Simanaitis Says

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Category Archives: Classic Bits

THE GLEN, 1948

THERE WAS A time when Watkins Glen was known primarily for its salt mines. It was the home of Watkins Salt Company, a major player in salt production in the … Continue reading

February 28, 2016 · 2 Comments

ANDRÉ DUBONNET’S FLIGHT OF AUTOMOTIVE FANCY

ANDRÉ DUBONNET had already distinguished himself in many ways: flying a SPAD XIII in World War I combat, driving a Duesenberg to fourth in the 1921 French Grand Prix at … Continue reading

February 2, 2016 · 5 Comments

ANDRÉ DUBONNET, WEALTH AND TALENT WELL SPENT

ANDRÉ DUBONNET is exemplary of inherited money put to good use. His wealth came from his father’s inventing the aperitif bearing the family name. Andre didn’t have to work, yet … Continue reading

February 1, 2016 · 3 Comments

ALFA ROMEO P3—A CAR OF WINNING ECCENTRICITIES

WHAT MAKES the Alfa Romeo P3 such a fascinating study are the car’s Vittorio Jano-designed eccentricities, its Enzo Ferrari refinements, some effective, others bizarre, and its competitive longevity. This factory-entered … Continue reading

January 23, 2016 · 1 Comment

BONNET BLING

THE DETROIT AUTO show, formally the North American International Auto Show, runs from today, January 11, through January 24, 2016. It’s expected to fill Detroit’s Cobo Hall with global debuts … Continue reading

January 11, 2016 · 1 Comment

RUN THE MILLE MIGLIA IN THAT??

WE USUALLY associate Italy’s Mille Miglia 1000-mile road race with high-powered sports cars. And, indeed, after an O.M.’s victory in the 1927 inaugural Mille Miglia, Alfa Romeo garnered 10 wins … Continue reading

January 4, 2016 · Leave a comment

AUTOMOTIVE HEADLIGHTS, PART 1

IN 1940, the Society of Automotive Engineers said, “Let there be standardized automotive lighting.” And the lighting was good. But not as good as Europe’s. Things evolved over the years. … Continue reading

December 29, 2015 · 3 Comments

CHARLES WEYMANN, PART 2—EVENTFUL 1928, PUZZLING 2010

PIONEER AVIATOR and coachbuilder for the finest classic cars, Charles Weymann had other adventures too. In 1928, a brandy-related adventure earned him $25,000 at Indy and later not a little … Continue reading

December 18, 2015 · Leave a comment

CHARLES WEYMANN, PART 1—AVIATOR, COACHBUILDER

IT’S AS THOUGH nature endowed the talents of Glenn Curtiss, Enzo Ferrari and Sergio Pininfarina in a single person. As a pioneer in aviation, Charles Terres Weymann set records for … Continue reading

December 17, 2015 · Leave a comment

MARIA AVANZO—SIGNORA QUATTRO PISTONI

“CAR GAL” may not readily translate into Italian, but Baronessa Maria Antonietta Avanzo née Bellan certainly qualifies as one. Known as the Signora quattro pistoni (Lady of four pistons), Avanzo … Continue reading

December 14, 2015 · 7 Comments