Simanaitis Says
On cars, old, new and future; science & technology; vintage airplanes, computer flight simulation of them; Sherlockiana; our English language; travel; and other stuff
VINTAGE MAGAZINE
MAYBE YOU’RE already reading Vintage Racecer/Vintage Roadcar. If not, and if, like me, you enjoy vintage automobiles, I highly recommend this monthly magazine (www.vintageracecar.com).
Two issues in one: Flip over Vintage Racecar and there’s Vintage Roadcar. This, May 2013.
Publisher/Editor Casey Annis has gathered a talented group of writers whose work I enjoy and respect. In fact, I’ve been fortunate in knowing several of them.
Robert Newman does a regular “Heroes” feature, the May 2013 mini-bio on Ayrton Senna. Newman, by the way, is more than simply a well-spoken motorsports historian. For a long time, he headed public relations for Pirelli and arranged more than a few memorable occasions in this regard. (I recall getting my picture taken as part of a wedding celebration at the trattoria just outside the Pirelli test track.)
Pete Lyons, a colleague of long standing, has a monthly “Fast Lines” column displaying his first-hand knowledge of American racing—especially the Can Am. Pete has earned worldwide recognition for his writing and photography on the subject (see www.petelyons.com).
Mike Lawrence’s “Last Lap” column offers thoughtful views that are occasionally downright iconoclastic. A recent one, in January 2013, helps to set straight the reputation of Louis Chiron, often credited (incorrectly, posits Mike) with creation of the Monaco Grand Prix. At the same time, Mike removes tarnish from the reputation of Mlle. Hellé Nice, who deserves an item here one of these days.
The “Racecar Profile” in May 2013 is a Bugatti Type 39. It’s not just any Type 39, though. This one was a race winner in 1925, an ex-pat to Australia shortly thereafter, with a sympathetic restoration in its recent return to the northern hemisphere.
Its British owner gave author James Beckett full details of the car as well as an opportunity to drive it. Its 9-page article is illustrated with historical as well as modern photographs.
Details a’plenty about Bugatti Type 39 #4604. Image from Vintage Racecar, May 2013.
As is typical of Vintage Racecar Profiles, there’s a Specifications box as well as helpful Acknowledgements/Resources for those of us enjoying more details.
Another monthly feature I enjoy is the magazine’s “Photo Gallery,” each page focusing on a vintage racing event somewhere around the world. The variety of cars and venues is neat.
Vintage Sports Car Club’s Winter Driving Tests, Bicester, England, December 1, 2012. Image from “Photo Gallery,” Vintage Racecar, April 2013.
The magazine’s “Mailbox” column is interesting and articulate. Editor Casey Annis isn’t afraid of length or controversy: May’s “Mailbox” has a page-plus letter headed “RIP Vintage Racing.” It’s good food for thought—and, I suspect, for future reader interactions.
The quality of Vintage Racing is high, with good paper that’s comparable to the cover stock of some other mags that come to mind. I even enjoy the magazine’s ads.
This ad for Fiskens of Kensington tells a classic tale. Image from Vintage Racecar, January 2013.
As a final fillip—and flip—once you finish with the 77 pages of May 2013 Vintage Racecar, you turn it over and get 55 pages of Vintage Roadcar, with analogous coverage of classic and vintage auctions, concours d’elegances, tours and related fun. ds
© Dennis Simanaitis, SimanaitisSays.com, 2013
Simanaitis Says 
Oh yes, Dennis. I well remember the Vizzola wedding reception. I guess the happy couple have been married about 25 years by now. How are you, my friend? Seminaitis Says is living proof of the fact that you haven’t retired. And as you have seen, nor have I. I’m hoping to have my first book published next year and have translated about 65 of them on motor sport from Italian into English. I’m glad you like Vintage Racecar. I’ve been writing for it for over 10 years now and its really enjoyable. Hear from you soon at robertnewman@tiscali.it All the best. Bob