1950s Mercury Or Ford Chrome Gas Pedal on 2040-parts.com

McLaren managing director on leave, not expected in Geneva

McLaren Automotive's U.S.-born managing director, Antony Sheriff, is expected to be absent from the launch of the P1 hypercar at Geneva next week because he is on extended leave from the company. No reason for Sheriff's absence has been given, although McLaren is at pains to point out that he is “still employed as McLaren Automotive's managing director.” Rumors were circulating about Sheriff's absence from Woking in January, but company spokesmen back then stressed that he was still employed by McLaren and would unveil the P1 at Geneva. Despite those assurances, sources had reported earlier in the year that Sheriff “hadn't been seen in his office” for some days.

Shelby raffles off last 50th-anniversary Cobra

Shelby is celebrating its 50th anniversary in style, first at the Detroit auto show with a few black-and-gold Shelby Mustangs, and now at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona with the last example of the 50th-anniversary Shelby Cobra. The car won't be sold to the highest bidder though; it will be raffled. Tickets cost $25 apiece or five for $100.

Screaming Fords at Kirkland Concours d'Elegance

Compared with its high-tech-center neighbors--Bellevue and Redmond--the town of Kirkland, Wash., is relatively unknown. But Kirkland is where the vibrant car-collector scene in the area is shown at its best each fall at the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance. And while you may not have heard of Kirkland, you've probably heard of its famous Pacific Northwest weather--not the best, you'd think, for outdoor car shows.