Pete Lyons, writing in his book Ferrari, The Man And His Machines says that the Ferrari 250 GT SWB was the last true GT. As a GT it could be used for racing or for touring in the grand manner. In the latter configuration it had sufficient luggage space, proper heating, doors with easy access, comfortable seats and ample visibility. And, of course, that gorgeous Pininfarina styling. All of which helped make this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California with short wheelbase (8-inches shorter than the LWB edition) and fared-in headlights a major attraction during yesterday's Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance.

The car's appearance there was especially pertinent considering that Ferrari is about to announce an all-new California, the subject of much media coverage. Those short wheelbase cars benefited from more agile handling and less weight, while the engine was an updated version of the then-familiar Columbo V-12, whose song was the sweetest ever to flow from the exhaust pipes of any automobile, ever. (Sorry, muscle car fans.) The featured car is the proud possession of Marcel Massini.

If I were designing a concours poster I'm not sure I'd put contemporary skyscrapers in the background. But the folks at the Central Virginia British Car Club obviously know more about the appeal of Richmond, Virginia than me. According to their description, the "24th annual Richmond Classics on the James Car and Motorcycle Festival combines the scenic location of Browns Island on the James with the backdrop of the skyline of Richmond." Our friends at Hemmings Motor News (from whom I got this tip) regard it as "one of the best unknown car shows on the East Coast." From what I've learned it deserves even more praise. The Tour of Europe Continues is the theme, Jaguar is the featured marque, and as the show is one of Jaguar's national points events, a dazzling display is expected. Ferrari will be well represented along with a star-studded lineup that includes BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Maserati, Saab, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Pantera, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Austin-Healey, Triumph, MG, Lotus, Mini, and Morris. September 14 is the day to remember, starting at 9:30 AM. For more info visit the Central Virginia British Car Club or call David at 804-231-1964.

The fabled Pebble Beach/Monterey week is already in full swing. Unfortunately my 2008 travel budget is maxed-out but that doesn't prevent me from linking you to the Concours, auctions, art shows, Concorso Italiano, and the fabulous vintage races at nearby Laguna Seca. One of the fun events is the "tour," where Concours entrants can gain a points advantage in the event of a tie by participating in a drive down California 1. Two years ago I watched (and heard) a lengthy parade of classics on the tour; a real treat to see and hear. The only thing that worried me was the stress put upon the antiques class (built before 1916) as they struggled to keep up on a steeply-hilled course. Fortunately the antiques have now been given a less-stressful route that will connect with the modern classics at the start and finish.

Among the highlights will be a stop at the Carmel Mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771. The Carmel Mission, one in a chain of 21 built between 1769 and 1823 from San Diego up the coast to Sonoma, attracts visitors from around the world to see its unique Moorish influences, stately stone churches, and beautiful gardens. The Carmel Mission was the favorite, and the burial place, of Father Serra, known as "presidente of the missions." Years ago, when shooting a car commercial in California, my producer friend Alan Watanabe introduced me to a priest from the Franciscan order. I was startled, over lunch, to hear him swear along with the rest of us while relating some ribald tales and it wouldn't surprise me if he showed up at the Carmel Mission when the antiques roll in. After all, if a priest is allowed to curse, he's surely entitled to drive a classic automobile.

Only rarely is an Avions-Voisin offered for sale, thus the Bonhams & Butterfields affair on August 15 at the Quail in Carmel should be nothing less than awe-inspiring. On that day an extraordinary collection representing one of every Voisin ever made will be up for auction. Additionally, two automobiles from the "M. Collection" of France, a coupe and cabriolet, are one-offs. Gabriel Voison was a pioneering aeronautics engineer whose aircraft were noted for their outstanding performance. When Voisin turned to the manufacture of automobiles his cars were equally unique. Several art deco influences later appeared, including door handles designed by legendary French architect Le Corbusier. Said Bonhams motoring specialist Philip Kantor, "With an appreciation for art, speed, and all things aeronautical, Gabriel Voisin's creations were ahead of their time. Not only are they the epitome of period luxury but performance as well, since many went on to set speed records." The collection also includes the actual Voisin movie prop car featured in the film Sahara, starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz. Several restored Voisins appeared together at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours, seen above.

[Photo: Philip Powell]

The MG TC was the first real sports car I'd seen in my young life. It was, to say the least, a stunning change from the heavy, chrome-spangled, Detroit wonders I'd fallen in love with until then. So what causes we males to sometimes leave faithful, hard-working partners in favour of a sexy foreigner? This lovely and very special MG TC may explain the transgression, at least as far as cars are concerned. It was Carroll Shelby's first race car, loaned to him by his good friend Ed Wilkins during a road course event at Norman, Oklahoma. Shelby won it, and the second race, too, easily outrunning the Jaguar XK120's. The historical TC was awarded the prestigious Collier Cup in 2005 at the all-MG vintage race in Watkins Glen, New York. Included is the SCCA Log Book, fenders, bonnet (hood), and some original mechanical parts. The 1250cc 4-cylinder engine has been built up to 100+hp and is race-ready. Assuming you've already given up the house and agreed to see the kids every other weekend, an ex-Shelby MG might offer some solace. Make your bid at Barrett-Jackson's first Las Vegas auction, Oct 16-18.

We've all collected or read coffee table books featuring beautiful classic cars. Here's one that takes a fresh approach. "Prestige, Status and Works of Art: Selling the Luxury Car 1888-1942 by Thomas T. Solley" is a presentation of the catalog and advertising art that manufacturers of luxury cars printed to help sell their vehicles. Not surprisingly they called on the best artists, photographers and graphic designers, just as they hired renowned engineers and body designers to build the cars. Catalogs and literature were printed on the finest papers, carefully bound to became art worthy of museum hangings. Solley's book allows us to enjoy the visions that only the wealthy held in their hands during those halcyon years. It will be launched at a presentation and wine reception hosted by Racemaker Press at Automobilia Monterey on August 12-13, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, California, during the Monterey/Pebble Beach concours week.