[twobjshelbys]

OK, I think I have sorted and adjusted them. I'll be posting for a while so please hold off until I give the all clear.

As a little background Clive Cussler is one of our favorite authors. He started with the Dirk Pitt series. I've read a few of his others and am eagerly awaiting next Isaac Bell book (coming in November).

WHen he "got rich" from his books he started doing real investigations. His NUMA (National Underwater Marine Agency) which is a real group of his friends and associates, was responsible for locating, among others, the Confederate submarine Hunley. My best friend from college (Bill) was there too although I don't know if they were connected since his site says divers are not volunteers. (Bill passed away from colon cancer, so please get the exam).

For those that have read Cussler's Dirk Pitt books you know that every one contains a link to one or more exotic cars. Like a Hispano-Suiza or a Pierce Arrow. He used his books to start buying cars and fortunately for us, most of them are housed in another little warehouse in Colorado.

The Colorado Shelby Breakfast Club managed to get to go along with several other car clubs on Saturday. The museum is open seasonally and I think the last days are this coming week until next spring.

The building is organized so that when you go in you start with his second collection. THere are about 50 or so purely classic 1950's convertibles. After you drool (they ask you not do that) then you go to the classics. I'll start the pictures with the convertibles.

Enjoy.

P.S. There are just too many pictures to do much editorializing, and I'm trying to post these to three sites, so please be patient.

Posting Rules

[twobjshelbys]

First batch of convertibles. There will be 4 or 5 in this batch.

[twobjshelbys]

Note the "continental kit" - this will become a recurring theme.

[twobjshelbys]

This one is obviously inspired by, but not, a Cobra.

[twobjshelbys]

This is the only non-convertible in this area. A Studebaker Avanti Supercharged. I posted some detailed photos of a similar car from the Hygiene car show last summer. THis is only the second one I've ever seen.

[twobjshelbys]

I forgot to post this in the last of the last one, but these are really a picture of the hood ornament. More about those later, but this is part of the 50/s series.

[twobjshelbys]

Now begins the classics. Some of these are truly survivors - never restored - and some are one of very few and restored. Many of them play a part in Cusslers' Dirk Pitt novels.

THe Pierce arrow and trailer is very rare.











The NUMA reference is probably for the modern recovery group, although the crate is pretty cool.

[twobjshelbys]

[twobjshelbys]

Look at this. A 1928 Supercharged Bentley. More pictures later of this car from the back side. Gauges all over the place.

[twobjshelbys]

[twobjshelbys]

[twobjshelbys]

This Ford Ad poster was in the restroom. I'm sure someone heard the cmaera going off

[twobjshelbys]

OK, here is one more set, two or so more posts.

One of the things about these classic cars is that they were literally works of art. Many, like Rolls Royce and the Bentleys, were built like as a frame and engine and, like the wagons and stagecoaches, were finished by a "coachworks" company. One of the things the did, which are today works of art, were their hood ornaments. Today you recognize a Cobra or a Rolls or a Jaguar because of that little thing. Back then, they were works of art. Here are some that I caught.

[twobjshelbys]

I had to separate this one specially. I can't think of anything except some of my Pueblo Storytellers that I would rather have in my living room. Except it would have to be attached to the car.

This post has been edited by twobjshelbys: 27 September 2009 - 07:03 PM

[TRT 0403]

I'm a Cussler fan as well.............great photos. Thanks

[twobjshelbys]

Gotta love anything with a Cobra, even if it doesn't have a 427.

[twobjshelbys]

FYI, only a few of these photos were taken with flash so were handheld with available light The camera is a Nikon D700 with my truly old and trusted 35-105 Micro Nikkor. I use it in all the car shows since I can get these kinds of close ups and the wider range shots. The light was mostly fluorescent so some have a funny tinge which I did not have time to correct.

This is the end. I hope you enjoy them.

[JeffJ]

Great job Tony, as always!