Bogota Fiesta-Adios

Nada[ita],Fernando and Lorelle.
51 years and "still celebrating"

Hello, Friends and family. This might be my last posting to this "blog" as Nada and I are returning to Suwanee on Tuesday, March 01. If anything happens between then and now, I will surely add to the "blog".

In any case, I hope that we have given all blog followers, a little taste of what we do, and rave about when we talk about our experiences "South of the Border".

Be sure you always click on "older Posts" at the end of each set of pictures, as that takes you to the previous "postings" The system only allows 5 pictures at a time. Today's posting includes probably

25-30 pictures of a day at the Vintage Car Rallye in Bogota.

Best wishes to all,

Bob [Gringo]

Bogota Antique Car Rallye

SL 55 AMG Mercedes and Fernando. My "ride" to the show! He let me drive back to Bogota. I really did not "unleash" all 500 horsepower, as I was afraid, he may ask me to contribute "gas money".
This is a real collectors Rolls. The body from the hood back is covered with black leather.
This contrasts luxury vs #8 Ford Racing car. Note the line of Vintage cars in attendance that are just parked and not in "the Show"

Still some more !!

This is your kind of "Ride"!
It is a good thing that this is not a real race!
OK, Corvette "buffs", this is an early Vette? Year 19__?
The only thing, I can tell you on this early racer is an in-line 6 cylinder, and sounds great on the track !
Number 8 !! But look at the paint job!

More Antique Cars-Bogota, Colombia

All of us will recognize this one ! 1955 Chev BelAire. Listening to this one on the track, reminded me of some experiences from years past! A "great" retoration!
OK, this is a TEST. who can tell me the name of this US made vehicle, from the interior view???

I will give you a hint. It was manufactured in South Bend.
Glad you WON ! Here it is. and I have not seen one for ?????years.
A Ferrari ! Even at this intage, I can't afford.
Starting line. Numerous Corvettes.

More Antique Cars

In the "Pits", Vehicles take 4-5 laps around race track, behind Pace Car, and not actually under race condition. Cars are much too valuable to risk damage. In fact, I saw some cars on the track with families, girlfriends, "old retired guys" [like yours truly] just cruising and excercising their cars.

These two particlar cars were, in my opinion, truly beautiful examples of vintage cars. Most of you will recognize the 1958 MGA [green forefront] and the 1960's Jaguar XJ?
Another "top line restoration" Jaguar. A line of Porsche behind.
Is'nt this one "great" ? Check out the tan leather interior !

Antique Car Rallye-Bogota

This is a Ford racing car. This owner and car has competed and shown this vehicle throughout South America and Europe. See decals from events on drivers side and events listed on hood.


Another Ford.
Perfect shape and running condition. One reason there is so much interest in restoring cars in Colombia is simply available talented labor and labor costs. Their work is incredible !

Street Vendor at Bull Fight

Porsche Club Road Rallye

Bogota Porsche Club Members at lunch. This was soft drinks and Ice tea for sure!
Speed on public highways is not a big deal? We essentially "raced" 100 miles [one way] on main public roads, dealing with car, truck, motorcycle, and a few horse carts in the mix. The National Army/Police are rarely visible, but sometime do set up roadblocks to check registration, etc.
The above is a Porsche G-2 . Really fast ! Owned by a friend of Fernando. He passed us numerous times, as he and Fernando are competitive. We were doing 230 K's, and he left us standing still.
Above is 2009 Ferrari, 12 cylinder. In this country, by the time you pay purchase price and import duty, you could easily have $ 300,000 ++invested.
This is Fernando's ride. A Carrera convertible and capable of more speed and power than I can handle!

Bogota Bull Fight

Bull fight in Bogota on Sunday, 01/30/2011.
The main attraction was the Young Spanish Bull Fighter, some of you, may have seen on US television recently. He is Pablo Hermoso. He and his trained horses [travels with 8] fight the bull from horseback, including the "kill". These horses are unbelievable, as they challenge and tease the bull. Occassionally the is able to "chase" the horse, never catching, because the horse will out smart the bull.

Modern apartment building and old Bull Ring in the Central District of Bogota.
Really spectatadors.

Inside Stables

Only "dreaming".....Nada said they would not look good at home ?
This is an Ireland import..Used only for pulling antique carriage. Beautiful, but requires "hair dresser"

Horse Stable

Horse Stable adjoins Spa property

Hiro has "world class" horses and for that matter, probably "first class" accomodations.....? Take a look. He has about 100 horses stabled here and another 80-90 on adjoining ranch.

Views of International Spa

Courtyard of main personal residence