BRE/Peter Brock Designs News Issue #036:   

Goodwood, Accurate Models and More!

 

October 15, 2015

 

I don't think we've ever been busier.  August started with the Northern California SAAC (Shelby Club) Mini-Nats gathering. The following week was the Monterey Motorsports Reunion followed immediately by the National SAAC convention in the Poconos. Then came the Goodwood Revival with all 6 original Daytona Coupes being together for the first time. The beautiful Saratoga Concours followed where we met the Keno brothers (think antiques roadshow) for the first time. A performance test was held at Willow Springs for the two GT350R2s the original venice crew built for the 50th anniversary in February.  I'm sure glad we stopped covering races in the photojournalism business so we could spend more time at home in Nevada! lol

  

Then somewhere in all of that we had an open weekend so we moved our entire BRE operation to a building next to our Aerovault facility. 

  

We haven't had much time to share photos and stories so we try to catch up on that below.

  

Peter (& Gayle) Brock

Peter Brock Designed Mustang Valance
New and improved GT350 front valance now available to everyone 
Speaking of the GT350R2 Mustang project, I've just made the new and improved valance I designed for those cars publicly available. This is the valance I really wanted to design back in 1965 but there wasn't enough time or budget.

Recent performance tests are showing the valance's redesigned air intakes are really working to keep these cars cool. 

These parts are very well-built and upper and lower flanges make them easy to install onto any '64 - '66 Mustang (you don't need a Shelby to get increased function and this great look).  Go here for more details.

BRE Has Moved!
Convenience of being next to Aerovault outweighs the work 

We really liked the previous BRE building and location but the constant trips to the Aerovault manufacturing facility were adding up. Now across the parking lot from each other we truly are in the perfect location and the shop area is larger. Can't complain about that!

SEMA is coming up. If you'll be in the area stop by for a look!  BRE is 779 Middlegate Rd, Henderson, NV 89011.  Aerovault is 781 Middlegate Rd.  Be sure to let us know in advance as the schedule is jammed that week and we want to be sure to be here when you stop by. 702-558-3374 or info@bre2.net.
Goodwood Revival... Amazing!
The experience of standing in between all six original Daytona Coupes - Priceless! 
 
There really is no way to describe the Goodwood Revival, let along describe what it's like standing in the midst of the six original Daytona Coupes in one location, which has never actually happened before. In 1965 when the sixth car was completed, some cars were in Europe, some in the U.S., some on tour with Ford.  There were the cars and then there were the amazing activities.

 

There was the cricket match with the drivers (I might add that everyone dresses in period dress (primarily '40s through '70s) all weekend.  Gayle and our good friend John Brooks are seen here to the left. Day 1 Gayle went all out with purple suede boots!  The originator of the Goodwood Revival is Lord March, which I am standing with here at the cricket match.  After the match was a cocktail party at the Goodwood House. We all stood under one tree in the back garden which must have had a branch span of no less than 100 feet. At least one tree had a plaque dating it to the 1700s.  

 

There were autograph sessions. What are the odds that someone would bring Mike Shoen's Cobra Ferrari Wars book in opened to this picture of Alan Grant and myself while Alan and I were sitting next to each other signing books. (seen here).  Joining us also was Coupe driver Jack Sears (seen at the top of this newsletter with Alan and I). 

 

Friday night was spent with the European "Coupe Group". This is an enthusiastic group of Superformance Coupe owners. Joining us was my dear friend Jimmy Price, from Superformance/High Tech in South Africa who made these cars possible in the first place.  

 

Saturday was the Gala, a recreation of a famous ball put on in 1815 by the Duchess of Richmond during the Napoleonic War. Again, period dress ("Regency costume" in this case) was the request so we obeyed... and had a great time!  Not only was it great fun but it's the first Ball we've ever been to where a horseman in 1800s military uniform has come galloping through the dinner tables on horseback to re-enact the start of the Battle of Waterloo, complete with fireworks!  And did we mention the bagpipe band that led us all from the cocktail area into the dining area?  The night ended with a truly splendid band rocking us to the Casbah!   

 

To say the Goodwood Revival has it all would be quite the understatement!  

   

Many articles are coming out on the Coupes at Goodwood, including a TV segment taped with Dario Franchitti (photo seen here was taken during the taping).  There is also a fun little video here on YouTube that Goodwood created.  

 

Nic Minassian (seen in photo to the left) was a pretty hot shoe in CSX 2601. An impressive video of Nic driving the car during practice in the rain can be viewed here.   

 

We have a lifetime of memories (and photos) from this amazing event.  Thank you Lord March! and everyone that made this so special for us. 

Finally... truly accurate Daytona Coupe Models
Partnering with TrueScale addresses a longtime problem with Coupe models   
I have to follow-up Goodwood and the Coupes with a very exciting development with Coupe models. All six Coupes are slightly different, so they make a fascinating study. But when making Coupe models, model companies have copied one car's shape and then just changed the colors, stripes and numbers to represent all six cars.

I've been frustrated by this inaccuracy for years! Then TrueScale Miniatures approached me about making a truly accurate set of Daytona Coupe models. We've worked together for well over a year getting these cars correct. Now the first set of truly accurate, 1:43rd scale models are becoming available!  Not only are the models accurate to each Coupe but they are accurate to a particular race that model represents.  The Couples evolved quite a bit from race-to-race and these models accurately show those changes. 
 
A small quantity of each model (only 25 or 50 of each model) will be offered as my Peter Brock 50th Anniversary model series.  Each model set will include the model with a description I have written of what makes that Coupe unique compared to the other Coupes and what makes it unique at the particular race. Sets may differ as to what they include.

The first set that is available as of today is of the first Coupe (CSX 2287) at the first race it won, Sebring '64. In addition to the model and description letter, this set includes an archive photo reprint of CSX 2887 running at this race (you can compare the wonderful accuracy of this model against the photo). I autograph the model, written description and archive photo and each of these items is numbered.  For example, the model, letter and photo each contain a seal with a matching number such as 04/25, 05/25, etc.

With only 25 models in this first set they aren't going to last long. We will release a new model set based on demand, holidays, events, etc. 
Impressive Road & Track Coverage
Timed perfectly for Monterey and Goodwood  
In May I spent a day with Road & Track and a Daytona Cobra Coupe.  The resulting article is a tour de force. It consists of 15! pages packed with stunning photos, archive sketches and current-day insights.

Writer Sam Smith combines interviews and quotes from original Shelby team members with his own impressions, simulating what it would be like for anyone to meet the original Shelby crew and drive this stunning car.

I was so moved by this article, that by special arrangement, we are offering original copies of this issue, autographed by myself here.
Hemmings Saratoga Concours'
A great focus on American classics  
We attend a lot of traditional Concours' with their understandable focus on European coachwork.  
 
What a treat it was to participate in the Saratoga Concours filled with classic American built cars. Packards, Duesenbergs, Auburns, Chryslers. New York State alone had more than 100 automobile manufacturers in the early 1900s.  For my "Chairmans" award I chose this '30 Packard 734 Speedster for its timeless lines and great proportions. Currently owned by Ed Flanders it was originally Tommy Hitchcock's car. 
  
During the Saturday night dinner I shared my experiences in the automotive industry and met some interesting car enthusiasts and collectors.  Recognize these guys (think antiques roadshow)? There may be more to come with this fun couple. 
Coming Up

 

While at Goodwood we came across a great book on the Cobras.  We've ordered them to offer to you but they haven't arrived yet. Until that happens we don't have any photos to provide. Stay tuned!

 

Being in our backyard, SEMA is a really big event for us so that will be our focus for the next few weeks.

Coming next February, I will be the Honored Guest at the Riverside Automotive Museum (stay tuned for details).  This will be followed a few weeks later by me giving a talk at the just-then re-opened Petersen Museum in Los Angeles.
 

Have a great Fall! 

Peter (& Gayle) Brock 
BRE
779 Middlegate Rd
Henderson, NV 89011
702-558-3374
Quick Links
In This Issue
Brock designs new Mustang Valance
BRE has moved!
Goodwood Revival Overload
Finally... Accurate Coupe modes
Road & Track article
Impressive Saratoga Concours'