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…

Selecting the Cars: Building a Concours Field That Matters

by Mike Thies

There are so many aspects of a qulity Concours event, yet all would agree that the heart of any concours is the field itself. A concours succeeds when the vehicles tell a story worth walking through. The selection process should not be a random gathering of nice cars. It should be a deliberate effort to assemble vehicles that represent history, design, craftsmanship,…

A Bite of History - 1977 Chevrolet Corvette

By Mike Thies

The 1977 Corvette carried forward one of America’s most recognizable shapes while quietly refining it for a changing era. By now, the third-generation Corvette had matured into a smoother, more comfortable grand-touring machine. The tall rear window of earlier years gave way to a cleaner fastback design that improved visibility and aerodynamics. Inside, Chevrolet focused on comfort and drivability, quieter…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

Introduced in late 1966 for a short, single-year production run, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL holds a special place in the “Pagoda” lineage (W113 series) as the rarest variant, with only about 5,196 units built. Positioned between the earlier 230SL and the later 280SL, the 250SL…

A Bite of History:  by Mike Thies

American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon

The American Bantam Car Company was a small but innovative automaker based in Butler, Pennsylvania. Originally established as American Austin in the 1920s to produce miniature cars under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the firm reorganized…

A Bite of History: By Mike Thies

1964 Porsche 356C Coupe

The 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe represents the final evolution of Porsche’s first production model and a landmark moment in the company’s early legacy. Launched in 1948, the 356 laid the foundation for Porsche's identity, lightweight, rear-engined sports cars with impeccable handling and…

A Bite of History: 1960 Ford Sunliner

by Mike Thies

The 1960 Ford Sunliner was the soft-top star of Ford’s full-size lineup, blending postwar flair with early-'60s sleekness. As part of the B series, the Sunliner rode the wave of chrome, fins, and V8 power that defined the era’s boulevard cruisers.

With a wide…

A Bite of History: 1966 Buick Riviera Gran Sport

by Mlke Thies

In 1966, the Buick Riviera Gran Sport stood at the crossroads of elegance and muscle. It was the last year of the Riviera’s original, razor-sharp body style. It was long, low, and dripping with understated class. But behind its refined façade lurked serious firepower.…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Peerless

The Peerless Motor Car Company, founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1900, earned its name by producing automobiles that lived up to its title—peerless in quality, performance, and innovation. As one of the famed “Three Ps” of early American luxury motoring—Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Peerless—the brand was celebrated for its engineering precision and elegant styling.

Peerless was…

10 Little-Known Facts About the Iconic Corvette

By Mike Thies, Certified Vehicle Appraiser

For over 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has stood as an enduring symbol of American automotive excellence. From its humble beginnings in 1953 to the high-performance beasts of today, the Corvette has cemented its place in history. While many enthusiasts know about its…

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.…

The number of inoperative classic and collectible vehicles sitting idle in garages around the country has been steadily growing. Many of these once-prized vehicles are left to gather dust due to a combination of factors, including aging parts, lack of maintenance, and the increasing complexity of restoration. Collectible cars, often built decades ago, require specialized parts and knowledge, both of which are becoming harder to find. As a result, many owners…

Are Collector Cars a Good Place to Park Your Money?  By Mike Thies

In the world of investments, the idea of parking your money in tangible assets has always held a certain allure. Among these, collector cars stand out, blending the excitement of ownership…

Are Electric Vehicles Ever Going to Be Collectible? (Maybe Electric Exotics?) by Mike Thies

Rimac Nevera

The automotive world has always cherished collectible cars, from classic muscle cars to vintage European models.…

The Heart of the Show: Why Local Car Shows Thrive on Charity

Local car shows have long been a staple of community life, bringing together enthusiasts and the curious alike to…

The Future Of The Collector Car Hobby

The collector car hobby has long been a passionate pursuit for enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty, history, and engineering of classic automobiles. As we look towards the future, the hobby stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Despite challenges such as changing demographics, economic shifts, and environmental concerns, the outlook for the…

In Georgia, the safety of children in vehicles is a top priority, especially after an accident. According to Georgia law, parents and guardians must adhere to specific regulations regarding child car seats following a collision. Understanding these laws is crucial for ensuring the continued safety of children in vehicles.

Georgia law mandates that if a motor vehicle collision occurs and a child safety seat is…

Supply Chain Problems with Classic Car Mechanics

By Mike Thies – Certified Vehicle Appraiser

The shortage of automobile mechanics to work on classic cars is a growing concern among collectors and enthusiasts. Classic cars require a unique set of skills and knowledge to maintain and repair, and there simply aren't enough trained professionals to keep up with demand. Let’s take a closer look at the…

Who is going to want the cars! 

The 76 million baby boomers, 25 % of the…