Aston Martin, Indian Motorcycles, Mooney Mites (111)The name Aston Martin brings to mind sleek, stylish cars with British pedigree and the approval of James Bond himself. Striking looks, bold performance, and the persistence of David Brown kept the company afloat—allowing it to be the success it is today. Join us as we take a look at the new Vanquish, a DB4-GT and a V-8 coupe.
Then, meet the enthusiasts who are making the new Powerplus 100 Chief at the revitalized Indian Motorcycle Corporation, which is looking to recapture the glory of its former years. Spend time with a couple of vintage Indian owners whose passion for their bikes helped keep the spirit of the old company alive.
Learn to admire the smaller things in life at a fly-in hosted by the Porterville, Calif., airport. There, you'll get to know the owners of vintage Mooney Mites—tiny single-seat wooden planes.
Finally, check out the automobiles of one of the most respected collectors in America. Otis Chandler, the former publisher of The Los Angeles Times, is a devoted purist, and his cars and motorcycles are considered some of the finest in the world.
Aston Martin Facts:
- Legend has it that the car's name originated from Lionel Martin's success in the 1914 Aston Clinton Hill Climb.
- James Bond will drive an Aston Martin Vanquish in the next film in the 007 series.
- The base price for the V-12 Vanquish is $228,000.
Contact Information:
Aston Martin
www.astonmartin.com
Indian Motorcycle Facts:
- Indian first began marketing its V-twin-engine motorcycle in 1907.
- In 1913 Indian built the Hendee Special, their first motorcycle with an electric starter and a modern electrical system.
- Prior to World War I, Indian was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The company produced more than 20,000 bikes annually.
- Indian Motorcycle products were out of production from 1953-1999.
- The Chief Roadmaster's MSRP is $22,995.
Contact Information:
Indian Motorcycle Corporation
www.indianmotorcycles.com
Mooney Mite Facts:
- In 1953 the Mite was marketed as the "Wee Scotsman."
- A total of 283 Mites in five different models were built between 1948 and 1955.
- The Mite's speed-to-horsepower ratio made it the most efficient airplane of its day.
Contact Information:
Western Association of Mooney Mites
Ben Favrholdt
757 West Putnam Avenue, #6
Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 782-8925
www.mooneymite.com
Otis Chandler Facts:
- Otis Chandler served as publisher of The Los Angeles Times from 1960 to 1980.
- During Chandler's tenure, the paper won seven Pulitzer Prizes.
- Chandler's first car was a 1939 Ford coupe.
- Chandler's Vintage Museum houses American classics including Duesenberg, Lincoln, Cadillac, and Packard models.
Contact Information:
Vintage Museum
1421 Emerson Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93033
(805) 486-0666
www.chandlerwheels.com
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