Archive for August, 2011

Classic Cars – The Mazda RX-7

Hailed by many as the most beautiful car ever to come out of Japan, The Mazda RX-7 took seventeen years of development before it finally appeared on the streets in 1978.

Without the perseverance of a team of Japanese motor engineers and designers under the leadership of Kenichi Yamamoto, in the development of the Wankel or rotary engine, this stunningly designed, high performance sports car, would never have happened.

In 1961 the Japanese Company Toyo Kogyo, later to be renamed Mazda, licensed from the patent owners NSU-Opel of Germany, the full rights to develop a new rotary engine.

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Oakland Roadster Classic Car Show

The Oakland Roadster Show has reached its sixty-two years of active showcasing. It was recently held from 28th to 30th January, 2011 at the Fairplex in Pomona. It is well known as the world longest running indoor car show. It is still organized at the Fairplex in Pomona after 8 successive years. Oakland Roadster Show is actually named the Grand National Roadster Show. However, many people including the media call it the Oakland Roadster Show, possibly because it was originally held at the Oakland Exhibition Hall, Tenth & Fallon St. The first show was held in the year 1950 in Oakland, California. It was promoted by Al Slonaker. It was later held at the Oakland Coliseum until the year 1997. The year of 1997 was the last year where the show was held in Oakland. In 1998, the Oakland Roadster Show was held at the Concourse in a warehouse that was converted for this car show. It is a building with age and wood beams can be seen around the building.

The building is carpeted too. However, it has a leaking roof and inconvenient parking and these problems caused the show to be relocated. After that, this car show was held at various places across the Bay. In 1999, it was held at the Cow Palace, where the fifth event was held in that year. From year 2001 to 2003, Oakland Roadster Show moved back to San Mateo Fairgrounds, and the former manager of Show Promotions returned to Oakland. A new show named The Oakland Rod and Custom Show was formed. However, this show did not last long because of the high prices set. From then onwards, there were a series of change in location. In 2004, the show was held at the Cow Palace. It was called the San Francisco Rod & Custom Show.

After that, the Grand National Roadster Show moved to Los Angeles Fairplex from San Mateo. For the 55th Annual Grand show, it was held at the Fairground in Pomona. Some of the fans insisted of being loyal to the original show while some became loyal to the new Oakland show. In this fantastic car show, there are more than five hundred show cars competing for the awards. The event will definitely succeed in bringing the the spectators back to the days of custom cars. It is a large gathering event for the authentic 40′, 50′ and 60′ customs. There is also a section for cars that recently won awards. All the participating cars are carefully selected to be showed in a specially designed building. To be chosen, the car will be judged on its quality, condition, safety, creativity and detail. Do ensure that the judge knows where to turn the switch to turn your car around.

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