Northwest Historic

July 06, 2011

Spotting special cars is fun. No interesting (or even uninteresting) sports car ever passed by without me mentioning it. I’m sure others find this a very charming trait.

I found myself passing by the Northwest Historic Vintage Auto Races. When I say “passing by” I mean it was only about an hour out of my way.

I figure the guys out racing that day aren’t the only car guys. The spectators must be car guys too, after all who else would pay $25 bucks to get in and $10 for a hot dog?

Porsche attendance at the track just makes sense. After all, these cars are very direct descendants from race cars and the owners bought them for that reason. I find the sighting of a older Porsche in great condition much more special than a new car in new condition. It’s also easier to imagine myself affording it.

The only 964 I saw. Window down and V1 on the windshield. I hope it stayed there.

Yes, it was in the parking lot.

I like the company this 911 keeps

Notable wheel polishing.

While not a mid engine car, the 944 had weight distribution sorted out very well. Rear mounted transmissions weren’t the genius innovation of Chevrolet you know. These cars rule track events and are cheap enough to actually own. Not to mention they really don’t look that old

Yeah, I know the Boxster is a great car, here’s a picture. Now shut up.

Okay, perhaps this one wasn’t in the parking lot.
This old Ferrari was parked in the Porsche section. (that’s a joke)

The Ultimate Driving Machine was also well represented. Perhaps not as sexy as a Porsche but you won’t complain when you’re behind the wheel. You can get a lot of value in a used BMW. I miss every BMW I’ve ever had.

I read in Maxim magazine you can get a 12 cylinder version for around $25K, I get all my car advice from Maxim.

Quick enough and unquestionably superior handling, with less gizmos.
Look close and see the Dinan badge. M3’s are so easy to drive fast,
handling was engineered rather than programmed.

BMW’s names for these coupes are getting tougher to remember. Z4- M-roadster coupe???
Also not spotted but appreciated is the Z3 version of this car, a personal favorite of mine.

Boxer engines are cool in anything. Even motorcycles.

A lot of good things began here.

Okay, so maybe Ural is a sore spot for the Germans. So what.

You’d have to pay $25 to see this one.

The local Alfa guys race, a lot. So the event had plenty of them, the parking lot did not. Just a little taste of Italy was found in the parking lot. The rarity of these cars is what makes seeing them so fun. Ferraris are rare of too, but realistically I just don’t fantasize about owning a Ferrari.

I tossed in this Lancia to see if anyone is paying attention.

Track photo, but I couldn't resist.

Lotus’ Elise is a damn sexy little car, but having a dealer in the area has saturated my pallet. Many more were present. Just when the prices have fallen to very reasonable Lotus started offering all sorts of cooler versions which is great marketing. About the same storage capacity as my motorcycle and less comfortable, I’m afraid my back isn’t up to an Elise. But renting one for some track school it a great idea for a blog.

Renta racer. and you don't have to go to the airport either.

Elise parked in the dark shade. Love the earlier turbo 4 cylinder versions of this car.
They still stir my adrenal gland when I see one on the road. Some say the quality is
lacking, like my brother. He broke a door handle off at the dealership 25 years ago.

Ford ruled the big bore events at the track, so you’d expect a lot of Mustangs in the lot. I walked passed a few GTs on my way to view the many different, hotter versions of the Mustang. Fords are offered in so many performance packages. The muscle car brutality of a hot Ford is hard to beat. Been there and done that, but it's still good.

This particular replica/kit is so old it's likely a classic in its own right.

Strangley absent were original 5.0 Saleen Mustangs. Where are you guys?
Below are the two coolest Fords on the track.

Okay, so it was worth the $25 for the entry fee for sure. But I did enjoy seeing so many real-world sports cars for free too. After all, most of us got our start speeding on public roads didn’t we?

Honorable mentions from on, off and around the track: