A Bite of History - Marcos 

By Mike Thies

The Marcos was one of those wonderfully unconventional British sports car companies that could only have come from the postwar racing world. The company was founded in 1959 by Jem Marsh and aerodynamicist Frank Costin, with the name Marcos coming from Marsh and Costin. Costin brought serious aircraft and racing design experience to the project, and that influence showed up immediately in the cars: low frontal area, light weight,…

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…

A Bite of History- by Mike Thies

The Porsche 356 “Outlaw”

The term “Porsche 356 Outlaw” gets used a lot today, but at its core, it’s simple. An Outlaw is a Porsche 356 that deliberately walks away from factory-correct restoration in favor of performance,…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

The 1948 Ford F-1 Pickup

The 1948 Ford F-1 wasn’t just a new truck, it was the start of something big. When Ford introduced it, they launched the very first F-Series, the truck line that would become America’s favorite for generations. This was the first Ford pickup built on a dedicated truck chassis rather than a car-based frame,…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

The “Car Guy’s Garage”

Step inside a place like this and you can almost hear the echoes of every wrench turned and every engine fired back to life. The light hums off the old signs, Route 66, Coca-Cola, Phillips 66, and the smell is that unmistakable mix of oil, leather, and stories. This isn’t just a garage. It’s a…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

If the hot rod was about shine and polish, the rat rod was about grit and guts. These weren’t built for trophies or perfection, they were built to run, to rattle, and to raise a little dust. The idea came from guys who were tired of trailer queens and six-figure show cars. They dug through junkyards, swapped parts in driveways, and welded with whatever they had. A true rat rod looked like it might’ve been found behind an old barn,…

A Bite of History – (by Mike Thies)

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio

When you step back and look at an Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio, you’re not just seeing a sleek Italian convertible, you’re seeing one of the last gasps of true analog romance from the 1980s. By 1988, most sports cars had started to bulk up with electronics and smog equipment, but Alfa’s little Spider kept its…

A Bite of History – (by Mike Thies)

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio

When you step back and look at an Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio, you’re not just seeing a sleek Italian convertible, you’re seeing one of the last gasps of true analog romance from the 1980s. By 1988, most sports cars had started to bulk up with electronics and smog equipment, but Alfa’s little…

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

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster marks the swan song of one of Porsche’s most iconic and minimalist models. Originally introduced in 1954 at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed to be a low cost, lightweight, stripped-down entry sports car that could double as a weekend racer, especially for the California sports car scene. With its low windshield,…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1948 Rover P3 Saloon

The 1948 Rover P3 Saloon marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British motoring. Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the P3 was a bridge between prewar craftsmanship and the modern engineering ethos that would come to define Rover’s future. Although its styling retained many traditional elements, including an upright grille, separate fenders, and rear-hinged front…

Why It’s Hard to Recruit Younger Members to Volunteer Car Clubs, and How to Fix It

Car clubs have long been the social engine of the collector car world, bringing people together to swap parts, plan road trips, attend shows, and preserve automotive history. But in recent years, many volunteer-run car clubs have struggled with a pressing problem: recruiting and retaining younger members. The concern isn’t just about numbers, it’s about sustainability. As the…

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: by Mike Thies

"Ask the Man Who Owns One!"

One of the most iconic slogans in American automotive history, “Ask the Man Who Owns One” became synonymous with the quiet confidence and refined…

A Bite of History: The Hudson Essex

by Mike Thies

Let’s take a look at a pretty underrated but important part of automotive history, the Hudson Essex. This car came out of the Hudson Motor Car Company, which was based in Detroit and started producing vehicles in the early 1900s. In 1918, they introduced the Essex as a more affordable option for everyday…

Impact of Branded Titles on Vehicle Values

Branded titles can significantly impact a vehicle's resale value, insurability, and marketability, sometimes reducing value by 20% to over 60%, depending on the brand and severity. 

Here’s a rundown of the most common vehicle title brands in the U.S., what they mean, and…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356A Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after models in Porsche’s early lineage. Originally introduced in 1954 at the request of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed as a lightweight, bare-bones sports car tailored to the American market. By 1958, the model had evolved into the refined "356A" version, featuring a more advanced…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

Cadillac Eldorado

The Cadillac Eldorado was one of America’s most iconic personal luxury cars, known for its bold styling, smooth ride, and upscale presence. Introduced in 1953 as a limited-production convertible, the Eldorado was a showcase of Cadillac’s top-tier design and innovation. It quickly became a status symbol, famously sporting high tailfins in the late '50s and pioneering front-wheel drive in 1967.…

The Role of Provenance and Documentation in the Value of Collector Cars  By Mike Thies

In the world of collector and classic cars, value isn't just about make, model, and condition. Provenance, the story of the car's life, and proper documentation can make a huge difference in both market value and buyer appeal. While some vehicles see dramatic price jumps due to high-profile owners or pop culture fame, most cars benefit in a quieter, but still meaningful, way:…

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…