2015 Pebble Beach - More Edwardian Cars

I'm still going through the multitude of photos that we took in Monterey, and I though I'd share a few more of the early cars seen around the peninsula that week. Many events included Edwardian era cars - some of these events are open to the public and some are not - and all were great fun.

Here's a few of my favorites: 

A 1905 White Model E Steam Car being pulled off the trailer in the paddock. This car was freshly restored and would go on to win its class on Sunday. A rare model and year. (author's photo)

A 1908 Packard Model 30 Runabout being offered by Boulevard Motorcars at their private showing. This car was one of my personal favorites from the entire week. It wore a lovely patina from a 40 + year old restoration. These are very capable cars for their time. (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

A 1902 White Model B Stream Car arriving on the 18th fairway Sunday morning. We had the pleasure of meeting Tom and his steamer on the tour. With a bit of a head start, he was able to climb the hill into Carmel and parked right behind us on Ocean Avenue. (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

This Franklin had been customized to run in the Los Angles to Phoenix race back in 1910 I believe. The car had a great presence sitting in the paddock at Leguna Seca. As with all Franklins of this age, it is air-cooled with the cylinder's cast individually. (author's photo)

Two of the three surviving 1914 Mercedes Grand Prix Team cars sitting behind the Mercedes-Benz display. The car in the foreground is owned by the Collier Collection and was the reserve car for the 1914 French GP (it did not race). The car in the background is owned by the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Mercedes placed 1-2-3 at the 1914 French Grand Prix. (author's photo)

This very interesting and authentic early Isotta Fraschini sat unnoticed in the dealer sale area over at Spanish Bay. The event wasn't very memorable, but this car was. (author's photo)

One of two Nationals found in the paddock at Leguna Seca. Of course  National gained racing fame by winning the 1912 Indianapolis 500. I'm not either of these cars started life as race cars, but they certainly looked fantastic. (author's photo)

A 1914 Opel 4500 CC GP racer on the 18th fairway Sunday morning. I had the opportunity to hear this car run in the paddock and it sounded great. Owned by the Keller Family, the car ran in the 1914 French Grand Prix and was the only Opel entry to finish the race. (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

I believe this Packard was found in Australia and the owner planned to turn it back to a touring car. I'm not sure of it's actual race history, but it's been restored as a racer. (author's photo)

I believe this car is a 1901 Panhard et Levassor. Quite advanced for its age, the car was offered by Boulevard Motorcars at their private showing. (author's photo)

A 1913 Peugeot 3 liter Labourdette from the Collier Collection on the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours. This car, driven by Arthur Duray, placed 2nd in the 1913 Indianapolis 500 - and in the process, changed racing forever. The success of this car and it's revolutionary hi-reving, small displace engine influence race car design ever-after. (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

A 1913 Peugeot L45 racer from Ann Bothwell's collection of amazing cars. One of four factory team cars campaigned at the 1914 French Grand Prix. (author's photo)

A 1892 Philion Road Carriage from the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection). This relic from and earlier time, is drive from the back - not sure how you would see where you're going if you had passengers in the font seat? (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

A 1907 Renault being offered by Boulevard Motorcars. This is one of about a dozen cars specially ordered by William Vanderbilt for his buddies to race out on long Island. About half of these cars survive -  a smaller version of Renault's Grand Prix car of the day. (author's photo)

A 1910 Simplex Touring owned by a friend of ours being offered by Boulevard Motorcars. Fantastic car, but when you have two, I guess one can go. (author's photo)

A very interesting 1900 Skene Steam Runabout. From the excellent Richard C. Paine Jr. collection (Seal Cove Automobile Museum), this car is the sole surviving effort of the J.W. Skene Cycle Company of Lewiston, Maine. (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

A 1909 Stanley Model R Gentlemans Speedster. A local car (from Long Beach, CA), it a had a little trouble with Thursday's tour and arrived in Carmel on a flatbed. (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

A 1907 White Model G Steam Car from New York state seen in the paddock. I had a chance to visit with the owner who lifted the seat cushion and showed me "1GR" stamped in the wood frame. This car is the very first model G and was on the White stand at the 1907 New York auto show. (author's photo)

The 1914 French Grand Prix winner, this Mercedes was restored back to its race form by George Wingard (who remains its owner today). The car was vintage raced at Leguna Seca and then exhibited at the Concours on Sunday - it's had to imagine that this important car is in private hands. (author's photo)

I had an enjoyable visit with Nick and his brother who had brought this 1902 Toledo Steamer. This car is believed to have been specially commissioned from the Pope Manufacturing Company for a Los Angles buyer. Nick has found evidence of the car being driven to the Grand Canyon in the day. In 1903, these cars would be renamed "Pope-Toledo". (photo credit: Nathan Evans)

2014 Pebble Beach Concours - Antique Class

The family's 1909 Pierce-Arrow Model 36 entering Carmel on Thursday's tour. (author's photo)

Now back from a wonderful week in Monterey, I'll be posting some photos from our adventure.  Everyone knows The Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance draws some great cars; included among these is a small class of brass era vehicles. I need to say a big thank you to blog reader, Colin, who invited Dad to bring his 1909 Pierce-Arrow this year. What a special time we had as an entrant (I had never experienced that before)! 

The Class consisted of 6 six cars, however, the 1911 Interstate that joined us on the Tour d' Elegance (the proceeding Thursday) did not make it to the Concours on Sunday. The Tour was a bit arduous in the beginning (big hills for old cars), but finished with a thrill as some 90,000 people lined the streets on Carmel to welcome the cars. Finally, I want to say thank you to blog reader Pat & Nick for stopping by the Pierce-Arrow on Sunday to say hello - I hope your car club enjoys the photos.

The Concours itself was magical surrounds by amazing automobiles and many, many people. The interest in the early cars was fantastic and we spent a very enjoyable day talking to people about the Pierce-Arrow.

1910 American Underslung Traveler from the Off Brothers Collection in Michigan. This car was just re-restored to its correct livery and placed first in class. (author's photo)

1915 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Suburban at the Concours. This car was originally owned by Milton Hershey of chocolate fame and placed third in class. (author's photo)

Beautiful, freshly restored 1908 Daimler TC48 brought from Canada by the Longfield family. This car placed second in class (author's photo)

Bill Evans' (no relation) wonderful 1910 Fiat S61 racer at the Concours. This car was driven by Ralph DePalma at Savannah in period. (author's photo)

1911 Interstate Model 31-A from California on Thursday's tour. (author's photo)

Dad being interviewed about the Pierce-Arrow in Carmel. (author's photo)

Fantasy picks for Bonhams Quail Lodge Sale

It's Monterey Car Week once again, and in anticipation of going for the first time in almost ten years, my son and I sat down to pick our top three cars being offered by Bonhams at their Quail Lodge sale. Not simply the most expensive or rare, but the cars we'd most like to have in our garage - cars we would use.

Once again we found ourselves with the problem of trimming our selections down - so here's our top 5. What are your picks?

Photo credit: Bonhams Auctions

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta (lot 3) no estimate given (that translates as "expensive" in auction speak). Well, call us star-struck but we're falling for the GTO - it's a 250 GTO after all!

Photo credit: Bonhams Auctions

The 1912 Speedwell Speed Car (lot 231) estimated at $550,000 to $750,000. We have a family friend who had a speedwell - they sound great - often called the poor man's Simplex. This car also has great ownership history.

Photo credit: Bonhams Auctions

The 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Coupe (lot 242) estimated at $1.1 to $1.5 million. I might have overlooked this car if not for my son. On closer inspection it appears to be a fantastic car with great history - and I find this to be one of the best looking T26's that I can remember.

Photo credit: Bonhams Auctions

The 1908 Napier Type 23A Touring (lot 254) estimated at $1.1 to $1.4 million. Dad grew up knowing Rod Blood (the former owner of this car) and visited is barn full of cars regularly. Mr. Blood was a Packard collector and this was not a car he used often. Regardless, Napier's are exceptional cars and you rarely seem them here in the States.

Photo credit: Bonhams Auctions

The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 (lot 260) estimated at $1.3 to $1.5 million. My son didn't think this car belonged on the list, but it's my blog so I overruled him. The 289 is the Cobra to have in my opinion and who wouldn't want to have a this car in their garage? I need to have a talk with that kid.

Fantasy picks for RM Auction's Monterey Sale

It's Monterey Car Week once again, and in anticipation of going for the first time in almost ten years, my son and I sat down to pick our top three cars being offered by RM Auctions. Not simply the most expensive or rare, but the cars we'd most like to have in our garage - cars we would use.

Here's our top 3 picks - what's yours?

Photo credit: RM Auctions

The 1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C Touring (lot 208) estimated at $200,000 to $270,000. Frank Duryea doesn't alway get the credit he deserves as a car designer/engineer. These are great cars and this one just happens to be one of the better deals if you can pick it up around $200,000.

Photo credit: RM Auctions

The 1931 Bentley 8-liter Sports Cabriolet by Barker (lot 233) estimated at $3.75 to $4.75 million. Only 100 8-liter Bentleys were made and this has to be one of the most attractive bodies ever placed on this chassis - one of the starts of the RM sale.

Photo credit: RM Auctions

The 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa by Pinin Farina (lot 225) estimated at $1.9 to $2.4 million. The auctions are awash with amazing Ferraris, but this car speaks to me. The 250 is the engine to have, in my humble opinion, and this car wears a handsome Pinin Farina body as well.

Fantasy picks for Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Sale

It's Pebble Beach time again, and in anticipation of going for the first time in almost ten years, my son and I sat down to pick our top three cars being offered by Gooding & Company. Not simply the most expensive or rare, but the cars we'd most like to have in our garage - cars we would use.

From the start, there was a problem with this exercise as we couldn't seem to get it down to just three cars - so here's our top 5. What's yours?

Photo credit: Gooding & Company

The 1920 Mercer Series 5 Raceabout (lot 12) estimated at $300,000 to $400,000. Ever since Dad came close to purchasing one of these years ago, I have always loved the Series 5 Mercers.

Photo credit: Gooding & Compan

1955 Aston Martin DB3S (lot 32) estimated at $5 to $7 million. Ok, this car is so for from being affordable it make my head spin, but I've read that these are as nice to drive a D-Type Jaguar and that's just about all I need to hear to add this one to my fantasy list.

Photo credit: Gooding & Compan

1967 Toyota 2000 GT (lot 36) estimated at $1 to $1.3 million. My son added this one to the list, but I have to say I think these cars are super cool.

Photo credit: Gooding & Compan

1912 Packard Model 30 Touring (lot 121) estimated at $400,000 to $500,000. Any Model 30 Packard is a wonderful car, but this was owned by Phil Hill - need I say more?

Photo credit: Gooding & Compan

1967 Brabham-Repco BT24 (lot 148) estimated at $1.2 to $1.5 million. Another addition from my son. l don't know much about this beyond what can be read in the catalog, but what fantastic look.

Locke bodied Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost to be offered by Bonhams

Rolls-Royce chassis S283PK with body by Locke & Co. (from the author's collection)

Of the many truly fantastic cars being offered by the folks at Bonhams next week at their Quail Lodge sale, this car jumped off the page of the catalog. I acquired a picture of this 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, with all weather touring body by Locke & Co., among other Rolls-Royce images a while back and have been looking for a contemporary reference of the car for a while. 

Happily the car has survived and the Bonhams catalog describes it's history as follows: "… this long wheelbase chassis was off test in November 1925, the chassis was then delivered to the respected coachbuilding firm Locke and Company in New York… Delivered to H.S. Ogilvie in Hartford, Connecticut, the car was later sold to Herman Goldman in New York who kept the car until 1948. Three further owners maintained the Ghost in regular use until purchased by Richard Scarsella of Cold Spring Harbour, New York. In his ownership the car was extensively restored and then placed 1st in the Late Ghost class at the RROC annual meet (in 1973). Purchased by the Ivone Peitz Collection in 1991 via Dragone Classic Motor Cars, the car has been very well maintained by the collection's private mechanic since. Of museum quality, this later Springfield Ghost has been on display in the collection's motor house and used regularly." My photo of the car notes its owner at the time as Mr. Hanson, and in the photo the car wears an interesting dealer plate.

Coachbuilders who supplied bodywork for the Springfield Silver Ghost without Rolls-Royce Custom Coachworks (RRCCW) badges included the Locke Company. It is unknown how many Ghost chassis were bodied by Locke, however a small percentage of Locke-built bodies may also have had RRCCW builder plates. This car wears a Locke & Company sill plate.

Rolls-Royce chassis S283PK coming to auction (photo credit: Bonhams Auctions)

Rolls-Royce chassis S283PK's distinctive windshield (photo credit: Bonhams Auctions)

Everyday is a good day in a Pope-Hartford

A Pope-Hartford leaving Prescott, Arizona (photo credit: The Sharlot Hall Museum)

In another wonderful photo from the Sharlot Hall Museum collection, what looks to be a 1910 Pope-Hartford Model T Pony Tonneau, speeds out of town. The town would be Prescott, Arizona and Sharlot Mabridth Hall was the territorial historian at the time - the first woman to hold territorial office.

I don't know why people have gathered to watch these well dressed motorist charge through town, but a car like the Pope-Harford would have drawn a crowd in any little western community of the time. Pope's Model T, introduced in 1910, was a refinement of the previous year's 4 cylinder, 40 horsepower car. 

The Pope-Hartford was an expensive and powerful car - the result of the tireless effort of Albert Pope, who's success in buying up the patent-rights and manufacturing bicycles, lead to great wealth. Pope grew up selling fruits and vegetables in Boston's Quincy Market, however with his bicycle money Pope entered the automobile business in 1896. Convinced that electric cars were the way to go, Pope was producing just over 2000 cars by 1899 - nearly half of all cars produced in the US. By the end of the year (1899), Pope would sell out to the Electric Vehicle Company. In 1901, Pope wanted back into the automobile business and began acquiring companies. These cars were named according to their location of manufacture; Pope-Robinson (Hyde Park, Massachusetts), Pope-Waverly Electric (1904-1908,made in Indianapolis), Pope-Tribune (Hagerstown, Maryland, 1904-1908), Pope-Toledo (1904-1909, Toledo, Ohio) and Pope-Hartford (1904-1914, Hartford, Connecticut). 

Unfortunately for Pope, a series of bad investments led to financial ruin and he died in Boston in August of 1909. When the Pope Manufacturing Company went into receivership in mid-1914, the Pope-Hartford went with it. Wilber and Charles Walker, who had been associated with the Pope Company since 1902, reorganized the service and repair department and continued making parts and servicing cars for a few more years. However, the mighty Pope empire was finished.

Horseless Age October 6, 1909