“They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.” No one can deny that. I have no expectation of my 2006 Saturn Vue outlasting my friends 1931 Lincoln, let alone being a collector vehicle or worth restoration. I truly don’t expect it to last the 25 years to be called a “classic” (but that’s a completely different blog!).

 That being said, there’s also nothing quite like a brand new car. The unblemished paint, uncrushed carpet, spotless interior and, of course, learning all the new gadgets. As part of my automobile education, I took my first trip to the Cleveland Auto Show this week.  It was interesting to see what the manufacturers are coming up with to draw attention to their cars. Being able to sit in all the cars  gave me insight on what I really like.

 I had been eyeing the ads for the new Lincoln MKZ and was disappointed to find nothing about the car wowed me as I expected and sitting in the driver’s seat just didn’t feel right. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. There are features you look for in a car but if it doesn’t feel right when you sit in the driver’s seat all the bells and whistles will not make up for that.  Several years ago when Ford came out with the retro look Mustang I was sure I wanted one. I took one for a test drive only to discover nothing was in my reach.  Of course, I had to check out the beautiful Shelbys at the IX Center, but alas, the chemistry didn’t happen.

 All in all, it was a nice show. Having never been there before I don’t have a perspective on “the good old days”. Help me out…have you made the trip? How does this year compare? Was there anything you had to have?

One of the best ways for car buffs to get through another brutal northeast Ohio winter is to visit the annual Cleveland Auto Show.  This year’s show will be held for eight days—February 27 through March 7 at the I-X Center.  In addition to the true stars of the show—the 2010 automobiles, trucks and motorcycles—the 2010 auto show will feature several “theme nights,” including NASCAR night and Ohio State University night.  The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers will have a major presence throughout the show; several players and Coach Mike Brown will make appearances.  The Cleveland Institute of Art will hold its 8^th annual Automotive Design Symposium (on Friday, March 5).  The 18^th annual Automotive Technology Competition will also be held. More than 40 manufacturers will be displaying automobiles—both domestic and imports—as well as concept cars, converters, motorcycles, RV’s, alternative fuel vehicles and a special display of “classic cars.”  The Cleveland Auto Show claims “the most interactive auto show in the U. S.” with indoor and outdoor ride and drive exhibits.  Adult admission is $12, seniors and pre-teens are $10 and kids six and under are free.  $2 off coupons are available from more than 250 northeast Ohio automobile dealerships, although supplies are limited.  If you want to get an early look at the show, support Cleveland area charities and mingle with the swells you can attend the special VIP “Night of Lights” gala preview on Friday evening, February 26.  For more details visit the auto show web site at: www.ClevelandAutoShow.com

If you were even remotely interested in anything automotive, the Glennmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles was the place to be this past weekend. Collectors and enthusiasts from around the country converged upon the manicured grounds of Glenmoor Country Club in Jackson Township to celebrate their passion and revel in history.

Perfect weather made for the largest crowds ever. Organizers are estimating that nearly 25% more spectators attended the concours on Sunday than last year. Unlike other major automotive events that I have attended this year, a large part of the crowd was made up of families. Features such as Chef Brendan Meeker's cooking demonstrations, the scale model display and kids' "build and take" corner and the Summit Racing sponsored Glenmoor Garage were filled with active participants both young and old, male and female all day long.

Despite all of this activity, the focus on displaying the world's greatest cars was not lost. The collection of 1934 Ford hotrods curated by legendary author and automotive expert Ken Gross was absolutely stunning in its depth and history. The "French Front" class of elegant turn-of-the-century was a once in a lifetime sight. Three of the world's most important original, unrestored cars; the 1911 Olds Limited, Edsel Ford's Brunn Bodied 1922 Hispano Suiza and an historic 1964 Porsche 904 were all together in one place for the very first time. For enthusiasts of modern engineering, the World Class Performance Cars provided a great sampling of Lamborghinis and Ferraris while Jeff's Motor Cars special display included Spykers, Vectors and Alfa Romeo 8C and the ultimate exotic, a Bugatti Veyron.

I could go on, but I think you get the picture; it was an event not to be missed. Next year's Gathering is slated for September 17-19. Features already announce are Cleveland built automobiles and beautiful Bizzarinis. What other cars would you like to see featured?

Election Day is finally here. Since both presidential candidates have promised us that they will return our country to prosperity almost instantly, it's time to start fantasizing again.

Everyone has a dream car regardless if they are a car person or not. Whether it's a totally reliable and economical mode of transportation they can keep forever or if it's Speed Racer's Mach 5 brought to life, we all have a fantasy of some sort of automotive unobtanium. Like any decent fantasy, it's OK if your dream car changes periodically.

My current fantasy car is a 1932 Lincoln Brunn Doublentree. Hermann Brunn of Buffalo was one of the premier coachbuilders of the Classic Era. He was a favorite of royalty and industrialists worldwide, including Henry and Edsel Ford. As a result, Lincoln automobiles were one of his favorite palettes. Brunn saw a Pinin Farina concept of a dual opening door on a Lancia show car in the early thirties. This excited him and he immediately licensed the concept and put his engineers to work adapting for use in large American Classics. The first example he made for the 1932 New York Auto Salon was a Lincoln Convertible Victoria. The 64" wide door opened both ways and was large enough so that rear seat passengers did not need to fold the front seat forward to enter or exit. The concept drew large crowds at the show. The show car was immediately sold as was a second commission. Surprisingly, no more were ever made after those two examples. Neither one has been seen since the start of World War II, but I have fantasies about discovering one.

Now that you know my automotive fantasy, let's hear yours.

Checker Motors, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, is famous for building the iconic but ungainly Marathon Taxi Cab. The model was in production for over thirty years until the company closed its doors in 1982. The army of Checker cabs still terrorized New York City streets for ten years after that.

In 1968, industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso commissioned legendary designer Tom Tjaarda to create what was to become the one and only Checker Ghia Centurion. It debuted at the Paris Auto Show as a pure design concept. One of the interesting features of this car is the fact that the doors open differently on each side. It's a very pleasing and modern design for its era. You have to wonder why it never went into production.

Checker on eBay