DeTomaso Mailing List: April 2001, Message #70

The alarm sounded way too early..but then again, yesterday morning, April 
1st, was the first morning of Daylight Savings Time...I didn't mind yanking 
myself up for a car show as I had already missed Donut Derelict's (again) the 
previous day. Well shucks, this time for a very worthwhile and respectable 
cause. I attended the piano recital of one of my little students.  His name, 
in fact, is Enzo.  One day.. I looked at the lad and said,..."Enzo, do you 
know who you are named after?"  Of course I do, he answered, "Enzo Ferrari."  
"Well, how forever did you know that, I inquired?"  Easy, "My Dad lived in 
Italy for 25 years, and is an automobile designer.  So..... in essence, the 
recital was car related : ) 
[Back to present]...So here it is 7am "new time," I immediately phoned to see 
if GPS (in town for a few days) had started out yet and surely enough he was 
half way there.  To where, you might ask? To the famed Good Guys Rod and 
Custom Show... in (nearly) World Famous Del Mar, CA., home of the 
thoroughbreds, Barbra Streisand (sometimes) and that little French bakery I 
mentioned recently.  Today, though... was marked with many perfectly awesome 
street rods, blowers to blow your mind, and mostly American favorite 
classics.... outside vendors, more vendors, even a building full of vendors.. 
and a swap meet section, a car show section and a special building of 
vehicles for sale.  My San Diego bro. Leon, pointed out to me that he'd 
encountered an impressive Longchamp in the building. As it turned out, this 
is one of only 12 Spider Longchamps (and only 1 of the 2 in the U.S.) This 
one, as described, was Mrs. DeTomaso's own personal vehicle.  I met the very 
nice owner, Mr. Jack Hart (even took a picture of him by his gorgeous brown 
and creamy interior car... sorry, on my snail camera) and, low and behold, 
not only does he belong to my very own San Diego Chapter, but he also, at one 
time, owned a 400i Ferrari as well. This man has good taste : )  Eventhough 
the car was being offered for sale.. I'm hoping Jack hasn't made his mind up, 
entirely, to let it go.  
I scoped out the rest of the show and had a grand time networking... In my 
travels I was drawn to the Ford Racing Performance Parts exhibitors.  I'm no 
mechanic as you know.. but I have to pride myself on being able to have 
answered their one question.. "Who do you suggest for ZF parts and work?".. 
why that's EZ....why everyone knows, [poetry moment] for those who want 
quality and are gainly employed, it's Lloyd.. and for those who do nothing 
'til dark.. I know a fellow in Canoga Park...just kidding..  told them it's 
Lloyd Butfoy.  Then I continued merrily on my way and met Brad, owner of 
Express Auto Care in Las Vegas. Filled him in on our Fun Run event and even 
received a promise of a very nice raffle prize, set of valve covers for a 
351C. Personally (for once) I curtailed my own buying...only one book, 
catalog of vintage race car toys.. all colored pictures..(a "must have") and 
a black, short and tight, rayon dress, with hot rod car pattern.  What I 
really wanted most, though?.. an incredible vintage race car model.. but this 
one was a larger model.. (I'd compare it to the size of a real flying model 
airplane) and it had true leather interior, and all the workings of a real 
race car.  Only $3,500.  (shucks add a few more and I could have the real 
thing).  Other interesting finds... a man who specializes in Steering Wheel 
restoration (recasting, customs wheels and horn buttons), and a fellow who 
makes bird houses of license plates; I finally know what to do with those 
Canadian plates I picked up somewhere in my past.  No guilt about the huge 
Bratwurst, sauerkraut and brown ale. I think I walked it and most of the 
rubber tread off my shoes..... then a happier but tired-out camper...  headed 
back north, for the 2 hour relaxing and enjoyable homeward bound 
trek...except for bro. Arlan's music : ( Now I am pretty flexible and try to 
please my passenger.. but when my own pre-set buttons get changed for the 
rider's convenience... now that's just pushing my buttons a bit toooo far, 
but...'Twas a very fun day indeed.
Thank you Marc Meadors from Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, for your 
interest in Panteras and POCA.  You are truly one of the "Good guys!"
xox FirSSt