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The Allure of the Automobile – Portland Art Museum

August 10th, 2011 by Emir

Looking for something fun to do in the Portland area? Not anymore you’re not. Running through September 11th, The Allure of the Automobile is showcasing 16 of the world’s most luxurious, rare, and brilliantly conceived automobiles designed between 1930 and the mid-1960s. From the avant garde 1937 Hispano-Suiza owned by French apéritif baron André Dubonnet to the ’57 Jaguar XK-SS Roadster once owned by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, the exhibition traces the evolution of the motorcar, showcasing developments in automotive design and engineering.

How does that old saying go? The one about not makin ‘em like they used to.





 


find the full set here

 

 

 

 

 

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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti – SW Lower Boons Ferry, Tualatin [OR]

August 5th, 2011 by Emir

Spotted this elegant 612 Scaglietti in a Whole Foods parking lot of all places. So, while the owner shopped for organic peanut butter inside, I fired off a few rounds for your viewing pleasure. Despite its seemingly fresh looks, the 612 has actually been retired from the line up. The new prancing horse flagship, known as FF, has taken the top spot from 612. The FF stands for four seats and four wheel drive, a drastic departure from the elegant grand touring machine pictured here. Progress…go figure

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Lancia Delta S4 Stradale – SW 10th & Main, Portland, OR

July 19th, 2011 by Emir

Once and a while, we run into street finds that are truly remarkable. This Lancia Delta S4 Stradale represents one of those celebrated discoveries. I know what you’re thinking. This thing looks like a mutated economy car with aerodynamic upgrades that went horribly wrong in a secret French laboratory. But what you fail to realize is that this Lancia is no ordinary hatchback. It’s a street legal, homologated representation of the Group B rally car that competed in the World Rally Championship in 1985-1986. It’s engine is mounted midship, not a common trait among economy cars, and power is sent to all four wheels for superior traction. The best part…Lancia made just 200 road-going examples. To put that rarity into perspective, iconic auction house Bonhams just sold one for about $160k.

Not bad for a funny looking economy car.

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Porsche 911S – Burnside & NW 22nd, Portland

July 7th, 2011 by Emir

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Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe – NW 9th & Glisan, Portland [OR]

June 7th, 2011 by Emir

Volvo stands for a lot of things. Legendary safety. Sturdy build quality. Quirky Scandinavian design. Soccer moms. But couture styling? Surely you jest. Nope, we’re serious. Say hello to the 262C Bertone Coupe built and sold between ’78 – ’81. Volvo’s first ever luxury coupe, think of 262C as a boxy Swede dressed to impress in a very expensive Italian suit. How expensive? About $2,000 more than a Cadillac Eldorado of the time. Largely based on the two-door, six-cylinder 262GL, the low cut roofline was penned by legendary Italian design house Bertone. The story gets more interesting still. Despite Bertone’s involvement, design inspiration actually stemmed from Lincoln’s disco groovy Mark IV. As the story goes, Volvo was smitten by the handsome American coupe after Henry Ford II traveled to Sweden to inspect their factory in the mid 70s. Despite the low volume (under 7k were built worldwide) and high price tag, the Italian-designed, American-influenced Swede was an important car if for nothing else than creating a foothold for the brand inside of luxury segments. That’s why current Volvo models, like the C70, are able to command $40k from well-to-do shoppers across America. Speaking of the C70, its sensuous body was penned by a little Italian design house you may have heard of…Pininfarina.

 

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MB 280 SE – SE 15th & SE Main, Portland [OR]

May 20th, 2011 by Emir

Understated, classic, handsome, clean, sophisticated, grand…these are all words one could use to describe these vintage 280SE coupes built between 68 and 71 [the convertibles ain't too hard on the eyes either]. The interrupter c-pillar and proper door handles are so classy, so tasteful. The best part, one of these glorious 2+2 coupes, the last of the hand built MB era, can be had for about the cost of a new C-Class. Life is full of hard choices, fortunately this is not one of them.

Have a great weekend.

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Chevy Corvair 95 Panel Van – The Alameda District, NE Portland

May 12th, 2011 by Emir

Spotted this stunning ’62 Chevrolet Corvair Panel Van in the Alameda District and just started snapping. I think the fact that it serves as a promotional vehicle for a design company speaks volumes to how nice it is to look at. The details are king on this baby. Love the red steel wheels with chrome centers, unique louvers and white indentation running the flank.

Wouldn’t it be cool if today’s minivans were even half as appealing as this thing?

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Under The Hood: James Crowe

April 7th, 2011 by Emir

Pictured: Metal artisan, craftsman and purist James Crowe, doing what he loves…building motorcycles.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Crowe Custom Metal Co., in Portland, OR. The real deal bike shop shares space in a small ground level building that is also home to Hufnagel Cycles, a tattoo machine factory, a pottery studio, and Lemolo Bag manufacturing. The creative energy is buzzing to say the least. These shared artisan spaces are becoming more and more popular across categories. Whether building bikes or developing ad campaigns, open dialogue and collaboration among professionals will always trump going at it alone.

Before entering Crowe Customs, you’re greeted with music, which is always on and always loud; this time it was Bob Dylan that was muffled by the sound of machines. Then comes the aromatic experience of burnt metal, industrial grease and dust…i.e., a factory. Motorcycle wheels, fairings, frames and random parts are scattered all over. The machines are all surrounded by metal debris and design notes. What may appear to be a mess is simply work in progress. James is extremely focused, and his top quality manufacturing speaks for itself.

Click through for some real talk with James Crowe after the jump.

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Porsche Carrera: SW 72 Ave & Lower Boones Ferry Rd – Portland

March 3rd, 2011 by Emir

One more classic Porsche to brighten up a wet, gloomy day in Portland. Probably one of my all time favorites, a 1990s air-cooled Carrera. As I’m sure you will agree, grey skies and damp climates have never looked this sexy. That’s what a timeless design is capable of…always looking good no matter the backdrop. Consider that little nugget to be your dose of automotive philiosophy for the day.

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Ferrari 308 GTS: SE 7th & Harrison – Portland OR

February 23rd, 2011 by Emir

Judging by the frequent Ferrari 308 sightings, it seems Portland loves them some Magnum PI. Seen here on SE 7th & Harrison, this super clean, triple black (black paint/tints/interior) GTS is looking good as new – maybe better. Truth be told, despite this baby’s exotic demeanor, Ferraris of this make and vintage are not all that expensive to purchase. Notice I said purchase and not own. A group of Inside Line editors spent nearly $5,000 on their ’84 GTSi in a 1 year long-term test. Depending upon how you look at it, that spend could be considered both astronomical and reasonable. Considering that you can pick up one of these sex machines for the cost of a well-equipped Camry, how much can you even complain. It’s a Ferrari people.

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