The weather man kept promising cooling weather towards the end of last week, but nothing materialized until the day of the show. So on Saturday we got busy in 40C heat, and threw the water pump, alternator, and timing belt back onto my Milano Verde. Then it was time to wash and detail. Whew! Not fun! But the results weren't too bad if I say so myself - at least for a 250K+ mile car. We got some nice corral parking since Alfa was the featured European marque this year. (don't worry, although I start with the brand nearest my heart, plenty of other car pics below!)

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-corral.JPG">

Then it was on to the older Alfas on the green. It's nice to see these cars rising in value and being cared for.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-2.JPG">

Arriving.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show.JPG">

This boxy little fellow manages a very wind friendly cd of .29

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-3.JPG">

Let's go racing!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-4.JPG">

Incredibly rare GTCs. There have been home made chop jobs, but they only made a few of these at the factory.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-5.JPG">

The scope and range of the show was impressive. Everything from humble daily drivers to race cars, to show queens.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-6.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-7.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-8.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-9.JPG">

Check out the canister

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/alfa-show-engine.JPG">

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Upon chatting with one of the local Alfa club members, we found out that only some of the pre-war Alfas showed up. Not sure if the heat wave scared some away.

Project car likely to be worth very big money.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vintage-alfa.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vintage-alfa-2.JPG">

Sorted examples. These were Lamborghini and Ferrari rolled into one for pre-war car enthusiasts.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vintage-alfa-5.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vintage-alfa-4.JPG">

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Then it was on to some British stuff.

Jaguars are not only pretty cars, but they are made up of pretty bits.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/jaguar-1.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/jaguar-5.JPG">

And sometimes they go rather quickly.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/jaguar-2.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/jaguar-3.JPG">

Extremely rare XJ Coupe

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/jaguar-4.JPG">

MG with tailgating kit.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/mg-picnic.JPG">

Bentley made a good showing. This was one prime example.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/bentley-3.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/bentley-2.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/bentley-1.JPG">

Triumph TR3.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/TR.JPG">

A Lotus Esprit in fine fettle.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/lotus.JPG">

Corvette was the other featured marque, and a huge number of them turned out.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-1.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-2.JPG">

Note intake plugs

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-3.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-4.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-5.JPG">

Super rare mechanical fuel injection. Apparently it works ok under some conditions, but needs more engineering to work properly.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-6.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/vette-7.JPG">

How to make a modern Corvette look really low, really sleek, and really fast, is to park a GTR next to it. Sorry, the car was mobbed as soon as it arrived, but the GTR made the Corvette look like a Ferrari in comparison.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/gtr-vette.JPG">


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A lot of 50's and 60's American cars showed up.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-1.JPG">

Shortly after this, the Imperial got freestanding headlights.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-2.JPG">

Fins galore! Caddy made the best!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-3.JPG">

Judges doing their thing to this very rare and expensive Eldorado.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-4.JPG">

Drinking and driving was evidently ok.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-5.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-17.jpg">

Studebaker Hawk - one of my favs.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-6.JPG">

Simply massive New Yorker wagon.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-7.JPG">

These seats are rather rare. There is a cable between the seat and the door, so that when the door opens, the seats swivels for easy entry and exit. Of course making it and keeping it function correctly is another matter!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-8.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-tailfins.JPG">

FWD massiveness. Toronado.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-9.JPG">

And it's sister over at Cadillac

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domsetic-10.JPG">

Early American FWD car - Cord

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/cords.JPG">

Postwar Packard.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-11.JPG">

Stunning custom.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/custom-1.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/custom-2.JPG">

Baby tailfins on this Cadillac.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-12.JPG">

Batwing Chevy Impala

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-16.JPG">

Back when aerodynamics were not clearly understood.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-14.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-visor.JPG">

Packards were very much the Rolls Royce on this side of the pond.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-packard-2.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-packard.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domsetic-13.JPG">

*************************************************

Other Europeans.


<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/ferrari-1.JPG">

Very rare Fiat Dino. I don't think they officially imported them here.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/fiat-dino.JPG">

My other fav - Citroen D21S Pallas

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/citroen.JPG">

Fiberglass bodied Volvo

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/fiberglass-volvo.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/early-porsches.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/sl-roadsters.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/gullwing.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/gullwing-2.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/McLaren.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/wonderbread.JPG">

********************************************

Some old and unusual Japanese cars showed up.

Clean Datsun 240 in eye popping green.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-240.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-datsun.JPG">

The ever classic Toyota 2000GT. Engine designed by Yamaha and body influenced by Albrecht Goertz of Datsun 240 and BMW 507 fame, the car was originally pitched to Datsun before Toyota snatched it up.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-2000.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-toyota-2.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-toyota.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-engine.JPG">

Who would have guessed that from tiny 800cc cars like this, that Honda would be where it is today?

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/japanese-honda.JPG">

****************************************

A really fun feature was the vintage camping trailer part of the show. All sorts of trailers and tow vehicles showed up, and the doors were open for people to step inside and check them out. The craftmanship is just incredible!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-1.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-6.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-2.JPG">

Reo forest service truck refurbished as tow vehicle. Underneath it uses older Chevy components for ease of servicing.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-5.JPG">

A lot of trailers had themes and colour schemes that extended to the outdoor accessories.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-3.JPG">

Aluminum everywhere!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-4.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-7.JPG">

This was towed by a vintage Willys Jeep. The trailer was passed down in the family and restored.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-8.JPG">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-9.JPG">

You can pack a lot even in a little trailer!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/camp-10.JPG">


And finally tucked into a corner, some old guys sharing war stories.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Palo-Alto-2008/domestic-jeep.JPG">

Great day, great weather, wonderful people, and incredible cars!

It was like stepping back in time!

Way more ambiance than modern travel trailers that's for sure!

Just to think, GM had huge custom order sheets back then, and I'm sure that just like the modern MINI, no two are alike!

It was fun to hear the tales of Packard owners who have had their cars for a long time, and gone through one or more restorations during their stewardship.

<img src="http://www.sport-wheels.de/bilder/dsc008801_1213699090.jpg">

so we could ask all kinds of questions or get details you would not normally get at a fancier Concours type event. Lots of great stories floating around.

<img src="http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/images/212-3-800.jpg">

http://www.zagato-cars.com/en-us/pg_403.html

http://www.zagato-cars.com/<ul><li><a href="http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_junior_z.shtml">http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_junior_z.shtml</a</li></ul>

I was talking with the owner of a 911 who has owned it from new, buying it in 1967. Was his daily driver for years. He had never thought about showing it.

But I tell you what it was a beautifully maintained car. Never undergone a restoration. I think he might have won a prize there too. Even with 2 american hose clamps on it...

we don't get many of the packards here, but it's suprising the number of old jags, ferarris and maseratis. we'll even get the odd lancia from time to time.

82 with Bosch fuel injection in Mediteranian Blue Green. One of my favorite cars ever.

You don't see those in the wild that often any more.