Couple of ducks Bill Harris Photos www.ocpanteras.com
June 2007
This year’s Huntington Beach Concours was a bit
cooler than last. We were blessed with
a slight morning overcast that made parking on the lawn comfy to display our
cats for the miles of onlookers.
Conversations with other car nuts were warmed by the mid day sun as we
introduced them to our unique marque.
Judges are an essential part of every Concours. This year early judges included a couple of ducks fresh from the nearby lake. Their special interest seemed to be the undercarriage as they searched for mud rather than the seagulls’ whose interest is strictly on the topside. Our own TPOC members doing the inspections this year included Colleen Lister covering Corvettes and Steve Freeman blanketing Panteras.
Mike Mariana took the Concours’ first place with his
blue ’71 that was displayed in the parking lot with the super expensive
cars. His was parked next to a highly
modified V12 MGA, ’74 Alpha Romero type 33TT, Enzo, new Bugatti, ’70 917 le
Mans winner clone, Ford GT along with a full complement of Saleen Mustangs.
Mike Taylor took the Street class with his
outstanding black ’71. The engine
compartment dazzled everyone with its high sparkle components contrasted
against the shiny gloss black paint.
Rick Flores won second with his stunning winged red ’72 while Leon Rower
garnered third with his nearly stock blue ’72 from San Diego sporting original
Arivas.
The rest of the pride included member Bill Harris
with his Silver GTS, Dave Rudderow showing last year’s winning red ’74. My bland white’73 paled compared to Carey
Foster’s bright yellow ’72. Gary Hirschberg
appeared without his award-winning car because his heroic efforts to prepare
his car caused a back injury. Judy
McCartney and Laurie Basile joined the group to cheer us onward. Even newly wed Ken Green and Anna spent time
with us.
The highlight, of course, was the celebration of
Gary Kiebel’s b-day. He and his daughter
Nicki honor this day by hosting the Pantera folks to a full BBQ on the
lawn. Ribs along with all of the
fixings were served to fulfill the ravages of hunger facing de Tomaso
proponents. Gary has contributed to my
portly frame --- much to my delight and to Phyllis’ dismay. (His Pantera needs a new master cylinder.)
PCNC (Northern Calif.) has an excellent idea of holding a concours of their own. It is called “Concours de la Garage”. Members would presumably display their inoperative de Tomaso in anticipation of various awards. Such an event may spark a renewed interest in getting our cars road worthy once again. Perhaps TPOC members would like to copy PCNC’s idea with a similar event in southern California so that we can double our count for next year. Let Dave Rudderow know your thoughts.
Meeting Speaker
was the very entertaining Wally Wyss;
the man of all trades related to autos.
He introduced his new book Shelby the Man, the Cars, the Legend
Iconographix. It’s a paperback with black and white photos to keep costs
down ($20) and offers many insights that create a complete picture of both the
man and his time. Each chapter is
opened with an imaginary introduction that sets the stage and peeks your interest
in what’s to come.
BBQ for Aug 4th
is at Carey Foster’s house in HB. A
chili contest is planned so bring your best crock, salad or finger food. Give Carey a call for directions.
Tech Inspector is
needed for TPOC cars in support of next year’s Fun Rally. Contact Rod for more info.
Reminders:
from rkunishige@hotmail.com. Please email needed corrections/additions to
me.
Jul 11 TPOC
Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461
Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your best…
Aug 4 TPOC
BBQ is hosted by Carey
Foster 714 962-5415. Bring your chili for the contest or some finger food to
share. Drinks will be provided.
Aug 8 TPOC
Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461
Brookhurst & Ellis FV.
Aug 17 MontereyConcorso
Itialiano Black Horse
Golf check Concorso.com or PI.
Sep 9 Belmont
Shore is always a hit
with those who like to shop. Contact Dave Rudderow for the 6:30am rendez-vous.
8/31 application deadline.
Sep 12 TPOC
Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461
Brookhurst & Ellis FV. I’ll be on
Maui!
Oct 10 TPOC
Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst
& Ellis FV.
Nov 3-4 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”.
Nov 14 TPOC
Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461
Brookhurst & Ellis FV.
Dec 9 Xmas
Party $40pp for a sure
winner. Santa is expected in the same
place as last year. Where you nice?
Dec 29 Gondola Evening in Naples Bring your loved one or more for a ride in the canals and then to a dinner at as yet undisclosed restaurant.
Smog Legislation AlertOnce again this State leads the nation in reneging on prior agreements with the car hobbyists. For fellow California residents, please write or call the listed Senators. Non-resident be alert because this show is coming to your State. So, sign up on Sema Action Network at www.semasan.com in order to get the latest news on legislation throughout the country.Rod Kunishige=============== California Bill to Require ANNUAL Emissions Tests for Vehicles 15-Years Old and Older Passes Assembly; Moves to Senate Legislation (A.B. 616) to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15-years old and older has been approved by the California Assembly and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. The bill would also require that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. You may recall that in 2004 a new law was enacted in California to require the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. Pre-1976 motor vehicles would remain exempt under A.B. 616. The bill has been now referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. We Urge You to Contact Members of the Senate Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose A.B. 616 A.B. 616 ignores the minimal impact vintage cars have on air quality. A.B. 616 could entice vintage car owners into allowing these vehicles to be scrapped.A.B. 616 ignores the fact that vehicles 15-years old and older still constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.A.B. 616 ignores the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.A.B. 616 would increase costs by creating an annual inspection fee for owners of these vehicles.A.B. 616 represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars. Please contact members of the California Senate Transportation Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to A.B. 616. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Senate Transportation Committee:Senator Alan Lowenthal (Chair) Senator.Lowenthal@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4027Senator Tom McClintock (Vice Chair) Senator.McClintock@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4019Senator Roy Ashburn Senator.Ashburn@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4018Senator Gilbert Cedillo Senator.Cedillo@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4022Senator Ellen Corbett Senator.Corbett@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4010Senator Robert Dutton Senator.Dutton@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4031Senator Tom Harman Senator.Harman@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4035Senator Christine Kehoe Senator.Kehoe@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4039Senator Joe Simitian Senator.Simitian@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4011Senator Tom Torlakson Senator.Torlakson@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4007Senator Leland Yee Senator.Yee@senate.ca.gov (916) 651-4008 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 Phyllis if you would like a free TPOC badge. We urge each of the 91 members to wear them proudly.