Hemmings Classic Car July 2016

“There are so many different cars that I admire and would like to own, I decided to make a list of all the separate categories and which car would top that category.” My Favorite Car While I was driving back from a recent photo shoot of a 1939 Graham “sharknose” (see page 52), I began thinking about various automobiles and their distinctive designs. There are so many different cars that I admire and would like to own, I decided to make a list of all the separate categories and which car would top that category. Very quickly the list got larger and larger as I tried to cover all the special classifications. And just for the fun of it, I included my favorite motorcycles, trains and planes, too. So here’s…

De Soto Dreaming THE NATIONAL DE SOTO CLUB’S CONVENTION will take place in conjunction with the Airflow Club Annual Meet this July 5-10 in Timonium, Maryland, just north of Baltimore. Driving and bus tours are available Wednesday-Friday, and will include visits to car collections, museums, restoration shops, countrysides and the Washington D.C. area. The events culminate on Saturday as the De Sotos take to the show field in a judged car show. For a full itinerary and event schedule, visit www.desoto.org. Buick Celebration THE BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA will be celebrating 50 years since its formation, and the event will take place in Allentown, Pennsylvania, this July 27-30. Three all-day tours are available in the Pennsylvania area on any day you wish to go, including the stops at the AACA…

RE: Fiero Follow-up? THOSE MYSTERY CLAY PHOTOS FROM CREATIVE INDUSTRIES that Leon Dixon recently sent us (see HCC #140) also went up on our website, where we had quite a few responses. Some folks seem to believe that the clay was indeed for a second-generation Fiero, but several others also pointed out that by zooming in real close on the wheels they could see Chrysler’s Pentastar in the wheel centers. “The Fiero 1990 models have been well documented as coupe and fastback — even the fastback is still in the GM collection and is seen at shows once in a while and it was not this car,” Scott Swisher wrote. “We hashed this out on one of the Fiero websites and the guys that are the best historians on the…

Bonhams Success BONHAMS ENJOYED AN IMPRESSIVE AUCTION on March 10 at Amelia Island, Florida, with sales nearly doubling from last year, to $27.5 million. The sale featured a diverse selection of 95 automobiles ranging from 19th century motor carriages to modern-day supercars. One of the highlights was an 1896 Armstrong phaeton hybrid. This Connecticut-built car was likely the first hybrid, and features atmospheric/electrically restrained intake valves, electrically controlled clutch, three-speed constant-mesh semi-automatic transmission with reverse, and rear wheel brakes with regenerative electric-motor assist. The car languished for decades, then passed on to the Connecticut-based McGee Collection, where its extensive restoration began. This ultra-rare Armstrong sold for $483,400. Mecum Double Mecum Auctions is planning two auctions for July: Denver, Colorado, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Denver sale will take place July 8-9…

1970 Dodge Charger RT/SE 888-910-2889 • WWW.AUTOWORLDSTORE.COM  • $84.99 The second-generation Charger was arguably one of the best-looking cars to ever grace a Dodge showroom, and Auto World created a richly detailed 1:18-scale tribute for the Dodge centenary. This 1970 Charger RT/SE represents a loaded model with the new and unique “Gator Grain” vinyl roof, 15-inch Rallye wheels, a 440 Magnum Six Pack V-8 and Pistol Grip-shifted four-speed manual. The level of care that went into building this model is exemplary: All panels open to reveal true-to-life components, even the hideaway headlamps. From the detailed undercarriage to floor mats covering flock carpets to accurate stickers under the hood and trunklid, this Charger will blow you away — it’s a bargain at twice the price. Racing Directions 800-423-5525 • WWW.CALCARCOVER.COM  • $144.99 Which…

The Daily Grind If you have a frequent need for metal shaping, sharpening, polishing or buffing and are looking to fit some benchtop brawn into your shop or garage, JET offers industrial bench grinders ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Equipped with powerful heavy-duty-capacitor motors and anchored with cast-iron bases, these grinders are smooth operators. Each grinder features safety shields and adjustable tool rests. The 8 and 10-inch grinders include two wheels, a 36 grade and 60 grade, while the 12-inch grinders have 24 and 46 grade wheels. Each grinder has pre-drilled bases for mounting to a workbench or optional stand. Stands with optional LED gooseneck lights are also available from JET, but are not included in these prices. Cost: $259 (8-inch, #578008); $479 (10-inch, #578010); $1,199 (12-inch, #578012). JPW…