While the Canadian office of The Garage was moving Scooby Doo’s automotive cousins around Toronto, the guys on the west coast were scoping out the 2008 Monterey Historics.

Gary Faules and Jon Emerson hopped aboard Lucky the GT-350 to visit the La Carrera Panamericana gathering at the annual event. They gave us so many cool photos I had a heck of a time deciding what to use as a lead in photo. The Bugatti just seemed too modern. While the Ferrari’s are undeniably sensual, how could I use a Prancing Horse, when there is a perfectly fitting Shelby in the house?

To get the full details of the guys trip, you’ll have to head on over to Gary’s blog where you’ll also find a ton of other great pictures. Gary took so many photos that he had to share some with our readers too and you’ll find them after the break.
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As we’ve pointed out many times here in The Garage (maybe too many) the car hobby is about more than just cars. It’s about people. We’ve had some incredibly cool people hanging out in The Garage, and maybe the coolest thing is when those people inspire each other. Last week, one of our creative friends, Warwick Patterson from Formula Photographic, Flat Over Crest, MTB Films and God knows what else launched yet another blog.

Inspired by watching Gary Faules chronical the build of Lucky, the GT-350 clone on their way to La Carrera Panamerica, Warwick and friends have decided to launch their own rally timeline blog. With the 2007 running of Targa Newfoundland only just in the record books, Warwick and partner in crime Dave Hord have announced their intention to enter the 2008 Targa. The cool thing here is that we’re going to watch a pair of talented, money strapped young guys from start to finish. That includes sponsor hunting, car choice & build right on up to the actual event. Somehow I suspect that we’ll be treated to some pretty incredible photography and maybe a video or two along the way.

Be sure to bookmark Road to Targa Newfoundland. If we’re lucky, Warwick will shoot the odd tidbit towards The Garage too!

Hot on the heels of this morning’s videos of our west coast contributor, Gary Faules’ GT-350 lapping at Infineon Raceway, now we have some killer in car footage of the break in. Perhaps more important, Gary’s co-driver, Jon Emerson is finally allowed to spill the beans on the team’s big news.

I’m sure Gary will have lots to tell here in The Garage, but for now check out the extreme coolness that is Lucky at Sears Point! Once the car is broken in, don’t think that Spec Miata will sail past quite so easily!

Finally, after all these months, Gary Faules’ GT-350 clone, Lucky, has some laps under his belt. Last weekend, Team California’s Best took Lucky to Sears Point (ok, so it’s called Infineon now but this is a GT-350) for his first shakedown. Fortunately for us, they’ve got some rough video of the car on track for the first time.

After the break, a short interview with Gary about the day. The quality of this snip may give some indication of whats coming soon from Team California’s Best.
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They say that a rib injury never fully heals. A few years ago, I had a pretty unhealthy bout of pneumonia and during that time I coughed so much that I hurt my ribs on the left side. To this day, sometimes I’ll move just the right wrong way that causes me to double over in pain. It’s like someone is sticking a knife through my rib cage. This little bit of nastiness came to light during my recent visit to Pocono Raceway and made me think about the importance of driving position and proper support. In more than a few cars I tested, the side loads the car generated far exceeded the level of support offered by the seats and I found myself using the steering wheel to keep from flying across the car. The result was a searing pain in my left side as I begged the corner to end. It really was that bad.
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As our Gary Faules gets ready for La Carrera Panamerica in a few weeks, the Andrew Harvey and Warwick Patterson from Flat Over Crest are on the rock following the other big North American vintage road rally. That’s right, Targa Newfoundland is in full swing and the FOC crew will be keeping us up to date with daily images. I’ll bet Warwick may even throw in a video here and there. Nudge, Nudge!

For the last 6 months or so, west coast contributor to The Garage, Gary Faules has been hard at work preparing his GT-350R clone, Lucky, for the 2007 running of La Carrera Panamerica. Earlier this week, Lucky breathed in some fresh air and fuel and burst to life with a roar and a belch of fire. Team California’s Best was kind enough to catch this on video to share with the world.
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West coast contributor to The Garage, Gary Faules has been waiting almost a year to hear the small block for his GT-350 clone Lucky. The engine has finally been completed and began dyno breaking and testing yesterday.

The numbers are incredible. 503 ponies and 385.2 foot pounds of torque at a little over 6800 rpm. From a 289!!! You can visit Lucky’s build blog to get the full stats on the engine.

Follow the jump & crank up the speakers to hear the beast on the dyno.
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There comes a point in every race car build when the project actually starts to feel like a race car. For many of us, that time is when you can actually sit in it. Well, in a racing seat and not a milk crate!

Gary Faules and his crew have been hard at work getting Lucky ready for the 2007 edition of La Carrera Pananmerica. You can follow their progress at Gary’s build blog.

Hello and thank you for the warm welcome. If there’s one thing automotive that I do know a thing or two about it’s quality auto blogs that truly have something worthwhile reading. Having said that I must say it is an honor to be included in The Garage.

It seems everyone has his or her own feeling as to what they personally find appealing when talking cars. On the other hand I have found that those who truly have a love affair for all things automotive find everything and anything to do with cars fascinating and interesting. After all, if it were not for the likes of Henry Ford and Louis Chevrolet how interesting would the history and rivalry of the automobile be? Oh sure, there used to be a day when you wouldn’t dare tell someone his Chevrolet couldn’t beat your Ford or vise versa and if you did you had better be ready to draw a line in the sand because you were about to get it on. Fortunately, today I find more and more of that way of thinking taking a back seat to those who truly love the heritage of all makes and brands. Today it’s not uncommon at all to see two gentleman standing side by side admiring the late model cars that have the flavor of older vintage rides but with late model technology under the hoods and suspension to match. It’s great to reminisce with others without fear of someone being offended and at the same time being able to share stories… “Hey, Let me tell ya about the time I was running down Highway 101 when this Chevy tried to pass me…”
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