The Magazine

A matter of taste

Old press releases can be very interesting to read. Like this one of the French press agency Infoplan, who handed out this photo with the text: “A Renault R16 transformed into a Sedan and of which a small few series will be made.” Of course this sedan was based on the Renault R16 that was introduced in 1964. Both cars were developed by Philippe Charbonneaux, who was responsible for styling at Renault. While we think the R16 was a truly advanced design, we have our doubts about this sedan. Doubts? It’s just plain ugly! So maybe its for the good that as far as we know this sedan never went further than the prototype status. It was exhibited with several other designs by Philippe Charbonneaux at the auto museum in Reims. Could it still be there? And have more sedans been made by Renault? Can you tell?
By the way, if you think the model in the fur coat looks familiar, you could be right. Her name is Brigitte Auber, a French actress who, among other roles, starred next to Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief.

Friday, 25 May 2012

The Art of Motion

Perhaps you have visited the exposition Velocity at the Hopkins Center for the Arts in Minnesota, which was held in 2008. It was one of the largest, stand-alone automotive fine art exhibitions in the United States and drew crowds of car buffs to downtown Hopkins throughout the summer. If you liked what you saw, you will be pleased to hear that there will be a follow-up, Velocity2, starting on June 30 and lasting until August 3. Again many artists will take part, showing paintings, sculptures, and photographs. This recently completed acrylic painting of a 1947 Buick Roadmaster by Bryan Snuffer is a good example of the high standards you can expect at Velocity2.

Thursday, 24 May 2012

The Big Mini turns Fifty

Right after the launch of the 'little' Mini, BMC thought it should need a somewhat bigger brother, but then more stylish as it was to compete in a more luxurious class. The first prototype was ready in 1958 but then received the magic touch of Pininfarina who turned it into a real stylish car. It was launched to the public in 1962, exactly fifty years ago this August. There were two versions, Austin and Morris, both named 1100 and 1300 after the engine capacity, but they soon earned the name Glider after their Hydrolastic suspension, designed by Alex Moulton. It worked great although sometimes the fluid displacers leaked, giving the Glider a lopsided ride. The only way to remedy this was to pump up the displacers, for which you had to go to an official Austin or Morris dealer. Several versions of the Glider followed: Wolseley, MG, and Riley and there was even an Italian version, the Innocenti, but the Glider never took on like its little brother did.
(prototype photos courtesy AR-online; all other photos collection editor)

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

It all comes down to spit and polish!

Preparation for a show or concours requires careful planning. Arrive early, don't linger to converse with the other contestant but busy yourself to get just that extra bit of shine. It's the only way to convince the judges that your baby is the best. We took this photo at a local meeting of Dutch Ford Mustang owners, but under threat of approaching rain we didn't stay long enough to see if this guy's efforts really paid off.

Tuesday, 22 May 2012