A Bite of History - Mike Thies

The Lafayette

The Lafayette automobile was more than just a machine, it was a statement. First introduced in the early 1920s and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, this luxury car was built to rival the finest on the road. Precision engineering, refined styling, and a bold American spirit made the Lafayette a standout in its time.…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

1963 Corvette Coupe

The Split-Window Sting Ray Strikes

Some cars just look fast standing still. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe didn’t just look fast. it looked like it could time travel. With its sharp lines, hidden headlights, and that iconic split rear window, it rolled off the line like a spaceship made of muscle.

This was the first year for the…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Apperson

The Jackrabbit Jumps Into the Game

Long before muscle cars and turbochargers, there was Apperson. a name that roared through the early 1900s when cars still looked like fancy wagons without horses. Founded in 1901 by the Apperson brothers (who had worked with Elwood Haynes, another car pioneer), these guys were among the original big names of American motoring.

Their…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Saab

SAAB: The Jet That Turned Into a Car

Ever wonder what happens when airplane engineers build a car? You get Saab. Born in Sweden in the late 1940s, Saab (short for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) started life making fighter planes. Then one day someone said, “Hey, what if we made a car that drove like a cockpit?” And boomm, Saab 92 hit the road in 1949.

Saabs were…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Pontiac GTO

Meet the car that kicked off the muscle car era: the Pontiac GTO. Born in 1964, it was basically a Pontiac Tempest with a rebellious twist, a massive 389 V8 engine stuffed under the hood, some attitude sprinkled in, and just enough rule-bending to make it legendary.

The GTO wasn't supposed to exist. GM had a ban on racing, but John DeLorean (yeah, that…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

Porsche 356

Before the world knew Porsche as a maker of high-performance sports cars, there was the Porsche 356, the model that started it all. Launched in 1948, it was Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche's vision of a lightweight, rear-engine sports car that could handle curves like a dream.…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Duesenberg

Founded in 1913 by German-American brothers Fred and August Duesenberg, the Duesenberg Motor Company became the gold standard of American automotive engineering, combining race-bred performance with unmatched luxury. Known simply as “Duesys,” these cars weren’t just automobiles, they were status symbols.

Duesenberg made its mark early in motorsport, winning the 1921 French…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Pierce-Arrow

Pierce-Arrow, founded in Buffalo, New York in 1901, quickly became synonymous with opulence, elegance, and cutting-edge engineering. Originally an offshoot of a household goods manufacturer, the company shifted focus to automobiles and carved a niche for itself as a premier American luxury carmaker, favored by royalty, industrialists, and even the White House.

Renowned…

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…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Packard

Packard Motor Car Company, established in 1899 by James Ward Packard, was an iconic American luxury automobile manufacturer known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and prestige, During the Great Depression, Packard faced declining sales but remained financially stable by implementing robust marketing strategies and reducing automobile prices.…

The 2025 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an impressive showcase of over 275 historically significant vehicles across 35 meticulously curated classes. Held on March 8 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, the event attracted approximately 25,000 to 30,000 attendees, underscoring its status as a premier automotive gathering. ​…

We have the pleasure of a contributing writer this year. Philip Carroll, an enthusaistic car guy of many decades made the trip. Thank you Philip, Mike

A Memorable 30th Anniversary at The Amelia

I recently had the distinct honor of attending The Amelia as media. While I’ve been to this event nearly a…

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…

Ever wonder why people think Porsches are such a big deal? So does this guy! Michael loves cars, particularly late-model cars, but he's never understood why Porsches are such a big deal, so he's decided he's going to review a bunch of them and see if it changes his mind. What a great idea! 2023 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet This was really cool to watch and hear his thoughts since, to me, Porsche cars mostly…

The 2024 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, now under the stewardship of Hagerty, marked a significant milestone in the event's storied history. Held from February 29 to March 3, 2024, at The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, this year's concours seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, attracting enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals from around the globe.…

The 2023 Werks Reunion was on site at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, held on March 3, 2023, was a resounding success, attracting over 700 Porsche vehicles and thousands of enthusiasts. This event, organized by the Porsche Club of America (PCA), has become a cornerstone for Porsche aficionados, offering a unique blend of camaraderie, automotive excellence, and a celebration of the Porsche marque.…

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 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…

Why Use A Professional Mechanic to Start A “Dead” Car

by Mike Thies, Certified Vehicle Appraiser

Luckily, “Dead” in this case doesn’t mean gone forever.  It refers to a car that may have been running fine at some point but has been left unattended, not started, for an extended period.  Museum cars, family estate probate, life demands; the reasons fill a long list of how this can easily happen.  Members of the International Vehicle Appraisers Network encounter this fairly…