Category: Porsche 356

CARS & COWBOYS 2025

Car Guy Chronicles’ Jim Palam wrangles highlights from CARS & COWBOYS 2025, this year’s outstanding car show and fundraiser.

CARS & COWBOYS 2025The similarities are striking: Their lives are driven by an ethos of character, tradition, purpose, and independence. We’re talking about Car Guys and Cowboys, of course, who, along with Car Gals and Cowgirls, trekked up the twisty San Marcus Pass in Santa Barbara County to participate in the 4th Annual Cars & Cowboys 2025 car show and fundraiser.

This year’s exceptional event was relocated from the Santa Ynez Valley to the scenic Rancho San Marcus Golf Course, situated in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, adjacent to beautiful Lake Cachuma. In just four years, this exclusive show has doubled in size, attracting enthusiasts from not only the Central Coast but also from California cities and towns North and South.

The main attraction of CARS & COWBOYS 2025 is the exceptional collection of vehicles, wrangled once again by Pete Thomsen and his hard-working team of C&C volunteers. While each and every car was a standout, I’ve selected 14 to showcase here. The other big draw for attendees is the mouth-watering cowboy food and libations, live music, and above all, the live auction that raises money for the Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach programs, which include Meals on Wheels and seniors and veterans programs. Linda Linton, Assistant Director of SYV Foundation, and Pam Gnekow of the Buellton Senior Center were excited to let me know that over $100,000 was raised at the show for these critical programs!

So, what do you say, Buckaroos, is it time to check out some fabulous cars? You bet it is…

Back in 1960, this custom ’29 Ford Model A roadster, The Emperor, won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show. Built by Chuck Krikorian, Blackie Gejeian, and George Barris, it’s powered by a built 406 cubic-inch ’57 Caddy engine. This icon was prominently featured at the entryway to CARS & COWBOYS 2025 thanks to George’s daughter, Joji Barris, who trailered it up from Tustin, CA.

Mike Murphy drives his Flathead-powered ’27 Ford roadster onto the manicured Rancho San Marcus Golf Course show field. This car is a two-time winner at the RPM Nationals, a Central Coast eighth-mile racing event that pays homage to the early developmental days of drag racing. The roadster’s bored and stroked 278 cubic-inch ’48 Mercury engine guzzles its juice down from 4 Stromberg 81 carburetors.

One of the early arrivals at the event was this Summer Lemon ’67 Lamborghini Miura. That’s owner Gregg Dahlen’s wife beaming me a big, beautiful smile from the passenger seat as they were being directed to their show field parking spot by the course’s lake. There were approximately 137 Miuras produced in 1967, with 275 units overall produced during the 1966 – 1969 production run.

CARS & COWBOYS 2025Before AI started challenging our perception of reality, craftsmen and wizards were recreating rare and valuable automotive classics. Case in point: This fabulous, right-hand drive ’57 Jaguar XKSS Roadster – driven by owner Douglas Campbell 180 miles up from San Bernardino to the show – is not one of the original 16 built by Jaguar, but rather a stunning one-off, hand-crafted replica begging to be driven to heavenly destinations.

Another young carguy’s passion has taken flight! This is 16-year-old Jack Hyatt of Santa Barbara sitting on the wide door sill of Pieter Meijer’s fully-restored ‘64 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. Jack, a friend of the Meijer family, is already a prolific automotive blogger. You can check out some of his photos at https://www.instagram.com/driven.by.jack/

The original Allard roadsters were high-performance British sports cars built from 1951 to 1954 primarily for the American market. They featured powerful V8s like modified Flatheads, OHV Caddys, and Chrysler Hemis. When this drop-dead-gorgeous look-alike rolled in, I knew right away it wasn’t an original, but it does merit a spot in any carguy’s garage. This Allard Motor Works J2X MkIII has four integrated roll bars, two external roll bars, and a 430-horsepower, 6.2-liter GM LS3 E-Rod V8 mated to a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission.

Brian Bolton is easy to spot in the Santa Ynez Valley. He’s the guy with the big smile and an impressive collection of classic and fast vintage cars. The latest addition to his fantastic fleet is this provenance-rich Aston Martin DB 4 Series 5 Vantage, chassis 1127L, 1962 Turin Motor Show car. Finished in Aegean Blue with a Connolly Fawn interior, it is one of only two shipped to Italy, and one of twenty in left-hand drive.

Lee and Julie Carr brought two special cars to CARS & COWBOYS 2025: a ’69 De Tomaso Mangusta and this sublime ’57 Lincoln Continental Mark II. Julie’s Mark II is finished in non-gangsta Beige. Some may recall that in the mid-1950s, members of the mob, celebrities, politicians, and CEOs were the only ones who could afford the $10,000 price, nearly twice that of a standard Lincoln or Cadillac. Owners back then included Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Nelson Rockefeller, Cecil B. DeMille, and the Chairman of the Board himself, Frank Sinatra.

Alexandra Geramia also brought two classics to CARS & COWBOYS 2025 – a stately ‘26 Rolls Royce Shooting Brake, and this prewar ‘35 Adler Trumpf Junior Sport Roadster. Frankfort-based Adler started as a bicycle and then motorcycle manufacturer. In 1932, H.G. Röhr designed the 1.5-litre, 29-horsepower Trumpf, which had advanced technical features like front-wheel-drive, all-around independent suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. A 2.0-litre motor was available before the Trumpf production run ended in 1941.

I must confess that I walked by this ‘91 BMW ZI Roadster two or three times before I noticed it was the rare, short-lived, drop-door model. Also described as featuring downward retracting or vertically sliding doors, this rear-wheel-drive two-seater was never officially sold in the US. It was powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, sending torque to a “Z axle” multi-link rear suspension. Expect to pay between $45,000 to $65,000 for a well-maintained Z1.

https://www.instagram.com/driven.by.jack/About five years ago, vintage car collector and restorer Dana Newquist discovered the fuselage of a ‘48 Republic RC-3 Seabee amphibious seaplane in a junk yard. He knew immediately that he wanted to transform this treasure into his next custom automobile. These days, the Platypus Custom Coupe travels the California car show circuit, but the only original part of the Seabee is the door. All the body panels have been hand-formed in aluminum. Power comes from a period-correct ’48 Merc Flathead engine that sits behind the driver and is mated to a Ford C4 automatic transmission.

Business wiz Scott Kidd splits his time between wheeling and dealing in the Orange County real estate market and time behind the wheel of his all-original ’68 Porsche 911S up here in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he and his family live the good life. To Scott’s left is his friend Pete Thomsen, who is one of the Cars & Cowboys make it happen guys. Scott was up with the sun on show day, wrangling all the logistics for the show and the show cars. I asked if wearing flip-flops was the key to his indefatigable energy. He just smiled, handed me a show cap, and moved quickly back to making it happen.

If one needs proof that the cure for the blues is to Drive a Classic, they need only spend a few minutes with Peter and Kathy Halper. I grabbed this shot of the happy couple standing next to their timeless classic – the Friedrich Geiger-designed ‘71 Mercedes-Benz 280SL. Now you might be thinking they look extra happy – and that could be because they also brought their ‘65 Porsche 356 and ‘15 Porsche 991 GTS to CARS & COWBOYS 2025.

We are all looking forward to C&C 2026!

Story & Photos © Jim Palam, https://www.jimpalamphotos.com/

For more information about CARS & COWBOYS 2025, please visit https://carsandcowboys.com/

SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024

SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024: Competition, unique landscapes and discovering the region of Campania, Italy.

SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024You say Sorrento Roads and you think of motor racing jewels among the cliffs, lemon groves and colorful houses of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Also, Time Trials in unique views such as the port of Maiori and Marina d’Arechi, of the beauty of driving with the Gulf of Naples on the horizon and discovering a welcoming land, rich in beauty and culture, of food and wine delicacies and history. After Thursday’s technical and administrative checks at the Park of Villa Fiorentino, home of the Sorrento Foundation and located in the heart of the town, the following day the 30 crews competed in a Regularity Race of around 210 kilometers, accompanied by clear skies and bright sunshine that gave them a taste of the most authentic flavor of this land.

For the third year running, Alfonso Facchini and Luigia Olivetti in a 1938 B.M.W 238 won the SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024 Campania competition; second and third place on the podium for two 1955 Porsche 356s, the 1500 Speedster of Bonomi-Codini and the 1500 Coupé of Girardi-Mastellini.You say Sorrento Roads and you think of motor racing jewels among the cliffs, lemon groves and colorful houses of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Also, Time Trials in unique views such as the port of Maiori and Marina d'Arechi, of the beauty of driving with the Gulf of Naples on the horizon and discovering a welcoming land, rich in beauty and culture, of food and wine delicacies and history. After Thursday's technical and administrative checks at the Park of Villa Fiorentino, home of the Sorrento Foundation and located in the heart of the town, the following day the 30 crews competed in a Regularity Race of around 210 kilometers, accompanied by clear skies and bright sunshine that gave them a taste of the most authentic flavor of this land. For the third year running, Alfonso Facchini and Luigia Olivetti in a 1938 B.M.W 238 won the SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024 Campania competition; second and third place on the podium for two 1955 Porsche 356s, the 1500 Speedster of Bonomi-Codini and the 1500 Coupé of Girardi-Mastellini. Lunch in Capaccio, based on delicious local dairy products and a visit to the excavations of Paestum, a UNESCO heritage site with the cars positioned to frame the ancient ruins of the Greco-Roman era, provided pleasant moments of relaxation before the restart. Then it was off towards the stretch of road in Sorrento with a spectacular view of Naples and Vesuvius. The arrival in Sorrento was both warm and well attended, where the public enthusiastically welcomed the return of the crews. On Saturday the cars were exhibited to the public at Villa Fiorentino, where a popular jury appointed for the occasion voted for the cars with the best design and style: the 1959 Mercedes Benz 300 S Roadster of De Sanctis-Desanctis Morbiducci triumphed in both categories among the historic cars (built before 1980). Among the post-1980s, Ficca-Caruso's 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo was elected best design while the most votes for style went to Wagner-Wagner's 2008 Ferrari California. In the afternoon, the citizens of Sorrento were able to watch the thrilling 1 vs 1 knockout Regularity Challenge of the Trofeo Città di Sorrento: the winner of the last Sorrento Roads 2024 sporting activity was the Fiorentini-Ceci couple in a 1972 Porsche 911 T Targa. For more information about SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024 and the 1000 MIGLIA portfolio of classic events, please visit https://1000miglia.it/en/Lunch in Capaccio, based on delicious local dairy products and a visit to the excavations of Paestum, a UNESCO heritage site with the cars positioned to frame the ancient ruins of the Greco-Roman era, provided pleasant moments of relaxation before the restart. Then it was off towards the stretch of road in Sorrento with a spectacular view of Naples and Vesuvius. The arrival in Sorrento was both warm and well attended, where the public enthusiastically welcomed the return of the crews.

On Saturday the cars were exhibited to the public at Villa Fiorentino, where a popular jury appointed for the occasion voted for the cars with the best design and style: the 1959 Mercedes Benz 300 S Roadster of De Sanctis-Desanctis Morbiducci triumphed in both categories among the historic cars (built before 1980). Among the post-1980s, Ficca-Caruso’s 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo was elected best design while the most votes for style went to Wagner-Wagner’s 2008 Ferrari California.In the afternoon, the citizens of Sorrento were able to watch the thrilling 1 vs 1 knockout Regularity Challenge of the Trofeo Città di Sorrento: the winner of the last Sorrento Roads 2024 sporting activity was the Fiorentini-Ceci couple in a 1972 Porsche 911 T Targa.

For more information about SORRENTO ROADS BY 1000 MIGLIA 2024 and the 1000 MIGLIA portfolio of classic events, please visit https://1000miglia.it/en/

Hot Take: The Audi TT is the Reincarnated Porsche 356

Porsche 356

The Audi TT and the original Porsche 356 are both timeless classics, but first and foremost, they are driver’s cars.

Many people wish Porsche still made the 356 or something like it. Just not necessarily air-cooled or powered by a flat-four cylinder engine. You can buy 356 replicas and even turn your Boxster into a Speedster but I’m talking about a car that shares its roots with Volkswagen. A car that’s a bit rough and tumble and recalls the days when Porsches were attainable by people with modest means. A car that’s playful yet practical enough to be your only car. It’s not an outright sports car, but one rewarding to drive. Better still, one you’re willing to drive daily and even park on the street.

Fortunately, that car exists. And the reason I’m writing about it here and not Rennlist is because it’s the Audi TT.

Hot Take: The Audi TT is the Reincarnated Porsche 356

The original Porsche 356 shared many components with the Volkswagen Beetle. Porschephiles will cringe when you point that out, but it’s not a bad thing. The Audi TT also shares the VW Group A platform using the same configuration as the Audi A3 and VW Golf. It’s a solid platform that also underpins the Audi RS 3 which is a seriously good driver’s car. And like that car, the TT is a great car to drive. In fact, Car and Driver praised it for its balance and stability.

Driving it provides a similar experience to the Porsche 356 – just ask Wayne Carini. He owned an early TT Quattro and wrote about it in Hagerty. “The TT felt a lot like a Porsche 356 in that you didn’t need a ton of power to have a good time,” Carini said. Now over 20 years old, the original TT is gaining appreciation in the collector market. They don’t fetch obscene prices like the original Porsche 356. But with the general insanity happening on sites like Bring A Trailer, you never know what’s going to happen next.

Audi TT RS Back

The styling is also similar to the Porsche 356. Both vehicles have the distinctive shape of a streamlined VW Beetle, even though the TT’s engine is in front instead of the rear. The interior is simple and straightforward, matching the timeless look of the exterior. There’s no touchscreen to distract you.  Everything you need uses a button or switch and is within reach. Few cars make you want to sit in them just to look around, to take notice of your surroundings, instead of getting in and driving. Both the Porsche 356 and Audi TT share that trait.

The Audi TT is not an outright, thoroughbred sports car. Critics in the motoring press damn it with that faint praise. “The TT is good but not a true sports car like the Porsche Boxter or Cayman,” they say. But they are missing the point. Neither was the Porsche 356, which couldn’t match a Jaguar XK or Corvette in the sports car department. Both the Porsche 356 and Audi TT are driver’s cars. They are meant to drive on any road, in any weather. They are an antidote to the rolling Novacaine, appliance on wheels most cars are today. And they exist for us to enjoy.

Hot Take: The Audi TT is the Reincarnated Porsche 356

Recently Audi announced it will stop making the TT RS and stop importing the TT to the U.S. this year. It was a good run for a great car. A car that’s a modern classic and will someday fetch Porsche Speedster money. But like most things that come to an end, we didn’t know how good we had it.

Photos: Audi and Porsche

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Mark Webb is fascinated by anything automotive and particularly loves cars that are unusual or have a good story. He’s owned a variety of cars from 60’s muscle, Japanese imports, and oddities like a VW Thing and Porsche 924. After 20 years in the automotive and tech industries, he’s a walking encyclopedia of car info and is always on the lookout for his next project or a good road trip.