Another month, another Sunday. More Cars and you better believe, more Coffee. I bid farewell to these enjoyable niche meets with a latte on my right hand and a Nikon D80 on the left; all in a zealous attempt to get better at a new found hobby–photography.
Much like the car culture, photography is a means of self expression and therefore only natural that the two dance a fine line. It's an art that is difficult to master but just as well rewarding when accomplished.
Building a car and planning a project takes a very long time to perfect and with photography it is no different. Having a keen eye and some enthusiasm helps speed up the learning curve, but there is no replacement for practice.
Which gives me a great reason to aimlessly roam around looking for things that catch my eye. Abstract shapes from unconventional perspectives that never get explored by the usual onlooker. When's the last time you got down on your knee to observe a car from the floor or straight ahead?
They are however static entities, whereas people on the other hand (not the one with the latte) are lively and full of expression. Because of its dynamic nature, capturing the emotions at the right time requires good instincts.
Working on that aspect of things, I figured this was a good time to introduced myself to Dwayne, who is always around at C&C. He was more than willing to tell me about his 96' LS Integra that he's been pecking at for several years. To see an older DC2 in this shape for a Northeastern specimen is refreshing to say the least.
Having a look-see inside I was even more surprised to find a JDM ITR steering wheel, gauge cluster and spotless tweed covered door panels.
A Checkerd Sports shift knob and blue stitch shift boot blended together just right.
Even the USDM ITR seats were redone in the same fashion and in line with OEM quality standards.
At last month's C&C, I used SHG_Token's Canon XSi which was completely new to me, though by remembering the basics and trying different settings under manual mode, I managed to do a better job than even I had hoped for. It marked a new initiative to not only shoot important SHG activities like Evan and Theresa's track day at WGI, but also local events that I take interest in attending.
The goal was never to create a trendy blog but to capture some of the things that we do and like. Spending countless hours taking/editing photos and writing blog posts takes some effort and time but there is no financial gain, this is purely for the readers enjoyment and myself.
Blogging is a way for me to not only improve my writing, but to also become a better spoken individual. Generally, we are all speakers rather than writers, but how can we speak well if we can't write well? Think about that.
With a sharper finger and a clearer mind, I have been better able in letting words flow out steadily without refraining myself. It's best to leave the editing for later, otherwise every sentence laid would be erased and rephrased enough times over for the train of thought to find a new route.
You've all heard the old saying "a picture means a thousand words" and that is true, but I also believe that it works the other way as well. A picture without words is just that, a visual cue that is open for interpretation.
Taking countless photos and dumping them onto a photo hosting website is all fine and dandy, but there is something to be said about the story behind those photos that can only be expressed through words–spoken or written, heard or read.
Take Adam's classic 1966 Porsche 912 for example, he's only had it for a year and has already gotten a full restoration done. A repeat offender he is, also responsible for bringing that gorgeous Mint Green 82' 911 last time out. You can say he has a thing for P cars.
Wood grain gripping, Gulf Blue dripping. Adam had the full car sanded down to bare metal and then repainted this color. While not the original color of this 912, it was still an original Porsche color available in that year for this model. It's details such as those that are important in staying true to heritage and lineage.
A flat four air cooled 1,600cc powerhouse pushes a whopping 90hp. Not bad right?
In all seriousness, the 912 was a faster all around car than the 911 because of its 5 speed transmission, lower curb weight and better aerodynamics. So yes, not bad.
The balsa wood shift knob is a replica of the 917's made by TREMotorsports but it wouldn't have the same feel if it didn't have the optional wood grain steering wheel to go along. Nothing but the right touches if you get my flow.
If Ferdinand Porsche was still around, he would be pleased to know of his brand's cult following. Timeless designs can and will do that.
Other than a very simple meticulous restoration, this 912 is essentially all stock. Even down to the 16x4.5'' steel wheels.
I hear Adam has another Porsche that he hasn't brought out. Unfortunately for us this is the season closer so until next year, we're in the dark.
Now I'm not entirely sure about what a snake has to do with a horse, but this Mustang Cobra was the real deal.
A Kenne Bell supercharger is responsible for the cavalry packed under the hood and if there is one sound that I can distinctively remember it's the KB's whine. Too bad I didn't get the chance to hear it running. It even had a methanol injection system, I take my hats off to this.
What was unique about this particular Cobra were the Maximum Motorsports camber plates. You'd be hard pressed to see the average domestic owner go this extra step.
By examining the front tires, it is obvious that the suspension alignment has been properly set up as the camber settings makes full use of the thread width. I love it!
A Boss 302 Stang in NA trim was about the "slowest" muscle car there. Yeah they don't play!
Just when I thought I had seen it all, a Lamborghini Gallardo showed up.
Something light, you know, nothing too crazy. Just 19'' wheels to cover its massive brakes, no biggie.
Who am I kidding, any car that is just as good looking as it is fast, is a-ok in my book.
Even if they are 10 notches above my pay grade, I can still admire the aggressive styling.
Since when did John Deere start producing scooters? I must have missed the newsletter.
Decades later this NA1 NSX still looks every bit as good as the day it came off of the assembly line.
Just perfectly mint and original. What else can be said!
Just like this 01' Silverstone Silver S2000 with a mere 88,000 miles on the clock. After months of shopping around SHG_Mike came across this gem and wasted no time in pulling the trigger.
Bone stock besides a Buddy Club Type A shift knob and some older Bridgestone RE11s but before long this AP1 will be turned into a track prepped weekend racer.
I've always had a thing for S2000s and knowing Mike, he won't disappoint. Being privy to some insider intel, I can already envision the finished spec and might just be as excited as he is.
Having briefly owned a 97' Integra Type R shell project, switching to a running project was a relief. Building a car from scratch is a learning experience but no matter how you slice it, work is work and there is no way around that.
It is the perfect candidate for a track car and with the black and red interior, a visually pleasant daily driver until then.
Even Joe's Firebird has some new upgrades. Sticky Falken 615ks in staggered sizes to revamp the handling and looks department.
A restomod like this is my cup of tea, the body which is most important is retained the same, but with modern day suspension upgrades making all of the difference in handling and overall feel.
5.0 Foxbody Mustang looking very clean for a race car, the interior was done true to its era with the artic white Autometer gauges and classic Hurst "palm" shift knob.
Pepe seemed to be enjoying himself again in the warm fall weather. Maybe if this keeps up we can have a second season closer?
Well anyhow, big thanks to Chris Cavalieri for not only giving me a ride to the event, but also setting up this wonderful event as well as everybody that has supported it and made the effort to come out.
Till next year everyone!
