Top 20 Automotive Photos Based off of Nick Diamond's Instagram Page

This photo is actually from Kevin Wong's Instagram Page. Great shot so I had to use it.

Off of the strength of the DJ Envy post I created awhile back, I decided to create another one like it, but with another serious car enuthusiast.

Presenting San Francisco bred Nicholas Tershay, but more commonly known to the world as Nick Diamond, owner of Diamond Supply Company. When he's not being the creative force behind the Diamond Life Brand, or running two Diamond Supply Stores in Los Angeles and San Francisco, or overseeing the creation of the third store in the SoHo section of Manhattan, NY, or actively feeding his passion for skateboarding, or collaborating on his second line- the Grizzly Griptape, which is an outdoor line, he's showing off another passion... his love for cars.

At the time of this post, Nick had about 5,900 photos on his Instagram page (@NickyDiamonds). Judging by the posts on  his page, within one year- he acquired a few cars (two of which were Rolls Royces), was on a cover of a national car magazine, did a frame-off restoration, and also had one of his vehicles as a part of SEMA. Yes kids, all of this was within one calendar year. Don't hate, just get inspired.  So now, I'm showing you what a year in Nick Diamond's Automotive world looks like... in about 20 (or more) photos.

Last year at this time, Nick was on the cover of Dub Magazine along with his Diamond Blue Ferrari 458, Range Rover, Mercedes S550, and Chevy Malibu. But out of these four, the star of the show is obviously...

The Diamond Blue Ferrari. In this issue of Dub, Nick stated that he "always wanted a Ferrari but it always felt like something that was untouchable growing up". He finally bought a black one, and thought about how exotic it would look if it were Diamond Blue. Platinum Motorsports made his thoughts into a reality by doing a painted wrap on it since there wasn't a regular vinyl in that color. As icing on the cake, the brake calipers are painted Diamond Blue and the wheels are painted gunmetal.

Let's be real, we might as well refer to the Ferrari as the company car, since it's Diamond Blue. The car stands out and you'll remember it if you see it...

Like so. So why not take this shot, and make a couple of shirts out of it? Nick did.

And made some cash off of it. 

Just a Random day hanging out with Ben Baller.

Earlier I mentioned that within one calender year, Nick purchased two Rolls Royces. First he bought the Ghost. Of course Platinum Motorsports worked their magic on it by adding a two tone paint on it.

Then he brought the Wraith and had it lowered and blacked out the silver trim around the windows...

The final new car I'm touching on was a part of SEMA in 2013.

Platinum Motorspots chose Nick's Range Rover to be the first one to get the new Starke body kit and custom wheels, and had it on display in Vegas. And then after SEMA, I believe he made a few small changes....

Now for the fun stuff. Now Nick isn't just one of those "I only like new cars" type of guys. He's an old school Chevy kind of guy. Don't believe me??? First, he has stated that he does own a '66 Chevy Chevelle 397 SS, '68 Chevy Malibu 327 cruiser, and a '70 Chevy Chevelle 396 SS droptop. But he did add a new toy, or two, to his collection. Let's start off with the restoration...

When he first bought this 1969 Chevy Chevelle, it had Daytons, a chain steering wheel, blankets covering the holes on the seats, rust, etc. With a little-- okay I mean-- A LOT of work and a trustworthy body shop, his Chevelle went from this silver rust bucket to...

Snuck in a during the restoration process picture, along with the 572 big block engine. But for the clear after photo...

This is a gorgeous Rosso Corsa Ferrari red Chevelle. And the interior has custom seats in butter soft black leather and wood grain steering wheel.

He also asked his followers what's their favorite year of Chevelle's.

Just an average night... cruising down streets of LA in a 1967 Corvette Stingray that is all original even down to the paint.

So... Nick bought this '66 Chevy Chevelle exactly how it looks in this photo. His idea for it is to paint her black and put some new interior in since he doesn't have a black Chevelle. 

But he loves to show off his 1967 Chevy Nova. Nick truly lucked out when he bought this Nova, he didn't have to restore it. Just get in and drive....

Another one of Nick's favorite cars to show off (since he does play favorites) is his 1968 Chevelle. Within the past year, I believe he post photos of this Chevelle more than any other car... Facts: He's the second owner, everything is still original except the tires and the new paint which was repainted to the factory correct color. This car is as clean as the day it was purchased in 1968.

And finally... sometimes if you really want something and if you have to money to get it, then why not get it.

So Nick sent one of his friends all the way to Missouri, of all places, to check out this 1969 Plymouth GTX for him. His friend said it was perfect and Nick bought it.

Stay tuned for my next car enthusiast post...

Bernie's Top 30 Picks from Barrett Jackson: 2013 Reno Auction

Barrett Jackson has another world famous auction coming up this upcoming weekend (August 8-10). However, there's a little twist to this auction. This time around, they're holding the auction in a different city. Usually, Barrett Jackson has four auctions a year in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Florida. This  year, they're holding it in Arizona, Florida, and twice in Nevada- Las Vegas, and introducing the city of Reno.

Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Orange County, and Palm Beach are self explanatory cities because the people who reside in those cities are car enthusiasts that have money. I have no idea about Reno, but I decided to have an open mind, and take a look at the list. There weren't a lot of newer vehicles up for auction (and by new, I mean from 2000 to present). The majority of the vehicles would do great in Los Angeles (Lowriders) or Georgia (potential Donks and Boxes), but the list as a whole lacks the umph that the other cities have. I'm trying to say that the list has a lot of common old school vehicles (i.e. Mustangs, Bel Airs, Chevelles, Camaros, etc). Regardless of what's up for auction, you know I can find a lot of vehicles to lust after, or vehicles I know that I can bid/win and then flip for a profit.

At Lot 22, we have a 1971 Chevy El Camino Custom Pickup. According to Barrett Jackson, motor and transmission are rebuilt, but have been driven less than 500 miles since completion. New custom seat upholstery, carpet and headliner. Fresh paint GM code 26 two stage has a few blemishes. I like that particular shade of blue.

At Lot 40, we have a 1965 Chevy Chevelle 300 Custom 2 Door Coupe. Barrett Jackson says, 350cid V8 engine with Edelbrock high rise intake, Hurst shifter, Mallory ignition, and Flowmaster exhaust.

At Lot 80, we have a 1967 Lincoln Continental 4 Door Convertible. According to Barrett Jackson, it's the last year of the suicide door convertibles. New paint, top, leather interior, engine detail, and new trunk kit. California car. New tires. Runs and drives great.

Parked at Lot 85, resides a 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Barrett Jackson states that it was freshly painted about two years ago. Always garage kept and top works fine. Power windows, power seat, and power top. Seats look great with no tears. Motor is quiet and transmission is good. It basically sounds like the previous owner upgraded this 'bird.

Resting in Lot 89, you can find a 1928 Ford Model A Roadster. Barrett Jackson says that it has an all-steel body and fenders, smooth running 4 cylinder engine, 3-speed transmission, rumble seat and wide whitewall tires. Runs and drives very nice. Looks like it would be fun to drive.

At Lot 92, up for auction is a 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe. This coupe is a GT/CS California Special Mustang with 31,000 original miles.

Stationed at Lot 105, is a 1955 Buick Special 2 Door Coupe. According to Barrett Jackson, this coupe has a nice older restoration. Runs and drives excellent. Correct color scheme and starts great. Great entry level collector car. Been in California many years. Automatic transmission, power steering, and wide whitewalls.

Located in Lot 118, you can find a 1970 Chevy Chevelle Custom 2 Door Coupe. Barrett Jackson says that this Chevelle is powered by a 572 motor with Hotchkis suspension and custom exhaust. Unbelievably fast. Gear Shifters transmission.

Waiting to be purchased at Lot 125, we have a 1958 Chevy 3100 Custom Pick Up Truck. 1/2 ton step side with a 350 cid V8, Turbo 350 transmission, 12-bolt rear end and JVC sound system. The restoration was just completed.

At Lot 134, we have a 1978 Volvo Bertone Custom 2 Dr Coupe. This wide body Volvo was built to compete with the best in road racing, drag racing or just crusing around. It has a modified LS3 motor, Ford 9", completely custom suspension, Wilwood brakes, super high end audio system and nitrous. 

Located at Lot 146, we have a 1957 Buick Super 2 Dr Hardtop. This restored Buick has some modern upgrades to make it more enjoyable to drive. Great car for long distance cruises.

Parked at Lot 151, you can find a 1951 Ford Victoria 2 Dr Hardtop. It’s fully restored with documentation including receipts, photos, manuals, and sales brochure.

At Lot 153, there is a 1971 Chevy Chevelle Malibu Convertible. This Chevelle features a 350cid V8, automatic transmission, and a 4 barrel carburetor. Frame-off restoration with minor upgrades, fresh paint and Rally stripes.

Take a walk with me to Lot 340, where a 2006 Ford Mustang GT Custom 2 Dr Coupe is waiting. It was customized for the SEMA Show in 2006 and 2007. It was the show car for KAO Autostyling and Giovanna Wheels. Less than 48,000 original miles. This is a great looking, great sounding, and great running car.

At Lot 363, there’s a 1961 Ford Econoline Pickup. This is one of the most unusual new concepts of design is illustrated by this 1961 Econoline truck. Just completed with custom compliments.

Parked at Lot 379, you can find a 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. This T-Bird has a 292 engine, converted to 12-volts. Automatic transmission, power steering, power seats, power windows and hardtop only. And as you can see, it's red with a black and white interior.

Found at Lot 381.1, there’s a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Custom 2 Dr Hardtop. This Resto-Mod features a 400cid V8, automatic transmission, power steering, disc brakes and Vintage Air.

Next, at Lot 394, there’s a 1999 Plymouth Prowler Convertible. This Prowler has a 3.5 Liter 6 cylinder engine with 253hp. This car has had two owners. It also has less than 3,500 original miles and shows great. 

At Lot 410 waiting to be purchased is a 1967 Chevy Camaro RS Custom Convertible. Painted triple black with a 350 V8 automatic transmission. Center console, factory Rally Sport package, Rally wheels, bucket seats, deluxe interior, power top, new paint and tissue box holder. 

To continue the tour, Lot 427 has a 2013 Chevy Camaro Copo 2 dr coupe. This 2013 COPO has a 427cid factory motor, factory 2-speed Powerglide transmission, factory ultra-light brakes, factory roll cage and Hoosier slicks on factory COPO alloy wheels. Not street legal, sold on Bill of Sale only. 

Lot 431 has some interesting eye candy- a 1961 Chevy Corvette Convertible. Painted a beautiful white with a silver cove. 283cid V8 with manual transmission, black interior, white softop and wide white wall tires. 

Number 22 on this countdown is a 1972 Plymouth Road Runner Custom located at Lot 440. This Road Runner is painted petty blue with a rebuilt performance transmission and upgraded with a 440 V8.

Stationed at Lot 452, there's a 1940 Oldsmobile Series 90 4 Dr Touring Sedan. Custom 8 cruiser touring sedan with Hydramatic drive. A true time capsule that spent many years on an Oldsmobile dealer's showroom floor.

At Lot 649, you can find a 1966 Shelby Daytona Recreation Coupe. Features a 406cid stroker motor, TCI automatic transmission with overdrive, Currie 9" rear end, Vintage Air and heat, power windows and race tuned suspension. Titled as a 1966 Ford Special Construction.

Resting in Lot 701 is a 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Station Wagon. One of just 1391 ever built. This '57 New Yorker is built to cruise in comfort. It has Vintage Air, cruise control, power windows, fuel injection, overdrive transmission, disc brakes, front and rear sway bars, modern gauges and radion with CD player. 

At Lot 714 we have a 1934 Ford Custom Roadster. This is the 2004 SEMA car built by the Hall of Fame Builder of the Year, Rick Dore. This is the 1934 Ford Roadster "Flashback". Incredible build quality with stunning pedigree and results. This vehicle has no top.

Then we have a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Custom located in lot 716. This gasser themed Hot Rod defines the term "ATTITUDE." Highly detailed from front to back. Very drivable with hidden air conditioning and stereo. A very professional build. Ready for Hot August Nights. 

Parked in lot 721.1 there's a 1966 Volkswagen 21 Window Samba Bus. Beautifully restored 21 window samba bus finished in Sealing Wax Red and Cream White. Very rare original walk through bus with skylights and folding ragtop. Every inch of this bus has been professionally restored to concourse quality.

We're almost done... Lot 723 has a 2013 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Race Car, some serious eye candy. Number 38 of 50 build. Brand spankin' new, never raced. Black with Cobra graphics. Supercharged with CNC port matched manifold and heads. Sadly, it's not street legal, sold on Bill of Sale only. 

And at number 30… Ironically the newest vehicle up for auction, at Lot 3001, there’s a 2014 Cadillac CTS-V. This 3rd generation CTS sedan is in the heart of the midsize luxury segment with Cadillac's first twin turbo engine. All procees to benefit the SAE Foundation. Will be sold at approximately 5:30 pm on Friday, August 9th, 2013.