Category: Culture
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"My Motors Have a Soul"
Signore Enzo Ferrari, founded la Scuderia Ferrari in 1929, Modena with the main aim of this racing “stable” is to allow owner-drivers to race. A gentleman full of good sense. Soon after leaving Alfa in 1939, he opens Auto Avio Costruzioni in Modena with the agreement he would not use Ferrari as a name for racing for at least…
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The Holy Grail of Supercars!
The McLaren F1… That should be enough for a description as this piece of engineering art does not need any introduction, but for those who are not familiar with it here is a little story to celebrate the F1’s 25th anniversary. The original concept was conceived by Gordon Murray, while the overall design of the…
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La Scuderia Alfa
In the 1930s, Alfa Romeo launched a series of road and sports cars designated as 8C, in reference to their original straight-8 cylinder engines design. In 1935, the 8C-35 Tipo C Monoposto was born, and used a 3.8-litre straight-eight developing 330hp! The engine was designed by Vittorio Jano and was used for racing purposes from…
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The Rolls Royce of Motorcycle
Thomas Edward Lawrence on his Brough SS100 talking to George Brough.Adventurer T.E. Lawrence – war hero Lawrence of Arabia – was the company’s most valuable publicity asset. (he did own seven of the machines.) Noted for their loping V-twin engines and tapered tanks, they were lightning-fast and only for the brave. As Lawrence said: “A…
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British Gentleman with Italian Cloth
Zagato Art Work In late 1960 the DB4GT Zagato was unveiled at the London Motor Show, clothed in a stunningly beautiful and lightweight body from the famous Italian coachbuilder. Only 19 examples were produced and this rarity is reflected in their high-value today. Price new: £5,470
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BIG BALLS
As per Jacky Ickx, in the early days of Formula one, in one lap on the Nurburgring, drivers were jumping 17 times, 17!! The most challenging (deadly?) track in the world. Here is a very famous picture of Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill at the Nurburgring in 1966. If you have raced on this track…
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3.0 Coupe Sport Leicht (Light)
Creative homologation at its best. The BMW engineers solution to the marketing departments requirements was to develop a limited production run ‘homologation special’ to meet the constrictive framework of the group 2 racing class regulations. By removing the trim, using thinner steel for the main body-shell, aluminium alloy for the doors, bonnet and boot lid;…
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The “LeMans Start”
The ” Le Mans Start” Since the first race in 1923, the standing start became a tradition in La Sarthe. Once the French flag dropped the drivers would have to sprint to their cars, strap themselves in or *not* and begin racing. To protest against safety concerns raised by organisers and drivers, Jacky Ickx walked…