…with or without clothes!

Photo: Håkan Flank

I once linked to a story about a barnfind Kevin Gosselin did. This led him to send me a copy of his latest novel to review (that or he actually reads what I write). Something I will eventually come around to. Review it, I mean. I’ve already read it. That is why I can tell you to do the same. Read it, that is. Apart from a few awkward bits (and I really mean “a few”) the book is quite excellent and thoroughly enjoyable. Mr. Gosselin has certainly done his homework on cars. And WWII history. It’s mainly the protagonist’s and his wife’s names I have a problem with: Faston and Caprice Hanks. If you can overlook that, then you’ll want to read The hunt For The Blower Bentley. Think Indiana Jones but with cars and you’ll get the gist of it.

Photo: Manuel Hollenbach

It’s telling that you have a nice job when you’re shuttled to warm destinations in specially chartered planes in order to drive new cars way before they’re about to hit the market. I should be excited. I am excited. But they’re usually glorious displays of inefficiency. You’re there to drive a car, but spend more time on planes and at dinner tables than behind the wheel of said car. Kind of frustrating at times. Depending on the job you’re doing, it can be heaven or it can be something close to heaven. It will never, ever come close to hell though. Racking up bonus miles while getting paid to drive new cars will always be the best job in the world. This is just a personal reality check to get my head out of my arse. There, job done.

In light of the recent findings of rusted out classics, amongst them Caracciola’s Mercedes 500 K, I wonder why, what, how, and yes, why, again? What is it with people wanting to sweep things under the proverbial rug in order to pretend they don’t exist? How can you just forget about a car? Or leave it to Faston Hanks to find them, or else he’d have nothing to do but to keep his inn.

Via Le Container

Levi’s went to Copenhagen to visit my favourite custom shop: The Wrenchmonkees.

“Asked about the essence of motorcycling, Copenhagen local Per Nielsen will keep his answer fittingly short and clean; in fact, he will say no more than a single word at first: “Presence.”

His crew The Wrenchmonkees has long established itself as a commanding force and seminal presence in the world of stainless steel and powerful engines. Internationally known for their matchless custom motorcycle creations, Per explains his search for the ultimate road beast and presents his very own thoughts and feelings about “Motorcycle Maintenance”.

Linking their shared love for skateboarding, DIY culture, rock & roll, the sound of engines going, and clean shapes, the Copenhagen-based crew never cared so much about extreme performance, loud colors or the latest designs; instead, they are interested in “the basic expression of life on a motorbike”.

In short: these guys focus on unique machines, a clean, raw and no-frills aesthetic, and ultimately a timeless experience on two wheels.”

Ayrton Senna cutting it close at Hungaroring in 1986.

From Fuck Yeah Lotus

Via Le Container

1971 German Grand Prix, March 711, Ronnie Peterson

From Coolamundo

Not only a pleasure to read, but also a work of art to hang on your wall. All those impractical magazine stands with forward facing shelves all of a sudden make perfect sense. The fantastic Jonas Bergstrand is responsible for the cover art. APT takes care of the art direction and I do all the writing.

Now to the kicker: I want to make an English version that isn’t bound to Aston Martin Stockholm. A completely freestanding magazine filled with interesting articles and great photos, not just about Aston Martin, Bentley, Koenigsegg and Fisker (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but all kinds of automotive exploits, stories and journeys. And I want it to be a collaborative effort between all your favourite writers, not just me.

What say you? Let’s take the plunge…

Via Le Container

Via Le Container

Ferrari 250 GTO at Spa Francorchamps

Via Between the white lines

Via Define Motorsports

via Drop Anchors, via Le Container

From Designers go to heaven

€500 can get you all sorts of nice stuff. It got me this. The engine’s already taken care of by the previous owner with a complete overhaul, new piston, piston rings, new pwk 28 carburettor and open exhaust. All I need to do is to make sure the jetting is correct. And some other stuff…

Like new rear shocks, new tank, new seat, new handlebars, new instruments, new turn signals, new tyres, new rear light… Did I forget anything? Probably. Stay tuned.