By David S. Wallens
Jan 8, 2023
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Bucket List
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| From the Jan. 2013 issue
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Photography Credit: Courtesy Ferrari
[Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2013 issue of Classic Motorsports.]
Bucket list.
That term has become rather trite, yet right away you know what we’re talking about: things you have to do before, as they say, kicking the bucket.
We took a bit more holistic look at the subject. Sure, we have happenings that every gearhead needs to experience at least once, but we included some life milestones as well—events that make our time on this planet just a bit fuller.
The sound. Those curves. That perfect three-spoke Nardi steering wheel and gated shifter. Nothing else feels and acts like a Ferrari—especially a classic example—so we’d say beg, borrow or barter your way into one, and take it for a spin.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
Beneath that valve cover lies all kinds of deep, dark mysteries. Why not tear it apart and rebuild an engine to like-new specs? Even if this is uncharted territory for you, you can serve as the general contractor: Develop a game plan, sub out the machine work, and bolt together the freshened parts. Trust us: The first time it comes back to life, you’ll be ecstatic.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
Short of building your own time machine, this is one of the few ways to truly relive the glory days of sports car racing. After all, what can be more authentic than watching genuine Le Mans race cars circling Circuit de la Sarthe for a solid 24 hours? This is a biennial event, too, so you have until July 2014 to save up.
Photography Credit: Liz Miles
Joining metal to metal using only heat is one of the most macho things you can do.
Photography Credit: Doug Whiton
Ever been there? We haven’t either. How about we all meet up in Amarillo, Texas, and check out some half-buried Caddys?
You can call the Cobra America’s answer to the Ferrari, so here’s your assignment: Get your butt in a Cobra driver’s seat. You get bonus points if you can play “Hey Little Cobra” on your Stratocaster electric before hopping behind the wheel.
Photography Credit: LAT Photo
One of the guys here at our office has attended 22 consecutive Indy 500s and plans to keep that streak alive until the day he dies. Few other events match Indy’s history, excitement and pageantry.
Need more car stuff? Of course not, but that doesn’t stop most of us from shopping. We love swap meets, and everyone needs to hit the biggies: Carlisle, Hershey, Pomona and Daytona.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
This one doesn’t need much explanation: Book a flight to the Bay area this August, spend way too much for a hotel, and totally overdose on car nirvana.
Photography Credit: Perry Bennett
Thanks to more than 1200 entrants, the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships is one of the world’s biggest automotive events from a participant’s standpoint. Not a nationally ranked autocrosser? So what? It’s a giant party that happens to attract some of the best—yet sadly relatively unknown—hotshoes in the country.
Photography Credit: Tim Suddard
Road trips are more than getting from Point A to Point B: They’re about making memories that last a lifetime. Anyone can hop a jet and travel cross-country. The real fun starts the moment you belly up to a greasy spoon’s counter and start to recount the roadside kludges that got you there.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
Weekend morning gatherings for gearheads have popped up all over the country–both big and small–so there's no excuse for missing out. Mingle, enjoy some coffee and get up close to some of the best automobiles our scene has to offer.
Photography Credit: Per Schroeder
Still watching from the sidelines? Sign up for a noncompetitive track day and get on the other side of the crash barriers. Already participating? Work with a coach to improve your skills. Regularly competing? Put together the entire package to win a race.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
Many of us have shown cars, but judging one may actually be more stressful—there are standards to uphold and expectations to meet—and more rewarding. If you haven’t ever judged a show—whether a local affair or a national-level concours—then add that task to your to-do list.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
Today’s interstate system might have rendered Route 66 obsolete, but there’s still no classier way to travel westward—and relive a TV show that helped define a generation. The entire route is no longer labeled, but websites like historic66.com provide turn-by-turn directions for those who want to retrace history.
There’s more to life than your daily commute—or even the roads in your postal code. An organized tour or rally is a wonderful way to see this great land of ours. Pick at least one biggie that works with your schedule and tastes: one organized by Vintage Rallies or something like the Copperstate 1000, Colorado Grand, Going to the Sun or our Orange Blossom Tour.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
The fire-breathing monsters get all the attention, but there’s something so fun about wringing the last bit of performance from a puddle jumper. You can feel like Jackie Stewart while just barely keeping up with traffic. What to buy? Pick your favorite: Model A, Mini, Amphicar, Isetta, Berkeley, Fiat 500, MG T-series, Bugeye, etc.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
We all love cars, but since the odds of us achieving immortality are slim, we need to answer a question: What are we doing to pass on that passion to the next generation? You can restore a car with your kids, send some Hot Wheels to your cousin’s children, or introduce a family friend to slot cars. Conversely, if you haven’t done any cool car stuff with your parents, do so before it’s too late.
Photography Credit: Lincoln Electric Photo
Bolting on parts is easy. Have a better idea? Why not fabricate it yourself and make it a reality? Break out the tap and die set, fire up the MIG, and let your creativity fly.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
First off, everyone needs to experience Pebble Beach and Amelia Island—and yes, doing so will involve some traveling. Each show has its own feel and demeanor, so both are musts. Then, hit at least two more upper-tier events, like the Hilton Head Island Concours, Pinehust Concours, Concours of America, La Jolla Concours and the Hillsborough Concours.
Photography Credit: Jim Luning
It has to be the most elemental automotive question possible: Simply, how fast can a car go? Bonneville is the place to find out. While you can attend as a spectator, events on the salt offer so many classes that you can run just about anything—basically, there’s no excuse for not crossing off this one from the bucket list. For some reason, their special program for 36-horsepower Volkswagens is especially appealing.
Photography Credit: Anthony Neste
Drag racing is like falling off a log, right? Ever do it in a car that requires some serious clutch management? Most drag strips offer a test-and-tune night. We pay $15 to run all evening at our local strip.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
We’re not saying that you need to drop six figures on a blue-chip collectible, but every gearhead needs to experience a top-level auction. Buy a catalog, wander the offerings, rub shoulders with the high rollers, and get a taste for this intoxicating scene.
Photography Credit: Jerry Wallens
Our motorsports history contains racing venues that, sadly, have been consigned to the history books. While some, like Riverside Raceway, have been totally wiped from the earth’s surface, remnants of others can be found—if you know where to look. A few to seek out: Bridgehampton Race Circuit (near Sag Harbor, New York), Augusta International Speedway (Hephzibah, Georgia), Meadowdale International Raceway (Carpentersville, Illinois), Greenwood Roadway (Indianola, Iowa), Grand Prix of Tampa Circuit (Tampa, Florida), Lake Garnett Raceway (Garnett, Kansas), Lynndale Farms Raceway (Pewaukee, Wisconsin) and Thompson International Speedway (Thompson, Connecticut.) And while you’re at it, head to upstate New York and drive the original Watkins Glen street course.
Photography Credit: Tim Suddard
This one is a three-step process:
Photography Credit: Courtesy MINI USA
There are a lot of curvy roads out there, but few can match Col de Turini. This Alps mountain pass snakes its way some 5200 feet above sea level in a seemingly endless connection of hairpin turns and switchbacks. For decades, it challenged the best drivers in the world as part of the Monte Carlo Rally. (Can’t get to Europe? Then check out the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 469-mile route between the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. North Carolina’s Tail of the Dragon may get more ink, but the Blue Ridge Parkway doesn’t get nearly so clogged with weekenders.)
Photography Credit: Tom Letourneau
Drawing a blank for your next project? Here’s one simple stipulation to get you motivated: Start with a barn find. Cobra, Comet or cop car—we don’t care. We just want to see something once forgotten put back in order.
Photography Credit: Chuck Andersen
Our great land is just littered with epic race tracks—ones that make Space Mountain look like the bunny slope. If you haven’t sampled them yet, we’d say hit at least three from this list: Road America, Mosport, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio, Willow Springs, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Virginia International Raceway, Daytona and Sebring.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
Jeans and a sweatshirt may be fine for a local affair, but at least once you need to don period garb for the Goodwood Revival. Sad that white-cloth mechanic’s coveralls over a dark tie have fallen out of favor.
Photography Credit: Courtesy Porsche
Attend the world’s three great endurance races: Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans. For bonus points, also hit the 24-hour event at the Nürburgring.
No, there won’t be a test, but put down the remote and get reacquainted with one of the great novels set in our world: “The Stainless Steel Carrot,” “The Red Car,” “The Last Open Road” or “The Art of Racing in the Rain.”
Photography Credit: Courtesy Griot's Garage
Sure, you can build a car in a dimly lit lean-to, but wouldn’t you rather operate in a real workshop: a lift instead of jack stands, powerful light at your fingertips and, of course, acres of floor space? Wishing and dreaming isn’t going to make that shop magically appear, so why not build it? Check last year’s back issues for our series on that topic. We can personally attest that having a real workspace makes all the difference.
Photography Credit: John Brown
Eastwood lists a pinstriping kit that includes a Beugler Striper, assorted extras and that all-important instructional DVD—all for about $120. We need to order one ourselves.
Photography Credit: Terry Pearson
For 26 euros, you can drive one of the world’s most thrilling race tracks: Nürburgring. No helmet, racing suit or competition license is required. You show up in your street car, buy a ticket, and then enter some 13 miles of sinewy asphalt bordered by beautiful scenery. Don’t forget, though, that Germany takes driving seriously: no texting, no horseplay and passing only on the left.
Photography Credit: Courtesy Orange County Archives
When is the last time you watched the silver screen from your front seat? The drive-in theater may have fallen from vogue, but survivors still exist. Find a local show at driveinmovie.com.
Photography Credit: Dirk de Jager
When was the last time you saw a Georges Irat, Oakland Speedster or Adler Trumpf? How about a Le Mans-winning Porsche 917, Jim Hall’s amazing Chaparrals or Swamp Rat I? That’s why car museums exist, and we’re lucky that so many are open to the public. We recommend hitting at least eight on this list: Simeone, Lane, LeMay, Petersen, Garlits, Jim Hall, Gilmore, Corvette, Owls Head, National Automotive Museum, Indy, Mullin, Nethercutt, Blackhawk, Henry Ford and Tampa Bay. Don’t forget your camera, and why not use the opportunity to pass on some car knowledge to someone new?
Bonus points: Visit Germany’s four great manufacturer museums: Audi, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Photography Credit: Courtesy Porsche
Most of us have taken cars apart, but have you ever watched them come together for the first time? Stateside, the must-do factory is the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. If you can swing it, we also recommend the Porsche and Ferrari factories in their respective homelands.
Photography Credit: Courtesy Ford
Okay, maybe you need to keep it legal, but why not take a trip back in time? Run a Mustang through San Francisco. Cruise Modesto in a yellow deuce coupe. Cave in to those temptations and finally buy that black-and-gold Trans-Am.
Photography Credit: Tim Suddard
The major airlines will transport you from sea to shining to shining sea in about 4 hours. For no extra charge, you get a cramped seat, unexplained delays, lost luggage and intrusive security scans. Lunch? No, not included. Sure, going by car—especially in something cool and classy—adds a few variables, but the scenery is better and you get to choose your seatmate.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
It’s simple, basic and possibly antisocial: Simply run your favorite engine to redline, and let it sing.
If we missed something that’s on your personal bucket list, why not share it with us?
Meet your Racing Heros. All the ones I have met are great pepole. It still amazes me that I can chat with the Drivers that I could only read about when I was a kid. You can usually find them at major vintage events like Montrey, Pennle Beach, Amelia or sometimes at races like Sebring 12 hr or Daytona 24.
This:
"Simply run your favorite engine to redline, and let it sing."
I'm fairly certain that it was in Classic Motorsports (or GRM) where Norman Garrett was writing about the Miata, and made this comment:
"The rev limiter is your friend. Visit often."
There is still some of the old Marlboro raceway to see.Was an amazing circuit.
It might have been implied, but I would include track days.
G.
Sell an expensive car at auction
In reply to sir_mike :
I ran the drivers school at Marlboro 1960 ( first SCCA )
Got through the gate to show my wife what was left in late 1980s.
Your readership demographics must be getting better every year. Goodwood and Le Mans are long drive from my house, not sure my Amphicar would make it. I am thinking Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge is more in my haut monde.
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