The Magazine

It's hip to be square! (Upd. Quasar-Unipower )

From the collection of Dutch automotive historian Frans Vrijaldenhoven comes this photograph of a strange looking all-glass box-like vehicle. We don't know what it is or what it's supposed to do, but we are sure you to tell us in one catchy phrase what is happening here. He (or she) who comes up with the best answer will receive a nice postwar surprise.

Update by editor: the best caption that in our opinion gives the best impression of this 'swinging sixties' contraption is Peter Brouwer's "It's hip to be square!" Well done Peter!

Wednesday, 09 May 2012

A Healey Westland to be saved!

Barnfinds are always great to see, but some are better than others. What to think of this wonderful 1949 Healey Westland that recently came to light? It had been locked up for more than fifty years, but still looks quite restorable. Just imagine to hear that engine growl again just like the Healey Westland that was entered in the 1948 Mille Miglia with Donald Healey at the wheel. We saw this one at Dragone's Spring Auction that will be held in Westport, Connecticut on May 19. We guess the Westland will not be ready for this year's Mille Miglia, but you can certainly try for next year's!

Tuesday, 08 May 2012

Smoking is good for you!

Today nobody in his right mind would believe this, but as a young boy in the 1950s, we actually encouraged our father to smoke as much as possible. Of course there was a reason for our attitude. At first he smoked Croydon because the carton box had the most wonderful airplane images on them which we devotedly collected. Then we made him change to Full Speed. That brand had even more exciting drawings of automobiles, made by the incomparable Piet Olyslager. All in all we collected three of those albums, but never got around to the fourth one as father came to his senses and quit smoking!
(drawing of MG TD collection editor Rutger Booy)

Monday, 07 May 2012

It’s all done with the hands!

In our PostWarCar period of time (say 1945 to roughly 1965) there is in our opinion no greater Formula I driver than Fangio. Full stop. No argument! Have you ever seen him drive? Probably not, so check this YouTube video where he demonstrates and explains his skill during a practice run at Monaco with the Ferrari D50. It's no problem if you don't speak Spanish as Fangio's hands do all the talking. See the master go, it's pure poetry in motion!
(photo: still from YouTube video)

Sunday, 06 May 2012