Notes on Cars
San Francisco Academy of Art Car Collection Auction
. 5 min read.42
What used to be The Academy of Art University Automobile Museum is no more. 104 pre and post-war automobiles in an exhibition condition got sold off at Saturday auction on February 15th, 2025 for $14.5 million in total. I got a chance to see them gathered in one somewhat cramped place for the last time, and snap pictures representing a great palette of an automotive history. Cars from the collection were used by art students, and it's easy to see why - I found it very inspirational.
2024 All British Motor Show at Blackhawk Museum
. 4 min read.31
Mid-size family-like British Car community meet celebrating the centenary of MG. Plenty of MGs, Mini and Jaguars of 50-th to 70-th, not a single Porsche in sight. The most photogenic parking lot car meet I've been to. Rows of lovely cars I have never seen before.
2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Test Drive Review
. 5 min read.7
I've heard enough of good things about CT4-V Blackwing and finally rented it on Turo. Lived with it for a better part of the week, and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. It's quite a relief to realize that in year 2024 you still can walk into a dealership, and buy a great new car - with sufficient power, 6-spd and in the right size. The fact that its a Cadillac dealership, is even more surprising.
2023 Honda Odyssey Test Drive Review
. 4 min read.4
Three day test drive around bay area, including commute to San-Francisco and canyon runs near Milpitas. Nice family hauler with a good engine, decent brakes and soft suspension. Won't shy away from a long haul family trip to Yosemite National Park. Not a driver's car, but a good decompression chamber.
2024 Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Seca
. 4 min read.44
Lovely Saturday on the state park grounds of Laguna Seca, watching Italian masterpieces zip by, accompanied by the mighty roar of V6, V10, and V12 engines. It was my first encounter with the beautiful and powerful FXX and FXX-K Evo cars, the out-of-this-world 499P, and the F2002 F1 car. Plus a nice display of the fresh 296GTB model in vibrant colors.
2023 Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway
. 5 min read.48
Lovely season closure at Sonoma Raceway with Velocity Invitational. Historic cars and family friendly entertainment with Lando Norris and Pato O'Ward autograph sessions. Amazing light show - courtesy of low November sun and hilly location. Very well organized and not too crowded event.
