“SweetChariots” Classic Car Community

Not Every Bill Is a Clunker
Four Hobbyist-Friendly SEMA Model Bills

As an auto enthusiast, it sometimes seems as if legislation created in the state capitals only hurts the hobby. However, not every bill is a clunker. As the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has demonstrated with the success of its Street Rod/Custom Vehicle law, pro-active, positive legislation can serve to create new opportunities for the growth of the auto hobby. Expanding on last month’s theme of building productive relationships with your legislators, the SAN presents you with four hobby-friendly model bills to share with legislators in your state. Along with the Street Rod/Custom Vehicle bill, the SAN champions the Inoperable Vehicle, Exhaust Noise and Nitrous-Oxide Systems model bills from coast to coast. SEMA-model legislation is designed specifically to create reasonable and practical solutions to widespread issues affecting every hobbyist.

Street Rod/Custom Vehicle
Every hobbyist has a dream vehicle over which they obsess about every detail. For some, this might be a kit vehicle they build at home, while for others it’s creating the perfect street rod. To facilitate putting that dream onto the road, the SAN developed the Street Rod/Custom Vehicle bill to simplify the titling and registration of these vehicles. This model bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom car as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles are issued a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. To date, 20 states have passed a version of our model legislation to ensure historic and custom vehicles stay on the road.

Inoperable Vehicles
Many hobbyists work to take advantage of the Street Rod/Custom Vehicle laws by building or restoring a vehicle at home. However, some cities or counties seek to limit your ability to store and work on project vehicles on private property. The SAN aims to protect your historic projects with the Inoperable Vehicle model bill. Under this bill, municipalities may not create ordinances or regulations that prohibit land owners from engaging in automotive restoration as long as the collector’s vehicles or parts car are stored out of ordinary public view. With the support of the SAN, hobbyists in states across the country are able to comfortably restore and build their dream vehicles in the freedom and comfort of their own properties.

Exhaust Noise
One common thread on which most hobbyists can agree is the need to improve the performance of their vehicle. In the quest for more power and efficiency options, the first place many look to is their vehicle’s exhaust system. Through the years, we all have seen the nearly constant attacks on aftermarket exhaust system noise. As states work to limit the noise of mufflers, many enacted laws do not supply enforcement personnel with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation. We agree that these exhaust systems should not be used in a way that causes overly loud or objectionable noise. The SAN’s Exhaust Noise model legislation protects you by establishing reasonable noise limits for modified exhaust systems based on an easy-to-administer test standard. These limits are usually indicated in decibels and allow vehicle owners to prove compliance by an objectively measured, fair and predictable procedure. The exhaust model bill safeguards your ability to improve your vehicle’s performance while providing law enforcement with a measurable standard.

Nitrous-Oxide Systems
Tenths of a second matter at the local dragstrip and can mean the difference between hitting that magical 10-second quarter time or not. For some hobbyists, that shot of nitrous oxide is all they need to conjure their asphalt-shredding personal best on the track. Unfortunately, everyone knows the actions of a few can hurt the many. Because nitrous oxide has become linked to illegal street-racing in the minds of many, legislators began banning its use. The SAN’s nitrous-oxide model bill ensures the rights of those who use nitrous oxide legally. The legislation allows vehicles that are equipped to supply nitrous oxide to the engine to travel on public roads as long as the nitrous-oxide feeding line is disabled or the containers are removed. This allows for the system to be easily accessed and restored for lawful use at the track.

The SAN and hobbyists have worked together to generate these successes, but there is much more work to be done and we need you more than ever. With the knowledge of how to lobby your legislator and model legislation to share with them, now is the time to build that relationship. Each of you, through a letter, a phone call or by inviting a legislator to your club meeting has the power to protect the future of the hobby. Our allies in the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus prove that state legislatures are populated with automotive enthusiasts just like you, looking to protect the hobby. The Street Rod/Custom Vehicle, Inoperable Vehicle, Exhaust Noise and Nitrous-Oxide System bills along with the guide to lobbying your legislator, can be found on www.SEMASAN.com. If you are concerned about these issues in your state, now is the time to pick up that pen or phone and help the SAN enact hobby-friendly legislation so future generations can enjoy their own dream cars.

CAUCUS CORNER

Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here is its newest member:

CALIFORNIA
Assembly Member
Tony Mendoza

LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Indiana Antiques: SAN hobbyist groups affiliated with the Auto Clubs Council of Indiana, working with SEMA and SEMA-member companies, have reached a tentative compromise with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) on an agency proposal that originally sought to redefine the term “antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program. Under existing regulations, an antique vehicle defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25 years old” is exempted from emissions inspections. Under the initial proposed regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25 years old, registered and plated as a historic motor vehicle, driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year and include federally required pollution-control equipment for that make and model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emissions test site to verify that these requirements have been met. Under the current compromise, vehicles 25 years old and older would be exempted from the 3,000-mile limit and the pollution-control equipment requirement if they were insured under a collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance policy.

HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Family Cruiser

1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Owner: Eric T. Brubakken
Marietta, Georgia

When my Dad got home from work one evening in August of 1967, my mother met him at the front door and told him they were buying a new car that night. This would be only the second new car they had ever purchased and since my dad was a mechanic at JM Taylor Oldsmobile in South Gate, California, that’s where they went.

In the showroom sat a ’67 Cutlass Supreme. The Cutlass had the Turnpike Cruiser option, which was basically a 442 with a two-barrel carburetor and a cam designed with highway cruising in mind. That was the car they purchased, and it has been in the family ever since. The purchase price was somewhere around $3,200 in 1967 dollars.

The Cutlass was my parent’s daily driver until I enlisted in the Air Force in 1972. During tech school in Biloxi, Mississippi, my parents decided to give me the car and brought it to me while I was stationed there. Before they left for home, I managed to find a set of “mag” wheels for it, the first of a long list of changes to the Cutlass.

Modifications throughout the years include: complete repaint and new vinyl top; swapped out 400 engine with a 455, added Edelbrock intake; Holley 780-cfm carburetor; Chevy 12-bolt rearend 3.31 gears; PowerTrax Lock-Right Locker; Strange Axles with C-Clip eliminators; Hooker headers; converted drum brakes to disks; and Turbo 400 transmission swapped to a 700-R transmission with a 2200 stall converter.

One of the many monumental events the Cutlass was involved in was the birth of my son. When he was born, we brought him home from the hospital in it and now, 20 years later, he is the third generation of my family driving it.

Future plans include building another 455 engine for it, freshening up the original interior and someday giving it to my son.

Have your car or truck featured in a future issue of Driving Force.
Submit your high-resolution photos online at www.semasan.com

OFF-ROAD NEWS
The SAN Creates “Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation”

Free and unfettered access to public lands is vitally important to many U.S citizens, not the least of which are Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. This hobby represents a growing trend and leads to more people actively using and appreciating our public lands each year. Land use policies developed in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere have a dramatic impact on the availability of public land for hobbyist use, so it is important to be a knowledgeable and active enthusiast. Because these laws and regulations are massively complex, the SAN has created a “Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation” to help you decode the Washington lingo.

The “Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation” provides several key tools that will help you build a solid foundation of land use knowledge. It includes a broad overview of such topics as the key federal agencies managing public lands; major laws and regulations, such as the Endangered Species and Wilderness Acts, that affect access to public lands; private organizations who are active in the conservation of natural lands while supporting the hobby; and SAN position statements, which act as a guidepost for legislative and regulatory advocacy.

Many laws and regulations that are passed or proposed are well intended, but have a tendency to be one-sided and too vast in scope, taking little account of hobbyists who responsibly enjoy nature through a variety of motorized activities. Far too often, laws are enacted by legislators who do not take into account the beneficial impact that enthusiasts have on public lands through the OHV hobby. Many hobbyist groups and clubs actively participate in the maintenance of roads and trails on their own time and dollar, conduct clean up days on public lands, and work to preserve the environment not only because it’s the right thing to do, but to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural splendor and beauty our public lands possess. These are the same individuals that are as passionate about their vehicles as they are the land they enjoy them on, and maintaining a future for this hobby on public lands is essential.

How can these wilderness bills affect my hobby you ask? Imagine planning a trip to go enjoy OHV trails in The Great Basin, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Moab-La Sal Canyons or San Rafael Swell areas. Now imagine the U.S. Congress passing a bill called America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2009 which closes significant portions of those parks to all OHV use. The threat that these laws and regulations pose to hobbyists are not imagined or abstract; they are very real and require action on the part of hobbyists, hobby groups and other industry associations.

This March, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 was signed into law, designating more than 2 million acres of wilderness (land closed to all motorized activities) in nine states. This included areas in and around Joshua Tree National Park and Eastern Sierras in California, Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands in Idaho, Mt. Hood in Oregon and Zion National Park in Utah. Additionally, a bill entitled “The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act” has been introduced in Congress. This legislation would set a precedent by using the term “bioregion” as justification for converting 24 million acres across five states into wilderness areas. How would you feel if congressmen and senators from distant states came to your backyard and told you how you can use local designated trails? Keeping access decisions about these lands at a local level and to be determined by those who enjoy them is vital to keeping them free for all Americans.

The SAN has taken the action of submitting comments in opposition to these bills, but participation by invested hobbyists and businesses may be necessary to secure access to these areas in the future for all tax-paying hobbyists. The SAN’s “Guide to Land Use Policies & Off-Road Recreation” is another means of protecting access to these lands by putting the information necessary to understand the issues and the players at your fingertips. Educating yourself and using that knowledge to take action by writing your legislators and passing the information on to your friends is the key to creating a win for your hobby and passion. The guide can be found at www.SEMASAN.com.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Building Ramps and Rods

The Dallas Area Classic Chevys (DACC) was organized in the spring of 1976 as a car club dedicated to ’55, ’56 and ’57 Chevrolets. Today it has more than 150 enthusiasts from all over the North Texas area, and each of them has a devoted passion for all of the mid-fifty Chevys, including sedans, coupes, Corvettes and pickups.

DACC has hosted several major events that focus on the ’55–’57 Chevy. Beginning in 1979, the club hosted a regional convention for ’55–’57 Chevys, then several years later, followed that with a national convention in 1985. In 1991, DACC hosted its largest event, the International Classic Chevy Convention—a week-long celebration of the mid-fifty Chevys that brought enthusiasts from all over the world to Dallas. Most recently in 2006, the club hosted the 24th Annual Lone Star Classic Chevy Convention, a rotating event shared by Classic Chevy Clubs in Texas (more info at www.LoneStarChevys.com). In 2011, DACC will again host the Lone Star Classic Chevy Convention, and work to put that event together has already begun.

Each month the club participates in at least one event that can include a day-long driving trip, club displays at the indoor winter car shows in Dallas and Fort Worth, a drag race in a season-long Car Club Challenge series or simply a meeting at one of the many parking lot shows in the area. DACC also meets at ’50s-era establishments, such as the Brazos Drive-In movie theatre (opened in 1952) in Granbury, Texas; Frosty Drive N Diner (opened in 1954) in Denton, Texas; and the restored Uptown Theatre (opened in 1950) in Grand Prairie, Texas. All of these were originally built in the ’50s and are still kicking just like DACC club cars!

DACC also enjoys doing charity work each Christmas season that does not involve old cars at all, such as constructing wheelchair ramps for the handicap at their homes. Working with a local agency, club members travel to the home of a wheelchair-bound occupant and by the time the club leaves, that person is able to get in and out of their home much more easily using the ramp built by DACC.

A great benefit of club membership is the assistance a person can get from fellow club members when it comes to their shoebox Chevy. Whether it’s a quick question or help with a complete restoration, members in the club are there to help by phone, e-mail or in person. The club also has several designated “tech advisors” whom members may contact should they find themselves stumped with a project on their Chevy.
Dallas Area Classic Chevys welcomes all enthusiasts of ’55–’57 Chevys to join. For more information, find DACC online at www.DallasClassicChevy.com.

NOVEMBER 2009 SAN CLUB EVENTS

Alabama
November 13–14, Dothan
10th Dothan Automotive Swap Meet and Car Show
Information: www.swapncrusin.com or 866/277-3962

Arizona
November 20–22, Scottsdale
12th Southwest Nationals
Information: http://good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=09-629 or 925/838-9876

California
November 6–8, Borrego Springs
Bronco Daze 2009
Sponsor: Early Bronco Registry
Information: www.earlybronco.com or 760/751-9859

November 13–15, Trona
Panamint Valley Days
Sponsor: California Association of 4WD Clubs
Information: www.cal4wheel.com or 626/280-0308

November 14–15, Pleasanton
20th Autumn Get-Together
Information: http://good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=09-804 or 925/838-9876

Florida
November 1, Clearwater
Mason Dixon Best of the Best
Sponsor: Mustang Club of Tampa
Information: www.masondixonchristmaswishfund.com or 813/417-2483

November 6–7, Indian Harbour Beach
Roadsters Rock the Island ’09
Sponsor: Florida Roadsters
Information: 321/848-4447

November 7–8, Ocala
22nd Annual Mopar with Big Daddy
Sponsor: Florida Mopar Association
Information: www.floridamoparassociation.com or 813/986-0990

November 8, Dade City
21th Annual Pasco Bug Jam
Information: www.pascobugjam.com or 352/567-6678

November 14, Orlando
Moparty Car and Truck Show
Information: 407/847-0690

November 12–15, Zephyrhills
25th Annual Fall Auto Fest
Information: www.zephyrhillsauction.com/index.php or 813/258-6726

November 22, Sarasota
18th Annual Super Sunday
Sponsor: Mustang Club of West Central Florida
Information: www.mustangclubofwestcentralflorida.org or 941/927-7284

November 26–29, Daytona
36th Annual Turkey Run
Sponsor: Daytona Beach Street Rods
Information: www.turkeyrun.com or 386/767-9070

November 27–28, Ormond Beach
Antique Car Parade & Show
Sponsor: Volusia Region Antique Automobile Club of America
Information: http://local.aaca.org/volusia or 386/672-7762

Georgia
November 7, Monroe
4th Annual Santa Cruise
Sponsor: Georgia Street Rod Association
Information: www.gsra.com or 770/464-1327

November 6–7, Augusta
The Fall Pumpkin Run
Sponsor: CSRA Road Angels Car Club
Information: www.roadangelsaugusta.com or 706/595-1450

November 7, Valdosta
25th Annual Fall Classic Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: South Georgia Classic Car Club
Information: www.sgccc.org/images/flyers/Fall_Classic_2009.jpg or 229/244-5820

Illinois
November 21–22, Rosemont
2009 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
Information: www.mcacn.com or 586/549-5291

Indiana
November 7, Richmond
37th Annual Vintage Wheels Rod & Custom Car Show
Sponsor: Vintage Wheels Car Club
Information: 765/966-0541 or 765/855-5771

Louisiana
November 11, Boutte
3rd Annual Benefit Car Show
Sponsor: Louisiana Custom Cruisers
Information: www.lacustomcruisers.com or 985/785-8494

Nevada
November 6–7, Henderson
AMC/Rambler Club Southwest Regional Meet
Sponsor: Southern Nevada AMC Club
Information: http://snamc.amcrc.com/carshow.html or 702/985-7647

November 6–7, Logandale
29th Hump N Bump Trail Rides
Sponsor: Vegas Valley 4 Wheelers
Information: http://vv4w.org/humpnbump.asp

New Mexico
November 7, Truth or Consequences
13th Annual Veterans’ Day Car Show
Information: www.nmstateveteranshome.org/events.shtml or 575/894-4222

North Carolina
November 7, Shelby
Hog Happnin’ Bikes & Cars Barbecue
Information: www.hoghappnin.com/carshow.htm

Pennsylvania
November 8, Hatfield
Toy Drive 2009
Sponsor: Full House Motorsports
Information: www.fullhousemotorsports.com/eventschedule.html or 215/896-2923

November 14, Media
Salute to the Troops Car Show
Sponsor: Delco Cruisers
Information: www.delcocruisers.org

Texas
November 13–14, Bastrop
Veteran’s Weekend Car Show
Sponsor: Bastrop Area Cruisers
Information: www.bastropareacruisers.com/events.html or 512/569-2316

November 26–29, Houston
AutoRama
Information: www.autorama.com/casi/show/houston.php or 248/373-1700
Early December 2009 Events
California
December 5, Folsom
22nd Annual Gold Country Toy Run
Sponsor: California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs
Information: www.cal4wheel.com//index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=67&func=fileinfo&id=75 or 916/985-2250

Georgia
December 5, Calhoun
2nd Annual Christmas in Paradise
Sponsor: North Georgia Hotrods
Information: www.northgeorgiahotrods.com or 706/278-2846

Maryland
December 4–6, Timonium
East Coast Indoor Nationals
Information: www.eastcoastindoornats.com or 410/628-6262

Oregon
December 5, Stayton
Santa Cruise Toy Drive
Information: www.stros.biz/santacruise.html or 503/769-5060

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Keep Your Foot On The Gas
With Most Legislatures in Recess, Now is the Time to Voice Your Opinion

“We the people of the United States” are not just words from the first line of an old document. We are the people who love musclecars, hot rods, street rods, tuners, replicas, off-road trucks, and many other varieties of automotive pursuits that are as diverse as the country in which we live. We are also the people who have to work to protect our automotive passions from unnecessary, unfair, or well intentioned but poorly written laws and regulations. Fortunately, we the people live in a country where we can still make a difference in how we are governed.

Our greatest tool in making that difference is our voice. By speaking out on issues that concern the automotive hobby, contacting our representatives, and working constructively with government officials, we have the power to protect our passion and keep it safe for future generations of auto hobbyists and enthusiasts. With most legislatures out of session, representatives are in their home districts and typically have more time to meet casually with their constituents. This is also the time of year when they are planning for the next legislative session and deciding which bills to introduce. Contacting them now can have a tremendous impact by raising their awareness of issues that could impact our hobby during the next session. That is what makes right now the perfect time to get involved and build relationships with your legislators, so hit the gas and keep your foot down!

The SAN’s greatest accomplishments have come about when individual hobbyists and car clubs like you actively participate in the process and make your opinions known to your legislators. The model bill to create pro-hobby registration and titling classifications for street rods, customs and replicas has now been enacted into law in almost 20 states. These efforts have been successful in large part because of the dedication and effort of SAN members around the country who have actively pursued their legislators in support of the bill. What about you and your state? Like these members, you have that same power to positively affect the outcome of legislation to be beneficial to the hobby. To get you started, we have prepared 10 tips you can use when contacting your representatives:

10 Tips for Communicating with Elected Officials

1. Develop and Maintain Relationships with Your Legislators and Their Staff
Make contact and develop productive relationships with individual legislators. It is the most effective form of grassroots lobbying. It’s also important to develop a relationship with their staff who monitor ongoing legislative and community initiatives.

2. Educate Legislators About Our Hobby and Our Issues
Educate your legislator about the hobby and emphasize the positive impact it has on the community.

3. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Develop a positive relationship with your legislator. The next time an enthusiast-related issue comes up, that same legislator may be needed to support your cause.

4. Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date on SAN Action Alerts, newspaper articles, and hearing notices. Share this information with fellow enthusiasts.

5. Get Involved in the Community
Join with other community groups to build positive exposure. Holding charity runs and fundraisers provides a great opportunity to show local residents and politicians that auto clubs are a positive community force.

6. Build Relationships with the Local Media
Contact local newspapers and radio/TV stations to publicize car shows, charity events, etc.

7. Invite Officials to Participate in Your Events
Give legislators a platform to reach an audience of constituents.

8. Build an Automotive Coalition
Create coalitions to add strength in numbers and ensure that the rights of ALL vehicle enthusiasts are represented. Actively participating in regional and statewide councils will develop a unified message to lawmakers. These types of pro-hobbyist groups can be an influential political force.

9. Spread the Word
Tear off this page of Driving Force and take it to your next club meeting, cruise night or post it on your online forums. Share this information with other enthusiasts who are willing to help lobby for the hobby.

10. Register to Vote
Exercise your right to support pro-hobby candidates. Constituents are an elected official’s number-one priority. Without you and your vote of support, they would not be in office, so make sure you’re registered and get out and vote.

CAUCUS CORNER

Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here is its newest member:

OHIO
State Representative
Mark Schneider
SPOTLIGHT CANADA
SAN & The Saskatchewan Raised Vehicle Regulation

The SAN submitted technical comments to a regulatory proposal issued by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to regulate raised vehicles in the province. SGI operates the province’s driver licensing and vehicle registration system. SGI regulators claim that the number of raised vehicles imported into and operating in Saskatchewan has increased, prompting inquiries from the general public, raised vehicle owners, off-road enthusiasts, vehicle inspection stations and law enforcement with requests to clarify the existing regulations and standards for raised vehicles.

Under the proposal, all aftermarket raised vehicles operated on Saskatchewan highways would be subject to a raised vehicle inspection after Jan. 1, 2011 and would be required to comply with the new policy. The policy would be rolled-out in phases to mitigate the impact on existing raised vehicle owners and provide time to train and inform the public, inspection stations and law enforcement. Prior to Jan. 1, 2011, raised trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles would be permitted a maximum frame height of 31 inches regardless of their gross vehicle weight rating. After Jan. 1, 2011 the province would impose tiered frame height limits based on a vehicle’s rated operating weight.

In addition, regulators are considering requiring owners to carry a “Letter of Authorization” issued by the province in order to operate a raised vehicle. The Letter of Authorization would signify that the vehicle has passed inspection and would be shown to law enforcement during roadside stops to demonstrate compliance with the applicable frame height limit. The SGI is also considering restricting the maximum speeds of raised vehicles with tires that have a loaded rolling diameter of greater than 35 inches.

“SEMA and the SAN have a long history of supporting responsible regulations in the matter of raised vehicles and have demonstrated a willingness to work with regional governments to assess and improve regulations with the assistance of comprehensive data and support,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “We are appreciative of the SGI’s engagement of affected businesses and raised vehicle owners prior to issuance of the proposal and anticipate that these discussions, in the end, will result in a fair and reasonable policy.”

In The Driver’s Seat
Meeting the new SAN Director

My name is Ethan Landesman and I am excited to introduce myself as a new member of the SEMA government affairs team in Washington, D.C. and as your new Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN). I am taking over for Jason Tolleson as he will be supporting our cause in another role with SEMA. I am happy to take the torch as director of the premier organization defending the rights of auto hobbyists all over the country. I look at this as a starting point from which to build, with your help, an even stronger more successful network dedicated to ensuring a future that is free for all of our automotive passions, whether they are hot-rodding, vintage restoration, import-tuning or off-roading.

Growing up in Los Angeles, it was natural for me to develop a love of cars from an early age as they represented not only freedom but also an outlet for personal expression. Going to the L.A. Auto Show every year soon turned into tearing apart my first car, a 93 Jeep Cherokee, to install an awesome sound system and cold air induction kit. My next car, a 2005 Pontiac GTO, took me to the car club scene through organizing and participating in car cruises all over Southern California. I also expanded my love of all things with big engines by learning to ride motorcycles, adding a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M109R to my garage and going on cruises through the mountains and deserts of Southern California.

While automobiles are my first obsession, my second, politics, brought me to Washington, D.C. where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from American University. Upon graduating with honors in 2004, I returned home to Los Angeles and soon found myself enjoying my love of cars on a professional level as a District Service Manager at the General Motors Regional Consulting Center for the western United States. It was at this time that I began the next stage of my educational development by enrolling in the Master of Business Administration program at California Lutheran University. I graduated from the MBA program 2 years later while at my next job, working in the field of accessories at Vehicle Accessory Center (VAC), a General Motors Accessory Distributor for Southern California and Las Vegas. Working in the field calling on dealerships for VAC I learned the nuts and bolts of the aftermarket accessory business and witnessed the type of regulation that SAN strives to protect us from.

I am now proud to be part of the SEMA team, which has provided me with the incredible opportunity to combine my two passions into one exciting career working for you. To that end, I am looking forward to coming out to your events and getting a chance to meet you and listen to your thoughts on the legislative issues of concern to our hobby. Please feel free to contact me at any time to introduce yourself, ask questions, or voice any concerns you may have. I can be reached by phone at 202/783-6007, ext. 39 and by e-mail at ethanl@sema.org
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Rust Free and Ready for Love

1968 Camaro SS/RS
Owner: Patrick Shatz
Tipp City, Ohio

I’ll never forget going to see this car for the first time in 1986. It was a ’68 Camaro for $1,500, and I thought it was too good to pass up. Living in Michigan at the time, I raced down to Ann Arbor to inspect my find. It turned out that this car had been pummeled in a hail storm and the only good panel on the car was the roof, which had been preserved by a piece of plywood. Every other panel had golf ball size divots and the interior was weathered and faded from the sun.

All this was a non-issue though, because this car was rust free, and that’s what intrigued me. All the areas that typically rust were free of decay, and for the negotiated price of $1,300 I drove it home. My vision was to create a Camaro that had the look and stance of a Trans Am road racer.

I performed all the restoration work including upholstery, drivetrain, chassis, electrical, body and paint. As it sits now, the Camaro is equipped with a 383 small block, Tremec six-speed, four-wheel-disc brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and various suspension modifications that make this car flat out handle. Being 6 ft. 4 in., I wanted to be comfortable driving it, so I designed and fabricated mounting brackets for the seat track that moved the seat back another seven inches.
I’ve had this car on several road courses that include Road America, Mid-Ohio, and Grattan. It’s a blast to drive. I recently completed the 2009 Hot Rod Power Tour as a Long Hauler in this Camaro.

My current project is a 1968 Pontiac Firebird HO 400 convertible. My next project will be a 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible. The GTO will be taken on a Route 66 trip once complete.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Cruisin’ For a Cause

The “Wheels That Heal” Car Club, of Salisbury Maryland, has a proud tradition of utilizing automobiles not just for fun, but to help others. Formed by Steve and Barbara Mixter, the club’s sole mission is to host car shows and events for the benefit of local charities and families-in-need. Wheels That Heal has raised and donated more than $300,000 to needy causes in their community.

The only requirement for membership in Wheels that Heal is a dedication to work for the benefit of the community. They hold monthly cruises as well as several other events each year, including the Wheels on the Waterfront and Food Bank car shows, with all the proceeds going to their charity efforts. Their charity committee spends countless hours searching for and interviewing potential recipients, looking for the person or family that is most needy at the time.

The Wheels that Heal signature event is the “Cruise for a Cause,” in which they raise money to help a person or family overcome a medical hardship by easing their financial burden. This year, the 10th annual Cruise for a Cause is being held on Saturday October 17th, to benefit David Griswald, a U.S. Air Force veteran who suffers from cancer.

In the words of one of their members: “We don’t have a clubhouse, fancy dinners, cocktail parties or even money left over at year’s end. What we do have is the warmth in our hearts that we did what we could.”

The Wheels That Heal Car Club has also been awarded the Eagle One Golden Rule Award for outstanding achievement in community service for the East Region in both 2004 and 2007.

For additional information on The Wheels That Heal Car Club and their events, please visit their website at http://www.wheelsthatheal.com

OCTOBER 2009 SAN CLUB EVENTS

Arizona
October 10, Sierra Vista
22nd Annual Cars in the Park
Sponsor: Sierra Vista Car Club
Information: http://www.sierravistacarclub.org/

October 14, Sedona
2009 West Coast Holiday
Sponsor: Porsche 356 Registry
Information: http://www.2009westcoast holiday.com/

October 17, Tucson
Tucson Classic Car Show
Information: http://www.tucsonclassicscar show.com

October 21-25, Lake Havasu
32nd Annual Run to the Sun
Sponsor: Arizona Relics & Rods
Information: http://www.relicsandrods.com/CarShows/RunToTheSun-09/Schedule.htm

October 24-25, Tucson
32nd Annual CHVA Old Cars & Parts Swap Meet & Car Show
Sponsor: Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association
Information: 520/293-3178 or 520/887-7767

October 31, Tucson
3rd Annual Cops and Rodders Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Information: http://www.copsandrodders tucson.org

Arkansas
October 3, Benton
31st Annual Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Dixie Car Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=dixiecarclub

October 10, Mountain Home
October Car Fest
Sponsor: Classic Chevy Club of North Arkansas
Information: http://www.classicchevyclubofnoar.com

October 23-24, Little Rock
Big Cruise Fest in the Rock
Sponsor: Arkansas Pontiac Association
Information: http://www.bigcruisefest.com/bigcruisefest.php

California
October 2-4, Sacramento
Golden State Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/143

October 4, Redwood City
Horses to Horsepower
Information: http://www.horsestohorsepower.info

October 4, Anaheim
40th Annual All Ford Picnic & Car Show
Sponsor: Early Ford V-8 Club of America– Southern California Region
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/socalearlyfordv-8

October 9-11, Rio Vista
18th Annual Rio Vista Bass Festival Car Show
Information: http://bassfestival.com/carshow.asp

October 11, Burbank
Throttlers 2009 Car Show
Sponsor: San Fernando Valley Model T Club
Information: 818/648-6982

October 16-17, Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Operation Desert Fun
Sponsor: California Association of 4WD Clubs
Information: http://www.cal4wheel.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=101

October 24, Citrus Heights
OctoberFest Car Show & Toy Run
Sponsor: Capital City Cruisers
Information: http://capitolcitycruisers.org

District of Columbia
October 10, Washington, DC
Walter Reed Car Show Honoring Our Wounded Warriors
Information: http://www.gws-mbca.org/events/WoundedWarriors.html

Florida
October 9-11, Tampa
Southeast Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/144

October 11, Flagler Beach
Corvettes at the Beach
Sponsor: Flagler County Corvette Club
Information: http://flaglercountycorvetteclub.com

October 24, Tampa
28th Annual Mustang, Shelby and Ford Roundup
Sponsor: Mustang Club of Tampa
Information: http://mustangcluboftampa.com//web_docs/2009_mosi.pdf

October 24, Clearwater
The Annual Corvette Show
Sponsor: Bay Area Corvette Club
Information: http://www.baccvette.us/Event%20Info/DIMMITT%20SHOW%20OCT%2009.pdf

Georgia
October 10, Ellijay
21st Annual Apple Classic Autoshow
Sponsor: Apple Country Auto Club
Information: 706/273-2582 or 706/635-2221

Illinois
October 4, Elwood
5th Annual Orphan Show
Sponsor: Illinois Valley Oldsmobile Chapter
Information: http://www.ivocolds.com

Kentucky
October 16-18, Bowling Green
2nd Nostalgia Nationals
Information: http://good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=09-612

Maryland
October 17, Ocean City
10th Annual Cruise for a Cause
Sponsor: Wheels That Heal Car Club
Information: http://www.wheelsthatheal.com

October 25, Bel Air
32nd Annual Car Show and Flea Market
Sponsor: Harford Region AACA
Information: http://local.aaca.org/harford

October 25, Greenbelt
2009 Fall Car Show
Sponsor: Cadillac & LaSalle Club– Potomac Region
Information: http://clcpotomacregion.org/forms/CLCPR.2009FallCarShowFlyer.pdf

Massachusetts
October 4, Maynard
21st Annual Autofest
Sponsor: Maynard Area Auto Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/ maynardaac

October 4, Buzzards Bay
9th Annual British Legends Weekend
Sponsor: Cape Cod British Car Club
Information: http://www.capecodbritishcar club.org

October 18, North Andover
1st Annual Car Club Invitational
Sponsor: The Silverstone Club
Information: 508/384-7578 or 866/426-4480

Minnesota
October 4, St. Paul
39th Annual Midwest Fall Swap Meet & Auto Show
Sponsor: Capitol City Chapter of AACA & Twin Cities Model A Ford Club
Information: http://www.midwestswapmeet.com

New Hampshire
October 18, Canterbury
16th Annual Thunderama 2009
Sponsor: New England’s Vintage Thunderbirds
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=nevt

New Jersey
October 4, North Brunswick
22nd Annual Meet
Sponsor: NY/NJ Slant-Six Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=nynjslant6

October 4, Kenilworth
25th Annual Street Meet
Sponsor: Garden State Chevelles
Information: http://www.gardenstate chevelles.com

October 18, Paramus
34th Annual Fall Swap Meet and Peoples Choice Car Show
Sponsor: Class Glass Corvette Association
Information: http://www.classglasscorvette.com

New York
October 2-4, Durham
5th Annual Mustang and All Ford Fall Round-Up and Car Show
Sponsor: Adirondack Shelby–Mustang Club
Information: http://www.adirondackshelbymustangclub.org

October 4, Nanuet
30th Annual All Pontiac & Oakland Fall Car Show
Sponsor: Garden State Pontiac Oakland Club Int’l
Information: http://gardenstatepoci.org

North Carolina
October 18, Denver
5th Annual Benefit Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Hillbilly Hotrodders
Information: http://hillbillyhotrodders.ipower.com/page5.html

October 30-November 1, Charlotte
16th Southeastern Nationals
Information: http://good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=09-604

October 31, Wilmington
11th Annual Brits at the Battleship Car Show
Sponsor: British Motor Club of Cape Fear
Information: http://www.bmccf.org/carshowbrochure09.pdf

Ohio
October 2-4, Owensville
33rd Annual Pumpkin Run Nationals
Sponsor: Fastiques Rod & Custom of Southern Ohio
Information: http://www.pumpkinrun nationals.com

Pennsylvania
October 7-10, Hershey
2009 AACA Eastern Regional Fall Meet
Sponsor: Hershey Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America

Information: http://www.hersheyaaca.org
October 11, Houston
14th All Pontiac Car Show
Sponsor: Western PA Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club
Information: 412/922-0616 or 412/833-1441

October 25, Philadelphia
17th Annual Ghosts, Goblins & Chariots Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Far Northeast Cruisers
Information: http://www.farnortheastcruisers.org

Rhode Island
October 4, Warwick
29th Annual Mustang & Ford Fall Round-Up & Swap
Sponsor: Mustang Car Club of New England
Information: http://www.mccne.com/events.php

South Carolina
October 9-10, Myrtle Beach
15th Annual Pow-Wow at the Beach
Sponsor: Palmetto Chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club International
Information: http://www.palmettopontiacs.org

October 10, Ladson
22nd Annual Show & Shine
Sponsor: Lowcountry Mopars
Information: http://www.geocities.com/scmopar/#show

October 15-17, Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Fall Cruise
Sponsor: Right Coast Association
Information: http://www.rightcoastcars.com/shows/mbfc

Tennessee
October 18, Franklin
19th Annual Antique & Classic Car Show
Sponsor: The Battlefield Region of Antique Automobile Club of America
Information: http://battlefieldregionaaca.googlepages.com/ouroctobercarshowimformationpage

Texas
October 2-3, El Paso
Run To Ruidoso Downs
Sponsor: Early Times Street Rod Association
Information: http://www.zianet.com/rtrd

October 2-4, Ft. Worth
17th Lone Star Nationals
Information: http://www.lonestarnats.com/

October 17, San Antonio
27th Annual San Antonio Mopar Muscle & Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Mopar Muscle San Antonio
Information: http://www.moparmuscleclub-sa.org/index.html

Virginia
October 23-25, Newport News
7th Annual Virginia Fall Classic
Sponsor: Virginia Peninsula Car Club Council
Information: http://vafallclassic.org/index.php

Wisconsin
October 3, Lake Geneva
Geneva Lake Classic Car Rally
Information: http://www.genevalakeclassiccar.com

Early NOVEMBER 2009 EVENTS

California
November 6-8, Borrego Springs
Bronco Daze 2009
Sponsor: Early Bronco Registry
Information: http://www.earlybronco.com

Florida
November 1, Clearwater
Mason Dixon Best of the Best
Sponsor: Mustang Club of Tampa
Information: http://www.masondixonchristmaswishfund.com

November 8, Dade City
21th Annual Pasco Bug Jam
Information: http://www.pascobugjam.com/

New Mexico
November 7, Truth or Consequences
13th Annual Veterans’ Day Car Show
Information: http://www.nmstateveterans home.org/events.shtml

New Toyota

Papa John is reunited with his Camaro

August 26, 2009

Papa John Schnatter, founder of the Papa John’s pizza chain, has been reunited with his first Camaro.

Schnatter sold his Bumblebee-striped black-and-gold 1971½ Chevy Z28 in 1983 to help save his father’s struggling tavern business. He ultimately started a pizza shop in the back of the tavern. That was the start of what has become the world’s third-largest pizza company.

Schnatter had hoped to one day be reunited with his beloved Camaro and had spent years searching for it. In celebration of the 25th year of the Papa John’s enterprise Schnatter launched “Papa John’s Road Trip” this past May in which he searched for the whereabouts of the car. Originally he offered a $25,000 “finder’s fee” but soon increased it to $250,000.

According to the papajohnsroadtrip.com Web site, the car has led an interesting, but well tended life since its departure. Schnatter, living in Indiana, sold it for $2,800 in ’83. First to own it after Schnatter was a couple in Flatwoods, Ky. They kept it for 17 years, selling it for $1,000 in Aug. 2000 to someone in Russell, Ky. In 2004, it was transferred to Jefferey Robinson back in Flatwoods for $4,500.

Robinson modified the car for show and racing. It was featured in the November 2006 Popular Hot Rodding Magazine and won several awards. It was Robinson who still owned the car when he learned of Papa John’s search. The link had been made by the first owners who saw a t.v. interview with Schnatter earlier this month and went on an Internet search for more information through the blog site, Jalopnik.com. Jalopnik had been following Papa John’s road trip chronicles and contacted Papa John’s with the information.

Last week the car’s authenticity was verified and today Robinson is $250,000 richer. Papa John’s has also extended a $25,000 reward to the family who originally bought the car from Schnatter in 1983 and who helped lead to its rediscovery.

On Tuesday, Robinson delivered the car to Schnatter at Papa John’s headquarters in Louisville less than 200 miles away from the little town of Flatwoods.”The search has been scrambled in the past due to the car originally being described as a 1972 model,” the Papa John’s Web site noted. “In fact, the car is a 1971 ½ model, so technically it’s a ’71. At some point in the company’s history, the year was rounded up to 1972.”

In celebration of the Camaro’s return, Papa John’s offered a free pizza to Camaro owners on Wednesday.

ANY AND ALL MERCEDES PRODUCT ON THE MONEY
PLEASE CALL WITH ALL LEASE RETURNS, WE CAN GET YOU THE C3 CREDIT AND MAKE YOU A PROFIT WE NEED ALL ML, R, E, S, SL, ETC… CLASS CARS NOW!!

09 BMW X6
V6 OR V8, NEED ANOTHER NOW

2008 PORSCHE CAYENNES
ALL MODELS
OPEN ON YEAR COLOR MILES

ANY RANGE ROVER
OPEN COLOR, LOW MILES PREFERRED

2008-09 BMW X5 4.8 SPORT
OPEN ON YEAR COLOR MILES

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE
AUTOMATICS ONLY
OPEN ON YEAR COLOR MILES

2004-08 BENTLEY GT
WILL PAY WAY UP FOR BLACK!!!!
under 100K mi / any color / any options
CAR FAX PROBLEM OK  / PAINTWORK OK
WE ARE PAYING WAY UP FOR THESE CARS RIGHT NOW!

CORVETTES PROWLERS VIPERS
low miles for year
ANY COLOR

2000-04 FERRARI 360
COUPE OR SPIDER
UNDER 10K MILES PREFERRED
POWER SEATS A MUST

ALL TOYOTA PRODUCT 01-08
WE ARE NOW STRONG BUYERS ON ALL TOYOTA MERCH
*CHECK BLACK BOOK, GALVES, MANHEIM ETC… IT NEEDS TO MAKE SENSE!

2007-08 BENTLEY GTC
ANY COLOR ANY MILES
NEED SEVERAL IMMEDIATELY

2006-08 RANGE ROVER SPORTS
ANY COLOR ANY MILES
NEED SEVERAL IMMEDIATELY

DODGE VIPER
ANY YEAR ANY COLOR
UNDER 20K MI ONLY

CADILLAC CTS, XLR, ESCALADE
IN WARRANTY LOADED

ANY AND ALL SUV ON THE MONEY
TAHOE, SUBURBAN, YUKON, ETC…
LOADED

ANY 05-06 FORD GT
NEED SEVERAL CARS IMMEDIATELY

04-05 PORSCHE CARRERA GT
ANY COLOR

JAGUAR 07  XJ SEDANS
07-08 XK & XKR CONVERTIBLES
IN WARRANTY

ASTON DB9 CONVERTIBLE
ANY COLOR
INWARRANTY

07-08 PORSCHE TURBO
COUPE/CAB
CALL WITH ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!

01-04 PORSCHE TURBO 6 SPD
OPEN COLOR LOW MILES

ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM
CALL WITH ANY CAR THAT MAKES SENSE

06-07 BMW 650 AUTO
COUPE OR CONVERTIBLE
OPEN ON COLOR  UNDER 25K MI

07-08 ASTON DB9 VOLANTE
NO BLACK

07-08 PORSCHE GT3-RS
WHITE OR GREEN

2008 FERRARI 430 SPIDER F1
RED /TAN

ANY 996 OR 997 PORSCHE
CARRERA OR TURBO
6 SPD, OPEN COLOR

08-09 AUDI S5
ANY COLOR LOW MILES

ROVER DEFENDER 90
ANY COLOR ANY YEAR UNDER 40K MI

72-74 FERRARI DINO 246GTS
NEED 8/10 AND 10/10 CARS

06-08 CORVETTE Z06
OPEN COLOR

1997 AND UP FERRARI 550 OR 575
WHITE

01 AND UP BMW Z8 ROADSTER
OPEN COLOR

ALSO, WE WILL BUY AS MANY OF THE FOLLOWING AS WE CAN FIND NOW!

**ALL LOTUS EXIGE , ELISE AND CUP CARS**
OPEN COLORS

***ALL JAGUAR XKR COUPES AND CABS***
NEED SUPERCHARGED CARS ONLY NOW

***CALL NOW WITH ANY MERCEDES***
E,S,SL,C,CL,CLS,CLK CLASS CARS

*ALL LEXUS RX, SC, GX, LX, AND LS MODELS*

*ALL TAHOE, YUKON, HUMMER, SUBURBAN, ESCALADE, ETC.. LOADED ONLY NOW*

***ANY MINI COOPER***

***ALL CORVETTE COUPES AND CABS***

***ALL VIPER COUPES AND CABS***

*ALL FERRARI 360 AND 430 COUPES AND SPIDERS*

*ALL BENTLEY ARNAGE, AZURE, GT, GTC, AND
FLYING SPUR*

*ALL RANGE ROVER HSE FULL SIZE AND SPORT SUPER AND NON SUPER*

**ALL BMW 3,5,6,7 SERIES COUPES AND CABS**

**ALL LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO COUPES AND SPIDERS**

Please call if you have ANYTHING coming in on trade or inventory that you will consider wholesaling today.

We only deal with the best. It’s an honor to be doing business with you.
GAVIN MCGOWEN
CELL: 512-680-4058 gmcgowen@aol.com
JEREMY LONG
CELL: 828-676-9431 jlongwholesale@aol.com
FAX: 323-417-1770
Specialty Autos

Car of the Week: 1987 Buick Grand National

August 25, 2009

The Buick Grand National was the fastest production car built in 1987, and certainly one of the hottest, baddest, and most collectible American production cars of the 1980s — a decade often considered a barren wasteland when it comes to automobile excitement.

The 1987 Grand Nationals were capable of doing 0-to-60 mph in the low 6-second bracket. Cars Illustrated magazine published quarter-mile performance of 13.85 seconds and 99.22 mph. Musclecars magazine’s test Buick was just a little slower, if you can call 13.90 seconds at 98.16 mph “slow.” The original horsepower number was denoted at 240 for insurance purposes in 1987 by GM. The rating is a number generally considered to be very conservative.

Collectors today like the superior performance of the 1987 Grand National model, even though the ’86 is a whole lot rarer.

There are two main differences between the 1987 Regal Grand National and the 1986 edition. The newer car had an all-black grille and the top section of the grille has no flat surface. Inside, the black vinyl door-pull straps of the 1986 edition were replaced by gray pull straps that matched the gray door panel in color. Under the hood of the ’87 model, the turbocharged and intercooled V-6 was tweaked a bit to give 240-ish hp at 4400 rpm and 355 lbs.-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm.

Standard equipment with the Grand National WE2 package was the same as in 1986 and again included a long list of appearance, convenience and performance features. Only five individual options were available: the RPO YF5 emissions equipment package, an RPO B88 body molding package, an RPO CC1 lockable hatch roof, an RPO WG1 driver’s side six-way power seat and an RPO UA5 theft-deterrent system.

By the end of the summer of 1987, Grand National sales had practically doubled over those of the entire previous year. This was due largely to the massive publicity exposure the hot, high-performance model was receiving in enthusiast publications. Buick dealers then pressured the company to make more of the cars, since dealers were marking them up an additional $3,000 per unit.

Grand National production had originally been slated to halt in July 1987, when Buick was supposed to stop making rear-wheel-drive Regals. On August 3, company executive W.H. Lotts decided to extend production of only the Grand National model through December. By the end of the year, total production had risen to 20,193 cars.

All of the approximately 10,000 cars built after August 3 came with 17 required options. These included black exterior finish, gray interior trim code 583, the 3.8-liter turbocharged V-6, the Grand National equipment package, Soft-Ray tinted glass, door edge guards, two-speed wipers, an electric rear window defogger, a visor vanity mirror, remote-control mirrors, a limited-slip differential, a tilt steering column, tungsten halogen headlights, headlight warning chimes, a heavy-duty battery, an RPO UM6 Delco radio and a front license plate mounting bracket. Buyers could add two option packages and five stand-alone options, but other regular Buick Regal options were unavailable.

ENGINES
Regal Optional Turbocharge V-6: 90-degree overhead valve V-6. Cast-iron block and head. Displacement: 231 cid (3.8 liters). Bore & stroke: 3.80 in. x 3.40 in. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 245 at 4400 rpm. Torque: 355 lbs.-ft. at 2000 rpm. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Sequential fuel injection.

PRODUCTION
Series # Body/Style # Body/ Seating MSRP Shipping Weight Production Total
GJ/WE2 1 2d-coupe $15,136 3,380 lbs. 20,193

CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 108.1 in. Overall length: 200.6 in. Height: 54.5 in. Width: 71.6 in. Front tread: 58.5 in. Rear tread: 57.8 in. Standard front tires: P245/50VR16 steel-belted radial. Standard rear tires: P255/50VR16 steel-belted radial.

OPTIONS
CF5 sliding electric Silver Astroroof. CC1 lockable hatch roof (not available with option C95). D84 Designers’ Accent paint codes 15, 31, 62 or 79 (matching color vinyl top available with paint codes 15, 31 or 79). LC2 Turbo package, including 3.8-liter SFI turbocharged V-6 with intercooler (MX0, C60 and Y56 required and included in WE2). MX0 automatic transmission with overdrive (not available with LD5 and required with LC2). YF5 California assembly line emission equipment and testing (required option in California). GM8 2.56 axle ratio (LV2, MX1 and V080 required and mandatory with option Y56). GU4 3.08 axle ratio (options LD5 or LV2 with MX0 and V08 required). GU5 3.23 axle ratio (LD5 required). K05 Engine block heater (not available with LV2). K22 94-amp. Delcotron (not available with LC2 and when LD5 is ordered, C41 is a required option. Delcotron (options LD and air conditioning required). UA1 heavy-duty battery. V08 heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling (not available with LC2). C60 air conditioner (required with LC2 and included in WE2 package). C49 electric rear-window defogger. A01 Soft-Ray tinted glass. A02 Soft-Ray tinted windshield. Fixed-mast antenna standard unless power antenna ordered. UK4 ETR AM/FM stereo with seek and scan. UM7 ETR AM/FM stereo with seek and scan and clock. UM6 cassette tape and ETR AM/FM stereo with seek and scan, auto reverse and clock. UX1 graphic equalizer, cassette tape and ETR AM/FM stereo with seek and scan, auto reverse with search/repeat and clock. UL5 radio delete (front speakers not deleted). U66 rear dual extended range speakers (UK4 required and included with options UM7, UM6 and UX1). UW4 Concert Sound II six-speaker system (options UM7, UM6 or UX1 required). U75 automatic power antenna (not available with options W02 or WE2). US7 Automatic power antenna with black mounting piece (W02, WE2 or WE4 only). QHY P205/70R14 steel-belted, radial-ply, all-season, whitewall tires (required with F41). QYH P215/65R15 steel-belted, radial-ply, white-letter tires (available with Y56). N78 four aluminum wheels. P12 four chrome-plated wheels. Four color-keyed steel wheels with trim rings (not available with WE2, Y56 or WE4). Wheel colors offered were: 13P Silver, 62P Brown, 31P Blue, 79P Dark Red and 42P Sage. N91 custom locking wire wheel covers. AU3 electric door locks (required with option UA6). A90 remote-control electric trunk lock release. AT6 manual passenger seatback recliner, included with bucket seats (55/45 or 45/45 seats required). WG1 six-way power driver’s seat AC3/AG1 (55/45, 45/45 or bucket seats required). A31 power windows. K34 electronic cruise control. CD4 two-speed windshield wiper with low-speed delay feature (N33 required with bucket seats). C95 front-seat reading lamps. (not available with option CC1). TT5 tungsten-halogen headlamps. T63 “Headlamps on” warning chime. T82 Twilight Sentinel headlight control. UA6 theft-deterrent system with starter-interrupt (option AU3 required). U23 trip odometer (included on U52 or with LC2). U52 electronic digital instrumentation (not available with option U23). D35 body-colored sport-type outside rearview mirrors (left-hand remote control, right-hand manual). D68 body-colored sport remote-control outside mirrors (both remote control). D34 passenger side visor vanity mirror (not available with D34). B88 black protective body-side molding for W02, WE2 or WE4 only. B91 black door-edge guards for W02, WE2 or WE4 only. B32 front carpet savers. B33 rear carpet savers. B34 front carpet savers with inserts. B35 rear carpet savers with inserts. B48 trunk trim covering. Tilt steering column (required with CD4 and bucket seats). VK3 front license plate mounting. G80 limited-slip differential. F41 Gran Touring suspension (not available with F40, Y56 or WE2 and QHY required). W02 exterior sport package. Note: Some of these options may not have been offered for the Regal Grand National.

COLLECTOR VALUES
1987 Regal T-Type Grand National
No. 1 condition: $33,500
No. 2: $23,450
No. 3: $15,080
No. 4: $6,700

 Click HERE for Driving Force Newsletter as Printed (2.7mb PDF)

Tarheel Triumph
Street Rod and Replica Bill Becomes Law in North Carolina

The roller coaster ride through North Carolina’s legislative process came to a full stop when a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, replicas and custom vehicles was approved by the legislature and signed into law by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. The new law is the product of more than two years of negotiations between SEMA, the extensive hobbyist network in North Carolina and hobby-friendly state legislators. The law is slated to take effect on Oct. 1, 2009. In the end, the law retains the key components of the SEMA-model bill while relieving vehicle owners of unfair title branding and inspection concerns. Among other things, the measure:

• Provides specific registration and titling classes for street rods, customs and replicas
• Allows for the use of non-original materials
• Creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns replica vehicles the same model year designation as the production vehicle intended to be replicated
• Requires that the title of a replica vehicle clearly indicates that the vehicle is a replica and not an original
• Requires that street rods, customs and replicas be designated as “specially constructed vehicles.”

In addition, for out-of-state vehicles that are 35 model years old or older and specially constructed vehicles, the law calls for a vehicle verification conducted by the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles. For these out-of-state vehicles, the inspection will only consist of verifying the vehicle identification number to ensure that it matches the vehicle and ownership documents.

“Street rods, custom cars and replicas are the same crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events,”
said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “This new North Carolina law recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive hobbyists invest
in their cars. For many vehicle enthusiasts in North Carolina and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This legislation represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations.”

North Carolina joins Washington State, California, Illinois, Missouri, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, Colorado, Arkansas, Virginia, Nevada, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee, Wyoming and Utah as states that have enacted legislation based on the SEMA model.

The SAN is especially indebted to North Carolina Senators Hartsell and Berger, and Representatives Goodwin, Barnhart, Crawford and Frye for sponsoring the legislation and shepherding it through the legislature. The SAN also acknowledges the hard work
and dedication of Jim Lore, local chapters of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the National Corvette Restorers Society among other vehicle enthusiasts and enthusiast groups who actively engaged legislators in pursuing this bill.

Legislative Quick Hits

Indiana Antiques: SAN is working with the Indiana Department
of Environmental Management (IDEM) and state hobbyist groups
on a compromise to an agency proposal that would redefine the term
“antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the
emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is
defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25-years old.”
Under the regulation,the definition would be revised to require that
the vehicle must be atleast 25-years old, registered and plated as a
historic motor vehicle, driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar
year, and include federally required pollution control equipment for that make and
model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced
into a vehicle emission test site to verify that these requirements have
been met. IDEM indicated that it will issue a revised version of its
proposal that will contain less burdensome requirements.

Cash for Clunkers Program: The $1 billion vehicle scrappage program
authorized under the “Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save
Act” (CARS) began in late July and almost immediately ran out of
cash. Lawmakers quickly authorized another $2 billion in spending.
Preliminary data indicated that consumers were replacing SUVs and
pick-ups with smaller passenger cars. However, future data may reveal
whether the scrapped cars were actually rarely driven second or third
vehicles. SEMA convinced lawmakers to exclude pre-1984 vehicles
from the program to safeguard vehicles that may possess unique historic
or aesthetic value and are irreplaceable to hobbyists as a source of
restoration parts. The program allows all parts to be recycled except the
engine. During the scrappage debate, SEMA maintained that a better
environmental approach would have been to support vehicle repairs,
installation of specialty equipment to reduce emissions and increase
fuel economy, and engine recycling.

Ethanol-15: SAN submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) opposing a request to allow the ethanol
content of gasoline to increase to 15 percent (from 10 percent). SAN
cited concern that the additional content could harm automobile parts
of all ages, including special interest collector and historic vehicles. A
number of other organizations expressed similar concerns. Tests using
ethanol concentrations of up to 20% have shown a notable increase in
wear on vehicle fuel systems produced up through model year 1995,
and especially for pre-1990 vehicles. Fuel pumps, tanks, seals, hoses
and other rubber components are particularly subject to failures. The
EPA has until Dec. 1 to decide whether to grant or deny the request.

Caucus Corner

Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.

Here are its newest members:

California
Assemblymember Bill Emmerson
Assemblymember Ted Gaines

It’s been a good run…

It is with sadness as well as a sense of excitement for future challenges that I share with you that I will be stepping down as director of the SEMA Action Network. Over the last five years, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with such a dedicated and passionate group.

Rest assured I won’t be going far as I will be working in another department within the SEMA organization. In this new role I will be helping to support our industry in these tough economic times.

While there are far too many people to thank, including the SEMA Government Affairs team and the SEMA staff who worked to produce a quality newsletter each month, I am grateful for the support demonstrated by so many SAN members during my tenure as director. I truly value the friendships that I have made with so many of you.

I frequently commented that while I was fortunate to be behind the wheel of the organization, it was and always will be the commitment of enthusiasts to protect this hobby that truly drives the SAN. Countless phone calls and e-mails to lawmakers demonstrated the true power and
effectiveness of our collective voices. I take comfort in knowing that every day there are more individuals and car clubs joining the SAN to help carry on that fight.

I pass the torch now to Ethan Landesman, who has been brought in to lead our hobbyist crusade in the years ahead. I leave the SAN in good hands. Please give Ethan the same support you’ve shown me over the past five years.

Again, I share my deepest and sincere thanks for your support.

As my contactinformation will remain the same, please feel free to e-mail me at jasont@sema.org if I can be of any assistance in the future.

Hey That’s My Car
The car is a “true barn find.”

1960 Chevrolet Corvette
Owner: Garry Yoder
Boynton Beach, FL

I saw a small ad in the local weekly newspaper in 1982 for this car and found it was located in a barn less than a mile from my home in rural Cincinnati. I purchased it for $5,000 and towed it home. The original owner raced the car for 10 years and then sold it to his 17 year old neighbor for $1,200.00. The kid wrecked it in one week! It then sat for 10 years in his mother’s barn as he was never able or motivated to repair it.

I bought it in that condition. I did a 20 week frame-off with the help of a friend. This was in the summer of 1983. Then I put the car away in my shop where it sat for another 17 years! I was into other Corvettes over those years with my two sons. Finishing this one was not on the prioritylist. When I retired to Florida, I paid a highly recommended restorer in the area to re-assemble the car from the boxes of parts I had accumulated over the years.

The car had 1949 technology, was not real dependable, or fun to drive, but it sure looked nice! I drove it approximately 500 miles before deciding to do the resto-mod after seeing huge prices paid for resto-mod C1 vettes at auctions such as Barrett-Jackson. I shopped several builders and due to none of them meeting my strict standards, or being able to take the job in less than a
couple of years, I decided to do the job myself.

Since restomoding the car,I have had it in 10 shows, won 10 trophies, and
driven the car about 1,100 miles. The craftsmanship and finish are top notch.

Sharing the Podium
Driving Force Receives Multiple Automotive Press Awards

Recently, the SEMA Action Network received a series of awards from its colleagues
in the automotive publishing industry. First off, Driving Force received Gold, Silver,
and Bronze medals from the International Automotive Media Awards for multiple editions
and cover designs in 2008. The newsletter was also recognized by Old Cars Weekly
News & Marketplace with their ‘Golden Quill’award for “outstanding efforts in the
communications field of the old car hobby.”

While extremely honored and grateful for the recognition, the SEMA staff that produce
Driving Force in return thank the numerous car clubs and individuals who have submitted
stories and profiles for each issue. By allowing us to share your story we are able to
provide great examples of the positive impact this hobby has on our communities.
Most of all we have fun doing it.

A big “Thank you” to all of you for making the SAN and Driving Force what it is today.

Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!
Put SAN on Your Mailing List!

We’d like to know what’s going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you’re involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.

One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what’s going on and what’s important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list.

Send correspondence to: Ethan Landesman, SEMA, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500,
Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail at ethanl@sema.org.

September 2009 SAN Club Events

Arkansas
September 11-13, Little Rock
21st Annual Fall Street Machine Nationals
Information: http://www.streetmachinenationals.net/event/90 or 317/236-6515

California
September 11-12, Eureka
Cruz ‘N’ Eureka
Information: http://www.cruzneureka.org/ or 707/839-1192

September 12, Alhambra
Labor of Love Car Show
Sponsor: Undertakers So. Cal Car Club
Information: 626/483-9522

September 13, Long Beach
Belmont Shore Car Show
Sponsor: Bay City Rodders
Information: http://www.baycityrodders.com/ or 714/894-8411

California
September 20, Coronado
16th Annual Fall Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Camaro Club of San Diego
Information: http://www.camaroclubofsandiego.org/fc15.html or 619/670-1394

Colorado
September 19-20, Arvada
26th Annual Colorado English Motoring Conclave
Information: http://www.thecoloradoconclave.com/pages/welcome.htm or 303/755-1926

September 19, Aurora
3rd Annual Colfax Ave Cruise
Sponsor: Old Car Council of Colorado
Information: http://www.oldcarcouncil.org/Cruise-ins.html or 303/699-4819

Connecticut
September 13, Manchester
30th Annual Mustang Power Show
Sponsor: Mustang Car Club of New England
Information: http://www.mccne.com/ or 508/584-8848

Delaware
September 12, Delaware City
2009 Annual Car Show
Sponsor: British Car Club of Delaware
Information: http://www.bccdelaware.com/

Georgia
September 6, Atlanta
10th Annual Dixie Fried Car Show
Sponsor: Road Kings
Information: http://theroadkings.com/##

September 12, Augusta
6th Annual Augusta Vintage Nationals
Information: http://augustavintagenationals.com/ or 706/790-6607

September 25-27, Hiaqassee
Southeastern MG Fall Gathering of the Faithful
Sponsor: Southeastern MGT Register
Information: http://www.semgtr.org/ or 770/457-4561

Illinois
September 10-12, Cordova
2009 AMC Nationals
Sponsor: National American Motors Drivers & Racers Association
Information: 262/843-4326

September 12-13, St. Charles
14th Annual Fierorama
Sponsor: Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts
Information: http://www.fierofocus.com/ or 630/983-6434

September 18-20, Joliet
Chicagoland Nationals
Information: http://www.chicagolandnats.com/# or 925/838-9876

September 20, Lemont
14th Annual Fall All Pontiac/GMC Car Show
Sponsor: Illinois Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club International
Information: 815/245-2308

September 25-27, Springfield
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Information: http://www.familyevents.com/event/87 or 317/236-6515

Indiana
September 18-20, Indianapolis
28th Annual Fall 4Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Information: http://www.4wheeljamboree.com/event/12 or 317/236-6515

Iowa
September 12, Roseburg
Wine, Wheels and Art
Information: http://www.uvwineartandmusic.com/ or 541/440-2697

Kansas
September 4-6, Kansas City
8th Mid-Western Nationals
Information: http://good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=09-624 or 925/838-9876

Kentucky
September 11-13, Carrollton
12th Annual September in the Park
Sponsor: Derby City Mustang Club
Information: http://derbycitymustangclub.com/ or 502/254-2606

Maryland
September 12, Columbia
21st Annual All Chevy Show
Sponsor: Maryland Camaro Club
Information: http://mdcamaroclub.com/2006allChevy/default.htm or 410/877-0380

Massachusetts
September 5-6, Falmouth
Dream Cruise by the Sea
Sponsor: Falmouth Classic Car Club
Information: www.falmouthdreamcruise.com/ or 508/540-7426

September 13, Dedham
16th Annual Vintage Era Days & 1st Annual Chrome, Color & Fins
Sponsor: Bay State Antique Auto Club
Information: http://bsaac.com/ or 781/459-8800

September 26, Weston
Weston & Wayland Rotary Club Antique and Classic Car Show
Information: http://www.westoncarshow.com/ or

Michigan
September 11-13, Kalamazoo
Street Rod Nationals North
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/141 or 901/452-4030

Minnesota
September 7, Hugo
9th Annual Labor Day Car Show
Sponsor: North Star Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club
Information: http://www.northstarwheel.com/ or 763/560-9191

Mississippi
September 18-20, Tunica
9th Annual Delta River Cruise
Sponsor: Memphis Street Rods
Information: http://www.memphisstreetrods.com/ or 901/360-8600

Missouri
September 19, Earth City
11th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: American Roadhouse Car Club
Information: http://www.americanroadhouse.org/2009showflyer.pdf or 636/462-1775

Nebraska
September 6, Bennington
2nd Annual All Car-Truck-Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Midwest Early Corvettes
Information: http://www.midwestearlycorvetteclub.com/ or 402/334-5730

New Hampshire
September 19, Manchester
Cars for a Cause Car Show
Information: 603/836-2247

New Jersey
September 19, Ocean Grove
12th Annual Brits on the Beach
Sponsor: Positive Earth Drivers Club
Information: http://www.pedc.org/

New Mexico
September 13, Albuquerque
17th Annual Make-A-Wish Benefit Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Rio Grande Corvette Club
Information: http://www.rgcc.us/Events.html or 505/440-5675

New York
September 11-13, Lake George
21st Annual Adirondack Nationals
Information: http://www.adirondacknationals.com/ or 518/821-6237

September 13, Wampsville
49th Annual Antique Car Show & Flea Market
Sponsor: The Mohican Model A Ford Club
Information: http://www.mohicanmodela.org/index.php or 315/736-1928

Ohio
September11-13, Springfield
20th Annual IH Scout & Light Truck Nationals
Information: http://www.midnitestar.org/ or 937/525-9781

Pennsylvania
September 13, New Alexandria
Pittsburgh Classic All Volkswagen Car Show
Sponsor: South Eastern Volkswagen Association
Information: http://www.sevwa.com/pittsburghclassic.htm or 919/616-2183

September 19, York
York on Wheels
Information: http://www.yorkheritage.org/specialevents.asp?id=6 or 717/848-1587

September 25-27, Long Pond
5th Annual Great American Nationals
Information: http://www.greatamericannats.com/ or 925/838-9876

Tennessee
September 11-12, Pigeon Forge
Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup
Information: http://www.shadesofthepast.com/ or 865/995-9097

September 18-20, Nashville
30th Annual Music City Convention
Sponsor: Mid-Tenn Classic Chevy Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/mtccc/ or 615/824-8256

September 24-26, Sevierville
The Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest
Information: http://www.smokymtnautofest.com/ or 865/680-4193

September 26, Pulaski
26th Annual Antique Car Show
Sponsor: Pulaski Area Car Enthusiasts Car Club
Information: http://www.pacecarclub.com/ or 931/424-6559

Texas
September 5, Big Spring
Early Cars
Sponsor: http://www.earlycar.com/ or 432/263-0693

September 19, Seguin
9th Annual Classic Car Show
Sponsor: South Central Texas Chapter of POCI
Information: http://www.classicpontiac.org/CarShow.asp or 830/386-0338

Vermont
September 17-19, Burlington
17th Annual Northeast Street Rod Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/142 or 901/452-4030

September 18-20, Stowe
The British Invasion
Information: http://www.britishinvasion.com/index.html

Washington
September 12, Olympia
25th Annual Corvette & High Performance Open House
Information: http://www.corvhp.com/openhouse.htm or 360/754-7890

Wisconsin
September 6, Sheboygan
24th Annual Riverfront Custom Car Show
Sponsor: Kettle Moraine Corvette Club
Information: http://www.oopcd.com/kmcc/BH.09flyer.pdf or 920/565-3224

September 13, Ixonia
The President’s Cup
Sponsor: Wisconsin Region of Antique Automobile Club of America
Information: http://local.aaca.org/wisconsin/ or 414/236-9961

September 18, Wisconsin Dells
2009 Quadstate Oldsmobile Show
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/ocw/Quad2009.htm or 920/232-9031

September 26-27, Madison
Fall Jefferson Car Show and Swap Meet
Information: http://www.madisonclassics.com/car-shows/fall-jefferson.php or 608/244-8416

Canada

British Columbia
September 18-19, Radium Hot Springs
Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine
Sponsor: Columbia Valley Classics Car Club
Information: http://radiumcarshow.com/ or 250/347-9331

Early October Events

California
October 4, Anaheim
40th Annual All Ford Picnic & Car Show
Sponsor: Early Ford V-8 Club of American – Southern California Region
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/socalearlyfordv-8/ or 714/538-3957

October 2-4, Sacramento
Golden State Nationals
Information: http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/evdet/143 or 901/452-4030

October 11, Burbank
Throttlers 2009 Car Show
Sponsor: San Fernando Valley Model T Club
Information: 818/648-6982

Georgia
October 10, Ellijay
21st Annual Apple Classic Autoshow
Sponsor: Apple Country Auto Club
Information: 706/273-2582 or 706/635-2221

New Jersey
October 4, North Brunswick
22nd Annual Meet
Sponsor: NY/NJ Slant-Six Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=nynjslant6 or 732/549-0188

North Carolina
October 9-10, Myrtle Beach
Pow Wow at the Beach
Sponsor: Palmetto Chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club
Information: http://www.palmettopontiacs.org/palmettoevents.html or 864/923-3668

Pennsylvania
October 11, Houston
14th All Pontiac Car Show
Sponsor: Western PA. Chapter of Pontiac-Oakland Club
Information: 412/922-0616 or 412/833-1441

South Carolina
October 10, Ladson
22nd Annual Show & Shine
Sponsor: Lowcountry Mopars
Information: http://www.geocities.com/scmopar/#show or 843/797-3246

Texas
October 2-4, Ft. Worth
17th Lone Star Nationals
Information: http://www.lonestarnats.com/ or 925/838-9876