This early scene near the L'Arc-the-Triomphe in Paris was painted by the French artist Edouard-Leon Cortes. At the turn of the previous century, ca.1900, he started to paint the scenes that he would become most famous for: the streets and monuments of Paris. His views of the city (rehsgalleries.com) are considered to be the most telling and beautiful images of this genre. He kept on capturing the city during all seasons for more than sixty years. Cortes died in 1969 but his works still remain very much 'en vogue'. A painting similar like the one on the photo recently turned up during a Dutch TV-programme where people bring their collectibles to have them valued by experts (avro.nl; in Dutch only). Although Cortes painted many pictures during his lifetime and many of them can still be found, this newly discovered painting was valued between 20.000 and 30.000 euro’s (text Rutger Booy; photo courtesy Rehs Galleries). 

Number 163 was a quiz which attracted lots of White experts. Among many who had the make right we received no less than three answers that were totally spot on !!! For us the nasty task yo decide who came up with the very best answer. After much deliberation we chose Tom Chaney who wrote: 'If the casual observer were to merely look at the paint job and say, 'It looks like a White touring car!' he would be almost to the correct answer. It's a 1913 White 5-passenger Model GAF 30 horsepower gasoline-powered touring car. This vehicle, built by The White Company of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, was originally offered in dark green, maroon and two shades of grey. A previous restorer apparently chose to be more literal with the color. Priced at $2500, this auto came with electric starter and headlamps standard. The company, which began as a manufacturer of sewing machines is also famous for its line of steam automobiles built between 1900-1910.'
Well done Tom. The RoadMap/PreWarCar gillet/vest is on its way and with this third correct answer you now join the ranks of the jury. One of the jury members, Mark Dawber found this interesting website about a 1913 White owned by Fred Bell and has been in his family for a very long time. (photo by Ian & Keith Canouse showing another White radiator with the rare radiator badge - only seen on early models. It shows the 'W' of White, the W-ings of the Albatros and when you click the photo for a zoom you'll see the Wave-top radiator again behind all that) 

This website is in general is about the outside of cars, about interesting curves, the atmosphere and the more trivial side of our hobby. The Automobile Magazine brings much more about the backgrounds, the nuts and bolts - heart and soul of everything on vintage wheels. A recent example is the attached article about the 'Big' Austin Eight & Ten. You'll find it in the September issue of the Automobile. For the full Austin article go here . You better be quick, they have a limited number of free copies of the September issue available. But you are warned. Once you start with The Automobile, you want it every month.  

"My name is Richard. I am looking for people that might have pictures off the Züst car that was in the 1908 New York to Paris car race. I know of a Züst that is being restored and it has many of the same repairs as the car described in the book written by the driver after the race. Here is the car so far as it is being restored in Canada." (click photo for the full car, and next for an engine close-up. Info@PreWarCar.com  

It started in the 1970’s with only a few stalls and some spare parts, but with more than 2000 stalls the Beaulieu Autojumble during the weekend of September 10-11 will be even bigger than the ones before. From a rare spare part to a long wanted motoring-book, and from an exquisite glass mascot to a complete automobile, you’ll surely find what you need. But maybe the best part is Sunday afternoon. Sit on a hill and watch hundreds of people taking home stuff they might never need: old bicycles, dirty oil cans, even dented kiddies’ cars. Last year one of the stallholders said: ‘I’m selling problems, but I will be buying new ones back tomorrow.’ Maybe that’s true, but could there be a better place to start your Christmas shopping? Never! Check out some of the delights that await you within 10 days from now (photo Rutger Booy) 

Your editor took this picture earlier this year at the Essen Motor Show, but forgot to take notes. It’s a DKW Roadster, that’s for sure, but what year and what model? We think it’s a 1931/1932 F1, but are not certain. This DKW came from the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt, so we tried to find it on their website. But, my goodness, it’s like wading through mud! You can try for yourselves if you must, but be prepared, it’s not very informative and you have to install new software. Maybe we should wait till the next Essen Motor Show, which we’ll surely attend. Check our new events-page under 'carshows' for the date. You are welcome to list new interesting events through this page.
UPDATE II by John Smeets:"Searching on your site I saw the picture and the comment of the DKW. Indeed, the DKW is NOT a F1 as you thought but it is a P15, the first DKW car build in 1927 and the only DKW with rear-wheel-drive. It has a 500cc twocylinder twostroke engine with 15Hp (P15 stands for Personenwagen with 15 Hp). De P15 is built till 1930 and replaced with the F1 (F1 stands for Front) the first DKW with front-wheel-drive."
UPDATE I by Roger Bowers who concludes based on internet materials that it just can't be a 1931.  

A race. An early one, but also an important one, judging by the number of spectators, old and young. But what race? And more important: what car? Although there’s no brand on the radiator, do check the enormous horn, which undoubtedly was used much to chase away dogs and spectators alike. But what strikes us most in this photo is the smile on the driver's face. Unlike his riding mechanic he has already taken off his goggles because he just knows he’s going to win this race. We remember one racing driver who had a winning smile just like it: Georges Boillot (bilnorge.no). Could it be him? Tell us what you think. Mail to info@PreWarCar.com (picture courtesy Beaulieu’s Motoring Picture Library)

UPDATE I by Mark Dawber: as the first Isle of Man TT race for cars is being held in a couple of weeks (check TT of Man Centenary) , I wonder if this picture comes from that event. I wonder if the car is an Argyll??
UPDATE II: Stephen McCann says it’s not an Argyll, but an 18hp Napier. The picture was taken during the 1905 Tourist Trophy Race on the Isle of Man. The car was driven by Clifford Earp at an average speed of 27,9 miles per hour and he finished 10th. The car was entered by the Napier Company and its registration plate was LC 2135.  

"Hello Sir, can I take your photo?" "Of course, no problem." "May I ask what is the name of this particular Special?" "It has no special name, it's just my car." "Not even the John Brown Special?" "Nope. It's just my car."
(photo by editor; car seen at Silverstone, Spring 2005) 

Not one too hard to begin with after the editor's summer break. One of our readers just recently found this one: "This is a rare car I just removed from 42 year storage. The car is very complete and only needed gas and oil to get it running. The mag was still hot. The car starts and drives well. Must be a low mileage car, the letters on the brass brake and clutch pedals aren't worn a bit!!! After starting the car a few times (and after having found his breath again) I discovered the compression release on the left front frame rail. BOY, DOES THAT HELP !!!" Up to you to give the best max. 50 words description of the car, that is to say if you want to have a chance to win the Roadmap/PreWarCar gillet.   Read more

An experienced Riley driver came along. The open exhaust gave way to the voice of an estimated 1500 rev tick-over of a machine in full racing tune. No question of talking, so I gestured if a photo was OK. From his short nod plus distant gaze I made up he had more important things on his mind (click photo). I reckon he was thinking about the quality of the new babitting of the third big end or something. When I lowered my camera, he blasted away. Those modern oldies are no longer like in the old days ;-).(photos by editor; Silverstone 2005)