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The holiday season is here, and with it comes Classic Auto Group’s 2022 Gift Guide for Gearheads!  No matter what you celebrate, it’s always good fun and cheer to share gift exchanges with your friends, family, and loved ones, and of course, there’s the annual company party with coworkers.  If you’re looking for a little guidance to get the perfect gift this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with some great gifts for car enthusiasts and serious gearheads. The last few years of shutdowns, lockdowns, and pandemic related woes have hit small businesses the hardest, so if you’re able we’d love to encourage you to shop small whenever possible. Get a jump start on your shopping check out our gift guide featuring lots of independent businesses this year! Apparel Some people are more subtle and wear their heart on their sleeve, but these gifts will let the recipient wear their passions emblazoned across their chest for all to see. This “Still Plays with Blocks” shirt from CrazyDogTShirts on Etsy is a fantastic gift for your favorite mechanic. It comes in two color options for tees, as well as a hoodie.  It’s got fairly fast shipping options, too! These Check Engine Ties from Cyberoptix on Etsy are the perfect gift for any automotive enthusiast, and of course would be perfect to wear on New Years Eve. This item comes in three different colors and ships free to the US. These custom embroidered car sweatshirts and hoodies by MadeMyDays on Etsy are sporty, soft, and really unique!  Who doesn’t love snuggling into a cozy hoodie on a cold winter's day? Exactly!  They’re also customizable, and you can leave your requests and reference images with the seller via Etsy Messages for a personal touch. This is the perfect T-Shirt to purchase for the gearhead who gabs about their car at any given moment. 365CarMods on Etsy offers this fun shirt in 4 different colorways and up to a 3XL. Spend over $35 on items from their shop and the shipping is free! Know someone who carries around pics of their car like other people do of their kids and grandkids? We sure do! This customized car hoodie from MotorElement on Etsy makes a fabulous gift! Send in a photo of that special car and have it personalized for the recipient. Comes in White or Black in sizes up to a 5XL, and your choice of custom backgrounds. Home Decor Bring a little bit of the garage into your home, but without the mess!  Here’s some great ideas for automotive decor that don’t include oil stains, grease marks, and other under-the-hood gunk. Got a DIYer in your midst? These spark plug coat and hat hooks from CJ7Designs on Etsy are the perfect gift. These are a great swap in for the crafty handyperson to create their own one-of-a-kind coat rack or hat rack! Get that special someone some custom lighting for their den or office, or heck even their garage workspace. These really cool custom automotive desk lamps from CustomHarleyLampShop on Etsy make a fine luxury gift item for your significant other or family member. For a more modern touch, we recommend these beautiful personalized cut metal signs from YourWeddingPlace on Etsy. They can be personalized with any text up to 10 characters per line. You can choose from 5 different colors and finishes, and 6 different sizes.  It’s one of the most sought-after automotive gifts on Etsy right now, too! Your loved one will (hopefully) never be late to another family get-together again if you get them this awesome Wall Clock made from an upcycled clutch pressure plate from ANGWheelsIn on Etsy! As an added bonus, it ships free to the US! Trendy gift recipients will be elated to receive this custom car gearbox neon sign from KudetaStore on Etsy! It comes in 3 sizes and fully customizable color options from more than 10 choices.  It also ships free to the US, and comes from an Etsy Star Seller.  This would make a great group gift for friends or several family members to chip in on. Stay tuned for another edition of our Gift Guides for Gearheads later this month!  We’ll be back with fresh new options and suggestions for personalized and unique gift giving for all the car lovers in your life. And feel free to leave your gift suggestions in the comments!

Did you know that every minute, around 26 vehicles are recycled in the US per minute? Conversations around ecological conservation, global warming, and renewable energy are becoming more and more frequent as politicians, citizens, and businesses work together to create a greener future.  In light of that, we thought it would be a great idea to celebrate America Recycles Day by highlighting efforts the automotive industry is doing in order to recycle and reuse metal and other materials in efforts to be more eco-conscious! Automotive recycling accounts for 14 million tons of recycled steel, or the equivalent of more than 13 million cars.  In fact, vehicles are the most recycled item in all of the US, with around 95% of decommissioned and defunct vehicles being recycled annually.  More than 27 million vehicles are recycled around the globe annually, and 12 million of those are from right here in the US! Automotive recycling industry in the United States provides jobs to over 100,000 people, and nearly $25 billion in revenue.  And the North American (US/CA) auto recycling saves 85 million oil barrels each year, and enough reclaimed steel to create 13 million new cars! Everything from steel and aluminum to car batteries (a whopping 98% are recycled) windshield glass, carpets,rubber hoses, and even seat belts can be repurposed or recycled!  Even tires can be recycled and repurposed into new goods such as rubber for shoes and sandals, filler for playground surfaces, etc.   Experts anticipate that scrap metal recycling will total upwards of $60 billion by the end of 2021, with about 60% of scrap metals being recycled from the automotive industry over the next 10 years. Did you know that 86% of your car’s parts can be recycled? Here’s a great list of parts that can be reclaimed, repurposed, or recycled for use in other vehicles by automotive enthusiasts and mechanics: Vehicle batteries Select computerized elements Gently used or new tires Hoods Bumpers and fenders Transmissions Other specialty parts in good condition Other materials from your vehicle that can’t be salvaged for use in another vehicle, but are upcycled and repurposed everywhere include: Glass which is recycled into concrete, glass bottles, insulation, jewelry, and even countertops. Oil gets cleaned, refined and repurposed for use in other applications. In fact, 85 million barrels of oil are saved every year through recycling. Rubber tires are shredded and broken down into things such as mulch, playground surfaces, running and race tracks. Steel and aluminum from vehicle bodies and frames. Did you know that even consumers and car owners can find ways to reuse auto parts at home?  We’ve got a great list of ideas for you to incorporate those old car parts into decor and more! Rustic Industrial Kid’s Chairs by “My Repurposed Life” - made from recycled vehicle jacks! A Reclaimed Licence Plate Map by “C.R.A.F.T .Blog” - collecting old license plates and cutting them up for each state in the US! Car and Tractor Tire Rim Ottomans from “Country Living” - create the perfect outdoor seating for your firepit by repurposing old car rims as a seat base! Seatbelt Buckle Key Holder by “Walyou” - a clever way to thwart the family member who always loses their car or house keys! Reuse Old Car Tires in the Garden List by “Backyard Boss” - create a veggie garden, planters, and more with your old discarded tires! Got a garage that needs reorganization and updating?  Try implementing these handy ideas for storage from old coffee cans, soup cans, and more!  Got some room to do cutting and welding? Why not turn some aluminum cans into art in your garage-turned-workshop. DIY Coffee Can storage DIY Storage Options from PVC Pipe and more DIY Tin Can Storage DIY Soda Can Art and Decor DIY Tire Swing from Bob Vila Not interested in upcycling or DIY projects? You can still take part in recycling your old car parts of your own accord. Check out this handy list of suggestions on how to do so!

We’ve covered tips and tricks for roadside safety, proper car maintenance, and plenty of road trip ideas, but today we’re taking it back to the basics and fundamentals of driver safety: seatbelts!  To celebrate National Seat Belt Day, we’re sharing some important facts about seat belt usage as well as some suggestions for securing your family pets on the road, too. It’s all right here on today’s blog. Vector illustration of safety belt, seat belt. Seat belt for protection. Safety equipment for vehicle or plane. Safety first, fasten your seat belt sign with arrow. Green background. We’re thrilled to report that according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2021’s national use rate of seatbelts by Americans was an impressive 90.4%! In 2020, NHTSA reports that out of the 23,000+ passengers of cars who died in vehicle accidents, 51% of them were not seatbelted. It’s important to buckle up each and every time, no matter how long or short your trip is - in fact, most crashes happen within 25 miles of your home. (NHTSA) Buckling up in the front seat of a car can reduce risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate to critical injuries reduced by 50% (NHTSA) Airbags are not a replacement for seat belts, but rather are there to work in tandem and further reduce injury or chances of death. If your seatbelt is not comfortable, you can acquire seat belt adjusters or seat belt extenders both as aftermarket products and from your vehicle’s manufacturer. Vintage, classic, and antique vehicles should be updated and retrofitted with modern standardized seat belts to ensure a safe ride. Seatbelts are a matter of national concern, and 49 out of the 50 states have specific laws about usage and requirements! Did you know that use of seatbelts and vehicle restraints drops by 40% in children when parents don’t properly use their seat belts? 57% of 13 and 14 year olds who were involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were unrestrained. Setting a good example for younger drivers and younger passengers can save their lives! (NHTSA) Children should always remain secured in car seats and/or booster seats until they have outgrown the size and weight limits of their booster seats, or have reached a size where they can fit properly in the seat with safe seat belt usage. Generally, this is between ages of 8 and 12. Additionally, all children under 13 should remain in the back seat. From 1975 through 2017, seat belts have saved more than 370,000 lives. Car Safety for Pets Travel Safety Tips for Pets Frontal Car Crash with Unbelted Passengers The Seatbelt Song for Kids

Since its first episode aired on this day in 1969, Sesame Street has been an indispensable part of children’s and families’ lives all around the world!  Its colorful world filled with human and muppet counterparts has provided a charming, captivating, and empathetic format for education and empowerment of the youth. Sesame Street was born of a need to provide children in urban areas with accessible, diverse, and inclusive educational resources.  Joan Ganz Cooney, Lloyd Morrisett, and Jim Henson conceived of the show as something that would appeal to kids regardless of their age, abled or disabled, socioeconomic background, or ethnicity! From learning numbers to colors to the alphabet, from science to art to world cultures, it’s undeniable how indelible this resource has become in the history of childhood development. To this day, the show has been broadcast globally to more than 190 million children  in 70 different languages across 150 countries with 30 different international co-productions.  And that’s not all!  There are hundreds of print media books, comics, and coloring books to build on and reinforce the concepts taught and demonstrated in the series, for yet another way for viewers and families to engage. We love to see it! Of course, since cars and transportation are our bread and butter, we’re checking out some of the incredible ways that Sesame Street has connected kids to transportation, movement, and the automotive industry through STEM/STEAM activities and play based learning! In 1975, Sesame Street and CTW introduced “The Countmobile”, helmed by none other than our number loving Transylvanian pal, The Count!  Borrowing designs from retro vehicles, a vampire coffin, and the vintage Batmobile designs, this unique vehicle was lovingly hand-crafted with purple paint, green flames, and  goofy camp!  It was used to illustrate the importance of road rules, driver/passenger etiquette, and pedestrian safety to youngsters.  Ten years later in 1985, the vehicle was upgraded for the Follow That Bird movie, and built on the bones of a 1930s Frazer Nash replica, and sported a very smart pair of purple and black bat wings and a New York State license plate with 12345678910 on it! Sesame Street is no stranger to introducing kids to automotive concepts, highlighting a series of classic and vintage (then new and popular) daily drivers, highlighting everything from a Taxi to a station wagon to cargo vans and more! Here is a super fun list of vehicles featured in Sesame Street over its 50ish years in production.  They’ve also updated several classic children’s songs, such as “Wheels on the Bus”, while creating some of their own memorable hits like “Let’s Go Driving.” We love this segment from early Sesame Street in which Grover is a Taxi driver!  It’s a very funny way to introduce kids into Taxi etiquette, Taxis as part of city culture and transportation, and the way car services work.  It’s also a very sweet nod to the personality and hustle and bustle of “city culture.” In this segment of Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures from the 2010s, Bert and Ernie are working as car mechanics. Of course, wacky hijinks ensue as they highlight the basics of car maintenance and the pitfalls of not keeping up with a reliable service schedule, haha! If you’re looking for relatable content to help kids pass the time in the car, this segment with Abby, Cookie, Guy Smiley, and Cookie’s Mom is a surefire hit! Introducing kids to the concept of boredom busters and family togetherness through a round of “Smiley Says” can help them connect and thwart the doldrums. (And a humorous rendition of the infamous “Cash Cab!”) And of course, showing their favorite characters buckled up and in their car seats! Elmo and Rosita are going to the museum with Papa Elmo, and have jumped into the car and stepped into an unexpected episode of Guy Smiley’s travel gameshow, for a round of “I Spy”! Another classic car game that kids will love playing together, and will be extra excited to try now that their favorite characters have demonstrated!  Not only that, but it encourages the powers of observation while driving and passenging, and observing internal and external environments!  We also love how nicely it highlights the childlike muppets being properly belted and buckled, as well as the grownups who drive paying close attention to the road. We also love this similar segment of Bert, Ernie, and Count all buckled up safely, playing another classic car game of “Name That Animal” style charades! This wonderful clip from Elmo and Abby explains the basics of car safety to kids, and the importance of wearing a seatbelt before hitting the road.  By employing the element of imaginative play, the safety lesson is framed incredibly well, the concept of seatbelts to improve safety in crashes introduced gently, and all the while accessible for little minds to grasp. We love it! These segments continue to impress upon us the importance of vital children's television programming such as Sesame Street, and reasons why public access to educational resources is the way we build a better future as a community. Let’s all do our part to support funding and research for educational programming and encourage generations of children to explore, learn, and play! Images on this post for educational and illustrative purposes only; no copyright infringement intended. All characters and videos and imagery belongs to CTW and derivative networks.

The holidays will be here before you know it!  And we thought we’d do a little two-for-one post and celebrate “Go to a Museum Day” along with a creative little gift guide of ideas for unconventional holiday gifts!  You can spread a little bit of holiday spirit and kindle the spirit of creativity at the same time. Whether you choose to gift an art print, a framed original, or some other creation, it’s going to be a memorable present. Or consider “gifting” an experience like a day trip to a museum, theater membership, or even a painting or drawing class.  Check out our suggested destinations to explore! Museum or theatre memberships can also make a great family gift while also helping support our local arts scene.  Plus, it’s a great way to do a little family bonding and get out of the house so you all can enjoy a change of scenery and exercise your minds. Gifting a Museum Admission Membership or even just a day trip pass can be an unforgettable experience!  Explore history, learn more about arts and culture, and inspire your family and friends to be more creative with unique museums to visit. More Great Museums for Art and History Buffs to Explore Art Institute of Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago Elmhurst Art Museum Cleve Carney Museum of Art WNDR Museum Racine Art Museum The Color Factory Halim Time & Glass Museum The Block Museum The Smart Museum of Art DePaul Museum of Art Bixbee Imagination Station Loyola University Museum of Art The Doctor Seuss Experience Kenosha Public Museum The African American Museum at the England Manor The Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County National Museum of the American Scholar Elawa Farm and Cultural Center Ray Bradbury Experience Museum Grab a paintbrush and let’s paint the town silver and gold with friends new and old, and check out our picks for great art, fun day trips, and creative classes to give to your loved ones!  Take a look at some of the great experiences and artistic shopping options we’ve got for you on today’s blog.  When you shop small, your dollars have a direct impact on the community and your neighbourhood.  Consider purchasing gifts directly from these artists and local galleries, and bringing joy to the holidays in more than one way! Give the Gift of Art Lessons and Creative Experiences Artpie Studio and Gallery Art School Dandelion Gallery & Studio The Jack Benny Center Kapheim Studio of Artist Thom Kapheim Artsonia LLC ArtPark Waukegan Creative Arts Inc of Crystal Lake Adler Arts Center of Libertyville

Today is STEM/STEAM day, and we’ve rounded up some picks for incredible gift giving ideas to inspire young Engineers and Entrepreneurs!  The Arts and “STEAM” programming are a vital part of any person’s well-rounded education.  Without support for STEAM/Arts education, society would truly struggle to advance forward as a society.  It is the strength of the vital bond between science, math, engineering, art, and mathematics that help us create new technologies, find creative solutions to real-world problems, and take incredible leaps in progress!  So let’s all do our part to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in our communities.  Consider gifting some resources or funding to local organizations that provide STEM/STEAM activities for our local community and youth.  Together, we can inspire these bright young minds and work towards a brighter tomorrow! First up on our list is the Discovery #Mindblown Model Engine STEM Science Kit that lets your up-and-coming engineer and mechanic explore the science and technology behind an automotive engine!  It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly gift for the young inventor in your midst. Stemnex Amazing Steam Engine is an awesome project kit that allows you build a realistic, working steam engine with real steam and whistle action!  It does have quite a few parts, so it’s better suited to older budding engineers or may need additional help from a parent or adult. The FANL Train Set Toy and RC Train allows kids to explore and interact with remote controlled train and build their own track to experiment with the best layout and design. It comes with rechargeable batteries and a water squeeze bottle to create realistic steam action. It’s an introduction to building and engineering, and thinking creatively. KiwiCo kits like this Stereo Headphones box are a great way to get your little learners involved and connect them to the engineering, industrial science, and mathematics behind every day household items!  They’ll love knowing they had a hand in making this themselves when they use it for listening to music or gaming! Gift a Class or Membership t o the young adults and teens in your life at the College of Lake County in Grayslake! The KiwiCo RaceDay kit is perfect for younger engineers to experiment with.  They’ll have an opportunity to build and customize their own balloon cars, and observe different speeds and drive styles!  Additionally, they’ll have fun using the hand-powered air brush for decorating for a full sensory experience! Need an option that spans multiple age groups? Check out these options that will allow friends groups and siblings of all ages to connect with one another! The Ramps and Balls set is perfect for experimenting by using the included wooden balls or experimenting with toy cars, zoomy toys, and wooden train toys as well!  It’s a timeless, classic toy set that allows for plenty of flexible play. The Construction Plank Build-It Kit is a fabulous hands-on introduction to construction, with each little card giving your scholars and engineers an opportunity to problem solve and replicate the item pictured.  Kids can work together to create, or turn it into a game of skill and wits! Leaves lots of room for creativity and open ended play. The Design & Build Engineering Center Kit Set is perfect for open ended play, especially if older siblings want to help little ones!  Perfect for ages 3 to 7, but open ended enough for older kids, too.  Use the kits alone, or combine them to create to your heart’s desire! Sensory play is extremely important for kids of all ages, allowing them to interact with the environment and problem solve in creative ways!  It gives them a tangible experience to process the math, science, and logic of the world around them.  We recommend the Mold & Play Sensory Sand Set, Squish & Squeeze Sensory Beads,  and the Classroom Clay & Dough Designer Tool Kit which works with any play dough or clay!

Today is National Saxophone Day, and we’re highlighting some incredible musicians from the Chicago area that have more than earned their moment in the spotlight.  These great musicians have made their indelible mark on the Chicago music scene, and heavily influenced Chicago Jazz and Blues styles. Ari Brown is a Chicago based musician and composer who plays tenor saxophone as well as piano.  He’s performed alongside some of the most notable musicians in Jazz history including Lou Rawls, BB King, and Chuck Berry! Fred Anderson is a Chicago based musician and tenor saxophonist known for his mentorship of up-and-coming jazz musicians.  Anderson’s got a long legacy of playing swing music, bebop jazz, and in free jazz movements. He also founded The Velvet Lounge and has become a fixture of the Chicago Jazz Scene. Von Freeman was a bop-style tenor saxophonist with his finger on the pulse of the music industry since the age of 16. He was known for his work playing with the Horace Henderson Group in the 40s.  He became an iconic fixture in the Chicago Jazz scene and truly beloved by Jazz aficionados worldwide, though only achieved notoriety late in his life. Walter Parazaider is a versatile woodwind musician, playing saxophone, flute, and clarinet as well as the guitar.  He’s best known for being a founding member of the Jazz Pop Rock band, Chicago! Gene Ammons was called “The Boss”, and destined to be legendary, being practically born into the music business as the son of boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons.  Gene Ammons chart-topping, bluesy flavor of tenor saxophone music was heavily rooted in soul and R&B styling. Johnny Griffin was nicknamed “the Little Giant” due to his short height, but that didn’t stop him from climbing the ranks to legendary status!  His huge career began in the 1940s and he played well into the 2000s!  His speed, harmonic acuity, and precise control made him almost untouchable. Looking to enjoy some fine musical stylings this weekend? Check out these locations which offer incredible jazz and blues music and events! Rosa’s Lounge, Logan Square, Chicago Le Piano, Rogers Park, Chicago Harlem Avenue Lounge in Chicago Winter’s Jazz Club in Chicago Jazz Showcase, South Loop, Chicago The Green Mill in Chicago Kingston Mines, Lincoln Park, Chicago Buddy Guy’s Legends, South Loop, Chicago Open Door Repertory Company in Chicago Constellation, Roscoe Village, Chicago Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago Coco Club, Brighton Park, Chicago

Toyota’s Newest Member of the GR Sports Car Lineup on Display at SEMA, Wearing the Rally Look and Performance Equipment this Powerful All-Wheel-Drive Hot Hatch Deserves LAS VEGAS (Nov. 1, 2022) – The 2023 GR Corolla debuted earlier this year and gives North American driving enthusiasts the hot hatch they’ve been asking for. Before the new addition to the Toyota GR sports car model line becomes available in Toyota dealerships in 2023, Toyota provides a glimpse of the new model’s potential for aftermarket customization with its GR Corolla Rally Concept. On display at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center is Toyota’s new and expanded exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200), including the GR Corolla Rally Concept – rocket fuel for those who love Toyota sports cars and rally performance. “The all-new GR Corolla checks all the driving excitement boxes – 300 horsepower, turbocharged performance, standard six-speed manual,all-wheel-drive handling and hot hatch functionality,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “The GR Corolla Rally Concept shows what happens when we apply a healthy dose of Toyota Gazoo Racing DNA and expand the GR Corolla’s rallying roots.” Starting with a 2023 GR Corolla Circuit Edition, Marty Schwerter and the Toyota Motorsports Garage team – Brad Vetter, lead fabricator; Justin Lacore, fabricator; and David Senn, technician – nailed the goal of creating an ultimate rally machine. Inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Yaris Rally1 World Rally Championship race car, they focused on applying many of the race car’s technologies and characteristics to this concept. The first task was creating functional rally car bodywork that complements the GR Corolla’s already dynamic look. They fabricated an aggressive wide body configuration with massive three-inch fender flares made from 20-gauge steel, and integrated carbon composite side skirts. Huge openings in front and rear fenders direct and exhaust dirty air from the wheel openings, and the fenders are aerodynamically designed to create maximum downforce. More aero and downforce advantages come by way of a carbon composite front splitter with a 4.5-inch overall length, and a massive custom-fabricated carbon fiber rear wing. This design features both a wing and spoiler providing two elements of downforce, with side plates mounted to the hatch to align the wing with the vehicle’s roofline. Of primary importance was increasing airflow to the custom oil and transmission coolers mounted in the interior and just behind the driver and navigator. The team custom designed functional rear quarter windows with vents directing air to the coolers, and Toyota North America R&D Engineering Design Innovation 3D-printed the components. On the corners are 17 x 8-inch OZ Racing wheels with 215/60R17 Continental VikingContact® 7 tires, and fully adjustable TEIN Gravel Rally coilovers to complete the package. The team kept the GR Corolla’s robust and capable brake setup with 14 x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors with four-piston aluminum calipers, then added Wilwood® turning brakes – a secondary set of rear calipers – to help provide the braking and turning control needed for gravel rally terrain. Combined with the custom bodywork, the result is a stance that is six inches wider than stock. The production G16E-GTS 1.6-liter, three-cylinder port injected turbo, 12-valve DOHC engine with its single-scroll ball-bearing turbocharger that already produces a healthy 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, provides a solid heartbeat for this new hot hatch. With the help of MagnaFlow®, the team added a fully custom exhaust system and GR high flow air filter to help optimize airflow and exhaust performance. The interior is all rally driving function and purpose, with the team adding only what a rally team needs and modifying the rear seats to fit the roll cage and spare tire. The GR Corolla Rally Concept features OMP® Racing seats and belts, a custom full cage made from TIG welded 1 3/4-inch x .095 DOM steel, OMP Racing fire suppression system, ZeroNoise® rally intercom system and a spare tire mount and jack. With the addition of the turning brake system, the team slightly relocated the standard six-speed manual shifter to provide optimal driver ergonomics. Adding Toyota Gazoo Racing-inspired paintwork by Complete Customs®, McKinney, Texas, completes the goal of enticing the imagination of what can be done with the dynamic GR Corolla canvas. Toyota is displaying 12 additional special project concepts in its SEMA Show exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 1-4, 2022, showcasing a breadth of on- and off-pavement performance and adventure. Vehicle shown is a special project car, modified with non-Genuine Toyota parts and accessories. Modification with these non-Genuine parts or accessories will void the factory warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal. RELATED MEDIA RELATED IMAGES RELATED VIDEOS FACT SHEET GR COROLLA RALLY CONCEPT About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we thought we’d share a few of our favorite new recipes for you to make-and-take to family and friends!  And of course, we’ll be sharing some ideas for great transport and storage items to keep your delicious homemade and handcrafted food safe and sound on the journey. You’ll love our list of portable food carriers and containers that are easy to carry, leak resistant, and convenient to heat and eat when you’re ready to serve.  Check it out on today’s blog, and let us know which of these is destined to become your new family Classic! Feel free to share your family’s favorite recipes with us in the comments section. First up, let’s share some of our picks for great seasonal recipes that work well for harvest dinners and friendsgivings!  There’s something for everyone here on just about every dietary need. Homemade Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love Butternut Squash Soup from NYT Cooking Crunchy Roasted Za’atar Chickpeas from NYT Cooking Tamarind Spiced Nuts with Mint Autumn Harvest Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Savory Sweet Potato Bruschetta Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash Sumac Dry Brined Turkey Roast Maple Brined Roast Turkey Balsamic Oven-Roasted Carrots Easiest Creamiest Mashed Potatoes Ultimate Cornbread Stuffing Best Picks for Food Transport Containers for the Holidays The Williams Sonoma “Hold Everything Insulated Dual Compartment Food Carrier is perfect for transporting multiple dishes.  If you’ve got appetizers, chips and dips, or little desserts, it’ll be great!  Looking to transport two main dishes? It works for that, too! Best of all, there’s a coordinating line of other shapes and sizes to fit all your food transportation needs. The Arctic Zone Expandable Thermal Insulated Food Container comes in two colors, and you can transport your food straight from the oven into this insulated container. It’s the perfect option to keep food hot if you’re perpetually tardy and arrive right at dinner time!  It also works well to keep food chilled, so it’s great for fruit salads, greens salads, and chilled desserts. Keep those pies safe and sound and that crust nice and crispy! This Casserole and Pie Carrier from QCWN is durable, useful, and easy to carry.  It’s the perfect thing for carrying grandma’s classic apple pie Tired of plastic containers getting crushed, stained, and misshapen? We understand! That’s why we’ve found this incredible set of Food Storage items from Caraway. They’re easy to clean, durable, reusable, and nest easily for storage. We love ‘em! The lids also seal tightly to reduce leaks and spills, because no one wants to clean cranberry sauce from car upholstery. Plus, they look gorgeous on the table so you can go right from the car to heat-and-serve without dirtying additional bowls. What could be better than less dishes to wash?! Trying to impress the in-laws? What could be better than a host/hostess gift that’s filled with your contribution to the family dinner! These eco-friendly glass meal prep and transport containers from JazzyJadeDesigns on Etsy are the perfect option. Emblazon them with a sweet family message and the family name, and then bring your holiday snacks! We also love this clever pie plate that’s meant to be left behind and passed through the family or circle of friends.  It also makes a fun little host/hostess gift that can be regifted and reused by way of another pay-it-forward pie delivery. It can be found on Etsy from PellegrinGraphics! Are you an avid home chef and your family caterer? We’re ready to go with this incredible insulated food pan carrier! It’s meant for carrying multiple large capacity containers and keeping them sturdy.  Keeps hot food hot and cold food cold without the need for plugging into electricity or reheating!  Best of all, it is stackable for stability and fits into narrow spaces. We love it!

Welcome to another edition of Classic’s Youtuber Roundup! Where we’re sharing our picks for entertaining car content in the vloggersphere.  It’s one of our favorite pastimes to enjoy vlogs and videos about cars and car related media.  Let us know in the comments what channels you love watching on YouTube so we can check them out, too! First up is one of our favorite channels, Donut Media, with an absolutely hilarious edition of “Real Mechanic Reacts”!  This time, the team is breaking down some of their most favorite lines from the Fast & Furious Franchise, and asking real professional mechanics to weigh in on realism versus fiction. Sarah-N-Tuned has a fascinating video on the channel about the process of removing muck, gunk, and grime from a vehicle using the dry ice blasting method!  It’s a fascinating process that cleans the car while preserving its original quality through a non-abrasive process.  Check it out! Ken Block and the Hoonigan crew just dropped their latest project “Electrikhana” and it’s a can’t-miss-spectacle of epic proportions.  Check out this incredible one-of-a-kind custom built car hitting a closed track with plenty of neon glow for the cyberpunk energy of your dreams. Get your track cars ready for winter weather and colder temps with these suggestions from RallySport Direct’s latest YouTube video. The Car Care Nut is taking us on a run through of a 20 year old engine of a vehicle that has been well-maintained and cared for over the years.  It’s vital that you continue to service your vehicle and keep up the regular maintenance of tuneups, fluid changes, and bring in for repairs quickly.  This is one beautiful car, folks! If you’re into collecting cars, you might really dig these videos from Hoovies Garage! He’s selling 4 vehicles from his iconic car collection at auctions for a world record price.  We love Hoovies Garage and these fun project cars, and we think you will too. If you’re looking for a reliable used car for a younger or newer driver in the family, check out these recommendations from YouTuber, The Car Wizard.  He’s got a list of 6 super reliable cars and any anticipated service needs he’s experienced as a mechanic for each of them. The crew over at The Smoking Tire has been having a blast buying cheap, gross, dilapidated rides and swapping them into drivable rigs with a little elbow grease. Check out “All Cars Go to Heaven” and see how it went. This one’s from a few years back, but it’s still a super fun watch! Check out the stunt coordinator from Fast Five as he breaks down the car chase scene where Vin and Paul steal a vault.  It’s right here on the Vanity Fair channel:

November is here, and that means it’s time for a brand new Classic Community Calendar!  Let’s check out these beautiful events and plan to spend some family togetherness time before the holiday hustle and bustle hits full swing. We’ve also included a selection of wonderful markets for you to shop small and shop handmade this holiday season. Beginning on November 2nd and running through January 1st 2023, The Marriott Theatre of Lincolnshire is pleased to announce multiple showings of the musical stage adaptation of “A Christmas Story” for all families to enjoy! Book your tickets today. On November 3rd, the Lake County Film Festival begins its opening night festivities. The event will run through November 14th and include a free short film competition for students. Screenings will be November 4th through 6th and 11th through 14th, with a special closing night feature event. Multiple locations; Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest and CLC in Grayslake. This Friday, November 4th at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, head over from 6PM to 9PM for the Day of the Dead Celebration with vendors and food, giveaways, and special dance performances!  Admission is free. November 4th and 5th at the Orlin Trapp Auditorium in Waukegan, head over at 7PM to grab a ticket to the Fall Play: Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Every week on Friday,s head over to Forty One Fourteen in Waukegan for Music and Karaoke hosted by Monica with MC Jim Swan. The Holiday Bazaar is happening at the Libertyville Civic Center in Libertyville from 10AM to 1PM on November 5th. Saturday, November 5th from 11AM to 4PM you can join in the fun for the annual Rivalry Alehouse Champagne Walk & Brunch event sponsored by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. November 5th and 6th as well as the 12th and 13th at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee head over for 2022 Scream and Shout Bonus Weekends! Start your upcoming new year right with a new job you’re sure to love by logging in on November 7th for the virtual Waukegan Job and Career Fair from 12PM to 3PM sponsored by HireX. November 11th at Reclaimed Artisans Inc in Libertyville is the 5th Annual Ladies Night Holiday Edition market and event! November 12th and 13th is a great time to take the family out to the Deer Park Town Center for Fireworks and Santa’s Arrival! Shop the French Market Holiday Boutique in Lake Forest on November 12th and 13th and enjoy shopping, exploring exhibits, special guests, and activities! November 19th sees the return of the Willow Hill Lights for a second year with even bigger and more festive displays over at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook! The Festival of Arts & Crafts is happening at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake on November 25th and is the perfect place to find holiday gifts for your friends and family. On November 25th in Grayslake at the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce, head over with the family to enjoy the Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival. The evening of Saturday November 26th in Lehmann Park of Lake Villa, enjoy the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting event! The Holiday Craft fair is happening on November 26th in Hawthorn Woods at Hawthorn Woods Village Hall and it’s the perfect place to shop locally for unique and handmade holiday gifts. November 26th in Fox Lake is the annual start to the season with the Fox Lake Festival of Lights and parade!

Looking for something fun to do in the area this weekend? We’ve got a great roundup of Halloween events and festive seasonal fun for kids, teens, and adults!  Got an event you think our readers would love? Let us know in the comments or leave a link to your event on our social media post! Friday, October 28th, swing on by the Tractor Supply in Antioch for Face Painter/Gore Makeup sessions with professional makeup artist Sue Nolan. Book your slot for a 30 minute session online here. Friday, October 28th from 11AM to 2PM in Libertyville, come on down for a town wide Trick or Treat down Main Street! Friday, October 28th at the Shiloh Center in Zion, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities for the Halloween Trail of Treats from 4PM to 6PM! Saturday, October 29th from 1PM to 2:30PM at Bowen Park, join the Waukegan Park District’s Halloween Trick or Treat Trail event for families!  Come out in costume and meet a seasonal cast of characters along the way while gathering prizes and treats! Saturday, October 29th starting at 12PM, families and kids can enjoy a wonderful afternoon of Halloween crafting and art making at Dandelion Gallery and Studio in Waukegan. Saturday, October 29th from 10AM to 3PM, The Highland Park Public Library is hosting the Halloween Railroad event! Saturday, October 29th through Monday October 31st  is T rick or Treat Weekend at the Lake Bluff Public Library from 10AM to 9PM in Lake Bluff where kids, teens, and adults are all encouraged to attend in costume and stop by the front desk for a treat! Saturday, October 29th at the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce & Industry annual trick or treat event from 11AM to 1PM, everyone is encouraged to come out and trick or treat at the local shops and businesses! Saturday, October 29th is Haunted Night at the Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa from 5PM to 10PM. There will be games, food, drinks, a live DJ, and even an axe thrower! Saturday, October 29th from 1AM to 5PM at Lambs Farm in Libertyville is a special family friendly halloween event where the kiddos can trick-or-treat alongside their favorite farm animals and enjoy other festive fun! Sunday, October 30th at 12PM until 1PM, come and j oin Jarrett Dapier as he reads his picture book aloud at Madame ZuZu’s in Highland Park! Costumes are encouraged as there will be a costume contest along with the storytime. Sunday, October 30th in Wauconda is the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat on Main Street event from 1PM to 5PM! Come one, come all, and enjoy the costumed event and get into the halloween spirit! Sunday, October 30th at Maggiano’s of Vernon Hills come out and join in the fun for a night of Murder and Mystery at this interactive dinner party starting at 6PM!