As a daily driver, the new BMW 335 is remarkable. A stated 300 hp and 300 lbs. feet of torque allows the car to be quick, very quick indeed. 0 to 60 arrives in just 5.4 seconds, providing- what not too long ago, was super car performance, in a very well priced and well valued, 4-door sedan. Freeway speeds demand more than an occasional glance at the speedometer, the 335 is so effortlessly fast that we constantly found ourselves at well over 80mph. In addition this 335 is particularly fast, the guys at Split Second provided us with a computer plug-in that enhances the factory performance specifications to a reported 360hp and 350 lbs. feet of torque, yet we still averaged nearly 22mpg combined.
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October 27th, 2007, Events
Saturday morning in Orange County just ROCKS for us car folk.
Every Saturday morning at the Ford corporate offices (located at the 5 fwy and Alton, in Irvine) car enthusiasts gather for a short and informal car show. Enthusiasts and their cars start to congregate at about 6:00 am; don’t you just love car people? The show starts at 7:00 and ends at 9:00,- just two hours, but what a glorious two hours they are. Great cars, really great cars, and their respective custodians arrive to simply share in their passion; automobiles.
What started as just a couple of “guys” getting together on Saturday morning for a cup of coffee and talking ”car”, has grown into an incredible event that draws car owners and automotive junkies from hours away.
As attendance grew…….and GREW, the original meeting area simply became inadequate. Ford stepped in and with open arms offered their large Corporate facility in Irvine; pretty smart, those people at Ford.
If you have not had the opportunity to attend just yet, please do. It really is quite extraordinary and since it starts early and ends early- you’ll still have plenty of time to take care of all the stuff you had promised to get done.
Somehow-the day just starts off better!
O.C.C.E
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October 25th, 2007, Features
The story this year, read more like a novel. The 7 time World Champion had retired, the back to back champion and still very young Spaniard set to take his place; then Lewis Hamilton arrives. WHO IS THIS LEWIS HAMILTON GUY?
Lewis Hamilton, a rookie, was poised to accomplish what had never been done, the impossible; winning the F1 title in his first attempt. It all came down the very last race of the season, and 1 point. It simply could not have been written any better. If a movie had been written using this very script, real Formula One fans would have discredited it, too unrealistic. Yet, it all happened, right in front of us.
From the first race of the year, in Australia, Hamilton made it known that he was a force to be reckoned with. Hamilton found the podium in his first three Grand Prix starts, this alone, an accomplishment never before realized in the history of Formula One.
The drama was to follow, Hamilton slipping into his office, out-qualifying, out-thinking and out-driving the best in the world. Alonso must have been in disbelief, I am the world champion, how can this be happening? Spying, Mclaren having been caught with technical information about Ferrari’s cars. A court room drama, resulting in a One Hundred Million dollar fine to Mclaren. More antics from the current F1 champion against his own team mate, Hamilton. And, then sadly, a couple of rookie mistakes by our Mr. Hamilton, allowing the title to slip through his fingers, and falling into the hands of the very capable Kimi ‘The Ice Man” Raikkonen.
Leaving the movie theaters, race fans shaking their heads in disbelief at a script so phony, so improbable. “it would never happen like that” It did, and it was magnificent!
Lewis Hamilton performed magically, Alonso, showed his true colors and Raikkonen driving, cool, calm and consistent, waiting in the wings. What a year!
The sequel is being written, teams are building new cars, drivers will change seats and perhaps a new phenom; a 19 year old “wunderkind” from Germany by the name of Sebastian Vettel, will add even more drama to next years season.
We can’t wait to go back to the movies!
O.C.C.E
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October 23rd, 2007, Features
When we started this web site, it was our intent to stay away from politics. In this particular case however, and since everyone is entitled to their first amendment rights;
We just can’t.
A recent settlement was announced in a lawsuit stemming from the deaths of two young men during a track event at California Motor Speedway. Craig McClellan, a self-proclaimed ex-racecar driver represented the plaintiff.
http://www.sportscarmarket.com/content/carrera
The deaths of Ben Keaton and Corey Rudl are indeed sad. Both of them were young, successful and wrought with the same passion, a passion for fast and expensive sports cars. Perhaps of more importance however, is that very passion is what willingly put them on a racetrack to begin with. Please note, WILLINGLY.
If, Mr. McClellan was indeed a racecar driver, he above all others, knows exactly what these risks involve. To us, it is simply beyond comprehension that he could argue what he knows to be an inherently dangerous activity; one he participated in himself. Kettle-Black.
Most fatal automobile accidents occur at less than 40 mile per hour and within 20 miles of ones home. This makes EVERY automobile manufactured inherently dangerous. Taking a car, any car, to a racing facility is therefore even more inherently dangerous; the very reason that every driver and participant signs a waiver acknowledging same.
Racetracks are dangerous, Sky Diving is dangerous, Tobacco kills and coffee is hot.
Sad, what the smell of money does to some.
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“According to the Cellular Telecommunications & internet Association; “In the United States over 236 million people subscribe to such wireless communication devises as cell phones as of May 2007.” *
“There are two dangers with associated with driving and cell phone use. First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialing. Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving becomes severely impaired” *
“A study from the researchers at the University of Utah, published in the summer 2006 issue of Human Factors, the quarterly journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, concludes that taking on a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, even if the phone is a hands-free model.” *
Consider this; at 70 miles per hour, our vehicles are traveling at the rate of 100 feet per second!
Snap your fingers, you have just traveled 100 feet!
Now, how important is that call, REALLY?
Please, put the phones away. It may surprise us all to see what we have been missing, or rather, almost hitting.
O.C.C.E.
*iii
Insurance Information Institute
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October 19th, 2007, Features
Year: 1935
Make: Packard
Model: 1207 Convertible Coupe
Custodian: Donnie Crevier
History:
This stunning 1935 Packard was recently acquired by Donnie Crevier from a collector in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, there is not a great deal of history on this particular car. It is believed, however, that its first owner was a newspaper man from Chicago who had acquired the car for his wife.
Restored in 1991, in Indiana, this car was restored with just 63,976 original miles on the odometer. The engine was rebuilt at the same time as the restoration. The exterior color is not original to the car and it is believed that the original color may have been Packard Cream.
Historians believe that about 47 of these 1935 V12 Convertible Coupes were built and that today, perhaps only 3 survive.
The V12 Packard engines of this time period displaced 473.3 cubic inches and produced, for the time, an impressive 175 horse power. The cars also weighed a stout 5,480 lbs.
In the 1930’s Packard made an attempt to beat the stock market crash by manufacturing ever more opulent and expensive cars.
The 1935 Packard 1207 Convertible Roadsters originally sold for $3,850.00. Though quite a sum in those days; the Convertible Roadster was not the most expensive car available from Packard that model year. That honor went to the 1935 Le Barron all-weather 7 passenger Cabriolet, which sold for a staggering $6,535.00
The Car:
This spectacular Packard is finished in a beautiful yellow over red leather. The car, as one might expect, given its heft, is massive; particularly for a 2 door convertible. It is nearly 18 feet long. Though a big car, the lines are elegant, graceful and most certainly stately. A small side door permitted access to ones golf clubs and the spacious rumble seat allowed top-down touring for 4.
One can certainly imagine the pride that the first owner must have felt driving this splendid automobile on a perfect summer morning. Somehow, his smile, may still remain as a permanent fixture of this truly grand motorcar.
O.C.C.E
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October 16th, 2007, Events
On this Thursday October 18, 2007 Sterling BMW will present “Art in Motion.” Featuring the sculpture of renowned artist, Richard MacDonald. In addition, BMW will be presenting the all new ”Individual” BMW 6 series.
BMW has added the 6 series to their ”Individual” model line, allowing clients the opportunity to personalize their BMW’s to the “ultimate” level. This is one of the very few times that the car will be available for displayed in Orange County.
Space is limited, so RSVP please: 888-318-9603
O.C.C.E
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David “The Wine Guy” is a good friend of ours, we have known him for years. It is also a given that drinking & driving do not mix; ever. But, when friends get together and share stories about great cars and their passion for them, a great wine can somehow become appropos. David Bunnell also happens to be the New Car Sales Manager at Sterling BMW in Newport Beach. He is a great car guy and he knows a thing or two about wine…….in the appropriate place and at the appropriate time.
After having been given very short notice to write about wine, I find myself wondering where to begin. There is so much to write about, not to mention it is one of my favorite topics of conversation. Automobiles are one of my other favorites. I do know, that the more I know about wine, the more I need to know and this could be said about the high end of the luxury car market i.e. BMW’s, Mercedes, etc…as well.
Just like fine automobiles demand a certain audience, so it goes with fine wine. You truly do get what you pay for in a BMW and so it is with every fine wine. When I have paid top dollar or a premium price, my experience has almost always been a reaction of; yes I experienced a fine wine and although I paid for it, I have received value in return. The value comes in many ways: Sometimes it’s with a friend that heightens the experience, or maybe an event that takes the experience to a whole new level. I haven’t even mentioned food, but food can in many ways make the tasting experience fly; if you know what to pair with the particular wine you have chosen. I am not so naive to say that all wine is equal, because it isn’t; any more then all automobiles are equal. There is always a reason that some wines demand a higher price and others don’t. An example being; the best designers, engineers and huge dollar investment that go into building the “Ultimate Driving Machine” before a profit is even realized. The same can be said for the “Best in Class” when it comes to wine. There are many years that go into producing wine before it ever becomes available to the consumer, hence the saying “we will serve no fine wine before it’s time”. So, we need more time and time is expensive! There seems to be no limit on wine knowledge. I am constantly learning about wine, it seems infinite. If you ever get curious go to Google and type in the word wine. You will see there are 94 pages of wine related topics, websites etc and counting! So, to keep it simple I will write about domestic wines and specifically wines from beautiful Napa California.
This month’s favorite winery is Patz & Hall. After visiting Patz & Hall, I discovered not only great value, but an excellent Pinot Noir and a truly fabulous Chardonnay. You will not be disappointed with either of these two wines. Since we are getting very close to the traditional Thanksgiving feast, I recommend you pick up their pinot Noir ASAP because you won’t want to miss it, not to mention they sold out last year. Their Pinot Noir was featured on the cover of Wine Spectator as being in the top 3 picks for Pinot.
My pick is: 2005 Hyde by patz & Hall
“2005 - Hyde has justifiably become one of the superstar vineyards in Carneros. Small berry size concentrates intensity and vineyard character, essential to the winemaker’s quest to bring forth the elusive “terroir” of the site. The 2005 Hyde Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir showcases aromas of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and woodsy forest floor. Expansive structure, coupled with silky tannins on the palate, is accented by highly extracted blueberry, fig, mocha and spice. With its array of aromas and flavors, this elegant wine displays excellent structure and complexity. The elongated finish is complimented by flavors of pomegranate and cardamom.”
$60.00 a Great VALUE!
David
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October 11th, 2007, Places
We were recently extended a very nice invitation to take a look at a terrific facility here in Orange County.
If you are an avid automotive enthusiast, this is the place. Don Crevier has a passion for automobiles. Not only does Don successfully operate the largest selling BMW center in the Western Region, he is also a collector of great vintage cars; what he has done here however, is something quite extraordinary.
Welcome to Crevier Classic cars. Housed in a beautiful warehouse here in Orange County, are some terrific classics. All of these cars do not however, belong to just Mr. Crevier. Crevier Classic Cars is also a private storage facility for automotive enthusiasts.
For a modest monthly fee, owners can store their prized collectables in a well… different surrounding. What makes this wonderful establishment unique is that it is also a club and there’s more.
As we walked in, we were surrounded by beautiful marble and hard wood floors, a great seating area, a billiard table, an open bar and wall mounted plasma televisions. THIS is a place where car guys and gals can relax, have a glass of wine, play billiards, watch the game and most importantly talk with their friends about their favorite passion; automobiles. In addition, there are also meeting areas, a card room and all of these amenities are included in the monthly storage fee; just fantastic.
Beyond the lounge area lays the storage facility. It is impeccably clean, well lit and has terrific artwork. The ambiance is one of class and sophistication of an era gone by; rather similar to most of the cars stored there. It all just fits so very well indeed.
Then there are the cars, and some terrific specimens of automotive art at that. The list is long, but some of the highlights include;
A 1929 Cadillac 5 passenger town car that is simply superb, a 1935 Packard 1207 V12 convertible coupe roadster; a monster of a car and yet so elegant, a 1936 Packard 120, a terrific little 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta spyder and a one off 1956 Dodge Golden Lancer; just remarkable.
The warehouse is full of other great cars as well. Yet, while strolling through this treasure trove of automobilia, one cannot help notice that some of the more contemporary cars seem oddly out of place.
Don’t get us wrong here, great cars are great cars.
Jim Clark (ironic, isn’t it?) manages the facility for Don and you could not ask for a more gracious host. Jim is a wealth if knowledge and one of the nicest people you will ever meet.
We could spend hours here, in fact we did. If you are a serious automotive enthusiast and are in need of a facility to house your collectable car, we would strongly suggest contacting Jim Clark at Crevier Classic Cars.
Crevier Classic Cars also holds corporate and charitable events.
We would very much like to thank Crevier Classic Cars, Jim Clark, his brother Tom and of course Don Crevier for inviting us to visit their marvelous establishment, it really is quite something.
You can visit their website www.crevierclassiccars.com or contact Jim Clark directly at 714-426-0238
O.C.C.E
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