The entire Autopian staff, plus our veteran enginerd Huibert Mees and our Shitbox Showdown guru Mark Tucker, flew into LA this past weekend to host a car show at our co-founder Beau Boeckmann’s automotive Mecca in Van Nuys, California. Here’s a look at how it went.
The Autopian has existed as a website for only four and a half months, with great growth resulting from the work of some incredibly talented writers, all of whom work virtually, and many of whom have never met one another in person. So this weekend was special; it was a chance to build a bit of camaraderie between the folks who have been grinding together day in and day out to make you, our beloved readers, happy. Most of all, it was a chance for us to meet you.
As Is Tradition, A Slight Shitshow Did Take Place
It started as a bit of a shitshow, and of course, this was my fault.
I woke up at 5:30 AM in Troy, Michigan to catch a 7:55 flight. An Uber, a five hour hop, and then another Uber got me grippin’ and grinnin’ with my business partner Beau and his team at the Galpin headquarters in Van Nuys, California. After those brief pleasantries, I drove back to LAX to pick up The Autopian’s camper/RV/motorcycle expert Mercedes Streeter and in-house former Tesla/Ford GT engineer Huibert Mees, who had arrived from Chicago and San Francisco, respectively. This all went great, and the three of us chatted each other’s ears off about cars on our way back from the airport in my rented Ford Explorer.
At about this time, Beau received an urgent message from his team. “Hi Beau, we just got a call from the police. They just found David’s car keys.”
Beau — of course concerned about how the police had the keys to a car that I was supposed to be actively driving to pick up the team — called me, at which point I realized I was driving 70 mph down a highway in a car with no key in sight. Damn proximity keys!
There was no warning or anything on the screen, so had Beau not called me, I’d probably have shut the car off in a deeply inconvenient location and been stuck there. Luckily, Mercedes, Huibert and I were able to “flip a bitch” (a term I learned from our Shitbox Showdown guru Mark Tucker; apparently it means “execute an (illegal) U-turn”). After parking at the wrong station, and Huibert nearly slapping my hand to prevent me from touching that “engine on/off” button and getting us stranded, I wound up at an incredibly impressive and intimidating LAX Police Station, where I was the only person in sight aside from two officers behind a thick pane of glass. I handed them my info, and in short order, I had my keys.
[Editor’s Note: David isn’t telling the whole story here. Another minor but terribly revealing incident happened when David went to collect the keys. While walking to the Airport Police station, David saw a lost $10 bill on the ground. Like absolutely no other rational human would do, he picked it up and turned it into the police.
What the hell did he think the cops were going to do? Issue a bulletin for all officers to be on the lookout for anyone who may be missing a ten dollar bank note, green and with a portrait of musical-theater hero Alexander Hamilton on it? No, of course not. Normal human beings just pocket a lost $10, just like the cop behind the counter likely did.
You know what happened next? As David was leaving the station it dawned on him that, since not a single soul had entered or left the building while he was there, the $10 he found was actually his own money. He gave the cops $10 of his own cash for absolutely no reason at all. A tip, I guess? What a rube. – JT]
The Show
I don’t have a good idea of how many people actually showed up, but considering 60 pizzas were dusted, and running some educated guesses on how many slices each person ate on average (figure a quarter of a pizza on average among those who ate, and one of every three devoured any pizza at all), I bet there were over 500 folks there throughout the day, including one dude who came with printed sheets of things he wanted to discuss with each writer. It was awesome.
Here are a few shots of our whole crew, which included Torch and me as well as: Mercedes Streeter, Thomas Hundal, Huibert Mees, Matt Hardigree, Mark Tucker, Bobby Mackay (STAB), and of course Beau Boeckmann (who you can see below having an awesome time hanging out with a reader).
One of my favorite vehicular showings at the event was this Pontiac Grand Am, because unlike rare sports cars, these vehicles were just not kept up well by the majority of their owners. For one to exist in this state in 2022 is a miracle:
Okay, actually, I think that might be tied with this right-hand drive Toyota Gracia wagon:
I also got to walk around multiple Ford GTs with our former Ford GT suspension engineer, Huibert Mees. We geeked out, so be prepared to see that all on video:
Here’s Jason [Editor’s Note: What the hell is going on with my face there? – JT] and I just relaxing next to our friend Tom’s incredible Rambler wagon:
Speaking of Jason, I’m going to let him take this article over, because as excited as I was about the cars at the show, nobody was excited as he. So I figure I should let him talk to you about it:
Torch Is Now Talking
Thanks, David, for passing off this article you said you’d write two days ago for me to finish! Very cool!
I kid, I kid! David’s great, and we’re all busy, and I’m delighted to do this.
Let’s start with that 356 replica and all those fantastic Beetles up there: they were the San Fernando Smurfs VW club, and they showed up early, in force, with many beautifully-restored old Beetles, almost all of which had beefy twin-Weber carb engines and were immaculate. The crew also included the incredible Type 3 I wrote about yesterday. Just having a whole club show up, enthusiastic and loud and early, was a huge treat.
Let’s look at some of the other incredible cars that showed up. For example, you saw up above there a dazzling David Hockney pool-painting-blue-colored McLaren parked next to an original Mini in full rally dress, dripping with lights and straps. So good. And there was so much more.
For example, this crazy thing made by former Jalopnik contributor who now goes by SuperfastMatt on YouTube (check him out):
This is a Jaguar Mk V, made somewhere between 1948 and 1951, but instead of the 3.5-liter engine advertised on the hood badge, this particular one has a bit of a secret, hinted at by those wheels:
That’s a Tesla Model 3 drivetrain in there. You can see the inverter and electronics box there, the motor unit is below that, and the battery pack is slung underneath. The front suspension is from a Mustang II, of all things. This is one hell of a Frankenstein, and I’m so happy it showed up.
This was an unexpected treat: a Hong Kong-type Toyota Crown Comfort Taxi. This particular one came from Japan, but I think the owner said the livery is that of a Hong Kong taxi. It was in perfect shape, and is one of those cars that’s so mundane and normal-seeming that it wraps all the way around to being fascinating.
This late-’50s Ranchero was so menacing and cool I just gave it my wallet without it even having to ask.
Look at this mighty triumvirate! Our pal Jonee’s Citroën LNA, Hanna Farah’s (as in Matt Farah’s wife) Nissan Pao, and our own David Tracy’s not-yet-running Nash Metropolitan. Jonee let me take the LNA for a spin and it was one of the best 34 horsepower experiences I’ve had, that Pao may be the nicest Pao I’ve ever seen – literally everything on that car is perfect, even all the rubber bits that look like masticated gum on mine —and Beau fooled David into thinking someone stole and slept in his Nash, which was hilarious.
[DT talking here: I’m beyond excited about my Nash. The interior is this amazing red and black Houndstooth, the body is way nicer than I expected, and as a daily driver I think this thing will just be epic around LA. -DT].
Have you thought about how lovely the Mercedes-Benz Pagodas are today? If not, then just look at this one, all elegant lines and impossibly thin pillars, and remember.
In addition to cars brought by local Autopians, our own co-founder Beau opened his collection for people to enjoy, which included some fantastic microcars, like these two smallest examples of that already diminutive category, a Peel P50 (probably the earliest one in existence!) and a Brütsch Mopetta, which is only one of 14.
Beau recently acquired this Spanish Biscúter, a tiny peoples’ car designed by the legendary Gabriel Voisin. I’ll be covering this in much more detail soon, so stay tuned.
My friend Emily brought out her freshly-painted Toyota pickup, a car she grew up in and recently bought from her dad. Check out the planetary curtains she made for the camper top!
Los Angeles has always been home to many JDM cars, like this purposeful-looking Toyota Celica GT-Four (one of two at the event). Well, maybe it’s a replica of the GT-Four edition, of which only 2,500 homologation specials were made; I’m not qualified to tell for sure, but I sure liked seeing it person/car.
By the way, a bit of VW trivia: you can usually tell when an old Beetle has more going on under that decklid because bigger engines that demand more cooling and intake air will often be paired with engine lids from the convertible models, like this one here. Prior to 1970, only convertible Beetles had air intakes on the engine lid itself, and early ones, with their gracefully arching vent groups, are very desirable for bigger-engined sedans, like this one here.
Also, peep that amazing auxiliary stop light!
We’ll leave on an unobscured shot of my friend Tom Jennings’ wonderful 1960 Rambler American two-door wagon. This car is so well dialed-in that it drives like something modern. Plus, it has what I think is a genuine Muppet-fur headliner. Tom has documented this car extensively here, so if you have an afternoon to kill, take a dive in.
This is just a tiny selection of all the cars (and people) that showed up, and everyone at the Autopian is so proud and delighted to see the incredible turnout. You Autopians are why we do this, and why it seems to be working, and we appreciate it so damn much it makes us feel weird deep inside.
Thank you all! And see you at the next Autopian Meetup!
Photo Credits: David Osorio, Thomas Hundal, Jason Torchinsky, Beau Boeckmann
It’s a shame my D100 won’t make it more than like 15 miles and that the show was a 22 hour drive away but maybe one day there will be a show I can get to!
Looks like a great turn out of weird and interesting things, and some cool cars too! Really happy to see the community building around this site!
Well DT, has meeting all these folks and seeing some LA car culture in action made you less anxious about moving there? Assuming you’re still considering it.
I was there, he said that he’s made his decision and is moving to LA.
This was a great event! I’ll get the S600 running again for the next one.
Cool cars. I’ll bet it was a blast. But the wheels in that Jag hurt my feelings. I can’t, with those wheels…
I have to agree.. I get what he was going for but it gives away the surprise drivetrain while clashing with the old body style. Oh well, it’s not my car, as long as he likes it I guess.
Well done gents!
Looks like a hell of a turnout, with a hell of a vehicular line up! Now come on over to the east coast, I want in on the Autopian action too haha!
Any chance you Autopian peeps can all hold one up here in semi-rural Nova Scotia? 😉
Looks like a blast, I’d love to get to one of your events someday! Not sure my 2009 Hyundai Accent hatch base model is show material though 😛
Denver! Denver! Denver! Denver! Denver!
So glad to see the whole group together at last. It kind of gives the feeling that “the band” is getting started on some kind of grand adventure.
You know, until success causes infighting and Torch yells “IT USED TO BE ABOUT THE CARS, MAN!!” and David whips a can of Aero Kroil at him and retorts “SLAG OFF!!!!”
Kidding aside, was it weird for you all to sign autographs?
A little, but honestly, it felt really good to know just how much y’all enjoy our stories!
We do love the stories very much. But the people and who they are, make the stories what they are.
This is a really cool, fun site. If Team Autopian ever makes it up Ottawa way, maybe I’ll find an old rusty hood for everyone to sign!
Lol, you should have seen Torch; he not only autographed someone’s book, he also drew a picture of his Changli inside it!
Glad you guys had a good turnout and it went well. I’m so excited about the Nash. I run past one sometimes and it just looks so happy.
The “original Mini in full rally dress, dripping with lights and straps” was mine! Excellent event and thanks for the pizza!
Also, I can’t believe that, despite growing up in the Valley, I had no idea the Galpin collection was open to the public.
The Galpin collection is currently NOT open to the public. That was part of my motivation to go.
Well, that explains why I wasn’t aware of it :).
Badass Mini there! Care to brag /bitch about it here? Or a link to video/build thread?
I’d love to hear about it
I would love to brag about the build but unfortunately I wasn’t the one who built it. I had been looking for a Mini in Japan for a long time and came upon this one on Yahoo Auctions. Fell in love with it instantly. Found the seller on Instagram, went over the build history and negotiated over Google Translate via DMs, set up a Zoom inspection at the seller’s friend’s shop with a lift (and a friend who lives in Japan as a translator) and had another friend in Japan set up a tow truck that towed this thing 250 miles from a sleepy fishing village to the Port of Yokohama.
The seller is a Mini fanatic (this was his 10th?) and was selling it to fund his aircooled 911 build. His IG (with updates about his 911, motorcycles, cats and fishing) can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/mrdice56/?hl=en
Here are the specs from the ad, complete with broken Google Translate translations:
1994 Rover Mini Mark I specification
Actual driving
Normal meter 108300km + engine overhaul, 3000km after meter replacement
About 10 years ago, the engine, brakes, and suspension were overhauled and customized, and I only rode it a few times a month.
Before bidding, if possible, please check the current car.
I just had my car inspected in April.
Engine overhauled
(10 years ago, less than 3000 mileage after overhaul)
The air conditioner has had the condenser replaced.
cylinder head
High lift roller rocker 1:1.5
0.5mm surface grinding, valve seat, guide replacement
Intake and exhaust big valve replacement
Change to dual valve spring
engine
piston ring replacement
Each part seal, head gasket replacement
high capacity oil pump
new core radiator
Radiator hose set brand new
water pump new
new heater core
clutch
Replace disc and pressure plate with new ones
Replace with new master
Flywheel weight saving
exhaust
New down pipe (June 2021), catalyzer, dual center muffler
foot circumference
High-low kit, coil springs, aftermarket shocks, front and rear negative cancellation
Wheel 10 inch Speedstar Mark II
break
new master cylinder
Front 10 inch disc, 10 inch KAD4 pot caliper, mesh hose
Rear aluminum fin drum master replacement
Master cylinder brand new
Exterior
Front, rear, Mark I specifications
Rally look (light cover, fog)
racing wiper
front spoiler
Interior
Black leather, driver’s seat, brid full bucket, passenger’s seat, cobra low-back bucket (seat part torn)
custom meter
quick shift
motorita steering
3 point roll bar
Great comment!
You win the award for best vanity plate of the day: “SMOL.” Actually laughed out loud when I saw that.
It was great meeting some of you, including chatting with some of your readers. I spent quite a bit of time discussing Mustang IIs and JDM Camrys and Aston Martin Lagondas with a few attendees there (who I probably should have gotten the names of – oh well).
On that note, right as I was getting off the 405 I saw a Lagonda on the other side of the freeway. That may be the first one I’ve ever seen on the road, and I was excited to see it in the flesh… only to see 4 more in the Galpin collection minutes later!
Bummed my LTD didn’t make the cut for photos, but at least my ogre-sized ass is seen in green talking to David here. As an Aussie expat I’m very much looking forward to reading about his adventures with the two utes (and I’m not talking My Cousin Vinny).
Finally got around to reading this article, but I’m the Mustang II guy. Not sure if I should say that out loud lol
Mustang II’s were really popular in their day in Orange County, fwiw.
David of Troy, Fixer of the Unfixable! You know you’re a bad ass when you tip the cops. Will $10 buy a coffee and doughnut in L.A.? Happy it all went well.
Good thing DT gave the $10 away otherwise he might have bought another Jeep with it.
Great Pics
Thank you
Any hope of getting something on the east coast?
David – it was awesome to get to meet you, even for a few minutes. I fully look forward to a series on retrofitting a swamp cooler into the Nash!
I’m pretty sure that Grand Am is Ethan Tufts’ – who has an enjoyable youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-ItatlUVHQ
Yep. Ethan’s a good dude.
That probably was him! Apparently Jeff Dunham (the ventriloquist) also showed up with a Hummer EV. Saw the truck, but didn’t see him.
I met him, but didn’t realize it. Beau just said “Meet Jeff!”
Yes, Hanna’s Pao may be nicer than Torch’s, but Torch’s ate a deer.
Looks like it was a blast. I hope with David moving to LA it won’t end the Detroit-area meetups.
I’ll fly back to Detroit every month when the weather is good, I promise.
Come on man, it’s only a 4 day drive and most of it’s really nice! (Not Iowa.)
No, you can’t ask how fast I was going in a Buick. Not after giving the cops your own money. I don’t trust you to keep your mouth shut.
4 days? I drove from Seneca SC to Eureka CA in 2 1/2 days in an Isuzu Amigo. What were you driving? Also WPB FLA. to Derry PA. straight thru.
That’s hardcore, particularly if it was solo. I once did Costa Mesa, CA to Vincentown, NJ in three and a half days, but that was with two friends, with all of us swapping out of the driver’s seat when getting tired. We could have made it much faster (and probably more dangerous) if we hadn’t stopped for about 14 hours at our halfway point in AR to visit some friends and get a night of real sleep. The other two nights we drove straight through.
4 days. Cleveland, OH to Saginaw to Anaheim, CA. Stopping only for gas, food, sleep, and one really neat museum. (It was a small one.) Total distance, over 2500 miles with 8 hours of driving per day.
This was in a Buick Regal GSE. Very comfy drive. Didn’t need to go a full dollar most of the time (and 108MPH = ‘you gon die now.’)
I also did Austin to Cleveland (2300mi) in under 2 days, literally racing a hurricane.
I did NYC to LA in four days – in a four-cylinder Wrangler, loaded to the gills with all my possessions. That included staying in Breckenridge for a day.
Ummm… I left Ashville NC one morning and had my feet in the Pacific the next day. You must not be a masochist.
Oh good, I’m glad the Nash wasn’t actually stolen.
Looks like a fun event, will you do something similar on the east coast side Atlanta maybe (biased hint hint)?
There is a whole You tube build series on the Tesla powered Jag ? https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoTU9_iCGa6i_C38pwQyg0pBGoov76NNv
So are you unable to specifically credit Superfast Matt for the Tesla /Jaguar due to contractual reasons?
Glad to see Superfast Matt showed up. Perhaps next time he’ll bring that insane Honda.
Just watched his hysterical drive through Death Valley.
“contractual reasons”?
Oh wow, I wish he’d introduced himself! I’ve met him before, and he’s a good dude. A fellow engineer!
I’ll note him in the article.
[Editor’s Note: What the hell is going on with my face there? – JT]
You were making a face? Whenever I read a Torch article that’s the mental image the voice in my head is wearing while reading it to me.
To me it looks like someone has a gaseous issue, and has extended their finger, begging for someone to pull it
They both look exactly as dazed/dazzled by sunshine as I expected them to do. Torch is just having a more severe reaction for some reason.
That is awesome. I hope to join an event one day.
Still reading the rest of the article but had to pause to say that the but editors note was pure gold.
Alright finished. Excellent write up, I wish I wasn’t half country away. I’d love to meet everyone and hopefully have something interesting to show up in.