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December 2007

Jan 9 TPOC mtg 7PM at Mimi’s on Brookhurst Fountain Valley.

Christmas Party was well in keeping with tradition (pics by Bill Harris). This year was a bit smaller and more intimate group. Fellowship grew throughout the event as we started in the parking lot admiring our cars and elbowing our way to the bar. Close inspection of Bill Wright’s GT40 had us wondering why the placement of the outboard gas tanks served as a bridge to hurdle for both passenger and driver. Big thanks goes to Bob Singer, Ron and, of course, Gayle Huff for directing the day. Her jokes and tributes to the many who were awarded the annual Davey trophies were hits. Dave was surprised to get an old book on the Cola Soda history whose page featuring an American Austin was bookmarked with a piece straight from Rod’s reading room. Armfuls of gifts left the site carried by raffle winners. Even the gorgeous table decorations were donated by the Huff’s to lucky ones. Special thanks goes to the other chapters who join us each year to make this occasion worthy of the season.

Gondola ride hosted by Bob Singer & Gary Hirschberg gave us a windless evening on the canals of Naples. Enough chill kept the wine at the right temperature while blankets and good cheer warmed our hearts. Nearly every house was still decorated with Christmas lights. Lighted trees were afloat in the Bay making them a beautiful background for the singing Gondoliers. Dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack was so ruckus that it would make a rock band envious of our loud meter readings. Two consecutive successes are bound to encourage a third. What do you think, again next year?

Reminders: from rkunishige@hotmail.com. Please email needed corrections/additions to me.

Jan 9 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis, Fountain Valley.

Feb 3 Superbowl Party noon at Dave Rudderow’s is always fun for all. Enjoy a gathering of great folks. BBQ chicken is the fare; so , bring finger foods or something to go with the fowl.

Feb 13? TPOC Mtg 7pm Mel’s Drive-In Seal Beach MAYBE.

Mar 1-2 Willow Springs Open Track sponsored by Jim Saxton 626 285-2024. West Coast Racing invites you to run all makes & models at speed on the Willow Springs road course in Rosamond, just north of Lancaster. Jim and Cherie Saxton host both Pantera and Ferrari clubs for this two day event twice a year. TPOC helps registration Saturday as a fundraiser. So, bring your car and experience the fastest track in the west (often the site of new car testing as seen on Speed TV). The cars are divided into 4 classes based on your skill level from pro to novice (instructors provided) and car preparation. Or, come and make the TPOC treasury grow by helping with the registration and enjoy watching some very fast, expensive cars race. Be sure to offer a ride to the guy holding a helmet labeled with “ROD”.

Mar 12 TPOC Mtg

Apr 9 TPOC Mtg

Apr 30-5/3 Las Vegas Fun Rally & Track Event Register early. See POCA Newletter.

May 14 TPOC Mtg

Jun 11 TPOC Mtg

Jun 14? TPOC Swap Meet at Bud Williams’ garage 9am-2pm. Bring your stuff to sell or bring cash to carry goodies purchased. Chips and sodas provided. See Bud’s complete collection. It goes well beyond that shown in POCA’s article. I want a ride in the Sunbeam Tiger.

Jul 9 TPOC Mtg

Aug 13 TPOC Mtg

Aug 15-17 Monterey Concorso Itialiano Black Horse Golf check with PI. Sign up now. Rooms are limited.

Sep Belmont Shore

Sep 10 TPOC Mtg

Oct 08 TPOC Mtg

Nov 12 TPOC Mtg

Nov Willow Springs Open Track sponsored by Jim Saxton 626 285-2024.

Dec Christmas Party

Dec Gondola Ride

Smog Quel surprise! California changes the smog rules once more. This time the target is prior to 1996 autos and trucks. They remain a danger to society and must be hunted and destroyed. These vehicles must go through “Test Only” sites and fees roughly double that of the norm. Moreover, ALL vehicles older than 4 years require a new test for their Evac system --- adding 20 minutes at about $20 cost. Special equipment tests the canister and its tubing for leaks. The idea is that much of the tubing was destroyed by the State mandated MTBE fuel a few years back. Cars have anywhere between one and three lines, most are special shaped, but most Panteras I have seen no longer have either the single line nor its canister.

Using both barrels, the second shot was reported last November when the News announced that the smog police were out in force. Orange and LA counties have those dreaded “sniffers” at some of the freeway on ramps. They check for excessive smoke from accelerating cars and trucks entering the freeway. Plain white vans house the equipment that check and photograph suspected gross polluters. Violators will receive a gross polluter notice in the mail to volunteer the crushing of their car.

Remember two things. First is that this is the same equipment that its inventor declared as invalid. The reliability is exactly 50 percent. So, it’s the same as flipping a coin…half right half wrong. Second is, I believe, that our cars are subject to “gross polluter” rules. We may not be tested every other year or on transfer. But, we are required to maintain the stock equipment, are subject to visual inspection and are required to make repairs if we are found to be a “gross polluter”. Cars not brought into compliance are mandated to be crushed.

Las Vegas is once again upon us. This is our international gathering with fellow de Tomaso enthusiasts. There is ample opportunity to renew friendships or to make new ones. So, look at your POCA newsletter for further details and plan to participate. Bring your car to show at the Fremont Display or track it at the Speed Trials.

Willow Springs hosted by Jim & Cherie Saxton’s West Coast Racing in conjunction with both Pantera and Ferrari clubs give you the chance to take your car on the world famous high speed track. This open track for all and race for experts truly tests driver and car alike. Street cars abound as the Novice group makes full use of the free instructors to show the best line to take on each corner. They also advise you on the techniques to gain full control of your car while extracting the most from its features. Remember that there are four run groups based on your experience and two days packed with lessons to help understand your car’s limits and at the same time improve your driving skills. Come out to participate or watch the excitement. (A big draw is Cherie’s free lunch for TPOC members.)

Events are an essential part of the club’s wellbeing. Please consider hosting one of your choosing. The key is to bring like-minded people together for some fun. Contact Dave with your idea and let’s schedule it up for this year. It would be a special treat if some of the ladies would come up with an idea or more. I know that I sometimes get stuck in a rut and can’t seem to get those wheels in my mind spinning in a new direction. In other words, I am asking you, ladies, for directions.

Meeting Site Sought that will draw more members to attend. If you know of a place that can accommodate us, please speak up. Our intent is to have easy parking, good food, separate room to conduct the meeting, individual billing to free up those who need to leave early and a locale better suited for the majority of members. Talk to Dave.

Newsletters are posted on the web site in its own section for those who would like to see the color photos contained herein. Mailed newsletters are typically in b/w to reduce costs. Please let Judy know if you’d like to get your newsletter via email, by post or both.

Just ask if you would like a free TPOC badge. We urge each of the 91 members to wear them proudly. It is so much easier for me to guess your name if I can read it. Otherwise, I will likely call you Bob or Bill…sometimes Gary.