2019 PREVIEW NIGHT GALA – Havana Nights Highlights

The 2019 Preview Night Gala was held yesterday at the Houston Auto Show to benefit Texas Children’s Hospital. The theme for the Gala is Havana Nights in which guests were treated to a live band (Infinite Groove), professional dancers, cigar rollers and two vehicle reveals.

 

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Entrance to this lavish gathering.

 

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Professional dancer #1. Sorry did not get his name.

 

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Professional dancer #2. Sorry did not get her name.

 

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Crowd gathering for the first reveal.

 

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Before the first reveal a $100,000 check to Texas Children’s Hospital to fund lifesaving research, treatment and care to children fighting cancer.

 

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Before the first reveal we have the Dodge Ram 1500. Motor Trend Truck of the year!

 

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The All-New Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Longhorn Edition. First time to be seen with out camouflage.

 

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Everything is bigger in Texas!

 

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Git-R-Done!

 

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Up close picture of the big check!

 

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Before the second reveal we have some music from “Infinite Groove

 

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Aston Martin Tag Heuer Edition Reveal

 

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Taking that cover off for the reveal!

 

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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition

 

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Special Edition. Only 50 are made!

 

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Pirelli Color Edition Tires

 

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Twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 producing 715 horsepower

 

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TAG Heuer will throw in a limited-edition watch to go with it

 

 

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Hand Rolled Cigars. El Cubano Cigars

 

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The End!

 

Auto Con/Formula Drift Long Beach – The Automotive Connection

White sandy beaches, cool blue water and palm trees. Is that what comes to mind when we mention the words “Long Beach?” You won’t technically see any of those with the exception of palm trees in our latest blog roll of pictures but you will see a lot of unique rides. Our second year in a row visiting Auto Con and it doesn’t let us down. See why in the photos that follow below.

 

 

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IAS Performance Thanksgiving Bash 2017

Through IAS Performance with Texas Tires and Parts brings to you a driver invite only drift event. This happens only once a year during off-season due to the fact that both drivers (Randall Waters and Rudy Martinez) are heavily involved in Formula Drift and Lone Star Drift Pro-Am during on-season. So what is this Bash event? An all out exhibition so drivers can get all the practice both solo and tandem drifting in to hone in on their craft on all levels of experience. Thanks to Houston Police Academy for lending the track for this event!

Here is a look at what went down! If you are the driver of any of these cars or know any of them please direct them here for HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS!

P.S. It’s Thanksgiving so lets give Thanks the hosts of this event Randall Waters, Missy Waters, Dewayne Ramsey and Rudy Martinez!

 

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Petersen Automotive Museum – Experience The History of Cars (Floor 3)

 

Time to visit the World’s greatest automotive museum! Located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Full of cars from every generation known to man. If you have never been or haven’t been, well you are in luck! We have put together a batch of photos of cars that have made a considerable footprint in the automotive world. We won’t necessarily start from the beginning but we will plug in a few to keep it interesting. Enjoy a ride in to the past!

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1948 Davis Divan – Today’s Value $9800.Top Speed: 75 MPH. Horsepower: 57. Number Built: 16.

 

After World War II, Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Gary Davis built a radically engineered car with aircraft-inspired styling, concealed headlights, four-abreast seating, aluminum body construction and the simplicity of three wheels. Touted as the car of the future, only 16 of the highly maneuverable vehicles were built in a hangar at the Van Nuys Airport before production was suspended due to poor management and a lack of capital.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1996 General Motors EV1 – Today’s Value $855/Month.Top Speed: 80MPH. Horsepower: 137. Number Built: 1,117.

 

The EV1 was the first modern, mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) built by a major manufacturer. It was ultra aerodynamic, lightweight, had an acceptable commuting range and could be easily driven by the average motorist. Consumers could only lease (not buy the cars from select dealers in California, Arizona and Georgia. After four years of costly production the EV1 was discontinued and all but 40 we dismantled.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe – Today’s Value $8000.Top Speed: 100 MPH. Horsepower: 70. Number Built: 170.

 

Cisitalia was one of several small post-World War II Italian firms to build specialty sports cars using Fiat mechanical parts. The taut lines and low hood of the 202 Coupe’s Pinin Farina-designed body set a new standard for automotive beauty. Considered a work of art in its day, an example was famously acquired by the New York Museum of Modern Art after its inclusion in their landmark 1951 “Eight Automobiles” exhibition.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1992 Aluma Coupe – Today’s Value N/A.Top Speed: N/A. Horsepower: 320. Number Built: 1.

 

 The Aluma Coupe is a one-of-a-kind custom vehicle built by Southern California car designer Boyd Coddington. It was one of the first modern vehicles to combine the style and feel of a 1950s hot rod with the engineering comfort and refinement of a modern car. This aluminum-bodied vehicle was built as a concept car for Mitsubishi to debut at the 1992 New York International Auto Show.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1914 Renault Type EF – Roscoe’s Renault

 

One of the first film stars to take a pie to the face for laughs, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was a multi-talented comedian, actor and director. He was one of Hollywood’s first wealthy celebrities, signing a then-unheard-of $1 million contract with Paramount Pictures in 1918. Arbuckle’s larger-than-life persona (and bank account) was reflected in his car collection, which included this rare Renault, bodied by Los Angeles-based Earl Automobile Works. Harley Earl, son of EAW founder J.W. Earl, went on to a successful career as head of design at General Motors after working in his father’s shop.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine”

 

Based on the book by Stephen King, the film Christine follows a possessed Plymouth Fury That wreaks havoc on the life of its owner and those around him. While a total of 24 Plymouth Furys were acquired for production, this was one of only two stunt cars in running condition used during filming. Coded “Muscle Tow,” the stunt car was supposed to be crushed after the movie debuted, but was saved by current owner Martin Sanchez. He used parts from the other Christines to restore the car back to original condition.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1963 Volkswagen Beetle “Herbie”; Driven in Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)

 

In Walt Disney Pictures’ Herbie: Fully Loaded, the endearing Volkswagen that debuted in the 1968 movie The Love Bug returns, transformed into a NASCAR contender. To make sure the racing scenes looked realistic, the Beetle was modified for the track and equipped with an upgraded suspension, full roll cage, disc brakes and Goodyear racing slicks. One of several Herbies built for the film, this example was the car driven by Lindsay Lohan as Maggie Peyton in the racing sequences.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum


 

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1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi – Driven in the television series Magnum, P.I.

 

This 1982 Ferrari 308GTSi was the actual car driven by both Tom Selleck and Larry Manetti during the 1982-1983 shooting season of the television detective series Magnum P.I. The driver’s seat was modified to fit six foot, four inch Tom Selleck. The seat rails were relocated and the filler material from the driver’s seat bottom cushion was removed. The mid-engine successor of the Ferrari Dino, the 308GTSi is powered by a fuel injected 3 liter V-8.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum

 

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1981 DeLorean DMC-12 “Time Machine” Driven in Back to the Future (1985)

 

Famous for transporting main character Marty McFly back in time, this was the first of three DeLorean Time Machines built for the original Back to the Future movie starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. After appearing in all three films and spending 25 years as a tourist attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Time Machine showed signs of wearing. A skilled team of fans meticulously restored the iconic car, which included replacing the missing flux capacitor, the key component for time travel.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum

 

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1999 Mach 5 Prototype

 

The Mach 5 from the animated television series Speed Racer has been described as the most famous race car in the world, yet it only existed as a two-dimensional cartoon illustration before this fully operational example was constructed. In 2000, this hand-built interpretation of the cartoon Mach 5 completed a nationwide automotive safety tour sponsored by the Child Safety Network. The Speed Racer Motors organization then unveiled plans to build a series of 100 road-ready replicas based on front-engine Corvette platforms, but few were made.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum

 

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2008 Batpod

 

Conceived by director Christopher Nolan, the Batpod provided a two-wheel alternative to Batman’s usual mode of transportation. It was designed to be operated with the rider in a prone position and features a custom chassis with Hoosier racing tires and a braking system operated by controls on the left handle and right pedal. One of six built for use in The Dark Knight by Christian Bale (Batman), it was later used in The Dark Knight Rises by Anne Hathaway (Catwoman).

Via Petersen Automotive Museum

 

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1989 Batmobile

 

Almost 20 feet in length, the Batmobile was based on the platform of a 1967 Chevrolet Impala found in London. It was powered by a 327-cubic-inch V-8 Chevrolet engine mounted low in the frame. Rolls-Royce jet engine components were used to form the hood-mounted intake, and turbine blades in the nose piece were sourced from a British Harrier fighter jet. This example was one of five cars authorized by the studio for promotional purposes.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum

 

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1967 Toyota 2000GT – Today’s Value $7230.Top Speed: 135 MPH. Horsepower: 149. Number Built: 351.

 

Secretly fabricated entirely by hand in the Yamaha factory in Shizuoka, Japan, the 2000GT represented Toyota’s earliest attempt to make a sports car that could rival European supercars like Lamborghini and Porsche. The 2000GT was introduced in 1965 at the Tokyo Motor Show and special racing versions quickly claimed three world endurance records. Its performance-oriented, two-liter twin-cam six-cylinder engine produced a remarkable 149 horsepower.

Via Petersen Automotive Museum

 

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Petersen Automotive Museum – Experience The History of Cars (Preview)

 

Ever wondered what it is like being inside the Museum of the Year? Wonder no more. A few weeks ago I visited the Los Angeles area and I just happen to have had the Petersen Automotive Museum on my bucket list. Touring this Automotive facility since it’s makeover not too long ago has been magnificent. Going through each level (there are three levels); car by car (there are hundreds of them) was like walking through a never ending gear head dream. Before I lay out all the pictures on one post I’ll show them a few pictures at a time. The Car eye candy preview starts here!

 

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1982 Ferrari 308 GTSI – Can you believe Tom Selleck was able to fit in to this car?

 

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1967 Toyota 2000GT – The word “Classic” is an understatement to the fire starter that is the “86”.

 

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#95 Lightning McQueen – If you have not seen the “Cars” animated movie then go see it now!

 

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1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider – Put together Le Mans and Ferrari together and you have gotten a winner in the North American Racing Team.

 

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1992 Jaguar XJ220 – Known as the “World’s Fastest Cat.”

 

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1994 Bugatti EB 110 Super Sport Le Mans – Your modern day Bugatti of today started with this one from Ettore Bugatti.

 

IAS Performance & Texas Tires And Parts VIP Invitational Drift Event – Is This a Long Title???

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It’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun is shining bright so does that mean drift off-season has ended? We don’t really get a winter in Houston so 80 degrees in February feels natural to us but that does not mean we have to like it right? Anyways any temperature higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit normally signals as a siren call to all drifters here in the Lone Star State. Unlike other events that are in the competitive drifting category IAS Performance and Texas Tires And Parts has put together an event so that drifters of all kinds can get seat time, have some good ole’ fun and maybe attract new drift fans in to this sport.

Thank you to IAS Performance and Texas Tires And Parts for hosting this event, we look forward to many more!

 

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Toyota Supra Show and Shine 2016 Presented By Houston Supra Club and Sterling McCall Toyota

When I first heard that a Toyota Supra ONLY Show was going to happen, I have to admit I was quite intrigued on how it was going to happen and how many Toyota Supra’s of all generations would attend. The city of Houston is no stranger to Toyota Supra’s. In fact, just about 2 years ago this same event produced about 30+ Toyota Supras and this year we have 70+ Toyota Supras which includes all generations MK1, MK2, MK3 and MK4.

Get prepared to see pictures of Supras, Supras and more Supras.
Oh yeah, thanks to Sally Lai for being the Official Model and MC!
For all Toyota Supra happenings in Houston visit Houston Supra Club Facebook!

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View more pictures below!!!!


 

NonStopTuning – TX86DAY 2016 Coverage

TX86DAY is a wrap! We had over 100 86′, BRZ, FRS drivers plus special guest Formula Drift veteran Taka Aono at this event. We also had over 20 media outlets doing their photo and video thing. The success of this event has spawned major feedback from fans and drivers to do this event again next year. We agree with the positive feedback and look forward to event bigger plans for our TX86DAY in 2017!

With collaboration of Strange Rhythms we were able to bring you our coverage of TX86DAY. I will continue to do my best to have all of the media outlets out at our event as much as possible. I enjoy giving the new and current media outlets the support and shine as much as I like to cover the event my self. See everyone again next year and watch out for even more media support at our events in the near future!

Also don’t forget, you still have time to vote for your favorite coverage. Show some love to some of these media outlets in this link below!
http://www.tx86day.com/media-contest.html

P.S. You have until August 31 to vote!