You'll want to watch this, for sure

Posted by: Anthony Lim

Right, we're going to suggest that you watch this space closely next Mon, because that's when you'll get the chance to bag yourself a special edition A1GP watch from TW Steel in a contest here at Star-Motoring.com.

The Dutch company, the name of which stands for “The Watch in Steel”, is the official watch and timing partner of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, and it launched the series to celebrate its partnership with A1GP. Three different models - each worth US$900 - are available in the TW Steel A1GP range, and one of each is up for grabs in the contest.

Striking in red.

The A1GP oversized chronograph - with a case diameter of 45 or 48mm, depending on model - features a striking design, with style elements borrowed from the successful TECH collection introduced at the end of last year, though a few different special characteristics have been added to this one.

New for this model, which is waterproof to 100m, are redesigned crown and the push buttons, as well as casework that has been polished on the sides. To keep things in tune to its A1GP association, you get a racy buckle and rubber straps (in white and black) with racing tread.

There are two steel models and the third comes shod in an AA-grade rose gold plating, the best grade available.

And this is the one with the AA-grade rose gold plating.

The company had a retail outlet located in the paddock area at last weekend's Round Three race in Sepang, and this showcased a wide range of the company's oversized watches, including the new A1GP collection.

The nicest news is that you can't run out and buy one of these rugged timepieces, well, not here at least; there's no TW Steel distributor here at the moment, so what you'll be wearing - if you win it, of course - will be rather exclusive.

On a side note, TW Steel is also using its involvement in A1GP to host the Miss TW Steel competition. Hosted at every round on the 2008-09 A1GP schedule, a national Miss TW Steel is selected at each race, and the winner will be entered into the grand finale at Brands Hatch in England in May 2009 where the champion then will receive the title of Miss TW Steel 2008-09, US$25,000 in prize money and a photoshoot with a leading lifestyle magazine.

Parveen's all smiles, and for good reason.

For the Malaysian round last weekend, Parveen Singh was crowned Miss TW Steel Malaysia. The 25 year-old from Kuala Lumpur finished ahead of nine other finalists to become the third national winner in the global search.

So, Parveen's a happy bunny, and you can be too. Just stay tuned for our contest, which begins on Mon, Dec 1.

This and that and the automobile

As I See It
Ralph Ayers

Ye gads, it's December already, and I'm in my third month of being cold. Being the last month on our calendar, how was your year? Personally, I lost many life-long friends through death and one through a disagreement, but life goes on, and we all make the most of our pluses and minuses. The Bosox are out of our system 'till 09, and we'll see how the Pats, Celtics, Revolution and Bruins fare! Getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but don't max out your credit cards, as times may (I hope not, as I lived, as you, in a depression) get tougher.

Well, on with my story for December, and it's about the automobile. You know, the wheels you drive, that has tripled in gas prices, and you wished you had bought that six-cylinder, not the eight.

Rev. Bob McGlew called me, a columnist in his own right, and asked me to do a column on car agencies in our city way back when, so I'll give it a try.

Remember buying your first car, perhaps in the range of $100 to $600, depending on your pocketbook, and what Dad thought best for you. You probably bought it in Newburyport, as back in the '30s, '40s and '50s, you didn't have to go far. Here are the firms you dealt with in walking distance. I hope I have them all, but if not, I'm sure I'll hear from you. Here goes ...

Cashman-Condon, Bridge Road, next to Gillis Bridge, (Fords).

Walters Agency, State Street, (Buicks).

Volpone Motors, Merrimac Street, (Fords).

Yeaton Motor, State Street, (Cadillacs).

Ryan Motors, Harris Street, (Plymouths).

Collis Chevrolet, State Street (Chevys).

Bradford Motors, Market Square (Hudson-Essex).

Hoyt's Garage, Titcomb Street, (Oldsmobile).

Shaheen's, Bridge Road (Terraplanes).

Donahue, (formerly Bolles), Winter Street, (Dodge).

Maurice Barenboim, Traffic Circle (?).

Well, Bob, I listed 11 of them, and yes, I had to tax my brain! These dealers were honest, low pressured, and stood by their promises. Their mechanics were craftsmen, and (body) men could fix a dent back, especially when the gauge of steel was evident in all vehicles. My first car, if you want to know, was a '29 Ford (Model A), and the roof leaked, so I tarred the top and fixed the leak. My second was a '33 Plymouth, then a '39 Plymouth (convertible), then a '52 Buick (straight 8), then on and on, as time and financing permitted.

Yes, sit back and recall that car you always dreamed of buying, and the day arrived when you purchased it, and the day it was paid in full. What a feeling!

To all you nice people that read my column, and even those who don't, I hope all of you have wonderful holidays, and why not invite some lonely person you know to join you for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Your reward will be priceless! Don't forget the Salvation Army, my favorite group, as they are God's gift to the needy.

¢¢¢

Ralph J. Ayers of Newburyport calls himself a "local yokel."