Categories
Automotive Art

The Automotive Photography of Peter Aylward

Bugatti Type 35B by Peter Aylward

There’s something starkly atmospheric and cinematic about Peter Aylward’s photography that gives these cacophonous racing machines a serene beauty. It’s almost jarring how something so visceral and kinetic can take on a peaceful grace. I don’t know whether it’s the cold, largely neutral color palette or the composition but these images are absolutely arresting.


More astoundingly beautiful photos from a number of different shoot locations at Peter’s site.

Categories
Grand Prix Historic Racing Photos

A Precariously Perched Silver Arrow

I’ve been reading Sandro Martini’s wonderful novel Tracks: Racing the Sun about the golden age of Grand Prix racing and the exploits of Tazio Nuvolari, Achille Varzi and other (mostly Italian) heroes of the 1930s racing scene and the worrisome political climate of the era (full review to come—short version: I love it).

The passages that take place during the contentious and controversial Grands Prix of Tripoli are so evocative and romantic that I couldn’t help trying to dig up some photos of the era. This dockside image of the Mercedes W154 so perfectly captures the clash between the huge technological leaps that racing machines were making with the almost quaint simplicity of the rest of society. These ropes and cables jerkily transferring this rocketship of a car to the docks must have been as much a test of nerves as the race itself. You think about racing teams having to trust their drivers but rarely do you consider the faith being placed in the longshoremen.

Categories
Video

Carroll Shelby Goes Racing

Marvelous 20 minute film of Team Shelby’s racing exploits. Even if this film was just the Willow Springs chalk talk with Peter Brock it would be worth the watch. That it’s interspersed with sequences of Dan Gurney or Ken Miles illustrating his lecture on the track makes it mandatory viewing. You might just learn a touch of racecraft that’s just as true today as it was 50 years ago. Of course that first-generation GT40 and a spinning and drifting 289 Cobra aren’t hard to look at either.
Thanks for sending this one in, Craig!

Categories
Classic Sportscar Historic Racing Photos Racing Drivers

A Vintage Racer Vintage Racing

This photo of Jim Clark in a Model-T Sprint Car almost breaks my brain. It only makes sense for Jimmy in the context of the celebrations surrounding the Indianapolis 500.
This photo was included in a Ford press release for the race and their 495 horsepower V8 that would power the Lotus-Ford in the race. What better way to showcase Ford’s history with the 500 and demonstrate 48 years of automotive engineering maturity than to contrast these two racing machines—each at the pinnacle of technology for their time. Magnificent.

More at Auto Gift Garage.

Categories
Automotive Art For Sale Racing Ephemera

A $300,000 Slot Car Table Sounds Like a Good Idea

Neiman Marcus’ Christmas catalog is famous for their over-the-top gift ideas. My favorite from last year was the custom falconry equipment. This year though, I’m actually tempted to put together a crowdfunding campaign for this custom slot car set by Slot Mods. Even better, David Hobbs will attend your opening party.
I can imagine no better evening than sitting around this remarkable slot car table with David Hobbs calling the action. Only $300K. At that price, we can’t afford not to get it.
Who’s in?


More information (and video!)—but sadly no “add to cart” button—at NeimanMarcus.com

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

Categories
Porsche

Collecting a Porsche 356 at Baggage Claim

I only leave home with the essentials.
Via I Love Porsche.