were pulled over by a patrol car being followed by 2 cars full of Klan members, who shot Goodman and Schwerner, beat Chaney, and then shot him 3 times. 

3. Michael Donald

Born: July 24, 1961, Mobile, Alabama Died: March 21, 1981, Mobile, Alabama

Michael Donald was a 20 year-old who on March 21st, 1981 was walking down the street after purchasing cigarettes for his sister. He was chosen at random by a car full of Ku Klux Klan members, angry that a recent Klan members court case had been declared a mistrial. He was beat, hung, and his throat was slit, and was left hanging dead from a tree in a secluded, wooded area. 

Three Klansmen were convicted of Donald's murder. Henry Hays was sentenced to death and executed in the electric chair in 1997. James Knowles and Benjamin Cox were sentenced to life in prison. A civil suit against the United Klans of America caused their bankruptcy.

4. Yusef Kirriem Hawkins

Born: March 19, 1973, Brooklyn, NY Died:  August 23, 1989, Brooklyn, NY

Yusef Hawkins was a 16-year-old black teenager who was shot to death on August 23, 1989, in Bensonhurst, a predominantly Italian-American working-class neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Hawkins, his younger brother, and two friends were attacked by a crowd of 10 to 30 white youths, with at least seven of them wielding baseball bats. One, armed with a handgun, shot Hawkins twice in the chest, killing him. Hawkins and his brother were in the neighborhood to inquire about a used car. 

5. Nicholas Heyward Jr.

Born: August 26th, 1981 Died: September 27th, 1994

13-year-old Nicholas Heyward Jr. was playing cops and robbers inside the stairwell of a Brooklyn apartment building when officer Brian George mistook the boy’s toy gun for a real gun and shot him in the stomach, killing him. 

6. Amadou Diallo

Born: September 2, 1975, Liberia Died: February 4, 1999, NYC, New York

In the early morning of February 4, Diallo was standing near his building after returning from a meal. At about 12:40 a.m., officers Edward McMellon, Sean Carroll, Kenneth Boss and Richard Murphy were looking for an alleged serial rapist in the Soundview section of the Bronx. While driving down Wheeler Avenue, the police officer stopped his unidentified car and interrogated Diallo, who was in front of his apartment. When they ordered Diallo to show his hands, he supposedly ran into the apartment and reached into his pocket to show his wallet. Soon afterwards the four officers fired 41 shots with semi-automatic pistols, fatally hitting Diallo 19 times. Eye witness Sherrie Elliott stated that the police continued to shoot even though Diallo is already down and that McMellon is still shooting even though he is lying on the ground.

7. Kendra Sarie James

Born:  December 24, 1981 Died: May 5, 2003, Portland, Oregon

21-year-old Kendra Sarie James was shot and killed by Portland Officer Scott McCollister when she attempted to flee a traffic stop for a minor violation. Portland police initially said it appeared the car had run over the officer's foot but he did not receive medical attention at the scene or at Northeast Precinct. Police repeatedly refused to identify the alleged traffic violation that caused them to stop James and two companions in the car. Police had taken the driver out of the car and was checking his identity when they saw James slide into the Chevrolet’s driver’s seat. Both officers, while standing on the driver’s side of the car, struggled with James to stop her from driving away. One of them fired a taser gun at her to subdue her. McCollister fired a single round from his 9 mm service pistol at James, killing her.

8. Deaunta T. Farrow

Born: September 7, 1994, West Memphis, Arkansas Died: June 22, 2007, West Memphis, Arkansas

On the night of his death, Deaunta Farrow was walking with his 14-year-old cousin from Farrow’s home to the nearby Steeplechase Apartments where Nash lived.  Along the way the two made a stop at a gas station where they purchased soda pop and chips from the station’s convenience store, and continued down the street. Farrow and Nash turned up the street leading to Nash’s apartment.  At that point two undercover West Memphis police officers, Jimmy Evans and Sammis, who were on a stakeout in a narcotics investigation, appeared from a nearby dumpster.  According to some eyewitnesses, the two police officers confronted the young men and soon afterwards Sammis, noticed something bulging in the 12-year-old’s coat pocket.  As Farrow removed the item, Sammis shot and killed him.

9. Rekia Boyd

Born: November 5, 1989, Chicago, IL Died: March 21, 2012

On the night of her death, Rekia Boyd was hanging out with friends at Douglas Park on Chicago’s West Side at a party listening to music while having a few drinks. Around 1:00 am, Boyd and some of her friends walked to a nearby liquor store. Around the same time, officer Dante Servin was just finishing his shift on his second job. He was off duty, heading to a fast food restaurant for a hamburger, but Servin drove to Douglas Park after a citizen called police about a noise complaint. Servin saw Boyd and her friends and later claimed they were arguing in an alley. Whether Servin calmly approached Boyd and her friends or was rude and aggressive is still debated. One of Boyd’s friends, Antonio Cross, claimed that Servin attempted to buy drugs from the group. When Cross told Servin to “get his crackhead ass out of here,” Servin pulled a gun, stuck it out of the window of his car and fired into the group, hitting Boyd in the head. She was instantly killed.

10. Eric Garner 

Born: September 15, 1970, NYC, New York Died: July 17, 2014, NYC, New York

On July 17th, 2014, NYPD officers approached Eric Garner on suspicion of selling single cigarettes from packs without tax stamps. After Garner told the police that he was tired of being harassed and that he was not selling cigarettes, the officers attempted to arrest Garner. When Pantaleo placed his hands on Garner, Garner pulled his arms away. Pantaleo then placed his arm around Garner's neck and wrestled him to the ground. With multiple officers pinning him down, Garner repeated the words "I can't breathe" 11 times while lying face down on the sidewalk. After Garner lost consciousness, he remained lying on the sidewalk for seven minutes while the officers waited for an ambulance to arrive. Garner was pronounced dead at an area hospital approximately one hour later.

11. Breonna Taylor

Born: June 5, 1993, Grand Rapids, Michigan Died: March 13, 2020, Louisville, Kentucky

A narcotics investigation regarding suspected drug dealer Jamarcus Glover, led detectives to Breonna Taylor’s residence in the South End. Glover was a previous acquaintance of Taylor and she was under suspicion for using her home to his receive mail, hide his drugs, and stash money earned from his drug sales. Taylor, who was 26, at the time, lived in a Springfield Drive apartment with her 27-year-old boyfriend Kenneth Walker. Taylor and Walker were asleep in bed, on the night of March 13, 2020, when they were awakened by a loud banging at the front door. Taylor called out, asking who was there, but heard no response. Walker, a licensed and registered gun owner, armed himself and headed towards the front door, when it suddenly came off its hinges.

Under a “no-knock” search warrant, Louisville Metro Police Department Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, Detective Brett Hankinson, and Officer Myles Cosgrove, all in plainclothes, stormed into the apartment. Taylor’s boyfriend Walker, thinking this was a home invasion robbery, fired one shot in self-defense. Sgt. Mattingly was hit in the leg, and in response, the other officers opened fire, releasing more than twenty rounds into the apartment. Taylor was shot eight times and collapsed in the hallway of her apartment. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

12. Daunte Demetrius Wright

Died: April 11, 2021 (20 years old)

On April 11 of this year, Daunte Demetrius Wright was fatally shot by police officer Kimberly Ann Potter during a traffic stop and attempted arrest for an outstanding arrest warrant in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. After a brief struggle with officers, Wright was shot at close range by Potter, who had confused her gun with her taser. Officers pulled Wright out of his car and administered CPR, but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

[itsworn]

An Interview with John Staluppi, Owner of the Cars of Dreams Collection to be Sold at Barrett Jackson in April, 2018.

For nearly fifteen years, TV viewers of the popular Barrett-Jackson collector car auction have come to know John Staluppi for his solid taste in post-WWII American collector cars and his fierce ability to knock out virtually any opponent with a seven-figure bid. Though Barrett-Jackson bidders come in all shapes, sizes, and tax brackets, Staluppi made his mark thanks to a pint-sized lap dog named Dillinger.

A Maltese breed of canine, Dillinger was trained to bark on command. So before long the dog was placing the bids while poised in the arms of John, his wife Jeanette, or one of the Staluppi’s grandkids. Naturally, TV audiences ate it up and little Dillinger became “a thing” at Barrett-Jackson for many years.

With each winning “bark”, Staluppi accumulated another addition to his Cars of Dreams collection of more than 125 top-tier vehicles. Located in North Palm Beach, Florida, the Cars of Dreams collection is stored inside a former department store with more than 70,000 square-feet that’s been decorated with props and street scenes depicting New York City.

Only open four times a year, Staluppi’s private Cars of Dreams collection isn’t available for weddings or birthday parties. Rather, John works with charity organizations to help raise funding for law enforcement, children’s health programs, and heart disease and cancer-prevention research.

We recently visited with John Staluppi to learn more about his background, his plan to “shuffle the deck” by selling 125 cars at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson collector car event in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the plan to replace the sold cars with a whole new stash of classics.

Sadly, little Dillinger has gone to TV dog heaven to frolic with Rin Tin Tin and Scooby-Doo. But fear not, another Maltese pup, this one named Buddy, will take his place. Whether Buddy shares Dillinger’s passion for collector cars and being in the limelight remains to be seen. But either way, with Mr. Staluppi on the hunt for 125-plus new classic cars to replenish his Cars of Dreams collection during the next year, the story is far from over!

HRM) Where are you from?

JS) I was born in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. After a family move to Long Island, I then moved to Florida around 1977.

HRM) What was your first car memory?

JS) My father had a 1950 Nash four-door, one of those upside-down bathtub looking cars. It was a standard-shift car with the usual column-mounted gear lever, and Dad took the family to upstate New York for a vacation one time. Somehow I ended up alone in the car and was playing with the shift lever. When I got out of the car, I left it in Neutral. The next minute, the car comes rolling through the woods and my Dad was saying, “Whose driving through the woods?” Then he realized it was his car. I got in big trouble for that one. That Nash was one of the big ones with the fold-down seats you could camp in and a body that looked like a big beetle. The dash had this one central pod for the speedometer and gauges, they called it the “Uniscope.” It was a neat car.

HRM) At present I don’t see a Nash Ambassador in the Cars of Dreams collection, rather I see lots and lots of convertibles. What is your favorite car?

JS) I’d say my favorite car is the first Corvette I ever bought, a 1962 in Tuxedo Black. We didn’t have a lot of money, but my family helped me buy it by taking out a second mortgage on our home. It cost $3,100 back then and was a demonstrator model the dealership had for a discount ($4,038 was the base sticker price). I lived right around the corner from the Brooklyn-based Chevrolet dealer that had the car. But that was my first car that was mine. So to answer the question about what’s my favorite type of car, that’d be Corvettes at the core but followed closely by Chrysler 300 letter cars.

HRM) Wow, that’s the other end of the spectrum. Or is it?

JS) Those early 300’s could be very sporty cars. With their stiff suspensions, standard dual-quad induction, big tires, and upsized brakes, they handled better than you might expect. In a sense, a 300 convertible was like a four-seat Corvette. I had many jobs as a kid- I was a mechanic at the Chevy dealer I just mentioned, and a little later I worked as a lifeguard in upstate New York at a resort called Villa Maria. One of the head managers at the resort had a 1960 Chrysler 300F hardtop. It was blue and with the 413, and we used to go out and tear up the highway. It was an unbelievable car and started my love for 300 “letter cars.” It had the swiveling seats, the clear “Astra-Dome” bubble covering the instrument cluster, the massive Exner-era tail fins and being a 1960, was the first year for the ram induction setup (1955-1959 300’s had dual quads arranged inline atop a non-ram manifold). I remember everything about that car. It was a true bad boy and made the 1960 Chrysler 300F my absolute favorite car.

HRM) Your Cars of Dreams collection is known for being one of the few collections with such a wide variety of letter-series Chrysler 300’s. Tell us more.

JS) I have almost one of every letter-series Chrysler 300 here except for the 1959 300E. A total of only 690 1959 E’s were built, of them only 140 were convertibles. Finding a good survivor or even a solid restoration candidate is next to impossible. But that’s the fun of it. At present, I’m selling just about everything you see here in the Cars of Dreams collection. My plan is to fill this building one more time. This go-round, I’m aiming to have a truly complete collection of Chrysler 300 letter cars – including the elusive 1959 “E” – in both body types: hardtop and convertible. I’m a little bit on the fence with the 1962-1965 300s. First off, Chrysler abandoned the tail fins for 1962 but more seriously, Chrysler added a non-performance, non-letter 300 model that could be had with four doors. So to me, the 1962s aren’t as hard-core as the 1955-1961s. So I’m not sure I’ll expend as much effort acquiring 1962-up letter cars for this final go-round.

HRM) You’ve had some race cars, what was the first?

JS) That would be a 1955 Chevy. It was green, and I’m superstitious. Too many times to count, any green race car I’ve owned would blow up on me. It’d break a rear axle, transmission, or something else. We gave that ’55 the name “Mister Jinx.” Eventually we got all the bugs worked out of the car, and I ran it in C / Modified Production (C/MP). That was around the mid-1970s, and the track we used was Englishtown in New Jersey. Vinny Napp was the track manager, and we ran it often enough to hold the C/MP national championship title for a while. We also raced at Westhampton Dragstrip on Long Island and even as far away as Bristol, Tennessee’s so-called “Thunder Valley,” a great strip that’s still very active today. We had a lot of fun back then with Mister Jinx.

HRM) Did you do the driving?

JS) Oh yes! Modified Production allowed a fair amount of changes, so the original 265 V8 was replaced by a 327 with a Mickey Thompson cross-ram intake manifold. We had to remain naturally aspirated but worked in the usual modifications like high compression, a wild solid cam, hotter ignition, and, of course, a four-speed manual transmission. I ran a set of 5.38:1 rear axle gears and used to leave the line at over 6,000 rpm. It’d come out of the hole like a rocket ship.

HRM) Are you a stick man or do you prefer automatic transmissions?

JS) In the earlier days, I was a four-speed maniac. Three-speed on the tree is kind of sloppy- really antiquated. I do like the automatics of today, especially the types you can shift like a stick if you want to. They’re pretty much bullet proof. When you hit traffic, when you have to start shifting, that was fun when I was a kid. But now, at this point in life, I like to enjoy some comfort while I drive. Plus, most cars today only come with an automatic transmission, but again, the manual-shift mode does a pretty good job of simulating the old days – minus the left leg work.

HRM) You managed to locate – and buy – your first Corvette (the black 1962), so have you had any luck finding Mister Jinx, that 1955 Chevy drag car?

JS) Naah, that car is long gone. We sold it to a bunch of guys who continued racing it until it blew a tire and went off the track. I’m pretty sure the car was stripped to a shell then junked.

HRM) Beyond the Cars of Dreams collection, you’ve built and owned a series of 100-to-200-plus foot aluminum-hulled yachts and have a private jet. Success is obviously part of your life, how did it happen?

JS) I started as a mechanic in Brooklyn, then I opened up a gas station. Then a Honda motorcycle dealership franchise became available to me in Queens, on Queens Blvd. I was also a big motorcycle rider and we sold a lot of Honda ‘cycles in the mid-to-late 1960s. By the early 1970s, I was also selling the Honda 600 minicar in fair numbers. But it was the arrival of the larger Civic in 1973 that was really the beginning of true success. Sales were strong enough to allow the addition of more Honda dealerships, in Long Island and other locations. Those little Civics sold very well and I started making the real money. That allowed me to repay my debts to my parents, who funded my early efforts.

HRM) How many Honda dealerships did you grow to, and did you add other brands as well?

JS) In the 1970s, I had five Honda car dealerships and three Honda motorcycle dealerships, and then my first domestic brand was an Oldsmobile store. It was located in Brooklyn, and the success of that led to me getting some Chevrolet outlets. By the late 1980s, I had 42 car dealerships and was the largest privately-held car dealer in the world. Then interest went to 21 percent, and boy the debt load was heavy. I ended up selling off some of the good stores, and kept the bad stores, not that any were really that bad, but we turned them around and kept growing. Today, we’re the third largest privately held car sales company in the country. We do about 70,000 new cars per year, and about 30,000 used cars per year.

HRM) Who runs it all?

JS) It takes a great team, and my partner who helps keep the Long Island dealerships running is Michael Brown. My son John Jr. has stores in Las Vegas, and my son-in-law Scott has car dealerships in Queens, Great Neck, and Long Island. In fact, John Jr. is also a vintage car collector. He’s got about 35 or 40 classics out there in Las Vegas.

HRM) Are these many dealerships recognizable with names like “Staluppi Motors” or some name HOT ROD readers could seek out?

JS) They all carry the name “Atlantic”, “Advantage”, or “Millennium.” The Atlantic name stems from my first Oldsmobile (then later, Chevrolet) dealership, which was called Atlantic Oldsmobile.

HRM) Switching gears back to vintage and collectible cars, when you’re buying, what do you look for?

JS) I’m all about the hunt. I always buy cars I used to work on or knew about when I was a kid. Cars of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s were things I worked on, bought, sold, raced, and modified, when they were brand new. Not so much with the cars of the 1980s. By then, I had outgrown much of the hands-on, greasy fingers part of it. When I buy, I seek the finest looking examples and typically avoid unfinished projects. I prefer finished cars because it is all too easy to fall into the trap where you invest more than you’ll ever get back. Sure, if you can do the work on your own, and have the necessary skills to do good work, you can turn out a fine example. But when you add up the hours charged by any professional restoration business, a sure return on investment is rare. This is a labor of love. People who restore these cars spend thousands of hours on them, and finding missing parts is another side of it that can get costly, so I’m attracted to finished cars.

HRM) Are there any cars that you refuse to buy?

JS) I’m not a big fan of some of the more obscure vintage foreign cars. It’s about impossible to get restoration parts [for them]. I’m also not a huge Ferrari guy. Except for the pinnacle cars like the 250 GTO and such, I don’t really see the value.

HRM) No doubt it’s a lot of work to find, buy, and store so many cars. To some people, what you have here on display would be an acceptable life-long accomplishment. But you are about to sell 125 cars at the 2018 Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL collector car auction and start again. Why?

JS) I get bored. Again, with me it’s about the chase. My main business office is also contained within this structure (a former department store). When I need a break from the daily “brain damage” of keeping track of business, I’ll come out and restore my equilibrium with these wonderful vintage machines. It’s a lot of fun. I’m also a big fan of Lionel trains and have a large, running diorama in its own special room.

HRM) Anyone who has watched the televised Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions knows that you are known for buying the best examples available. Consignors also understand it’s a very good thing when you are bidding on their offerings because price is not an obstacle. Once these cars become part of your Cars of Dreams collection, are they treated differently versus other car collections?

JS) One thing that sets my collection apart from many, is the fact you can jump into any one of the cars on display, drive it out the door and go for a cruise. On the four-speed cars you don’t have to worry about it jumping out of gear because of bad synchros, the lights all work, they are all ready to go. I keep a staff of full-time mechanics led by Dave Crews, and there’s a multi-bay garage at the back of my display room to assure each car is road ready. If I buy a car and issues present themselves, we correct them. That way, when someone buys a car from my collection, they can buy it with good confidence. We exercise our cars, and that’s crucial in this day of reformulated gas that goes bad and gums up carburetors. By exercising the cars, the seals don’t get dried out and it makes a huge difference compared to cars that might sit idle for years at a time in other collections.

HRM) What’s more important to you, matching numbers, or a quality presentation?

JS) I like numbers-matching, but to me what’s more important than that would be the quality of the car, the quality of the restoration. Most of my high-end cars are numbers matching, but the plus to me is the way the car is restored- the quality of the chrome, the quality underneath the chassis, the nooks and crannies. Were the body mounts replaced? Are they detailed to the same degree as the grille? That’s where the value is. When you pull up to a car show, 90 percent of spectators don’t know what numbers matching means. But they do see a quality build, and that’s what I go after. The truth of the matter is, when I worked at Chevrolet, and we would get muscle cars with damaged engines, we simply changed short blocks and tossed the original “numbers matching” parts in the trash. Truth be told, after the repair, the engine was like new. The tiny stamped numbers on the block didn’t play into the equation whatsoever. On most pre-1968 cars, and the vast majority of 1950s cars, numbers-matching status isn’t as important because many cars simply lacked the numbers in the first place. So that’s where we turn our focus to the quality of the paint, chrome, interior, glass, and overall restoration.

HRM) How about resto-mods?

JS) That’s an area that I appreciate. Numbers-matching status has no bearing here, and that’s liberating. I have a number of resto-mods in this collection, and I bought them for the quality of execution. But again, in every case, you could take it out of my building and drive it to California. The air conditioning works, they handle well, the transmissions have overdrive, and they’re usually much faster than any original model. I think resto-mods and resto-rods are where the value is. I think resto-mods are worth a lot more money than a stock restoration. I understand the allure of original equipment, but in today’s world, a top tier resto-mod with good ingredients and craftsmanship is a better buy than a relic restored with original-type bias ply tires, a three-speed manual transmission, drum brakes, and king pin front suspension.

HRM) What are some cars that are under-valued in today’s marketplace?

JS) Big Cadillacs from the 1950s and 1960s. Cadillac is like a symbol, especially with the Eldorado and Eldorado Biarritz, those are real cars. You look at the bumpers, the stainless steel roof material, the interiors with golden threads, I think these cars are very much undervalued. I feel they will climb much higher as more people understand what they represented. Taking it further, I think all of the finned cars from the 1950’s are poised to appreciate. I’m also big on Chrysler finned cars of the Virgil Exner era. Not just the letter-series 300s we talked about already, but the Dodge D500s, Plymouth Furys and DeSoto Adventurers are really important cars that are blue chip investments.

HRM) Modern cars have to pass so many government crash, pedestrian safety and efficiency standards, their designers’ hands are tied. Its’ rumored that Dodge Challenger stylists intentionally gave up something like 1/2 of a mpg in 2008 to allow for the distinctive tunneled grille and “frowning brow” headlamps that give them so much identity. Do you think new cars will ever be distinctive again?

JS) I have a hard time looking at a Lexus or a Mercedes or a BMW, and I’m in the business as a dealer. Its’ hard to say make and model is which. Back then, you knew- that’s an Oldsmobile, that’s a Buick, that’s a Pontiac, that’s a Dodge, etc. You don’t see that now. I feel the carmakers need to add more visual variety and identity to their offerings.

HRM) Can you hint at what direction the next Cars of Dreams collection will take?

JS) This is something that’s a passion to me. Doing this one more time in my lifetime, my next collection of cars will be more of a variety. At present, Cars of Dreams celebrates the convertible body type. But for the next go around, I want more variety. Yes, there will be convertibles, but I also want to go after hardtops and even some wagons. Then I can take it in a different direction. At present, if you look around Cars of Dreams, the only reason you don’t see a convertible on display is when the factory didn’t offer it that way. An example would be the 1956-1957 Lincoln Continental MKII. Except for two factory prototype convertibles in 1957, the MKII is strictly a hardtop. If ever there was a car that deserved to be offered as a drop-top, the MKII is it. And know this, if one of those factory prototype convertibles surfaced, I’d pay the money for it! Another thing I want to point out is that there are two vintage fire trucks in the collection right now. They actually run, and I use them for parades. I had my shop install air conditioning inside one of them because it was so popular, we decided to make it more enjoyable here in the Florida heat. Commercial and emergency vehicles are interesting to me as well; I even have a Ford neighborhood ice cream truck I’ll be selling.

HRM) When you say the word “collection,” how many cars do you have?

JS) I keep about 130 cars here plus another 8 cars I keep at my home. Again, every one of them is ready for the road. Sometimes for fun, I’ll invite four or five buddies to come by then I’ll ask them which cars they want to drive, and we’ll gas them up and then attend a car show or cruise night.

HRM) Besides vintage cars and Lionel trains, you also enjoy ship building. Tell us about it.

JS) I’m building a new yacht now, which will be the ultimate, ultimate boat. I sold Diamonds Are Forever and Skyfall (Google them, dear reader, you’ll be amazed). This new one is a 230-foot boat that is going to be the ultimate yacht that’s ever been built by a person. We are hoping that for next year to have a party on it.

HRM) Back to the next collection, how does that get started?

JS) It isn’t about buying 130 cars, it’s about buying 130 great cars. In addition to having one of every 1955-1962 Chrysler 300 letter-series body type, I hope to focus on Oldsmobiles from 1950 through 1960. I want one of each model in each body configuration. More Corvettes will be added from each era, and I’m not against resto-mods representing specific years.

HRM) What does the future hold for the Cars of Dreams collection?

JS) After the next round of acquiring cars to replace the ones I’m selling at the April 2018 Barret-Jackson sale, I want to eventually pass it down to my son, John Jr. and my grandchildren. John Jr. lives in Las Vegas. He is mostly into Mopars and has about 35 cars there. As for the next round of purchases, I’ll open the door to a wider variety of cars. I’ll be at the auctions, buying and buying and buying. I’m excited to do this again.

HRM) What is it like when you are bidding on a car and suddenly there’s a TV camera pointed at your face?

JS) I gotta be honest- it’s fun. Sometimes when I’m bidding, it becomes like a war with me. Sometimes my wife Jeanette will be there with me while I’m bidding, and she’ll be asking, “are you crazy?” Then my cell phone will go off with calls from friends who see me on TV bidding who want to chime in on the action or they’re texting me “don’t lose that car, it’s a good one.” Meanwhile I’m thinking to the auctioneer “drop the hammer, drop the hammer!” The best is when my grandkids are there and they’re saying, “Poppie we’re not going to let that guy beat us? I say, ‘no way, no way’.” Sometimes it’ll cost me because the ego gets in front of the brain. One thing that used to happen to me at auction that I don’t let happen anymore is when a car shows up under the lights and I haven’t really checked into the underlying quality. When there’s a car on the docket list that catches my eye, now I make sure to get a close inspection in the days before it hits the block. That’s one of the reasons I like Barrett-Jackson, they stage the cars under the tents and in the lines for several days before they sell. This gives ample opportunity for close inspection. Once the car is on the block, there’s really no time to inspect it very closely, it becomes like a big race. But overall, I look forward to every Barrett-Jackson auction. I love it. It’s fun.

The post An Interview with John Staluppi, Owner of the Cars of Dreams Collection to be Sold at Barrett Jackson in April, 2018. appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network http://www.hotrod.com/articles/interview-john-staluppi-owner-cars-dreams-collection-sold-barrett-jackson-april-2018/ via IFTTT

[theautomotive01]

Perfectly Range EV: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Perfectly Range EV: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The perfectly redesigned EV is all set to mark its imprints in the United States. The revamped designs, edgy and sporty looks with excruciating features enhance the look and performance. GM’s newer creation in EV line-up Bolt EV cruising down the highways with an excellent range and competing with the competition.The electric hatchback doesn’t just look enticing but can leave you stunned with its…

[theautomotive01]

Perfectly Range EV: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The perfectly redesigned EV is all set to mark its imprints in the United States. The revamped designs, edgy and sporty looks with excruciating features enhance the look and performance. GM’s newer creation in EV line-up Bolt EV cruising down the highways with an excellent range and competing with the competition. The electric hatchback doesn’t just look enticing but can leave you stunned with its enchanting features, performance at an affordable price. The changes are quite noticeable on the hatchback inside and out with futuristic sheets and a fully-loaded cabin with refined features. 2022 is the year of making a big comeback by Chevy to eliminate the cut-throat competition such as Hyundai Kona, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3.

From a newer exterior to high performance, everything catches the eye of the Bolt driver. The driving enthusiast can discover the features in the new Bolt with advanced technology, features, comfy rooms, and well-balanced handling that changes the vibe and make the drive more exciting and fun.

The electrified future looks sleek and subtle with a roomy interior that can cover higher miles when fully charged with front-wheel-drive. The newer addition in the line-up supercruise hands-free driving in the Bolt EUV line-up where drivers can experience the refined driving dynamics with back-seat space and more features at Nash Chevrolet.

See Complete Review at https://allcarsonline.com/perfectly-range-ev-2022-chevrolet-bolt-ev/