this might blow your mind, a steam locomotive themed motorcycle design by Colby Higgins, a student in Boston

see more of Colby's portfolio at http://www.coroflot.com/higginsc1

Parnelli Jones was a van parts supplier in the 70's... who knew? Travis just learned of it and spread the word on his blog

I learned about it on Travis's blog, Perich Brothers (and sister) http://perichbrothers.blogspot.com/2013/01/high-performance-van.html

1933 Fiat 508S Siata Mille Miglia Spyder

In 1932, Fiat produced their new 508 "Balilla" an innovative, light two and four-door sedans that soon became an ideal starting point for both privateers, organized shops and tuners to modify and race.

 The basic platform featured four-wheel hydraulic brakes and a 12-volt electrical system, something few manufacturers of the day could boast. The standard production versions offered 22bhp and a wide-ratio 3-speed gearbox giving moderate performance and top speed of nearly 100kph / 65mph.

 In one of those rare instances of "Man, Machine, Time, Place and Opportunity" in 1933, four perfect elements came together in the form of FIAT, GHIA, SIATA and the Mille Miglia! A loosely organized partnership between FIAT, Carrozzeria Ghia and SIATA's Giorgio Ambrosini that year saw the limited production of the Sport Spider 508S which was a two-seat roadster based on the Balilla and created by Carrozzeria Ghia for the FIAT factory.

 The vehicle came in two versions, one with cycle-fenders and the other with full-flowing fenders, both of which featured a lightened chassis, improved suspension and brakes. The cycle-fender version was called the Coppa d'Oro or "gold cup" and the stream-lined fender version the "Mille Miglia Spyder." Very few of either version were produced but they did well enough in the Mille Miglia and other European rallies, hill climbs and race events that today ownership of an original example is highly prized.

This particular example is one of the ultra-rare racing variant of the production 508 Balilla. Known as both the 508S Sprint Siata or "Mille Miglia" Spyder due to their enormous successes in the 1933 and 34 race Seasons.

The chassis number is 508S-018687 The "S" in the chassis number indicating that it was and remains one of the few Factory built competition models and that it therefore also has a Tipo 108S "Siata" engine.

And, it's for sale! http://www.symbolicmotors.com/detail-1933-fiat-508s_siata_spyder-mille_miglia-used-9238770.html

Does making a contribution to a Police association and getting a sticker in your back window keep the police from giving you a ticket for speeding?

Fuel delivery trucks, the variety is impressive

 I like the airplane in the background, and the design of the fuel truck back half.

looks very short, but I hope that is a optical illusion from the camera angle. I'm surprised that the letters are add ons. It looks really good.

wow, that is old.

The coolest of the photos here in my opinion, the 1940 Ford has been chopped to the belt line, and some odd panels on top of the fenders. Really professional looking, and of course, it's very cool that there is a plane in the background

Thanks Steve!

I haven't seen a double trailer in a long time

Even older that that gren truck, this is what a Mack truck looked like in the 19 teens. Solid rubber tires, looks like wood spoke rims, side curtains and a "C" cab.

Above is in the Ramsey Museum in Dover Ohio

 wow, great looking truck and tanks. And pumps were mounted on the sides! Cool!

all found on various posts on http://fifties50s.blogspot.com

it's amazing what can be found at swap meets, like this commercial grade spark plug cleaner and abrasive

found among various posts on http://fifties50s.blogspot.com

Coolest compliment from last year I just learned about

from http://roadsister00.com/2012/06/cool-car-news-and-awesome-sites-around-the-web-4.html#.UPDo5eQ0V8E

I can't find an email address on that site to send a thanks to, so I'll try this post as a thank you!

Sam posted a very good gallery of how bad parking is in New York, and what people are doing about it

see a couple more at http://samsebeskazal.livejournal.com/32177.html

clever ad for a Hyundai Sonata

the American Legion used to have parade trains. Jay found one in Delaware and got these up close photos, and I'm posting a couple more from other times and places.

Above is in Delaware

Alaska

Boston

Miami

Milwaukee

Richard Petty, you've probably heard, never turned away a fan that wanted an autograph... even when he wasn't feeling well. 10 years later, he remembered the guy who asked for a 6 pak air filter lid autographed. That is cool!

 above is 10 years before the below photo. Hey, how'd this guy get to talk to Richard Petty twice? He's a lucky guy in many ways, Mopar enthusiast, tolerant and cool wife, Superbird owner, and collector of the Richard Petty Special Edition lawnmowers http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2012/08/there-is-no-end-to-unusual-in-vehicle.html

thanks to Jay for the photos!

Even some boats have wheels!

both found on http://www.utsandiego.com/photos/latest/

Hot Rod Magazine went back to beautiful photography for a cover photo on this issue (Mar 2013)

Symbolic Motor Car Company is having it's annual Open House tomorrow! It's back!

Those of you who find themselves in Southern California this weekend might enjoy starting your Saturday morning at our Service, Race and Restoration facility for our first open house event of the new year.

Classic and contemporary vehicles will be in abundance as will many of our skilled staff of specialists and technicians.  Tours and viewing of current restoration projects as well as test drives will be ongoing throughout the morning.

Symbolic Service, Race and Restoration is located at:

11455 Sorrento Valley Road
San Diego 92121

All are welcome and invited to enjoy the cars, coffee and some tasty morning treats from 9:00 until 12:00.  A fair numer of our currently available classic vehicles will be on hand for those interesting in taking a closer look.  These will include some of the following:

-1933 FIAT 508S SIATA Mille Miglia Spyder        $249,000
-1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster                    $69,000
-1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL                    $849,000
-1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL                    $1,495,000
-1958 Aston Martin DB MKIII Saloon                $259,000
-1962 Maserati 3500GT                        $279,000
-1964 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster                $75,000
-1966 Oldsmobile Torondado Deluxe            $29,000
-1967 Austin Healey MK3000 Roadster            $75,000
-1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona                $339,000
-1973 Dino 246 GTS                            $289,000
-1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7                $349,000

For those interested, full sets of inspection photos, notes and records for each of these vehicles can be accessed here:

http://symbolicphotos.weebly.com

only available on magazine racks in stores, for some reason, Source Interlink Media doesn't send these to the subscribers of Hot Rod Delux, Car Craft, or Hot Rod Magazine. I would, wouldn't you?

If you hurry, and get looking in drug stores, grocery stores, etc etc you might still get a copy of Hot Rod Delux, Best of the Best. I got the last one in CVS Pharmacy when I went today... because I was looking for Overkill. Rat Rods and not so millionaire hot rods like you'll see at GoodGuys events. This is the first issue of Overkill, and I haven't had time to read either yet.

They both cost 17 dollars and change together, it's 8 dollars apiece and tax.

and it's time again, the last issue of Elapsed Times (from the Car Craft and Hot Rod magazine people) was in August. It was great. Worth the money and the trip to a store to find one.

While you are out there, look for Street Rodder Premium too