Meet the Miller’s

Consider the strange story of Alex and Imogene Miller of East Orange, VT.  They eked out an existence on a small farm.  Alex would scrounge rusty nails from burnt buildings to repair his roof.  He drove a ratty VW Beetle, and when it died, he found another even more ratty, and another…the rusting carcasses littered his yard.  Alex died in 1993, and Imogene died in 1996.  The local church took up a collection so they could be buried in the churchyard, and the state began the process of taking the farm for taxes.  That would have been the end of a sad story, except…

Forget the VW: a ’28 Franklin ($4500US) and a ’23 HCS($14,500 US) lurk inside.  While preparing the estate for auction, the sheriff discovered a cache of bearer bonds taped to the back of a mirror.  That triggered a comprehensive search of the house and outbuildings.  The estate auction would eventually be handled by Christies, and it would bring out collectors from all over the world…

1913 Stutz Bearcat went for just $105,000US.  Must have been the bad tire.  It seems that Alex Miller was a Rutgers grad, son of a wealthy financier.  He lived in Montclair, NJ, where he founded Miller’s Flying Service in 1930.  He operated a gyrocopter (look it up, it’s too much of a digression) for mail and delivery service through the 30′s.  But the Millers had a secret, and they moved from Montclair when they needed room for it.

Step behind the wheel of a 1916 Stutz Bearcat ($155,000 US).  Choosing to live low profile, and paranoid about tax collectors, Miller moved to the farm in VT, and took his collections with him.  Most of his cash had been exchanged for gold and silver bars and coins, which he buried in various locations around the farm.  He carefully disassembled his gyrocopter, and stored it in an old one-room schoolhouse on his property.  He then built a couple of dozen sheds and barns out of scrap lumber and recycled nails.  In the sheds he put his collection.

Have to remember to clean that ’20 Bearcat out of the shed ($50,000 US).  Alex Miller had an obsession with cars.  Not just any cars, but Stutz cars.  Blackhawks, Bearcats, Super bearcats, DV16′s and 32′s.  He had been buying them since the 1920′s.  When Stutz went out of business, he bought a huge pile of spare parts, which was also carefully stored away in his sheds.

A Springfield Rolls Picadilly Roadster ($115,000 US), made in Illinois.  Sometimes, he would stray, and buy other “special cars”, including Locomobiles, a Stanley, and a Springfield Rolls Royce.  He never drove them.  He’d simply move them into his storage sheds in the middle of the night, each car wrapped in burlap to protect it from any prying eyes.  Over the years, the farm appeared to grow more and more forlorn, even as the collection was growing.

A snappy car: 1921 Stutz Bearcat ($58,000 US).  Occasionally he would sell some parts to raise cash.

Rather than dipping into his cache, he would labor for hours making copies of the original parts by hand.

Stutz factory spares. Cylinders and pistons from a brass era Stutz in foreground.  Collectors knew him as a sharp trader, who had good merchandise but was prone to cheating.  His neighbors had no clue at all, they thought Alex and Imogene were paupers, and often helped out with charity.

Wheelbarrow blocks a ’28 Stutz Blackhawk Boattail Speedster ($78,000 US).  The auction was a three day circus, billed as the “Opening of King Stutz Tomb”.  It attracted celebrity collectors, as well as thousands of curiosity seekers.  The proceeds were in the millions, some items went for far more than their value in the frenzy.  In the end, the IRS took a hefty chunk of the cash for back taxes, which proves the old adage about the only two sure things in life…

• A vanilla ’31 SV16 Stutz Sedan ($10,000)
• Bargain of the show: a ’29  Stutz Blackhawk sedan for $7000 US
• A beautiful Stutz DV32 Sedan ($27,500)
• Anyone need a new Stutz engine? Still factory fresh.
• A’23 HCS ($12,000 US) lurks in the darkness of the barn
• A Lebaron dual-cowl Stutz from 1929 ($68,000US)
• A ’27 Stutz AA Sedan for $6500US
• 1925 Stutz Speedway Six ($9000 US)
• T-Head engine in a 21 Bearcat
• Build a ’22 Stutz touring car from this pile of parts for just $10,000 US
  (See photo gallery above for the above)

Final talley:

• $2.18 million at auction
• $1 million in gold
• $75,000 in silver
• $400,000 in stock

God Bless the Crazies.

Mercedes CLK DTM (C209) | Image via Wikipedia

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AMG Driving Academy | Road Atlanta 2010:

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Video:

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG:

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG:

SLS AMG GT3:

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was up against 11 other contenders in the “Production Super Sports Car” category. 24.5 percent of readers of Auto Bild Sportscars gave their vote to the gullwing model. In a strong field of 15 vehicles in the “Production Saloon” category, the E 63 AMG gained 19.2 percent of votes to come top in its class for the second year running. The “Sports Car of the Year” awards are an annual event that took place in 2010 for the eighth time.

“These wins for the SLS AMG and E 63 AMG confirm the popularity of our sports cars’ with customers. Both models embody the very highest level of fascination and performance – and the readers of Auto Bild Sportscars clearly feel the same way, too”, commented Christoph Jung, Strategic Project Manager SLS AMG, who accepted the award on behalf of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Since its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2009 in Frankfurt/Main, the SLS AMG has won many major awards, most recently a gold Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany 2011. Here are just some of the other awards:

• “red dot design award”
• “iF product design award 2010″
• “Design Award 2010″ (Auto Bild)
• “Plus X Award”
• “Golden Steering Wheel 2009″ (Bild am Sonntag and Auto Bild)
• “The best cars”, super-sports category (auto motor und sport)
• Autonis “The most beautiful cars” (auto motor und sport)
• “Auto Trophy 2009″ and “Design Trophy” (Auto Zeitung)
• “Golden Classic Steering Wheel, Classic of the Future” (Auto Bild Klassik)
• “Most sporty cars of 2010″ (sport auto)
• “Internet Auto Award 2010″ (AutoScout24)
• “Best IAA New Product 2009“ (AutoScout24)
• “TOPauto 2010″ (Motor-Informations-Dienst)
• “GT Car of the Year” (Top Gear, GB)
• “Best Dream Machine” (MotorWeek TV’s Drivers’ Choice Award, USA)

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its exciting design and stunning technology. This includes an aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre front mid-engine with dry sump lubrication and an output of 420 kW (571 hp) along with 650 newton metres of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a responsive sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This unique combination of sophisticated technology helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics. An AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system is available as an option.

Characteristic features of the E 63 AMG include its powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with an output of 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 newton metres of torque, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and independent front axle. An AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system is available as an option for both Saloon and Estate models of the E 63 AMG.

Here an excerpt from the newsletter I rec’d earlier this week; it also includes the link to download the 10 free mp3 files. This CD release is titled, “Blue Mood” (Mixed Tape 35):

After the distilled passion of ‘Red Rhythm’, Mixed Tape has shifted down a gear – with generous lashings of laid-back bliss and ‘Blue Mood’ tunes for a pampering time-out!

The colour of sincerity and serenity, of shifting times and changing seasons, of romance, heartbreak and suspense, provides a great backdrop for our latest compilation. From the intense azure of the sky above right down to the deep blue sea, we invite you to dive right into our choice of top tracks. For the visual equivalent of these magical – and mysterious – moments, look no further than cover artist Tina Winkhaus who wrapped our latest offering in an aesthetic journey of her own.

Something borrowed, something blue? No need to dip into your funds – as always, the latest edition of Mixed Tape is entirely free of charge and filled with 10 up-and-coming musicians from around the world. So, feel free to download your personal copy and watch the video features with select artists and cover designer Tina Winkhaus.

Get your Free MP3 files: Mercedes-Benz Download Link

NOTE: Previous CD’s cannot be downloaded so visit the site before the next CD is released or you missed it.

You’ll see the following list of songs/artists on the MB website (clicking the image takes you to the site):

AMG Market News (www.amgmarket.com): Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 100,000 vehicles; about 85,000 in the U.S. and 22,000 or so in the UK and additional vehicles worldwide. The recall is for 2010 and 2011 vehicles for a potential power-steering failure according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Models for the recall include the 2010 C-class and E-class sedan, coupe and cabriolet. The potential failure is caused by a loss of power-steering fluid, which reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle (if the failure occurs). The loss of power steering fluid does not prohibit steering but does cause the steering to respond slower.

According to NHTSA, “Owners may not have sufficient control of the vehicle in areas such as parking lots, where maximum power steering is required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.”

Daimler will notify the affected vehicle owners. Mercedes-Benz dealerships will be fixing the problem at no charge. For more information concerning this recall, contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 or the National Highway Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Mercedes-AMG offers Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) members special pricing to attend the AMG Driving Academy. The discounts are significant and it only costs $45 to join the club (www.mbca.org). You get it – join MBCA and you’ll qualify for the AMG Driving Academy special pricing discounts listed below (U.S. tracks – see below).

What is the AMG Driving Academy?

AMG Driving Academy offers the opportunity to develop performance driving skills under the guidance of professional racers and instructors. The high performance driving school takes place at two of the most legendary US circuits, Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca Raceway. AMG Driving Academy offers three distinct programs, each of which will push drivers to the limit in select AMG vehicles, including the most-advanced AMG vehicle ever built, the 2011 SLS AMG. Read on for discounts –

Basic (one-day course): MBCA Member Price: $1,495
(Normally: $1,795)

• Intense, one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics.

Advanced (two-day course): MBCA Member Price: $2,695
(Normally: $3,295)

• Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction.

Pro (three-day course): MBCA Member Price: $1,900
(Normally: $3,995)

• The pinnacle of AMG Driving Academy, PRO offers three-days of focused instruction and applied analytics to refine and perfect driving capabilities.

AMG DRIVING ACADEMY DATES

(Visit the AMG Driving Academy website for updates; published August 2, 2010)

BASIC Training — Laguna Seca
Intense, one-day track program focused on performance driving dynamics.

• August 27, 2010
• August 28, 2010
• August 29, 2010
• September 25, 2010
• October 29, 2010
• October 30, 2010
• November 12, 2010

ADVANCED Training – Laguna Seca
Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction.

• September 25-27, 2010
• November 12-14, 2010

(Check www.amgacademy.com for updates and registration)

ADVANCED Training – Road Atlanta
No available 2010 dates after June for Road Atlanta (Check www.amgacademy.com for updates)

PRO TRAINING – Laguna Seca
No available dates (Check www.amgacademy.com for updates)

PRO TRAINING – Road Atlanta
No available 2010 dates after June (Check www.amgacademy.com for updates)

For additional scheduling, registration or more info, visit www.AMGacademy.com or call 1-800-217-6916.

The official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA), the Star, led all publications with 13 medals at the 19th International Automotive Media Awards (IAMA), recognized by the automobile industry as the Academy Awards of automotive journalism. The Star magazine won two gold, four silver, and six bronze awards as well as the Best of Graphics Award.

This year’s IAMA’s awards is the highest medal count in the publication’s history. And, The Star earned its first “Best of” Award for Jean Constantine’s photography for the feature article “W154: Back on the Track.” The article discusses the private restoration of one of the legendary 1939 W154 Mercedes-Benz “Silver Arrow” race cars.

Here’s the official press release provided by Lisa Juhl, Marketing Director with MBCA:

AMG Market News (amgmarket.com) from MBCA/COLORADO SPRINGS, CO/July 16, 2010/ –  “The Star, the official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, led all publications with 13 medals: two gold, four silver, and six bronze plus the Best of Graphics Award” at the 19th International Automotive Media Awards (IAMA), recognized by the automobile industry as the Academy Awards of automotive journalism.

In addition to claiming the highest medal count in the publication’s history, The Star earned its first “Best of” Award (representing the best of all gold medals in a category) for Jean Constantine’s photography for the feature article “W154: Back on the Track” about the private restoration of one of the legendary 1939 W154 Mercedes-Benz “Silver Arrow” race cars. Trailing The Star’s 13 medals were Vintage Motorsport (eight medals), Automobile (seven), and three publications tied with four each.

The IAMAs are an annual program to recognize and encourage excellence in all forms of automotive journalism. Judging is done by peers in journalism and broadcasting to a pre-set standard, and entries may earn up to 100 points. Bronze medallions and silver medallions are presented to those works that receive 85-91 points and 92-96 points, respectively, during judging. Gold medallion plaques, the highest level, are presented to those entries that score between 97 and 100 points during the judging. The “Best of” awards are chosen from among all gold medallion winners in 11 general categories.

Each work is judged on its own merits against a scale. Entries must meet a minimum standard to qualify for an award. If no entry in a category meets the minimum standard, no award is given. Thus, some categories might have multiple winners of the same award while other categories might not have a winner despite entries being submitted. The act of entering does not guarantee an award will be presented or that the entry will even be recognized. Indeed, only seven of 13 “Best of” awards were presented at the 2010 ceremonies.

The 13 awards presented to The Star demonstrate a continued commitment to excellence. Medals were awarded to the magazine for articles and entire issues that were produced under two editors. Accepting the awards were Jim Luikens, Mercedes-Benz Club of America National Secretary and Immediate Past Editor of The Star; as well as John Kuhn Bleimaier and Michael Salemi, Contributing Editors to The Star.

“For any magazine to succeed it is essential to listen to its readers and to provide them with articles that they find interesting and graphics that they find exciting,” said Richard Simonds, Acting Publisher of The Star. “The Star is the crown jewel of our organization and we know the importance of keeping it polished. Our talented staff of contributors continues to provide world-class stories that justify the accolades that were presented at the 2010 International Automotive Media Awards. Everyone involved with The Star is proud to have that brilliance recognized by our peers within the automotive media.”

Two IAMA gold medal plaques were presented to The Star this year. Best of Graphics and a gold medal for photography went to Jean Constantine for her images that illustrated the article “W154: Back on the Track”. Stephan McKeown also took a gold for his article “Back from the Dead” about ways to restore the luster of the exterior finish of a car that has been neglected.

The Star also earned four silver medals. Three were for articles: “Mercedes Under Pressure” by Karl Ludvigsen; “Buying Your First Classic” by Bruce Adams; and “W154: Back on the Track” by Rich Taylor. The fourth silver medal was earned for the combination of editorial content, design, and production for the entire November-December 2009 issue of The Star (Gary Anderson, Editor).

Six bronze medals were awarded to The Star. Four were presented for written work: “Nearly 100 and Still Going Strong” by Brad Beultlich; “What the Heck Is It?” by Michael Kunz; and “Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes Triumphant” as well as the regular column “On the Track”, both by John Chuhran. In the category of Magazine Graphics (design and total production), the July-August 2009 issue of the The Star (Gary Anderson, Editor) was recognized.

The combination of editorial content, design, and production for the entire January-February 2009 issue of The Star (Jim Luikens, Editor) earned the final award. In accepting the award Jim was pleased to note that The Star had won a “Best Overall Issue” medal in each of the three years that he served as Editor. In closing Jim wanted to recognize the late Mary Hedberg for her important contributions to the magazine’s overall quality and success during her three years as Associate Editor.

Elaine C. Haessner, IAMA Executive Director, hosted the formal 2010 IAMA Ceremonies at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, the only institution that celebrates the people of the automobile industry. The IAMA ™ is administered, produced by, and is a property of The International Society for Vehicle Preservation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) educational organization based in Tucson, Arizona. The IAMA accepts no sponsorship in order to maintain its journalistic integrity.

About the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

With its national headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, MBCA counts nearly 20,000 members in North America and is the largest Mercedes-Benz enthusiast organization in the world. More than 80 local sections range from about 50 to 1,600 members. Regional and local section events include defensive driving and track driving schools, autocross and track competition, on-road rallies, concours-type car shows, and a wide variety of social events. Although the Mercedes-Benz Club of America is not an affiliate of Mercedes-Benz USA, the club does enjoy the unique position of being sanctioned by MBUSA. For more information, including a membership application, go to http://www.mbca.org or call 800-637-2360.

Press Release Contact Information: Lisa Juhl, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Director of Marketing, 1907 Lelaray Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909; Phone: (719) 633-6427

The “Sex and the City” style icons Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are back. Beginning on 27 May 2010, the much-anticipated sequel “Sex and the City 2″ hits cinemas. And without giving too much away, we can reveal that the four friends have stayed true to their exclusive lifestyle. In addition to the S400 HYBRID, Mr. Big now also drives through the streets of New York in the new star from Mercedes-Benz: the E-Class Cabriolet.

Meanwhile, Samantha drives in the legendary offroader from Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class. And for the first time, the four girlfriends head off together for an exotic trip where they are chauffeured in the comfort of luxurious Maybach saloons. As the exclusive automobile promotional partner of “Sex and the City 2”, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to accompany the film’s launch in cinemas with its own microsite and an exceptional competition on Facebook. Offered as the top prize is a trip for four to New York City, including a visit to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York. “Style, excitement and elegance – these are the very values which the brands Mercedes-Benz and Maybach represent, as does ’Sex and the City’, hence it is logical for us to have a presence with our vehicles in the sequel to this film phenomenon”, according to Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Microsite forms the central element Immediately, all “Sex and the City 2″ fans can immerse themselves in the world of the four friends from New York at www.mercedes-benz.com/sexandthecity – together with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, which has been available in Germany since the end of March. The microsite invites fans to take a virtual journey through New York’s nightlife. Each of the menu items features a specific street which also plays a part in the film. Navigation is via signposts. During their tour, fans will find a host of information on the film, the official trailer, as well as a picture gallery depicting scenes from the film as well as the shooting of the film. In addition, the microsite also has information on Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to fashion, as well as the E-Class Cabriolet. Anyone wanting to learn more about this new star from Stuttgart can obtain additional information on the vehicle via a specific link.

Facebook competition marks the countdown to the launch in cinemas The microsite provides a foretaste of the main prize on offer as part of the Facebook competition, which marks the countdown to the launch in cinemas starting since begin of May. “Sex and the City” fans can take part in the game at www.facebook.com/sexandthecity2roadcouture and enjoy the opportunity to win a prize each day. On entering the site, fans will be greeted by a Mercedes-Benz E‑Class Cabriolet, filled with 27 gift boxes. Each box contains an exceptional prize, such as a Swarovski wrist watch, a HP entertainment notebook, or the sunglasses which Carrie is wearing on the “Sex and the City 2″ film poster, for example. Only a specific gift box can be opened each day. Anyone who works out the clue and opens the correct box will be entered in the day’s prize draw. All participants will be included in the draw for the main prize. The last gift box will be opened to coincide with the film launch in cinemas on 27 May; up for grabs as the main prize is a trip to New York City. The winner will fly out in September 2010, together with three friends, to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York, where as VIP’s they will be able to follow in the footsteps of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda and experience the latest fashion trends firsthand. All winners will be chosen each day at random and notified via email. The microsite and the Facebook competition will be accompanied internationally by a variety of cross-media communication measures. In addition, Mercedes-Benz in the USA has also tagged its very own “Sex and the City 2″-related advertisement.

Mercedes-Benz USA E-Class Cabriolet commercial support In addition to its appearance in the movie and further highlighting the universal appeal of the 2010 E-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz USA will debut a humorous print advertisement based on the four girls personalities. The “Sex and the City 2”-based print ad for the E-Class Cabriolet features the same Quartz Blue E-Class Cabriolet that arrives for a Connecticut wedding scene in the movie. Set on a spotlighted stage with its top down, the E-Class Cabrio perches beneath sparkling show lights that say, “Stylish Enough for Carrie, Luxurious enough for Charlotte, Smart enough for Miranda and Fast enough for Samantha.” Near the “Sex and the City 2” movie logo at the far right continues the tag, “The stunning. The talented. The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.” Supporting the exclusive print ad, a customized TV spot which features the use of AIRCAP will use the closing tagline of “The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. See its debut in “Sex and the City 2,” opening in theatres May 27.” Targeted toward entertainment shows, the advertisement will air prominently during the last two weeks in May.

About the new film “Sex and the City 2″ Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda take another bite out of The Big Apple in “Sex and the City 2,” the sequel to the 2008 summer blockbuster. New Line Cinema Presents, In Association with Home Box Office, In Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Darren Star Production, A Film by Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, “Sex And The City 2,” starring Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, with John Corbett and Chris Noth. Written and directed by Michael Patrick King, based on the TV Series Created by Darren Star, based on Characters from the book by Candace Bushnell. The film is produced by Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Darren Star and John Melfi. Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener and Marcus Viscidi serve as executive producers. The film will be released worldwide beginning Thursday, May 27th, and has been rated R for some strong sexual content and language. www.sexandthecitymovie.com.