Thursday, 0030h, hotel in downtown LA
Having written up a few bits from the Wolfgang Hatz round table mentioned last instalment and with the best of intentions to hit the rest of the show I was actually running out of time before heading across the road to meet with the guys from Singer at a little gathering they were having outside a nearby restaurant.
I did make it into the west hall where many of the American manufacturers have their stands and was shocked at how dead it was in comparison to the other one with the European brands. After the buzz at JLR, Mercedes and the rest it was pretty much tumbleweed city here and a shocking demonstration of which brands are in the ascendant here.
Still, easier to get clear shots of the cars, like this Dodge Challenger with a recreation of the evocative Shaker induction kit attached to its 5.7-litre Hemi V8. 375hp and 410lb ft of torque for just $36,995 sounds like a bit of a steal for this limited edition, even if it was rather in the shade of its 1970 Challenger R/T inspiration. Restored to factory spec this 50,000-mile car boasted all the kit, including an original Shaker hood, 426 Hemi, four-speed manual with Hurst pistol grip shifter and manly manual steering.
Hopes to explore the 'land that taste forgot' as I previously described the downstairs tuning hall (leading to near death threats from one particularly aggressive owner) were dashed by my rush to escape the show halls and join Singer Vehicle Designs across the way and have a quick get to know you session with main man Rob and partner in crime Maz, as featured in Chris Harris's video. Top blokes both, the examples of their work brought along both stunning in the detail and passion of their execution. More on all of this on Friday when we drop by the shop for a more in-depth chat.
First up sleep and then a trip to see Magnus Walker and meet up with a bunch of Californian 911 owners out in the hills, organised by TRE Motorsports. Happily word has reached me that 'my' Guards Red 991 is nestled in the hotel's underground car park and good to go.
Best get some sleep then.