Automotive Blue Silver Collection Overview
Automotive

Automotive Blue Silver Collection Overview

By cazalea · Mar 4, 2021 · 20 replies
cazalea
WPS member · Automotive forum
20 replies4277 views23 photos
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In this captivating post, cazalea takes us on an unexpected journey to retrieve a friend's Shelby KR500. His narrative beautifully captures the essence of a road trip through Southern California's diverse landscapes, blending automotive passion with scenic exploration. Readers will appreciate his detailed account of the drive and the unique vehicles encountered along the way, culminating in the highly anticipated reveal of the Shelby.

A friend asked me to help retrieve a car from his dry storage facility. 
I said, "What Car?" and he said, "My Shelby KR500". "Count me in" I reply. 
The catch is the car is down in Palm Springs and we'll have to drive down in his Porsche. Oh well.



It was cloudy when we set off from home in the Macan S. We decided to take the back way also known as "over the hill" or "the twisty way".



It's not exactly 21st century territory. 



More like 1850's.



Hey! We found the source of the Blooming Monsters in the Wilderness revealed in my White Van Man Journeys of 5 years ago!



We talked to one of the artists and learned 1, everything here is for sale, 2. shipment and installation available, and 3. today is the day to make a deal.



Sadly, we didn't have time to buy a T-Rex, or stop at the Cahuilla Casino, because we had an important appointment.



And despite being in the Porsche, we couldn't make good time in these mountains. Too much to see and a few too many cars.



 No masks up here though, at the Paradise Valley Cafe. No BMWs either, despite the Roundel on the front of the Cafe.



We left the forests and entered the high desert terrain.



Keeping an eye out for Borrego (wild bighorn sheep)



and absolutely nut-case bicyclists dicing it up with trucks on a windy cliffside road that challenged even the Porsche.



Surviving the trip, we pulled into the parking lot to see a LIMITED EDITION (400 units) Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. In 1957 this was the most expensive production car in the US - about $14,000 when a R-R was $10,000.



Today this car is $140,000. Note the nifty hinged covers on the dashboard air vents, and the unique little lenses poking out of the dash to show your blinker is working.



Notice the progression of the fins from Stubby to Dangerously Graceful in just a year or two. I would have loved to have been around then, in the Fifties. (Oh wait, I was). 
Notice the suicide doors on the Brougham, and the stainless steel top.



Interior of the yellow car is very nice, but not like the burgundy one.



There's a 12 foot-long rear quarter panel!



There were a few more inside the warehouse. It doesn't look too fancy -- most of the money paid for storage here goes to heating and air conditioning in the summer. The ceiling insulation is being replaced, so most of the cars have been moved out of this side, including the Mustang and Mini. 

Bright yellow Toronado shares a rack with Clenet Neo-classic, and a neo-Tbird.



Porsche, M-B, Avanti and Allante -- quite the mix.



Here we have a Lincoln Continental, Cadillac and Willys (?) Notice the shiny ceiling, to keep in the cool air.



Enough of that stuff. My friend’s John Cooper Works Mini was pulled up onto a flatbed for shipment to the dealership. 


I pumped up the original tires on this 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra 500 King of the Road.



The plan was for me to get the Shelby back over the mountains to San Diego in one piece, while my pal followed the tow truck to Ontario, checked in his not-running Mini, and then came south.



What could go wrong with a car like this under me?

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR

“King of the Road” GT500 was a GT500 shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas, where upfitting to KR status was performed. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 was enhanced with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack to boost horsepower to 540 and torque to 510 foot-pounds. The added power came via revised ignition and air/fuel calibration, a Ford Racing-inspired dual exhaust and a cold-air intake system specially designed for the KR’s carbon fiber hood.

Engine
Type: 90-degree DOHC supercharged V-8
Displacement: 5.4 liters / 330 cid
Horsepower: 540 hp @ 6,250 RPM
Torque: 510 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
Bore x Stroke 90.22mm x 105.8mm (3.552" x 4.165")
Compression: 8.4:1

Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut, 34-mm tubular sway bar, Ford Racing front strut tower brace, uniquely tuned struts & shocks
Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, Panhard rod, 24-mm solid sway bar and uniquely tuned shocks & springs

Brakes
Front: 14 in. vented Brembo disc, four-piston aluminum caliper
Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
ABS: Four-channel ABS system, with all-speed traction control & electronic braking force distribution

Wheels / Tires
Wheels: Unique GT500KR 18" x 9.5" machined aluminum wheels 
Tires:  Exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires
Front: 255/45Zx18
Rear: 285/40Zx18

Performance
0 – 60 MPH Acceleration: 4.3 seconds 
1/4-mile @ MPH: 12.5 seconds @ 114 mph    

Ah, the Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men ... continued in Part 2



About the Automotive Ref. 250

The Silverstone reference 250 is a notable chronograph within the Automotive brand's offerings, distinguished by its design cues that evoke the spirit of historic motorsport events. This particular reference is recognized for its balanced aesthetic, combining functional elements with a distinct visual identity that sets it apart from other chronographs in the collection. It represents a specific period in the brand's design evolution, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of traditional watchmaking with a dynamic presentation. The model's presence within the broader Automotive catalog highlights its role as a key offering for collectors interested in chronographs with a clear thematic inspiration.

The case of the Silverstone reference 250 is crafted from stainless steel, providing a robust yet refined housing for its automatic movement. The watch features a sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance for the dial. Its construction is designed to offer a practical level of water resistance, suitable for daily wear. The movement within is an automatic chronograph caliber, known for its reliability and precision in timing functions. The power reserve allows for extended operation when not worn, a practical consideration for collectors.

This reference appeals to collectors who value chronographs with a strong thematic connection and a well-executed design. Its position within the Automotive lineup makes it a desirable piece for those seeking a watch that combines technical specifications with a narrative. The Silverstone 250 is often sought after for its specific design elements and its representation of a particular era of the brand's production, making it a distinct entry for a curated collection.

Specifications

Caliber
Calibre 11
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
42mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
CA
cazalea
Mar 4, 2021

I eased the sleepy monster onto the road, and the skies opened up and began pelting Palm Springs with a rare winter rain. Since this was my friend's car, with a massive carbon splitter on it, and hard not-quite-round tires, I decided to take the freeway up to Riverside and back down to San Diego. The mountains can wait for another day. I noticed the SVT (special vehicle team) logo lit up whenever the supercharger began to boost the intake charge. And yes, sharp-eyed readers will notice the car h

CP
Cpt Scarlet
Mar 4, 2021

The Shelby 500KR sounds a blast if it was on new rubber. In the rain on old tires is a recipe for sweaty palms, especially in someone else’s car. Is that a new Corvette I see the last photo ? Thanks for sharing this experience Mike.

CA
cazalea
Mar 4, 2021

But I fear they deceived you in this instance. That is a “no longer new” Corvette 🙂 More info to come...

K-
K-Lo
Mar 4, 2021

It’s rainy out and I am asking you for car sounds while you are driving a rear wheel drive beast 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

CA
cazalea
Mar 4, 2021

I promise you will get a good video soon

CP
Cpt Scarlet
Mar 4, 2021

I’m really pleased for you, congratulations ! Please tell a fellow “old” Corvette owner how you are enjoying it.

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