'is code' ? nuffink to point at ;( there ain't existing code | plugin that handles 'automotive social network cars..' ;-oO y not -> yew be the first and get one developed, hire a Developer if necessary - then *everyone can benefit off your magnanimousity.

There are no ready to use plugin available for creating an automobile site. As explained before, you can use the tidypics plugin for the same or just modify the files/blogs plugin with required fields. Tidypics is a complicated plugin for a beginner. Take a look at the blog/bookmarks plugin which are well commented. Here are some useful links for you. 

• http://docs.elgg.org/wiki/Plugin_development
• http://docs.elgg.org/wiki/Tutorials/Blog 

Here is an automobile community built on Elgg 1.7 series. You can read about the case study.

@NYL, I think I might have this worked out for you PM me for my idea. You can look at what I just put together called The Garage. I beleive it can be configure to your needs.

Steve