Mecum to Auction 1929 Gar Wood Miss America VIII at 2012 Kissimmee Event

Miss America VIII, Gar Wood’s two-time Harmsworth Trophy winning race boat will be offered at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction as Lot S239, on Saturday Jan. 28, 2012 in Kissimmee, Fla.
 
A winner of the coveted Harmsworth Trophy in 1929 and 1931, Miss America VIII is fitted with its original one-off Miller V16 1113 CI engines, which were specially designed for Miss America VIII by the legendary Indy car and engine builder, Harry Miller, to break the World’s Speed Record.  Regarded as the most valuable wooden boat offered by Mecum so far, Miss America VIII is a collectible of historic proportions. 
     
The volume of iconic people and places involved with Miss America VIII over the last 83 years is unprecedented.  At the 1931 Harmsworth Trophy race, which is claimed to be the largest attended event in the history of the world to that date, over 600,000 fans witnessed her second victory on the banks of the Detroit River.

After being separated for more than 70 years, Gar Wood’s favorite hull of the ten Miss America racing boats and the two original Miller V16 engines are together again.  Miss America VIII will return to Florida to be sold at auction less than 100 miles south of Bill France’s Daytona Museum of Speed where she was displayed during the 1950s. 
     
Mecum’s annual Kissimmee event will kick off 25 years in business for the auction company, who will offer other significant wooden boats including: the first production 1955 Chris-Craft 18′ Cobra; a one-of-a-kind 1936 Chris-Craft 21′ Utility built specifically for Chris-Craft President, Jay Smith; a 38′ Reproduction Rum Runner powered by a Liberty V12 WWI airplane engine; a Canadian-built 1954 24′ Greavette Streamliner with original Kermath 6 cylinder and a 1937 Ditchburn.  To learn more about these boats, visit http://www.mecum.com/ and click on the Kissimmee “Boats” link.
     
The Kissimmee Auction takes place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. just one week after Daytona’s Speed Week.  Discovery’s Velocity network will broadcast four days of live national TV coverage during the “Mecum Auto Auctions: Muscle Cars & More” show.

Ditec introduces new fuel-scrubbing technology for gas-turbine engines

Royal Caribbean International relies on the efficiency and longevity of gas turbine engines that power many of its top-ranked cruise ships.  To address concerns for fuel contaminants that impede the performance of turbine engines, Royal Caribbean turned to DITEC International, a company that develops and manufactures eco-friendly maintenance and protection product, to clean fuel with a new and innovative in-line fuel scrubbing system, DNS-100.

DNS-100’s breakthrough technology removes sodium and alkaline metals from fuel oil, ensuring that gas turbine engines run more efficiently and achieve longevity up-to and beyond their normal service intervals. Cleaner gas also emits fewer by-products in exhaust gases venting into the atmosphere.

“The efficient operation and longevity of gas turbine engines are directly related to the purity of fuel,” explains Randolph Sanchez, VP of Marketing and Business Development at DITEC, “Even very low levels of contamination in fuel significantly reduce the life expectancy of gas turbine engines resulting in huge maintenance and repair—or even replacement costs. The DNS-100 removes sodium and alkaline metals from fuel prior to injection, so gas turbine engine operators can enjoy the cost savings of longer service intervals and greater longevity.”

“Reducing maintenance costs is a top priority for Royal Caribbean International,” says Anders Aasen, Associate VP, Marine Technical Services. “By using DNS-100 in our gas turbine-powered ships, we have seen the value of this system in reducing maintenance intervals and repair costs, as well as significantly increasing the life expectancy of these engines–exceeding manufacturers’ specifications. We see the expanded use of the DNS-100 as critical to our continued cost-savings and efficiencies, as well as in reducing emissions,” he adds.

“Due to the sensitivity and expense of the turbine engines, the investment of our time, technology and expertise has far-reaching implications in many industries and we were proud to initiate the process for the DNS-100 with Royal Caribbean International,” states Christopher Alison, President and CEO of DITEC International, “Having Royal Caribbean, one of the most respected companies in the industry, vouching for the effectiveness of this technology means a great deal.  We are all very pleased with these results and look forward to expanding the horizons of the DNS-100.”

What appears to be a stock Willys Jeepster is actually another project from ICON

What appears to be a stock Willys Jeepster is actually another Special Project from Jonathan Ward and his team.

The Jeepster was a short lived two wheel drive vehicle with impeccable design by noted designer Brook Stevens who designed for Harley Davidson, Studebaker as well as the Oscar Mayer weinermobile.

A client approached Jonathan with the blueprint of a Jeepster with the reliability of a modern car…

JW and his team realized the ICON CJ3B had reaped CAD data beneficial to this project.

Stock appearance necessitated re-chroming numerous pieces.

Gorgeous repaint in the stock color.

Over restored interior and top.

Restored gauges and knurled aluminum hand enameled knobs.

Coil over independent front suspension, mandrel bent chassis and solid rear axle with four link coil over suspension.

GM Ecotec 2.4 litre 4 cylinder motor backed by a modified AX-5 transmission.

The Jeepster is ready to be on the road another 50 years.

duPont REGISTRY magazine talks about the attendance at the 2011 Palm Beach International Boat Show

Steve Zanetos of the duPont REGISTRY: A Buyers Gallery of Fine Boats magazine talks about the attendance at the 2011 Palm Beach International Boat Show in this new video.

The duPont RGISTRY booth was located right next to the red and white lighthouse bar, always a focal point of activity. The team from duPont RGISTRY was handing out sample magazine issues throughout the show. By the time we caught up with Steve on Sunday, they’d already distributed about 5,000 copies to boat show attendees.

We went to the boat show on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Since we took Saturday as a day off from the show, we asked our old friend Steve Zanetos to fill us in on the action we missed. For attendees, the weather couldn’t have been better. The weather for the 2011 Palm Beach International Boat Show was sunny, breezy and warm. On Tuesday, the weather did turn foul and the wind and rain made life difficult for exhibitors who were taking down their exhibits and moving out boats at that time.

Next boat show stop for the duPont REGISTRY team is the Lake Tahoe Boat Show.

Follow the jump for the full story.

Concours d’ Elegance: weekend of events to be hosted at Boca Raton Resort & Club

Friday kicks off the weekend of events with the “duPont Registry Live!” hangar party, presented by Ulysse Nardin, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the airport in Boca Raton. The evening will include tastings from about 20 South Florida restaurants and eateries; fine wines; and a selection of exotic and classic airplanes, motorcycles, boats, motor coaches, automobiles, and winning Indy 500 cars. Guests can also board business and private jets and helicopters, preview luxury vendors, enjoy live entertainment and mingle with some of The Legends of Indy and see the cars some of the legends drove. Vehicles include A.J. Foyt’s in which he won his first Indy 500, in 1961; the 1968 car in which Bobby Unser won his first Indy 500; Al Unser, Sr.’s car from his first Indy-victory in 1970; and Al Unser, Jr.’s 1992 winning car in which he claimed his first victory at the Indy 500 with the closest finish in the history of the race, winning by 0.043 seconds.

Read more.

Borla Introduces High-Performance Marine Race Mufflers

Borla dives into the high-performance marine exhaust market with the introduction of an all new pair of fully-polished race mufflers, PN400262.

Collaborating with world-renowned Boostpower USA Marine of Newbury Park, CA, Borla incorporates its patented XR-1 Multicore race technology to deliver a pair of polished stainless steel muffler/exhaust tips for high performance power boats with up to 1200 hp. Boostpower’s founder, Alexi Sahagian, has done extensive testing with spectacular results, showing the maximized horsepower and flow required by large cubic inch marine engines. His test results also showed a 22-12 decibel reduction through the rpm range with an average -22db at idle, -14db at 3500rpm and -12db at 5800rpm (as tested on a Boostpower 675hp engine and 900sci engine – results may vary). Maintaining power while controlling sound. Just what’s been needed.

Borla’s new marine muffler is constructed of high-grade T-321 polished stainless steel with a heavy duty three-fourths inch base flange tapped for three-eighths stainless steel studs along with a polished mounting inner ring. Our RD results have shown T-321 stainless to be the most durable material for this application.

The muffler tips are unique in that they each have a 5 inch step up outlet on a standard 4 inch installation for maximum flow without re-cutting your transom. The 12-inch long component is a breakthrough for larger displacement supercharged marine engines.

CGI’s President Hervé Bonnet Appointed as Global Director of Boat Financing Activities

CGI, a European financial company, announced the advancement of CGI North America’s President and Chief Executive Officer Hervé Bonnet as Global Director of the Boat Financing Activity. In this role, Mr. Bonnet will employ a global strategic model that will leverage the expertise, experience, and relationships of the entire boat financing division to meet worldwide customer needs.

“This new role offers me the opportunity to expand my core mission of taking business practices further by developing our presence in new markets with strong potential while at the same time promoting synergies for our current markets to create further added value for our existing clients” said Hervé Bonnet, Global Director of Boat Financing Activity, CGI, a subsidiary of Société Générale. CGI benefits from the continuous support of Société Générale and has access to a network of experts and financing options in the marine finance industry across the United States and Europe.

“In recent months, we have seen a reconfiguration of the major players in the boating industry, and consider this a window of opportunity for CGI to increase our market share and further consolidate our leadership,” adds Mr. Bonnet. “Our success is based on our commitment to our partners and clients to provide value in our relationship beyond simple transactions. This can be seen through a variety of innovative products and solutions that are custom made to client needs.”

“While Mr. Bonnet will also remain as President and Chief Executive Officer of CGI North America, I am fully confident that as Global Director of our Boat Financing Activity, he will be able to succeed in creating high-value and long term relationships worldwide” said Jean-Hugues Devolve, Co-Chief Executive Officer of CGI.

Mr. Bonnet, was a specialist in Société Générale’s expansion projects.

CGI Group was created in 1951 and is one of the leading financial institutions in Europe providing innovative solutions and products to its clients. CGI is a subsidiary of Société Générale belonging to the specialized financial services division. CGI has over 30 satellite offices in Europe and the United States.

To learn more visit, http://www.cgi-finance.com call toll-free 866.939.2443

The Dicarlo Group is pleased to announce that we will be advertising with the duPont Registry Fine Homes!

The Dicarlo Group is pleased to announce that it will be advertising with the duPont Registry’s  fine homes magazine! In preparation for the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat show in October, it will also be featured in the duPont REGISTRY’s luxury boat magazine along with the homes magazine!

Last ad with the duPont Registry for the August 2009 Anniversary Issue

Above you will find our last ad with the duPont Registry for the August 2009 Anniversary Issue!

Go to the Dicarlo Group’s web site for more information.

Tune in to the right color combo for your dash

Livorsi Marine is proud to introduce a new feature to allow you to build your own color scheme for your dash panel, rightfully named the – “Livorsi Marine DashDesigner”. This amazing new tool lets you custom create your new dash in a flash. Choose your dial, rim, bezel and panel color to create over 1000 extreme color combinations with just a few clicks of the mouse.

From boat builders to boat dealerships to a DIY (do it yourself) boat owner, everyone can benefit from using the DashDesigner in planning their next boat build or restoration. Livorsi’s collection of powdercoated colors lets you achieve the desired look and attitude of your boat. The Mega & Race series gives you 5 dial colors and 10 rim colors and the Waterproof series gives you the choice of 3 dial colors and 10 rim colors. Optional gauge bezels give infuse even more color and detail into your dash. Livorsi Marine DashDesigner eliminates the guess work out of designing your new dash and best of all its free!

And, when you are ready to break the mold and go bold, ask about custom powder coated dials and private labeling, available in all our vibrant colors.

Before and after photos

2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance to kick off with duPont REGISTRY Party

The third annual 2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance will present the Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award to one of the industry’s most recognized icons, Bobby Rahal on February 21 at the black-tie optional gala held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, in Boca Raton.

“Each year, the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance honors an Automotive Industry leader for their dedication to the automobile world, relentless enthusiasm to auto racing, and automotive business endeavors,” said Rick Case, of the Rick Case Automotive Group. “Fittingly this year, Bobby Rahal, known for his sterling auto racing reputation as a driver and team owner, and his numerous automobile dealerships, has been chosen.”

Rahal is a pillar of success on the track and in the showroom. As the son of an amateur sport car racer, Rahal’s enthusiasm for cars began when he was child and has parlayed into a stellar racing career beginning at age 17. As a driver, Rahal won three CART championships in 1986, 1987 and 1992, and the Indianapolis 500 in 1986. Among other highly noteworthy accomplishments, Rahal was also twice named Driver of the Year in 1986 and 1992, won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1981 and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1987. His love for racing and success in the sport led to a co-ownership of a multi-car, multi-discipline race team – Rahal Letterman Racing, previously Team Rahal.

Partnered with CBS Late Show host and racing enthusiast David Letterman in 1996, Rahal developed an astonishing career as a team owner. He again won the Indianapolis 500 in 2004, this time as an owner, making him only the third man in history to win the prestigious race as both driver and owner. As the team evolved, so did the stature of the drivers. Today, Rahal Letterman Racing is known for cultivating talents such as Jeff Simmons, 2004 Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice, Danica Patrick, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Vitor Meira.

Rahal also has served the sport on the executive level, when he served as the President and CEO of CART in 2000, and in 2001 as the President and Team Principal of Jaguar Formula 1 Racing. In addition, Rahal established a name in the automotive industry as a leading car dealer. Rahal Automotive Group provides quality vehicles from manufactures such as Acura, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Jaguar and Aston-Martin.

Racing certainly runs in the family, as Rahal’s son, Graham Rahal, finished second in the 2006 Champ Car Atlantic Championship season. Currently, Graham Rahal races for the Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing team.

With extensive knowledge and profound experience in the automotive industry, Rahal was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2004 and later inducted into the 12 Hours of Sebring Hall of Fame. Now the guests of the 2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance will have the privilege of witnessing Rahal as he is honored with the Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award.

At the gala, guests will also have the chance to experience a live performance by comedian and renowned host of the hit TV show Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel, at 9 p.m. The gala – presented by Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, Attorneys at Law (RRA), kicks-off at 6 p.m. And at the gala’s auction, guests will also have a chance to be the first-ever owner of the 2010 Ferrari California and the 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Quattro.

The weekend’s festivities will also include the “DuPont Registry Friday Night Live!” reception at Boca Raton Airport Hangar, featuring exotic cars and corporate jets on February 20 from 6 to 8 p.m; a celebrity golf tournament on the private course at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on February 21 at 8 a.m.; and the Concours d’ Elegance Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition on February 22 at 10 am.

Visit the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance website at http://www.bocaratonconcours.com to register for the Automobile and Motorcycle exhibition. All events are open to the public with tickets sold separately. Tickets can be purchased for the Friday Night Live party for $50 per person; the Saturday gala dinner for $500 per person and up; and the Sunday Concours exhibit for $50 per person.

For more information or to purchase your ticket, call 954-537-1010 or visit http://www.bocaratonconcours.com/