The Forward Look
It was more than an ad slogan.
Virgil Exner defines automotive design for the 1960s
It was more than an ad slogan.
Virgil Exner defines automotive design for the 1960s
The Annual Alfa 6C Italian Tour:
The Piedmontese Lake District
Oliver and Lucie Collins take us along on the annual 6C 2500 tour. This year we're off to the lake district of Piedmont: Lake Maggiore and over to Lago d'Orta. Lucie once again provides the excellent lens work.
The Piedmontese Lake District
Oliver and Lucie Collins take us along on the annual 6C 2500 tour. This year we're off to the lake district of Piedmont: Lake Maggiore and over to Lago d'Orta. Lucie once again provides the excellent lens work.
VGM
VELOCITY GROUP MAGAZINE
Through the Looking Glass
I recently came upon a cumulative history of Bugatti. It went from Ettore's superb originals, right to Cosworth's, I mean VW's, current offerings. It was interesting to note that this Molsheim to Molsheim Atelier history said nothing about Artioli's Campogalliano operation. Interesting in the fact that there would be no Bugatti today without Artioli's superb and effective resurrection of the Marque.
We were the first TV crew to visit Bugatti in Campogalliano in 1991.
Come along and take a step back in time.
Fully restored and reedited. 43 minutes in length.
I recently came upon a cumulative history of Bugatti. It went from Ettore's superb originals, right to Cosworth's, I mean VW's, current offerings. It was interesting to note that this Molsheim to Molsheim Atelier history said nothing about Artioli's Campogalliano operation. Interesting in the fact that there would be no Bugatti today without Artioli's superb and effective resurrection of the Marque.
We were the first TV crew to visit Bugatti in Campogalliano in 1991.
Come along and take a step back in time.
Fully restored and reedited. 43 minutes in length.
Author's Appearance
As part of the 2nd annual all Italian car day at The Automobile Gallery, I was invited to come out of authorly seclusion and present our rarely seen custom limited edition titles. The setting provided a festive environment to enjoy the free flowing car guy conversations, fueled by espresso and the fabulous fresh cannoli.
As part of the 2nd annual all Italian car day at The Automobile Gallery, I was invited to come out of authorly seclusion and present our rarely seen custom limited edition titles. The setting provided a festive environment to enjoy the free flowing car guy conversations, fueled by espresso and the fabulous fresh cannoli.
The 39th Optimist's car show
Love the name of this charity. I was invited by a couple of guys from the Ferrari club who are on the board, being optimists and all.
One of course brought his '71 Rolls Corniche Cabriolet, the other his Porsche GT-3. members of a number of Marque clubs it seems.
The turn out was strong, but alas the cars were parked far too close for good photo composition, but we managed a few on this beautiful June afternoon.
Love the name of this charity. I was invited by a couple of guys from the Ferrari club who are on the board, being optimists and all.
One of course brought his '71 Rolls Corniche Cabriolet, the other his Porsche GT-3. members of a number of Marque clubs it seems.
The turn out was strong, but alas the cars were parked far too close for good photo composition, but we managed a few on this beautiful June afternoon.
Before the Historics
As most every automotive publication devotes editorial space to the most recent vintage racing event, which all seemed to have become canapé and Champaign flute private invitationals, we thought we'd step back and present a photo essay of what gave those cars the provenance driving their, ahem, values. Join us for a look at a pivotal event as the new Mid-Century decade began.
This is also vintage in the fact that it was shot with the then very new high speed Ektachrome film.
As most every automotive publication devotes editorial space to the most recent vintage racing event, which all seemed to have become canapé and Champaign flute private invitationals, we thought we'd step back and present a photo essay of what gave those cars the provenance driving their, ahem, values. Join us for a look at a pivotal event as the new Mid-Century decade began.
This is also vintage in the fact that it was shot with the then very new high speed Ektachrome film.
Learning French
This is a guest article, with words and photos by John Hansford.
The result of an email conversation about how John, quite unintentionally, ended up owning one of the most intriguing French cars of the era. And one might mention, one of the very few examples in the States.
This is a guest article, with words and photos by John Hansford.
The result of an email conversation about how John, quite unintentionally, ended up owning one of the most intriguing French cars of the era. And one might mention, one of the very few examples in the States.
PK Racing
Seeing the broadcast listing for the Firestone GP at Laguna Seca brought to mind the first year a dear friend had acquired a CART team. When they made their West Coast appearance Kevin invited me down to do an observation of his new operation. So, here we go to the 2003 Champ Car GP at Laguna.
Seeing the broadcast listing for the Firestone GP at Laguna Seca brought to mind the first year a dear friend had acquired a CART team. When they made their West Coast appearance Kevin invited me down to do an observation of his new operation. So, here we go to the 2003 Champ Car GP at Laguna.
June in Italy
Long time Alfa collector and 6C 2500 owner Oliver Collins and talented photographer Lucie Collins take us to a special Alfa event at the Ville D'Este. And yes, they shipped their 6C 2500 there and back to attend.
Long time Alfa collector and 6C 2500 owner Oliver Collins and talented photographer Lucie Collins take us to a special Alfa event at the Ville D'Este. And yes, they shipped their 6C 2500 there and back to attend.
...And on down to Brescia
Oliver and Lucie head down to Brescia for the Mille.
Once again Lucie provides the excellent lens work.
Oliver and Lucie head down to Brescia for the Mille.
Once again Lucie provides the excellent lens work.
A Trip to Turin
We take a tour of the Pininfarina Museum, circa 1992, courtesy of Lorenza Pininfarina.
We take a tour of the Pininfarina Museum, circa 1992, courtesy of Lorenza Pininfarina.
On a Union Salary
Bill Chizar's tale of 0718
In every modern Ferrari provenance there is the story of the guy who bought an old derelict racer in the 1970s and fixed it up on a working man's salary.
This is one such story told to me in Bill's own words.
Here we present it as part of the new Excerpt Series.
Pulled straight from the pre-press galley of
Metal Memory: the mystery of 0719.
Note: Turn the pages by tapping the upper left and right of the pages.
Bill Chizar's tale of 0718
In every modern Ferrari provenance there is the story of the guy who bought an old derelict racer in the 1970s and fixed it up on a working man's salary.
This is one such story told to me in Bill's own words.
Here we present it as part of the new Excerpt Series.
Pulled straight from the pre-press galley of
Metal Memory: the mystery of 0719.
Note: Turn the pages by tapping the upper left and right of the pages.
Road Trip
Maserati collector and our good friend Gene, drives his Ghibli 2000 miles round for Monterey week; attending Motolux at the Jet Center, walks the pebble exhibitors' parking after the Tour, is part of the Maserati take over of Laguna Seca on Friday and relaxes at Concorso.
Maserati collector and our good friend Gene, drives his Ghibli 2000 miles round for Monterey week; attending Motolux at the Jet Center, walks the pebble exhibitors' parking after the Tour, is part of the Maserati take over of Laguna Seca on Friday and relaxes at Concorso.
The Rosner Files
Jon Rosner makes his return to VGM with a fine visit to the most recent Concorso Italiano.
Jon Rosner makes his return to VGM with a fine visit to the most recent Concorso Italiano.
WeatherTech® International Challenge with Brian Redman
The Eagles have landed.
Like good wine, there are vintage years at historic racing events. One such year was when Dan Gurney's Eagles were brought out for the Redman at Road America.
The Eagles have landed.
Like good wine, there are vintage years at historic racing events. One such year was when Dan Gurney's Eagles were brought out for the Redman at Road America.
After the parade, before the fire works
It wouldn't be summer in Michigan without the locals coming out for the Fourth.
It wouldn't be summer in Michigan without the locals coming out for the Fourth.
Corvette At Monterey
Bay Area photographer Wayne Torres-Rivera takes us on an examination of Corvette's extensive participation at the Monterey Historics.
Bay Area photographer Wayne Torres-Rivera takes us on an examination of Corvette's extensive participation at the Monterey Historics.
The Unusual Suspects
More from the
WeatherTech® International Challenge
with Brian Redman
More from the
WeatherTech® International Challenge
with Brian Redman
August at the Lake Shore
It wouldn't be summer without a new Concours. Long time Elkhart Lake Concours director Bob Prince hosts a new event on the shores of Lake Michigan at Port Washington's Coal Dock Park.
It wouldn't be summer without a new Concours. Long time Elkhart Lake Concours director Bob Prince hosts a new event on the shores of Lake Michigan at Port Washington's Coal Dock Park.
Vertical Ascent
As part of our Car Culture TV development cycle, was produced this pilot.
Feeling it was time, I got Warren Olson and Bruce Kessler on tape for some of our Car Guy Conversations about how the Lance Reventlow Automobiles story came about and unfolded. And damn glad I did!
The images woven into this tale are from the Archives of Warren and Bruce.
As part of our Car Culture TV development cycle, was produced this pilot.
Feeling it was time, I got Warren Olson and Bruce Kessler on tape for some of our Car Guy Conversations about how the Lance Reventlow Automobiles story came about and unfolded. And damn glad I did!
The images woven into this tale are from the Archives of Warren and Bruce.
A Thursday in September
In the Garage out back were five Lancias.
We roll them out for the camera
and drive the Appia.
Driving Through Another Dimension
A fast run to and from Laguna Seca
in a couple Giugiaro prototypes.
A fast run to and from Laguna Seca
in a couple Giugiaro prototypes.
Visiting Friends
Armed with nothing more than cell phone, we visit Peter Giddings garage, take a drive, and Peter fires up the 8C.
Armed with nothing more than cell phone, we visit Peter Giddings garage, take a drive, and Peter fires up the 8C.
http://www.velocitygroup.net/BASGarageVisit/
http://www.velocitygroup.net/BASGarageVisit/
Starting from Scratch
The actual story of the Ford GT project, from the beginning.
And no, the Lola GT was not the basis for the Ford GT40.
Roy Lunn does the fact checking.
The actual story of the Ford GT project, from the beginning.
And no, the Lola GT was not the basis for the Ford GT40.
Roy Lunn does the fact checking.
Vintage Videos
While in development with Time Warner for a multi-episode TV broadcast on Alfa Romeo, my buddy at the AR ad firm there on via Kennedy in Arese thought I might like to have these very period videos for the Velocity Group archives.
While in development with Time Warner for a multi-episode TV broadcast on Alfa Romeo, my buddy at the AR ad firm there on via Kennedy in Arese thought I might like to have these very period videos for the Velocity Group archives.
Festa Italiana
An invitation by Darrel Burnett, director of the Automobile Gallery, to an inaugural Italian Marque event began the Midwestern car season. A fun day in May, just after the snow had finally melted.
An invitation by Darrel Burnett, director of the Automobile Gallery, to an inaugural Italian Marque event began the Midwestern car season. A fun day in May, just after the snow had finally melted.
Just Outside Munich (1991)
A tale of automotive transformation emanating from BMW Motorsport.
Sometimes when producing some automotive TV shows in Europe, what you don't get on film is as interesting as what you do.
A tale of automotive transformation emanating from BMW Motorsport.
Sometimes when producing some automotive TV shows in Europe, what you don't get on film is as interesting as what you do.
We chat with Norman Dewis
He tells us how the XK, a dream car made to sell an engine, became a real sports car.
He tells us how the XK, a dream car made to sell an engine, became a real sports car.
In Their Own Words
Some of the best records of the Turin's design community were produced by the Carrozzeria themselves. These were reflected in the fine quality publications each firm produced. In them you had the firm principles discussing what was accomplished and how. Being design firms, the art direction was great, as were the illustrations and photography. Here we choose three of the many sent for you to enjoy reading about the great Carrozzeria, in their own words.
Some of the best records of the Turin's design community were produced by the Carrozzeria themselves. These were reflected in the fine quality publications each firm produced. In them you had the firm principles discussing what was accomplished and how. Being design firms, the art direction was great, as were the illustrations and photography. Here we choose three of the many sent for you to enjoy reading about the great Carrozzeria, in their own words.
The Simplex
Long before Colin Chapman said, "Simplfy, then add lightness" was the Simplex.
Taking a look at American performance in its formative stage.
Long before Colin Chapman said, "Simplfy, then add lightness" was the Simplex.
Taking a look at American performance in its formative stage.
The Redman Classic at Road America
The featured Marque this year was an era.
The Ragtime Racers represented this earliest era of competition, with some of the greatest racers of the period.
We then roamed off into the tarped garages of some of the more intriguing representatives of every era, right through to current prototypes.
The featured Marque this year was an era.
The Ragtime Racers represented this earliest era of competition, with some of the greatest racers of the period.
We then roamed off into the tarped garages of some of the more intriguing representatives of every era, right through to current prototypes.
Gentleman at Speed
Fred Wacker jr takes us along racing after the War. From a forming SCCA to Grand Prix.
With film and Fred doing the talking
Fred Wacker jr takes us along racing after the War. From a forming SCCA to Grand Prix.
With film and Fred doing the talking
Lancia Hyena
It is the story of a time and a company in transition, from which one of the era's most collectable cars was created.
It is the story of a time and a company in transition, from which one of the era's most collectable cars was created.
EAA AirVenture
It had been a number of years since we made the trip to Oshkosh for the annual week long aero festivities. The usually hot and humid, often with thunderstorms, weather was pleasantly mid-seventies with unusually low humidity. Why the weather report? Because the Wittman Regional Airport where it is held comprises 1,392 acres. This is no casual walk around the lawn at Pebble. The organization of this week-long event is on a Mille Miglia scale, as EAA puts together a volunteer crew of 6,000. The tramlines alone, to carry one from the vintage private planes at one end to the Warbirds at the absolute opposite side of the airfield is a sight to behold, and frankly, transforms what would be an event requiring some physical endurance to a pleasure. The scope of aviation history on display never ceases to amaze.
Join us for a look around…
It had been a number of years since we made the trip to Oshkosh for the annual week long aero festivities. The usually hot and humid, often with thunderstorms, weather was pleasantly mid-seventies with unusually low humidity. Why the weather report? Because the Wittman Regional Airport where it is held comprises 1,392 acres. This is no casual walk around the lawn at Pebble. The organization of this week-long event is on a Mille Miglia scale, as EAA puts together a volunteer crew of 6,000. The tramlines alone, to carry one from the vintage private planes at one end to the Warbirds at the absolute opposite side of the airfield is a sight to behold, and frankly, transforms what would be an event requiring some physical endurance to a pleasure. The scope of aviation history on display never ceases to amaze.
Join us for a look around…
Coal Dock Concours
Bob Prince and his team take over the newest lake front park in Port Washington to stage the latest Midwest Concours.
Bob Prince and his team take over the newest lake front park in Port Washington to stage the latest Midwest Concours.
The Ariens Art on Wheels Weekend
We go to Road America for the autumn Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association get together.
We go to Road America for the autumn Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association get together.
The Rosner Files
Jon takes us to Laguna Seca for a Lotus 23 perspective on the Historics, oh, right, the Reunion....
Jon takes us to Laguna Seca for a Lotus 23 perspective on the Historics, oh, right, the Reunion....
Excerpts
This is a new series in the style of the old magazine serialized books.
We have selected chapters from our custom limited editions for your perusal. We invite you here to read a chapter or two, as if you were sitting in the café of a Barnes and Noble with some time on a rainy afternoon.
All newly formatted with page turn programming.
We have selected chapters from our custom limited editions for your perusal. We invite you here to read a chapter or two, as if you were sitting in the café of a Barnes and Noble with some time on a rainy afternoon.
All newly formatted with page turn programming.
Autoberfest
And it wouldn't be October without a German car show in the home of Brats and beer.
And it wouldn't be October without a German car show in the home of Brats and beer.
F1 transforms Long Beach
Both Raymond Chandler and Ross McDonald's detectives spoke about Long Beach as a corrupt, decaying gray anomaly on the sunny Southern California coast. When Grand Prix arrived in the late Seventies, Ocean avenue was cluttered with pawn shops serving the fast cash hard luck stories, and shuttered shops serving no one. Mike Supancich takes us for a look back on the color of speed that changed all that.
Both Raymond Chandler and Ross McDonald's detectives spoke about Long Beach as a corrupt, decaying gray anomaly on the sunny Southern California coast. When Grand Prix arrived in the late Seventies, Ocean avenue was cluttered with pawn shops serving the fast cash hard luck stories, and shuttered shops serving no one. Mike Supancich takes us for a look back on the color of speed that changed all that.
Walking the greens at Pebble
With over 27 years online we have a hell of an archive to draw from. Here we step back to 2012 to have a look at the cars at Pebble through the lens of Pat Stack.
We've also art directed this a little differently.The nav-programming is merely tap photo to go to the next page.
Have a walk about.
With over 27 years online we have a hell of an archive to draw from. Here we step back to 2012 to have a look at the cars at Pebble through the lens of Pat Stack.
We've also art directed this a little differently.The nav-programming is merely tap photo to go to the next page.
Have a walk about.
Weathertech Vintage Weekend with Brian Redman
In the upper Midwest there's a standing joke, 'There are two seasons. Winter and July.'
And mid July it is time for the annual gathering of some of the finest racing machines on the vintage racing circuit. So we headed down to Road America for some audio visual midsummer fun.
In the upper Midwest there's a standing joke, 'There are two seasons. Winter and July.'
And mid July it is time for the annual gathering of some of the finest racing machines on the vintage racing circuit. So we headed down to Road America for some audio visual midsummer fun.
The Design Cast Ltd.
There is a statement attributed to Mies van der Rohe which we will paraphrase here, “It’s all in the details.”
Recently I became aware of Colin Howard’s manufacturing operation in New Zealand. Let’s take a trip down under and visit this truly amazing automotive operation.
There is a statement attributed to Mies van der Rohe which we will paraphrase here, “It’s all in the details.”
Recently I became aware of Colin Howard’s manufacturing operation in New Zealand. Let’s take a trip down under and visit this truly amazing automotive operation.
The Coal Dock Concours
When the setting is right, the weather perfect, the charitable cause significant, and the field well chosen a Concours can rise to the stature of memorable.
So was the case with the 3rd edition of the Bob Prince’s Coal Dock Concours. Organized with, and for the benefit of, Mel’s Charities. Its Lake Michigan summer lawn setting, with industrial architecture backdrop made for an interesting photo shoot. Come along for a walk about the reflected light on the eclectic metal.
When the setting is right, the weather perfect, the charitable cause significant, and the field well chosen a Concours can rise to the stature of memorable.
So was the case with the 3rd edition of the Bob Prince’s Coal Dock Concours. Organized with, and for the benefit of, Mel’s Charities. Its Lake Michigan summer lawn setting, with industrial architecture backdrop made for an interesting photo shoot. Come along for a walk about the reflected light on the eclectic metal.
Brits by the Bay
Darrel Burnett and his crew at The Automobile Gallery do it again. This new All English Marque day came off like the proverbial clockwork.
The field was strong and the weather great late summer. If only the local football team hadn't foreshortened it by an early exhibition game, everyone would have stayed until it was time for those G&Ts, but it did make for some amusing departure photographs.
Darrel Burnett and his crew at The Automobile Gallery do it again. This new All English Marque day came off like the proverbial clockwork.
The field was strong and the weather great late summer. If only the local football team hadn't foreshortened it by an early exhibition game, everyone would have stayed until it was time for those G&Ts, but it did make for some amusing departure photographs.
Ariens Art on Wheels Weekend
Each September Road America hosts the
Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association Autumn get together.
From early to late F1 cars, LMP2 racers of recent vintage to class and formula comp cars from the 30s through the 70s to 21st century racers.
This year we capture the sweat and wrenches action in the paddock and on Road America's picturesque 4 mile circuit.
Each September Road America hosts the
Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association Autumn get together.
From early to late F1 cars, LMP2 racers of recent vintage to class and formula comp cars from the 30s through the 70s to 21st century racers.
This year we capture the sweat and wrenches action in the paddock and on Road America's picturesque 4 mile circuit.
Le 6C 2500 Tra Regio
SAAR / Mosel
Oliver and Lucie Collins take us along on the annual 6C tour in Europe.
This year its Germany in September.
Once again Lucie provides the great lens work.
The weather couldn't have been better.
SAAR / Mosel
Oliver and Lucie Collins take us along on the annual 6C tour in Europe.
This year its Germany in September.
Once again Lucie provides the great lens work.
The weather couldn't have been better.
Fred at LeMans
When Fred went over to drive for Briggs Cunnigham's team his buddy brought a film camera.
When Fred went over to drive for Briggs Cunnigham's team his buddy brought a film camera.
