Our Brazilian correspondent, my cousin and good friend, Sérgio Devens Florentino, visited a very traditional classic car gathering in Brazil, Opalapa. The Opalapa is dedicated to the most beloved car produced in the country, the Chevrolet Opala. The 2025 event, the 12th edition, occurred on November 22-23, drawing hundreds of these iconic Brazilian classic carsContinue reading “Sergio’s Pictures – Opalapa 2025”
Author Archives: Rubens Junior
The 2008 Crashgate – Formula One’s Darkest Moment
On July 20, 2008, the German Grand Prix, the 10th race of the Formula One season, was held at the legendary Hockenheim circuit. The exciting race showcased the mastery of the young Lewis Hamilton, who won the race, and also highlighted the promising rookie Nelson Piquet Jr., son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, whoContinue reading “The 2008 Crashgate – Formula One’s Darkest Moment”
Catch of the Day – 1969 Dodge Coronet.
This is a very special picture that brings me some good memories. I took it during our trip when we moved from Markham, ON, to Edmonton, AB, in July 2024. I spotted the car as we stopped to refuel at Terrace Bay, ON, known for its lighthouse, by the side of the road. The EssoContinue reading “Catch of the Day – 1969 Dodge Coronet.”
Lancia Stratos
It is no easy task trying to understand the importance of rally in the European motorsport universe. For us, North and South Americans, we are more used to enjoy speed over a smooth pavement, with guard rails and tire cushions on the corners. While we do appreciate rally racing, we don’t have the same levelContinue reading “Lancia Stratos”
Catch of the Day – 1968 Pontiac Firebird
When Ford launched the Mustang in 1965 (or 1964 1/2, if you prefer), the company anticipated selling around 100,000 cars in its first year. However, after 12 months, Ford had sold over 400,000 units. The Mustang was exactly what young customers were looking for at the time: a compact car that offered personality, decent performance,Continue reading “Catch of the Day – 1968 Pontiac Firebird”
Classic Rock – Hotel California
Rock and Roll has been around for quite some time now. Over the years, an enormous number of musicians attempted to make a living playing the most thrilling musical genre ever, often lured by tales of glory and fortune. In rock’n roll history, some bands struggle to take off, while others achieve stardom at lightningContinue reading “Classic Rock – Hotel California”
Alberta Aviation Museum
Last August, as part of my 56th birthday celebration (it does sound like I am an important person), my wife and I visited the Alberta Aviation Museum. This museum is one of Edmonton’s prides and joys; it is housed in the historic Hangar 14, one of the last two remaining examples of a ‘double-double’ WWIIContinue reading “Alberta Aviation Museum”
Catch of the Day – First Gen Dodge Charger.
The Dodge Charger is one of those cars that has transcended into immortality. Considering some hiatus periods, the car has been around since 1966 and is now in its 8th generation. The Charger has seen some ups and downs during its career, but so have the Mustang and the Camaro, so we are kinda evenContinue reading “Catch of the Day – First Gen Dodge Charger.”
Voyager
On June 3, 1969, fans of Star Trek watched the final episode of the classic TV series, marking the end of an iconic show after just three seasons. It took ten years to reunite the original cast for another bold adventure, this time on the big screen. In 1979, Star Trek—The Motion Picture was released.Continue reading “Voyager”
Sergio’s Pictures – Sao Bento do Sul – 2025
Our Brazilian correspondent, my cousin and good friend Sérgio D. Florentino, visited one of the most traditional classic car shows in southern Brazil, the “Encontro de Veiculos Antigos de São Bento do Sul,” which celebrates its 20th edition this year. July means winter time in the Southern Hemisphere and the fact this event holds mostContinue reading “Sergio’s Pictures – Sao Bento do Sul – 2025”
The 2025 Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo
The 2025 WEC season is in full swing, and the fifth race of the calendar took place in Brazil on July 13, 2025. The race track could not be any other than the iconic Interlagos, in the city of São Paulo, the place which we Brazilians call “our sacred temple of speed.” The race willContinue reading “The 2025 Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo”
Catch of the Day – Mazda MX3
Wow, this picture was taken on February 2015, in Brazil. Time really flies, even when you’re not having fun. The car is a 1990s Mazda MX3; I can’t tell the exact year. Even if it is not a common sight in Brazil, it is not the kind of car I would take time to photograph.Continue reading “Catch of the Day – Mazda MX3”
The Pilot Who Stole a MiG-25
Even if you are not interested in military history, chances are that you have heard something about a soldier or a civilian who, miraculously, escaped from the chains of a communist regime and started a much better life in the Western hemisphere. History records numerous accounts like this, especially during the Cold War. Although everyContinue reading “The Pilot Who Stole a MiG-25”
Father’s Day Car Show 2025
On Father’s Day 2025, my wife and I attended our first classic car meeting in Edmonton, our new Canadian hometown. It was a wonderful sunny Sunday, and the place was packed. Go Infiniti South Edmonton, the dealership where I work, was one of the show’s main sponsors, which was another good reason for me toContinue reading “Father’s Day Car Show 2025”
Catch of the Day – VW SP2
In my first post of this series, I praised the pictures that we, car enthusiasts, take of classic cars we discover on the streets and in parking lots—essentially, in the wild. Yet, here I am, breaking my own rule in this second post. However, I believe this car truly deserves the exception. Today’s catch isContinue reading “Catch of the Day – VW SP2”
Classic Rock – The Feud Between Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd:
The history of racism in the United States is full of unimaginable pain and suffering. The journey that minorities had to endure to achieve fundamental human rights was long and fraught with deception. Now that 77,302,580 Americans have voted for a certified white supremacist, all those hard-fought rights are at risk. I do not intendContinue reading “Classic Rock – The Feud Between Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd:”
Catch of the Day – 1973 Dodge Dart.
Capturing photos of interesting cars is irresistible for any automotive enthusiast. I have hundreds of pictures taken at numerous car shows and races. After all, the vehicles at these events are well-presented, in most cases perfectly parked, and ready to be photographed, much to the delight of their owners. The only challenge is to waitContinue reading “Catch of the Day – 1973 Dodge Dart.”
The Classic Machines 