Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Caffeine and Exotics: October 2014...

On October 19th, Atlanta held it's fourth Caffeine and Exotics in the Buckhead section of the city. This month's show had a pair of special guests. Not one, but two Lamborghini green Huracans arrived at the show. I felt cheated because the Huracans didn't debut at the New York Auto Show, so I had to wait until they debuted everywhere else and then it found its way to Atlanta... I'm slightly spoiled.



Aside from the Huracans stealing the show (let's be honest, they totally did) the usual suspects showed up- Porsches, Maseratis, Corvette C7 Stingrays, Teslas, Rolls Royces, the other Lamborghini models, Ferraris, Ford GT, Aston Martins, BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Nissan GTRs, Bentleys, basically everything that you would expect an Exotic car show to have. Without further ado, here's my coverage...







































And finally for the first time ever at Caffeine and Exotics...

A Ford Shelby actually showed up.

To see the rest of my pics, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Exotics: October 2014 Gallery. And next month is the final one of the year...

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 Sweet 16 Picks from the 2014 Barrett Jackson Auction: Reno Part I

 

After the success of last years' auction, Barrett-Jackson is coming back to Reno, Nevada. This weekend (July 31st-August 2nd), Barrett-Jackson will be hosting their world's famous auction in the "Biggest Little City in the World". 

I love seeing what's up for auction and picking my favorites. But like I said last year, Reno's auction lacks a certain oomph. This years' docket is much like last years- a lot of American vehicles and not a lot of vehicles within the last 14 years. Maybe in a couple of years, when Barrett-Jackson has been established in Reno, some more exotic goodies will roll on the auction block. Until then, here's the first part of my 16 picks.

Lot 6 has a 1962 Chevrolet Corvair parked in it. This Corvair is a carefully maintained, one-owner classic that was repainted during its life. Powered by a 145cid flat-6, air-cooled engine.

Located next door to the Corvair, is a 1973 Mercedes Benz 450SL Covertible in Lot 7. This gold and tan Mercedes SL 'vert is a beautiful original California car that has a matching hardtop. It also comes ready to drive with a brand new soft top.

A 1969 Volkswagen Beetle is currently occupying Lot 11. This beautiful 1969 custom Bug was inspired by Southern California styling and a race influence. This wonderful vehichle is a joy to drive with disc brakes and dual carburetors. No area was untouched to attain a one-of-a-kind vehicle. 

Next on the list, 1973 Plymouth Satellite is located in Lot 14. This Satellite is an all original survivor without any rust. (Side note: very impressive). However, the paint is wearing thin in some parts of the car, and some fisheye scratches in spots where previous owner touched up. 

Parked in Lot 24, we have a 1926 Chevrolet 1 Ton Pickup up for auction. Originally from a private collection, this truck was preserved in its original condition over the past 88 years, and... it has 8,800 original miles. 

Residing in Lot 45, expect to find a 1969 Pontiac Firebird. This is a California car with a 350cid engine, Turbo 400 transmission, factory air conditioning, factory front disc brakes, power steering and a new interior. 

Stationed in Lot 48, there is a 1954 De Soto Firedome. This 'dome has a 275 Hemi V8 engine, Powerflite automatic transmission, and was purchased in Reno with "Wager in Reno" dealership badge on the trunk. Also has new paint, chrome accents, and interior.

Halfway through the list, at number 8 (also located in Lot 50), there's a 1964 Ford Thunderbird. This Thunderbird was fully restored from the ground-up, and that's always a great thing.

Parked next to the Thunderbird is a 1966 Ford Mustang in Lot 50.1. The body has been restored and upholstery redone to stock. Landau top and pony upholstery with console. 289cid engine rebuilt with Edelbrock induction including aluminum heads. 

Waiting to be purchased at Lot 65, we have a 1965 Chevrolet Impala. This Impala has a upgraded 402 V8 big blocked bored .030 engine, 700R4 transmission, 3.73 Eaton posi-traction, headers with 42 inch glass packs, power steering, aluminum radiator with electric fan and Cowl Induction. Total frame-off restoration.

Parked in Lot 86, expect to find a 1960 Dodge Dart. This is an older restoration of a 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix with the D-500 361cid dual 4 barrell 30" Cross Ram setup. The car is complete and operating. It is a rare top-of-the-line Phoenix hardtop body style.

Only four more to go, and in Lot 102, you will find a 1974 Volkswagen Thing Acapulco. This is an extremely rare 1974 VW Thing Type 181 Acapulco Edition. It's sporting a beautiful paint job in white with blue accents over a correct striped white and blue interior. This is a beautifully restored example of a highly desirable VW.

Next door to the Thing, there is a 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith parked in lot 103. This Wraith has a triple black color combination, long wheel base, large comfortable rear passenger area. And this is known as one of the world's finest luxury automobile.

Located in Lot 326, we have a 1956 Chevrolet 210 Del Ray. This is a complete frame off restoration with approximately 4,000 miles since restored. 

To round out my sweet 16 picks, Lot 332 has a beauty parked in it. This 1955 Ford Crown Victoria was upgraded with a 302cid V8 engine, C4 transmission, wide white wall tires, matching painted steel wheels, original round radio with matching clock and all dressed up in pink. 

My Part II of this post will definitely be posted on Friday.