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24th Annual Handcrafted Automobile Concourse - An Eclectic GatheringThe 24th Annual Handcrafted Automobile Concourse From the January, 2007 issue of Kit Car
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For 24 years the Northern California Kit Car Club has held the Annual Handcrafted Automobile Concourse. Located at an idyllic bayside setting within San Leandro, California, the 24th iteration offered replicar enthusiasts a wide variety of automo biles to see and hear up close. KIT CAR couldn't resist the opportunity to travel to the northern part of the Golden State for the two-day show. We knew some new kits could be making their debuts at this venue, as they had in years past. As we had hoped, there were some all-new creations, as well as many repeat replicars from last year. Several Cobras, some 500K Mercedes, a couple of Porsches, Jaguars, Ferraris, GT40s, Daytona Coupes, a mid-engine Mini Cooper, a Thunderbird, and a buggy built for the boulevards brought a bountiful variety of well-made replicas to the eastern Bay Area event. Those of us who enjoy activities in the great outdoors and also love kit cars would be hard-pressed to envision a more optimal setting to hold an event. With the San Leandro Marina as ground zero, the Pacific Ocean served as the backdrop for communing with like-minded gearheads. We reveled in the creatively constructed cars other hobbyists had on display, and became energized about ongoing projects in our garages. Once you see some of the vehicles that gathered at the marina, you'll want to attend next year's show. Until then, check out the goings-on in '06! For more photos and a complete list of award winners, visit http://nckcc.com/index.html  For various reasons, Ferrari...  For various reasons, Ferrari 250 GTO replicas are rare. Mike Koken of Lancaster, California, owns this exceptionally built Datsun Z-based sports car.  Show organizers Leanne and...  Show organizers Leanne and Dave Jones of Hayward, CA, own a 351 Windsor-powered and C-4 auto trans-backed Emerson Cobra replica. A full roll bar, tilt steering column, and Recaro seats are some of the features of their well-wrought vehicle.  Powered by a 1600cc VW engine,...  Powered by a 1600cc VW engine, a re-creation of a 1927 Type 35B Bugatti owned by Pat and Anita Cooley of Livermore, CA, showed excellent fit and finish and attention to detail.  Unfortunately, Dan Rowland...  Unfortunately, Dan Rowland of Sacramento, CA, and his Porsche 550RS Spyder replica were only at the show on Saturday. His Spyder sported a fully polished and powdercoated 2185cc engine.  On Sunday, replicar enthusiast...  On Sunday, replicar enthusiast Carlos Tavares of San Jose, CA, showed up with his Toyota 1.6-liter DOHC MR2-powered 1965 Mini Cooper replica. KIT CAR wrote about his banana yellow ride back in the day.  Master coach builder Sky Clausen...  Master coach builder Sky Clausen built this 1985 Gatsby at Gatsby Coachworks in California. Skilled craftsmen, as well as the owner, Bill Navratil of Campbell, CA, completed the finish paintwork and interior.  In the late '40s and early...  In the late '40s and early '50s, British MG TCs and MG TDs were imported into the United States. As a result, sports cars started to become popular. Jerry Barrilleaux of Concord, CA, owns a replica of a '52 MG TD with a 1600cc VW engine.  Walking in the park affords...  Walking in the park affords hikers an excellent view of the jets and planes that land at Oakland International Airport. Here's a Southwest Airlines plane seconds from touchdown.  Gil Somerhalder of Knightsen,...  Gil Somerhalder of Knightsen, CA, owns a '50 Ford replica derived from starting with a Thunderbird and changing out some of the body panels.  While Doug and Sandy Wallace...  While Doug and Sandy Wallace of Daly City, CA, dined, we snapped some photos of their really red '57 Ford Thunderbird replica.  Readers may remember an article...  Readers may remember an article about Steve and Mary Ellen Bales' beautiful Mercedes 500K replica in a recent issue of KIT CAR. We couldn't resist snapping another picture of the Heritage Automotive classic re-creation.  Michael's Fiero-based Ferrari...  Michael's Fiero-based Ferrari Testarossa replicar attracted flies and appreciative kit enthusiasts the entire weekend. Ferrari calls the color Fly Yellow for a reason.  Don Geisen of Lake Forest,...  Don Geisen of Lake Forest, CA, built a resplendent 1934 Frazer Nash Town Touring replica, replete with a handcrafted trunk, which houses a 1788cc VW powerplant.  The custom tubular chassis...  The custom tubular chassis Joel Heinke constructed will be the foundation for one of the faux GTO bodies. We hope to provide further information soon.  You may be wondering what...  You may be wondering what a Fino is. Al Bohr's Fino is built on a 1987 Pontiac Fiero chassis and has a rather prodigious powerplant. His Fino won Best of Show and second place in the Sports A category.  Upon returning to the show...  Upon returning to the show from the nature walk, three GT40s had joined the festivities. Alan DeCloe of Oakley, CA, earned the President's Choice award for his '65 C.A.V. GT40 replica.  Bud Jones of Livermore, California,...  Bud Jones of Livermore, California, owns a '65 GT40 Mk I re-creation from GT Developments, which sold out and became C.A.V.  The Fino uses Cadillac's Northstar...  The Fino uses Cadillac's Northstar V-8 for power. How cool is that?  Atop a 1976 Porsche 914 chassis...  Atop a 1976 Porsche 914 chassis is an Eagle body. The Ferrari Dinoesque-shaped sports car is owned by A. Goncalves of San Jose, CA.  Also on a '87 Fiero chassis...  Also on a '87 Fiero chassis was this Northstar-powered Finale owned by Allan Phillips of Boise, ID.
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A Kit Car Museum Tour
Speedway Motors and "Speedy Bill" Smith Showcase American Power. Check Out The Kit Car Museum Tour...
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