Articles

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – January 16, 2020

Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra Unveiled at Barrett-Jackson

As you are making your way to the main arena, you will notice something unique and gorgeous in our booth. Our friends at Tuscany Motor Company have partnered with the legendary American motorcycle manufacturer to build a stylish truck. We gave you a sneak peek last week, and now it is in the open, as the Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra was unveiled in our booth at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Usually, when we unveil a car, it is easy to keep under wraps. But when we first covered this collaboration it was picked up by all major automotive sites and even Fox News. No detail was overlooked, as Harley-Davidson logos can be found on the wheels, doors, leather, and even the laser-cut grille. The 6.2L V8 shares many details with the upcoming C8 Corvette, and the functional ram air hood was made tall enough to house a supercharger. The 22" wheels are inspired by the classic "Fat Boy", and the suspension is a collaboration between BDS and Fox Racing. Only 250 examples will be produced, so click the link below to order yours! Click To See Our Booth At Barrett-jackson

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2019

BRABUS: Behind the Scenes

Only a handful of aftermarket tuning shops will consider modifying a Mercedes-Benz. Of those few, no advertiser has graced the pages and digital properties of the duPont REGISTRY longer than Brabus which has been nearly 20 years. Our late friend Bodo Buschman founded BRABUS in 1977 as a small garage in Bottrop, Germany. The Ruhr Valley is home to the nation's industrial heartland, and the residents have a need for speed. After unlocking more power from his own Mercedes-Benz, Bodo realized that no other shop was up to his standards. While AMG was focused on racing, BRABUS offered improved styling, leather, and luxurious amenities not offered by the factory. He and his team were not afraid to venture into unknown territory. Bodo saw an opportunity in the duPont REGISTRY, and never looked back. Although he passed away suddenly in 2018, his son Constantin remains one of our biggest fans. Starting at the bottom, he was taught the fundamentals by watching and helping the master technicians. His father taught him to never disregard a new or untapped opportunity, and that is evident in their rapid growth of BRABUS Marine. They had been asking us to visit for quite a while, so the details were handled by Sven Gramm, Director of Marketing and Communications. His counterpart in the U.S. is Peter Moeller, of German Tuning Corporation. As the U.S. division of BRABUS, they handle all BRABUS and STARTECH imports to North America. STARTECH is a BRABUS company devoted to adding the same level of refinement to Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar/Land Rover, & Maserati. It was decided our trip would start at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Not just to see their display, we were given VIP access to see each car up close. After a week at the World's Largest Auto Show, we were invited to visit their headquarters. Arriving in Bottrop, we quickly realized their facility is a model of efficiency. The campus is comprised of five massive buildings, each with a specialized purpose. Quality over quantity is evident when you walk in the door. We were greeted by Sven, and taken aback by the amazing cars in the showroom. Management offices surround a Brabus 900 S65, Maybach, and a Landaulet. Our first stop was the Coffee Bar, we wanted to get pumped up for what we were about to witness. Newborn Mercedes-Benz models are given white-glove inspections before work begins. A few apprentices are allowed to sort parts and keep the facility clean, but the only hands allowed to touch the cars are those of master coachbuilders. There is nothing proprietary in hiring the best workers available. The engine shop is a quiet place. Watching the delicate assembly of pistons, rods and bearings demand respect from visitors and coworkers alike. From there, these masterpiece motors are bolted to a dyno for break-in. Once every cylinder and turbo have been checked, the engine meets its forever home. While the engine is being installed, the brilliant upholstery takes form. The finest leather in the world is sewn on state of the art machines. A careful eye makes every stitch true to size. This is offered on every interior surface, from floor mats to the roof. Sure it is time-intensive, but you can't rush perfection. Before each car is allowed outside, it is strapped to a 4-wheel dyno for some exercise. The cars are brought up to cruising speeds with varying amounts of load to monitor the CO2 output. After fine-tuning, each BRABUS build beats the world's toughest emissions standards. Building brutal power doesn't have to harm the environment, but that is all we can say for now. It was time for lunch, and we needed a ride. Instead of a taxi, we were chauffeured in a new BRABUS 800. Based on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, it sends 800 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Our driver was well acquainted with his town, so it was a ride we'll not forget! After lunch, we were able to see the assembly of a BRABUS G V12 900. Only 10 examples will be built, with each one receiving a twin-turbo 6.3L V12. If 1,106 lb-ft of torque doesn't excite you, seek help. Was it the most powerful build in progress, no, and that is what continues to make us wonder how much power can be contained in a street-legal SUV. One building is not like the others. BRABUS has been responsible for much of the engineering of the SmartCar. Not only do they continually build them to be faster and safer, but their engine upgrades also make these little rides very affordable to own. Another building handles innovation and design. Because BRABUS never turns down a challenge, their team is constantly at work solving problems for the world's largest automakers. Engineers and stylists at the big manufacturers get tunnel vision by their corporate overlords. That is where BRABUS steps in with a fresh set of eyes. Very exciting stuff is coming from this crew, and we wish we could tell you more. Because each BRABUS build requires small batches of highly specialized parts, the same methodology can be applied to restoring classic cars. Brabus Classic was started as a side project, and now they received neglected Mercedes & AMG models from around the world. With the ability to make exact replicas of original parts, the end result is often better than showroom condition. In order for your car to be restored, BRABUS Classic subjects it to extensive evaluations. Only historically significant, numbers-matching cars are chosen. From there, the car is completely disassembled with its parts being cataloged. The body is chemically stripped before all rust is cut out, then dipped in a bath of cathodic primer. This ensures it will never rust again. Each nut and bolt is refinished or replaced with a new-old-stock part from Mercedes. If the part no longer exists, BRABUS Classic classic makes an exact replica. The engine and transmission are rebuilt to factory condition and dropped into a fully restored chassis. A BRABUS Classic Six-Star restoration is the German equivalent of Ferrari Classiche or the Lamborghini Polo Storico. We could have spent weeks going over these amazing restorations. We would not be able to show you such amazing builds without the support of our clients. Our hats are off to the Buschman family and every employee who made our trip so enjoyable. If you want a German car with unmatched power and refinement, BRABUS is the only answer. We honestly wish we could tell you what they have in the works, so that's why you will see it first here on duPont REGISTRY Daily. View All Brabus Mercedes Benz For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 12, 2019

2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Tickets to Benefit...

Amelia Island is my hometown, it is where I first encountered the duPont REGISTRY at the Amelia Island Concours 25 years ago. It has been 55 years since the island took a direct hit from Hurricane Dora. Since North Florida has been spared for almost 6 decades, it is time to help those in need. Announced this morning in an email from Bill Warner, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation will donate $50 for each $125 general admission ticket purchased. Buy Tickets Many First Responders from across Florida are working to clear debris and rebuild infrastructure on the Abaco Islands. If you aren't planning on attending Amelia Island, our friends at The Collection have an Amazon Wishlist of needed items. As I write this, Tropical Depression Humberto is forming along with two other waves in the warm Atlantic. We are all blessed to share our passion for cars with others, and that means helping out when possible. Click the link below to help if you can, and we'll see you on Amelia Island March 5-8. View Wishlist https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EpHLwgxzm Related: The Collection Hurricane Dorian Bahamas Relief on Amazon

By Andrew Nabors – August 29, 2019

Mecum Monterey 2019 Recap: Almost $40 Million!

Dana Mecum and Company never fail to put on a great auction. This year's Monterey event was no exception, as we watched a wide variety of classics and exotics cross the block. It took place on the Del Monte Golf Course, with almost $40,000,000 in sales. Starting with vintage bikes, a pair of Crocker small-tanks was composed of a 1936 that sold for $825,000, and a restored 1937 for $715,000. Carroll Shelby kept the last production small-block Cobra for himself, so the last one built to order was chassis CSX2588. It hammered at a whopping $1.05 Million. Next up was a low-mileage 2015 Porsche 918 Spider Weissach for $1.43 Million. After that, it was a Ferrari Frenzy. Only 200 examples of the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS were built, and Lot F122 went for $1.1. Next was a 2014 LaFerrari for $2.64, and the star of the show was a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 that caused a commotion. After the dust settled from a fierce bidding war, it sold for $2.75! The fast-pace is great fun to see in person, so we can barely wait for Kissimmee 2020. The star of that event will be the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Hero Car driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt. If you won't be joining us, be sure to catch the live stream on YouTube, and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2019

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019 Recap

An outstanding week of automotive events around the Monterey Peninsula culminated in the most important car show of the year. First, we would like to thank the Concours for allowing us to display on Peter Hay Hill. Secondly, we would like to show you the highlights of this year's event. Sunday morning had beautiful weather for the Dawn Patrol. This is a chance for spectators to see these amazing cars make their way onto the field. For us, the most significant members of this group was a Nostalgia Motorcycle from NMOTO. They are the first bikes ever allowed onto the Concept Lawn. It was placed next to what inspired it, the 1934 BMW R7. After the cars are in place, the judges waste no time and head into their respective classes. Once their results were tabulated, the awards ceremony began. Here are a few happy entrants that have achieved the highest award in the automotive world. First In Class Winners: American Antique 1910 Marmon 32 Five Passenger Touring Shown by Mike & Sharon Silvera European Antique 1907 Napier 60 HP Roi des Belges Shown by the Louwman Museum American Classic Open 1936 Cadillac Series 90 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe Shown by John D. Groendyke American Classic Closed 1933 Packard 1006 Twelve Dietrich Stationary Coupe Shown by Academy of Art University Packard Open 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan Shown by Ralph Marano Bentley Centennial 3 Litre 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model Vanden Plas Open Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial 4½ Litre 1930 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Vanden Plas Open Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial 6½ Litre 1929 Bentley Speed Six H. J. Mulliner Open Two Seater Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial Derby 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Vanvooren Drophead Coupé Shown by Michel Doret Bentley Centennial Postwar 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Mulliner Sports Saloon Shown by Anne Brockinton Lee & Robert M. Lee Duesenberg 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Disappearing Top Roadster Shown by Paul & Cheryl Petrovich Rolls-Royce Prewar 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Inskip Special Henley Coupé Shown by Lord Bamford Mercedes-Benz Prewar 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Erdmann & Rossi Special Cabriolet Shown by The Keller Collection at The Pyramids European Classic Open 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet Shown by Richard & Melanie Lundquist European Classic Closed 1937 Delahaye 145 Chapron Coupé Shown by Merle & Peter Mullin Bugatti Type 57 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Private Collection Prewar Preservation 1907 Renault XB Labourdette Transformable Landaulet Shown by Steve & Marilee Hamilton Postwar Preservation 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Coupé Shown by William & Christopher Sharples Ferrari Grand Touring 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Scaglietti Spyder California Shown by Lee & Joan Herrington/The Herrington Collection Ferrari Competition 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Scaglietti Spyder Shown by Patrick & Carolyn Ottis Lamborghini Miura 1968 Lamborghini Miura SV Coupé Lamborghini Polo Storico Private Owner Postwar Sports 1960 Porsche Carrera Abarth GTL Viarenzo & Filliponi Coupé Shown by Robert Ingram/The Ingram Collection Postwar Touring 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia Supergioiello Coupé Shown by Jonathan & Wendy Segal Zagato Centennial Prewar 1932 Maserati V4 Zagato Spider Shown by Lawrence Auriana Zagato Centennial Postwar 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Coupé Shown by David F. MacNeil Best In Show 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer Shown by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie If you are curious about the order in which the awards were given, we have a treat for you. Below is a birds-eye view of the entire show. We'll see you there next year. " width="680"> Image Source: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2019

What to See at Monterey Car Week 2019

If you are heading to Monterey, we have a real treat for you. In addition to our massive tent on Peter Hay Hill, here are all the events you need to see. If you have never been, the Weathertech Raceway at Laguna Seca is a great place to watch classic racers in action. Fisherman's Wharf is home to world-class dining, and it is walking distance to RM Sothebys and Russo & Steele auctions. Carmel-By-The-Sea is a picturesque town unlike any other. The relaxed atmosphere will be the endpoint for the Tour d'Elegance on Thursday. Watching these classics roll into town will take your breath away. Make sure to get back on the highway before the crowd leaves, and come see us at Pebble Beach. Our display is atop Peter Hay Hill, across from the clubhouse. Safe travels, and we will see you there! Monday: Porsche Classic Join Porsche Monterey in celebrating its designation as a Porsche Classic Partner at ‘The Porsche Monterey Classic’, an exclusive Porsche event highlighting Classic Porsches. We welcome all Porsches for display. Come and join us while enjoying music, whiskey, wine, and hor's d’ oeuvres. Register your Porsche ASAP as space is limited. View Details Automobilia Monterey The largest automobilia show in America, and the only time during Concours Week to find these 45+/- top international dealers in a single venue. Enjoy the relaxed indoor setting while buying only original vintage posters, photographs, rallye plates, badges & pins, hood ornaments, signs, original art, display items, scale models, literature & books, signed items, postcards, etc. View Details Tuesday: Concours on the Avenue 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Scaglietti Spider Carmel-by-the-Sea's world-famous Ocean Avenue will be closed to traffic and eighteen blocks of downtown will be filled with collector cars and related motorized fun. A fascinating mix of American and foreign cars will be showcased in front of a backdrop of charming shops, critically acclaimed restaurants and numerous galleries. The Carmel Concours on the Avenue will focus on vehicles not usually seen during this ten-day period. View Details Wednesday: McCall's Motorworks Revival Join us and our 3000 VIP guests as we host our exclusive First-Class evening and experience culinary delights while strolling the array of exceptional and rare vintage race cars, motorcycles, and aircraft. World-Class sponsors will also join us to show off their latest offerings and WOW guests with the first look at what's coming next in the aviation and automotive world. Luxury watchmakers like Chronoswiss, Eberhard, Kerbedanz and Reservoir will be on display. Noted California chefs will pair gourmet selections with California wines for McCall's Motorsports Revival. View Details Little Car Show The Little Car Show showcases all marques from all countries. Expecting more than 100 vehicles 25 years and older. From micro, mini and arcane vehicles with no greater than 1,601cc displacement engines or electric powered vehicles, you'll enjoy this special show. Have a small car to show? Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Registration will be closed when 100 vehicles have registered. "Drop in" entries will only be processed on show day if space is available! We also have a "Special Interest" category and may allow limited production and custom vehicles that meet the general rules and intent of the show. View Details Prancing Ponies Prancing Ponies Car Show provides an opportunity for women car enthusiasts to inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM and to explore leadership in the automotive industry. Women owners and co-owners register today! Open to all Classic cars, Muscle cars, Supercars, and Hyper Cars and free to spectators. View Details Carmel Mission Classic Enjoy wine tasting by some of Monterey County's finest vineyards, a self-guided tour, and beautiful live harp music in the background as you stroll the grounds of the crown jewel of the Monterey Peninsula, the historic Carmel Mission. A no-host gourmet food bar will also be available by a local chef. All net proceeds go to the charities of the Knights of Columbus and Carmel Mission. From Ferraris to Funny-Cars and Blessings to Beverages, there’s something for everyone! View Details Thursday: duPont REGISTRY Live at Pebble Beach This year we have taken the high ground of Peter Hay Hill. In our display will be over $20,000,000 in exotics. Not only do we have the first McLaren P1 GTR, but we also have the only boat built by Scuderia Ferrari. Along with a Hennessey 6x6 Velociraptors, Pagani Huayras, and the first officially licensed Gulf Edition Mustang GT, stop by and say hello at our tent. Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Laguna Seca Described as a museum springing to life, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, is the largest event held during the famed Monterey Classic Car Week, and is the only event where cars are doing what they were originally intended to do…race. Approximately 550 race cars are invited to compete in the world’s premier motoring event, and are accepted based on the car’s authenticity, race provenance and period correctness. Featured Marque: IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) celebrates its 50th anniversary of premier sports car racing. View Details Tour d'Elegance 17-Mile Drive The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is an annual driving event that delights entrants and spectators alike. The traditional Tour traces portions of the original 17-Mile Drive, traverses nearby mountains and valleys and pauses for a time in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. View Details WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE: 7:00 am Cars line up on Portola Road in Pebble Beach9:00 am Tour departs11:30 am Tour arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea12 noon Cars are displayed on Ocean Avenue2:00 pm Tour returns to Pebble Beach3:00 pm Concluding Champagne toast for participants Mecum The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 29 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month."We've come a long way from our first official auction at the Rockford Airport in 1988," notes President Dana Mecum. "We're really a family business that grew up and got big. Our goal has always been to give Mecum Auction attendees an amazing experience and unite them with an incredible car they will enjoy."What started in 1988 with little more than a few helpers around the family dining room table has grown to more than 200-strong when on-site at an event today. View Details RM Every August, the collector car world descends on the Monterey Peninsula for the ultimate celebration of the hobby. For over 30 years, RM Sotheby's Monterey sale has been the pinnacle of the collector car auctions, known for its innovative presentation and record-setting results. Along with all the auction excitement, Monterey Car Week is filled with a number of other hobby events, from historic racing to festivals and Concours, which transform the area into a car lover's paradise. The week culminates with the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where RM Sotheby's very own restoration team has won a remarkable six Best of Show honors. View Details Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction Photo credit: Pawel Litwinski/Bonhams The Bonhams Motoring Department is renowned for holding auction sales of rare of significant classic motor cars, motorcycles and related memorabilia, held in conjunction with some of the most prestigious global motoring events in truly charismatic locations. The recently launched Bonhams MPH brings Bonhams values to a wider audience for more modern and modestly priced collectors' motor cars, staging four dedicated sales per year at Bicester Heritage. View Details Russo & Steel Russo and Steele’s Annual Collector Automobile auction in beautiful Monterey, California is among an elite list of events that contribute to Monterey’s Historic Car Week, and holds the hottest ticket to Monterey’s Race Weekend, billed as the “Mecca of Collector Automobiles”. Russo and Steele offers a collection of the highest quality, most luxurious and collectible European sports, American muscle, hot rods and custom automobiles suitable to satisfy any automotive desires with both reserve and no reserve automobiles View Details Worldwide Auctioneers: Pacific Grove Worldwide’s Pacific Grove Auction on the Monterey Peninsula is scheduled for Thursday, August 15th. The Pacific Grove Auction enjoys the best views in town, with the 2019 event again set to be staged in the spectacular ocean side setting of the Pacific Grove Golf Links, adjacent to the famous 17 Mile Drive and perfectly positioned at the tip of the Peninsula for both Monterey and Pebble Beach. View Details Friday: Legends of the Autobahn Legends of the Autobahn Concours will take place at The Club at Pasadera in Monterey, California, during the famed Pebble Beach Concours week. This rich venue provides the growing event with the continued room to expand and it’s so close to Laguna Seca that you can hear the historic cars warming up! Join the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes Club of America, and the Audi Club of North America—the world’s preeminent German-marque car clubs—at the annual Legends Of The Autobahn Concours d’Elegance. View Details Japanese Automotive Invitational The Japanese Automotive Invitational, presented by INFINITI, is a celebration of Japanese automobiles in a festive and relaxed atmosphere. Featured vehicles exemplify Japanese innovation, design, and performance that originate from a rich and historically significant car culture. Unique among a week of vintage automotive events during Pebble Beach Car Week, the Japanese Automotive Invitational has distinguished itself as the premier experience dedicated to Japanese automotive achievements, culture, personalities, and the future of Japanese-inspired innovation and design. View Details Porsche Werks Reunion Don’t miss Monterey Car Week’s largest gathering of Porsches! Expect to view a breathtaking array of Porsches at this free-to-spectators event, from rare classics to current models and everything in between. Display your own cherished car in Porsche Corrals or enter the Porsche Concours and compete to win in more than 20 prize categories. Porsche Club of America (PCA) welcomes all Porsche clubs, owners, and enthusiasts to the annual PCA Werks Reunion during the world-famous Monterey Car Week on California's Monterey Peninsula. Membership in PCA is not required to participate in this celebration of Porsche automotive engineering. Spectators are welcome to attend Werks Reunion Monterey free of charge ($20 parking fee, cash only). No registration is needed. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering For seventeen years, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering has provided an unparalleled and exclusive experience for motorsports enthusiasts and collectors from around the world to enjoy rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles in a garden-party setting on the rolling greens of Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Held in conjunction with The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is the 22nd Annual Bonhams Motorcar Auction on the western grounds of Quail Lodge & Golf Club offering easy access, plenty of convenient parking, and lots of sunshine amidst the famous Carmel scenery. The Quail will continue to create an enhanced experience for attendees and sponsors alike. Guests will enjoy exquisite motorcars on display and culinary pavilions, with the ease of onsite parking. View Details Saturday: Concourso Italiano Concorso Italiano is the world’s largest luxury and exotic Italian Car show. This is truly a multi-faceted luxury lifestyle event celebrating all things Italian; fashion, food, wine, art, and products. Concorso Italiano, famous for the diverse and significant collection of exhibited Italian cars, is centered on as many as 1,000 Italian & exotic automobiles, Italian motorcycles. Those that attend also enjoy the Concorso Italiano Fashion Show, musical performances, and on-stage interviews with legendary automotive collectors and industry designers View Details Exotics on Broadway It all began with a vision to bring something new and fresh to Monterey Car Week, and with that “Exotics” was born. This unique event is focused entirely on the Super, Hyper and Exotic Car phenomenon. With the surroundings of historic downtown Seaside and open admission, we are creating a whole new destination event for the auto enthusiast and collector alike. Exotics on Broadway showcases some of the rarest and exciting cars of our time alongside the companies that can take these cars to the next level in performance and showmanship. The carefully crafted approach of Exotics on Broadway is to create the ideal venue for companies to showcase their products and services to a demographic passionate about high-end cars and modifying them. Sure to draw crowds in the tens of thousands, the event is free and open to the public. Exhibitor booths will range from automotive manufacturers to wheel manufacturers, tuners to automotive dealerships and everything in between. View Details Sunday: Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Car collectors worldwide dream of competing at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links is the stage and the rolling Pacific Ocean serves as the backdrop. Begun in 1950, this concours is the top-ranking collector car competition in the world. It is also the event to which most other modern concours now trace their roots. Initially modeled on the early European concours that showcased new cars, the Pebble Beach Concours shifted its focus to collector cars in 1955—and other concours followed suit. It has also taken the lead by including racing greats and offering featured marques and special classes as early as 1953, introducing displays of dream cars and concepts in the 1980s, and instituting driving events and emphasizing the importance of preservation in the 1990s. View Details Guided by—and often driving—the interests of enthusiasts the world over, this Concours continues to set the bar for all others. The Concours d'elegance is not a contest of speed, but of elegance. Automobiles are judged for their style and technical merit, as well as their history, their originality and the accuracy of their preservation or restoration—and the best garner reward and recognition. Dawn Field opens to entrants; Dawn Patrol viewers are not allowed onto the field until 5:30 am8:30 am Judging Commences10:30 am Field officially opens to general admission spectators1:30 pm – 5:00 pm Awards are presented Be sure to stop by our booth, and say hello! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2019

Festivals of Speed Amelia Island 2019 to Help Kids Beatin...

Our friends at Festivals of Speed always put on an amazing show. Their biggest annual event coincides with car week on Amelia Island, Florida. Two years ago they had an Aston-Martin One-77 on display, and last year was host to classic rally cars. The big news for 2019 is that they are waiving the registration fee to display your car. All proceeds from the gate will be donated to KidsBeatingCancer.com, a non-profit based in Orlando. Join us Sunday, March 9th at the Omni Amelia Island to take in amazing cars along with on-site cafes, smooth jazz, a cigar lounge, and gourmet food. KidsBeatingCancer provides access to cures through the science of cutting edge bone marrow and stem cell transplants. Our friends at Terradyne are bringing a Gurkha all the way from Ontario, so get ready for a wild event! Click Here To Register " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2018

SEMA 2018: What to Expect

If your walking shoes are ready, head on over to the Las Vegas Convention Center for SEMA 2018. The Specialty Equipment Market Association is only open to members of the press and the aftermarket, and it is the best way to see what's new in the world of parts and vehicle customization. Our team is already on-site, so be sure to check out the live videos on our Facebook page. We couldn't do this without the support of our clients, so here is our guide to this amazing event. Lexani You might recognize Lexani as the leader of the wheel industry, but their artists in Corona, California have branched out into building incredible custom vehicles. Their booth is filled with custom exotics, pretty ladies, and the best wheels in the world. Hennessey Performance John Hennessey and his team are located in the Shell and Pennzoil booth. The big news for 2019 is the Velociraptor V8 along with the twin-turbo beast from the Venom F5. Starwood Motors Starwood Motors has taken their potent prescription for performance and infused it into the new Jeep JL. Stop by BodyGuard's booth to see the wildest Wranglers in the world! Fab Fours If you demand the best from your truck, Fab Fours has a booth that will keep you awake at night. Booth 30201 is loaded with American made accessories for all brands of trucks and SUVs. American Expedition Vehicles AEV is the first to patent a dual-sport suspension. Their builds include the Jeep Brute conversions, the Dodge Prospector Tray Bed, and they are Chevrolet's supplier for the Colorado ZR2 Bison. These aren't just pretty parts, they are engineered to tolerances that the OEMs have only dreamed of. Brand New Muscle Car If you don't have the deep pockets to purchase a 1969 Yenko Camaro, Brand New Muscle Car will build a new one for you. Their new 1969 Camaros are correct in every detail, and they can be seen in the Classic Industries display. Specialty Vehicle Engineering The Yenko brand has also been revived for late-model performance. SVE uses forced induction and proprietary tuning to unlock 1,000 horsepower in any new Camaro, Corvette and even the Silverado. Desert Power Wagons The original Power Wagon was a workhorse, but it was cramped and underpowered. That is why Desert Power Wagons adds 6" to the front doors and their cabs are hand-fabricated works of art. Details like the original Army winch are modernized with MileMarker internals, and the 1-ton axles can be locked electronically. Xpel Technologies If your Lamborghini Centenario is collecting dust, Xpel has the latest in paint protection film. Their warranty is the best in the industry, so they chose one of the most coveted cars on earth for a full body display. Vorsteiner Blending Haute Couture with forged aluminum, Vorsteiner shows how aftermarket wheels are more than a fashion statement. Their body enhancements will make your car stand out in a crowd, and they will change your outlook on the industry. Bend-Pak The only lifts we use here at duPont REGISTRY. Bend Pak is the leader is taking your collection vertical. Their options for drive on and 4-post lifts will leave you staring at the ceiling. Check out indoor booth #16415 in Westgate and outdoor booth #61007 in Silver Lot 1. Earthcruiser Innovation meets the outdoors with their innovative campers. Provide your own chassis-cab for the ultimate pop-up, or choose from their bed-mounted MOD series. Fittipaldi Wheels If you are in search of the perfect fitment, Fittipaldi Wheels have a wild display at booth 62130. Fittipaldi wheels are the brainchild of F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi. Having seen the best and worst parts of racing, every wheel in their lineup is cut from a solid billet of T6 alloy. Lighter and stronger than cast competitors, Fittipaldi wheels are your ticket to a podium finish. Moduline If your garage is in need of organization, Moduline offers the best in modular aluminum storage and workspace improvments. They are located in booth 10577 Shelby American with Pierre Ford The Super Snake has returned! Las Vegas is home base for Shelby American, so be sure to check out their display along with Pierre Ford, and several new Shelbys will be inside the Ford Performance booth. Car Capsule Nothing keeps your car safer than CarCapsule. Their showcases are inflated by a low-amperage blower and sealed tight so it doesn't use much power. Door dings, rodents, spiders, and mold are kept out of the positive pressure environment. They will be featured in several booths, both inside and out. Roush Performance Cactus Jack and his team have some wild new products for 2019. Are you ready for the new Roush F-250 and F350 SuperDuty? They will be on display next to the new Roush Stage 3 Mustang and many others. Finally, don't forget to visit Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep & Mopar for all your wild factory concepts. Tell us which one of these is your favorite, and keep our Facebook page open for all your SEMA coverage.

By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2018

Pagani Raduno 2018: California Cruising

What began as a small Pagani meet in 2004 has shocked the automotive world. The Pagani Raduno has been held in Itlay and South America, and now it's time for California. In a recent Instagram upload. Pagani Automobili unveiled the logo for this year's event. Their intentions are to travel the length and breadth of the state, with all Pagani owners invited.If it happens before the end of the year it will be the second event of the year. An Australian event earlier this year culminated in the grand opening of the first Pagani dealer in the South Pacific. Three years ago they attacked the mountains of Japan in the "TougheRun".Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & ReviewPaganis will be seen en masse this weekend at Monterey Car Week, and we will be there also. Their Instagram page allows us to follow the trip. The starting point was the grand opening of Pagani Beverly Hills. From there, the convoy turned north to Malibu. Then they went inland through the Las Padres National Forest, up to Cuyama, then out to Cambria. The Pacific Coast Highway took them across the iconic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, and they arrived in Monterey last night.As soon as we have video of Raduno California you will see it here first. Stay with us for all your Pagani updates.Browse Pagani For Sale in the USA

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: Davis Island 2018

What happened on the morning of May 19, 2018, was simply unbelievable. For the second year, the folks at the Tampa Airport Authority allowed us to take over the Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands in Tampa, FL for our Cars & Coffee event. Tampa’s first airport, for approximately 10 years starting in the mid-1930’s, is now home to private and civil aviation with an expansive tarmac that is the perfect spot for this huge event.Even though our tents and vendors were set up way in advance of the official start time, we realized a line of amazing automobiles was forming and backing up to the horizon. So we opened the gates 40 minutes early to get things rolling, and many cars were in place before the sun awakened. Local dealers, including our automotive sponsor Ferrari of Tampa Bay, brought out their best inventory, and three food trucks offered something for everyone, including some delicious coffee.Gallery by C12 Productions Gallery by Nick Rosso We began as a small car magazine in Tampa back in 1985. And thanks to our fans and clients, we have grown into the world’s best resource for connecting buyers and sellers of the world’s best cars. This show was for everyone who has supported us over the last three decades.Gallery by @keystothejungle Gallery by Chandler Parker Gallery by Ben McClure Gallery by duPont REGISTRY The record turnout caught the eye of several other locations, so the wheels are in motion for something even bigger. For those of you who attend regularly, we have a surprise in our showroom for next month, so we’ll see you then!

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe