A fine winter morning with a 1977 McLaren F1

 

(Photo by Terry Parkhurst)

Seattle is the city most people associate with caffeine, thanks to a certain Mr. Howard Schultz. But south, about 40 miles south, in the city of Tacoma, the first Saturday of every month sees a mix of Caffeine and Gasoline. That's where people mix both – figuratively speaking – at meet-ups on the four acres of a retail facility owned by major car guy, and detailing entrepreneur, Richard Griot.

 
(Photo by Terry Parkhurst)

On the first Saturday of January, between 8 and 10 am, about 200 enthusiasts gathered to see and hear a 1977 McLaren M23-012 F1 car's 490 horsepower Cosworth-Ford DOHC V8 break the morning silence. The McLaren is one of several owned by Griot.

After its second run in place, the McLaren F1 was parked inside what's known as the “car care school” area, which measures 1,570 square feet. There's also a 3,200 square foot auto display area, where you can find other race cars owned by Griot such as a 1967 McLaren M6A, joined by a 1968 McLaren M4A, a 1972 Lola T290 and a 1985 Porsche 962C.

 
(Photo by Terry Parkhurst)  

Also featured are cars from other notables, such as Peter Brock's “Datzilla,” a vintage Datsun 510 with a small block V8 situated inside the engine bay. Call it the ultimate example of Brock Racing Enterprises DNA.

 

(Photos by Terry Parkhurst)

 

Out in the parking area, in front of the 1,700 square foot retail store, there was an eclectic mix of automobiles expressly convened for those who love the sound of engines in the morning.

 
A crowd gathered around the 1964 Buick Skylark of Jason Rushforth; whose engine bay featured a transplanted 6 liter LS2 V8. (Photos by Terry Parkhurst)

“This is just what I need in my '87 Chevy tow truck,” said a fellow enthusiast. “It's got a mellow sound with a nice lope to it.”

 
Rushforth assured those interested that, “It's very stout, very reliable. You can look at www.LS1 Tech.com and on the conversion section of that forum; you can literally have mailed to your front door an engine with 1,000 horsepower that will go into anything.”

That interchange of ideas goes with the territory, at these ultimate enthusiast events the first Saturday of every month. The featured car for February's gathering is a 1967 McLaren M6A built for the '67 Can-Am series. Expect to hear the sound of a race engine at full chat, sometime early on that day, just west of the I5 freeway. - Terry Parkhurst

 Note: Griot's Garage is located at 3333 South 38th Street in Tacoma, Washington. Caffiene and Gasoline events start at 8 a.m. and last until 10 a.m. Telephone for the facility is (888) 246-2646.

Suggested websites: www.ls1tech.com for information on engine transplants as described by Jason Rushforth; http://www.bre2.net/ for information on Peter Brock, his designs and photos; and www.JasonRushforth.com.

 

 

Comments

[Peter Brock]

A McLaren F1 car and a Datsun 510, with a Chevy V8! That's a pretty eclectic spectrum of automotive art. Griot's is to be complimented for their support of America's greatest passion, the automobile. It flourishes here in more wonderful forms than anywhere on earth.

[Roger Grotewold]

I have seen advertisements in my various automotive magazines that list enterprises with the Griot name. These businesses lists many of the better detailing products that are associated with keeping your automotive vehicles in prime condition. It certainly adds credibility to Mr Griot's business ventures to see that he is such an automotive enthusiast as well. That he shares this interest with the public is even more commendable.

I must also commend Mr. Parkhurst for finding this automotive collection and writing this excellent article that enlightens the public about Mr. Griot's automotive endeavors.

[moncler coats]

I "like" you on Facebook. Would love these for my oldest boy!