A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356A Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after models in Porsche’s early lineage. Originally introduced in 1954 at the request of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed as a lightweight, bare-bones sports car tailored to the American market. By 1958, the model had evolved into the refined "356A" version, featuring a more advanced…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

Cadillac Eldorado

The Cadillac Eldorado was one of America’s most iconic personal luxury cars, known for its bold styling, smooth ride, and upscale presence. Introduced in 1953 as a limited-production convertible, the Eldorado was a showcase of Cadillac’s top-tier design and innovation. It quickly became a status symbol, famously sporting high tailfins in the late '50s and pioneering front-wheel drive in 1967.…

The Role of Provenance and Documentation in the Value of Collector Cars  By Mike Thies

In the world of collector and classic cars, value isn't just about make, model, and condition. Provenance, the story of the car's life, and proper documentation can make a huge difference in both market value and buyer appeal. While some vehicles see dramatic price jumps due to high-profile owners or pop culture fame, most cars benefit in a quieter, but still meaningful, way:…

A Bite of History: 1960 Ford Sunliner

by Mike Thies

The 1960 Ford Sunliner was the soft-top star of Ford’s full-size lineup, blending postwar flair with early-'60s sleekness. As part of the B series, the Sunliner rode the wave of chrome, fins, and V8 power that defined the era’s boulevard cruisers.

With a wide…

A Bite of History: 1966 Buick Riviera Gran Sport

by Mlke Thies

In 1966, the Buick Riviera Gran Sport stood at the crossroads of elegance and muscle. It was the last year of the Riviera’s original, razor-sharp body style. It was long, low, and dripping with understated class. But behind its refined façade lurked serious firepower.…

A Bite of History: Datsun 280ZX by Mike Thies

When the Datsun 280ZX debuted in 1979, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the evolution of the beloved Z-car line. Replacing the 280Z, the 280ZX (internally known as the S130) blended the sporty DNA of the original 240Z with the increasing demand for comfort, technology, and everyday usability. Built by Nissan under the Datsun nameplate, the 280ZX aimed to maintain performance credentials while appealing to a more mature market,…

The Rumble Seat: A Ride Through Its Rise, Reign, and Retirement by Mike Thies

The rumble seat, also known as a "dickey seat" in Britain, was one of the most charming and distinctive features of early automotive design. Tucked into the rear of coupes and roadsters, it offered a semi-enclosed, open-air perch for passengers. Though rarely comfortable or convenient, it became a cultural icon, symbolizing both the ingenuity and limitations of early car design. Let’s…

Where Have All the Craftsmen Gone?

The Challenges of Finding Skilled Builders for Pre-War Hot Rod and Restoration Projects

Building or restoring a pre-war car, especially when blending originality with hot rod performance, is one of the most rewarding but increasingly difficult pursuits in the collector car world. Whether you're aiming for a faithful restoration of a 1930s Ford or crafting a custom pre-war hot rod with modern drivability, one of the biggest…

A Bite of History by Mike Thies

BMW M8 Competition

The BMW M8 Competition is the high-performance crown jewel of BMW’s 8 Series lineup, combining grand touring luxury with raw motorsport engineering. Though the original 8 Series debuted in the 1990s as a sleek V12-powered…

The “SouthEastWheelsEvents Annual Recognition Awards” - The Ceremony is set for January 17, 2026 at the Savoy Museum as part of the conclusion of their Annual Drive…

A Bite of History by Mike Thies

1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

In 1970, Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo as its first personal luxury couple; a stylish answer to Ford's Thunderbird and Pontiac's Grand Prix. Built on the GM A-body platform shared with the Chevelle, the Monte Carlo stood out with its long hood, short…

A Bite of History by Mike Thies

Mazda Miata MX-5

In a world where sports cars were either too expensive or too unreliable, 1989 brought us a game-changer from Japan: the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Inspired by classic British roadsters (think Lotus Elan, MGB), but without the electrical tantrums and oil puddles, the Miata nailed the formula; lightweight, rear-wheel…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

1950's Nash Metropolitan

The Nash Metropolitan, introduced in the early 1950s, holds a special place in automotive history as one of the first American-designed cars…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

1954 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1954 Corvette was only the second year of production for what would become America’s most iconic sports car. Built in a time when European roadsters were dominating U.S. roads,…

A Bite of History -Mike Thies

1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z/28

The 1970 Camaro marked the beginning of the second generation for Chevy’s popular pony car, and the Z/28 with the RS (Rally Sport) package was one of the most desirable configurations. With a more European-inspired design — longer, lower,…

The 1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe is a beautiful example of pre-war American automotive craftsmanship. While it was one of Packard’s “junior” models introduced to appeal to a broader market, it still carried the elegance and build quality the brand was known for.

She is named in honor of Mike's mother, Dr.…

• 1725 cc Flat-Four Boxer Engine
• Dual Carburetor, Air Cooled
• Estimated 125 Horsepower
• Curb Weight of 1933 pounds
• Four Speed Manual Transaxle
• Independent Suspension…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

1963 Corvette Coupe

The Split-Window Sting Ray Strikes

Some cars just look fast standing still. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe didn’t just look fast. it looked like it could time travel. With its sharp lines, hidden headlights, and that iconic split rear window, it rolled off the line like a spaceship made of muscle.

This was the first year for the…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Apperson

The Jackrabbit Jumps Into the Game

Long before muscle cars and turbochargers, there was Apperson. a name that roared through the early 1900s when cars still looked like fancy wagons without horses. Founded in 1901 by the Apperson brothers (who had worked with Elwood Haynes, another car pioneer), these guys were among the original big names of American motoring.

Their…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Saab

SAAB: The Jet That Turned Into a Car

Ever wonder what happens when airplane engineers build a car? You get Saab. Born in Sweden in the late 1940s, Saab (short for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) started life making fighter planes. Then one day someone said, “Hey, what if we made a car that drove like a cockpit?” And boomm, Saab 92 hit the road in 1949.

Saabs were…