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Mecum Auctions rolls into Las Vegas for 1,000-car debut

Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector-car auction company, will produce its inaugural Las Vegas collector-car auction Nov. 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. An estimated 1,000 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, Hot Rods and Resto Mods will be on the auction block. Among the “Main Attractions” consigned to date for Mecum Las Vegas 2017 is a well-documented 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster (Lot S105.1). It retains its original aluminum body, red seat covers, 6-inch chrome wire wheels and remains one of the most original automatic-equipped Cobras in existence. Listen to The Weekly Driver Podcast about the Mecum Auctions debut in Las Vegas below: Another headliner is a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (Lot S108). It’s documented with a copy of

Episode 10, RV travel defines open-road freedom

Once an industry dominated by retirees and fair-weather travelers, the recreational vehicle lifestyle is surging in popularity — particularly for younger vacationers. Last year, 430,000 recreational vehicles of all kinds were sold, according to the RV Industry Association (RVIA). That total represented a 15 percent increase in sales from 2016, and it continued a several-year upward trend. Lower credit rates and lower gas prices are among the reasons for the increase in the travel option. The advancement in technology — smartphones, to 4G data connections — also represents another major reason for RV’s lifestyle boon, particularly among younger travelers. In fact, more than half of RV buyers in 2016 were younger than age 45, according to RVIA. In Episode #10

Episode 9, The Pros & Cons of Convertibles

Convertibles are an acquired taste. Driving on a country road on a warm afternoon in a sports car with the top down is the among the best joys of driving. The fresh air, or using the automotive terminology, “maximum ventilation,” can take all your troubles away. But convertible tops, particularly fabric tops, have limitations, including deterioration, poor break-in protection and reduced cargo space. We discuss the pros and cons of convertibles in Episode No. 9. Modern-day convertibles, of course, are far superior to the early varieties. The ragtop quality is top grade. Electric systems have replaced awkward manual requirements to lower or raise tops. Push a level above the dashboard on a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle and the top lowers or

The Weekly Driver Podcast, #8: Transmission Shift

Driving purists still appreciate shifting gears in their vehicles. But driving a new car with a manual transmission is rare these days. Automotive industry data companies estimate about only about three percent of new vehicles sold in the United States are equipped with manual transmissions. In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the shift in transmission preferences. We discuss continuously variable transmissions and dual-clutch transmissions. The shift in shifting also has other ramifications, including resale values, gas mileage average and how manufacturers view the industry. Automatic transmissions were once viewed as a vehicle upgrade and with a corresponding price increase. Now in some instances, manual transmissions are options with an increased price. But there also automobiles available with automatic

Episode 8, Transmission Shifts

The Weekly Driver Podcast gets support from AmericanMuscle.com, your late model Mustang and F-150 Authority. Bringing you the hottest products and top-notch customer service for over a decade. No one makes it easier to modify your ride. Visit AmericanMuscle.com today for all things Mustang and F-150. Driving purists still appreciate shifting gears in their vehicles. But manual transmissions are rare these days. Automotive industry data companies estimate about only about three percent of new vehicles sold in the United States are equipped with manual transmissions. In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the shift in transmissions, and we list the cars still available with manual transmissions. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James

The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 7, 1959 Volkswagen Bug

Every family has a car story. Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, inherited a 1959 Volkswagen Bug his father who bought it new. Bruce has more than a 50-year history with the car. He’s the guest in this week’s episode, discussing the legacy of the historic Bug and how it influenced his upbringing and his close relationship with his father and family. Officially, the Volkswagen Beetle and Bug are the Volkswagen Type I. It’s arguably the most recognizable vehicle on the road with its high, severely rounded roofline, protruding fenders, distinct lights and overall bulbousness. It’s now 72 years old. The VW’ has a weird legacy. It was commissioned by Adolph Hitler in the 1930s as “The

Episode 7, Bruce Aldrich and his 1959 VW Bug

Every family has a car story. Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, inherited a 1959 Volkswagen Bug from his father who bought it new. Bruce has more than a 50-year history with the car. He’s the guest on this week’s episode, discussing the legacy of the historic Bug and how it influenced his upbringing and his close relationship with his father and family. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly

The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 6, Fantasy Cars We Want

If you could buy any car, what would you choose? A Ferrari? Aston Martin? Bugatti? Rolls-Royce? Lamborghini? Or how about something more elegant — and powerful — like a Bentley Mulsanne? Bruce Aldrich and James Raia, co-hosts of the Weekly Driver Podcast, recently discussed best new cars for less than $25,000. In our new episode, we both pick four fantasy cars we’d like to own. Bruce chose a combination of vehicles he’s driven and others he longs to drive. James selected four upscale vehicles he’s driven during his 14 years as an automotive reviewer. The vehicles on our respective lists range from about $140,000 (2008 Audi A8) to about more that $400,000, the (2017 Bentley Mulsanne). The upscale car segment

Episode 6, Fantasy Cars We Want

If you could buy any car, what would you choose? A Ferrari? Aston Martin? Bugatti? Rolls Royce? Lamborghini? Or how about something more elegant — and powerful — like a Bentley Mulsanne? The Weekly Driver Podcast recently discussed best new cars for less than $25,000. In this issue, we both pick four new fantasy cars. And our respective No. 1 picks were the same — the 2017 Bentley Bentayga. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek,

Episode 5, Best Cars Under $25,000

Perhaps the most competitive price point in the car industry is the available of quality cars — sedans, sports cars, sport utility vehicles and crossovers — for less than $25,000. It’s particularly impressive since the average price of a new car in the United States in recent years has hovered around $32,000. Competition is increasingly intense. Whether you’re considering a luxury vehicle or a moderately priced car, there’s an abundance of choices as carmakers try to outdo each other. In Episode 5 of The Weekly Driver Podcast, co-hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich share our respective lists of vehicles we like, all for less than $25,000. Bruce is particularly fond of the 2017 Toyota Camry for its overall styling, driving

The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 4, Ferrari owner Bill Finkbeiner

Automotive legend Enzo Ferrari began his legacy under the brand name Auto Avio Costruzioni in 1940. Seven years later, the Ferrari brand debuted with the 125S with a 1.5-liter V12 engine. The exotic Italian supercar with its famous black prancing horse, yellow background and Italian flag logo forever changed the automotive industry. Bill Finkbeiner, a landscape contractor and car collector in Auburn, California, has owned a Ferrari for nearly 40 years. He’s our guest on Episode 4 of The Weekly Driver podcast. Finkbeiner purchased a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2×2 on Feb. 18, 1979, Enzo Ferrari‘s 80th birthday. It was the first mass-produced four-seat Ferrari. The Weekly Driver Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich (tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com) and James Raia (theweeklydriver.com) talk with Bill

Episode 3, Hybrid Hype

The 2000 Toyota Prius was the first nationally available hybrid vehicle in the United States. A few months earlier, Honda introduced the Insight, the so-called “Peanut Car.” But it’s never made much of an impact in its original edition or the current generation that debuted in recent years. Double click below to listen to the latest edition: But in the nearly 18 years since alternative fuel vehicles — gas/electric, electric only, natural gas, etc. — have been manufactured, has the technology made a difference? Environmental and green car advocates are likely to say “yes.” And every major manufacturer has at least one alternative fuel vehicle in its lineup. BMW to Mitsubishi and Ford to Lexus, manufacturers promote hybrid and other

The Weekly Driver Podcast – Episode 2 – Cars We’ve Owned

Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEvery family has cars, some long gone, some inherited by children or found in grandpa’s garage decades later. A vehicle’s pedigree is at least half the fun when discussing family cars. It could be something rare or a just a favorite old station wagon the family took on a trip when you were a child. The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 2 – Cars We’ve Owned In episode 2 of The Weekly Driver podcast, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss our first cars and other vehicles we’ve owned through the years. We also discuss our families’ cars, old Volkswagen models to Ford Falcons, tough old Buick sedans

Episode 2, Cars We’ve Owned

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (19.8MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEvery family has had cars, some long gone, some inherited by children or found in grandpa’s garage decades later. A vehicle’s pedigree is at least half the fun of discussing family cars. It could be something rare or a just a favorite old station wagon the family took on trips when you were a child. The memories remain throughout our lives. We discuss our first cars and other vehicles we’ve owned through the years. We also discuss our families’ cars, old Volkswagen models to Ford Falcons, tough old Buick sedans to a few “lemons” we’ve owned and wouldn’t mind owning again. James RaiaA sports, travel and business

Episode 1, Monterey Auto Week

Welcome to the debut of The Weekly Driver podcast. Co-hosted by James Raia and Bruce Aldrich, the weekly podcast is an extension of the website, theweeklydriver.com The latter has been published since 2004 and features new car reviews and articles on automotive trends. In Episode 1, we discuss visiting four events we attended during Monterey Auto Week. We were hosted by Lisa Guthrie at The Santa Lucia Preserve and attended a private event she began seven years ago called the Concours & Cocktails. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday

The Weekly Driver Podcast #1 (Monterey Auto Week)

Welcome to the debut of The Weekly Driver podcast. Co-hosted by James Raia and Bruce Aldrich, the weekly podcast is an extension of the website, www.theweeklydriver.com. The latter has been published since 2004 and features new car reviews and articles on automotive trends. Click on the link below to listen to episode #1. The Weekly Driver Podcast #1 (Monterey Auto Week) James Raia is a syndicated automotive columnist for Bay Area News Group and Gulf Shore Business Magazine. He is also a freelance writer who contributes sports, business and lifestyle articles to many print and online publications. He lives with his wife and two cats in Sacramento. Bruce Aldrich is the editor and publisher of www.tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com. An avid endurance athlete