Ferrari Unveils Two Special Project Cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed

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As the owner of the San Francisco-based GMP Cars, LLC, Geoffrey “Geoff” Palermo oversees a network of luxury automobile service centers throughout the Bay Area. In addition to managing eight business locations, Geoffrey Palermo serves as a member of the Board of the Ferrari Owners Group and follows Ferrari racing events around the world.

The Goodwood Motor Circuit, a UK racing circuit with a 50-year history, recently held its annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, which showcased several different Ferrari models. One of the most talked-about moments of the festival was when Ferrari unveiled two new special project cars to the public for the first time.

The first, commissioned by Hong Kong entrepreneur TK Mak, was the Ferrari P80/C. Based on the 488 GT3 chassis, the P80/C project car enjoyed the longest development time of any Ferrari one-off to date.

Ferrari also unveiled the one-off SP3JC, which was commissioned by Talacrest owner John Collins. The SP3JC was based on the Ferrari F12tdf’s chassis and running gear and resembles the open-air motoring experience of Ferrari’s V12-engine spiders, which debuted in the 1950s.

In addition to the special project cars, Festival of Speed attendees had the chance to watch antique racing specimens in action, such as the 1950 166 MM Barchetta, the 1953 250 MM, and the 1962 250 GTO.

BMW Reports Strong Sales Growth for First Half of 2019

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As the owner of GMP Cars, LLC, Geoffrey “Geoff” Palermo manages a growing automotive business that includes eight exotic vehicle restoration and repair shops throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As part of its business expansion plans, Geoffrey Palermo’s company recently acquired German Collision, which is San Francisco County's only certified BMW repair shop.

One of the most popular luxury car brands, BMW recently reported strong sales growth in 2019. Over the first half of the year, the company saw car sales rise 0.8 percent worldwide. With more than 1.25 million BMWs delivered to buyers, the first two quarters of 2019 set a company sales record for the first half of the year. In addition, the month of June broke records for the company, with more than 203,523 units sold, the most ever in the month of June.

The positive sales results are partially attributed to the rollout of new models, said Pieter Nota, member of the BMW AG Board of Management. The new X family vehicles are among the best-selling models, with sales figures for those models up more than 23 percent compared to the first half of 2018.

Three of the Most Prominent Car Shows in the US

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Formerly holding leadership roles in the hospitality sector, Geoffrey "Geoff" Palermo founded GMP Cars, LLC, in 2016 and now manages eight collision-repair shops in California's Bay Area. Beyond managing these shops, Geoffrey Palermo enjoys racing Ferraris as part of the Ferrari Challenge series and attending various car shows.

There is no shortage of car show options in the US for classic, luxury, and even offbeat automobile enthusiasts. Below are three prominent shows to consider attending:

1. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - The premier event of the annual Monterey Car Week in California, the Concours takes place on the third Sunday in August at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Because of the event's reputation and popularity, it has been known to feature product reveals from prominent manufacturers.

2. Woodward Dream Cruise - The Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit attracts the largest gathering of classic cars in any one place, as more than 40,000 are on display during the third Saturday of August. In addition, more than a million people attend a parade-like showcase of the vehicles as they cruise Woodward Avenue.

3. HooptieCon - Launched in 2018, this event is already earning distinction as the "ComicCon of cars" for its diverse and unique selection of vehicles. In addition to pre-1965 traditional hot rods, it attracts and celebrates "the oddball, mundane, and truly awful of the automotive world." The 2019 event featured two separate shows, one on the West Coast in March and the other on the East Coast in June.

The Rare Shelby Cobras of the Early to Mid-1960s

Guiding GMP Cars., Geoffrey Palermo has experience in exotic upgrades and restorations designed to bring luxury automobiles to peak performance. Knowledgeable about vintage cars, Geoffrey Palermo has restored several vehicles, ranging from classic American muscle cars to refined European vehicles.

One of the pioneering automotive designers of the 1960s was Carroll Shelby, who served as a flight instructor in World War II and emerged as a top race-car driver in the early 1950s. His key innovations included taking the British AC Bristol roadster with a straight-6 engine and pairing it with a 260-cubic-inch Ford V8 engine in 1962. This created the Shelby Cobra, commonly referred to as the Mark I Cobra, which was soon increased to a 289-cubic-inch V8.

In 1965, the Cobra took on its classic muscle-car formulation with the Mark III Cobra 427, which had a massive Ford 427 engine that required the creation of an entirely new chassis. This model became the precursor to the 427 Competition Cobra. Designed as a racing version of the Cobra 427, only 56 of the 600-horsepower Competition Cobra were ever produced. The Competition model never received regulatory approval from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and 31 of these vehicles were converted for road use and dubbed the Semi-Competition Cobra.

In auction, the super rare Semi-Competition Cobras consistently achieve prices of $2 million and higher when in proper working order and with original engine and body panels.

Ford Torino GT - An Overlooked Late 1960s Muscle Car

Attending to the needs of automotive enthusiasts across Northern California, Geoffrey Palermo owns GMP Cars, LLC, and provides services that keep exotic models running at peak performance. Over the years, Geoffrey Palermo has personally restored numerous classic European cars, as well as iconic American muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s.

Overshadowed by the Ford Mustang, one of the late 1960s’ most noteworthy muscle cars is the Ford Torino GT, which debuted in 1968 and was developed from the company’s smaller pony car, the Fairlane. Produced until 1971, the base two-door V8 Torino GT proved popular, with the initial GT coupe joined by a convertible and a SportsRoof coupe.

With basic Torinos offering good value to the restoration enthusiast, a variety of special-edition models also exist. In 1969, Ford introduced its no-frills Torino Cobra as a response to the popular 1968 Plymouth Road Runner. Equipped with a 428 V8, the car stood out on the dragstrip as it reached 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds and completed a quarter mile in 14.5 seconds.

Also launched in 1969, the Ford Torino Talladega was wind-tunnel designed for greater aerodynamic efficiency at the same horsepower as the Cobra. It marked the model’s entry into NASCAR competition against the likes of the Dodge Charger and the Mercury Cyclone, with street versions also produced. The Talladega generated immediate results, as it notched 26 victories for Ford in NASCAR Grand National Series races, as well as the 1969 championship.

The Benefits of Installing a Backup Camera

Geoffrey Palermo, the owner of the automotive conglomerate GMP Cars, LLC, has served as a business executive for more than three decades. Originally focused on the hospitality industry, he changed his professional focus to concentrate on his passion for cars in 2016. Since then, Geoffrey Palermo and the rest of his team have provided in-house services such as backup-camera work.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 207 people died as a result of a car accidentally backing over them in 2010. Another 15,000 or more were injured in such incidents. Much of this has to do with the fact that seeing out of a rear window is not as easy in modern cars. To counteract the issue, more drivers are either installing or maintaining backup cameras.

With a backup camera system, drivers can reverse their vehicles with less anxiety than they otherwise would. This is because backup cameras make it easier for drivers to spot pets, small children, and hazards behind them.

Beyond that, parking is improved with backup cameras, specifically parallel parking. In many states, parallel parking is not a skill that’s required to earn a driver’s license. As a result, many younger drivers struggle with it. Since backup cameras improve rear visibility, they make it easier for drivers to see how close they are to the vehicle behind them when parallel parking.

Finally, backup cameras save drivers money. The cost of installing such a system can deter drivers from taking the plunge. However, the amount they save in the long run makes such systems worthwhile. Since backup cameras reduce collisions with other vehicles and people, drivers save on both medical and auto-repair bills.

Quarterback Josh Allen a Foundation for an Aging Buffalo Bills Team

As the owner of GMP Cars, LLC, Geoffrey Palermo oversees a full range of Northern California exotic-car restoration and repair locations. In his spare time, Geoffrey Palermo follows the Buffalo Bills, of which he is a longtime fan.

Now in its 60th season of the National Football League (NFL), the Bills have reached the postseason just 18 times. Following the disappointment of the most recent season, one necessity involves developing a strong offensive line to support quarterback Josh Allen, who had a breakthrough rookie season in 2018 that positioned him to be the next foundation of an aging team.

With Peyton Manning retired and Tom Brady turning 42 and heading toward the exit, Allen has the potential to become a dominant force in the American Football Conference (AFC). Heavyweight quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger are 37 and also eyeing the end of their careers.

A key question is whether or not the Bills, with salary-cap space of $83 million, will bring in a winning mix of veterans and new talent that will provide the defensive and offensive firepower necessary for Allen to excel.

The Benefits to Owning a Luxury Automobile

An exotic car enthusiast, Geoffrey Palermo owns a network of businesses that specialize in collision repairs and exotic upgrades for luxury automobile brands. Under Geoffrey Palermo’s experienced management, GMP Cars, LLC, repairs Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic automobiles.

There are several benefits to owning a luxury automobile, in addition to the prestige and elegant styling. High-end automobiles typically are equipped with more advanced safety features than the standard class of vehicles. Higher-priced automobiles are more likely to come with features that increase crash-test performance, such as traction control, side-front airbags, curtain airbags, and anti-lock braking systems, according to Consumer Reports.

In addition to the latest safety features, luxury automobile makers equip their vehicles with the latest technology. In fact, the most cutting-edge features, such as self-closing doors, massage seats, and power sunscreens, generally debut in luxury vehicles before being introduced into mainstream car brands.

Once you make the investment in a luxury automobile with the latest safety and technology features, make sure to have it serviced at a repair shop like GMP Cars that employs technicians with the proper manufacturer training to work on exotic automobiles.

Ensuring Your Luxury Automobile Lasts

A respected figure in the exotic car industry, Geoffrey Palermo owns the Novato, California-based automotive conglomerate GMP Cars, LLC. Under Geoffrey Palermo’s direction, the company specializes in repairs and exotic upgrades for Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and other luxury automobiles. 

Once you purchase an exotic car, consider these steps to protect your investment and keep the vehicle looking beautiful. First, understand that exotic cars are made to be driven, not parked in a garage. Taking your automobile out and revving its engine on a regular basis will lead to fewer mechanical issues than a car that languishes unused.

Next, keep in mind that the interior finishes in an exotic car are delicate. The hand-stitching and fine, thin leather on the seats and dashboard will wear faster than the interiors of most other cars. Pay attention to what your passengers are wearing and carrying with them to ensure that sharp, rough, or dirty objects don’t come into contact with the leather. Also beware of eating or even putting on make-up in the automobile. Chemicals from make-up get on the hands and can leave smudges on the seats, door panels, or dash. Along with regular maintenance, these tips can help you to enjoy your exotic car for many years to come.

Ferrari Wins Multiple 2019 iF Design Awards

As the owner of GMP Cars, LLC, Geoffrey Palermo leads a network of luxury automobile service centers located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. A Ferrari enthusiast and amateur race car driver, Geoffrey Palermo competes as a member of the Ferrari of San Francisco team.

Ferrari was the recipient of several prestigious awards at the 2019 iF (International Forum) Design Awards held in Munich in March. Earning the exclusive iF Gold Award was the Ferrari Monza SP1, which was praised by the jury for its minimalist design and elegant lines. Envisioned as a renewal of the 1950s ‘Barchetta’ design with an open roof, the single-seat Monza SP1 expertly combines classic as well as futuristic styling, according to the jury’s reasoning.

The Monza SP1 wasn’t the only Ferrari model to receive an iF award in Munich. The Portofino, 488 Pista, and one-off SP38 also earned recognition for their uniquely beautiful looks. The iF awards confirm the success of the Ferrari Styling Centre, which continues to produce iconic and aesthetically pleasing designs that incorporate advanced performance technology.

Ferrari Announces New Challenge Series in the UK

As the owner of a company with eight locations in Northern California, Geoffrey Palermo leads GMP Cars, LLC, which is dedicated to the repair, restoration, and upgrade of exotic vehicles. Complementing his work, Geoffrey Palermo is a recreational race car driver who recently competed in the Ferrari Challenge North America, held in Austin, Texas, in 2018.

Recently, Corse Clienti (Ferrari’s customer racing division) announced the new Ferrari Challenge UK series, which will see its inaugural season in 2019. The event will be open to any UK owner of a Ferrari 488 Challenge race car and will take place on four circuits in the United Kingdom: Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Croft, and Silverstone. 

Though competitors will abide by the same regulations and rule book established for similar Ferrari Challenge events, the UK series will only require participants to secure an MSA National A license rather than an international one. The first event, the prologue and test, will take place at Brands Hatch on April 25th, followed by races 1 and 2 at the same circuit on the 18th and 19th of May. The series concludes with races 7 and 8 at Silverstone September 21-22.