Sunday, October 19, 2014

2014 SVRA Vintage Nationals Part 3: Paddock Rides

As if the assortment of classic racecars and super-cool car show weren't enough, there were some pretty cool vehicles just littered about the paddock. I've decided to assemble the most photo-worthy here, along with the vehicles brought out by Motostalgia to promote their upcoming auction here in Austin. Enjoy the photos, and click here if you want to know more about the auction.


I'm not an expert on Land Rovers, but this Discovery appears to be one of the earlier models produced. The brushguard and winch add a rugged touch, but it's the zebra-stripe decals that really make this a cool SUV in my opinion.


MAN trucks aren't sold here the States, so I did a bit of a double take seeing it parked among the other race transporters and such. The European plates confirm that it's not from around here, and you have to wonder who has the resources to ship not only their racecars but their entire semi truck across the globe.


This might be one of the nicest 911 models I've come across. It's a lightly-modified 1974 Carrera, and it really caught my attention. The colors work so well together, and are perfectly understated and simple. This is a gorgeous automobile. Incidentally, Hot Wheels recently released a casting of this car in this color combo, which I also need to obtain.


One of the two safety cars for the event was this red Corvette. Built using a Corvette C6 donor car, this conversion apes the looks of the 1967 Stingray, while the other safety car resembled a 1960 Corvette. It's a very cool idea, and the end result is far more authentic than some of the other similar conversion kits I've seen. Modern tech and classic looks can often go together very well.


Among the Motostalgia offerings was this oh-so-pretty 1991 Ferrari Testarossa. Among the most iconic supercars of all time, the Testarossa is the essence of 1980's excess. Seeing it in person gives you a sense of how massively wide this car is. Driving one must be quite an experience.


Hagerty brought out two classic muscle cars, one of which was this 1969 Camaro Z/28. It appeared on the cover of a magazine, and was a sort of resto-mod vehicle, combining new bits and pieces with an otherwise original car. I love the color in particular, but I'm not quite sure how I feel about the rims.


The other Hagerty offering was this 1970 Chevelle SS 396. This car recently appeared in Muscle Car Review, and was proclaimed to be the nicest in the whole world. That's a strong sentiment, especially with the number of 1970 Chevelles floating around. Still, having seen it up close, I don't think I can argue with their assertion.


Continuing with more Motostalgia offerings, this Modena Ferrari 250GT California Spider is one of the replicas built by the company who made the replica for Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It's a dead ringer for the film car, too, and has personalized plates that read 'FERRIS'.


Also going up for auction is this clean black Corvette. T-tops and chrome wheels are the epitome of cool, and it's got a no-nonsense V8 under the bulging hood. Whoever buys this will definitely be pleased with their purchase.


If you want something more European, this lovely yellow Porsche is a great candidate. It's a 1963 356B 1600 Super Coupe bodied by Karmann, and it looks like new. The proportions are perfect on this car, and the brilliant design is highlighted by a simply spectacular color choice. If I was in the market for a 356, I'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer one than this.


Those who prefer the 911 will dig this also-yellow 1974 Carrera. It's in great shape, and the older Carreras like this one are becoming covetable to collectors. I love this bodystyle, and the Carrera was the model to get. Plus, who doesn't like Fuchs wheels?


The BMW i3 is beginning to hit the streets, and this is the third one I've seen in person. The design is new and different, although a bit blocky and square overall, and the simple black-and-white color combination really emphasizes the futuristic look. Visually I much prefer the i8, but as far as technology is concerned, this little city car is miles ahead of anything else, and truly impresses me.


What was once a BMW 2002 is now living on as a custom pit kart in the paddock. It was loud and absurd, and in a great way. I dug the superb graphics and those great rims, and as far as getting around the paddock goes, this is one of the best modes of transportation I've seen yet.


Lounging in the parking lot was this ratty-in-a-good-way Datsun pickup. These have gotten ridiculously rare, so seeing one in any condition is a surprise. I'd love to see this thing get restored eventually, but at the same time I can't help but imagine how good it would look with fresh paint, fender flares and some Minilites.


This slightly-worn Austin-Healey was also in the parking lot. I've not seen this color on a Healey before, which is a shame because it's very good. It's a sophisticated shade of red. This car was a bit rough in spots, but it got here under its own power, and that's really what classic sports cars are about.


Wow, that's blue. This is a Volvo S60 Polestar, which is kind of like an M5 or C63 AMG. It gets more performance and other upgrades, and is supposedly a very good car. In my opinion, there are two particular qualities that make it particularly desirable. Firstly, it comes in that crazy shade of blue, and secondly, it's available as a station wagon. Yes, please.


This is a 1969 Dodge Charger, just relaxing in the parking lot. Moreover, it doesn't have a blown motor or custom rims. There's no custom paint or '01' on the doors either. Instead it's a plain-jane blue Charger with dog dish hubcaps and a column shifter. The simple originality is what makes it most compelling, actually. Well, that and it's a '69 Charger.


Like the MAN semi from before, this Volkswagen Amarok has never at any point been for sale in America. They're available in Europe, and some Latin American countries, too, but never the U.S. As a result, I had to get a picture. It's a solid light pickup, rugged and reliable. Sadly, I doubt it would sell well in the States, as most buyers in the market for a truck wouldn't even consider a Volkswagen.


Minibikes are awesome, and that's really all that needs to be said. I mean, just look at it.


This seemingly ratty 240Z boasted custom rims and a full rollcage. The rat rod custom look is pretty darn cool, and that rising sun hood is a terrific homage to the Datsun's ancestral home.


Mercedes-Benz 63 AMG. If you want a fast sedan with plenty of comfort, this thing has all but cornered the market. Silver and black looks very aggressive, and sets the car apart from the crowd.


This vintage E-Type was lounging out in the paddock, and looking very good. Those wheels have to be worth a pretty penny these days, and that luggage rack is a cool option. It's hard to dislike a red E-Type convertible. Very hard, as a matter of fact.


Lastly we have this sweet 1969 Corvette Stingray. It's a convertible with the removable hardtop in place, and the bulging hood and killer Torq-Thrusts are wonderfully intimidating. This car is in perfect shape, and would be something I definitely wouldn't mind driving. So very pretty.

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