Super Shows and a Super Bowl

Photo Credits:  Rich “Will” Williams (top 2); hagerty.com (bottom 2)

This weekend, we have a double team of auto shows for our region.  The convention centers in Baltimore and Philadelphia are both hosting their city’s respective auto shows.  I was in Philadelphia on Wednesday and I’ll be in Baltimore on Friday and Saturday to set my eyes on the latest and greatest in the automotive marketplace.  Yesterday in Philly, I repeatedly saw a very pleasing parallel between our gatherings in Hunt Valley.  It was the ‘parent and child’ moments.  One of the major goals of Hunt Valley Horsepower is to set a platform where we, as adults, can pass the torch of automotive enthusiasm to our children…or maybe even our classmates or co-workers.  The best moment occurred when I was viewing the red Porsche GT3 RS [background of top photo].  From over my left shoulder, I heard, “Daddy, I like the blue one!”  I turned to see what was probably a 5-year-old boy pulling his father’s arm in the direction of the blue Porsche Targa.  When I turned with a big grin to face the Targa, the father remarked, “He loves blue.  Now he loves blue sports cars.”  Right there.  That’s it.  Passing the torch. 

Still with a grin on my face, I continued onward to visit with our sponsors – Algar Ferrari of Philadelphia and McLaren Philadelphia.  That previous moment jelled perfectly with the song title that was displayed on the Ferrari F12’s dash – “In Love”.  [2nd photo from top]  That’s our prime directive.  Share the love.  Do your best to pass it forward this weekend in either Baltimore or Philadelphia.

Of course, its also Super Bowl weekend.  It’s the Broncos vs. the Panthers.  If you have no allegiance to either, let’s settle it by going automotive.  We’re all familiar with the iconic Ford Bronco [2nd photo from bottom].  As for the Panther, they manufactured automobiles in the County of Surrey, UK from 1972 to 1990.  By the looks of it, the Broncos would run over the Panthers.    Then again, could the Bronco catch the Panther?  There were a few powerful options
– for the time – under the hood of the J-72 [bottom photo].  The 5.3-liter Jaguar V-12 may carry home the trophy.   For my taste, I’ll take the old-school Bronco.  For football, I’d pick the new-school Panthers.  Happy Super Bowl Sunday!