June 2024
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Keith’s Blog: The Fun Factor in Online Auctions
I mentioned last week that Chevrolet Corvairs, Corvette C3s and Avantis are on my online auction watch lists. Having a watch list is similar to subscribing to a series of documentaries on The History Channel. I’m not sure I want to know much more about Roman chariot warfare, but don’t mind prowling around a little…
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Keith’s Blog: Macan Hunting
A few weeks ago, in my discussion of how I bid online, I mentioned the different models I was watching. I concluded by saying that Chevrolet Corvairs and Porsche Macans were also currently on my watch list. Looking at online auctions is a lot like no-risk fishing. You bait your hook by putting cars on…
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Half-Japanese
1991 Plymouth Laser RS S/N 4P3CS44R3ME148237. 148,600 miles. “2.0-liter inline-4, 5-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, 16-inch wheels, pop-up headlights, pop-up sunroof, cloth upholstery, automatic front shoulder belts, power windows, air conditioning.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $5,538. Cars & Bids, 5/22/24. Chrysler teamed up with Mitsubishi to create Diamond-Star Motors in 1985. Chrysler had been importing…
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California Cracks Down on Montana LLCs
“Trevor” was surprised when a California state investigator and two sheriff’s deputies rang his doorbell. They were armed with a search warrant authorizing them to search his garage and to seize his cell phone. The garage search located exactly what they knew would be there — a high-dollar sports car with Montana license plates. The…
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That’s Mister Two to You
The Toyota MR2 rocked the sports-car world when it arrived in 1984. With a mid-engine, rear-drive design that stood on the shoulders of the Porsche 914 and Fiat X1/9, the lightweight Toyota offered nimble steering and adequate speed at a truly affordable price. American buyers stepped up, purchasing more than 37,000 of them in 1985.…
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The Cadillac of Ferraris
In early May, Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 s/n 11429, a non-running project, was sold on Bring a Trailer for $78,750, including buyer’s premium. A bargain price! At least until one digests that it was fitted with a 4.6-liter Cadillac Northstar V8 backed up with a 4-speed automatic GM 700R4 trans, a non-original aluminum radiator and…
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Ciao, Bella Macchina
When I was director of dance for the Portland Opera, a large part of my life revolved around yearning, passion, searches, mysteries, findings and farewells. It’s not so different with the classic cars that roll in and out of our garages. After 10 years and 15,000 miles, I am selling our 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto.…
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Keith’s Blog: Ready for the Road
We’re in the final shakedown period for the local Porsche club NW Passage tour. SCM is a sponsor. It begins in a week and encompasses five days and over 700 miles of driving. It starts in Portland, goes to the Running Y Resort in southern Oregon near Klamath Falls for four nights, then returns home.…
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Keith’s Blog: Route Book vs. Mobile App
I have a simple question. I see an increasing number of rallies and tours offering the option of having the route available as an app on a smart phone. On the SCM 1000, we used both the Rallista app and had a printed route book. Do you have a preference? Does using an app detract…