#Concours d’Elegance

[watchilove]

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster is “Best of Show” at Pebble Beach

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster – a supercharged luxury vehicle of the highest exclusivity Built in 1937 with this rare coachwork for the King of Afghanistan Elaborate restoration in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Heritage Continue reading Untitled

[magdalenagigova]

Шестото издание на събитието за ретро автомобили Concours d’Elegance ще се проведе в Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort, 22-24 септември 2023 г.

Шестото издание на събитието за ретро автомобили Concours d’Elegance ще се проведе в Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort, 22-24 септември 2023 г. За шести път любители и колекционери на ретро автомобили ще се съберат на изискано авто дефиле. Събитието ще се проведе в приказно преобразения Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort. Гостите ще прекарат няколко дни край блещукащото езеро и сред живописните гледки и…

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Honda HP-X, 1984, by Pininfarina. The concept car that inspired the Honda NS-X has been restored 40 years on from its presentation at the Turin Motor Show. Honda will exhibit the rebuilt HP-X at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance later in August. Though the concept was a static prototype Honda envisioned the concept with a mid-mounted naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 24-valve V6 from Honda’s Formula 2 program 

[diabolus1exmachina]

Maserati Mostro Barchetta Zagato (1 of 5). 

Any Zagato has always been something extraordinary and has been so now for over 100 years, that the company has been in existence. The Zagato Mostro is no exception. The first Mostro to be introduced to the world was the Gullwing Coupe version, and no better way to reveal such a beauty than at Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance in 2015 under 250 km away from the factory where the soul and spirit of the Mostro was brought to life, to the celebration the 100th anniversary of Maserati. Seven years would pass by before the presentation of the roofless version of the Coupe version, the Zagato Mostro Barchetta as it was given by name . This hyper exclusive car was limited to a production run of only five cars, of which all were sold. The Mostro coupe was made as a tribute to the Maserati 450 S which the late great racingdriver Juan Manuel Fangio drove in 1956 race in Buenos Aires. This very powerful race car had had been redesigned in 1957 by British designer Frank Costin to much more aerodynamic principles, and then hand built in Milan by Zagato. It was to be raced by Sir Stirling Moss in the 1957 24 Hours of Le Mans, which Sir Stirling then dubbed that car ¨The Monster¨, as the more aerodynamic lines were not conventionally more pretty. In this sense the Zagato Mostro Barchetta is truer in its nature as the original race car was a roofless car also. To keep the spirit as close to a race car as possible Zagato decided to use a genuine racing car chassis.

Therefore, underneath the lovely design from Norihiko Harada there lies a lightweight chassis built by Gillet. Gillet has been around since the start of the 1990´s, and is most known for building lightweight chassis, made from carbon fibre and formula 1 inspired materials. The Zagato Mostro Barchetta is not only incredibly successful in terms of design, but a true masterpiece of automotive engineering too. This is the type of a stunning supercar you can only achieve with a collaboration between two legendary Italian brands - Maserati and Zagato. The engineering performance of this car is not to be overlooked, as under the elegant bonnet of the Zagato Mostro Barchetta lays pure music to your ears: a 4.2-liter V8 Maserati engine that delivers a 420 BHP to the rear wheels via a manual sequential six-speed gearbox. When entering the Zagato Mostro Barchetta the driver is meet with a luxurious and comfortable environment with a spectacular combination of carbon fibre and aluminium. To sum up the Zagato Mostro Barchetta it is a modern masterpiece of automotive haute couture, with each one of the only five produced being hand-built to showcases the exquisite attention to detail and craftsmanship. It is not all about looks either as the Mostro not only offers great performance but also the now rare satisfaction of selecting the gears manually and enjoying the Maserati V8’s bark with each gearchange. Surely the Mostro with all its history and spectacular looks is a great collector’s car, that is also a very engaging drive.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster

Saoutchik was a cabinet maker when he moved to Paris from his home in Ukraine around 1900, but he didn’t take long to establish himself in the fledgling automotive coachbuilding industry and he showed a consistent flair over the next 50 years which puts him among the very elite of automotive designers.

His designs borrowed little from other designers, and along with names such as Figoni et Falaschi, Chapron, Franay and de Letourner et Marchand, Saoutchik was one of the foremost designers of exquisite Art Deco coachwork during the 20s and 30s.

Saoutchik was commissioned to produce the spectacular work-of-art by flamboyant English collector, Sir John Gaul. The design was based on the first post-war Delahaye chassis from a 175 S Roadster (chassis number 815023) producing 165 bhp from an engine much larger than the pre-war Delahayes ran – a 4,455 cc naturally aspirated overhead valve inline six cylinder engine with four-speed electro-mechanically actuated Cotal Preselector gearbox, Dubonnet coil spring front suspension, De Dion rear axle with semi-elliptic springs, and four-wheel hydraulic finned alloy drum brakes. The wheelbase was a whopping 116 inches.

The car was unveiled at the 1949 Paris Auto Show, and was exhibited at all the major European concours events that year, from Paris to Monte Carlo to San Remo, scooping the pool wherever it was exhibited. It won best-in-class in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2006 just a few months after a complete restoration. Just a few months later, the car was honored again, winning People’s Choice at theprestigious Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance.

Having fulfilled its exhibition duties, it then passed through a succession of other flamboyant owners, including actress Diana Dors.

The final word on this stunning automobile goes to Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions

“Following the financial depression of World War II, there were few collectors with the means, flamboyance and flair to commission a car as exotic as this Saoutchik Roadster. Arguably the most desirable post-war, coachbuilt automobile of all time, it is truly a masterpiece of the coachbuilder’s art. Eye-catching and exotic, it is wonderful to drive and combines superlative styling on a chassis of competition quality.”

Courtesy of RM Auctions

[mensfactory]

1954 Chevy Corvette C1

The origins of this prototype, which is known by its S.O. 2151 serial number, date back to early 1953, before the ‘Vette had even gone into production.

It’s one of 15 cars with a single-piece fiberglass body that were built for testing or display at GM Motorama. This example debuted in early 1954 as a pale-yellow hard-top, after which it was retired and sent to GM’s storied Art and Colour department for use as a proposal car.

Under the supervision of legendary designer Harley Earl, the car would end up being used as a design prototype for the 1955 Corvette, which was due to get a makeover to go with its new, optional V-8.

The vehicle’s body features several stylistic changes, including a new egg-crate front grille, a decorative hood scoop, slanted front-fender vents, bumper-exit exhaust tips, and a trunk like that found on the fastback Corvair.

The convertible, which is powered by an inline-six and finished in Bermuda Green, is a beauty, but as Corvette buffs know, GM executives decided to hold off for a year and then go in a more muscular direction withIt’s unclear what happened to the S.O. 2151 after GM passed on it, but at some point during the 1960s it fell into private ownership with most of its unreleased cosmetic features removed. In 1975, it was purchased for $3,000 by George F. Campbell, who bought it based on the advice of Corvette historian Noland Adams.

Campbell then spent the next four decades researching the prototype and collecting parts so that it could be restored to its 1954 appearance and specification. Unfortunately, Campbell passed away before this could happen, but its current owner had the car restored back to its original glory late last decade.

The car has only been displayed once since then, at this year’s Amelia Concours d’Elegance, where it received the prestigious Founder Award. the 1956 model.

[the1920sinpictures]

June 8, 1928 Concours d’elegance. From Art Deco, FB.

[trb752]

1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster

It belonged to Prussian Baroness Gisela von Krieger and received a prestigious First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was sold for $11,770,000 in 2012.

[pearllemon-classics]

Cruising Through Dreams: Bucket List Classic Car Events Around the World

Fasten your seatbelts, my fellow motor enthusiasts! We’re about to embark on an exhilarating adventure through the globe’s most iconic classic car events. From the heart-pounding roar of engines on Europe’s legendary circuits to California’s sun-kissed streets, these must-attend events are guaranteed to fuel your passion for vintage motoring. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just daydreaming about owning a classic car one day, these events offer a sneak peek into the very essence of automotive history. So, don your driving gloves and join us as we journey through the ultimate classic car experiences worldwide!

1. Goodwood Festival of Speed

West Sussex, England

Tucked away in the undulating landscapes of West Sussex, England, lies the Goodwood Festival of Speed — a paradise for car lovers. This annual spectacle presents a breathtaking collection of classic cars, from timeless racers to contemporary supercars, all vying for glory on the legendary Hillclimb course. Goodwood seamlessly weaves together nostalgia and exhilaration, promising an indelible experience for devotees across generations. Picture yourself delving into the rich legacy and sophistication of classic automobiles at events like this one. Pearl Lemon Classics crafts bespoke experiential tours that transport enthusiasts on immersive journeys through the magnificence of classic cars and iconic racing events throughout the UK and Europe. Embrace this opportunity to live your passion!

2. Monterey Car Week

Monterey, California, USA

Every August, the charming coastal town of Monterey, California, transforms into a grand stage for one of the world’s most esteemed classic car events. Monterey Car Week is not just an event; it’s a week-long celebration of automotive brilliance that captures hearts worldwide. From prestigious concours d’elegance to heart-pounding races at Laguna Seca and awe-inspiring auctions where vintage gems find new homes, every moment is steeped in excitement and elegance. Whether you’re marvelling at rare Ferraris on the Pebble Beach Golf Links or embarking on a nostalgic journey along 17-Mile Drive in your own classic car, Monterey Car Week is an absolute must for any car aficionado. With Pearl Lemon Classics, you can immerse yourself in this glamourous spectacle through tailor-made tour packages that promise more than just experiences — they create timeless memories filled with history, sophistication and thrill!

3. Le Mans Classic

Le Mans, France

For those whose hearts beat faster at the thought of endurance racing, there’s no event that compares to the Le Mans Classic. Held every two years on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in France, this event is a magnificent homage to motorsport’s golden age. It showcases a captivating collection of vintage race cars, each competing for honour on a track steeped in history and tales of triumph and tragedy. Whether you’re basking in the thunderous symphony of classic prototypes from the grandstands or soaking up the electric atmosphere in the bustling paddock, Le Mans Classic is an adventure that every racing enthusiast should experience. Picture yourself standing amidst history at Circuit de la Sarthe, where Pearl Lemon Classics offers exclusive insights and access to private collections — ensuring an immersive experience at events like Le Mans Classic that truly encapsulate vintage motoring’s timeless allure.

4. Woodward Dream Cruise

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Heralded as the globe’s grandest one-day car festival, the Woodward Dream Cruise is an unparalleled homage to American automotive heritage. Each August, a cavalcade of classic cars invades Detroit’s historic Woodward Avenue, morphing it into a dynamic exhibition of motoring milestones. From brawny muscle cars to sizzling hot rods, and from vintage trucks to bespoke cruisers — the Dream Cruise is a visual and auditory banquet. It offers live music, culinary delights and boundless chances for reminiscing with fellow aficionados. Immerse yourself in exhilarating events like the Woodward Dream Cruise with Pearl Lemon Classics — nurturing a community of passionate enthusiasts and crafting unforgettable experiences within the pulsating realm of retro motoring.

5. Classic Days Schloss Dyck

Jüchen, Germany

Imagine being enveloped by the serene beauty of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where Schloss Dyck stands majestically as the stage for one of Europe’s most esteemed classic car events. Classic Days Schloss Dyck is more than a weekend event; it’s a jubilant celebration of automotive history that captivates and thrills. From admiring the timeless elegance of pre-war classics to experiencing the heart-pounding excitement of vintage race cars in action, Schloss Dyck offers an all-encompassing journey into automotive heritage for enthusiasts across generations. Picture yourself at Classic Days Schloss Dyck, where Pearl Lemon Classics nurtures a passionate community and provides personalised attention, crafting indelible memories in the enchanting realm of vintage motoring.

As we draw the curtain on our thrilling journey through the world’s most coveted classic car events, it becomes resoundingly evident that the fervour for vintage motoring is a universal phenomenon. Whether you’re meticulously planning your next escapade or simply harbouring dreams of one day possessing a classic beauty, remember that an exhilarating world of vintage motoring stands ready to set your passion ablaze and fuel your aspirations. With organisations like Pearl Lemon Classics offering bespoke tours tailored to enthusiasts craving immersive experiences amidst majestic classic cars and iconic racing events, the opportunities are boundless. So come along! Let’s revel in the timeless legacy of classic cars and salute the vibrant community of enthusiasts who keep the flame of vintage motoring burning brightly!

[wetsteve3]

The first William Henderson designed four cylinder motorcycle, America's finest early four cylinder, influential for decades This is believed to be the only original/unrestored 1912 Henderson known in America

Original paint and tires 59 cubic inch F-Head Four Cylinder engine Henderson was based in Detroit, formed by brothers William and Tom The Henderson company was purchased by Ignatz Schwinn in 1918, adding a four cylinder to the Excelsior lineup.

Working for Schwinn for two years, Bill and Tom broke away and started the ACE motorcycle company. The Culmination of Henderson design can be seen in the Indian Four

Formerly from the Doc Cleveland Collection. William Henderson was an engineering child prodigy, as so many historical figures seem to be. He was born into the motoring industry, as his grandfather, Alexander Winton, had founded one of the earlier auto makers in the USA, and his father was Vice President of Winton Motors. William joined the family firm at 16, but spent his free time sketching out ideas for motorcycles, which he’d pass by his father for technical critique. Eventually, the sketches became blueprints, and his father could only nitpick at the sound design for a 4-cylinder motorcycle his son had penned in 1909. Figuring the effort of actually building a prototype from the sketches might curb his enthusiasm, Tom helped William build a working prototype in 1911; the resulting machine worked so well, young William was able to secure funding to the tune of $175,000 to start manufacture on his own. Working with his brother Thomas as chief operating officer, the Henderson Motorcycle Company produced its first motorcycle from its Detroit factory in January 1912.

The first Hendersons used a 4-cylinder 57 CI (934cc) motor with inlet-over-exhaust design, with a single-speed chain drive and a clutch. It was started via a folding hand crank, just like a Winton car, and the very long chassis was designed for stability and the ability to carry a passenger with ease. The front fork had a short leading-link suspension, and the fuel was carried in a long cylindrical torpedo tank. It was a beautiful and elegant machine, wonderfully constructed, very fast and expensive at $325. It was soon labeled the “Duesenberg of motorcycles” for good reason, with totally smooth running, a charming exhaust note and an air of quality. Carl Stearns Clancy famously chose a Henderson for the first ever round-the-world motorcycle journey, which began in October 1912 and covered 18,000 miles by August 1913. Clancy earned money selling press reports and photographs of his trip, making an incredible publicity coup of Henderson.

This 1912 Henderson is the only original-paint, first-year Henderson known in America. It retains the paint applied by the factory, as well as the tires and everything else. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle, in remarkable condition for being 105 years old and would be welcome in any Concours d’Elegance around the world as a solid-gold original. How does one value such a machine? One doesn’t; if you can afford it, do what it takes to secure it as this is as good as it gets.

[typingtess]

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Rewatch:  “Dead Stick”

The basics:  Aiden Hanna’s jet crashes and the team works to find out why it happened.

Written by:  Lee A. Carlisle wrote or co-wrote “Golden Days”, “Reentry”, “Into the Breach”, “Concours D’Elegance”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, "Sundown" and “Pandora’s Box”.

Directed by:  Dennis Smith directed “Fame”, “Standoff”, “Rocket Man”, “Cyberthreat”, “Exit Strategy”, “Patriot Acts”, “Out of the Past” part one, “The Livelong Day”, Between the Lines”, “Deep Trouble” part two, “Black Budget", “Black Wind”, “Blame it On Rio”, “Defectors”, “Matryoshka” part one, “Granger, O”, “The Queen’s Gambit”, “Hot Water”, “From Havana With Love”, “Plain Sight”, the lighthearted “Monster”, “Superhuman”, “One of Us”, “Smokescreen” part one, “Decoy”, “Mother” (episode 250), “Alsiyadun”, “The Bear”, “Angry Karen”, “Signs of Change” and “Fukushu”.

Guest stars of note: Kavi Ramachandran Ladnier as NCIS Reserve Agent Shyla Dahr is back from season 14 premiere “Game of Drones”.  Richard Gant as Raymond Hanna returns from last week’s “Body Stitchers” episode.  Tye White as Aiden Hanna is back from “Watch Over Me”, the 17th episode in season 11.  Joanna Bacalso as Navy Lieutenant Commander Kristina Hirsch, Gabriel Burrafato as Navy Commander Jose Espinoza, Ryan Radis as Jake Primiani, Christopher Amitrano as Navy Maintenance Master Chief Brian Frazier, Sean Freeland as Marco Madsen, Brittany Freeth as Navy Air Controller, Erik R. Norris as Patrick, Linara Washington as Nurse Constance Harper.

Our heroes:   Work to learn why Aiden Hanna’s jet failed.

What important things did we learn about:

Callen:   Doesn’t think Aiden is at fault but needs to investigate fairly. Sam:   Son of Major, father of Sonic. Kensi:    See Deeks Deeks:   Absent. Fatima:  Praying in the burn room. Rountree:  Distracted by his issues with LAPD. Kilbride:  Running things in Ops with ease.

What not so important things did we learn about:

Callen:  Shares Raymond’s enjoyment messing with Sam. Sam:   May have found a caretaker for Raymond. Kensi:    Absent. Deeks:   See Kensi. Fatima:  Going out for a sad celebration with Shyla. Rountree:  Looking to the Admiral for guidance. Kilbride:  Offering guidance by telling Rountree the team has his back.

Where in the world is Henrietta Lange?  Nary a mention.

Who's down with OTP:   Who knows.  They weren’t here but there weren't there together, so that's good.

Who's down with BrOTP:  Very little BrOTP time though the three generations of Hanna men were great. 

Fashion review:  Callen wore a black polo-style shirt (really more Chris O’Donnell than G. Callen).  Sam in a dark blue long-sleeve tee.  Fatima had a grey sweater over a white mock turtleneck.  Rountree wore a pale purple Carhart long-sleeve tee (great color).  As always, the Admiral wore a blue three-piece suit, pale blue dress shirt, blue tie.

Music:  “Sunday Morning Underground” by Faustus is playing during the opening scenes at the beach.  “Initial Mailing” by Cargo is playing while Marco is being questioned by Fatima and Rountree.

Any notable cut scene:   Four straight without a deleted scene.

Quote:  Sam:  “Oh, Callen told me something interesting...Sonic.” Raymond:  “Now, see, I'm confused again.” Aiden:  “Uh, it's my call sign, Grandpop.  Your squadron picks it for you, usually after you've done something pretty stupid.” Sam:  “Yeah, like, say illegally breaking the sound barrier?  Something like that?” Aiden:  “Well, let's just say that my plane wasn't the only thing that went supersonic that day.  I have never seen my CO use that many curse words.” Raymond:  “My boy.”

Anything else:    Some previously-s with Aiden telling Sam he’s going to fly for the Navy, Aiden flying for the Navy, the Rountree siblings traffic stop from hell.

On the beach, a hustler is scamming a fisherman into getting a fishing license for a public pier.  As they negotiate, a military plane passes over them but the jet’s engine blows out and the plane starts to fail.  The plane crashes but the pilot ejects just before impact.  As his parachute lands, the fisherman races over to see the pilot, who is alive but not conscious.  The hustler isn’t thrilled, especially since the fishing liecens thing may have been less than legit.  Ambulances are heard in the background as the hustler pulls the fisherman away from the pilot.  Best not to be involved.

The pilot’s uniform nameplate reads “Hanna”.

Walking through the office, Shyla gets a number of messages and calls on her cellphone.  Looking for somewhere quiet to take the call, she walks into the burn room only to find Fatima praying.  Shyla is surprised Fatima would pray in a place like the burn room but “anywhere is a place of prayer” for Fatima.  Well, not bathrooms and graveyards. 

Shyla explains the calls are coming from her soon to be ex-husband.  They have been separated  for three-years but just started with the divorce proceedings.  While her ex isn’t contesting the divorce, he also doesn’t want it.  All the papers have been filed, just waiting for the court to say everything is in order.  The phone rings again so Fatima leaves Shyla to deal with the soon to be former Mr. Shyla.

In wardrobe, Rountree is rummaging through his stored pants.  He is searching for his wallet – he thought it may have left it in one of his undercover outfits.  The Admiral arrives and finds the wallet immediately on a nearby table.  Seeing Rountree is out of sorts, the Admiral asks him what is going on.  According to Det. Whiting, LAPD wants Rountree to speak to their PR department.  The plans is for LAPD to give paid leave to the officers involved in the traffic stop where Rountree and Jordyn were harassed.  While Rountree didn’t know what LAPD planned to do with the officers, paid leave “sure as hell” wasn’t part of the plan.

Knowing it isn’t his place to comment, the Admiral says that things may not get better even if Rountree pushes it.  “Crooked cops have gotten less for doing worse.”  Rountree knows that.  He also thinks that if he wasn’t a federal agent, LAPD wouldn’t be interested in doing anything at all.  Again, not wanting to tell Rountree what to do, the Admiral reminds Rountree that NCIS works with LAPD and LAPD could make things tough for Rountree.  “Tough is what I do,” Rountree tells him.  Then the Admiral thinks it should be easy for Rountree to clean up his mess in wardrobe.

An annoyed Raymond walks into the boat shed with Sam as Callen sits at the boat shed table.  Seems pancakes are Raymond’s issue.  Sam’s mom would make Raymond’s pancakes with premade mix while his caretaker makes them from scratch and says she makes them from the mix.  And if she lies about that, what else is the caretaker lying about. 

Callen apologizes for not knowing Raymond was coming – he only got two cups of coffee.  It’s not a problem for Raymond, he take Sam’s coffee.  The coffee isn’t the only thing Sam lost that morning – Raymond’s caretaker quit.  Sam can’t believe this is all about pancakes while Callen disagrees – breakfast in the most important meal of the day.  Raymond teams up with Callen to mock Sam. 

Walking to the back of the boatshed, Sam is looking for someone to take care of Raymond that day.  Callen helpfully suggests Agent Castor.  Raymond and Callen share their mutual enjoyment of messing with Sam.  Sam’s phone rings – Aiden is in the hospital near Point Magu.  Sam and Raymond are on their way while Callen tries to find out what NCIS knows.

NCIS doesn’t know much, according to Fatima, except Aiden’s F-35 crashed.  Fatima and the Admiral meet Shyla and Rountree in Ops, Callen is on the big screen with Lt. Commander Kristina Hirsh, a JAG Officer.  Lt. Hanna is fine, being held for observation overnight.  The Admiral asks about the cause of the crash.  Hirsh is tasked with finding out what caused the crash.  The cause of the crash could be as simple equipment failure or pilot error or something worse.  Hirsh mentions the F-35 taken down by the drone swarm in “Murmuration” last season – nice callback show!  Since both crashes were in the OSP’s backyard, she’s asking for their help.  She is going to question Aiden but will need help looking for evidence near the crash site.  Rountree is all in.

Hirsh tells the team that Aiden was on a test flight out of Point Magu when the plane crashed.  The plane barely missed an apartment building.  The Admiral sends Fatima and Rountree to the beach to interview witnesses being held there by LAPD.  Shyla is going to the boat shed to meet Callen and interview the maintenance supervisor who got the plane in the air.   Hirsh makes it clear, Special Agent Hanna can’t be involved with the investigation into Lt. Hanna.  “I’m sure he’ll have no problem with that,” the Admiral says.

Callen calls Sam, who understands he can’t be involved with the investigation but isn’t thrilled.  Sam is arriving at the hospital with Raymond.  He asks Callen to keep in him the loop.  Walking into Aiden’s hospital room, Sam and Raymond find Aiden with a walking boot on his right leg, some bumps and bruises but a big smile and a promise that he’s just fine.  Aiden just finished a call with Kam.  Raymond is thrilled to see Aiden and the feeling is mutual – though it isn’t ‘grandpa’, Raymond is “Major”. 

The bruises on Aiden’s face are from the ejection.  He has a concussion and a sprained ankle from the landing.  Aiden is trying to remember what happened when Lt. Commander Hirsh arrives.  She apologies for intruding while Aiden struggles to salute.  He’s quickly told “at ease”.  After introducing herself to Sam, she’d like to get started on Aiden’s official statement.

In the boat shed, Navy Maintenance Master Chief Brian Frazier is answering questions about his responsibilities inspecting all aircraft for Aiden’s squadron.  If there is an incident with a plane, all logbooks and maintenance records for an aircraft are secured so they can’t be altered.   The records are available to be reviewed at any time. 

Aiden’s plane is a newer plane.  It wasn’t due for a full maintenance review for another 100-hours.  The plane went through the proper pre-flight inspection before “Sonic” took off that morning.  “Sonic” confuses Callen and Shyla but Sonic is Aiden’s call sign.  Frazier was shocked to hear about the crash – Aiden is a great pilot.

Callen asks about it being a test flight.  It was and it is classified but the company behind what they were testing is Starling Aeronautics.  Frazier really can’t say much but things with Starling are overbudget and behind schedule.  Frazier’s CO would know more.   Shyla goes to get the Admiral involved with contacting the CO.

Aiden tries to take Hirsh through the flight with Sam and Raymond sitting in on the interview.  Things went off without a hitch flying to the area where he was going to put the plane through an exercise.  All systems worked perfectly.  Returning to Point Magu, he’s not sure what happened next.  His memory is fuzzy.  He knows he had to punch out but can’t remember why.  Raymond suggests working backwards from what he can remember – that works for Raymond sometimes. 

None of this is working for Hirsh.  She notes that the autopilot was shut off before the crash – does Aiden remember doing that?  He does not.  Hirsh brings up that Aiden received several LOI’s – Letters of Instruction – for “pushing the envelope”.  He purposely broke the sound barrier while flying over the continental United States.  Raymond is shocked, Sam says Aiden would never do that.  One look from Aiden and he did do it.  Sam is not pleased but Raymond reminds his son that he wasn’t always “Mr. Perfect” as a kid.  While Sam doesn’t see what breaking the sound barrier has to do with the crash, Hirsh tells him that Aiden’s performance, including past incidents of “flat-hatting” (showing off), are a part of the investigation.  The Navy just lost a $94-million plane.  Raymond wants to know if the afterburners are jewel-encrusted at that price tag. 

Saying she only allowed Sam and Raymond to stay for the interview because they are decorated combat veterans, Hirsh tells them they have to stay quiet.  Sam is offended Aiden’s integrity would be called into question.  Hirsh orders the two senior Hannas out of the room.

At the beach, Fatima and Rountree learn nobody noticed anything until the plane crashed.  No signs of a surface to air missile, which would have left a smoke trail, or a drone swarm.  Some witnesses saw the hustler leave in his van.  The beach has a license  plate reader – they may be able to find him.

In Ops, the Admiral speaks to Master Chief Frazier’s CO, Commander Jose Espinoza.  Espinoza explains that Starling is providing software that upgrade the electronic warfare capability.  The plane, according to Espinoza, is a “flying computer” that can be improved by software upgrades.  The Admiral asks if the software test could have caused the crash.  Espinoza does not believe it could – the software test was not a part of Aiden’s return to base.  The Admiral asks if there is someone he can talk to at Starling.  Espinoza will tell the software’s project manager.

Outside of Aiden’s hospital room, Sam is outraged by how Hirsh is handling the case.  Raymond is more on Hirsh’s side – she is doing her job.  Sam is surprised by Raymond’s attitude – why was he cracking jokes?  Where was the hardass that made Sam call him “Major”?  Raymond is letting go of things he held so hard when he was a younger man.  He’s sorry – sorry for what he did to Sam and what he did to Sam’s mother. 

Sam didn’t appreciate Raymond’s tough love at the time but it made Sam the man he is today.  And he loves Raymond for that.  Raymond tells Sam that seeing the man he’s become allowed him to loosen his grip and now it is time for Sam to do the same thing for Aiden.  Because Aiden can handle it.

Testifying, Aiden said he was struggling with the controls.  The plane was no longer performing as it should.  Hirsh asks why didn’t Aiden call in the plane issues.  Aiden tells her he did.  When she looks confused, he wonders if he didn’t.  Hirsh asks if Aiden was trying to liven-up an otherwise boring flight back to Point Magu.  The flight was being monitored at Point Magu and according to the data, everything was working fine until the autopilot was turned off.  If Aiden turned off the autopilot, the cause of the crash would be pilot error – a likely career-ender.

Hirsh leaves Aiden, she has some paperwork to do.  Raymond asks if she knows where the cafeteria is.  She does and wouldn’t mind some lunch herself.  The two leave Sam with Aiden, who is up and trying to pour himself some water.  Sam asks how things are going  - “badly”.  Aiden tells Sam if the crash is due to pilot error, he’s done.  But he can’t remember.  Sam suggests going through what happened but Aiden collapses. 

Sam gets Aiden back to his bed – the concussion is an issue.  Raymond’s dementia may have been from concussions he received in the service.  Sam had them too from football and to SEALs.  Nobody knows for sure what happens.  Raymond and Sam were told to shake things off.  Aiden has to learn from them and take better care of himself.

A very impatient Shyla is waiting with Callen for the Starling Aeronautics project manager in the boat shed.  Callen actually thinks they is good – project managers usually make NCIS visit them.  Shyla asks if Callen thinks Aiden actually caused the crash.  Callen turns the question on Shyla – what if he did think Aiden caused the crash.  A good NCIS Agent looks past what they think to look at the case from every angle.  Pilots make mistakes.  The F-35 pilot program only takes the best and while high-end pilots hotdog it from time to time, it is all part of the job.  So if it isn’t pilot error, what is it.  Callen admits he doesn’t think it is pilot error but that’s not their side of the investigation.

Wandering into the boatshed is Jake Primiani, complete with his Starling Aeronautics embroidered polo shirt.  He wants to get this over with – a tad nervous.

At the beach, Rountree asks Fatima if she thinks he’s making a mistake pushing for more punishment for Officer O’Neal.  Fatima doesn’t think he is.  He doesn’t know what to do.  He was so angry that morning when he thought he lost his wallet.  He’s had moments like that since the stop.  Fatima sympathizes.  Whatever Rountree choses to do, she knows he isn’t weak for making that decision.  He doesn’t want this to define who he is as an agent.  Fatima says he can’t control what others think.  Some will always think badly of him if he fights.  Others will know the principled person she sees every day.  She wants him to do the right thing for himself – “tree may bend but tree don’t break.”  Rountree likes that.

Fatima gets info on the license plate for the van.  She asks the Admiral to run a Kaleidoscope search for the van.  He can do that and doesn’t need the pat on the back Fatima offers.  He’s no CYO soccer brat looking for a participation trophy.   The van belongs to a Marco Madsen, the fish license hustler on the beach.   He’s just a few blocks away.

Primiani is nervous – the software is being run in flight simulators to recreate what happened to Aiden but nothing matches.  Shyla asks why the project is running behind.  Primiani says they were not given enough time – there is never enough time for a project like this.  The normal glitches and bugs happened early in the project and while it took time to fix them, the deadline stays the same.  Primiani needs to get back to Point Magu to prepare another flight.  Callen and Shyla release him.

Raymond is having a hard time with a vending machine.  He wanted a Twinkie is told the machine is now cashless after COVID, according to a nurse.  She gets him a Twinkie with her credit card and refuses to let Raymond pay for it.  She also gets one for herself.

In his room, Aiden asks how “grandpop” is doing.  Sam mentions Raymond’s good days and bad days.  Aiden has a flash of memory – the engine flamed out.  When the engine flames out, the autopilot automatically switches off.  Commander Hirsh said the data says everything was working fine but it wasn’t.  Sam goes off to find Hirsh.

Discovered in his van, Madsen tries to run from NCIS.  That goes poorly.  Rountree mentions the plane crash.  Madsen says yes, a plane crashed.  With some prodding, he remembers that the engine was flaming out.  This confirms what Aiden remembers and disproves whatever data was given to Hirsh.  While Fatima calls this in, Rountree wants to know about the fishing licenses.

The Admiral has another conversation with Espinoza.  Another flight is testing the software so Kilbride wants Espinoza to know that an eyewitness confirms Aiden’s account of the crash.  The engine cut out and only restarted when Aiden punched out.  Behind Espinoza, the Navy flight personnel at Point Magu lost contact with the pilot of the second flight.  The plane is losing altitude.  Kilbride gets Aiden on the phone to try to walk Espinoza through what happened on his flight. 

Aiden remembers who he almost got the plane restarted.  He gives the instructions to Espinoza to give to the pilot – “Kegger”.  While Kegger falls off the radar screen for a few seconds, the instructions work and both pilot and plane are saved.  Hirsh witnessed Aiden’s heroics.  She wants him to finish his statement.  Sam asks about Raymond but Hirsh last saw him with the nurse by the vending machine.

Arriving at Point Magu, Callen and Shyla want to talk to Primiani, who does not want to talk to them at all.  Plus there is no proof the software is the issue.  Callen wonders how two of the best trained pilots in the world flying two separate cutting edge planes nearly suffer the same “never-before-seen” system failure.  Primiani said they knew there was a flaw but it was patched months ago.  The flaw – the new system can override the flight computer.  But unless someone bypassed the fix, it couldn’t happen.  And he wouldn’t do that.  Primiani’s entire career is about making this system work. 

Asked about who else could override the patch, Primiani says the computers are all air gapped and stored at Point Magu.  Everyone on the flight and maintenance crew would have access to the computers but like Primiani, why would they risk their careers to override the patch.  There is one computer that just records who logs in and out of the computers.  Callen, Shyla and Primiani are off to check.

Walking into Ops, Fatima asks Kilbride for a “sitrep” – saying she always wanted to do that.  The Admiral is not pleased.  They have to investigate every Starling employee to see who could be either taking part in terrorism or industrial espionage. 

Sam finds Raymond and his newly found nurse buddy walking back to Aiden’s room.  The nurse is kind to Raymond and to Sam.  Sam is surprised Raymond let the nurse help him.  Constance, the nurse, is per diem at the hospital and does some side work in home healthcare.  She passes Sam a card as she leaves.

Hirsh tells Sam that the investigation is moving from Aiden to Starling Aeronautics.  Sam has been released from the sidelines and can return to work with NCIS.  Raymond is going to stay with Aiden, Sam is on his way to Point Magu.

At the Starling Aeronautics office at Point Magu, one of the computer hard drives is missing.  The Admiral wants everyone at Starling investigated but Fatima has found only one person with irregular financials – Master Chief Frazier.  Frazier is walking to his vehicle when Callen and Shyla try to stop him. 

Shyla calls base security as Frazier carjacks one of the base’s work trucks.  Callen jumps into the flatbed and while Frazier tries to get away, Shyla chases in the NCIS vehicle.  Sam is arriving at Point Magu as Frazier tries to leave.

Frazier gets out of the stole vehicle and puts his gun to his own head.  Shyla tells him not to do it.  Frazier says Starling knew about the troubled software and he tried to tell everyone about it.  He allowed the second flight go take off to prove that Aiden’s flame out was due to the software and not pilot error.  Sam talks Frazier out of killing himself, saying that he forgives Frazier for what happened as he knows others will.  Frazier puts the gun down and is arrested.  Shyla is shocked Sam can forgive but he is being gracious and is willing to try.

Back at Ops, Shyla and Fatima talk.  Frazier wasn’t being quite so selfless.  He was paid by one of Starling’s rivals to help tank the project.  Fatima asks about Shyla’s earlier calls.  The divorce is finalized.  She’s surprised you don’t get anything official – it is just over.  Fatima offers a celebration drink to make it official.  Unless Shyla wants to be sad because Fatima can do that too.  Shyla decides on celebration with a little sadness and they’ll be doing that once the after-action reports are filed.

A calmer Roundtree has a very neat desk except for his football for when his team beat the Admiral’s Tigers.  Rountree asks the Admiral what would he do if he was Rountree.  The Admiral makes it clear, it isn’t up to him, it is up to Rountree.  That said, he’d like to see “the bastard’s hide nailed to the outhouse wall instead of just a slap on the wrist.”   Rountree is worried about making NCIS’s job harder.  The Admiral makes is clear that Rountree is a part of a very elite team and every member of that team supports whatever Rountree does.

Sam and Hirsh talk – Aiden will be back in the jet as soon as the flight surgeon clears him from his injuries.  She also says that Aiden staying with the plane so long saved lives – he got the plane to fire and when it did, it missed an apartment building.  Aiden saved lives and will be getting a commendation for it.  Hirsh is impressed - was a “stick jockey” herself. 

In his room, Aiden is playing backgammon with Raymond.  Sam arrives with a Martin Baker Squadron patch.   Martin Baker is the seat ejection manufacturer.  Raymond breaks out his flask and is willing to share but Aiden has a concussion and Sam is driving so Raymond had a swig while the other Hannas have some water.

Sam brings up “Sonic” which confused Raymond.  “Sonic” is Aiden’s call sign – a call sign is given to a pilot by the squadron after the pilot does something dumb.  Like breaking the sound barrier of the United States.  Aiden assures the older Hannas that he wasn’t the only one to go supersonic that day – he never saw the CO use that many swear words.

What head canon can be formed from here:  For an episode that had a lot of family storylines – the Hanna men, Rountree and Jordyn’s nightmare experience, Shyla’s divorce – it was a rather sterile hour.  Not a lot of emotion or passion about Aiden nearly dying or Aiden possibly ruining his career.  Rountree who was so full of righteous indignation over what happened to him and to Jordyn is now looking to walk away.  And Shyla seems more bothered that her soon to be ex is calling than their marriage is over.  I would have liked a little more passion or fire in any of those storylines.

The episode had a season 12 feel – Sam was largely siloed with the family, Callen worked with Shyla, Fatima, Rountree, the Admiral and a little Shyla in scenes. 

The random JAG officer was well played but why not find Bud or Sturgis or some other JAG series actors to play that role.  Manetti was out, Tamlyn Tomita played a DHS Officer in season six on the show. Admiral Chegwidden's multiple appearances would have totally made this work.

The burn room was back!  I missed that place.  It was a great piece to the super-secret office set-up over the years.

Episode number:     Episode 306, season 14’s fourth hour.

[watchilove]

Automobili Lamborghini’s Polo Storico of started its celebrations of Automobili Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary by taking part in THE ICE motoring event and international concours d’elegance in the beautiful setting of the St. Moritz frozen lake. The Polo Storico-certified one-off Miura P400 S “Millechiodi” participated in the competition that took place against the backdrop of the mountainous Engadine region surrounding the Swiss town. Its famous frozen lake shed its role as a snow polo competition field for the weekend, to become a playground for the world’s most beautiful classic cars. Also present were the Iron Dames drivers from Iron Lynx Motorsport Lab for an ice-driving experience behind the wheel of a Miura P400 SV. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdUYkzrGYl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[magdalenagigova]

Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W189) от 1956 г. грабна голямата награда на Concours d’Elegance 2023

Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W189) от 1956 г. грабна голямата награда на Concours d’Elegance 2023 Ослепително красив, излъчващ класа, непреходен стил и аристократизъм е победителят в категория Best of Show за 2023 г. на конкурса за елегантност, който се проведе от 22 до 24 септември в Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort. Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W189) от 1956 г. грабна голямата награда на Concours d’Elegance…

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Nilu27 Hypercar, 2024. Nilu27 have revealed a new naturally-aspirated V12 powered retro-modern hypercar with an engine developed in partnership with New Zealand’s Hartley Engines. Weighing around 1200kg with over 1000hp on tap means it will reach 400kph (249mph). The car will make its public debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18 and will be track-only and limited to 15 units. There are also plans for a “street homologated version” which will be limited to 54 units.

[diabolus1exmachina]

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider (1 0f 500). 

Alfa Romeo stunned the crowd at Frankfurt’s 2003 Motor Show with the 8C Competizione coupe concept, following it up with an open-top concept at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Far more than beautiful, limited-edition playthings, these cars boldly announced Alfa Romeo’s intention to again produce compelling sports cars after a stretch of relatively pedestrian offerings. The 8C duo also paid homage to the great Alfa Romeos of the past, including, as the Competizione’s name suggested, the glorious competition cars of the Mille Miglia. Perhaps most important, these models heralded Alfa Romeo’s return to the United States after an absence of more than a decade.

Wolfgang Egger of the Alfa Romeo Style Center penned the 8C with absolute beauty and power in mind. The distinctive design offered a glimpse into the marque’s future design language while paying homage to vaunted Alfa Romeos of the past. With classic proportions, inspiration clearly derived from such post-war greats as the 33 Stradale and Giulia TZ. The 8C’s unmistakable grille and badge, accentuated by a cluster of bi-xenon headlights, finish off one of the most gorgeous Alfa Romeos ever produced.

Complementing the stunning design is exceptional performance. The 8C is powered by a Ferrari/Maserati F136 all-aluminum, naturally aspirated, 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 444 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 354 pounds-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine is mated to the “Superfast” computer-controlled, paddle shifted, six-speed automated manual transaxle with a twin-disc clutch. The transmission is placed in the rear for better weight distribution and handling, which is further improved by the front and rear dual-wishbone suspension setup.

Although demand for the 8C was strong, supply was limited to just 1,000 units worldwide: 500 examples of the Competizione coupe, and a further 500 of the 8C Spider. A mere 35 8C Spiders were allotted to the United States, and each example quickly found a home.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta

It’s unlikely any modifications have been made to the mechanical setup, which means the car’s performance specs should be the same as those of the stock F12 Berlinetta on which it’s based. This means power still comes from a 6.3-liter V-12 engine tuned to deliver 729 horsepower and 508 pound-feet of torque, enough for 0-62 mph acceleration in just 3.1 seconds and a top speed in excess of 211 mph.

We’re likely to see the Ferrari SP America formally introduced at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in mid-August.

As mentioned, the car was developed by Ferrari’s Special Projects division, which is open to only the Italian marque’s most loyal customers and has so far resulted in seven other cars that we know of. The first was the F430-based SP1 revealed back in 2008. Subsequent cars have included the 599-based P540 Superfast Aperta, 612-based GTS Pavesi, 599-based Superamerica 45, 458-based SP12 EC, 599-based SP Arya, FF-based SP FFX and the F12-based F12 TRS.