I made it out to Coffee and Cars at Big Guys BBQ yesterday morning. This is held the last Sunday of the month all summer long. The weather was cold and threatening and that kept the turnout down but I had a good time talking cars and being outside and the occasional appearances of the sun were appreciated.

We made it out to the "Willow River Cruisers" show at Uncle Mike's in Hudson yesterday. This is always a good show and Uncle Mike's is a good host. Good music, lots of door prizes, beautiful weather and great cars.

I had planned on getting out to the Spring car Show at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds last weekend but God reads our plans like the funny pages. My old tractor broke, my truck broke, the daughter’s car broke and the heater in the shop went belly; all in two weeks.

Went out to the Gopher State Timing Association's 60th annual show this morning. They put on a good show.

Love the flames against grey/green

 Lots of fun stuff to see.

Trends and Fads Oh My, Oh My

My recent trip to the auto show got me thinking about automotive trends, most specifically in the hot rod arena. I notice that everything has black or dark gray wheels this year. Not exactly a new fad but has it reached crescendo? I think so. A lot of vehicles look cool with the dark wheels. They are menacing on a new Durango and I’ve seen a lot of street machines use the look successfully. At least everyone quit spraying their wheels with neon paint for a while.

Going Green

Well, I did it. I sold the Mustang and ordered a 2016 Prius. 

The thought has been at the back of my mind for a long time and I just couldn’t live with the guilt of being a gross polluter anymore. Somewhere a skinny polar bear is thanking me.

No more waiting for the engine to warm up. No more waking the neighbors when I pull out of the garage belching “good morning” through 2 ½ inch duals. No more attracting the attention of local law enforcement at every stop light. My Prius just wrrrrrr, clicks into silent motion and the only emissions are the lyrics of "When Doves Cry" whispered softly in the night.

Gotta go to the auto show!

I’m not a new car guy. I don't get excited by a car that parks itself or links with my blue tooth. But I am a car guy and every few years I make it out to the Twin Cities Auto Show.

I enjoy the show, crawling around on vehicles I may be interested in buying ten years from now; looking at $100,000 Porches like I may really be able to buy one.