While passing the Bentley hospitality lodge at Pebble Beach, I noticed this stunning raspberry colored Continental GTC W12 on display. Normally Bentley Continentals are common fare in wealthy areas, especially Pebble Beach, but the color of this one, and the beautiful setting drew me in. Enjoy the photos.
Continue reading Beautiful Raspberry Bentley Continental GTC W12
The raspy echo of a snarling V8 carrying over the desert sand is usually something that would conjure up thoughts of American iron and righteous lawlessness. The movie Vanishing Point comes to mind, and the Dodge Challenger is just the car I would normally think of when the topic of V8s echoing over desert sands arises. But in this case, what I am describing is not a muscle car, but a suave British exotic, fresh from the pages of a novel by Ian Fleming. I am of course talking about an Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage S to be exact, and no, I cannot promise that will be my last James Bond reference because such cliches are obligatory when a journalist drives an Aston, of course.
My drive took place on the racetrack at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas, Nevada. I doubt many Aston Vantages see track time in the hands of their owners, but it was very interesting to get to know this little car in a setting where I could actually explore a good bit of its potential. Exotics Racing had unfortunately unhooked all of the machine guns and the oil slick from the car (things that come standard on every Aston), but on the positive side, that made the car lighter.
Continue reading Test Driven: Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, Nick’s Take (7/10)
I recently visited Mach 5 Cars to take part in one of their Exotic Rally Tours. Two of my friends work for Mach 5, an exotic car rental company in the Tri-State Area, and this is something I had been meaning to do for a while now. I took a few pictures, and shot some video of the fun we had on the tour. I was partnered up with my friend, Pete, who works for Mach 5, so when he was driving things got a little crazier.
So check out the video and the photos. Enjoy the sights and sounds of what was surely one of the more exciting days I have had in a while. We look forward to more collaborations with Mach 5 Cars in the future. Check out their website, and give them a call if you want to get yourself behind the wheel… their Exotic Rally Tours are one of the best values in the business. Enjoy.
We saw this gorgeous 1927 Rolls Royce “Springfield” Phantom I Pall Mall Phaeton at the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance back in September. It was among the majority of Phantom Is that were built stateside, at Rolls Royce’s factory in Massachusetts. This particular car has been completely restored to its original condition, with its stunning tri-color scheme that consisted of a creme tan and navy blue with red accents. I have seen a few stunning prewar Rolls Royces this summer, but this one may well be my favorite because of its color scheme alone. It is just so rich looking, and extremely unique.
This example also had the distinct honor of carrying none other than Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor Roosevelt during a 1936 parade in Houston, Texas. Its original owner, at the time, was Roy Garret Watson, the Publisher of the Houston Post. This Phantom I resided in Houston until just recently in 2012, when it changed hands and moved to Pittsburgh, PA.
This was my pick for “Best In Show” at Radnor Hunt this year. It didn’t win (my picks never do, somehow), but it was still my favorite car in attendance that day. Enjoy the photos of this immaculate machine.
Continue reading Radnor Hunt Concours: 1927 Rolls Royce “Springfield” Phantom I Pall Mall Phaeton
Not much needs to be said. EVO Magazine’s Car of The Year battle is always epic. Just sit back and enjoy the videos.
-Nick
While driving around Pebble Beach during our first day of Monterey Car Week we decided to stop by The Inn at Spanish Bay. We were greeted by numerous exotics parked out front, but this bright purple Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe and bright red Ferrari F12 Berlinetta definitely stole to show. Enjoy the pics.
Continue reading Spotted! Rolls Royce Phantom DHC and Ferrari F12, Pebble Beach, CA
On my way home from Pebble Beach, I met this guy named Ron Schotland. He and I got to talking and we both realized that we lived in the tri-state area and had both attended the Pebble Beach Concours. He showed me a few pictures of his XK-120, which I was delighted to see in person at the St. Michael’s Concours down in Chesapeake, MD. In fact, I wasn’t the only one who was elated to see this clean and well-cared-for little cat–the car won 1st in its class that weekend over a 1953 model. The deep maroon finish over natural leather looked stunning against the chrome wire wheels and brilliant sunshine. Enjoy the photographs. Ron, congrats on your award–we hope to see your car at many more events in the near future. Continue reading St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance 2013: 1954 Jaguar XK-120
Drive’s Chris Harris gets his slide-happy paws on Jaguar’s very limited XKR-S GT. Evidently, it is much more than just a standard XKR-S with a big wing strapped to the back. Enjoy the video.
-Nick
We attended the Scarsdale Concours d’Elegance last weekend. As always it was a wonderful event with a fantastic turnout, and the Fall leaves beginning to turn just made the pictures that much better. I’ll let the photos from the event do the talking from here. Enjoy.
Waves crash into the rocks of the shore. There is a thick wall of fog that lingers out over the water, but the sun beams down brightly at the coast. A sustained sea breeze rustles the branches of crooked Cyprus trees, and a ribbon of asphalt winds gracefully along the perimeter of the rocky cliffs that overlook the sea. There is no traffic to speak of, only me at the helm of this bright-orange Jaguar F-Type.
The wind plows through my hair, as I rush through the glamorous scenery, as if in some sort of hurry to leave this oasis of Heaven I’ve found on Earth. Loud barks and crackles emanate from the high-strung V6 engine, echoing back to my ears off of the trees as I fly by. The high-pitched whine of a supercharger joins in as the revs charge toward redline, and the speed piles on at an exhilarating rate. I touch the brakes for an upcoming bend, and turn in at what should be highway speed. The F-Type clings to the road as if with mighty claws, completely at home with the rapid pace I have set. Getting back on the gas, I shoot out of the corner with haste, now staring right into the face of the massive expanse of ocean and fog. It feels as if I am about to charge into the abyss when the road turns me back toward the sun and the trees. As I continue forth, I just can’t help thinking “what an unbelievable experience this is.”
Continue reading Test Driven: 2014 Jaguar F-Type V6 S (9/10)
I attended the Bucks County Exotics meet this past weekend with my friend, Rich. It is a “cars and coffee” style event, and often times there is a cruise afterward for those who wish to partake. This time around, the route took us through many of the scenic covered bridges in Bucks County, PA. The turnout at the meet was phenomenal, and the cruise was a great time (and no speeding tickets to boot). Surely this is one of the better ways to spend a Saturday morning. Enjoy the photos.
McLaren had this MP4-12C Spider on display at the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance. I really liked these photos I got of it as things were being packed up after the show. I’m a huge sucker for Papaya Orange, and it was looking so good as the light got lower in the late afternoon. Enjoy the photos.
Continue reading Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance: McLaren MP4-12C Spider
Mind Over Motor 