Blogs
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Keith’s Blog: The Indian Reservation Alfa
There was a time in the late ‘80s when I was gainfully unemployed. I had left my job as Sales Manager at Ron Tonkin Grand Turismo and decided to make my living buying, fixing up and selling Alfa Romeos. At that time there was no shortage of non-running but not-yet-decrepit Alfas from the ‘70s lurking…
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Jim’s Blog: Registering a Classic
It seems like auto registration rates climb more and more every time I look at them. But with more cars on the road each year, that makes sense. After all, somebody has to pay for the wear and tear on roadways caused the daily commuter grind. Here in Oregon, a new 2-year registration for a…
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Keith’s Blog: Sign Up for the 2020 SCM 1000
Next year’s SCM 1000 is beginning to shape up. Plans include visiting Mt. St. Helens as well as the stunning Oregon Coast — areas we haven’t explored in the previous two tours. The dates are July 12-16, 2020. Once again, the tour will begin with participants’ cars on display in front of the Portland Art…
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Jim’s Blog: Buying on First Impressions
When you’re thinking about a new addition to your collection, what’s the first thing that you look for? Last week, I talked a little about project cars, and we’re covering that topic in the next issue of ACC as well. But that’s got me thinking about buying project cars that aren’t complete basket cases —…
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Keith’s Blog: A Rite of Fall
Each September, the Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon puts on the “Red Duetto Tour.” Hosted by Fred and Lisa McNabb, the entry requirements are simple: You must be driving a 1966-69 “longtail” Alfa spider, and it has to be red. Before I bought my red Duetto, I recall asking Fred if I would be allowed to…
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Jim’s Blog: Is a Project Really Worth It?
What do you see when you look at the car pictured above? Do you see a GTO that’s at the end of its lifespan, or do you see a promising project? Is this just scrap value, or is this the beginning of months (or years) of work in a shop and a well-earned finished project?…
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Keith’s Blog: Walking through Automotive History
I spent Saturday sauntering around the 43rd Annual All British Field Meet at Portland International Raceway. More than 800 British cars were on display. My ride out represented a mix of old and new. SCMer Dave Stewart picked me up in his lovely dark blue MGA Twin Cam, but he was wearing a Tesla jacket.…
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Jim’s Blog: Buy That Classic SUV Now
When trucks started a march up in value, so too did truck-based off-road rigs. Now, Blazers and Broncos have eclipsed trucks in terms of value, and I’m not just talking about the first-gen rigs, either. I’ve been looking for a first-generation Blazer project for some time now, and with auction sale prices often well above…
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Keith’s Blog: Should You Sell Your Kid’s Car?
Last week I sold our 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce. I told my son Bradley, and he said, “Dad, you sold MY car.” It’s been a tough year for his budding collection. Earlier, we sold the eponymous Bradley GT. He didn’t mind that because, as he said on a YouTube video, “This is a…
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Jim’s Blog: The Best $10k Collector Car?
What can $10k buy you these days? It may not seem like much, but it’s enough to get you something fun to drive that’s also on the collectible spectrum. What do I mean by that? Well, unless you’re into a total project, you’re not going to find a ’69 Camaro for $10k. Muscle Mopars are…