Question 01: My 1965 E-Type Coupe has original seats that are in pretty good shape, but the leather is very hard. I would like to clean them and soften them up…What do you recommend?

Tom's Answer: I always recommend cleaning your seats thoroughly with a little soap and water, then drying them with a clean terrycloth towel; then finishing off by using a good leather cleaner and conditioner. If the seats still remain on the stiff side, you can repeat the process several times to help further soften them up.

Question 02: I’ve noticed that my original E-Type gets very hot around the transmission tunnel in mild to warm weather. What would you recommend? 

Tom's Answer: Without altering the car, the trans tunnel and surrounding carpet can be temporarily removed and a Dynamat and/or Coolmat insulation can be installed, reducing the heat and noise significantly, and won’t alter the look of originality. Classic Showcase can perform this service for you, please contact one of our specialists for more information.

Question 03: A friend of mine has a fully restored Series 1 E-Type that was not restored by Classic Showcase, but has quite a number of issues which are preventing him from enjoying his Jaguar...What can he do?

Tom's Answer: These cars are very particular, and often need to be setup for driving after they undergo a restoration. It normally takes about 300 miles or more to sort them out after restoration. You can recommend shipping your car to us, where it can be evaluated by our master technicians who are well versed in the multitude of functions found in these cars.

Question 04: My original Blaupunkt AM-FM Frankfurt in my classic car doesn’t work…Where can I get another one, or is it possible to have it repaired?

Tom's Answer: I recommend repairing it, or upgrading it to a digital conversion, as the quality of the sound is much better, and does not alter the original look of the unit. We routinely perform these services for a number of our collectors and can for you too, please inquire within.

Question 05: I was wondering how you determine the value of a classic car when you are trying to buy or sell...

Tom's Answer:
We use "CPI" which is published by Black Book. It is an incredible, informative price guide and reference, and we highly recommend it!





1. BEHOLD THE BAMBOO STICK

The humble bamboo skewer– found in any grocery store for about 2 cents each–has enough muscle to help detail your classic while being gentle enough to not leave any marks. Use them to dislodge the crud caked up around your emblems, chrome trim and clear bra.

2. DUST WITH PASTRY BRUSHES

For about $10 you can pick up an assortment of quality pastry brushes that feature plastic ferrules, comfortable handles and soft, non-shedding bristles. These brushes are excellent for dusting your interior, from the dash vents to the center stack.

3. PACK A BAG

If you have some detail supplies in the car and something bad happens–bug splatter, bird droppings or the like–you can take care of that little problem before it becomes a big one. What to carry? Tim recommends some quick detail, microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, pastry brushes and bamboo skewers. Keeping the liquids in 4-ounce spray bottles takes up less space. For a stylish carrying case, check out the shave kits offered by Couch Guitar Straps. Each leakproof bag is made from NOS automotive vinyl upholstery.

4. CLEAN TIRES BEFORE DRESSING THEM

To make tire dressing last longer, first clean the rubber–although, Tim notes, you may be satisfied with the result after just the first step. Tim’s favorite tire cleaners: Black Magic Bleche Wite, the product formerly made by Westley’s; Spartan SD-20, also useful for cleaning away rubber picked up on track; and Griot’s Garage Rubber Prep, which will also remove the mold release compound from new tires.

5. USE WAX TO REMOVE WAX

Tim prefers paste wax, and once it sets he buffs it away using a microfiber cloth dampened with spray wax. This ensures maximum coverage while minimizing dust and easing the wax removal process.








Upcoming Events

   
January 7, 2016

Bonham’s Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction

More Info

   
January 7-9, 2016

Mid America / Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction


The Thursday Evening Dinner Auction Is Back! Dinner tickets are $50 per person* (includes 1 drink ticket) Get your tickets now before they sell out! Click [HERE] to purchase your tickets online for the dinner buffet, or contact our office at (262) 275-5050. The dinner buffet will be open seating. Seats will be available by 3 pm. You may still attend or participate in the Thursday evening auction without purchasing a seat for the dinner. There will be ample seating for those who opt out of the buffet. *Dinner ticket does not include general admission or bidder registration.

More Info

   
January 10, 2016

The 4th Annual MBZ Concours D' Elegance South Florida

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts are invited to a spectacular car show and food truck festival featuring the finest new and vintage Mercedes-Benz automobiles and a collection of gourmet Food Trucks; Open to Mercedes-Benz cars of all ages.

More Info

   
January 15-23, 2016

Mecum Auctions at Kissimmee, Florida

More Info

   
January 20-24, 2016

Cavallino Classic Invitational

More Info

   
January 23-30, 2015
   
January 23-31, 2016

Barrett-Jackson Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ

More Info Here

   
January 24, 2016

Arizona Concours d’Elegance at the Arizona Biltmore Resort

The Arizona Concours is thrilled to have the spectacular grounds of The Arizona Biltmore serve as the setting for its Concours d’Elegance. Since 1929, The Arizona Biltmore has been a destination of inspiration. Set on 39 acres of gardens, swimming pools and iconic architecture that stirs a city to life, the resort provides a spectacular setting for vintage automobiles, and plays muse to guests’ whims and wishes. Championship golf, a spa and fitness center, multiple restaurants, and a variety of amenities await you. Experience the unrivaled grace of this timeless treasure with a spirited soul.

More Info Here

   
January 28-29, 2016

RM/Sotheby's Auctions - Phoenix, AZ

The collector car auction season always starts on a strong note, with RM Sotheby’s returning to the vibrant grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix on January 28–29 for its 17th annual Arizona sale. The two-day auction will build on RM’s strongest performance in Arizona to date in 2015, an event which generated an incredible $63.7 million in sales, representing a nearly 40 percent increase over 2014. The 2015 event was also witness to the most valuable automobile sold in Arizona auction history: a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that achieved an outstanding $9,625,000.

RM Sotheby’s 2016 Arizona sale is set to continue the company’s strong track record in Phoenix, as it will present more than 100 blue-chip automobiles from the world’s most iconic marques. The vehicles have been hand-selected by RM’s international team of specialists, and the catalogue will span the spectrum of the market, from pre-war classics through to important sports and racing cars and contemporary supercars.

More Info Here

   
January 28, 2016

Bonham’s Auction in Scottsdale, AZ

More Info Here

   
January 28-30, 2016

Silver Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ

Silver has skillfully established a solid reputation for auctioning affordable collector cars in this January-in-Arizona extravaganza. Silver's auction continues to grow each year because it is filling a much-needed auction alternative. Thousands of buyers and sellers want an auction where they can buy and sell in an arena that they are personally comfortable in. Silver provides that alternative for the greater Phoenix area since 1992. Silver's Fort McDowell auction offers real buyers and sellers, real cars and real deals.

More Info Here

   
January 29-30, 2016

Gooding Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ

An ideal winter destination, Gooding & Company has brought a refined approach to the well-established and thriving marketplace of Scottsdale. Adjacent to the Fashion Square Mall and charming Old Town Scottsdale, Gooding & Company’s sale has consistently offered a collection that stands apart with stunning examples across many marques and eras. Beginning Wednesday, view the diverse high-quality assortment of vehicles up for auction and connect with Gooding & Company’s top-notch staff and fellow collectors. Over the past seven years, Gooding & Company has consistently set the mark for the collector car year in Scottsdale, with records that reimagine what is possible in the market. In the lively atmosphere that is Arizona Auction Week, Gooding & Company stands apart with an unparalleled sell-through rate of exceptional automobiles that often become the talk of the town and beyond.

More Info Here

   
February 26-28, 2016

McCormick’s Auction-The Spa Resort Casino, downtown Palm Springs, CA

Keith McCormick's relentless dedication to excellence and integrity has produced one of the most prestigious, respected, and successful car auctions in America. The Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions are held in November and February each year on the grounds of the Spa Resort Casino in beautiful downtown Palm Springs.

More Info

   
March 10, 2016

Bonham’s Auction, Amelia Island, Florida

More Info

   
March 11, 2016

Gooding Auctions, Amelia Island, Florida

More Info

   
March 11-13, 2016

Amelia Island, Florida Concours D'Elegance

The show's founder and chairman is responsible for designing a class list that thrills from year to year. Show marques and themes are developed several years in advance and this year's class list is no exception.  We are sure that attendees will once again enjoy the variety he has assembled.

More Info

   
March 12, 2016

RM Auctions, Amelia Island, Florida

More Info

   
April 8-10, 2016

Concours d'Elegance, La Jolla, CA

More Info

   
April 15-17, 2016

Mexico City Concours / “GRAN CONCURSO INTERNACIONAL DE ELEGANCIA

The 600 most beautiful collection cars from Mexico competed to be the "Best Of Show". More than 25,000 people gather in the restaurant Las Caballerizas, Huixquilucan, Edo. MEX to see the presentation of new models and technological advances in the automotive industry. Special events and tributes to legendary personalities in the history of the automobile in Mexico and in the world.

Jaguar Club México hosts its annual Concours, hosting many of Mexico´s premier car collector clubs with over 500 cars in attendance. If you have not attended, any and all J.C.N.A. Members are welcome. You will be treated like a VIP.

More Info

   
April 23-24, 2016

Keels and Wheels Concours D'Elegance, Seabrook, Texas

Keels & Wheels established itself among the nations top concours events while in pursuit of multiple goals. The goals include raising significant funds for the charities the show supports, $1.4 million so far, while producing the best possible event that would draw participants and spectators from every corner of the country and even Europe. Side benefits have included an economic impact of over $3.5 million each year on the local community while simultaneously raising national awareness of Seabrook.

More Info

   
April 23, 2016

Worldwide Auctions Houston Classic Auction

100+ world-class motorcars will line up to go under the hammer, at Worldwide's 15th annual The Houston Classic Auction.

More Info

   
May 1, 2016

Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance, Beverly Hills, CA

More Info

   
May 15, 2016

JOCLA 2016 Concours at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton, CA.

More Info

   
May 31, 2016

San Luis Obispo, CA Concours d'Elegance

Benefiting Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, the San Luis Obispo Concours offers a day of elegance and good times showcasing classic, exotic, powerful, unique and memorable vehicles. This event is held at the historic Madonna Inn Meadows. For 2015, two featured Marques were selected in celebration of elegance and memories: Cadillac in honor of the brand's 112 year history of style, and Volkswagen with its "Peoples Car" beginning with the Beetle.

More Info

   
June (TBA)

JCNA Judges Training at Classic Showcase • Oceanside, CA

 

Classic Showcase will host the annual JCNA judges training session in Oceanside, California. The annual training session is for judges to learn about new rules adopted by the AGM, refresh their memories of common JCNA judging rules, and to prepare themselves for the upcoming San Diego Concours.

   
June (TBA)

San Diego Jaguar Club - SDJC Concours, Spanish Landing, San Diego, CA

More Info

   
June 4-5, 2016

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance

More Info

   







This is a quarterly newsletter that is compliments of Classic Showcase, Inc., which caters to the classic car collector and enthusiast communities. We are always open to ideas and suggestions on improving and helping the collector and enthusiast with new and timely information, and would like to hear your feedback, comments, and other ideas you may have for future editions! Please contact the editor at webmaster@classicshowcase.com. We hope you have enjoyed the information provided, and that you found it useful! We wish you and yours happy motoring during the Winter season!


© 2015 CLASSIC SHOWCASE, INC., All rights reserved.