1937

1937 Ford Yellowstone Park Tour Bus by Bender – 2017 RM Hershey Curio

by

Nothing beats a ragtop vintage tourbus for kitsch appeal!  Sentimentality galore imagining so many thousands of happy families exploring the US National Park System for the first time.  Yellowstone was the first park to be designated — and is enormous to behold.  Great to have such roomy seating, big windows and of course that open roof.  Open to big blue skies all day and starry heavens at night.  And the doors!  The entire passenger side of the bus opens with quadruple limo exits. The delightfully Art Deco touches of this bus’s design are what make it a real showstopper.  Here’s …

Keep reading

1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS 20

1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi – RM Villa Erba Highlight

by

Here is a stunning example of peak car design. Timeless and enchanting lines from every angle.  Unbelievable finesse and shape to every panel — courtesy of the era’s best coachwork masters. But special even before that point.  This short-wheelbase, competition model has the lightweight sports-racing chassis and race engine.  It is also one of only two worldwide with fully enclosed front fenders. These were a difficult feat then and are similarly hard to achieve now.  Certainly they are impossible for any volume-produced machine.  The idea that they would help with aerodynamics is charming considering the top speeds of this car …

Keep reading

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special 1

12-Million-Dollar Merc? 1937 540K Special Is Longtail, Highdoor Roadster with 7k Original Miles

by

Mercedes Benz 540K’s are some of the most-collectible cars in history.  They are one of the few non-Ferrari marques to clear the $10-million hurdle nearly every time they come up for auction air. This example will be one of the all-time greats for RM Sotheby’s. A long-tail, high-door configuration with left-hand-drive and virtually no miles…. the car is a dream in red silk. What will really seal the obscene price estimates for this car?  Its condition and originality.  Not a re-do — this is the original item.  Proof is just the 7k total miles ever travelled in this straight-eight stunner. …

Keep reading

1937 Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Limousine 1

Joe Kennedy Special Order! 1937 Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Limousine – RM Hershey 2015 Preview

by

Any V16 will have a ridiculous front end. And the Cadillac Sixteens defined the genre for its entirety. The gorgeous and clearly ultra-plush proportions of the Cadillac V16 are best on the LWB 7-seater limo. The shorter cars are gorgeous and huge too, but just not as lovely and cartoon-y (in a good way). The provenance of this particular car as a Special Body Order is a good clue to its famous owner: Joseph Kennedy, father of President John F. Kennedy and Hollywood tycoon. So not just a glitzy limo with scale to make you pale… but this very car …

Keep reading

RM Monterey 2015 - 1938 Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine 7

RM Monterey 2015 – 1938 Adler Trumpf RennLimousine – LM ‘Racing Sedan’ with Airship Aero

by

The fantastic convergence of aerospace and supercars has a glorious history! This Adler Trumpf Rennlimo from 1938 represented a fascinating view of automotive aerodynamics in a time before effective wind tunnels or computer simulations. The learnings and design principles of aerodynamics were far more theoretical in the pre-jet age. Yet Adler designers brought great insights from airship and Zeppelin design into the car world to great results. This ‘racing sedan,’ as the Rennlimo translates, was the first closed-cockpit racer to take on LeMans. Just six were produced for sale, all with unique spindle and wing tweaks to the bodywork. The …

Keep reading

Amelia Island 2015 - 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster 15

Amelia Island 2015 – 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster Is Magnificent

by

PART TWO: The Roadster The BMW 328 Mille Miglia roadster seem here came before the coupe. It was a stepping-stone between the production 328 cabrio and the Touring Coupe seen in the second half of this page. The goal was as ultra-light reskin in alloy that would reduce drag, enhance stability at speed, and deliver outstanding performance to take on the best racecars in the world — and win. But the side benefit of the 328 Mille Miglia redesign? This roadster is one of the most beautiful silhouettes ever made. 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster   Imagine a single …

Keep reading

1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron 29

RM Amelia Island 2015 Preview – 1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron

by

Here is a gorgeous classic we are excited to even see in person! A V12 Lincoln cabriolet with four doors!? Yes indeed. 1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron RM Auctions Amelia Island 14 March 2015 1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis no. K-8128

1937 lincoln v12

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1937 Lincoln Model K Two-Window V12 Sedan

by

  We have a bit of a budding infatuation with the Lincoln back catalog and current model range lately. This 1937 Model K really shows how special the brand is. Things like the greyhound leaper badge, the elegant art deco V12 grille plaque and the shrouded lamps of this streamlined nose. Things like the doors ringed in rosewood layers, or the square faces of the dials and gauges. All so quietly elegant and world-class. 1937 Lincoln Model K Two-Window V12 Sedan   RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 215 1937 Lincoln Model K Two-Window Sedan $70,000 – …

Keep reading

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sport Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen

by

The 540K was one of the first supercars to prove that huge speed and mega luxury were not mutually exclusive. You can add flawless quality to the recipe as well. Just look at how the soft-top fits the windshield for evidence of Mercedes’ core excellence. The 540K Sport Cabriolet was the finest car on the high-speed autobahns of Germany when it debuted. It is the natural predecessor to the SL-Class Roadsters, and established the long-hood sports-car proportions of GT supercars. This was the car for movie stars, playboys and bon vivants of all stripes. No small legacy, then, for this …

Keep reading

1938 studebker coupe pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1937 Studebaker J5 Express Coupe Pickup

by

Clarification: Some confusion on which truck is which: this is the Studebaker, the previous article incorrectly referred to a 1948 Diamond T as the Stud. Part of a series. What really sticks with you about the 1937-1950 trucks featured here is how fun a joyful their designs are. Sure, they were work trucks – but the work was fun. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.    https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 …

Keep reading

1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup

by

Part of a series. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.      https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December 12 NBCSN: 6:30 PM-12 AM ET/5:30-11 PM CT SDD Saturday, December 13 NBCSN: 3-7 PM ET/2-6 PM CT LIVE Notice: Big Brochure Deadline: Wednesday, October 29 at 5 …

Keep reading

1937 diamont t

Mecum 2014 Austin – Mid-Century Trucks – 1948 Diamond T Model 201 Pickup

by

Clarification: Some confusion on which truck was which: this is the Diamont T, the previous article incorrectly referred to a 1938 Studebaker. Part of a series. There are a half-dozen or more amazing pickup trucks headed across the block tomorrow and Saturday in Austin, Texas for the Mecum auction.  https://www.mecum.com/ Auction Schedule Seller’s Check-in: Wednesday, December 10 from 8 AM-6 PM Thursday, December 11 from 8 AM-6 PM Auction: Gates open daily at 8 AMVEHICLES: Friday at 10 AM Saturday at 10 AMROAD ART: Will begin 30 minutes priorTV BROADCAST SCHEDULE:Friday, December 12 NBCSN: 6:30 PM-12 AM ET/5:30-11 PM CT …

Keep reading

1939 talbot-lago gif

2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase

by

Okay now. Start your classic car appreciation engines! About a hundred fantastic cars here, and triple that many amazing, high-resolution photos from 2014’s Pebble Beach Concours. The clear favorite for this non-expert and non-judge? The fabulous 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Pourtout Coupé all the way from Hong Kong.   Forgive me if some of these are out of order. But included are generally the top-3 in every category. Enjoy! Special Thanks to Photographer Collin Graves.   2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase   Class A: Antique 1st: 1910 American Underslung Traveler Toy Tonneau, William Johnston & Ronald Elenbaas …

Keep reading

phantom DHC waterspeed gif1

USA Debut of Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection

by

Updated 8.23.14   Thrilled to meet the Bespoke Rolls-Royce Drophead Waterspeed at the Quail last week. Extra excited to find the latest Rolls-Royce masterclass matches my Bell & Ross watch! Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed   Okay! Before we get too excited about which would be faster today: the Rolls-Royce-powered Bluebird K3 or the new Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed, we must clarify something! The K3 is the Bluebird boat. This is likely very obvious to people in the UK or Speed Record buffs, but the Bluebird’s I know best are the cars.   But this Phantom DHC Waterspeed indeed celebrates …

Keep reading

Nissan badge evolution GIF1

The Evolution of the Nissan and Datsun Badges Since 1951

by

The Evolution of the Nissan and Datsun Badges Since 1951 Logos tell stories – they are the emblems we become so familiar with that seeing them becomes a mental shortcut to knowing a product is high-quality and something we recognize. Alternatively, they can become tarnished by mis-steps or changing market preferences — when a badge can be caught in a past world that does not reflect current brand aspirations. Most of all, however, they aim for consistency. Put a Nissan badge on a refrigerator — and your brain will like that fridge if you are a Nissan fan. Or if …

Keep reading

1937 BMW 328 GIF header

Car Museums Showcase – 1937 BMW 328 and R60 Sidecar Motorcycle

by

The 1937 BMW 328 is a little-seen roadster gem from BMW that was, perhaps, the firm’s most advanced and sophisticated achievement outside of aircraft engines at the time. 1937 BMW 328 and R60 Bike in Spartanburg, SC Seeing one so close in the flesh really rings home how advanced this 328 was versus its contemporaries from Aston-Martin and Jaguar — two much-better-known sports-car innovators (and competitive benchmarks) of the time.   Where those cars both still wore giant flat fenders, the 328 is completely smooth in all areas. This aero-led thinking was surely a testament to BMW’s aeronautic history until …

Keep reading

New Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Celebrates Bluebird K3 Record-Breaker HEADERGIF999999

New Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Celebrates Bluebird K3 Record-Breaker

by

Okay! Before we get too excited about which would be faster today: the Rolls-Royce-powered Bluebird K3 or the new Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed, we must clarify something! The K3 is the Bluebird boat. This is likely very obvious to people in the UK or Speed Record buffs, but the Bluebird’s I know best are the cars.   But this Phantom DHC Waterspeed indeed celebrates the Bluebird K3 speedboat, whose streamlined lower hull design went on to inspire virtually all modern watercraft. No jokes allowed here on this topic, as the Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed will easily top the 137-mph total …

Keep reading

Shafer 8 Buick GIF header

1937 Shafer 8 BUICK Indy RaceCar at The Mitty – Road Atlanta 2014

by

Pretty shameless not to write much about this amazing machine!  But the photos really tell most of the story of this handsome and streamlined Buick-powered racer. Streamlined? Yes and no. The long-tail acted to improve stability, but those silver bars along the sides? That is the full ladder chassis, with the cabin and mechanical shrouds all in-board. Coker Tire sells the best vintage tires around, with the exact Firestones seen here available today from about $475 – which is not a bad deal overall! Adjusted for inflation, that would be barely $2 per tire in the 1930s…! http://blog.cokertire.com/shafer-eight/  

BMW Z1 header gif

1989 BMW Z1 in Spartanburg, SC -High Demand but High Price

by

1989 BMW Z1 in Spartanburg, SC -High Demand but High Price A bit less to say about the Z1, which is unusual for me.  For many, many years the Z1 was my all-time favorite car. I saw one in Germany as a young child and was instantly smitten by its power-sinking doors and ultra-refined aero profile. To me, it was everything a BMW sports car should be. Versus the large and imposing 635CSi and 750iL of the time, it was nothing short of a revelation for BMW lovers worldwide. Even today, its shapely panels are quite bewitching. The Z1 was …

Keep reading

1937 BMW 328 GIF header

Car Museums Showcase – 1937 BMW 328 and R60 Bike in Spartanburg, SC

by

The 1937 BMW 328 is a little-seen roadster gem from BMW that was, perhaps, the firm’s most advanced and sophisticated achievement outside of aircraft engines at the time. Seeing one so close in the flesh really rings home how advanced this 328 was versus its contemporaries from Aston-Martin and Jaguar — two much-better-known sports-car innovators (and competitive benchmarks) of the time.   Where those cars both still wore giant flat fenders, the 328 is completely smooth in all areas. This aero-led thinking was surely a testament to BMW’s aeronautic history until this point, but also a deep bow to the …

Keep reading

1937 Bugatti Type 57C Roadster -- Leaves Me Cold GIF

Amelia Island Time Capsules: $903k 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Roadster — Leaves Me Cold — Find Out Why?

by

Plowing through my gigantic Amelia Island photo folders. =] Not only do I rarely meet a Bugatti I do not like — I think the Amelia Island 2014 event was the first time I have ever touched any Bugatti, whatsoever! Therefore, you can imagine my internal surprise at my blase feelings toward this magnificent 1939 57C — which were less than positive. I just didn’t like it. The color seemed off, the coachwork overwrought, and certainly not nearly as stunning, genuine and authentically-desirable as the racecars across the room. I blamed poor lighting on day one due to the car …

Keep reading

Concept Flashback - 2006 BMW Mille Miglia 9

Concept Flashback – 2006 BMW Mille Miglia

by

New cars can be tiring to write about. These concepts are my diversion before the real work begins. Many concepts these days roll onto the stage with tight-lipped executives – who will say it only points toward a potential future design, etc. If the exec in question is standing in front of a mono-pod spaceport of some kind, it is easy to trust him. But more than ever before, concept cars are a lightly veiled launch platform for the real-deal production car about 8 months later. Cynical? Me? Never. Some concepts have barely a chance in hell of seeing volume …

Keep reading