America Latina

NEW PICTURES OF JAY LENO'S GARAGE

2014-05-17T12:14:00.001-07:00

Jay Leno is currently the most famous car
collector on earth and known almost as much for
his car collecting passion (or addiction) as for his stand-up
comedy and talk show hosting.
Jay Leno’s car collection is dynamic so he is constantly adding,
trading or modifying cars and motorcycles, but
he is currently rumored to have over
100 cars and over 90 motorcycles.

Leno’s car collection is diverse in terms of age,
price, rarity, engine configuration, brand, etc.
For instance he has a 1906 Stanley Steamer but also
a brand new McLaren MP4-12C super car.

Jay Leno is respected as a true car guy that procures cars
(albeit expensive ones) simply because he loves automobiles
as opposed to collecting high-end cars as a status symbol.
Within his massive warehouse garage he even has special
equipment for working on cars such as
a sheet metal English wheel, welding machines,
water jet cutter, plasma cutter, etc. in Southern California
– a world of movies, magic, and make believe –
is Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage, a place not without its
fair share of magic itself.
Spread across two low-slung buildings cooked by the sun,
is one of the world's great car collections
and one of the world's best-equipped
garages custom-built from the groundup
to keep everything running in tip-top shape.

The garage itself is about 17,000 square feet,
sizeable, to say the least, for a private garage,
which is enough space to work on about a
dozen cars at any one given time.
About a quarter of that space is taken up by the machine shop,
which includes a massive amount of equipment.

Since you can't exactly go down to the local
auto shop for parts from pre-teen cars,
the garage is geared up to fabricate parts and do
just about all required work in house:
a CNC Mill, a water jet cutter, sheet metal equipment,
a lathe, a regular mill, and welding equipment
from Tig and Mig to name some shop highlights.

The garage is also home to a gourmet kitchen
where Jay shows off his culinary skills for his
staff and other visitors.
Besides being an avid car collector and mechanic,
Jay also likes to cook and can often be found
preparing food, especially when on
hiatus from The Tonight Show.

disappearing car door by Jatech

2014-05-17T12:11:00.001-07:00

Lost In Translation

2012-04-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Digital Vintage Auto Restorer

2012-04-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Photos and Cars translated into real ART

A real lover of Autos and Photography mixes both passions to share with us

Léo Spósito always liked cars, when as a child started to collect all albums of theme figurines depicting automobiles

Schooled in propaganda and specialized in photography he shares his craft production of photos, handling and processing of images for advertising here with us.

"As passionate about vintage cars I decided that I would learn the shooting of such cars, and went training with friends' cars
"explains Leo.

Over time he started producing his first works with cars: automotive books for owners of old cars and tuned up cars.
"I Still enjoy my own hobby of shooting cars, because I still can't live in this market, but what actually it pays off when each photo meets the owner satisfaction to see the final results in the end of each test drive "comments Léo.
Working all the time with imaging, he has realized the dream of many automobile afficionados, transforming a relic to be one day a restored gem worthy of a Vintage Black Plate.
Without realizing he became a distinguished Restorer of vintage cars in the digital domain.

Contact:
Léo Sposito
+11 3486 4155
leo@spositostudio.com
www.spositostudio.com

It's a small world !

2012-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Michael Paul Smith's Amazing Photography Work

Michael Paul Smith was born in 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Despite having lived in New England for the past 40 years, Pittsburgh, as he himself says, is: "My geographical Spiritual Center".
His work is a mixture of skills that has accumulated over the years in a variety of activities developed in jobs he worked for. Book Illustrator, painter, designer of Museum exhibitions, manufacturer of scale models for architecture, and Art Director for retail stores. His love for the 20 century has been a constant inspiration for his work.
Photos - Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24796741@N05/

Foodie on the Road: Guisados - Delicious Tacos in the Heart of East Los Angeles

2012-03-14T12:45:00.004-07:00

I recently came across Guisados, a small Mexican eatery in the heart of East Los Angeles hailing some of the best tacos in town. If you live in the area or are a traveling foodie like myself, this place is definitely worth the walk/drive.

Family owned and operated, Guisados specializes in tacos filled with a variety of stewy confections laid generously on a thick homemade corn tortilla. No thin double stacked, manufactured tortillas on these tacos! If you're in doubt about what to order, try the mini taco sampler for $6.99. Add a cup of one of the many agua frescas (fruit drinks) to complete your order.

Take a look at the taco sampler below:

Chicharron: Pork skin in gravy on a bed of black beans with a dolop of guacamole

Steak Picado: Topped with a dolop of guacamole and served on a bed of black beans

Cochinita Pibil: Habanero pulled pork on a bed of black beans

I forgot.. but it's good!

Tinga de Pollo

Mole Poblano: Chicken with a hint of mole topped with pickled onions

Guisados

2100 E Cesar Chavez Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90033

(323) 264-7201

Check out all the positive reviews on Yelp!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/guisados-los-angeles

Why Coconut Water is Good For You?

2012-03-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Coconut water contains medicinal properties that combat abscesses, respiratory disorders, angina, asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, cystitis, high cholesterol, abdominal cramps, malnutrition, diarrhea, common aches and pains, loss of appetite, dry and damaged skin, cough, ulcers and various other ailments.

Coconut water is the sweet hydrating liquid found inside fresh coconuts. Coconut water facilitates digestion, increases sperm count, and helps to clear the urinary tract.

Besides natural sugars composed of vitamins and minerals, coconut water is rich in potassium, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, and contains small quantities of sodium, sugar and proteins. Coconut water is essentially free of fat. While the mineral content in coconut water stays constant. the concentration of protein increases as the fruit ripens.

Coconut water contains a variety of nutrients that come directly from the ocean. Coconut trees grow abundantly throughout most of the tropics. Since coconuts can float at sea, even the smallest most remote islands are covered with coconut trees. Lots of times coconut water is the only drinkable water available, hence its nickname " water of life." There have been numerous accounts of ship wrecks whose passengers survived by drinking coconut water.

The taste of coconut water varies depending on the maturity of the coconut. Coconut water from a young coconut, which is green in color, has the best taste and quality. The coconut water from mature coconuts is not as tasty as the water from a young, green coconut.

3 For The Road !

2012-03-12T12:34:00.002-07:00

2007 Audi RS4 Navigation / Premium Pkg.

2007 Audi RS4 Navigation / Premium Pkg. 4-Door Sedan

Exterior Color:Phantom Black Pearl Effect

Interior Color:Black

Stock Number:7545

Mileage:53,063

Engine:V8 4.2L DOHC

Fuel:Gasoline

Transmission:6 Speed Manual

Warranty:

Limited Warranty

Title: Clear

VIN:WUARU78E07N903589

CARFAX:CARFAX Buyback Guarantee

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Factory Warranty 4-Door Sedan

Exterior Color:Black Sapphire Metallic

Interior Color:Ivory White/Black Dakota Leather

Stock Number:7541

Mileage:27,551

Engine:V8 4.4L OHV

Fuel:Gasoline

Transmission:Automatic

Warranty:Limited Warranty

Title:Clear

VIN:WBASN4C55AC208137

CARFAX:CARFAX Buyback Guarantee

2001 Porsche 911 Turbo 2-Door Coupe

Exterior Color: Seal Grey

Interior Color: Natural Gray

Stock Number:7526

Mileage:105,640

Engine:H6 3.6L DOHC

Fuel:Gasoline

Transmission: TipTronic

Warranty:Limited Warranty

Title:Clear

VIN:WP0AB29991S688016

CARFAX:CARFAX Buyback Guarantee

1939 Chevy 3100 Thriftmaster For sale !

2012-03-08T09:14:00.002-08:00

1939 Chevy 1300 pick up truck all restored in and out !

All original factory body tags

Beautiful Profile !

No rust , professional paint job

Cool Hubcaps on white tires !

Original interior

Custom Windshield Sunvisor

Chromed Rear View Mirror

Felix the Cat plate frame

Updated 6 cylinder engine makes it reliable anywhere you go

Price : $35,000.00

Let Them Eat Cake. Yes My Friends, Cake!

2012-03-02T15:41:00.002-08:00

Check out these edible sculptures made by a Russian pastry chef (name unknown). So intricate they're almost a shame to eat.

Fiat 600 Multipla - The First World SUV

2012-02-27T17:39:00.001-08:00

Fiat 600 Multipla

We Were still far from thinking of the concept minivan when the Fiat 600 Multipla was released. Based on the Fiat 600 which had the engine in the back and the trunk in the front . With the previous suspension of the model 1100 (much wider), Fiat had transferred the passenger compartment into the frontal position thus creating ample space for luggage between seats and the engine compartment. The Multipla could carry six passengers, in three rows of seats. The folding row was set at the middle for easy access.
This rather off the wall vehicle is for sure the real precursor of all modern SUV s

Lego Auto Fleet Collection

2012-02-27T08:16:00.003-08:00

The passion for old cars can be seen sometimes in childhood. In adulthood few affluent realise your dreams accumulating some or several copies in shiny Collections.

This world passion manifests itself in more hands, skilled in art form through perfect miniatures of faithful classic vehicles. Each one in its style and in a variety of shapes and materials: wood, Tin, recyclable materials, paper and even rusty vehicle parts.

For the not so skillful, however patients, here is an excellent option:

Shelby Cobra

VW Vanagon 23 window

1960 Chevy Impala Sport

Vintage Auto Deal

2012-02-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

1964 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE 426 HEMI 4 SPEED A990 SUPERSTOCK

VIN# 32411613101 of only 31 ever produced.

Life long California car.

100% rust free. never hit. Bone straight.

No cutting or tubbing or anything else.

Only 29000 original miles on this body.

The only mod being that the frame is tied for extra strength. This car was repainted by the factory with original factory single stage paint!

Originally a 426 wedge car now a 426 Hemi bored and stroked to 528 cubic inches.

We used an old generation Mopar performance siamese block and had it bored and plate honed and used Mopar performance 10.25 to 1 hemi pistons with Dykes file fit rings. Rods are restored factory original resized with ARP bolts. New Eagle Hemi crank set up by Henri Velasco using Mallory metal for balancing and is fully knife edged and polished for a perfect reciprocating mass.

We used a custom grind Ultradyne cam, Full groove Hemi bearings and a lightweight billet electronic distributor with chrome race module (well hidden).Fully restored original 1964 hemi K heads that are surface squared ported and polished lightly to perfection.

Comes with new hardened seats Manley valves teflon seals and isky springs and retainers and Milodon tube seals and Taylor 8mm wires all brand new.

Literally everything is blueprinted and balanced to perfection including rings bearings and all moving parts and mating surfaces.

Correct 1964 A990 Hemi crossram with original Holley 3116, 770 CFM Race Hemi carbs with original factory A990 air cleaner!Factory fan assembly with original A990 Hemi light weight water pump housing. Lightwieght high performance starter. 1964 426 Hemi radiator with correct numbers.The list goes on and on. Well over 50K in motor alone!

The tranny is a numbers correct original aluminum light weight 18 spline Hemi 4 speed! 1 of only 13 built! with NOS shifter handle! It has the original lightweight A990 flywheel with factory STEEL race scattershield with matching bottom cover!All the above was fully built by none other than Hemi George ace Mopar race engine builder for 4 decades.

The exhaust is TTI 3" aluminized exhaust going all the way back. with new mufflersThe engine has been bench dyno fired timed and tuned and cam broken in. Its making 710 HP and 700 lbs torque.

Factory 1966 8 3/4 rear end so no tapered axels. 391 Posi Sure Grip differential and new factory super stock leaf springs. Brand new complete updated disc brake conversion system for front end with original rear end drum brakes. All brake lines and components are new.All front end and suspension components are new. This engine is mounted on a new Hemi B body K member not a conversion kit!

New gas tank and sender and fuel lines all the way up.Correct A990 interior from Gary Ball with A990 package tray and rear seat delete. Heater, Wiper, radio, pushbutton delets in place. original NHRA 6 point roll cage.

New molded 4 speed carpet. It comes with AMERICAN 14 X 8 torque thrust D wheels and Cobra tires.Almost all the trim has been fully refurbished with a few things still needing final polishing. Bumpers are all rechromed etc.

Some of the window wing stainless etc will need the stainless redone but its all mostly done.All new firewall components. Excellent original wiring harnesses refurbished.Im just wrapping the car up and its nearly ready to fire and drive. Im still doing small stuff like adjusting glass handling door handles and locks testing the brake modules and dialing it all in. This will be completed very shortly and this will be a full operational driver.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE

Frankfurt Auto Show 2011

2011-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

The 64th International Motor Show 2011 in Frankfurt Germany.

September 15^th - 25^th, 2011

The 64th International Motor Show (IAA), also known at the Frankfurt Auto Show, was officially opened Thursday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The slogan of the IAA for 2011 is “Future comes as standard.”

“As the world’s most important trade fair for mobility, the IAA offers a unique program including 183 world premieres,” said the IAA’s Matthias Wissmann at the opening press conference in Frankfurt am Main on Monday “The automotive manufacturers alone are presenting 89 world premieres. Over half of them, 45 in fact, are from German group brands. And the suppliers have 94 world premieres here.”

In total, 1,012 exhibitors from 32 countries are at the show.

The amount of exhibition space comes to 235,000 square meters and is a new record.”

History
The start of the IAA took place more than 110 years ago. In 1897, only 8 motor vehicles were exhibited to the public at the Bristol Hotel in Berlin. Due to its high visitor and exhibitor turnout, the IAA was developed into a yearly alternating exhibition of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in 1991.

The Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA Cars) is the world's most comprehensive show of the automotive industry for everybody who develops, manufactures or uses passenger cars.

My Friend Andy was there and sent us great shots

A proven way to increase your money smartly and quickly

2011-06-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

A proven way to increase your money smartly and quickly. China has a population of 1.2 billion people or more. They also have a growing middle class that is greater than the entire population of the United States of 375 million plus.

Additionally; China recently lifted a law that prohibited people from owning Gold or Silver; as a matter of fact, the Chinese government is now the largest purchaser of Gold and Silver in the world, as well as encouraging its citizens to buy and own as much Gold and Silver as possible.

The Chinese started minting Gold and Silver coins in very small amounts in the range of 500 to 3,000 pieces per years, whereas the U.S. minted a minimum of 1 million plus Gold and Silver coins.

Most minted Chinese Gold and Silver coins are almost sold out immediately and in a period of 6 months some coins that were bought for $ 1, 500 were later sold in auctions anywhere from $ 15,000 to $ 500,000 or more. This market will get even hotter and the possibility of profitting from it will be unlimited.

Below is a site that gives very simple and to the point information as to what is happening with this market and how anyone might be able to get involved, at the right time at the right place to make some serious money.

All the best,

America Latina

www.pandacollector.com

Brazilian Booze extraordinary !

2011-06-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

Cachaças da Paraíba

So far , so good in Brazil where I had the chance to taste some of the best Cachaças I ever had......you know , south of my beloved Guadalajara , the only beverage I dare to drink besides my Tequila ....anyways this stuff is amazingly delicious and people down here love it with almost everything ....here I tried to show my favorites and share with you .... Saúde !

One Click for TWITTER !

2011-06-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Twitter has launched a new “Follow” button for websites enabling users of the micro blogging service to follow accounts directly from the sites they are visiting. The company says that the one-click button makes it easy for the users to quickly discover the Twitter accounts of their favorite celebrities, athletes and other personalities. On Tuesday when the new feature was announced, more than 50 websites have added the new Follow button.

Until now, for users to follow someone on Twitter they had to click on a twitter link on their website to go to their profile and click on Follow. The new Follow button enables users to subscribe to updates from a website’s account with just one click eliminating the need to click through Twitter to follow the account.

“Using the Follow button is as simple as a single click. You can also see the profile and latest Tweets of the account you want to follow by clicking the username next to the button,” Twitter’s Brian Ellin wrote in a blog post

on Tuesday.

He also explained the benefits that the new Follow button can bring to publishers and brands. “Adding the Follow button to your website and using Twitter to stay connected with your audience is a powerful combination. People who follow your account are much more likely to retweet and engage with your Tweets, and to repeatedly visit your website,” Ellin writes.

Sites such as Fox News, CNN, IMDb, Sports Illustrated and The Wall Street Journal have added the follow buttons to their pages as well as the celebrities like Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and many others. Twitter says that adding the Follow Button to your website is quick and easy. If you want to add the Follow Button to your website, you can configure it at this link.

Brazilian Vintage Cars

2011-06-02T06:37:00.001-07:00

I have been traveling though Brazil and loving it !
It is amazing how beautiful is to visit the Northeast with all amazing beaches, sun, seafood and vintage cars.
Despite staying by the ocean , I have been able to see very well preserved automobiles owned by private collectors almost every week. I always carry my camera and snap shots of them and share with you

Gorgeous vignette by GLOBO TV for Carnaval 2011

2011-02-28T04:21:00.000-08:00

....meanwhile on the Brazilian TV screens samba is going on strong !

The Derelict

2011-02-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Wabi-sabi (??)-The Japanese concept of beauty that acknowledges three simple realities:                       Nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.

ICON is an automotive concept that knows no bounds in the hands of the dynamic Jonathan Ward.Venerable Hot Rod magazine has chosen Jonathan Ward's wabi-sabi creation, the Derelict,as the cover story for their April issue.
Hot Rod calls the Derelict "...One of the bestand most unique daily drivers we've ever experienced."Click here to read Hot Rod's article on the Derelict.
Click here to watch the Derelict on Jay Leno's Garage.

Contact Jonathan Ward to discuss your Special Project.

Great Seat Belt Commercial

2010-05-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

Alpine Imprint RLS Demo Car based on Mercedes-Benz R500 review:

2010-03-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

Alpine Imprint RLS Demo Car based on Mercedes-Benz R500 review:

The birth of the IMPRINT RLS marks the beginning of a new sonic era. While the exterior flaunts a sleek, elegant, one-of-a-kind style, the interior also houses the core Alpine IMPRINT sound technology, making its mark as the absolute show-stopping vehicle.

The IMPRINT RLS by birthright started off as a Mercedes Benz R500, and was slowly morphed into a car that transcends all laws of space and time. This futuristic concept-like car was brought to life by Alpine’s Advanced Application R&D team, Steve Brown, Gary Bell, Brent Davison with the help of Alpine Canada’s Glen Swackhamer and Rino Odorico.

Breathing life into the RLS required a complete dismantling, relocating, building, and reinforcing experiment. Extreme modifications include gas and brake pedal relocation to allow the car to be driven from either front seat. To continue Alpine tradition of unconventional door and seat combinations, the IMPRINT RLS features a unique rotating assembly allowing suicide doors to swing into the vehicle with the seat attached. In addition to motorized seats, there’s motorization going on in the rear with a custom motorized amp rack. This rack houses 6 PDX amplifiers that power the entire sound system and stealthily rotate out of the back of the SUV.

The body itself took massive hours of fiberglass, duraglass, grinding, primering, sanding, you name it. The end result bodes well for elegance as sleek lines and shadows define intricate details. A custom-mixed Carrizma Candy Cherry Cola paint gives the car a luminous effect, you’d swear the IMPRINT RLS dances depending on how much light shines on it. While the RLS is getting its groove on, you can’t miss its shoes: massive 26” and 30” custom TIS model 01 wheels.

The interior compliments the sophisticated theme with details such as Italian leather, rich Burl Wood inserts. Near the center console, a unique gauge pod with a custom clock and autometer gauges deliver the car’s vital signs. Continuous movement from the clock lets you know the IMPRINT RLS is alive and kicking. But most importantly, the interior was strictly designed to house the best sound possible with IMPRINT sound technology.

While the car itself will turn heads based on looks alone, it’s the sound quality inside that truly demonstrates Alpine IMPRINT sound architecture. The heart and brain of the IMPRINT RLS system unfolds from the Alpine CDA-9887, the new and true IMPRINT sound tuning head unit. The built in processor has over 500 adjustments for frequency and measures and adjusts time correction for you when hooked to the IMPRINT Specialist Tuning Kit. With IMPRINT, special software and microphone help analyze the car’s acoustical problems and automatically tunes the system for optimal sound processing. Not only does this cut down tuning time to less than half an hour, but it also achieves drastically improved sound stage, tonal balance and definition.

The sound systems supporting cast includes the motorized PDX amplifiers, as mentioned, as well as SPX-17REF component speakers arranged in a D`Appolito configuration, and four SPX-1043D subwoofers to please all listeners. Added options include the Alpine KCA-SC100 which controls a SIRIUS Satellite Radio Sportster 4, and Alpine KCE-422i Full Speed connection for iPod for quick access of Apple Lossless-encoded music for a high-quality digital music experience.

Adjusting Your Car Mirrors

2010-03-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

The life cycle of the Mercedes

2010-02-16T19:10:00.001-08:00

Mi Casa es Su Casa

2010-02-11T08:55:00.000-08:00