Archive
18/04/2021
The speed Record Story - Petrol, Steam or electric? The long race to 200
In the early 1900s, automobile manufacturers attempted to break speed records to showcase the reliability of internal combustion engines. Mercedes achieved the feat with their Simplex model, which reached 156.522 km/h in 1904.
16/04/2021
Colin Chapman and Lotus 3 - The dangers of ambition
Colin Chapman was a British engineer and founder of Lotus Cars. He revolutionized motorsport by introducing new technologies and designs, including the rigid, light and compact monocoque chassis.
15/04/2021
Supercars at Bonhams... Fascinating but cruel
The article discusses the current state of the modern supercar market, which is akin to stock market speculation, where risky products are being sold, with the potential to earn serious money but also to lose money quickly. The article cites the recent Bonhams Contemporary Cars auction, where only 12 out of 31 cars were sold, indicating the modest result of the auction. The article also compares the situation to the classic car market, which is determined by well-defined trends and supply and demand. Finally, the article suggests that the modern supercar market is driven by an irrational demand, which is fed by manufacturers such as Ferrari, who sell their special cars only to those who guarantee not to use them as a speculative opportunity.
11/04/2021
The Speed Record Story 2 - The race to 150. In a world full of innovations, Henry Ford himself broke the world record
This article explores the history of man's pursuit of speed records, beginning with the technological advancements that led to the development of automobiles in the early 20th century.
09/04/2021
Colin Chapman and Lotus 2 - From Formula 1 to the road
This article explores the history of lightweight car design in Formula 1, focusing on the pioneering work of John Cooper and Colin Chapman.
08/04/2021
Auctions. Good winds finally reach Europe
Silverstone Auctions online auction achieved remarkable success despite changing to an online format from an on-site format in 2020 and a web address change without prior notice. The percentage of cars sold increased from 58.16% in 2020 to 78.46% in 2021, with turnover more than doubling, and the average price per sale rose as well. The auction featured a 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III used in the sitcom "Only Fools and Horses," two 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO models, an '87 DAM4100 Metro 6R4, and a 1998 Lotus Elise S1.
05/04/2021
The Speed Record Story 1 - 1899. Breaking the 100 km/h barrier
This article discusses the early history of speed records in the automotive industry. It highlights the competition between early automobile manufacturers, such as Count Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat and Camille Jenatzy.
03/04/2021
Colin Chapman and Lotus 1 - The beginning. Performance through light weight
The article discusses the history of Lotus, the British sports car manufacturer, and its founder Colin Chapman. It explores Chapman's passion for building cars and his focus on reducing weight as the key to improving performance.
01/04/2021
Barrett & Jackson confirms it: the USA is recovering. For real
The article reports on the recent success of the Barrett-Jackson car auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona in March 2021. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, all 952 cars on sale were sold for a total of $100 million, with an average price per car of $105,130. The auction hall was crowded with people, offering hope for a return to normalcy. The author highlights some of the standout cars sold, including a Shelby Cobra Super Snake, a 1993 Mitsubishi Minica, a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro, and a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible with an electric motor and Tesla battery pack. The article also mentions a kit created by TV presenter and mechanic Ant Anstead for a replica of the famous 1938 Alfa Romeo 158 that sold for $110,000.
29/03/2021