Element Owners Club Fall Classic at American Honda HQ

Element Owners Club Fall Classic at American Honda HQ

I hooked up with the SoCal Chapter of the Elements Owners Cub for their Fall Classic Meet at the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Headquarters in Torrance, California.  It’s not often that you have an opportunity to hang out with close to 40 “Original Box” enthusiasts who are seriously passionate about their rides!Honda’s point man was Chris Martin who is part of National Media Relations and Community Outreach for American Honda, and Jeff Smith of the Element Owners Club.  Needless to say this was a Honda joint, so every thing was totally ‘first class.’ Chris and his crew not only showed us a great time, but they were also interested in each owner’s Element experience and personal vehicle satisfaction.The main reason that I was amped to be there is that American Honda has a “Private Collection” of special vehicles and motorcycles that they have collected over the years from when they opened their first American store front on June 11, 1959.This collection is not opened to the public and it is not located on the Honda HQ campus. We caravanned to an undisclosed location in a nondescript industrial park, to an unmarked building where Honda has this fantastic collection stored and maintained. First of all, not only were we all thrilled to be there, but Honda went a step further and surprised us with the ‘In N’ Out’ Burger truck waiting for us! Chris gave us an informative presentation about the collection itself and then we were ready to go in and actually see it.  “WOW” is not even an adequate enough word to describe how truly incredible this collection is. A better word would have to be “DaYUUM!!!!!!”  Honda has proto types there, and even actual race cars they’ve campaigned in competition. They have show cars, motorcycles, and individual rides that they have taken right off the assembly line, like the first Acura Legend, and the last NSX. These rides will forever be preserved for future generations as a testament of Honda ingenuity, and their commitment to value and automotive engineering. Starting with the Honda N600 in 1970 and all the way to the 2012 model year, Honda has done it all. Everything from the CART Series, Formula One, Honda Performance Development, Indy Car Series, American Le Mans Series, and ‘the granddaddy of them all,’ the Indianapolis 500.  Well, it is all represented in this remarkable collection. At least we can share some pix with you and give you and give you an idea of its magnificence! Again, all I can say is “DaYUUM!!!”Chief DéMarks

C.A.M.E. - Celebrity and Model Expo 2011

C.A.M.E. - Celebrity and Model Expo 2011


Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon

Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon