VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance is a People’s Choice car show to benefit The Children’s Guild. This means the spectators have the say as to who will win the awards. If the show were a Concours or Panel Judged show a select few people would have the right to say whose car should win.

As a spectator at a car show, you may wonder what the judges of a Concours or Panel Judged show would consider when choosing one car over another. Many times, if not most, the judges of a car show are current or past owners of similar cars and have been around enough cars to know what to expect. They understand the proper parts the car should have, the fit and finish of the vehicle and the availability of parts for restoration/repair.

When at a show with People’s Choice judging you should take the time to review each vehicle as if you were a knowledgeable judge. Many times it is very easy to determine who has taken the time to present their vehicle for your viewing pleasure. People’s Choice awards are often given to the car the People like the most because of their value, how unique the vehicle is or because the owners take the time to talk to anyone about their car – making it more personal to the voter. Women react to cars differently than men and children do. At the VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance we have categories for People’s Choice, Ladies Choice, and Kids Choice. Last year different cars won each of these ballots, the count wasn’t even close.

Here are some points to ponder and things to take into consideration:

Basic Rules of Judging a Concours or Panel Judged show:

1. Judges do not touch the cars. If they feel the need to have a door, hood or trunk opened they should politely ask the owner/exhibitor to open the vehicle;
2. Judges should be very careful not to allow any part of their clothing or gear to touch the car as they are leaning over them for inspection;
3. Know the vehicle you are judging; what should be there, what original parts should look like, do not deduct points for what you think is incorrect;
4. Do not interact with the owner/exhibitor while judging, except to have a door, trunk or hood opened;
5. Do not eat or drink while judging, or near the show vehicles;
6. Never smoke around the cars;
7. Be consistent in valuations;
8. Be prepared to explain your evaluation;
9. You should not judge the same category in which you are entered;
10. Consider the category for which you are judging –

a. ‘Original/Unrestored’ vehicles will have wear, dings and faded paint;
b. ‘Restored to Original’ vehicles should appear as if they are in ‘show room condition’;
c. ‘Modified’ cars should be judged on fit and finish – without making judgment on whether you like the choices they made;
d. ‘Rat Rods’ are the hardest category to judge because they are intentionally made to look old, used and worn.

In any category the vehicle should be clean and presented to its best appearance.

What to consider when judging:
[Most judging is done on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.]

1. Original/Unrestored’ or ‘Restored to Original’ – are the parts original or like original? (Sometimes you can’t find a true original part available.)
2. What is the condition of the body? (Dents, scratches, dings, rust and alignment of body panels)
3. Is the vehicle clean? (Body, engine, wheel wells, door jams, door sills, and interior).
4. Is the interior worn, ripped, tattered or soiled?
5. Are the heater vents clean?
6. If the judging is true Concours judging cars are judged on a “Standard of Perfection”, following rules and points standards set out by the sponsoring club or organization. The autos entered in Concours competition are judged against a point sheet versus against other entrants. Considerations within Concours Judging would include;

a. Trailered/Towed – the most critical category for judging;
b. Driven from home: more allowance is made for the condition of the undercarriage, exhaust, tires, shocks, batteries, undercoating and “road rash” (rock dings);
c. ‘Stock Street’, cars driven frequently where the undercarriage is generally not detailed. Cars in the ‘Stock Street’ category are judged for authenticity, quality of workmanship, cleanliness and overall condition;
d. ‘Daily Driver’ is the least harshly judged category. Cars are judged for condition and cleanliness only. Authenticity is not always a factor, as many times changes are made for safety and overall comfort for every day use.

So in short what to consider when judging?
For People’s Choice judging:
1) Exterior
2) Interior
3) Engine Bay

People’s Choice is most often which car the voter likes the most in their hearts as opposed to a points valuation.
For Peer, Panel and Concours Judging:
1) Exterior:
a. Exterior surfaces – paint, glass and trim
b. Rain channels or gutters
c. Trunk: (in some models the tire and jack should be visible and in good condition)
d. Wheels and tires, wheel wells
e. Hood/Engine Bay
f. Exhaust
g. Undercarriage
2) Interior:
a. Inside glass
b. Dash
c. Vents
d. Floors/carpets (remove floor mats)
e. Seats
f. Under seats
g. Foot pedals – throttle, brake, clutch

Come join us at VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance and become a judge for the People’s Choice, Ladies Choice or Kid’s Choice awards. It may help you to better appreciate each model of car on display and the work that goes into maintaining and presenting these beautiful Italian cars and motorcycles.

VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance will be on the streets of Harbor East on Sunday, September 27, 2009. Join us as Mr. Tire helps present this show to benefit The Children’s Guild a school for children with learning, emotional and behavioral issues.

Come out and cast your vote – every vote counts!

Bring Your Family to the VIVA ITALIA Car Show

Car shows are a great way to spend time with your family and friends. They aren’t just for men – women and children enjoy the shows as well!

VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance will feature great Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborgini, Alfa Romeo and Fiat models owned by men and women from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Also on display you may see Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Aprilia and other Italian made motorcycles for viewing pleasure.
Why Go To A Car Show?

Car shows are a great way to meet interesting people from a wide range of backgrounds with a vast variety of experiences. Even though you may not be a ‘gear-head’ or truly interested in cars there is always something to appreciate when you have a gathering of car owners and enthusiasts.
Car shows are especially great for finding time to spend with children. Most children attending car shows seem to enjoy finding the differences between the makes and models, learning about the cars and asking lots of questions.

Even those not truly into cars can appreciate the form and function of the automobile – can you tell the difference between cars designed for sport versus work versus commute? It is fun to see the differences between each designer’s concept of what a car should feature, or the design differences between the ‘ordinary’ parts of the car – the seats, steering wheel, rims and body lines. Even something as seemingly mundane as headlights or taillights can make a real styling difference.

Car Show Formats:

There are many different types of car shows, featuring many types of collections, which you can attend throughout the warmer months of the year:

Antique and Classic cars are older cars, usually kept true to the way they were manufactured, or with only slight modifications. The state of Maryland defines antique cars as being twenty years and older.

Custom and Modified cars are similar to the antique and classic cars, but customized and modified to match the owner’s taste and vision. Modifications may include specialized body work, suspension, interior and engine/transmission.

Hot Rods are automobiles that have been rebuilt or modified to increase its speed and acceleration. In many cases people use the term in relation to Roadsters produced in the 1930’s and 1940’s where the engine is replaced or reworked for greater speed and performance and body panels removed or altered for appearance. Many Hot Rods were painted with flame designs around the engine area and behind the front wheels to give the impression the vehicle was “hot” – therefore the name Hot Rods. (Rods may refer to the rods and cams in the engine which were changed to increase engine performance, to the open frame rails and rods exposed when the builder removed the body panels, or to the fact the cars were originally roadsters.)

Street Rods are generally older well-maintained cars which have been slightly modified with new interiors and a modern (more powerful) engine and drive train. These alterations still allow good performance for day-to-day street driving.

Exotic cars are those not seen on a regular basis, generally cars with lower production numbers characterized by their ‘striking’ appearance featuring definitive body styling, shape and size. Specialized composites used in the frame and body of many ‘exotic’ cars help delineate them from daily commuters. Exotics usually feature performance engines, often installed as mid-engine or rear-engine models. Autos which generally qualify as ‘exotics’ are generally two-seaters (with a rare token back seat), with a very low profile. Exotics are not limited to cars costing in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or German or Italian built models – Lotus is an American built ‘exotic’ sports car, costing around $50,000. By true definition of ‘exotic’ the car should be of a limited production, not seen on a regular basis and has features that are not common to the auto industry.

Why Are There Car Shows?

Marquee or Make

Many car shows are hosted by car clubs for the sake of an opportunity to share the love of their particular interest – whether they are Buick, Chevrolet, Porsche, Lamborghini or Ferrari. The clubs will gather to see and be seen, have their cars judged and share their stories with each other and spectators. Many of the shows hosted by clubs are for the particular make of the car clubs interest.

Common Interest

There are shows hosted by common interest clubs such as Imports, German/Deutsch, Italian, Antique, Street Rods and Trucks. These shows will feature cars of the clubs particular interest – while mixing makes (German shows will feature Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and Audi to name a few German makes).

Open:

Many shows are ‘open’ which allows anyone to show – mixing the ages and makes of cars. These shows are great at bringing everyone with an interest in cars to the show field. Often you will see an exotic sitting next to an original antique with a hot rod on the other side.

Benefits

Many car shows benefit organizations such as The Children’s Guild, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center or The American Cancer Society. These shows are hosted by car clubs or committees with the specific goal of hosting the car show to benefit the organization. While admission to the show may be free to spectators – the hosts and organization would greatly appreciate donations from the spectators. You can usually find a collection can at the registration table, information table or you may have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to benefit the organization.
Cruise Nights or Cruise Ins

Cruise Nights/Cruise Ins

There are many areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic which host Cruise Nights or Cruise Ins where the owners assemble just for the sake of socializing and sharing their interest in cars. Friday evenings you will find a large gathering of auto enthusiasts behind the Lowe’s in Abingdon. One of the largest Cruise Nights in the Mid-Atlantic is the Saturday night Cruise Night at Marley Station Mall hosted by ‘Lost in the 50’s’ Car Club. http://www.lostn50s.com/cruisenights.php. A fun gathering of cars on Sunday mornings can be found in Burtonsville, MD in the Burtonsville Shopping Center parking lot (soon to move to the Park and Ride lot nearby).

Finding a Car Show:

For information on local car shows Google “Maryland Car Shows”, visit the on-line forums or web pages for the clubs featuring the cars of your interest, or visit some of these sites:

Ferrari Club of America Mid-Atlantic Region Calendar of Events, RunWalkJog, Find Auto Events, Maryland Car Shows, Autoswalk, Old Ride

When Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance we will feature all makes and models of cars and motorcycles produced in Italy. VIVA ITALIA will benefit The Children’s Guild, an organization dedicated to educating children from throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. who are challenged with learning, behavioral and emotional difficulties. Join us as we celebrate the styling of Italian made cars and motorcycles on the streets of Harbor East, September 27, 2009.

Photographing cars at car shows can be fun and challenging. At VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance there were photographers of all ages and sizes. Most of the great car show photographs taken by non-professional photogs are taken with some of the simplest point-and-shoot cameras without any special equipment or even tripods.

Here are some simple tips to get better results you can share with family and friends. It is always fun to be able to brag about the cars you saw, and share the memories of the event through your photographs.

There are three main factors in creating great photographs: Patience, Light and Perspective

Patience:

Take your time to frame your photo, taking an extra second or two is sometimes all it takes to avoid a fuzzy or slightly out of focus picture. Stand firmly in place and hold the camera steady. If you have a tendency to shake while taking pictures a monopod or tripod may help to stabilize your shot.

Wait a moment for onlookers to leave the frame of your photo, or ask if they could step back for just a moment.

Light:

Work in longer/lower light: in photography lighting is one of the most important factors to consider. Even though you need lots of light for photography, the best car photographs are taken when the sun is lower in the sky – morning, late afternoon or early evening. The high light of the midday sun (noon to two pm) causes harsh and distorting shadows and fades out or bleaches the colors of the image. The best images are captured with lots of evenly distributed low angle light.

Use a filler flash even when photographing in a lot of light to even out lighting and help to bring out some of the highlights of the image.

Obliquely reflected light can often help to bring out the features of the image. Obliquely reflected light is often sunlight reflected by a white or light structure, concrete pavement, glass windows or any light colored surface.

Avoid hot-spots in your photo. Large reflections from one part of the car (i.e. hood or glass) can ruin the entire shot. Sometimes shifting just an inch or two in any direction will give you the same shot without the unwanted hot-spot.

Make certain the sun is behind you. When shooting on a sunny or bright day, shooting toward the sun will cause lens flares, harsh shadows and uneven images. Even on overcast days, shooting toward the sun can cause many of the same issues.

Don’t shoot your own shadow. If at all possible frame the shot so that you are no longer casting a shadow in the frame. Sometimes taking a step back and using the zoom will get you out of the shot.

On the bright side, or the sunny side of the car your photograph will show more of the details. Consider the differences in what you can see on the shadowed side of a car versus the sunny side of the car when you are wearing sunglasses. Many of the details and subtle lines of the cars styling are lost in photos taken of the shaded side of a car, even when using a flash. If you are taking digital photos, shoot both sides sunny and shaded. You will see the better shots are generally the ones taken with on the brighter side.

Perspective:

First and foremost you should consider what you want to convey with each photograph: do you want to show an entire car, a particular feature of the car or would you like to convey the atmosphere of the car show?

Frame your photo to show what you most want to remember or share:

The whole auto – if you want to show the entire car – frame the photo so that the car fills the viewfinder nearly from edge to edge. Be certain to look carefully at the image in your viewfinder: are there any odd objects in the photo which can be eliminated or diminished by changing the perspective slightly? Sometimes a step to one side or the other will change the way a building or tree looks in relation to your subject.

Emblems, grilles, features – if you want to show a particular feature a straight on shot is usually best, leaving a margin around the emblem within the viewfinder. Sometimes stepping back an extra step and zooming in on the image will create a sharper image, than if you stand close to the emblem and try to focus.

Essence, ambience and atmosphere – if you want to convey the atmosphere of a car show stand back and take shots with multiple cars and people milling about. Once that photo is taken wait a moment and take the same shot with fewer or more people. Take photos of people working the show, talking with the owners and the owners cleaning their cars – they are all a part of the show experience.

Alternate perspectives can create some amazing images. Consider taking the shot from a kneeling position, the pavement level or even from higher than a standing position. Take shots of specific features from differing angles, for example the front bumper or grille of the car can be shot from many angles to give different results.

Use reflections to capture images differing from the ordinary. Capture the image of one car in the reflection of the glass, body side panel or hub cap of another car. Photograph the building behind a car as it is reflected in the hood, roof or trunk of the car.

Ask the owner of the car to close or open the hood, open or close the door or trunk for the shot you desire. Do not open or close doors, hoods or trunks without permission!

Some General Notes:

Take a moment to preview your shots using the playback and zooming in on the image with the view screen. You might find that the photos are out of focus or not lit properly. Reviewing gives you the opportunity to get it right before losing the chance.

Turn off the date feature for the images – if you are using a digital camera, the date code is embedded in the record.

Take lots of memory cards. The price for the memory cards is dropping on a regular basis and taking digital photos is virtually free. Taking multiple shots with slight changes in perspective or lighting will offer you more opportunity for the perfect shot.

Take photos of the display/dash cards if you want to remember what each car is, or who the owner was you were speaking to.

Be careful with your equipment – camera straps, lens covers, camera bags, tripods and even your clothing can scratch or dent a cars finish as you move around the car trying to get the desired shot.
Some great resources for tips on photographing your auto can be found by clicking below:
Hemmings 10 Easy Steps to Better Car Show Shots

Cobracountry Fototips

Photography Review Car Photo Guide

When Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance to benefit The Children’s Guild at Harbor East, Baltimore on September 27, 2009 you will have a great opportunity to practice and sharpen your photography skills. Many photography clubs and classes use car shows for competition or learning experiences.

Grab your camera and join us as we support the important work of The Children’s Guild.

Maserati showed strong support for The Children’s Guild at VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance with a variety of their current Quattraporte and Gran Turismo models.

Gran Turismo translates to ‘grand tourer’, a touring sports car. The two-door, four-seat coupe is powered by an eight cylinder 4244cc V90 degree engine, and handles much like a sports car. The Gran Turismo S is the sportiest version of the coupe, and also comes with an automatic transmission option.

Maserati developed the idea of Grand Touring cars, and is now on the fifth generation of the Quattraporte, which translates to four-doors. The Quattraporte S is a sportier version of this stylish saloon, while the Quattraporte Sport GT S is marketed as, “Maserati’s most powerful sedan ever!” This model carries a family of four in style and comfort. While offering the amenities you would expect to find in a luxury sedan, the Quattraporte offers the driving experience of a sports car.

Historically many Maserati models were named after the types of winds experienced throughout Italy, Southern Europe and Northern Africa. One of the first named for a wind was the Mistral, a cold northerly wind experienced in southern France and Italy. The Ghibli [gib-lee] is named for a hot dusty wind which finds its origins in the Sahara Desert. Khamsin [kam-seen or kam-sin] is a dry hot and dusty violent eastward wind which usually lasts nearly two months beginning in mid-March, experienced mostly in Egypt and across the Red Sea. Bora was named for the violent dry and cold wind driven from the north in the Adriatic region, the word Bora derives from the Greek word boreas for wind. Shamal is the hot summer wind which blows in large areas of the area historically known as Mesopotamia [between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, currently areas within Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran.

In many Italian auto names you will see references to Vignale.  Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale was an Italian auto coachbuilder established by Alfredo Vignale in Turin.  The Vignale facility built coach works (auto bodies) for many of the Italian auto manufacturers including Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari and Lancia.

Other names by Maserati recognize their rich racing heritage. The Vignale Sebring was name to commemorate Maserati’s victory at Sebring. The Maserati Indy celebrates the two consecutive wins and the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940. The Vignale Maserati Mexico started its life on a 5000GT chassis. When a prominent Mexican owner wrecked his 5000GT he shipped it back to Italy for repair at the factory. Coincidentally the Cooper-Maserati won the Mexican Grand Prix the following year. Maserati then renamed the 5000GT the Mexico. The Kyalami celebrates successes at the South African Grand Prix/Formula 1 track located just outside of Johannesburg.

One of the more general names of a Maserati was the A6 GCS, one of many A6 models produced. The ‘A’ represents the Alfieri brothers, founders of Maserati. The ‘6’ refers to the straight-six engine. ‘G’ recognizes the ‘ghisa’ or cast iron block. While ‘CS’ represents ‘corsa-sport’ series.

Join us on September 27, 2009 as Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance to benefit The Children’s Guild on the beautiful streets of Harbor East in Baltimore. We hope to host many Maserati models, as well as Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, deTomaso, Lancia and Lamborghini models from throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Ducati joined other Italian motorcycles, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, as well as Italian autos manufactured by Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat and Alfa Romeo to support The Children’s Guild at VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance in Harbor East.

Ducati, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, is best known for their high performance motorcycles with large capacity four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin engines featuring a Desmodromic valve design.

In the Beginning

Ducati was founded by three brothers, Adriano, Marcello and Bruno Ducati, in 1926.  The company started as Societa Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati in Bologna for the production of radio components, tubes and condensers.  During WWII the factory operations maintained production even through repeated targeted bombings by Allied forces.

The Ducati is Born

In 1950 the Ducati firm collaborated with SIATA (Societa Italiana per Applicazioni Tecniche Auto-Aviatorie) to offer their first motorcycle, with a 60cc engine, weighing 98 pounds it could achieve a top speed of 40mph.  The motorcycle featured a 15mm carburetor and could get nearly 200 mpg. 

SIATA, under the direction of Aldo Farinelli began producing small pushrod engines to be mounted on bicycles in 1944, after the liberation of Italy.  The engine was called Cucciolo, an Italian word meaning puppy in reference to the exhaust sound.  The Cucciolo engines were initially offered to the public as just the engine to be mounted to their personal bicycles.  Entrepreneurs soon began to buy the engines in quantities offering complete motorized cycles for sale.

Ducati soon dropped the name Cucciolo from their motorcycles in favor of 55M and 65TL.

Introduction of the Larger Bikes

In response to the shift in the market from the bicycle size motorcycles to larger bikes Ducati made an impressed the public and critics at the 1952 Milan show with the introduction of the 65TS cycle and the Cruiser (a four-stroke motor scooter).  In spite of the promising reception, the Cruiser was not a successful model selling only a few thousand in two years of production, thus they ceased production of the model.

In 1953 Ducati management split the company creating Ducati Meccanica SpA and Ducati Elettronica.  Ducati Meccanica SpA was dedicated to the burgeoning motorcycle business, while Ducati Elletronica (later named Ducati Energia SpA) continued manufacturing electronics. By 1954 Ducati Meccanica SpA was producing 120 bikes a day.

Ducati Mach 1- A Place in History

Ducati produced the fastest 250cc road bike available in the 1960’s, the Mach 1.  The 1970’s saw the production of the large-displacement L-Twin (90 degree V-twin) motorcycles. The trademarked Desmodromic valve design was introduced in 1973.

Desmodromic Valves

The word “desmodromic” is derived from two Greek roots, desmos (controlled, linked) and dromos(course, track). It refers to the exclusive valve control system used in Ducati engines: both valve movements (opening and closing) are “operated”. For more information on Desmo Valves visit Ducati’s Technical webpages .

Cagiva

In 1985 Cagiva bought Ducati Meccanica SpA.  Cagiva, a lesser known motorcycle manufacturer , initally intended to rebadge the Ducati line of motorcycles with the Cagiva name. After the completion of the acquisition the decision was made to keep the Ducati name.   Cagiva later became MV Agusta through corporate restructuring.

TPG

The Texas Pacific Group (TPG) purchased a 51% stake in Ducati during 1996.  The remaining 49% of the company was purchased in 1998, making TPG the sole owner of the Ducati line.  Restructuring in 1999, TPG issued an IPO of Ducati stock, renaming the company Ducati Motor Holding SpA.  With this IPO, TPG released 65% of the shares for sale.  The remaining 35% left TPG as the majority shareholder.

December 2005 – Back to Italian Ownership

Investindustrial Holdings purchased all but one share of Ducati from TPG, returning controlling ownership of Ducati to Italian investors.

Ducati remains one of the dominant performance motorcycles available in part because of the Desmodromic valve design.  Another major mechanical difference with Ducati is the utilization of multiplate dry clutches, as opposed to wet-clutches where the spinning parts are bathed in oil.  The dry clutch aids in the elimination of power loss from the drag of oil viscosity, although the engagement may not be as smooth as with oil bath versions.  Some riders experience more rapid wear of the clutch plates, with the dry clutch.

Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance to benefit The Children’s Guild, September 27, 2009 on the streets of Harbor East.  Join us as Ducati, MV Agusta, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi owners support the important services provided by The Children’s Guild.  Also on display from around the Mid-Atlantic will be Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat and Alfa Romeo automobiles.

VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance, a turbo charged fundraiser for The Children’s Guild, fills the streets of Harbor East with Mid-Atlantic Italian cars and motorcycles.

So you ask, what is a turbocharger?
The word turbo derives from the Latin word turba, which in turn comes from a Greek word that means bustle, whirl, turmoil, disorder or tumult.
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a device used to increase the mass of air entering into an internal combustion engine through the compression of air into the forced induction system.
A naturally aspirated engine uses only the downward stroke of the piston to draw air into the cylinders, just as a person’s lungs fill through inhalation. The air is sucked in to the chamber through the intake valves as a result of an area of low pressure created by the increased open area in the cylinder.
The turbocharger employs a small radial fan or turbine driven by the flow and heat of exhaust gases. The heat energy of the exhaust activates the turbine, which shares a shaft with a compressor. This operation compresses ambient air and delivers it to the air intake manifold at high pressure. The result is a larger volume of air entering each cylinder leading to increased power. The increased air mass brings in more oxygen and can be mixed with a higher volume of fuel. These increases create more power and torque output.

The Swiss engineer, Alfred Buchi, is credited with the invention of the turbocharger. His first patent was applied for in 1905. By the 1920’s diesel ships and locomotives were built with turbochargers. The first automobile to feature a turbo was produced by the “Schweizer Maschinenfabrik Saurer” (Swiss Machine Works Saurer) in 1938 as a turbo-diesel truck.
General Motors introduced the first mass produced turbocharged auto engines in 1962 with the A-body Oldsmobile Cutlass Jetfire and the Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder. Mercedes-Benz launched the 300SD as the world’s first mass production turbo-diesel in 1978.

Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Eleganceon September 27, 2009 in the Harbor East community of Baltimore. Italian cars and motorcycles from throughout the mid-Atlantic will join forces to support The Children’s Guild.

In addition to the beautiful Italian marques of Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat and Ducati VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance featured performances by The Harlem Park Dancers, one of the after-school programs offered through The Children’s Guild.
Teens who might otherwise find themselves in trouble during the after-school hours discover a new outlook through programs offered by The Children’s Guild under the direction of the After-School Program Director Terri Maxwell. Along with Bill Staffa, a Guild staffer, The Harlem Park Dancers program lead disadvantaged youth to find a renewed passion for dancing. The children have to quickly learn their dance routines through commitment and teamwork, challenging them to strive beyond their comfort level. The dancers of the troupe gain a new outlook of what the world has to offer and recognition for positive activities.

Using resources from the community, like professional dance instructor and hip-hop expert Larry Caudle, The Children’s Guild brings the outside world into the lives of the challenged youth with whom they work. Larry Caudle worked with The Harlem Park Dancers to create new routines for VIVA ITALIA, The Children’s Guild’s Caberet for Kids fundraiser, and the annual MARFY (Maryland Association of Resources for Family and Youth) banquet.

The Children’s Guildoffers many programs to benefit challenged youth throughout Maryland and Washington, DC. After–school programs, special day schools, school-to-work, therapy, foster care and group living facilities are all geared to assisting students with learning, emotional and behavioral challenges.

Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance to benefit The Children’s Guild on the beautiful streetscape of Harbor East. Join us September 27, 2009 from noon to four pm as we raise funds for the needed programs offered by The Children’s Guild.
 Along with Mid-Atlantic Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi owners, you will see some of the students from The Children’s Guild.
sharing the skills they have acquired through the programs offered.

As we prepared for the Viva Italia Concours D’Elegance we could hear the distinctive low roar of Lamborghini Gallardo spyders and coupes as they entered the streets of Harbor East to benefit The Children’s Guild.

The Lamborghini Gallardo

The  Lamborghini Gallardo was introduced to the public at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show and released for sale in 2004. The Gallardo, which features strongly angular body lines, looks somewhat similar to its ‘older bigger brother’ the Murcielago, and shares styling cues from the Countach.

The name Gallardo comes from the name of a famously fierce breed of fighting bulls in Spain. The Spanish word Gallardo translates to ‘gallant’ in English. The Italian translation to English is ‘striking’. The Gallardo is said to represent the automotive equivalent to a fighting bull reared back and poised for battle.

Styling

The designers envisioned a 2-seat car which would deliver true sports car performance, yet be usable on a daily basis with comfort and style. The Gallardo delivers on both fronts. Careful selection of the engine, transmission, space frame and body, suspension, brakes and electronic controls systems created an incredible machine which will excel on the track, yet be comfortable for long leisurely rides in the country and handle well in the city.

The long low stance, with side view mirrors which seem to lean forward, create the illusion of speed even as the car stands still. Body styling encompasses a long wheelbase with a short overhang on the front and rear. The aluminum body makes the Gallardo lighter than its competition the Ferrari 430. It comes standard with front hinged doors, as opposed to the Murcielago and its predecessor the Diablo. Large side intakes start on the doors and cut deeply into the bodywork of the rear quarters, allowing fresh air into the engine compartment with additional air intakes on the top of the wide shoulders of the rear quarter panels. The optional glass engine cover allows for the viewing of the beautifully crafted engine.

Audi’s Engine Influence

While sharing engine building technology with the Audi 4.2L V8 engine, with a common 90-degree V-angle and bore centers, Lamborghini did make theirs unique with four valves per cylinder as opposed to the Audi trademarked five valves. The engine offers variable control for both the intake and exhaust valves and dual length intake manifolds.

The First Gallardo

The 2004 & 2005 Gallardo coupe with a mid-rear 5L V10, with the gear box behind the engine, delivers a minimum of 493hp and will reach 100km/h (62mph) in 4.1 seconds. Introduced with two transmission choices, this Lamborghini offered two different driving experiences. The purists appreciate the conventional H-Box six speed manual transmission. Then there is the advanced 6-speed electro-hydraulically controlled ‘semi-automatic single-clutch sequential’ manual transmission, which Lamborghin has named the “E-gear”. The driver gets to from the ‘automatic’ setting; ‘normal’ which allows the driver to change the gears – but the electronic controls take over when the engine reaches the maximum rpm’s, automatically shifting upwards; and the sport mode which does not override the driver’s control of the transmission. ‘E-gear’ uses paddle shifters positioned behind either side of the steering wheel. The right paddle takes the transmission up, the left paddle lowers the gears, pulling both paddles will set the transmission to neutral. The use of the E-gear allows the driver to shift much faster than a manual transmission allows.

Features included a rear-view camera (built into the rear wing), a multimedia system and a navigation system.
A permanent four-wheel drive, with double wishbone suspension provides control in cornering and on many road conditions.

Lamborghini Gallardo SE

Lamborghini introduce the SE in 2005 featuring a black roofed two-tone color scheme with specially designed Callisto rims and Pirelli tires. One available option of the SE was ‘thrust’ mode which automatically revs the engine to 5,000 rpm, ‘drops’ the clutch engaging all four wheels in a controlled burnout, ensuring that the car performs with maximum acceleration. The only actions required of the driver is to engage the ‘thrust’ mode and step on the gas pedal. This technology is very similar to that of the pre-2008 Formula 1 race cars.

Nera

The Nera, introduced at the Paris Auto Show, with 512hp will go 196mph and 0-62 in 3.9 seconds with basically the same engine and platform as the standard Gallardo. The Nera is only available in black, a combination of Nero Serapis an Nero Noctis, with the unique silver brake calipers and smoked taillights to better match the paint scheme. The interior was distinctively stitched from high-contrast black and white leather with a Q-Citura (lozenge shaped) pattern. The Nera was meant to introduce Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program, offering customization options. Of the 185 Neras produced 60 were sent to the American market.

In 2006 Lamborghini introduced the Gallardo Spyder with a fully retractable soft top.

Superlaggera

The 530hp Superlaggera was capable of 211mph and took 3.3 seconds to do 0-62mph. Launched at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, this Lamborghini was to compete with the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Superlagerra, or super light, is about 154 pounds lighter than the standard Gallardo thanks to the use of carbon fibre on the undertray, the side view mirrors, rear diffuser, interior door panels, central tunnel and engine cover. To save even more unsprung weight at each corner of the car the wheel nuts are made of titanium instead of the standard steel.

LP560-4

With its introduction at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is powered by a newly developed 5.2L V10 engine with FSI direct injection. This engine is based heavily on the new Audi RS6 V10. The name derives from the 560PS (similar to horse power), with the 4 relating to Gallardo’s permanent four-wheel drive system. The LP560-4 can do 204mph and 0-62 in 3.2 seconds, stock from the factory.

When Mr. Tire presents Viva Italia Concours D’Elegance you are certain to hear the distinctively throaty sounds of Lamborghinis as they approach Harbor East on September 27, 2009. Each of the Italian cars and motorcycles has their own sounds. Won’t you join us to see if you can hear the difference between Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Lamborghini, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia as they gather from throughout the Mid-Atlantic to benefit The Children’s Guild? The show will be from 12 to 4 for spectators, with the cars arriving from 8:30 to 11:00, come listen as they arrive!

VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance featured some of the Mid-Atlantics Italian marques such as Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia. Another great attraction of the VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance was the entertainment from our center stage.
Rudy Strukoff and his Rude Dog’s Rhythm Revue were the headlining act, bringing a great blues sound to our lively day.
Smooth Kentucky brought a bit of blue grass to the stage.
Joe Forrester brought Elvis back to life to entertain the crowds.
We are currently working on this year’s line up, stay tuned as we bring updates.
Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance to benefit The Children’s Guild, a school system dedicated to educating children with learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Join us on the streets of Harbor East in Baltimore on September 27, 2009 to view beautiful Italian cars and enjoy the entertainment on our center stage.

 Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance, September 27, 2009, when we return to the beautiful streetscape of Harbor East, Baltimore, MD.  This all-Italian car and motorcycle show will feature some of the most beautiful cars from the Mid-Atlantic including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lamborghini and Maserati, as well as Aprilia, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta motorcycles.

Harbor East

Harbor East is one of the boldest new neighborhoods in the Mid-Atlantic featuring a mix of retail shops, destination restaurants, office space, residences, hotels and an eleven acre waterfront park with a marina. With 70 acres of reinvigorated and redefined waterfront property, Harbor East seems destined to become the center of activity for Baltimore and the region.

Location Location Locaiton

Situated on the waterfront along the (soon to be completed) 8 mile Harbor Promenade, Harbor East is easily accessed from all areas of the Baltimore metropolitan area, including I-83 and I-95 and only 15 minutes from BWI.  Within an easy city walk are the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, Little Italy, Camden Yards, and M&T Bank Stadium.

Vibrant

This unique mixed-use urban waterfront community is alive with activity.  Entertainment includes the Maryland Athletic Club (MAC) and a seven screen Landmark Theatre.  The MAC is a new world-class health club which features certified personal trainers, a 25 yard 4-lap exercise pool, 4 salt water pools and more than 60 cardio stations.  The entertainment experience offered by Landmark Theatre includes gourmet concessions, a premium bar, and state-of-the-art digital and film projection. The MAC and Landmark Theatres were both proud sponsors of the VIVA ITALIA in 2008.

The Neighborhood

While surrounded by water on three sides, Harbor East provides extraordinary restaurant and retail spaces, residences, and office space all with an incredible recreational area featuring Harbor Point Park – 11 acres with tree-lined walkways and a 200 slip marina.

Retail 

Specialty, lifestyle and fashion retailers  who have supported The Children’s Guild through VIVA ITALIA in the past include: Bin 604, Glarus Chocolates, Harbor News and Whole Foods.

Destination Dining 

Featuring Baltimore’s largest collection of fine and destination dining establishments, Harbor East is certain to have something for everyone.  Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion will be the host of the VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance luncheon/reception on September 27, 2009.  We would like to thank Cinghiale for the fantastic fare we shared at the 2008 VIVA ITALIA. 

Doing Business

With nearly three million square feet of Class-A office space, Harbor East provides a phenomenal location for business. Legg Mason has chosen Harbor East  as the location for their global office.

There are 3,000 hotel rooms available within Harbor East including Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and Marriott Waterfront.  Soon to join the line-up with hotel/residences will be The Four Seasons.

There are 9,000 parking spaces among the many parking garages throughout Harbor East and ample on-street metered available.

Harbor East was developed through a partnership between H&S Properties Development Corporation and Streuver Bros Eccles & Rouse.

Mr. Tire presents VIVA ITALIA Concours D’Elegance to benefit The Children’s Guild on September 27, 2009.  We would like to thank the community and property managers of Harbor East for the generous donations and support to make this event a success again this year.