Our display at the 2014 Silicon Valley Auto Show was well received by the public since opening last Thursday. Z Car Garage has been invited to this show for almost a decade but this year was especially exciting for us. Traditionally we have been staged outside of the main building in a venue called Aftermarket Alley, but this year we had our very own spot on the main show floor alongside the big automakers! Missed the show? Let us fill you in on the fun…

 

“Z” marks the spot on the show map!  Our 2500 sq.ft area was nicely framed by Scion, Fiat and Chrysler’s displays.  It was great to see the excitement and hear the comments from people. Our cars really stirred some emotions in a sea of new car blandness 🙂 Show go’ers admiring the Z’s were treated to some ZCG swag in the form of stickers, lanyards and tote bags:

 

Let’s meet the beautiful stars of our display. We feel it was a great mix of modern and vintage cars, all made possible by their awesome owners who set aside time to help us out…Thank You!

In the very center was Ken’s 300zx Twin-Turbo, now sporting WORK wheels:

 

Mildly dropped on Swift springs, George’s Nismo 370z was looking just right:

 

The Ashby’s Vortech supercharged 350z with sweet VOLK LE28Ns framing Stoptech calipers:

 

Rob J’s 1971 Datsun 240z with Porsche “Big Red” calipers peeking beneath the Panasports and beefy RS-3 rubber was looking pretty. After a recent track day Rob is coming to ZCG for our 240sx transmission upgrade!

 

People did a double-take when they noticed the RHD of Lou’s FairladyZ. Recaro seats, 300hp 3.2L motor, full suspension hunkered down on massive Panasport C8s…the total package!

 

It’s hard to miss Patrick’s Time Attack 350z with its bright Porsche orange paintwork and requisite aero. He’s an amazing driver with many podium finishes!

 

Our display ends with the trifecta of Skylines…
David’s R32 debuted in 2013 after being non-operational for years. Four-wheel Stoptech brakes, full suspension, and a full RB26DETT rebuild are just a few highlights of Godzilla:

 

We were definitely proud to show the only R35 in the building thanks to Walt’s GT-R. We really need to update you on this beast as it now has full JRZ suspension and gorgeous ADVAN Racing GT wheels:

 

Heads turned and people gawked at Gary’s 1971 Skyline. The Hakosuka received a full 300hp Rebello drivetrain upgrade and tons of details that Gary is awesome at executing. The latest? An OEM Nissan 8-track player that sits perfectly in the center console!

 

As Sunday evening came to a close the Auto Show was over and we had to unload our vehicles. Thanks to the SJ Auto Show and to all of our customers for helping out. This event was memorable and we hope to do it again in 2015!

Check the gallery for more pictures!
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City Tech is hosting another great track day event at Thunderhill 2/1/14. We love running with this group as they offer tons of track for a great price. The early bird rate is an amazing $99 so register ASAP at SpeedSF.com.

 

Happy New Year! Z Car Garage will have a multi-car display at this year’s Silicon Valley Auto Show Thursday, January 9 through Sunday, January 12 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Traditionally we’ve been displaying our cars in the satellite building called “Aftermarket Alley” but this year we are really excited to be on the main show floor!  Come check us out at the show this week and watch some Z-cars mix it up with the latest offerings from your favorite automakers 🙂

 

I’ve never been a fan of watching football so when I heard about the Anti-Football Run last year through our friends at Bring A Trailer I knew exactly what I wanted to do on this New Year’s Day. I woke up at 6:30am to make the 70mile drive to Sausalito by 8am–the starting point of the run. Stay indoors in the warmth of a cozy bed or jump in the roadster and partake in a vintage car rallye? Let’s do this!

 

Arriving in downtown Sausalito I was greeted to the sights and sounds of classic cars everywhere. I was truly a kid in a candy store. Parked the roadster, registered and got my route sheet: 120 miles of fun ahead!  The parking lots and streets were lined with impressive machinery so I will highlight a few cars. Please check the extensive photo gallery as I probably snapped pics of your ride!

Being a J-Tin fan I was totally stoked to find two fellow Datsun Roadsters. The silver car is Mike Young’s lovingly restored 1967 2000:

 

Yes, in a sea of Euro and American iron there were a few little Japanese gems like these MKII and MKIV Supras. Sadly, I did not spot any Z-cars or 510s 🙁

If you are a fan of Alfas this year’s showing was impressive. A handful of Giuliettas, even a Sprint Speciale, a bunch of GTVs and Berlinas.

Red, White and Blue. I love Italy:

 

 

BaT alumni sinister black 911 and RS:

 

I love vintage BMWs and 2002s were abundant.  My favorite was this brilliant E9 with modern wheels that somehow looked perfect.

 

Crowd favorites had to be the Lamborgini Miura and Gullwing Benz. This Jag however drew attention as well. I will save my personal favorite for later 🙂

 

Not just for sports cars! Michael E of Luche Libre Racing fame ran his FJ and check out the Archer and VW!

 

And finally the “quirky” and “never seen one before” cars:

 

The best part of this gathering? It’s not just another car show for the idle… …[read more]

The crew at Z Car Garage would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year! We are stoked for 2014 and look forward to helping our customers Enjoy The Ride. Can you believe that ZCG will be 10 years old in the New Year? Here are a few pictures to recap an amazing and eventfull 2013, enjoy!

Can’t view the video or want full res pics? Click on the gallery below:
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