SEMA, working on behalf of California enthusiasts of specialty vehicles (street rods, custom vehicles, kit cars and replicas) and in cooperation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Air Resources Board and Attorney General's office has resolved a complex and threatening issue to this market segment and the industry it serves.

 SEMA, working on behalf of California enthusiasts of specialty vehicles (street rods, custom vehicles, kit cars and replicas) and in cooperation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Air Resources Board and Attorney General's office has resolved a complex and threatening issue to this market segment and the industry it serves.  "This breakthrough procedure allows owners of certain specially constructed vehicles (SCVs) to avoid the pitfalls of a previously muddy process for legally registering and titling such vehicles in California," said Steve McDonald, SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs.  "Under this process, vehicle owners can avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated SCVs and law enforcement action. Further, the program now permits these vehicles to demonstrate state emissions-compliance requirements."

Over the years, California's complex vehicle registration laws have created confusion for hobbyists and the state employees who administer the regulations.  Consequently, certain SCVs may be erroneously registered or titled.  SEMA has worked with state agencies to address the interests of all parties, including enthusiasts in the SCV market, so that these vehicles can be properly registered and titled in the state.

"Given the looming threat of prosecution that owners of specially constructed vehicles were facing, SEMA's charge was to find an equitable solution that provided these owners a reasonable period of time to voluntarily re-title their vehicles and pay any necessary back taxes and fees," said SEMA General Counsel Russ Deane.  "After five years of work on these issues, an innovative and ground-breaking solution has been created."

Last year, SEMA helped enact into law a program whereby the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would develop and administer a vehicle registration amnesty program.  The amnesty program will be in effect from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 and will apply to vehicles that were previously registered or classified under erroneous or illegal circumstances.  Under this new law, the DMV will grant amnesty from prosecution to a vehicle owner if certain conditions are met, including the owner filing a completed application with the department.

More recently, a process was established to allow specially constructed vehicle owners that have been granted amnesty to avail themselves of emissions requirements that recognize the unique nature of these vehicles.  While there are still details to be concluded, SEMA has reached a tentative agreement with the state to provide for three methods to achieve compliance.

First, an owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and apply for one of 500 (per year) smog-check exemptions.  Under California law, these 500 exemptions for specially constructed vehicles are available each year on a first come, first served basis.  For vehicles with an exemption, a smog test referee compares the vehicle to production cars of the era that the specially constructed vehicle most closely resembles to determine the model year.  The vehicle owner can then choose whether the inspector will certify the vehicle model year by body type or by the engine model year.  Only those emissions controls applicable to the chosen model year are required.  California law authorizes a $160 fee for each referee inspection.

Under a second option, SCV owners can pay all back taxes and penalties and then choose to install one of several OEM engines and related powertrain components (including specifications for the construction of a fuel tank and delivery system) that are intended to meet California emissions compliance requirements.  GM is currently readying an engine package for this purpose.  "In fact, by using one of these engines, it is anticipated that owners of amnesty vehicles will be able to exchange their existing engines for a powertrain that represents the latest in GM's emissions and performance-related technologies," commented SEMA Technical Consultant, Jim McFarland.  However, McFarland indicated that because certain variables are involved when configuring any engine or powertrain package for emissions purposes, some measure of compliance risk is involved when such components are installed in a range of vehicle types and conditions.
 
Finally, working under the banner of the "GreenRod Project" and recognizing that the demand for the 500 exemptions greatly exceeds the supply, SEMA configured a kit of emissions-related aftermarket parts that met California smog-check standards during a series of tests on a project vehicle.  An owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and, if the owner is not able to obtain one of the 500 available exemptions, a "retrofit kit" of parts can be installed.  Major components in the kit include an aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, EFI controller, exhaust headers, camshaft, mufflers and catalytic converters. For the purposes of the GreenRod Project, the retrofit kit was installed on a high-mileage 1980 El Camino fitted with a 1986 carbureted, 5.7 liter engine.  The 5.7 liter/350 cubic inch displacement small-block Chevrolet V8 engine is one of the most widely-used engine platforms for all types of specially constructed vehicles.   

According to McFarland, "While the engine SEMA used to develop the kit was considered a worst case configuration, it still passed smog-check requirements.  Variables such as engine condition, accumulated mileage, and related factors affecting emissions from these parts may, in some cases, cause similar engines not to meet acceptable emissions levels.  Nonetheless, transitioning from a carbureted environment to a fuel injected environment while utilizing the latest controller technology and emissions parts upgrades available from the specialty equipment industry resulted in dramatic and unprecedented reductions in tailpipe and evaporative emissions on the test vehicle.  The retrofit kit actually improved performance and drivability while not limiting power in a full acceleration mode, compared to a carbureted engine.  It was perhaps the first time a package of specialty aftermarket parts has been assembled for the purpose of reducing tailpipe emissions which did not reduce power or performance."
 
"Given the seriousness of the title and registration issue in California, SEMA's work with the state agencies to create practical solutions for specialty vehicle owners, both now and in the future, is an outstanding accomplishment," said So Cal Speed Shop owner, Pete Chapouris.

How do I know if I need to apply for amnesty?

If you have knowingly made any false statement or knowingly concealed any material fact in any document filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles or the California Highway Patrol, you will need to apply for amnesty.  Examples of this would be failing to report the actual value of the vehicle and failure to pay the correct sales tax when the vehicle was first titled/registered in California, or incorrectly stating the actual age of the vehicle.  As a further example, a replica of a 1932 Ford built in 2002 is not a 1932 vehicle for the purposes of this California amnesty program.  It is a 2002 vehicle.  In general, if you have reason to believe that there is erroneous information on your vehicle's title, it should be corrected.  

What are the consequences if I do not re-title my vehicle prior to the conclusion of the amnesty period?

If you understated the value of the vehicle to the extent that the State of California lost more than $1,000 in revenue, you could be charged with a felony.  If the amount is less or you incorrectly stated the age of the vehicle, you could be charged with a variety of misdemeanors.  Recent prosecutions for this type of offense required owners to pay back-taxes and fees averaging $4,000 per vehicle.  In some cases, owners were forced to surrender the title to their car.  To receive amnesty, any and all back-taxes must be paid in full and the vehicle's title must be factually corrected.

What documentation should I take to the DMV office when applying for amnesty?

Applying for amnesty will re-start the titling and registration process for your specially constructed vehicle.  You will need to submit a new DMV 343 Application for Title and Registration form.  You will also be required to file a DMV 5063 Statement of Construction form, listing the origin of the vehicle's parts and their purchase price.  It would be helpful to have a bill of sale for the vehicle or any appropriate receipts for parts/labor that can be used to establish the actual value of the vehicle.  If it is likely that your car had a fraudulent title and will need to pass a smog check, it is advisable to apply for one of the 500 smog check exemptions granted per year by the DMV.

How much should I expect to pay for the "retrofit" kit?  How much should I expect to pay for the GM engine and powertrain?

The retrofit kit is a collection of emissions-related parts with specifications developed by SEMA for which a variety of aftermarket manufacturers will be able to supply components.  On average, the kit should cost approximately $6,000.  The labor to install the package will likely cost an additional $5,000.  If you choose to use a new engine and powertrain package from GM, the current LS3 package will retail at an estimated $7,900.  GM will also offer a number of other emissions-approved engine packages with a variety of performance options and price levels.  Estimated installation cost for the GM system is approximately $6,000.

If I use a GM engine, how will I know if I've used the correct parts and properly installed them?

GM will include comprehensive instructions that leave little room for error.  If you feel that you do not have the mechanical experience to install the package, there are local hot rod shops, independent repair facilities and dealerships capable of installing the parts.  Even when parts are correctly installed, there are variables involved when attempting to meet certain compliance requirements, such as engine condition, other modifications and related factors that can affect emissions.

If I choose to retrofit my current engine, how will I know that the parts kit will actually enable my car to pass the smog test?

The retrofit kit that SEMA developed consists of emissions-related parts intended for a range of engine displacements.  It was designed to work with engines typically used in specially constructed vehicles.  In general, these would be carbureted V8 engines manufactured by GM, Ford and Chrysler.  Although these parts enabled SEMA's project engine to meet emissions requirements, there is no guarantee that they will allow any engine to meet smog check requirements, depending upon variables that include, but limited to the following:  mechanical compression ratio limits, improperly installed catalytic converters, excessive wear (valve guides, piston rings and cylinder bores), piston displacement limits and a mal-functioning EGR system.

Is there a way I can get a pre-certification test check to see if my vehicle will pass the smog test?

Yes.  California law allows any licensed smog-check station to conduct a pre-test on your vehicle to determine whether it can pass a loaded mode smog test before you submit the car for inspection at a BAR Referee station.  The average price for a pre-certification smog test in California is approximately $49.  If your vehicle fails the pre-certification smog check, it may be possible to make adjustments that will bring it into compliance.  As with any vehicle maintenance, it's best to use a mechanic you know and trust.  

What if I have questions about technical aspects of this program?

SEMA and GM will be available to provide some immediate technical assistance for enthusiasts who apply for amnesty to help them navigate through the process.  SEMA has begun communicating with builders of SCVs and engines, enabling them to respond to the most common questions from enthusiasts.    SEMA will also compile additional guidance information.  These approaches will help expedite solutions to SCV owners seeking to meet California smog-check requirements.

Taking a look at Mobil 1's new Advanced Fuel Economy engine oil.

We're all pretty familiar with Mobil 1 and their engine oils. I've been running it for years in my high-performance engines with great success. Well since the original Mobil 1 synthetic has been released, they've developed a variety of flavors. Their latest creation is the all-new Advanced Fuel Economy formula. Needless to say, I'm VERY skeptical about this engine oil. Such as where is the fuel economy coming from and does it come at the expense of protection? Mobil 1 claims that there is no reduction in the protection quality but it works in several different ways to help free up some power while reducing friction. This, overall, increases the engine efficiency making it more likely to push out better fuel economy figures.

It's funny to me that this product is now out with a green label. I know for a fact that it would be promoted as a HIGH PERFORMANCE oil just a few years ago but now it's being pushed as a fuel economy enhancer. Interesting? I believe so, too.

Either way, check it out. Give it a try. Tell us what you think. I may pour it in my daily driver since it has Mobil 1 on the label. I'm sure the gains will be negligible. I used their online calculator and it claimed I would save approximately $.05 per gallon. Save 18 gallons of fuel a year for a total savings of $49 annually.

To find out how much you could potentially save, try out their calculator.

NEW CAR SHOWROOM

Through Sunday, March 7, 2010

Streetscape features an early Pontiac

The three makes that we feature in our 1939 New Car Showroom are: LaSalle (created 1927, discontinued 1940), Oldsmobile (created 1897, discontinued 2004), and Pontiac (created 1926, will be discontinued in 2010). www.petersen.org

NEW EVENTS

Tribute to Trans AM racing Events

Thursday, November 12, 2009

6:00 p.m. Dinner and Cocktails

2:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: "How to Cheat in TransAm"

This year, our Annual Tribute Night will honor the drivers and crews of the Trans Am racing era.  Many of the actual cars are restored to perfection and will be on display to rekindle the memories of this exciting period. The evening will include a Cocktail hour where you can meet your favorite Trans Am Drivers and see the Trans Am Cars. Following that will be a Buffet Dinner, Live Auction, Films and Interviews with the stars of the era. Parnelli Jones, George Follmer, Jim Hall, Carroll Shelby, Sam Posey and many other drivers and crew will be with us to share their memories. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. there will be a fun filled panel discussion with the evening's invitees who will discuss the topic, "How to Cheat in Trans Am." Get your tickets in advance. Both of the day's events are sure to sell out! Go to www.petersen.org for tickets and information.

 Tribute to Trans Am Racing Exhibit

NEW EXHIBITIONS

Opens Thursday, November 12, 2009 through Sunday, December 13, 2009

Bruce Meyer Gallery

From its beginning in 1966 through the summer of 1972, the Trans Am series offered the best racing of the era. More drivers from Indy, Sports Car and Can Am participated in Trans Am than any other single series. The factories used the Trans Am venue to market their new Mustang, Camaro, Firebird Challenger and Javelin pony cars.  To win in the Trans Am meant sales success in the showroom.  The racing was fierce, fast and feisty. www.petersen.org

  Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is proud to announce its 2010 Event Schedule.

 Pleasanton, Calif - The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the largest rod & custom association in the world with over 70,000 members, will stage twenty-three events in 2010. The event lineup features nineteen national events for rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage as well as four “Get-Together's” in California which welcome all years, makes and models of specialty vehicles.
 
The season gets started March 12, 13 & 14 with the brand new Spring Nationals at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. The season also wraps up at Westworld in Scottsdale November 19, 20 & 21 for the season-ending 13th Southwest Nationals.
 
Notable date changes include the 4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together which will move from its traditional March date to May 15 & 16. The 5th Nashville Nationals at LP Field has been moved up to Memorial Day weekend May 21, 22 & 23. All other dates will remain on the same weekends as 2009.
 
The year eligibility has been changed for the 24th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton. The event now welcomes rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage.
 
Vintage drag racing is featured at select 2010 events as is the popular Street Challenge Autocross. Vintage drag racing will be held at the 22nd Hot Rod Nationals in Indy, the 9th Blue Suede Cruise in Norwalk and the 3rd Nostalgia Nationals in Bowling Green with Friday Night Drags in Columbus, OH, Puyallup, WA, Spokane, WA, Joliet, IL and Charlotte, NC. The Street Challenge Autocross will be held at thirteen of the twenty two events including a new course at the Colorado Nationals in Loveland.
 
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
2010 Event Schedule
 
1st Spring Nationals
March 12, 13 & 14 - Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
28th All American Get-Together
March 27 & 28 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Indoor & outdoor car shows, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, West Coast Custom of the Year award & much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
10th Del Mar Nationals
April 9, 10 & 11 – Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, Street Rod ‘Elegance award, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together
May 15 & 16 – O.C. Fair & Expo Center Costa Mesa, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, vendor exhibits, autocross, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
5th Nashville Nationals
May 21, 22 & 23 – LP Field, Nashville, TN
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
17th Summer Get-Together
June 5 & 6 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, autocross & much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
13th Colorado Nationals
May June 4, 5 & 6 – The Ranch @ Larimer Co Fairgrounds, Loveland, CO
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
22nd Hot Rod Nationals
June 11, 12 & 13 – O’Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Hot Rod of the Year award & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
19th East Coast Nationals
June 25, 26 & 27 – Dutchess Co. Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
19th Heartland Nationals
July 2, 3 & 4 – Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, fireworks & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
13th PPG Nationals
July 9, 10 & 11 – Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH
The biggie! Over 6,000 1972 & earlier rods, customs, classics and muscle cars! Car show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, street rod of the year award, street machine of the year award, live entertainment, Friday Nights Drags and so much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
23rd Pacific Northwest Nationals
July 23, 24 & 25 – Puyallup Fair & Expo Center, Puyallup, WA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
9th Great Northwest Nationals
August 13, 14 & 15 – Spokane Fair & Expo Center, Spokane, WA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
9th Blue Suede Cruise
August 20, 21 & 22 – Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, OH
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
24th West Coast Nationals
August 27, 28 & 29 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod award, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
9th Mid-Western Nationals
September 3, 4 & 5 – Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
4th Peak Chicagoland Nationals
September 17, 18, & 19 – Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
6th Great American Nationals
September 24, 25 & 26 – Pocono Raceway, Pocono, PA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
18th Lone Star Nationals
October 1, 2 & 3 – Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
3rd Nostalgia Nationals
October 15, 16 & 17 – Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
17th Southeastern Nationals
October 29, 30 & 31 – Lowe’s Motor Speedway Charlotte, NC
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
21st Autumn Get-Together
November 13 & 14 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, autocross & much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
13th Southwest Nationals
November 19, 20 & 21 – Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com
 
 

 Popular Classic Car Auction to Make First Time Winter

 For over 23 years, Hot August Nights has been rocking the greater Reno/Sparks area with the country's largest annual event dedicated to America's great love affair of the automobile. Due to this year's unprecedented popularity and the overwhelming demand to participate, Hot August Nights is now introducing our new winter event, Hot August Nights Winter Car Classic!

This exciting new event will take place in Reno this coming February 12-14, 2010

Hot August Nights Winter Car Classic will feature a three-day Show-n-Shine with judging, trophies, ribbons and cash awards. There will be daily live entertainment featuring the music of the 50's and the 60's, an exhibit hall with over 150 automotive related vendors, automotive seminars, a cool car showroom with cars for sale, a car collectors corner, celebrity guests, a five stop poker walk inside the event with cash prizes, a Valentines Sweet Hop dance, exciting door prizes and much more!

The Hot August Nights Winter Car Classic is open to the first 400 American and European classic cars and classic trucks 1972 or older.

Hot August Nights has continually been a top event in Nevada and the largest event of its kind in the United States.

For more information (and too see photos from this past year's event) visit us at: www.hotaugustnights.net

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I would be more than happy to provide you with any and all information you may need.

Feel free to view a clip about Reno's Hot August Night's from You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19SAsssadLs

 Emerald Coast Cruizin' Cruises into Panama City Beach, Nov. 9 - 14

 Week Includes Fun & Activities for Car Enthusiasts and Spectators of all Ages, Concert Events by Blast from the Past, Rebel Syndicate & Diamond Rio

Panama City Beach, Fla. - September 1, 2009 - Classic cars, hot rods and the people, young and old, who love them gear up for the fifth annual Emerald Coast Cruizin', Mon., Nov. 9 - Sat., Nov. 14, in Panama City Beach, Fla.  The event takes place at Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, as well as at many other Panama City Beach hot spots with an array of events and activities for everyone with music, food and fun all in high gear.

The event is expected to draw more than 3,000 cars from across the country.  You'll see the best in hot rods; classic, custom and muscle cars; street rods; and competition vehicles from far and wide. Billed as the "South's Best Blast from the Past," Emerald Coast Cruizin' features cool car displays, beachfront cruises, burnout contests, a classic Sock Hop, a spectacular Kick-Off Block Party and more than 125 vendors, where you'll find everything from hubcaps to headlights and unique auto accessories. Bring a chair and watch the event's signature car parade.  Or drive off with a ride of your own at the car corral where cars of all makes and models will be on display.

Registration opens on Mon., Nov. 9, at Beachcomber By the Sea at 17101 Front Beach Rd.  Be sure to visit Cruise Central at Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, 17403 Front Beach Rd., starting Monday and throughout the event week to purchase your official event t-shirts, hear announcements and show off your ride.  On Tues., Nov. 10, rev your engines for a beach cruise along the beautiful main thoroughfares of Panama City Beach.

Show off your bent eight and admire the eclectic mix of custom hot rods, muscle cars and more on Wed., Nov. 11, at the biggest block party on the Gulf Coast, featuring prizes, special awards, vendors, live music from Blast from the Past and DJ Koto King spinning oldies throughout the day.  Celebrate with high throttle and burn rubber at the event's signature car parade at 5:00 p.m. where cars, trucks and custom hot rods line the streets.  The route begins at beautiful Pier Park and winds through Panama City Beach to Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort where, after the parade, the fun is in overdrive at the event's legendary welcome party hosted by Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort's Tiki Bar.  Car enthusiasts and event participants will enjoy a night of camaraderie, food, drinks and live music.

Head to Frank Brown Park on Thurs., Nov 12, for the chrome-plated Show and Shine.  Event activities include DJ KOTO spinning the oldies, vendor displays and special guest Sam Mammola of Speed Channel's popular Two Guys Garage who will be on-hand greeting guests and answering questions at Frank Brown Park from Thurs. - Sat., Nov. 14.

Dust off the poodle-skirts and leather jackets to experience a classic Sock Hop Dance on Friday, Nov. 13, at Days Inn at 12818 Front Beach Rd.  Also on Friday, car enthusiasts can pop the clutch and goose it over to the Panama City Marina Civic Center for an all-ages concert by Rebel Syndicate and headliner Diamond Rio.

Cap the week off at Frank Brown Park on Sat., Nov. 14, for more vendor displays and a complete awards ceremony and cash drawing for $10,000.

To register your vehicle, to participate as a vendor or for a complete event schedule, visit http://www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com.

Are you going to the SEMA show next week in Las Vegas?

Don't forget the Pontiacs. If you see a Pontiac cooler-than-cool at the SEMA show, send us a photo of it, and we'll post it on the website. Email your photos to christopher.phillip@sorc.com.

Like most HPP readers, you've got your eyes set on a classic Pontiac, but even the recession hasn't brought down the prices far enough to prompt you to buy an old GTO, Trans Am, or other model.

Have you seen the prices on late-model Pontiacs? LT1 Trans Ams get between $3000-$7000 and there's lots of low-mile ones out there. LS1 Trans Ams aren't far behind, $6000-$10,000 can get you a clean one. Even '04-'06 GTOs have sank in price and you can find them for $10,000-$15,000.

With this new facelift comes the elimnation of Pontiac as an acknowledged brand.

While the site has become a little more user friendly and easier on the eyes, Ponitac no long has a place across the top. Clearly in response to the brands cancellation. It's a sad, sad day. In order to find any information on Ponitacs you have to make a specific search.

Pontiac is in its final closeout of vehicles and dealerships.

Have you bought a 2009 Pontiac to have one of the final-year models? If so, what did you buy?

Let's face it. Everybody in the Pontiac hobby wants to see a remake of Smokey and The Bandit! But, who could star in it?

Let's give the studios some help.

Send us your cast list for who you'd like to see star in a remake of Smokey and the Bandit?

How about Burt Reynolds switching roles and becoming Sheriff Buford T. Justice?

How about sexy Megan Fox as "Frog"?

Billy Ray Cyrus as Snowman?

And the big one!!!! Who could do the Bandit as good as Burt Reynolds?

Send us your casting call list as a reply to this blog.

What winter projects do you have planned for your Pontiac?

Post your projects as replies to this blog!

Savingpontiac.org is an effort made up of executives and others who say they have a viable plan to save Pontiac.

Check them out on the web at www.savingpontiac.org.

USA Today has come up with its list of the Ten Worse Cars of the Decade.

The Pontiac Aztek, a car so ugly that even blind people wouldn't be caught dead in it, made #10.

What in the world can be worse than the Pontiac Aztek? Here's its list.

10. Pontiac Aztek (2001-05): The Aztek was criticized for the duration of its life for its ghastly styling. Were the critics wrong? Yeah, we didn't think so.

9. Daewoo Anything (1999-2002): We had just tested a Suzuki Esteem and marveled at how competent even the cheapest little econoboxes had become when a leather-lined Leganza midsize sedan showed up — the best Daewoo had to offer. We mused over which would kill us first: the toxic gases from the cheap interior or the recalcitrant transmission and inconsistent acceleration. Three days into the loan, the first Daewoo crash tests in U.S. history came out, and we called Daewoo and told them to come pick up the car. We'd never done that before, and we haven't since.

8. Isuzu VehiCROSS (1999-2002): The outrageous Isuzu VehiCROSS two-door SUV, whose extreme styling drew varied reactions, lasted from 1999 to 2001, and even that's surprising. The fanglike grille uprights made it look like it would eat you, which was scary mainly because inside the VehiCROSS was a place no one wanted to be. 

7. Jaguar X-Type (2002-08): In the early 2000s, the class of entry-level luxury cars was growing. Wanting in, Jaguar came out with the X-Type. Sharing its front-drive platform with a European Ford Mondeo, the X-Type was a too-small, not-so-sporty sedan with all-wheel drive that was hamstrung by some of the forewarned quality issues.

6. Pontiac Sunfire (1995-2005): The Sunfire managed the rare feat of having a worse interior than its GM twin, the Chevy Cavalier. Cheap interior plastics run amok, a coarse four-cylinder engine and horrendous crash-test ratings sealed its fate. 

5. Cadillac Catera (1997-2001): In the late '90s, the Opel Omega begat a Cadillac that was sporty in theory but soft and underpowered in practice, rear-wheel drive in design but front-wheel drive in feel. And that's just the car. Cadillac didn't help its case with advertising that included the tag line "The Caddy That Zigs," supermodel Cindy Crawford, an animated duck and the suggestion to "lease a Catera" with the response, "Who's Lisa Catera?" The geniuses responsible for the Catera should have been exiled, but we suspect they went on to develop something called the Pontiac Aztek.

4. Toyota Echo (2000-05): The Echo subcompact's high seating position and center-mounted instrument panel were two well-intentioned features that were summarily rejected by consumers (though they would find their proponents in later years and other models). Call the Echo ahead of its time if you must; mainly it just wasn't a very good car.

3. Jeep Compass (2007-present): The Compass doesn't belong in the Jeep lineup, a brand known and respected for its off-road ability. It’s a soft-roading poseur, and not a good one at that.

2. Chrysler Sebring (1995-present): The previous-generation Sebring wasn't a bad car in its day, but Chrysler dropped the ball with the redesigned 2007 model. With a weak base powertrain, uncomfortable front seats, poor interior quality and haphazard styling, it never had a chance in the highly competitive midsize-sedan segment.

1. Smart ForTwo (2008-present): We don't have a problem with small cars in general (we're big fans of the Mini Cooper), just with ones that don't deliver on the benefits of going small. The pint-sized ForTwo sacrifices a lot of passenger space for a relatively unimpressive 41 mpg on the highway, has an SUV-like propensity to roll over, and is equipped with an aggravating sequential manual transmission. Sure, the ForTwo looks cute, but after you drive it you won't be smiling anymore.

By the end of next year, the Pontiac name will be removed from GM dealers. Now's the time for you to help preserve history.

Do you have a cool looking Pontiac dealership in your town. Get out there with your digital camera and take a photo for us. It can be the dealership sign, the front of the building, the new car showroom, or whatever says PONTIAC.

Send the photos to christopher.phillip@sorc.com. Be sure to include the name of the dealership and when the photo was taken.

The official list of what Cash for Clunkers cars were traded in during the program has been listed at cars.gov. Guess what somebody called a clunker and got $4500 for?

A 1989 Turbo Trans-Am 20th Anniversary Pace Car!

Can you believe it?

Here's the breakdown of the Pontiacs traded in on the Cash to Clunkers program.

87) Pontiac Aztek (more please), (61) Fiero and (569) Firebird/Trans Am/Formula

What is your favorite year Trans Am?

Post your answer and tell us why.

Ever been to a Studebacker rally, or a Packard convention, or a Desoto event?

With no new cars, Pontiac is a dead brand, just like the brands listed above. How can the hobby survive? Send us your comments.

Just like the 455 SD of 1973, the 2009 G8 GXP is in extremely short supply.

Can you find any in your town? Have you seen any on the road? Send us your comments.

Holden Australia is making good use of all the extra G8 hoods, front fascias, fenders, and other exterior sheet metal that GM didn't want when it murdered Pontiac.

According to HPP sources, "We're working with Holden dealers on an exciting new Holden Commodore SS V series special edition and we'll announce details in the near future."

Although the new Holden will not carry the Pontiac name, expect it to look nearly-identical to a Pontiac G8 except for the badges (and the right-hand drive).

Trans Am Depot and Kevin Morgan Designs will debut their 2010 concept "Phoenix Trans Am" on Saturday at the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio.

Don't miss it.

• Event finds 1926 Pontiac Two-door coach in Minnetonka, MN
• Owner will participate in Saturday’s Nutmeg Tour for Autism on September 12, 2009
• 1955 Pontiac Star Chief turns up as Oldest Pontiac with original owner
• Both cars central part of Pontiac display in CT on 12 and 13 September

The Westport, CT, based Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance has found America’s Oldest Pontiac in private ownership. The nationwide search turned up a 1926 Pontiac Two Door Coach, owned by Paul Jaszczak from Minnetonka, MN. Built in 1926, the year Pontiac was introduced as a “companion brand” next to Oakland, the car was sold new at Fishman-Holm Oakland-Pontiac on Harmon Place in Minneapolis.

Owner Paul Jaszczak tells us what he knows: “The seller told me that this car was ordered as one of the first Pontiacs in the United States by the dealer himself as a tribute to his father who had passed away that very year. It was ordered and put into the small two-car showroom on Harmon Place where it resided for years, maybe as many as 50.” The car still sports the original, 83-year-old spare wheel cover made by Fishman-Holm Pontiac back in the day. The car was later sold on to another owner who then advertised it back in 2002 as “1926 Pontiac, 13,000 miles.” While Jaszczak initially had no idea Pontiacs where built as early as 1926, he convinced his father to have a drive out to see the car. While Jaszczak’s father was still contemplating whether something as ostentatious as a Pontiac would suit him, Paul was taken by the outstanding quality and completeness of the car. He offered to foot half of the cost and thus the Pontiac found a new home.

Over the years Paul managed to accumulate more information about his car and about the model in general. Even an original owner’s manual turned up, which allowed Paul many insights into the operational and technical details of his car. “There even was a recall in 1926 when this car came out brand new. The transmission’s throw-out bearing apparently was originally made out of carbon, and was to be replaced by the same unit made out of Bakelite, according to the Pontiac literature I was given by a close associate of mine who learned to drive in a 1926 Pontiac. I doubt that my car ever received the new part, as it remained off the road for so many years.”

When the nationwide search of the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance made waves across the country, Paul heard about it in Minnesota and entered his car. “At first even I wasn’t sure this car is a 1926 model, but research with the Pontiac Historic Society confirmed it was.” While Pontiac number 1 resides at the GM headquarters in Michigan, Paul’s 1926 Pontiac Two-Door Coach turns out to be America’s Oldest Pontiac in private ownership. Asked if he will take America’s Oldest Pontiac on the 50-mile Nutmeg Tour for Autism on Saturday, September 12, 2009, Paul beams: “Of course I will. My wife and I are immensely proud to have been given this opportunity to be part of the Pontiac celebrations of the Fairfield Concours. It will be an honor for my wife and me to show it to everybody; it runs like clockwork and all three of us will enjoy the tour…”

One owner 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Two-Door Hardtop – 54 years and counting

When in 1955 North Carolina residents Ned “Pete” and Elsie Sanders took out their 1954 Pontiac on a trip up Mt Mitchell, on North Carolina’s highest road, his car had trouble keeping up with Elsie’s father’s much older 1939 Buick. They were having none of this and – as was custom in those days – headed straight for the local Pontiac dealer for the newest model. This time it was to be a no-frills performance version. So at McLean Pontiac in Lenoir, NC, Ned factory-ordered a 1955 Pontiac Star Chief with a clear focus on speed. “No power steering, no power brakes, nothing that would have added weight and compromised performance,” remembers Sanders, who is now 87. The car was delivered on July 15th, 1955, painted in popular two-tone paint, brown and cream. While his wife passed away a few years back, Ned Sanders still owns this 1955 Pontiac Star Chief to this day and thus the two pair for the Oldest Pontiac in Original Ownership. “You have to imagine my mother,” recalls Sanders’ son Doug, “all of her 5ft2 and 105 lbs behind the truck-sized steering wheel of the Pontiac, which was known all over the area as ‘Elsie’s car’. She drove it for many years before it was put into storage for the first time. When my youngest sister learned to drive, it was taken out again and she drove it for some years in the 1970s before it was put back into storage for another 20 years.” It was not before the 21st century when the car was taken out again and once more put on the roads of Lenoir, North Carolina.

Today, the car has 65,000 miles on it, the paint is thin and some surface rust is showing, but Ned points out “it is all original. Nothing was ever done to it. This is the way it was when my dad picked it up in 1955. I was 11 then and my brother Gary, who will bring the car to the event, wasn’t even born.” While Ned will be busy piloting his 1953 Greyhound bus to a local bus show that same weekend, brother Gary and his wife Rhonda will accompany the Sanders’ pride and joy to the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance in Westport on September 12 and 13. “This search and the award to our father’s car means so much to us. It has spurred a kind of family reunion, we are all busy scouring pictures of our childhood to find images of our family with the car when it was new. We will bring them to the event.” Will Gary Sanders be taking his father’s car on the 50-mile Nutmeg Tour for Autism on Saturday? Gary responds with a bright smile. “Sure we will. This car has been a family member as long as I can remember, longer than myself actually, and it will be an honor for us and for my entire family to show this car proudly to the people of Connecticut and the visitors of the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance. Who would have thought it?” FedEx – United Airlines – Mandarin Oriental New York Both cars will be transported to the Connecticut event courtesy of FedEx Custom Critical, while the owners enjoy First Class travel, courtesy of United Airlines and a three-night’s stay at the world-renowned Mandarin Oriental New York, courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotels. The Nutmeg Tour for Autism, Saturday, September 12, 2009. Both cars will also be participating in Saturday’s tour, starting at St. Vincent's Behavioral Health Services campus at 47 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT, at approximately 9:30 am. Lunch stop will be the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT at 11.45 am. The cars are expected back at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, 174 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT, at around 4 pm. The 1926 Pontiac Two-Door and the 1955 Pontiac Star Chief will be the stars of the Pontiac Display at the Fairfield Concours on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Other notable Pontiacs are going to be an early 1927, a 1940 Pontiac Deluxe Six, as well as a ’59 Bonneville, a ’63 Tempest and the original muscle car, the infamous ’64 GTO.

eBay Motors, the No.1 online automotive marketplace worldwide, today announced the 2009 Motors Master Contest, designed to find America’s top vehicle enthusiast in four distinct categories. Winners earn the title of “Motors Master” in their category, receive a trip to Las Vegas to attend the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and receive an eBay Motors shopping spree.

Entrants will record a short video about their favorite car, truck or motorcycle project and explain why they would make the best do-it-yourself project expert for their category, and upload it to the Motors Master Web site at http://www.motorsmaster.ebaymotors.com.  Expert judges and the public will vote for the top entrants in the following categories:

•    Muscle cars
•    Tuners
•    Off-road vehicles
•    Motorcycles

eBay Motors will bring the top winner from each of the four categories to the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7, where their winning project vehicle may be displayed for over 100,000 attendees to view at the largest automotive specialty performance products trade event in the world.   Each winner also will receive a $2,500 eBay Motors shopping spree to buy parts and accessories for future projects at HUwww.ebaymotors.comUH, where a part or accessory sells every second.

The top projects will be selected based on the entrants’ videos and their written descriptions of how they used eBay Motors to fuel their projects and why they should be chosen a 2009 Motors Master.   The initial round of votes to determine the finalists in each category will be cast by members of the public who visit the site to rate the videos and view the entrants’ descriptions (based on a scale of one to five stars) along with a panel of expert judges. Expert judges from the automotive industry will review the Finalists’ submissions and determine the Grand Prize winner for each category. The celebrity judging panel experts will consist of:

•    Famous Rhodes, director of eBay Motors
•    Peter MacGillivray, vice president, events and communications, SEMA
•    John Neff, editor-in-chief of Autoblog
•    Paul Crowe, editor-in-chief of thekneeslider.com
•    Rob Einaudi, editor-in-chief of CarDomain


Additionally, eBay users visiting the Motors Master site who rate videos can also enter to win a $1,000 eBay Gift Certificate.   Visitors can enter once a day during the six-week contest period.

Entries must be submitted by August 31, and voting will continue through September 14, 2009.   Ten finalists will be selected for each category.   The celebrity judging panel will choose one grand prize winner from each category and announce the results in early October.

“We encourage anyone who loves wheels, engines, spoilers, instrument panels or any other vehicle   add-on to send us a video and tell us why they should be a 2009 Motors Master,” said Famous Rhodes, director of parts and accessories for eBay Motors.   “eBay Motors offers the widest selection of parts and accessories anywhere, and we are excited to see the passion from our community come to life through this contest.”

The eBay Motors Enthusiast Contest is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, District of Columbia, and Canada, unless otherwise prohibited, and entrants must be at least 18 years old. Official rules can be found at HUhttp://ebay.promotionexpert.com/motorsmaster/rules.htmlUH.