Author Archives: Ron Kowalke

De Dion steamer sells for $4.2M

Ron Kowalke | October 10, 2011

It takes about one minute to pronounce the name of the oldest known operating motorcar: 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos steam runabout, and it took about 19 more minutes on Oct. 7 for this historic car to reach a record selling price of $4,200,000. More »

Categories: Auction News, Auction Sold Prices, Features | Leave a comment

Collecting Curiosities: Whiskey on wheels

Ron Kowalke | September 27, 2011

Ezra Brooks #21 sprint car decanter from 1971. Features a removable tail section with cork stopper.

In his decades of searching through automotive swap meets, antique shops and estate sales across the country, editor Ron Kowalke has come across many interesting items — both automotive and non-automotive related. In his new web-exclusive column, Collecting Curiosities, he will share his automotive findings — and focus equally on both the collectible subject and its investment potential (and/or pitfalls). Check out the first installment: Whiskey on Wheels. More »

Categories: Editor's Picks, Features | 2 Comments

Scenes from the Shakedown

Ron Kowalke | August 16, 2011

Built in 1964 and drag raced primarily at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wis., this 1938 Fiat had a best elapsed time of 9.80 in ’67. In its current race trim, it features a Hilborn-injected 301-cid Chevy V-8 mated to a Hurst-shifted three-speed transmission. The Fiat’s rear bodywork has a Simpson parachute built into it.

Many of those who yearn for the simpler, more pin-striped days reflected in the 1950s and ’60s have an annual gathering spot in Symco, Wis., to relive those days of poodle skirts and flathead-powered deuce coupes. The event is called the Symco Shakedown, and the third annual show was held Aug. 12-13. More »

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