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Entries Tagged as 'portland'

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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Land Rover Station Wagon – NW Westover & NW Arlborough Ave, Portland, OR

January 19th, 2011 by Emir

In response to the venerable Range Rovers lining the streets of NYC, here is a more spartan cousin from the same family. Even though it was green (and not yellow) I still could not stop thinking about those awesome Camel Trophy rallies of the past. Enjoy

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Featured Gallery – International Harvester Scout – 7th Ave, NYC

July 16th, 2010 by Ian

Summer in the city. Gotta love it.

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Buick Skylark Custom – SE 49th and SE Division, Portland, OR

June 21st, 2010 by Emir

This classic Buick Skylark Custom was so insanely perfect in every way that I was almost afraid to breathe when stepping up to snap a few photos on this dreary Portland afternoon. The chrome, trim pieces and killer mag wheels all looked better than new. And while I’m usually a violent opponent of vinyl roofs, this one looks pretty damn good transposed against the Bahama Blue paint’s subtle sheen. 


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International Harvester Scout II – NW 18th & Johnson, Portland (OR)

June 1st, 2010 by Emir

I don’t know too much about these little utes but their muscular looks, short-wheel-base, huge tires and questionable ride quality have always fascinated me. Of course, I would always feel more comfortable around a Defender, Wrangler or a Gelaendwagen. Their lean aesthetic and purposeful/functional design epitomize off-road vehicles as far as I’m concerned. But in spite of their misleading design (muscular off-road vehicle with a few soft curves), I’m sure these Scouts have something to say. Like a small dump truck that’s being forced into a car body…

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BMW 2002 – NW 8th & Everett, Portland

April 1st, 2010 by Emir

This Malaga Red BMW 2002, which appears to be pre-1974, looks good parked all by its lonesome on NW 8th & Everett in Portland. As per usual, the rain adds a nice touch.

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VW Beetle – NW 19th and Hoyt, Portland

February 5th, 2010 by Stu

The rainfall averages 37.5 inches per year in downtown Portland. That equates to about 155 days with some sort of measurable precipitation on the ground. What does this mean to you? That our man on the street in Portland has a 42% chance of capturing a wet vehicle when he scours the streets each day looking for interesting and unique rides to bring you. We’re not too bothered though because cars somehow always manage to look better in the rain. It’s a phenomenon we can’t quite explain – kind of like how sesame noodles are best served cold and Cops always go bonkers for doughnuts over any other pastry.

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Volvo P1800 – Pearl District, Portland

February 3rd, 2010 by Stu

Our man on the street in Portland spotted this beautiful Volvo P1800 parked in front of a loading dock in the Pearl District. The classic lines and taught profile look good enough to be displayed in one of the many high end galleries strewn about the neighborhood. For those of you too young to remember, Roger Moore drove a white one of these in the popular 1960s TV series The Saint (Val Kilmer drove a C70 in the 1997 movie). We also like the P1800ES that came out in ‘72 because of the all glass rear tailgate – it was one of the major inspirations when stylists penned the current Volvo C30.  I can’t decide which I would rather own, this or a Karmann Ghia.

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Oldsmobile Toronado – NW 19th and Kearney, Portland

January 21st, 2010 by Stu

Movies and cars are alike in the sense that sequels are never as good as the original. This glorious gen 1 Toronado spotted by our Portland sharp shooter is evidence. The two-ton Grand Touring coupe from the now defunct GM division is a rolling testament to America’s former foothold over the automotive industry. Emotional styling, grand proportions and one bad ass mother of an engine stuffed under the hood. Things really went south in ‘71 as Toronado’s exterior design began to mirror more luxurious (and boring) GM sister vehicles from the era, like Buick Riviera and Cadillac Eldorado.

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Porsche 912 – NW 23rd & Quimby, Portland

January 7th, 2010 by Stu

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This pristine 912 is like on-the-go therapy to all the cold, wet pedestrians who pass by it. After all, there’s nothing happier than a Tangerine Porsche on a grey cloudy day. It’s like playing with puppies when you’re sad or swimming through Scrooge McDuck’s vault when you’re broke. Yes, I know the car won’t make the temperature any higher but it certainly cheers the place up.

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