Two Modern Day Interpretations of 60's Retro Cool.

[ChipBeck_imp]

Chip- Wow is all I can say! There is a local family that I believe owns 4 or 5 of these cars between them. I've seen them all in one place at a few track events and what a sight. How is that fair that they have so many and I don't even have one! Of course they also own one of the largest collections of Shelby AC Cobras @ 20+ and a couple of those common old GT-40's.

Utah1,

You are talking about the Miller's who also own the Utah Jazz and a bunch of car dealerships all over the western U.S. They hosted the Ford GT Forum at Miller Motorsports Park 2 years ago at our 6th Rally. They have 3 of the 134 original GT40's including "Ken Miles" Shelby American GT that lead the entire 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. An amazing Museum at MMP has their collection on display. Great guys and real GT enthusiasts, both for the originals and the modern GT.

Chip

[Utah1_imp]

I think that could be them and I've been trying for years to get them to adopt me but so far no go. I think they own every single ford GT, AC cobra and land cruiser in a thousand mile radius. Heck if you wanted to adopt me Chip I'd even go for that. Ill be out there this weekend for the vintage bike racing and show and will check on the collection. Last year I fell in love with a Vincent Black. Ill take some photos and hope to see some other CB's out there.

[Jim21680_imp]

Fellas,

Now, I can appreciate the P-51 and it's merits as much as any other red-blooded aviation enthusiast. It's a great plane that is well-deserving of its legendary status. It should never be forgotten.

But, let's not kid ourselves here....there can only be one "sexiest airplane ever made"...

[the Ferret]

Jim, I have no idea what that is. All of the new jets look alike to me. I do know I'd like a test ride in one though! That's the awesome thing about the P 51... Instantly recognizable!

[rboe]

That is a Tomcat sir.

It's OK......

[the Ferret]

I live between Wright Pat Air Force Base and the Air Force Proving Grounds in Adams Co Ohio. When I sometimes ride out St Rt 32, they will be flying planes similar to that along and across the highway. You see them before you hear them when they fly over ie: no warning. I would not like to be driving a truck down a road and have one of them after me. You wouldn't stand a chance.

P.s. they fly pretty darn fast!

[Guth_imp]

Chip,

I'm not much of an aircraft nut, although I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the nearby air museum located in McMinnville, Oregon. The Spruce Goose is located there along with numerous other examples of aircraft through time. Back in the 80's, I interviewed with General Dynamics in Fort Worth when I graduated from college. I have to admit that it was pretty amazing when they took us through the assembly area where the F-16s were being built. They claimed that the building was a mile long from one end to the other.It sure seemed that way to me. Those F-16s were technical marvels, but they can't hold a candle to the looks of the P-51, at least to my eyes.

Now cars I can get much more passionate about. Those GT40s are amazing machines. My first big purchase out of school was for a 1967 Camaro Convertible. I'd still be be plenty happy to own it, if a thief had not hauled if off in the middle of the night more than 20 years ago. I couldn't afford to replace it for the prices they sell for today. A number of years ago, I took my son out to Portland International Raceway for the vintage car races. They had some spectacular cars on display there, most of which were being raced. There were some real beauties there.

Then there are motorcycles. None of the above gets my adrenaline flowing like the bikes do. The CB1100, like so many designs from the past, just reaches out and touches something deep inside of my soul like no other form of transportation is capable of. What a great machine.

Thanks for sharing Chip. Good stuff!