A Judge’s View from Pinehurst: Sandhills Motoring Expo 2026 by Mike Thies

The 2026 Sandhills Motoring Expo Concours in the Village was one of those days that reminds you why we do this. Held Sunday, May 24, in the historic Village of Pinehurst, the event brought together more than 130 judged automobiles representing over 40 manufacturers, and from this judge’s point of view, it was a first-class field, a well-run operation, and a genuinely enjoyable day with owners who were proud to…

A Bite of History by Mike Thies

Waffle House

Waffle House has a long-standing partnership with Richard Petty, featuring a custom Waffle House paint scheme on the No. 43 Ford. This connection to the racing world naturally bleeds into the broader car collector community. Waffle House is a staple for 'Cars and Coffee' style meetups. Because they are open 24/7 and located…

Pre-WWII Collector Car Market: A Shifting Landscape by Mike Thies

The market for pre-World War II collector cars has undergone a marked shift in recent years. Once considered untouchable crown jewels of the collector world, many pre-war classics are now experiencing declining values amid changing demand. A combination of shifting buyer demographics, broader economic pressures, and evolving tastes has reshaped this segment’s trajectory. This analysis summarizes the key…

A Bite of History  by Mike Thies

 The Jaguar XK120

There are moments in automotive history when a single car changes everything, when elegance, engineering, and audacity collide to create something that feels more like a declaration than a machine. We learn that the Jaguar XK120 was one of those moments. When it first appeared at the 1948 London Motor Show, no one…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

The “Car Guy’s Garage”

Step inside a place like this and you can almost hear the echoes of every wrench turned and every engine fired back to life. The light hums off the old signs, Route 66, Coca-Cola, Phillips 66, and the smell is that unmistakable mix of oil, leather, and stories. This isn’t just a garage. It’s a…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

If the hot rod was about shine and polish, the rat rod was about grit and guts. These weren’t built for trophies or perfection, they were built to run, to rattle, and to raise a little dust. The idea came from guys who were tired of trailer queens and six-figure show cars. They dug through junkyards, swapped parts in driveways, and welded with whatever they had. A true rat rod looked like it might’ve been found behind an old barn,…

A Bite of History – (by Mike Thies)

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio

When you step back and look at an Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio, you’re not just seeing a sleek Italian convertible, you’re seeing one of the last gasps of true analog romance from the 1980s. By 1988, most sports cars had started to bulk up with electronics and smog equipment, but Alfa’s little Spider kept its…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster marks the swan song of one of Porsche’s most iconic and minimalist models. Originally introduced in 1954 at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed to be a low cost, lightweight, stripped-down entry sports car that could double as a weekend racer, especially for the California sports car scene. With its low windshield,…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1948 Rover P3 Saloon

The 1948 Rover P3 Saloon marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British motoring. Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the P3 was a bridge between prewar craftsmanship and the modern engineering ethos that would come to define Rover’s future. Although its styling retained many traditional elements, including an upright grille, separate fenders, and rear-hinged front…

The Volunteer Gap: Thoughts on Why Car Clubs Are Struggling to Fill Leadership Roles, and What to Do About It

With car shows, cruise-ins, tours, parades and varied events across the country, car clubs continue to bring enthusiasts together for camaraderie, preservation, and celebration of automotive history. But behind the scenes, many of these clubs are hitting a serious speed bump: no one wants to take the wheel. Volunteer-run clubs are facing an increasingly common…

Why It’s Hard to Recruit Younger Members to Volunteer Car Clubs, and How to Fix It

Car clubs have long been the social engine of the collector car world, bringing people together to swap parts, plan road trips, attend shows, and preserve automotive history. But in recent years, many volunteer-run car clubs have struggled with a pressing problem: recruiting and retaining younger members. The concern isn’t just about numbers, it’s about sustainability. As the…

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

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 - 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…

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.…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

The Lafayette

The Lafayette automobile was more than just a machine, it was a statement. First introduced in the early 1920s and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, this luxury car was built to rival the finest on the road. Precision engineering, refined styling, and a bold American spirit made the Lafayette a standout in its time.…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

Porsche 356

Before the world knew Porsche as a maker of high-performance sports cars, there was the Porsche 356, the model that started it all. Launched in 1948, it was Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche's vision of a lightweight, rear-engine sports car that could handle curves like a dream.…

The 2024 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, now under the stewardship of Hagerty, marked a significant milestone in the event's storied history. Held from February 29 to March 3, 2024, at The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, this year's concours seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, attracting enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals from around the globe.…

The History of SEMA’s Battle of the Builders

SEMA, founded in 1963, has been a cornerstone of the automotive aftermarket industry. Its annual show in Las Vegas is the premier trade event for showcasing the latest automotive innovations. Recognizing the need to highlight the creativity and technical expertise of custom car builders, SEMA introduced the Battle of the…

The Ridler Award: A Pinnacle of Custom Car Building

The Ridler Award, bestowed annually at the Detroit Autorama, stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the world of custom car building. Recognizing exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, the award has elevated the art and science of custom car design. Its history and significance offer a profound insight into the evolution of car culture and the dedication of its creators.…