Sunday
May232021
MAY 26, 2021
Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 12:31PM 
(McLaren Automotive images)
McLaren is set to produce a windshield version of its wild Elva roadster. Designed for customers who prefer to have a physical wind screen rather than the barrier of air provided by the Active Air Management System (AAMS), as well as to meet local legal requirements in some states in the USA, the windshield variant will obviously be among the rarest of McLarens. “Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements," commented Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive. "Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made. Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windshield version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can.” But just because it has a windscreen doesn't mean it's less wild. While having had its own engineering program to optimize aerodynamic and dynamic performance, the windshield Elva shares all of the ethos and performance characteristics of the original car: neither has a roof, side windows or rear screen, which when combined with a dry lightest weight of less than 2866 lbs. and a mid-mounted, 804BHP, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, the Elva is designed to deliver the ultimate in driver exhilaration. The screenless Elva is McLaren Automotive’s lightest-ever road car and the target for the windshield version is only 44lbs. heavier, even with the inclusion of electronically synchronized rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors, as well of course as the heated glass windshield within a carbon fiber surround. The Active Air Management System (AAMS) is deleted as it has no role to play in the windshield car. The acceleration of both versions is comparable with that of a McLaren Senna, the screenless model going 0 to 62mph in 2.8 seconds and 0 – 124mph in 6.8 seconds, according to McLaren. Dynamic performance and vehicle stiffness also remain unchanged from the screenless car. The windshield, which is a permanent fixture, affords greater protection from the elements, but it does not in any way reduce the levels of excitement. The Elva links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recall the McLaren-Elva race cars of the 1960’s. These were some of the first sports cars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company that he founded, and today’s Elva was created to evoke the spirit of track-tested high-performance symbolized by those cars. Created as an homage to Bruce McLaren’s legendary race cars, heritage liveries like that of the Satin Casa Blue windscreen model prototype (pictured) have captured the imagination of Elva owners. Demand for bespoke customization of this kind by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has produced a series of dramatic and unique cars that stand out even among some of the rarest of McLarens, because no more than 149 examples of the Elva will be specified and built to customer order. The first examples of the windshield Elva will be delivered to customers toward the end of this year, following personalization carried out by McLaren Special Operations. How much? We have no idea.
McLaren is set to produce a windshield version of its wild Elva roadster. Designed for customers who prefer to have a physical wind screen rather than the barrier of air provided by the Active Air Management System (AAMS), as well as to meet local legal requirements in some states in the USA, the windshield variant will obviously be among the rarest of McLarens. “Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements," commented Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive. "Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made. Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windshield version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can.” But just because it has a windscreen doesn't mean it's less wild. While having had its own engineering program to optimize aerodynamic and dynamic performance, the windshield Elva shares all of the ethos and performance characteristics of the original car: neither has a roof, side windows or rear screen, which when combined with a dry lightest weight of less than 2866 lbs. and a mid-mounted, 804BHP, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, the Elva is designed to deliver the ultimate in driver exhilaration. The screenless Elva is McLaren Automotive’s lightest-ever road car and the target for the windshield version is only 44lbs. heavier, even with the inclusion of electronically synchronized rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors, as well of course as the heated glass windshield within a carbon fiber surround. The Active Air Management System (AAMS) is deleted as it has no role to play in the windshield car. The acceleration of both versions is comparable with that of a McLaren Senna, the screenless model going 0 to 62mph in 2.8 seconds and 0 – 124mph in 6.8 seconds, according to McLaren. Dynamic performance and vehicle stiffness also remain unchanged from the screenless car. The windshield, which is a permanent fixture, affords greater protection from the elements, but it does not in any way reduce the levels of excitement. The Elva links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recall the McLaren-Elva race cars of the 1960’s. These were some of the first sports cars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company that he founded, and today’s Elva was created to evoke the spirit of track-tested high-performance symbolized by those cars. Created as an homage to Bruce McLaren’s legendary race cars, heritage liveries like that of the Satin Casa Blue windscreen model prototype (pictured) have captured the imagination of Elva owners. Demand for bespoke customization of this kind by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has produced a series of dramatic and unique cars that stand out even among some of the rarest of McLarens, because no more than 149 examples of the Elva will be specified and built to customer order. The first examples of the windshield Elva will be delivered to customers toward the end of this year, following personalization carried out by McLaren Special Operations. How much? We have no idea.
(Photos by Deremer Studios LLC, www.deremerstudios.com)
A 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet and 1974 Shadow DN4 were crowned this year’s Best in Shows on May 23, 2021, at the 26th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Moved from March to May in light of the global pandemic, the weekend's festivities were the celebration of The Amelia's 2021 honoree: racer, writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Lyn St. James. The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy was awarded to a 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet displayed by Jill and Charles Mitchell of Stuart, Florida. Emilio de la Cuadra, a Spanish army Captain, started La Caudra in 1898. He hired Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt. Ownership would change hands, bankruptcy would occur and in 1904 a group of industrialists led by Mr. D. Damián Mateu and Mr. Francisco Seix would restructure to found LA HISPANO-SUIZA. By 1905, they were producing four and six-cylinder engines. During World War I, they provided airplane engines. Birkigt designed engine innovations that included a cast engine block, reduction gearing and a hollow propeller shaft. When the War ended, they resumed production and developed a reputation for building luxury automobiles. Hispano-Suiza produced 2,350 H6 cars from 1919 to 1933. The H6 featured an aluminum, overhead camshaft 403 cubic inch straight six cylinder engine. It was half of Birkigt's V12 aviation engine. The brakes were power assisted four wheel light-alloy drums, an industry first technology that was licensed to other builders including Rolls-Royce. This Hispano-Suiza H6B was given Cabriolet Le Dandy coachwork at the Henri Chapron Works in 1931. Several Delage D8's received Le Dandy bodies, some with full flowing fenders and others with cycle fenders.
A 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet and 1974 Shadow DN4 were crowned this year’s Best in Shows on May 23, 2021, at the 26th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Moved from March to May in light of the global pandemic, the weekend's festivities were the celebration of The Amelia's 2021 honoree: racer, writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Lyn St. James. The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy was awarded to a 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet displayed by Jill and Charles Mitchell of Stuart, Florida. Emilio de la Cuadra, a Spanish army Captain, started La Caudra in 1898. He hired Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt. Ownership would change hands, bankruptcy would occur and in 1904 a group of industrialists led by Mr. D. Damián Mateu and Mr. Francisco Seix would restructure to found LA HISPANO-SUIZA. By 1905, they were producing four and six-cylinder engines. During World War I, they provided airplane engines. Birkigt designed engine innovations that included a cast engine block, reduction gearing and a hollow propeller shaft. When the War ended, they resumed production and developed a reputation for building luxury automobiles. Hispano-Suiza produced 2,350 H6 cars from 1919 to 1933. The H6 featured an aluminum, overhead camshaft 403 cubic inch straight six cylinder engine. It was half of Birkigt's V12 aviation engine. The brakes were power assisted four wheel light-alloy drums, an industry first technology that was licensed to other builders including Rolls-Royce. This Hispano-Suiza H6B was given Cabriolet Le Dandy coachwork at the Henri Chapron Works in 1931. Several Delage D8's received Le Dandy bodies, some with full flowing fenders and others with cycle fenders.
A 1974 Shadow DN4 displayed by James Bartel of Key West, Florida, took home the Best in Show Concours de Sport Trophy. DN4-1A is the Can-Am Championship winning Shadow racer from 1974. It was driven by Jackie Oliver and won four out of five races from the final shortened season of the original Can-Am. It would have scored a clean sweep of the series but suffered an engine failure in the final race, only four laps from the end. The DN4 was an all-new car for 1974 and used many components from the DN3-F1 racer. DN4-1A was retained by Don Nichols in an unrestored condition until purchased by its current owner in 2014. It was restored and raced in historic races from 2016 to the present. It has finished first in every historic race entered. The DN4-1A has been newly restored following an incident at the 2020 Road America historic races in July 2020. This was the first time it was being displayed since its latest restoration. “The 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet and 1974 Shadow DN4 both represent the excellence we strive for at The Amelia,” said Bill Warner, Chairman and Founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “This year's showfield might have been reduced to encourage social distancing, but the quality of the entries made selecting the winners as difficult as ever. Many thanks to our judging team, led by Paul Sable, for overcoming the almost insurmountable task of choosing the best of the best in each class."
AE Song of the Week:
Hey mom, I know
We're getting old
And the lines on our hands have changed
But you still look at me the same
Hey Mom, guess what?
You're really tough
And I know you did all you could
Just to make sure my life was good
Sorry for the fights and the tone of my voice
Sorry for the nights when I made the wrong choice
Life is flying by and it's hitting me now
I hope it's not but
If this is the last time please come close
I love you with all my heart, you know
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Then let's do the things we always do
Like go to the mall and buy some shoes
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Hey dad, what's up?
Miss you so much
Yeah, the shade of your hair is changed
But I look up to you the same
Taught me how to fish, taught me how to ride a bike
Taught me how to love, how to treat a woman right
Life is flying by and it's hitting me now
I hope it's not but
If this is the last time please come close
I love you with all my heart, you know
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Then let's do the things we always do
Like go for a drive or watch the news
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Hey you, sit back
Don't go so fast
If this is the last time please come close
I love you with all my heart, you know
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
So let's do the things we always do
Or maybe we try something brand new
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
Oh
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
Oh
If this is the last time
Hey mom, I know
We're getting old
And the lines on our hands have changed
But you still look at me the same
Hey Mom, guess what?
You're really tough
And I know you did all you could
Just to make sure my life was good
Sorry for the fights and the tone of my voice
Sorry for the nights when I made the wrong choice
Life is flying by and it's hitting me now
I hope it's not but
If this is the last time please come close
I love you with all my heart, you know
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Then let's do the things we always do
Like go to the mall and buy some shoes
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Hey dad, what's up?
Miss you so much
Yeah, the shade of your hair is changed
But I look up to you the same
Taught me how to fish, taught me how to ride a bike
Taught me how to love, how to treat a woman right
Life is flying by and it's hitting me now
I hope it's not but
If this is the last time please come close
I love you with all my heart, you know
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Then let's do the things we always do
Like go for a drive or watch the news
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
Hey you, sit back
Don't go so fast
If this is the last time please come close
I love you with all my heart, you know
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
So let's do the things we always do
Or maybe we try something brand new
I don't wanna cry, I'm bad at goodbye
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
Oh
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
If this is the last time
Oh
If this is the last time
"If This Is The Last Time" by LANY from the album "Mama's Boy" (2020)*. Written by Dan Smyers, Jake Goss, Jordan Reynolds, Les Priest, Paul Jason Klein and Sasha Sloan. Publisher: Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the video here.
*This song is a love letter from LANY's singer Paul Klein to his mom and dad. He expresses gratitude for the way they raised him, and he wants them to know how much he loves them. Klein knows all things in life are temporary and he wants to treat every interaction with his parents as if it is their last. Klein came up with the idea for the song on a flight to Beijing in the summer of 2019. He explained in an Instagram post that he was thinking about his "uncle buddy," who is in good health but is getting older. The LANY frontman is so busy recording and touring his music, he doesn't get to visit him much. The thought struck him, "What if the next time I get to see him is the last time I'll get to see him?" Klein added that after facing a new reality amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, he realized that "finishing and perfecting this song was imperative." (Knowledge courtesy of songfacts.com)