Worm's Eye View: Auto Union C-type

I don't recall exactly where I found this, but it's a really cool period photo I had never seen before showing the Auto Union C-type at speed. This might even be a record attempt on the Autobahn, given how straight the road is. I love these "worm's eye views" that were so popular in the 30s as a way to show the pure speed of the car hurtling towards you. The forced perspective is just fantastic!

The Automobiliac Proposes Vol. # 5: Ferrari FF

The newest addition to Ferrari's illustrious stable was announced today, along with the requisite press images. First, the good stuff!  They totally NAILED the proportions! The car has a low, sleek profile that befits a Ferrari Grand Tourer, and the surfacing is more restrained compared to the California, which is its closest styling relative.  I really like the shooting brake format (some have compared it to the famous Le Mans "Breadvan" but I think it looks more like a Z4 coupe.)  I also like that Ferrari is going with a 4WD concept for the first time. However, when you get the front of the car, you realize we're dealing with a "butterface" here (Does FF stand for Fugly Face?).  The traditional "egg crate" grill is overscaled, and the central air intake is way too large, recalling Peugeot concept cars of the last 10 years. There is no subtlety or grace to the grill and it comes off like a frog with a stupid grin and braces. The sculpting on the hood is nice, and although the designers referenced the headlight clusters of the 458 Italia, they only went halfway. The lights on the Italia are for more successful.

In my proposal, I did away with the toothy egg crate grill (not every Ferrari has to have one--see also F40) and changed the opening to be smaller and more aggressive, with a slight lip around the opening.  I also subtly modified the headlights, adding "tear ducts" more akin to the 458, and I think this tweak alone makes an enormous difference in balancing the composition.  I still think many other grill opening shapes could be successful, but I definitely like mine more than what they did.  You be the judge!

Elf Scan 3: Jean-Pierre Beltoise

Jean-Pierre Beltoise gazes out of his blue and white helmet with the paradoxical combination of calmness and intensity that form the temperament of any great driver.  Having accomplished astounding success in motorcycle racing, Beltoise later became a fixture of the Matra team in the late 60's, piloting both F1 and Sportscar entries. Although he never equalled his motorcycle successes (11 national championships in 3 years!), he did succeed in winning the Monaco GP for BRM in 1972 before retiring from F1 in 1974.

A few interesting tidbits from the back of this Elf Oil promotional card: Beltoise's wife was the sister of Francois Cevert, who would also race for Matra and later Tyrell before he was tragically killed.  In addition to his successes as a driver, Beltoise was also a businessman in motorsports as well as author of an autobiographical book entitled "Defense de Mourir" (Loosely translated: Death Forbidden; sort of a pun on the French for "No Smoking"). 

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Beltoise is thankfully still with us today!

Auto Union Fist Bump

Jackie Ickx and Hans Stuck Jr. did a demonstration run of the immortal Auto Union C and D type Grand Prix cars.  I photoshopped this awesome photo to remove evidence of modern life and make it look more "period."

See the original HERE along with the full story.

Snowpocalypse leads to automotive carnage in Pittsburgh

As a follow-up to our Brooklyn Snowplow footage, enjoy this video which illustrates Newtonian laws very clearly in action!

I found the above video eerily reminiscent of this vehicular mess that occured a few years back in Portland, OR under similarly icy conditions.

Again, thankful the Alfa is safely ensconced in its garage for the winter!