Monthly Archives: July 2008

The auctioneer’s voice, announcing ever-increasing dollar amounts in increments of $50 and $100, could be heard outside the building, and once inside, banter focused on the cars and a few pickups on the block. Twenty three of cars in the show, part of the collection of Gayland Hagleshaw of Bay City, were without a minimum price, prompting low winning bids. A 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air four-door sedan went for $2,700, even after staff popped the hood to discover — and cheer like they’d hit a jackpot — that it was powered by a V8 engine. He smiled when he said that he bought the Corvette to impress his companion at the auction, Vivian Stafford of Midland, but that she didn’t really care too much about cars. Other cars being auctioned included a 1930 Model A Ford, 1941 Buick Super 8 four-door sedan, 1950 Chevy 3100 pickup, 1964 Jeep J3 4X4 owned by a sponsor of the AJ Foyt Racing Team, a 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado two-door hardtop, and a 1997 Chevy Suburban with custom paint, wheels, interior and stereo system. read more  Read more... (191 words, estimated 46 secs reading time)

The first of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 super cars the most powerful production vehicle General Motors Corp. Also the most-expensive Chevrolet ever produced, with a list price of $103,300, the ZR1 showcases the capabilities of the world’s largest automaker, but comes perhaps at the wrong time, as the nation grapples with $4-a-gallon gasoline and consumers turn their attention to fuel-efficient vehicles. Even though its fuel economy is better than that of most V-8 powered pickup trucks, the ZR1 is subject to a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax because it is a car; trucks are exempt from the tax. ZR1 models come only in the coupe body style and with a six-speed manual gearbox; the six-speed automatic offered on the standard models is not available on the ZR1 or Z06. Leather seats are standard, but the optional interior package brings custom heated sport seats embroidered with the ZR1 logo, side air bags, a Bose audio system, navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a power telescopic steering column. read more  Read more... (177 words, estimated 42 secs reading time)

The president of Rad Rides by Troy, a Manteno, Illinois-based custom car shop known for its creativity, craftsmanship and award-winning vehicles, Trepanier builds cars for many of the top car collectors in the country while working closely with major OEMs such as General Motors, Chrysler, Ford and Toyota. He will also serve as the Guest of Honor and Honorary Judge at the first-ever Woodward “Dream Show” — a juried car exhibition and competition at Northwood Shopping Center (northwest corner of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile) and appear on this year’s official program cover. The “Dream Show” will also feature live entertainment, including an appearance by Motown legends the Contours and a classic car auction, administered by the American Concours Foundation with vehicles available on eBayMotor. The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and over 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles. read more  Read more... (169 words, estimated 41 secs reading time)