Hemmings Auto Blogs
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Orphans welcome
When you could tell one car brand from another... no Gps, but we had road maps and AAA....
oh,oh!!! is it 1979 again?
Some of the most butt ugly cars ever built here was from the late seventies to mid nineteen eighties , but now the recent cars of GM, Ford and Chrysler seem to be reverting back to the "what are they thinking"/ stage. I know this is ranting from a baby-boomer who the manufacturers don't care about, but please more style, less substance, please?
Good News in Model Cars
Auto World licenses tooling for AMT, MPC & Polar Lights model kits, American Muscle/ Ertl Collectibles die-cast
March 7, 2008
South Bend, IN – Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) has signed a licensing agreement with RC2/Learning Curve Brands, Inc. of Oak Brook, Illinois. The contract will allow Auto World to produce and market plastic model kits under the well-known brands of AMT, MPC and Polar Lights. Also included are the rights to manufacture 1:18 and 1:24 scale die-cast replicas using the trademarks of American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles. In addition, Auto World will now be handling production of Custom and Premium promotional die-cast vehicles for RC2’s current C&P customer base, with sales continuing through established representatives.
Thomas E. Lowe, President and Owner of Round 2, is now assembling a team of knowledgeable plastic model and die-cast specialists who are excited about this license opportunity and passionate about reintroducing these brands to their respective communities. Lowe states, “Our goal is to bring back many sought after vintage kits of all types from the AMT and MPC tooling banks, some that haven’t been available for decades. We've recruited model kit expert and creative designer John Greczula from Retro Hobby, Inc. to work with us. The American Muscle tooling bank has great potential, too, and Craig Flickinger, who was the Product Manager for American Muscle for several years, is on board to ensure that collectors are kept as priority one. Using our own production facilities, we will have the capability to adjust quantities of the model and die cast lines to satisfy market demand. We will not rely solely on old tooling, but will develop new tools as well.”
Further, Lowe states, “2008 is going to be a roller coaster ride for us as we prepare our game plan and get things moving. There is an incredible amount of information to be absorbed and organization that must take place. We understand the modeling and die-cast markets have changed and that several large mass-retail chains are beginning to turn their backs on stocking these products. We will try and slow that down by introducing new and innovative products, hopefully enticing them to support our brands. I learned a lot when I ran my previous company, Playing Mantis, and I intend to use all of my knowledge and contacts to the maximum. For me, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Tom Lowe and RC2 Brands, Inc. are no strangers to each other. Lowe, an entrepreneur known for his expertise in collectible automotive subject matter, sold his first company, Playing Mantis, Inc. to RC2 in 2004. Lowe founded Playing Mantis in 1994 and resurrected the classic Johnny Lightning brand, producing small-scale die-cast replicas and electric slot cars catering to the adult collector. Enthusiastic response resulted in phenomenal growth of the brand, and spurred Lowe to venture into other areas, including Polar Lights plastic model kits and Memory Lane seasonal product.
Round 2 was established by Lowe in 2005 and reintroduced electric slot cars under the Auto World brand, an iconic hobby catalog trademark which Lowe purchased from Auto World’s founder, Oscar Koveleski.
Round 2 is an innovative collectibles company located in South Bend, Indiana. Its family of brands includes Auto World, currently featuring X-Traction, ThunderJet and Super III 1:64 scale electric slot racers and racing sets; Forever Fun Holiday Collectibles, featuring detailed recreations of favorite holiday characters and EarthGlow Candles, featuring unique licensed candles and candle toppers. Round 2 is proud to add AMT, MPC and Polar Lights model kits, American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles die-cast to its portfolio of brands.
March 7, 2008
South Bend, IN – Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) has signed a licensing agreement with RC2/Learning Curve Brands, Inc. of Oak Brook, Illinois. The contract will allow Auto World to produce and market plastic model kits under the well-known brands of AMT, MPC and Polar Lights. Also included are the rights to manufacture 1:18 and 1:24 scale die-cast replicas using the trademarks of American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles. In addition, Auto World will now be handling production of Custom and Premium promotional die-cast vehicles for RC2’s current C&P customer base, with sales continuing through established representatives.
Thomas E. Lowe, President and Owner of Round 2, is now assembling a team of knowledgeable plastic model and die-cast specialists who are excited about this license opportunity and passionate about reintroducing these brands to their respective communities. Lowe states, “Our goal is to bring back many sought after vintage kits of all types from the AMT and MPC tooling banks, some that haven’t been available for decades. We've recruited model kit expert and creative designer John Greczula from Retro Hobby, Inc. to work with us. The American Muscle tooling bank has great potential, too, and Craig Flickinger, who was the Product Manager for American Muscle for several years, is on board to ensure that collectors are kept as priority one. Using our own production facilities, we will have the capability to adjust quantities of the model and die cast lines to satisfy market demand. We will not rely solely on old tooling, but will develop new tools as well.”
Further, Lowe states, “2008 is going to be a roller coaster ride for us as we prepare our game plan and get things moving. There is an incredible amount of information to be absorbed and organization that must take place. We understand the modeling and die-cast markets have changed and that several large mass-retail chains are beginning to turn their backs on stocking these products. We will try and slow that down by introducing new and innovative products, hopefully enticing them to support our brands. I learned a lot when I ran my previous company, Playing Mantis, and I intend to use all of my knowledge and contacts to the maximum. For me, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Tom Lowe and RC2 Brands, Inc. are no strangers to each other. Lowe, an entrepreneur known for his expertise in collectible automotive subject matter, sold his first company, Playing Mantis, Inc. to RC2 in 2004. Lowe founded Playing Mantis in 1994 and resurrected the classic Johnny Lightning brand, producing small-scale die-cast replicas and electric slot cars catering to the adult collector. Enthusiastic response resulted in phenomenal growth of the brand, and spurred Lowe to venture into other areas, including Polar Lights plastic model kits and Memory Lane seasonal product.
Round 2 was established by Lowe in 2005 and reintroduced electric slot cars under the Auto World brand, an iconic hobby catalog trademark which Lowe purchased from Auto World’s founder, Oscar Koveleski.
Round 2 is an innovative collectibles company located in South Bend, Indiana. Its family of brands includes Auto World, currently featuring X-Traction, ThunderJet and Super III 1:64 scale electric slot racers and racing sets; Forever Fun Holiday Collectibles, featuring detailed recreations of favorite holiday characters and EarthGlow Candles, featuring unique licensed candles and candle toppers. Round 2 is proud to add AMT, MPC and Polar Lights model kits, American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles die-cast to its portfolio of brands.
Why didn't I think of this????
Jet powered VW novel idea How about a jet powered Isetta instead????
http://www.ronpatrickstuff.com/
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Another Hot Rod Legend passes
California car-building legend Boyd Coddington dies at 63
By JEFF WILSON, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
(02-27) 11:43 PST Los Angeles (AP) --
Car-building legend Boyd Coddington, whose testosterone-injected cable TV reality show "American Hot Rod" introduced the nation to the West Coast hot rod guru, has died. He was 63.
Coddington died at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in suburban Whittier at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday. His La Habra office spokeswoman Amanda Curry wouldn't disclose the cause of death.
Coddington, who started building cars when he was 13 and once operated a gas station in Utah, set a standard for his workmanship and creativity, with his popular "Cadzilla" creation considered a design masterpiece. The customized car based on a 1950s Cadillac was built for rocker Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
"That was a groundbreaking car. Very cool," said Dick Messer, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
"This was your modern era George Barris," Messer said. "He did things to hot rods and customs that weren't being done by anyone else. But the main thing is he designed cars that were drivable."
Coddington was a machinist by trade, working at Disneyland during the day and tinkering with cars in his home garage at night and on weekends. His rolling creations captured the imagination of car-crazy Southern Californians and soon he was building custom cars and making money.
Most often, he customized 1932 Ford "little deuce coupes."
"It was one of those things when a hobby turned into business," Messer said, noting Coddington was also "one of the first guys to get into the custom wheel business."
Wheels by Boyd were fetching $2,000 apiece, which was unheard of two decades ago.
Coddington also surrounded himself with talent. Alumni from his shop include Jesse James and Chip Foose, who went on to open their own shops and star in reality TV shows.
Coddington twice won the Daimler-Chrysler Design Excellence Award and he was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame, the National Rod & Custom Museum Hall of Fame and the Route 66 Wall of Fame.
Always dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, Coddington said he loved his "American Hot Rod" Discovery Channel show, which featured ground-up construction of $500,000 hot rods.
"The viewers are ... people who lived in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and loved these cars. Now, they have money," Coddington told The Associated Press in a 2004 interview.
___
On The Net:
www.boydcoddington.com
Friday, February 22, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Chicago Auto Show memories
I can remember my Dad and his friends going to the Chicago Auto Show every year and the next moring waking up to find brochures for the new Fords Chevy's and others that were featured at the car show that year, this picture reminds me of the year Dad came home with a flyer on the Spirit of America. It's a good show, and one of the Nation's oldest.
Friday, February 1, 2008
I must be gettin' old, My First Car
Ah yes, the perverbial first car. Here is mine: 1970 Torino GT 302, auto, 8 track Player.I payed $1500 for it, It wasn't the fastest car in School, but I can remember racing a girl in her 340 Duster, most of the time I GOT SMOKED!340 will outdo a 302 anytime.......
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Welcome to the Chrysler 300 Spin It Your Way Contest
ok, soooo someone donate a 300 to me, please? I'll really take good care of it, really...
Never seen one up close
Some pictures of a gas station in Cammack Ind, just west of Muncie, with a Ferrari in front...actually Allen caught me with my new toy parked out in front...way to go Allen, now I got to get the wife something..
Saturday, January 19, 2008
What not to wash your car with....
Seeing this photo on the net reminded me of one of my 1st car washes. My Uncle Don and family came down to visit one summer,Uncle Don was driving a Comet Station Wagon like as seen here. Being the ever vigil Car person, I felt it needed a good car wash, soo along with my cousin Shelly we proceeded to wash my Uncle Don's car.....with FELS-NAPTHA SOAP!!!! When it was discovered the wash job we were doing my Uncle just came out, shook his head and told us to stop, he didn't get mad about it and kinda chucked when I told him about the type of soap we used, of course my parents took a different turn and I didn't sit down for a while! Ah, car memories.
I'm not selling these....
I just like the fact that they have FAT in the title.....
Product:
Fat Boy Speed Shop Sign
Description:
Sign featuring famous 1950s ""Lady Luck"" (licensed design). American-made, heavy gauge, embossed light-weight aluminum. A very colorful and extremly popular garage decoration.
Company:
Galan Enterprises Inc.
Address:
2740 W. Windrose Drive, Phoenix, AZ, 85029, USA
Phone:
(602) 993-3000
Website:
galan.org
Hot Rod Power Tour...'05
These are pictures of other cars taken by Allen Brickhaus on the 05 HotRod Power Tour
some of the others can be seen on the SICARNEWS.com website.www.sicarnews.com
thanks Allen for the great pictures! keep 'em coming!
Why we love our cars part II
This is a collection of pictures from the HotRod Power Tour,taken by Allen Brickhaus.
featured among them is Allen's 55 Chevy "six bits". This car is fantastic and has been featured in magazines and I even have a coffie cup with "six bits" on it.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Why we love our cars
One of the best stories to come out of the Barrett-Jackson Auction and the reason why cars are special to us, car people.(reprinted from Barrett-Jackson Auction site)
Vehicle Details
LotNumber 977
Year 1957
CarMake CHEVROLET
CarModel BEL AIR
CarStyle CONVERTIBLE
ExteriorColor ONYX BLACK
Interiorcolor RED/WHITE
Cylinders V8
Engine 283
Transmission 3-SPEED MANUAL
Summary 16,246 original miles in Onyx Black with white convertible top and red/white upholstery. All numbers matching with one 50-year owner.
Description July 25, 1957, I purchased my very first new car -- a 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet black convertible. I did not realize I had a gem of a car until 50 years later. My mother had to sign the car title to enable me to have a car loan, since I was under age at that time -- only 19. The car was titled back to me in the year 1963. I started to make the car to my liking. In 1958, I added a tonneau cover, added chrome plating to everything under the carriage that could be unbolted and re-bolted and the parts I painted. Removed the gold Bel Air grille and added a 1954 Chevy teeth. Lowered the car, added fender skirts and lakeplugs to give the car a cool look. In 1959, took out silver interior, in exchange, I wanted white and red rolled and pleated leather. In 1963, I added a racer brown cam to the 283cid engine. In 1964, I painted by hand the undercarriage 9 times. I took out car seats and side panels. I painted the interior floor and door panels 4 times with oil base auto paint in those 7 years. The cars exterior has never been repainted. Still has the same Onyx Black finish that came from the factory. All glass has factory original letters and numbers. Chrome around glass is rust-free. The undercarriage still has the factory look, as does the convertible top which looks and works like new. Under the hood is all from the factory, except for the racer brown cam. The doors still have the solid sound like it came from the factory. Why is the car in this condition after all these years? Because this is why. All year round, the last 50 years the car has never seen rain or snow. The car has been all year round in a thermostat controlled dehumidified garage. The garage is fully insulated. I removed tires and put it on jackstands with carpet laid beneath the car to keep the car from dampness. Car was driven from 1957 to 1982, mileage 7,316. Why only those miles? Got married in 1959, raised 6 children and had two jobs. Only once in awhile I would drive. My main concern was to keep it clean and make everything shine during the first 25 years. 1982-2007, another 25 years has past. Put on the remaining miles, going for short rides and car shows in the summer. "A showroom looker" everyone says at the shows, and Best of Show Award the car would get. Why am I selling this car? I will be 70 years old next year, coming to an era of my life. It needs a new home. I want someone else to enjoy the 1957 Chevy convertible as I did for 50 years. I drove the '57 on my honeymoon in 1959. By the way, in 1971, I purchased a lifetime warranty battery as long as I owned the car. I just received my 8th free battery which at the time in 1971 was called a Willard Battery, now called a Exide. How about that purchase.
Seeing the couple standing on the podium watching their car being auctioned off along with 50 years of memories brought tears to everyone's eyes.
If you are not a car person, you won't understand
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Lucky ZR1
A ZR1 got loose and ran over Pamela Anderson at the Detroit Auto Show, Pam's ex husband Kid Rock is shown thanking GM for the props........
Thursday, January 10, 2008
2005 C6 Corvette Dream Commercial BANNED Removed from TV
sure, kid drives fast, jumps over things, I did the same thing at his age...in a Pacer
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The One we've been waiting for!!!
The big show starts Jan 12th!!!
I am going one of these years,fly in and drive back in what ever I buy that day......I'll make sure it's big enough for me to sleep in because when I get back the wife will kick me out!!!
Gas .25 Check your oil?
This was an old gas station in Calvert City KY it's right off of I24, it's worth a look.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
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