Corvette Rear Half Shafts 2 1/2 Inch 63-74 on 2040-parts.com

November auto sales jump 17 percent as market gains strength

U.S. car and truck sales jumped 17 percent last month, raising hopes the industry will end 2010 on a high note while creating momentum for the new year. Light vehicle sales rose to 873,407 units in November, for the market's 11th advance in the past 12 months.

Brian Wilson to perform at Petersen fundraiser

The annual Petersen Automotive Museum's fundraising event on May 7 promises to be fun, fun, fun when Beach Boy Brian Wilson and his band take the stage. The rock-'n'-roll icon is scheduled to play for an hour as part of the museum's largest charity event of the year, proceeds from which benefit the 501(c)(3) institution. The Beach Boys had a lot of car-themed hits, including "409," "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Fun, Fun, Fun." (AutoWeek trivia: The Deuce Coupe featured on the cover of the album of the same name belonged to Clarence "Chili" Catallo, whose son, the successful and powerful advertising executive Curt Catallo, once was a lowly editorial assistant at AutoWeek).

End of an era for Dream Cruise landmark

One of the local landmarks that adds an authentic feel to Detroit's Woodward Dream Cruise has closed. The Vinsetta Garage, an art deco repair shop that dates to 1919 and sits just feet from Woodward Avenue, was shuttered last week as the owner prepares for a new direction in life. Jack Marwil, who owned the shop since 1989, plans to attend law school after the death of his wife this fall.