Author Archive for Richard
I grew up and lived in Iowa for nearly 40 years before moving to Southern California. The time there was very rewarding but the urge for a slower pace moved us to Tennessee a few years ago and we love it. I have been into cars since I was old enough to remember. I don't have a brand loyalty although I do prefer American Muscle. As long as it has four wheels on it I get excited. Few men are lucky enough to be able to share their passion for cars with the woman they love. Fortunately, my wife Katriana is also a gear head and many of our activities revolve around the cars. When they don't we are usually out with our miniature donkeys. You can see more about that part of our lives at http://www.LegendaryFarms.com.
Kids Don’t Try this at Home.
Road Kill by Motor Trend is like drinking fine wine out of a oil can. Motor Trend is one of the best known car magazines. It has been around forever and is know for new car road test and Car of the Year Awards. I consider it old, established and conservative. Road Kill is none [...]
Riverside CA Motor Trend 500
My favorite race track remains the Riverside Road Course in Riverside CA. It no longer exists thanks to some stupid politicians and greedy developers. That may be a little harsh in that everyone is entitled to do what they want with their own property but the loss of Riverside Raceway was tragic. I have attended [...]
Tom McEwen The Mongoose Part 2
I thought maybe you would like a little more of the Mongoose so here is some video.
Hot Wheels Match Race Haulers
Back in the early 1970s Drag Racing was really catching on and star Match Races were a big draw. Every kid, like many today, wanted Hot Wheels. What better way to promote a product than to blend the real with the toy? This 1967 D-700 has a remarkable place in racing history. It first began [...]
1939 Delahay Type 365 Cabriolet
There is a point when a car is so wonderful it is no longer just a car. Its beauty may transform it into sculpture. Its power may make it a racing icon or its ownership may make it a historical artifact. This car is arguably one of the most beautiful in the World. We found [...]
Black Corvettes
One of the all time favorite colors of Corvettes other than red has to be black. It seems that regardless of the type of car you have it will likely look good in black. However, we all know that to have a quality show car in black requires that the body be perfect because black [...]
The So-Cal Special
So-Cal Speed Shop is an Icon for the hot rod world and arguably one of its best known creations is the So-Cal Special. After World War II there were a lot of surplus war items and returning GIs were innovative, creative and ready for thrills. Hot Rods and Drag Racing were the outlet for many. Building a [...]
Not a Barn Find…It’s a Lake Find!
Today, it seems everyone wants to discover a Barn Find. The desire to find that rare hidden away vehicle that no one has seen for decades. Most of us dream of a forgotten Cobra, Corvette or Hemi. I challenge you to dream a little bigger. How about finding a multi-million dollar car at the bottom [...]
Buyer Beware!
On our sister site www.TalladegaSpoilerRegistry.com we constantly track the sale of for sale status of the 1969 Ford Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler/Spoiler II and related cars. On that site we recently provided everyone with an update on the sale of a number of cars at auctions and other outlets over the past few weeks. [...]
Peterson Automotive Museum
If you are ever in the Los Angeles area do not leave without visiting the Peterson Automotive Museum. I don’t care how many times you have been there, go again. It is always changing and always thrilling. We will give you a much more in depth coverage with video at another time but here is [...]
What are you working on? John Craft
John Craft, Texas, has a couple of very interesting projects going on in his garage. The first is a real deal 1964 Ford Galaxie race car. You need to know a little history on this car. It was originally the 1964 Holman Moody “House car” (C4HM=10041). It was an “extra” chassis that H&M prepared for “celebrity” [...]
So Cal Speed Shop
We recently paid a return visit to arguably the best known speed shop in the Country, So Cal Speed Shop. We were fortunate enough to visit and tour the shop several years ago but on this trip Katrina was with me and she desperately wanted to see their facilities in Pomona CA. We were lucky [...]
2013 Detroit Autorama Ridler Award
The Ridler Award given out each year at the Detroit Autorama for the past 50 years is arguably the most prestigious award a car builder can put on his shelf. The cars that compete cost more than some of us will earn at work in a lifetime. The video below not only recaps some of [...]
Mullin Automotive Museum
Southern California has no shortage of great car places. Hot rod shops, cruise-in places, historic custom car builders, collectors and of course the best of car museums. It is all but impossible to pick the best one. On a recent trip to the Golden State we had the very rare opportunity to visit the Mullin [...]
Hot Rod Magazine 65 Year Cover Car Show
Last weekend Katrina and I attended the Hot Rod Magazine 65 Year Cover Car Show. If you haven’t heard about this show then you don’t read Hot Rod. For the first time they invited every car that had ever been on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine to attend a car show in Pomona, CA [...]
1200 Horse Power, Australia and lots of Smoke!
Here is another Road Kill from the folks at Motor Trend. It is 27 minutes but it will blow your mind what those crazy gearheads do downunder. You think burnout contests here in America are nuts you have to see this video.
Building a VW in a “glass house”
This is a Collector Car site and we mostly focus on Muscle Cars. To some, even a VW is a collector car and for most of us anything car related is of interest. This video is neither about classic cars or even American cars but it will be of interest to any gearhead. If you [...]
Body Art
This is a very interesting story I found on the Internet about Body Art and cars. A wrecked car is always something that is of interest to me. The way the body crumples and changes shape due to the impact in some morbid way is intriguing. Check out how one artist convinced 17 people to [...]
Jeff Gordon “Test Drives” a Camaro
In the past I have not been a big fan of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon. He always seemed a bit, how do I say it? Wimpy and whinny. That was until I saw this video of him taking a test drive in a used Camaro. He did what most of us have wanted to do forever. However, [...]
Motor Trend Road Kill
 I have subscribed to Motor Trend Magazine for decades off and on. I have always considered it a good magazine with lots of info on the new cars. When the foreign cars began to invade our Country it seemed to lose its edge and was not so appealing. Today, that is changing and nothing demonstrates that more than Motor [...]
Credit Cards Accepted Here
Since this site opened we have relied on PayPal to collect payments for anything purchased from our Online Store. If you are not aware, their fees are very expensive for the seller. It has become a more and more burdensome expense for us. It even reached the point were we contemplated closing our store. Fortunately, [...]
What are you working on?
This is what we started with. We have been telling you about what others are working on so I thought it was time for us to share a little more about what we are working on. Our current project is top secret but I will give you a few peeks at it. First up it [...]
1960 Ford Starliner
If you like cars, I mean all cars not just the brand you drive, then you most likely have a warm spot in your heart for the 1960 Ford Starliner. Ok, so it’s not the most popular car in your list of must haves. However, it was unique and very symbolic of the early 60s. [...]
Richard Petty goes Drag Racing
So you think the King, Richard Petty, was only a 200 time winner in NASCAR? Well, there was a time when he and NASCAR had a falling out and he went drag racing. It didn’t last long and he certainly didn’t leave with a record like he had at the circle tracks but here is [...]
What are you working on?
We like to hear from each of you on what your current projects are. One of our friends from down in the Dallas area and long time Ford guy, Marty Burke has two projects I think any of us would be proud to have in our garage. First up is a black Cyclone he took [...]
Fan Involvement in NASCAR
I sat down in the easy chair to watch the Sprint Unlimited race at Daytona over the weekend and came away feeling very old and very depressed. If I had not recorded it and fast forwarded through the race I most likely would have fallen asleep like my wife did. I know sponsor involvement is important to NASCAR but holly [...]
Rat Rod Rumble 2012
We have a lot of viewers who absolutely love Rat Rods and we have really not given them much to look at for a long time. Here is a video we came across that may keep some of you entertained until we can get back and get some of our photos and videos up.
2014 Corvette Hits the Road
So you have the best job in the World, you test drive new Corvettes 6 months before the first one is released to the public. You get to drive fast on some twisty Arizona roads and sudenly it isn’t such a great joby any more. Now you are on your cell phone trying to explain [...]
1969 Mercury Cyclone Reproduction Spoiler For Sale
Reproduction Spoilers are now available! One of the big problems for enthusiasts wanting to restore their 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler or Spoiler II has been what to do about that missing or damaged rear spoiler. Some of the cars never had the spoiler installed at the dealership. If the spoiler was installed it has likely [...]
Barn Find?
I am not sure if this car was found in a barn or not. However, I do know that it was found a long ways from where it was sold new. For those of you not deep into the Blue Oval Ford cars, the 1968/69 Mercury Cyclones are getting rather rare. They are terrific cars, well priced [...]
Prototype Mustang
The following photos and article came to us from the folks at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. We have been to this event and it should be on every car guy and gals bucket list. It is all that you can imagine it would be with muscle cars to vintage race cars, concept cars as [...]
Compare Mustang Shelby GT 500 and Camaro ZL1
Our friends at Motor Trend have more fun than anyone deserves at work and get paid for it. However, I am disappointed in that what they give us is a great show but they then come to a conclusion that is not demonstrated in their on screen comparison tests. Watch for yourself and see if you agree.
1968 Shelby GT 500KR Road Test
I am a big fan of these old Road Test shows. Now with YouTube we can still enjoy them. The cars were flogged in their original condition unlike today’s restored and pampered originals. When was the last time you saw a KR or any Shelby with the factory original hubcaps? The Shelby GT 500KR came [...]
1973 Ford Torino-Speedway Newsletter
Since we are about to enter the 2013 Daytona Speedweeks which kick off the new race season I thought it would be fun to go back 40 years and see what was happening in 1973. The following information was provided by Steve Marek and was taken from the Ford and Mercurys Speedway Newsletter from the early 80s. [...]
2014 Corvette
I have owned Corvettes, old and new since I was 21 years old. That amounts two approximately two dozen different cars over the years. Each one had an entireley different personality. It wasn’t until the C5 cars came out that I absolutely fell in love with them. The C5, in my mind, was the very [...]
Getting Respect
I have found that most people, car folks or not, respect other peoples property. However, there is a certain portion of the general public that are absolutely oblivious to respecting others’ property; heck they don’t even know what a high quality object is. It is these people who make car shows stressful and leaving your [...]
Set Up Day at the 2012 Muscle Car Corvette Nationals
Every year we go to several car shows ranging from local to national events. We go both as spectators and as participants. It is always much more fun when we are showing. Unfortunately, most people who go to a national car show and never get the opportunity to display their own car at such an event. They never [...]
Linda Vaughn Miss Hurst Shifter and 69 Hurst Olds
One of the true highlights of the 2012 Corvette Muscle Car Nationals was meeting Linda and seeing this iconic muscle car.
Boss 429 Mustang – ZL1 427 Camaro – 426 Hemi Cuda
I always enjoy picking you some old auto related documents and see what we being said at the time. Steve Marek was good enough to provide us with some of the old Speedway Ford and Mercury newsletters. Obviously, these are directed at the Blue Oval crowd but I think most of you will find these [...]
History of Ford
I recently found this graphic which although it never mentions many historical events I find important it does provide an interesting brief history of the Ford Motor Company. It was prepared by www.carinsurance.org.
Order Tickets for the Daytona 500, 1970 Race!
If you are all fired up to attend the opening NASCAR race at Daytona this year I can’t help you! However, if you want to attend the 1970 race try this info. The following is a copy of the 1969/1970 Daytona Speedweek schedule leading up to the 500. It even includes a way to order [...]
Ford, Built on Racing
Today’s NASCAR race cars are far from being stock although in 2013 they will be closer in appearance. In the early 1900s auto racing was quite a bit different than today. ”Stock cars” were hardly likely to be a good race car but success on the track could sell cars, just like today. Henry Ford built his company [...]
1963 1/2 Mercury Marauder
If you are beginning to have some NASCAR withdrawal and can’t wait for the 2013 season to start then have some fun and look backwards. Check out the history of NASCAR racing and you will appreciate today’s events even more. If you are a real Blue Oval lover or if you are just into the [...]
Merry Christmas
Here are some of the special digital Christmas Cards and Wishes we received this year. We will be adding more as they arrive. The above is From CarArt.us
Kris Kringle Car Show
When the weather is warm and the sky is clear it is time to drive and cruise. However, when it gets cold with snow and rain in the air it’s time for indoor shows! Here are some photos from one such show we attended just before Thanks Giving. This was a smaller local show but [...]
Grand National Race Cars
We recently received some interesting information and photos that we want to share with all of you. John Craft is a name many of you may remember from the early days of the Talladega printed Registry. He now focuses on the Grand National Ford Aero cars and has some terrific information and facts he wants [...]
Aero Car Reunion at 2012 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
One of the best displays at the 2012 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals was the Blue Oval and MOPAR Aero Cars. These include the Ford Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II as well as the Dodge Charger 500, Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird. As in production numbers the MOPARS out numbered the Blue Oval cars by [...]
Cars are more than Transportation
To most of us our cars are an extension of our family. They are a source of memories past and a creator of future memories. They are treasures and heirlooms to be handed down to the next generation. Unfortunately, bad things can happen and destroy everything. Hurricane Sandy was just such an occurrence. It killed and destroyed. [...]
Voo Doo Hellion Rat Rod
When we were recently at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals we saw a car that really caught our eye. No it is not a Muscle Car nor a Corvette and it was not displayed in the main arena with such cars either. It was one of the welcome cars located in the Loby on [...]
NEW DIECAST AVAILABLE
We just got word that we are now shipping the newest NASCAR Diecast, Donnie Allison # 27 Talladega. This newest diecast of the legendary orange Talladega comes either Autographed by Donnie Allison or Non-Autographed. You can order yours from our online store right now, just in time for Christmas. Also check out our other selections [...]
1961 Corvette For Sale Video
We previously provided you with some photos of a fantastic original 1961 Fuel Injected Corvette. Today, we bring you another episode of Legendary Collector Cars TV featuring this Corvette in even more detail. I hope you will take a few minutes to appreciate this car. For more information on the sale of this car please [...]
2012 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Photos
Linda Vaughn and First Production Talladega I just returned from what had to be one of the best Car Shows I have ever attended. Unfortunately, Katrina could not make this show since she is recuperating from hip surgery but wants everyone to know she won’t miss another one. To start with the Muscle Car and [...]
Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals 2012 Chicago
We have been here at the 2012 Muscle Car Corvette Nationals in Chicago for a couple of days now and have to say this is the best collection of Muscle Cars and Corvettes we have ever seen in one place at one time. Every where you turn there is another very special, very rare car [...]
1961 Corvette Fulie; the best one? For Sale!
If you grew up in the late 50s or early 60s and you were a car guy; there was one show you had to watch. It was Route 66 with that beautiful Corvette. Todd and Buzz seemed to have a perfect life for the young car geek. They were young men with the best possible car [...]
Donnie Allison’s 1969 Ford Talladega
The Allison brothers were stars of the NASCAR world and Donnie even did some great rides in the Indy Car series. You have been able to get his brother’s NASCAR Coke Machine Mercury in our Online Store for quite awhile now. Donnie’s famous orange #27 Ford Talladega IS NOW AVAILABLE as well. Here is a picture [...]
Dyno Wars at Shelby American won by a Boss 429 Talladega
I just received an email from friend Rick Stanton regarding his Benny Parson Tribute Talladega. Most of you are familar with Rick and his beautiful maroon Talladega. We have it featured on our Feature Car pages and it has also been featured in Hot Rod magazine.  Most of us Aero Car people talk a lot about [...]
Corvette Muscle Car Nationals, Chicago
We are only few weeks out from the 2012 Talladega Family Reunion being held in conjunction with the Corvette Muscle Car Nationals in Chicago on November 17th and 18th. This will be our 3rd Reunion and is open to all 1969 Ford Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler and Spoiler II cars. The first two were terrific and [...]
Cruisin The Coast 2012
We have yet to make it to Cruisin the Coast but have it on our Bucket List. Next year it is a priority. Luckly, our friends Steve and Nancy Whitaker from Ankeny Iowa make it a regular on their schecule and always furnish us with some great photos. Here are some of my pics from their 2012 [...]
I Gotsta to Get Paid – ZZ Top
We recently attended a ZZ Top concert and enjoyed it from beginning to end. It was full of car related video backdrops. The big surprise is when we walked out and their was their tour bus. It was an old Grayhound style with wild custom vista cruiser style two story roof and much more. These [...]
2013 Legendary Collector Cars Calendar Now Available
We are now shipping the last of our 2013 Calendars for Legendary Collector Cars. These are printed on high quality paper and feature some of the cars that appeared on our web site this year. They are the typical wall calendar size in full color with professional quality photos on every page (see samples). These have been printed [...]
Resto-Mods
Over that past year or so we have noticed that the collector car market seems to be evolving. On many fronts it appears that the general public is getting a little bored with what has always been. The 100 point all original cars that get trailed everywhere are gaining less enthusiasm and the car that gets [...]
Two New Diecasts: Buddy Baker and Mario Andretti
This diecast is on pre-order at $79 for the non-autographed and $109 for the autographed plus shipping. This is the 1968 Mercury Cyclone driven by none other than the motor racing legend Mario Andretti! If you have ever tried to get Mario’s autograph you know how hard that is. This is your opportunity to get [...]
New Project Car
Doing a Project Cars is one of the things we have the most fun with on this site. We just finished our Project Barn Find AMX, and Project High School 67 Mustang fastback, sold the Project Bulls Eye Dodge Dart and our Project Cougar is near completion so it was time to start a new [...]
Restoration or Resto-Mod?
Authentic Restoration Your input is very important to us. What you have to say has a lot of impact on what kinds of articles we bring to you as well as what kind of Project Cars we do. In the past it was pretty clear that the hobby was strong behind pure authentic restorations. The cars [...]
Pikes Peak Crash
Pikes Peak has always intrigued me. It looks like more fun than anyone should have in a car but it also seemed to me that danger was a huge factor. This video convinces me I never want to do Pikes Peak. Jeremy Foley and his co-driver went off the road at a location known as Devils Playground. [...]
David Pearson Wood Brother #21 Diecast
This is one outstanding addition to the Diecast collection. David Pearson is a NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame member. The Wood Brothers are legends and also members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Now, they come together in this fantastic diecast. It is the number 21 Purolator 1971 Mercury Cyclone. This red and white [...]
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum; Legendary Collector Cars TV Episode 5
Although we focus on Muscle Cars and Hot Rods most of the time we still love the old classics and like to share some of our favorites with you from time to time. This Episode of Legendary Collector Cars TV takes you on a quick tour of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn IN. [...]
Life of Riley Hot Rot
We have done several article lately on hot rods and rat rods and it suddenly came to me that many of our readers may not have any memories of the birth of hot rodding. There was a time when hot rodders and motorcycle riders were all believed to be hoodlums and dangerous. Those hot rods [...]
Rat Rods; the book
Our Rat Rod Feature Posts and Pages are some of the most popular on the site. Although we have never built or owned one they do fascinate us and someday there will likely be one in the collection. Until then we will continue to admire the imagination and building skills of the owners who construct [...]
Checkers Rat Rod
Rat Rods are like ice cream they come in all flavors and sizes. I find them to be of interest to a wide varitety of car guys. Some are little more than heaps of rust relying on gravity to keep the bodies attached to the frame. Others have a strong sense of humor and are [...]
Good Guys Des Moines 2012
We always enjoy a Good Guys show but can not make it to most of them. This year our friends Steve and Nancy Whitaker made it to the Des Moines Good Guys show and sent us some photos of their favorite cars. From what they sent us I am disappointed we could not make it [...]
Reversion Mustang
When it comes to retro design and new cars the results are often far from acceptable. There are some exceptions both by the new car factories and individuals. One car we really like is the Mustang known as the “Reversion Mustang”. This new Kid on the block was built by ‘Johnny Sparks’ aka John Heermann. It [...]
Upside Down at Speed
There are lots of cool things you can do with your car but going fast is usually somewhere near the top. However, racing comes with inherent risks. Of course there is personal injury and the likely damage to the car. When we are spectators accidents are usually spectacular but don’t convey the real danger. This [...]
Project Bulls Eye Sold
When we started this project our goal was to demonstrate that it doesn’t take trunk full of money to have fun with a collector car. Project Bulls Eye our 1963 Dodge Dart GT with slant 6 and push button automatic has been sold for under $2,000. Our intent was to dress the car out a little and get [...]
Legendary Collector Cars TV Episode 8: AMX Barn Find
 For two years now we have been working on our Project Car Barn Find AMX. It is now completed and we are cruising around Middle TN in cold air conditioning and having a blast. More on that in Episode 9. Today’s Legendary Collector Car TV is all about finding the AMX and doing the [...]
Little Big Town
Obviously, this is a site all about cars and related activities. When we are in the garage there has to be music playing or a race on the TV. If it is music we have on it is either oldies Rock and Roll or Country. Living just outside of Nashville means that Country Music is [...]
Darrell Waltrip Mercury #95 Diecast for sale in our Store
Darrell Waltrip’s storied Winston Cup Career began in May 1972 at the Talladega Motor Speedway in Alabama. Waltrip rolled onto the track in a 1971 #95 Mercury Cyclone prepared by Holman Moody. Ironically, the chassis of this car was that of the original 1967 Ford Fairlane Mario Andretti drove to victory in the 1967 Daytona [...]
Legendary Collector Cars TV; Episode 7: Nashville Good Guys
Previously we brought you some individual photos of our favorite cars at the 2012 Nashville Goo Guys show. Today in this Episode of Legendary Collector Cars TV we decided we would just sit back and let you enjoy some of the great cars drive buy. Not only will you get to see them but listen [...]
Legendary Collector Cars TV; Episode 6: 2012 Indy 500 Event
The Indy 500 is more than a race. If you go and all you take in is the race on Sunday you have missed a lot. In Legendary Collector Cars TV Episode 6 we are going to give you a brief over view of just a few of the activities you may have missed. We [...]
INDY 500 2012
It was the hottest race ever at Indy and it was memorable. Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the first running of the 500 so we are now on the second Century of racing at Indy and did so with a brand new race car. Katrina and I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday at [...]
Rat Rod Update
We recently added some new images to our Rat Rod pages. You should check them out. If you have any Rat Rod or Barn Find images you would like to share on this web site with our viewers please email them to rfleener@comcast.net. Thank you.
Nashville Good Guys 2012 Photos; Saturday
It was a big relief to enter the grounds at the Saturday Good Guys event in Nashville. There were lots of cars and the quality was high. The turn out was a little less than previous years but was still well worth the visit. However, because I-24 was closed getting in and out of downtown [...]
Nashville Good Guys 2012 Photos
We just returned from opening day of Good Guys in Nashville and have to tell you I was very disappointed and left mid-afternoon. I am not sure what Saturday will bring but Friday’s attendance was down 50% (my estimate) from last year. Not only were there large grass empty spaces but it appeared that 90% of [...]
Carroll Shelby
By now there is most likely no Gearhead in the World that doesn’t know that we have lost Carroll Shelby. I will not try to add any additional information on his life nor praise his wonderful automotive accomplishments. However, I would like for you to listen to this interview with Carroll done just a [...]
Project “Bulls Eye” 1963 Dodge Dart GT; Part 3
We have started on Project Bulls Eye and so far so good. I called around to some friends and found another 14 inch wheel from a Dart with a tire mounted on it. It is a steel radial, I know this because I can see the steel coming out of the tread! That’s ok, it [...]
Episode 4: Walter P. Chrysler Museum; Legendary Collector Cars TV
This Episode of Legendary Collector Cars TV takes us to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum outside Detroit, MI. When we visited the Museum it was quiet and beautiful. Although smaller than you would first think it does contain a wide variety of cars. I was hoping for more cars but the quality of what was [...]
Legendary Collector Cars TV; Episode 3 Chrysler Turbine Car
This just happens to be one of my very favorite concept/prototype cars. I have now seen 3 of the remaining 9 that were saved out of a total production of 55. You can watch this Episode of Legendary Collector Cars TV for a quick overview of the car or you can visit our Feature Car [...]
Legendary Collector Cars TV Episode 2: The Henry Ford Museum
In our first Episode of Legendary Collector Cars TV we took you to the GM Heritage Collection just outside of Detroit, today we are going across town to Dearborn and the Henry Ford Museum. The two museums could not be further apart in purpose and presentation. The GM Heritage collection is all about GM and its [...]
New Feature: Legendary Collector Cars TV, Episode 1: GM Heritage Collection
We are always trying a new way to bring our stories to you in the best way we can. Today marks the beginning of Legendary Collector Cars TV. These will not be every day or even every Post but they will provide you with more video and audio of the cars and activities that we [...]
GM Heritage Collection
We all have “Bucket Lists” of all those things we want to do or accomplish before we die. Some are momentous and will likely never be achieved while others are much less so but still very important to us. One such item on my Bucket List was to visit the GM Heritage collection. It is [...]
Henry Ford Museum
Katrina and I have been on the road recently and visited some of the most impressive car museums in the Country. Over the next few weeks we will be taking you inside the private, not open to the public, GM Heritage Collection, the Chrysler Museum and the Auburn, Cord Duesenberg Museum. In addition we will be [...]
Original Owner 1965 Chevy SS
This is a story we all hear about and dream about. I need not say any more just watch this video and try not to tear up.
Project “Bulls Eye” 1963 Dodge Dart GT; Part 2
 Project Bulls Eye Dodge Dart GT is under way. We pushed the little girl into the garage and put her on the lift to get a better look at her from all angles. We are still not disappointed but, as usual, there is always more work than you originally planned on. Here is what [...]
Riding Shotgun: 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler; Cale Yarborough Special
The Car Rather than experiment with strangers’ cars we decided to do our very first Riding Shotgun using one of our own cars. Katrina and I purchased this 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler Cale Yarborough Special out of Iowa in the spring of 2005. At the time it was an average quality driver car. It had previously sat [...]
Project Barn Find AMX Update
We have finally gotten the Project Barn Find AMX back from the paint shop, have the new interior in and have it out on the road. It isn’t finished yet; we still need to do all the detail clean up to the engine compartment and underside as well as take a look at a couple [...]
Get Your Car on our 2013 Collector Car Calendar
We are now starting design work on our first ever Legendary Collector Car Calendar. This calendar will be a very high quality and for sale right here in our Online Store. We will be including some of our photos as well as those from you! We would love to include your car but we need high quality photos. NOT EVERYONE’S [...]
Project “Bulls Eye” 1963 Dodge Dart GT
Tired of all the high dollar “I’m scared to drive it!” muscle cars? Tired of high horsepower gas gulping collector cars? We love these kinds of cars but even more we love to drive our old cars. Most of the time these two desires are in conflict with each other. Therefore we have jumped off in [...]
GPS is Great but Stupid!
Not long ago Katrina and I were showing our 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler Cale Yarborough car at the NASCAR race in Bristol TN. On Saturday there were no planned activities so we thought it would be a great time to see some beautiful TN back roads on a sunny spring day. Then we had a [...]
2012 Bristol Speedway Aero Car Show
We just returned from the March 2012 NASCAR Race in Bristol TN. It was a wet but wonderful weekend in Bristol. We have been to the races at Bristol several times and it is a race track you have to put on your Bucket List. We have always done NASCAR races but after this [...]
Darrell Waltrip Diecast 1971 NASCAR Mercury Cyclone
Here is another outstanding diecast for your collection. This one also comes with or without the driver’s autograph and certificate of authenticity. Darrell Waltrip’s storied NASCAR Winston Cup Career began in May 1972 at the Talladega Motor Speedway in Alabama. Waltrip rolled onto the track in a 1971 #95 Mercury Cyclone prepared by Holman Moody. [...]
Ridding Shotgun
When I was a teenager just beginning to enjoy the thrills of car ownership a big part of the experience was hanging out with other car guys. An even bigger part was driving! When a bunch of guys got together to pile into a car for a trip to the burger joint or a cruise [...]
AJ Foyt Autographed Diecast Now Available!!!!!!!
This is one you MUST HAVE!!!!! These will begin shippin on or around March 9, 2012!!! Order yours today. Click Here to visit our Online Store. AJ Foyt Autopgraphed Diecast 1969 Ford Talladega Anthony Joseph “A.J.” Foyt, Jr., (born January 16, 1935) raced in numerous genres of motorsports. He is the only driver to win [...]
What Are You Working On? 1971 Pinto 8.75 E. T. at 154 MPH
Not often we get two great “What are you working on?” contributions at the same time, both Fords, both black and both from Southern California. This week we did. You might remember our good friend Rick Stanton and his Hod Rod Magazine Cover Car 1969 Ford Talladega tribute car to Benny Parsons. If not you can [...]
What are your working on? 1967 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible
We keep you posted on our Project Cars but there is a lot more going on out there. We like to have you update us on what is in your garage and what you are working on…or have just completed. Here is a recent contribution from California. Rick Schutte found this 1967 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible [...]
Barn Find Project AMX Update
As usual we have slipped a little on the timeline for the AMX but better to take your time and do it right than do it over again, Right? The car is 95% back together. The radio was rebuilt by Ward’s Classic Car Radio so the AM works great, the 8Track is nostalgic and the [...]
What are You Working On?
We like to stay in touch with our readers and encourage each of you to tell us about What’s In Your Garage and What Are You Working On? We will occasionally share this information to all of our readers. Recently, Don Stratemeyer who has a great collection of some very rare Mercury Cougars. How about [...]
LeeRoy Yarborough Diecast cars are now Shipping!
The Lee Roy Yarborough diecast is now available for shipping. Order yours now at our online store. You can get the non-autographed car for $69 including shipping or the autographed car with car owner Junior Johnson’s autograph and shipping for $89. Free shipping only applies to continental United States. I have mine and these are [...]
Vintage Racing was Dangerous!
 If you ever wondered why seat belts were invented to watch this video very closely. This is when racing was very dangerous. There are some extrodinary vintage race cars in this brief video that you will love.
1965 Acadian Beaumont For Sale
We ocassionaly get calls with people who have rare cars they want to sell. Sometimes we can help suggest a buyer, other times we might be interested and still other times it is such an interesting car we like to share it with all of our readers. Here is one such car. I have seen [...]
Autographed Fred Lorenzen Diecast Now Available
We now have the autographed Fred Lorenzen diecast cars available in our Online Store. Fred has been ill and unable to autograph the cars when they first came out. We now have them and this is one you will want for your collection.
24 Hours of Daytona, Part 3
Last time I told you about the race and provided some action photos from the track, However, in 24 hours you can only watch so much racing and you need a diversion. One of the best at this years 24 Hours of Daytona was the display of historic race cars just outside of turn 4. [...]
24 Hours of Daytona, Part 2
This is a continuation of our previous Post on the 2012 24 Hours of Daytona. This was thought to be a run away for the new Corvette Prototypes. The SunTrust sponsored Corvette was arguably the most beautiful car on the track and also looked to be the fastest. Unfortunately, it broke in the first half [...]
24 Hours of Daytona, Part 1
This year celebrated the 50th year of the first running of the 24 Hours of Daytona. I remember watching TV and seeing Dan Gurney sitting at the start-finish line with just minutes to go on that first running. Gurney blew an engine near the end of the race. He had over a 2 minute lead [...]
Mecum Kissimmee Auction 2012
We needed a break and a little warm weather so what better way to do so than go to a Mecum Car Auction in Kissimmee, FL in January? Sure you can sit home by the fireplace and watch it on TV but being there is a great deal more enjoyable. What you see on TV is entertaining and I record [...]
1969 Daytona 500
Previously we brought you a video of the 1968 Daytona 500. By February 1969 the Daytona 500 was shapping up to be battle of all the aero cars. Ford drivers showed up with the Talladega. Even the Mercury drivers were in Talladegas since the Mercury Spoiler II was not even in production yet and therefore did not qualify for homologation. Unfortunately, [...]
1968 Daytona 500
This weekend Speedweeks in Daytoan begins with the running of the 24 Hours of Daytona. We will be bringing you live photos and video from the track this weekend and more about the excitment of the event next week. Arguably, the Daytona 500 is the big event for most racers. If you are a NASCAR [...]
1969 Mercury Cougar Project Car
This is actually the second time around for this car to be in our Project Car garage. The first time was two years ago when it got its mechanical update and modifications. It is a former drag car that has been converted back to the street. It was a little rough around the edges but [...]
Craig Breedlove and AMX Set World 24 Hour Speed Record
Since we are about to have our Barn Find Project AMX back on the road I thought is might be time for a little history lesson. Many car enthusiasts think of the American Motors Corporation (AMC) as builders of little economy cars. Some of you younger guys probably don’t even know that AMC ever existed! It’s [...]
LeeRoy Yarbrough Mercury Cyclone NASCAR Race Car!!!!
The Cale Yarborough cars are NOW SHIPPING and better yet; the LeeRoy Yarbrough cars are now available! This is a very exciting release. LeeRoy was one of the best drivers by many accounts but died way too soon. Both autographed (by car owner Junior Johnson) and non-autographed cars will be available. These are now available. [...]
What Are You Working On?
I know most of you have some project underway, just finished one or are about to start a new one. The other thing I know is most of the people who visit this site like to see what others are doing. With that in mind I am adding another feature on our Legendary Collector Car site called [...]
Carroll Shelby; Innovator
Is there anyone who is into cars that doesn’t know who Carroll Shelby is? Have you ever met him in person or listened to him give a talk? I have been fortunate enough to do both. Here is a clip of an interview you might enjoy. It is a good overall and brief snapshop of [...]
Our Pick for the Top Ten Muscle Cars for 2012
In 2010 we did our pick of the Top Ten Collector Cars for the new decade 2010-2020. We thought it would be fun to go back and revisit that list and see how we might tweak it for this year. If you would like to see the original story just Click Here. I don’t have [...]
V-10 in a Mustang!
This is something to see and we will be bringing you much more in the future. It is a 1967 Mustang with a Ford V-10! Right now we will show you some “after” photos but we will be bringing you some “build” photos as well as a close up hands on impression when the weather [...]
Project Barn Find AMX Update
Every day we see progress now. The AMX is into final assembley and buff; still not done but I can see the end in sight. We remain pretty close to schedule but there is always one more thing to do before doing the next thing. I decided to go ahead and hook up and debug [...]
Mercury Cyclone GT 500
We don’t talk much about the 1968 Cyclone GT 500 because we know so little and there just aren’t any around. It has been a great draw for this site and people seem to really want to know more. We recently received an email from K. Peppers with some information and photos that we thought deserved [...]
Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
The Ford Aero cars are about to go big time. Hold on to your titles, pack your bags and buy a warm coat. On November 16, 17 and 18, 2012 the Blue Oval collectors are all going to gather in Chicago for the third Talladega Family Reunion! Like previous years the Reunion will be held [...]
Project Barn Find AMX Update
Here is another teaser/project update on our Barn Find AMX. At this point the car is getting its first buff of the clear coat. There is still the final buff yet to be done. However, I want you to take a look at the reflection in the paint in the upper passenger side of the [...]
Wild Mustangs
The following information and photos were sent to us by: Doug Kielian; Auto Kraft Body & Paint, Inc. DSK Auto Products, LLC (shop – 402-474-2344 & cell – 402-475-9968). I hope we can get Doug to send us some more info and progress photos of the build on the red Mustang; I just love it! [...]
24 Hours of Le Mans Ford GT 40 engine testing
We sometimes have historical paperwork and videos donated to us which provide invaluable background context to our collector cars. On our sister site, www.TalladegaSpoilerRegistry.com, we have been providing a series of Ford Intra-Comapny memos regarding the development of the 1969 Ford Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II and Boss 429 engine. Prior to jumping into the [...]
Collector Car Pileup
The next time you are out with your collector car and feel the need to do a burnout or accelerate around some corner just keep this video in mind. I am sure each of the owners/drivers of these high dollar exotics never thought they could wreck their car let alone all their buddies. It seems [...]
FUN FORD WEEKEND
Bristol Dragway is excited to announce they have aquired the services of Tim Lopata as the “Managing Director” of the FUN FORD WEEKEND car show June 29th and 30th in Bristol Tennessee. Mr Lopata will be leaving his position as president of THE FORGE INVITATIONAL MUSCLECAR SHOW and taking over the chores of co-ordinating the [...]
Project Barn Find AMX Update
It’s Red; Project Barn Find AMX is Red! It has been several months since we media blasted the AMX back to its original sheet metal but now it has again turned red. It may not be glossy, but it is red. What you see here is just the red base coat that will get a [...]
Car Idiot
By: Anonymous I was Car Crazy plus I was a Car Idiot! Dad’s 1959 Rambler was similar to this picture. This is an anonymous story on “The Most Idiotic thing I ever did With a Car, To a Car or In a Car!” Send in your “Idiotic Car Story” NOW. I am not an angel [...]
1969 Ford Mustang Press Release Photos
The Mustang remains one of the iconic cars in America. One of the most popular years of all time is the 1969 Mustang. I recently obtained some Ford Press Release photos of the new model introduction of the 1969 Mustang and some of the other models. These are intersting and I will provide you with [...]
Rad Rods by Troy Update on Talladega
One of the least seen cars at a car show has to be the 1969 Ford Talladega. Having one at a show modified is even more unusual. However, having a 1969 Ford Talladega reworked by a legend like Rad Rods by Troy is a real treat. Fear not Ford diehards, no real Talladgea was sacrificed [...]
Barn Find AMX Project Car
Originally this Project Car was going to have the engine and suspension freshened and paint buffed and put back on the road after sitting for nearly 30 years in a barn. Like most Project Cars I decided I wanted more out of this little bomb. After rebuilding the engine, suspension and detailing the underside of [...]
Project Cars Update
We have two Project Cars that have been getting neglected as of late. However, we are now back on both of them full speed and will have both on the road very soon. The first is our Gloriana Mustang. It is the 1967 Mustang that was featured in the Gloriana Music Video, How Far Do [...]
Mercury Turnpike Cruiser
One of the cars Katrina and I lust over is the 57 and 58 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. These cars are far from being mainstream and will never make a good hot rod but they are, in our minds, a historical icon of the 50s decade. It was a far different time in America and [...]
Vintage Drag Races at Bristol, TN
Here is another of the great vintage drag racing films provided by Tim Lopata of the Forge Muscle Car Show. This includes a feature on Danny Ongais when he was a drag racer before he went Indy Car Racing.
Film of 1911 Indy 500
Our good friend Tim Lopata of Forge Muscle Car Show fame as done us another huge favor and provided us with this longest film know to exist of the first 2011 Indy 5oo race! This is truly a piece of history for any race fan or car gear-head. Remember, this is 1911, the film is [...]
Cougar GT 500 Update
We have some new information on the 1968 Cougar GT 500 we told you about last week. We have known about these cars for sometime but we are just now beginning to get some good details on an actual car. The owner and I still need a lot more information about these rare Cougars and [...]
Rod & Custom Machine & Fabrication
A big part of what we do here at Legendary Collector Cars is to bring you pictures and stories about car related events and places that you might not ever get to see on your own. This includes car shows, museums, private collections as well as restoration and custom speed shops. We recently completed just [...]
Rare Find: Indy 500 Lithograph
We all love to find lost treasures and sometimes they are a car in a barn and other times they are rare parts at a swap meet. I have just come across something many of you will find exciting while others couldn’t care less. One of my favorite drivers is 4 time Indianapolis 500 winner [...]
1968 Mercury Cougar GT 500
We are often contacted by individuals wanting assistance in locating or selling very rare cars. We also obtain a great deal of our knowledge about these cars from our readers. It is next to impossible to be an expert or even knowledgeable on all the various collector cars. Each of us tends to have a [...]
Drag Racing at Bristol Tennessee 1970
Our friend Tim Lopata has a large collection of vintage racing moving from back in the day and agreed to share some of them with us. Here is one that all of you drag racers will find interesting. It is vintage 1970 lots of action from the Bristol Drag Strip. This is a little long [...]
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 CJ Road Test
The 1969 Ford Mach 1 Mustang was one of those Mustangs designed to put some fire into the belly of the enthusiasts. It was the first year for this particular body style and remains as attractive today as the day it came out. I am partial to the 67/68 fastback bodies but this one is [...]
Crusin the Coast 2011
One of the events I keep hearing about but have not yet participated in is Crusin the Coast. Our friends Steve and Nancy Whitaker just returned from one of their many visits to this Gulf Coast event and forwarded some of their photos. Click on any photo to enlarge it for better detail. We thank [...]
Barn Finds For Sale Part #3
This is our third and last post on this Barn Find collection. I hope you have found this entertaining. If you have some Barn Finds you want to share please pass them along. Now here is the last of our find. 1949 Chevy Convertible 1949 Chevy Convertible: This is a real solid car and is [...]
Barn Finds For Sale Part 2
Recently we showed you the Barn Finds we just uncovered and began listing the ones that are for sale. Today, we bring you some more! If you are interested in any of these send me an email to Richard@LegendaryCollectorCars.com and I will have the owner contact you. NO PHONE CALLS. 1969 Olds Cutlass Supreme [...]
Barn Finds Found and For Sale
We all dream of finding a barn out in the country full of rare old cars. I have been more than fortunate enough to have found a couple myself. However, I recently found a stash of old cars in a barn and convinced the owner to part with them. The bad news is that there [...]
