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• Automobiles of Amelia Island, RM Auctions
  The 10th annual Automobiles of Amelia Island hosted by RM Auctions was another successful and entertaining event. Held in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, the vintage car event saw over 100 rare automobiles cross the auction block, with four breaking the magic million dollar mark.
  The auction preview, (held on the day prior to the auction), and the auction day itself, had very unusual weather. High winds made the large tents feel like kites - expanding and contracting - under the enormous pressure. Additional reinforcements were made where necessary to keep the tents safe and secure, not to mention the numerous rolling treasures of which they stored. The threats of hurricanes did not seem to slow interest, as nearly every seat and standing area was filled during the auction. Over 91% of the vehicles that crossed the auction block were sold.
  More than $16.8 million in automobile and memorabilia was auctioned. Highlights included a rare 1931 Duesenberg Murphy Convertible, which sold for $2.64 million, and an historic 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster, custom built for Edsel Ford, which sold for $1.76 million. A gorgeous 8-Liter Bentley Open Tourer with coachwork by Harrison sold for $2.2 million and a LeBaron bodied Duesenberg went for $1.21 million.
  
• New York International Automobile Show
  The New York Auto Show attracts more than 1.2-million visitors a year, more than any other auto show in the country. This is an amazing accomplishment as most of the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods do not own automobiles. The event is held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River. The 1000-plus vehicles are housed in the Javits Center's 846,000 square feet of display space and on several floors.
  Subcompact
  Innovation and desperation have historically brought about some of the quickest changes in the automotive history. The electric starter introduced in the early 1910s meant the question of steam or electric power was no more, and the gasoline engine would rule supreme. The muscle car era of the 1960s came to an end due, in part, to an impending oil embargo. Recently, fuel-efficient technology has become a very hot issue as the cost of fuel continues to skyrocket. A new trend in the US has also been developing - an attraction towards cars, mainly smaller cars. This was very evident at this year's New York Auto Show. These fuel-sipping automobiles are growing in appeal and popularity over the larger cars, suvs and trucks. The show floor was full of automakers' attempts at the subcompact market, with most new introductions being either small cars or fuel-efficient technology. Probably the most important subcompact introduction at the show was from Honda, who introduced an updated version of its 'Fit'.
  Rear-Wheel Drive
  
• 12 Hours of Sebring
  The 2007 American Le Mans Series was a magical one for Penske Racing. The 2008 season may be even better if Saturday was any indication. Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Emmanuel Collard drove to an historic overall win at the 56th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida.
  The win was the first overall at Sebring by an LMP2 car and saw 27 overall lead changes, a race record, and three lead-lap finishers, tying a race record. Dumas took the checkered flag by 1:02.084 over Dyson Racing's trio of Butch Leitzinger, Marino Franchitti and Andy Wallace in their Porsche RS Spyder. The Audi Sport North America trio of Dindo Capello, Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen finished third overall and first in LMP1.
  Third in P2 class and fourth overall was the second Dyson Porsche of Chris Dyson and Guy Smith as the P2 class took three of the top four spots.
  
• Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
  The Amelia Island Concours, for a second year in a row, was held during the weekend of Daylight Savings time, when an hour was lost as clocks were moved forward. This meant that it was still very dark just a few hours prior to the spectators being allowed onto the field. Golf carts quietly traveled under battery power over the vast field, making standing and walking a very difficult and dangerous activity for those trying to get the cars assembled. As the show cars were being brought onto the field, a very loud rumble began to emanate. If racing improves the breed, then the Amelia Island Concours is the finest. Concours d'Elegances, meaning 'Parade of Excellence', is a lineup of special events that often feature the most exquisite automobiles ever created. This year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance had a different scene than one would expect; it began with a sound more fitting for a race track than a high-class event. Approximately forty Trans-Am racers could be heard throughout the Concours weekend with their loud, ground shaking thunderous voice that was often followed by a ferocious roar and uncontrollable spinning of tires.
  The Amelia Island Concours puts a strong emphasis on honoring the legends of racing and the cars that chased the checkered flag. This year, there were probably more cars that had a racing pedigree or been designed for sporty driving, then were the antique, luxury, and classic cars. Accompanying the three designated Race Car categories were special groups for Beach Racers, Corvette Race Cars, Porsche Racing Cars, race cars of Parnelli Jones, three categories of Sports Cars, and two categories for Trans-Am racing legends. With so much raw horsepower on the field, it was almost a shame to have them just basking in the sun all day. The muscle cars chosen for awards had to cut their engine as they entered the awards area, because they easily overpowered the PA-system. All watched as the car was re-started and the owner did all that was possible to slowly ease out the clutch, give it a little gas, finding the delicate balance of not stalling or not having the rear-end tear up the grass.
  This was the 13th edition of the annual Amelia Concours event, and American racing legend Parnelli Jones was chosen as the honoree. 'When one talks about versatile race car drivers, the name Parnelli Jones is right at the top of the list for most people,' says Bill Warner, Concours founder and chairman. 'We're thrilled to have him at our event. He was a champion in Indy, Trans-Am, sprint cars, stock cars, USRRC, and off-road racing. There aren't many drivers who can claim that kind of a record.' Among his racing accomplishments were winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1963 and 1967, and the Trans-Am series against fierce competition in 1970. Other victories include the Pikes Peak Hillclimb and the Baja 500 and 10000 races, among numerous other victories in four-wheel competition. His legacy extends further than just racing, with one of the more recent automotive endeavors being the signature, Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones limited-edition. In recognition of his racing accomplishments, around ten cars from his career were featured on the show field. These ranged from dirt-track racers, Indy cars, Trans-Am cars, and even an off-road Baja 1000 racer. The Cooper Monaco was chosen by the judges as their 'Best in Class.' It was even hand-signed by Jones during the Concours.
  
• Cavallino Classic XVII
  The Cavallino Classic is a Ferrari-only event held on the lawn at the Breakers Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. Due to landscape that has flourished in the past few years, the event is segregated into two distinct sections, an 'upper' concours and a 'lower' concours. The upper concours, closer to the Breakers Hotel, houses around 30 of the earlier works of the Ferrari marque and the stars of the show. Around one-third had been raced at Moroso Raceway during the Historic Races the days prior to the concours, and with only a day's turn-around, were cleaned-up to concours quality. The Lower Concours began with the 275 GTBs and 330s, followed by the 365 Daytonas, and the Dino Ferraris. As the lawn opened up the farther one traversed, the lineage of the Prancing Horse continued into the modern era, including the 308, 348, 355, 512, Testarossa and ending with such models as the 360 and 430.
  This year, the Cavallino Classic 17 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 250 GT California and the 250 GT Tour de France (TdF) models. On the 'Lower Concours' area the 'Daytona', officially called the 365 GTB, was celebrated and had been produced from 1968 through 1971. The name 'Daytona' was used to commemorate Ferrari's triple success in the 1967 '24 Hours of Daytona.'
  Two years ago at the Cavallino Classic 15, the event celebrated the Best of Show winners of the past 15 years. The following year, Cavallino 16, was a celebration of the 166, 250 TR, and the F40. The 166 Models dates back to the early inception of the Ferrari marque while the 250 TR with bodies by Scaglietti are among the more exotic and breathtaking Ferraris ever created during the 1950s. Coming off these two exciting and stellar years, how can these ever be topped? Really!! How can any event compete with the past 15 years worth of 'Best of Shows?' It seems that within each Ferrari (at least the ones with a few decades under their belt), there are interesting tales that accompany them.
  
• Classic Sports Sunday
  A few years ago during the Cavallino Classic Weekend, there was an event called the Palm Beach International Concours d'Elegance. Part of the allure of the event was an auction run by Gooding & Company. The concours and auction were around for only a couple of years. This is really unfortunate due to their ability to attract some well-known collectors and showcase many magnificent automobiles. Since that time, there have been a few events that have come into existence to help fill the gap. One of more recent is the 'Classic Sports Sunday' run by the Cavallino Events, Inc. The name 'Classic Sports' is very suitable and easily explains the theme of the event. Since it was hosted by the staff that organizes the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, it was almost certain that the attendees, vendors and collectors were assured a quality event.
  The location for the inaugural Classic Sports Sunday was convenient and accommodating; it was at the Hilton Hotel at Palm Beach International Airport. Though the cars were enough to keep ones attention, the planes flying overhead and the occasional threat of rain had many looking skyward. During the early morning hours, rain made good on its threat, but stayed only momentarily, enough to have exhibitors sprinting to their car to roll-up windows and reposition their convertible tops.
  Approximately 150 show cars were on display; the large parking lot was more than accommodating to these numbers. Various 'fun' awards were presented with categories including 'Newest', 'By Age', 'By Mileage', 'Prettiest Body Style', 'Boring Body Style', 'Peoples Choice', 'Best of Show Racing' and 'Best of Show GT.' Most of these categories are subjective but worked well for this type of event as many of the cars on display had little in common with each other. Various qualities differentiated the vehicles in the same categories, such as decades, body styles, and pedigree. There were a few similar vehicles; the Corvette Club had nearly 15 examples from multiple years aligned side-by-side. Four vipers, all in different colors, attracted a strong crowd throughout the day. Various Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes, and BMWs sat in close proximity to each other. Two Radical racers, a Chevron B17, a Lola T70, and a Huffaker Ferrari 308 had similarities in their exotic racing bodystyles and construction. A pair of Lotus Esprites, a Jaguar XJ220, Lamborghini Diablo SV, a Mosler MT900S, Dodge Vipers, and a slew of Ferraris were some of the more attractive supercars on display. The Mosler MT900S was easily the highlight of the show. Its owner had just taken possession of the car and racked up only a few miles. The car was so new, the owner had not yet had time to figure out how to operate the radio. Granted, the radio was as technically advanced as the car, so a little experimentation is naturally understood.
  
• Palm Beach Supercar Weekend
  The third annual Palm Beach Supercar Weekend, hailed as the worlds largest waterfront supercar show, was held on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach overlooking the peaceful waterfront. This Intracoastal Waterway housed more than 400 high-end super cars and some of the most exclusive and powerful vehicles on the planet. In preparation for this well advertised, well attended, and much anticipated event, many of the city streets were temporarily closed to traffic to accommodate the show cars. There were many highlights, including the world's fastest street-legal production car, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, the one-off Pinifarina designed Ferrari P4/5, Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari FXX, Buggati Veyron, Spyker C8, and even a McLaren F1.
  This show provides an educational experience for all ages, allowing onlookers to understand and appreciate the passion and visions behind many of the world's greatest automobiles.
  When the term Supercar was first coined in the 1960s it was used to describe the most prestigious designs and engineering advances applied to the common form of transportation, the automobile. The majority of Supercars are hand- made, tailored and designed to push the limits of speed. Often Supercars are not profitable for manufacturers. Some examples are valued at over $10 million dollars, and limited quantities are produced; thus many specimens become part of major collections which never see the light of day. Supercar Weekend carefully selects and invites Supercar owners from around the world to display their automobiles in a unique, prestigious and exciting atmosphere.
  
• Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge at Moroso
  The Start of the Cavallino Classic Celebration
  Enthusiasts from all over the country and the world make the annual journey to the West Palm Beach area during January to watch and partake in one of the largest Ferrari automotive gatherings in the country. The Cavallino Classic, now in its 17th year, attracts more than 500 registrants with around 400 cars from 33 states and 12 countries. The Palm Beach area is a suitable location as its warm weather and gorgeous beaches only heightens the allure. Recently, additional events have been added to the weekend making attendance irresistible.
  Enzo Ferrari's company, along with his early racing career, was centered around racing. His road going cars were initially created to finance his track efforts. It is only appropriate that the day-long Cavallino Classic celebration is precluded by four-days of racing, the first two being completely private and closed to the public. This event is for cars that bare the prancing horse emblem; a select few Alfa Romeo and Maserati's are also welcome because of their association with Ferrari. Many of the cars wore license plates, meaning they were street legal. A few were driven to the track, raced, and driven home, especially in the GT and Sport group. This was a fitting tribute to the versatility of the Ferrari marque.
  
• Detroit Auto Show
  A Shift, From Mean to Green
  The birthplace of the muscle car era sang a new tune this year as mounting concerns about global warming, record high oil prices, and tough new federal fuel economy laws going into effect, have the collective auto industry moving down the same road. This year's Detroit Auto Show could be summarized by the words: 'eco friendly', 'green', and 'alternative fuel sources.' Nearly every automaker had joined the bandwagon and proudly proclaimed their allegiance to alternative fuel sources and improved fuel economy.
  The theme of the show was solidified when Hummer introduced their new concept, the HX. Hummer has a reputation for being large and gas-hungry; this image may improve slightly with their new HX Biofuel Concept. The Hummer HX Concept runs on E85, fuel that is 85% ethanol, and has a stature much smaller then its other siblings.