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Under the hood: Jim Bauer

March 2nd, 2010 by Mike

Pictured: BMX rider/artist Jim Bauer and his 1981 Porsche 911 SC

Jim Bauer is no stranger to Q&A, but his interviews are usually about a crazy BMX gap, or maybe his custom designed T shirts, or even his artistic approach to wedding planning . When it comes to cars, I like Jim’s perspective because he’s not a typical “car guy”. He’s the guy with a million other talents who also happens to have great taste in cars. Like the rest of Jim’s endeavors, his 1981 Porsche 911 SC has achieved what many of us might call perfection.

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Mystery Ride – Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA

February 17th, 2010 by Mike

It’s not often we find ourselves unable to identify a vehicle. And as much as it hurts our car guy pride to admit it, we have no flippin clue what this cute little coupe is. The fussy styling cues, particularly the front and rear lights, feel pre WWII Japanese. Also notice where the hinges are positioned in the rear – that could mean there is a rumble seat below. The roof also appears to be of the clamp-on variety. Care to take a stab at the make and model? Test your car spotting skills after the jump…

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Porsche Carrera – Oakwood Ave, Venice, CA

February 11th, 2010 by Mike

The type 964 Carrera (’89-’94) could be the perfect 911. The narrowness, simplicity and rawness of the longhoods and Impact Bumpers, but with just enough refinement to compete with the 993 and 996. It could also be the perfect car for this parking space.

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Diesel Mercedes Duo – Palms Blvd, Venice CA

February 9th, 2010 by Mike

These diesel luxo tanks (W126 300SD and W123 300D) may appear unremarkable at first blush but subtle charm is actually their most endearing quality. The perfect balance of utilitarianism and refinement, these range toppers feel solid, secure and planted to the road. Power and agility, not so much. But so what – I’d drive my (future) family across the states in one and feel equally as comfortable pulling up to the valet at Avalon Beverly Hills as I would cruising down a bumpy dirt road with a full load at speed. Sure, a Civic could smoke you, but as he blows by, take a gander at the indestructible MB-Tex upholstery, beautifully designed center console, and 500k odometer reading. You’ll soon realize you’ve already won.

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Mercedes 500 SEC – Venice Blvd – Venice, CA

February 2nd, 2010 by Mike

A 500 SEC is not the rarest sight, but like so many older Mercedes cars, most examples you come across are either beat up from neglect or very un-tastefully modified (aka molested). This owner respects the Benz, and himself, by applying no aesthetic mods—just some proper-sized AMG Monoblocks. At 11mpg it’s certainly not the most practical car in my fantasy Benz barn, but wow. Build quality, big power and safety (for its day), timeless styling. Looking clean yet mean with that battle scar on the front valance, this car strikes me as a well cared for daily driver. And it looks so good I’ve already forgiven the window tint and the four front wheels.

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Ariel Atom – Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

January 6th, 2010 by Mike

Ariel Atom - Wilshire BLVD, Santa Monica

An Ariel Atom casually parked curbside will cause a double take, even in LA. Very close to the top of my wish-to-drive list, every sighting of an AA brings to mind images of Jeremy Clarkson’s face flapping in the wind as he flies around the track, thoroughly enjoying the car’s insane power-to-weight ratio and Enzo-rivalling performance.

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Mini Cooper – 10 Freeway, Culver City

December 8th, 2009 by Mike

Culver City Cooper

It’s funny how Minis can make everyday vehicles around them look a bit silly. Even though it appears the car is standing still, we were actually traveling next to it at 75 mph. This super clean pre-BMW Mini is modified just enough to affirm you’re seeing something special – but your attention isn’t drawn to any one mod.

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Ferrari 250 GTO (replica?) – 101 Freeway, Hollywood

December 1st, 2009 by Mike

250GTOon101

Considering that Ferrari only made thirty-nine 250 GTO cars, the odds are that this one I spotted on the freeway is a replica. The long-haired, mustached, t-shirt-wearing guy behind the wheel was no indication either. In LA, that description fits millionaires and homeless people alike.

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