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FAMED 767 "GIMLI GLIDER" HEADS FOR CLASSIC CAR AUCTION

From time to time historic aircraft are included in classic car auctions but I doubt that any were as spectacular as the "Gimli Glider," a wide-body Air Canada Boeing 767, which will be offered at the Collector Car Productions auction in Toronto, April 12-14. it was the pilot and co-pilot who made the aircraft famous in a feat every bit as skilful as that performed by Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, who brought his Airbus 320 safely into the Hudson river, saving everyone on board.

The Air Canada jet did not lose power because of bird strikes, as did the Airbus. It lost total power when the Boeing ran out of fuel. Captain Robert Pearson and First Officer Maurice Quintal flew the plane by gliding to a safe landing at a former air force base in Gimli, Manitoba, saving the lives of all passengers and crew. By extraordinary co-incidence the retired airport was being used for sports car racing on that day.

How could an airliner be allowed to run out of fuel, you might ask? The problem was essentially caused by misunderstandings during a period when the change from imperial to metric weights and measurements was in progress. Yet, as is the case in most aircraft crashes, it was not one but a series of errors that led to the near-disaster, some of which occured the previous day. (For those of you who prefer to know the details, the story is thoroughly covered by Wikipedia in what reads like the basis for a fascinating movie. Indeed, the CBC produced a TV special about the affair a few years ago.)

Because that string of connected errors is such a lengthy one I'm not going to explain it here. Of greater interest to car enthusiasts is how the pilots managed to dead-stick a wide-body jetliner from 40,000 feet to a safe landing on the prairies. Bear in mind that lack of engine power also eliminated generators and hydraulic systems, making the craft difficult to handle. Vital instrumentation was reduced to a few analog devices, so the crew had little reliable information.

By the luckiest of circumstances it happened that Captain Pearson was a skilled glider pilot (as was Captain Sullenberger). He was familiar with the techniques needed to glide an aircraft at the precise airspeed and angle. Airline pilots do not receive such training in the big jets, nor do they practise it in the simulator. Even so, the 767 was too high on approach, so Pearson put it into a sideslip to reduce airspeed. The front landing gear collapsed on touchdown, a blessing as it acted as a "brake" and helped slow the craft before it could reach spectators who were running to get out of the way. None were hurt, nor were the 60 passengers (other than minor bruises).

The crew was listed as partly to blame for not observing the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and grounding the aircraft since it lacked functioning fuel gauges. Some of the responsibility was also assigned to the maintenance workers, and to "corporate deficiencies." As a consequence Pearson was briefly demoted, and Quintal was suspended for two weeks. Both pilots continued to work for Air Canada, and in 1985 they received the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Diploma for Outstanding Airmanship.

The 767 was repaired and placed back in service until it was retired and flown by the same crew to desert storage in Arizona (photo at top). It is still airworthy but commercial use is now impractical. The most likely bidder will be an air museum or a wealthy enthusiast. Are you listening, John Travolta?

MEET ME ON THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES FOR THIS FABULOUS AUCTION

Seekers of the unusual, which is yours truly as I can't afford to buy any of this stuff anyway, should be delighted with the offerings at Bonham's Paris auction on February 07. The event is called "Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais." That's French for "The Great Marques of the World at the Grand Palais." The Grand Palais is certainly a palatial location; it's an historic Beaux-Arts exhibition structure located on the Champs-Élysées.

The offerings include more than 600 lots, among them hood ornaments, books, posters, cars and motorcycles. Many of the cars are French, of course, creating an opportunity for international buyers to bring back something truly unique. The 1922 Amilcar Type 4C Skiff in our feature photo is a superb example, with its body clearly inspired by powerboats of the period, as were the boattail examples of the 1930s, Auburn in particular.

And now for something really different, folks. It's an aircraft... but not just any aircraft. This exquisite deHavilland Gypsy Moth is the very plane that Robert Redford (or at least his stand-in) flew in the 1985 movie Out of Africa. If you've never seen the film you should. Not only did it win seven Academy Awards but the flying sequences were among the best I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Flying high and fast in a jet may be fun but flying low and slow in an open aircraft is a romantic adventure.

As a Canadian I suppose I should be aware of all the cars that were named after my home country but the only one I knew of until now was a Volvo. In 1963 the company opened an assembly plant in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to build cars for the North American market from factory kits. The 122S sedans were called Amazon in Europe and Volvo Canadians here. I've no idea how or why the 1948 Peugeot 202 came to be called Canadienne, or why the French spelling was used. On the other hand, the French like to do things their own way, which probably explains why Peugeot wouldn't name it a Peugeot Woodie. Only 3,000 1948 Peugeot 202 Canadiennes were produced, making this one a rare find.

Your visit to the Bonhams auction should tie in nicely with the Salon Retromobile at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, February 6-10. The world's largest indoor classic car show, Retromobile is one of those "must see in my lifetime" events. I'm still hoping and if I make it I'll meet you for coffee on the Champs-Élysées.

[Photos: Bonhams]

FASTEST BOAT ON THE THAMES, OLYMPIC TORCH HOLDER TO BE OFFERED AT AUCTION

If you were among the 900 million people who watched the Olympic flame on the last leg of its journey to the Olympic Park you would surely have witnessed the spectacular speedboat run down the Thames River. For me, that was the highlight of the evening. First, because I've long been a fan of fast runabouts, right back to the years when they came with polished wooden hulls. Second, because I know the Thames well from my four years living in London. And third, of course, because of the way in which the boat's progress down the river was synchronised to massive pyrotechnic displays, including a curtain of fire descending from Tower Bridge. That it was driven by famous footballer David Beckham was a bonus for soccer fans.

The 2008 Bladerunner BR RIB 35 is to be offered at the Bonhams auction on Monday, December 3rd, at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands in Surrey, UK. Heavily customised, it was fitted with four dummy rockets with smoke canisters, a high-pressure waterjet bar and dozens of LED lights. The boat is to be sold with the original equipment still attached although most of it will be as useful as the gadgets on the original 007 Aston Martin film car. If I were buying this baby I'd get rid of the rockets but keep the waterjet bar and LED lights.

You'd be justified in asking "so what is a Bladerunner RIB 35?" Built by ICE Marine, it features an air entrapment hull plus electro-hydraulic power steering, Ullman Dynamics suspension, 4 jockey seats, a 6-speaker Infinity marine radio/cd player, SS high performance props, center console with enclosed sea toilet cubicle, and fresh water transom shower. It is 35 feet long, with a 10.5 " beam. Power is supplied by two 200hp Mercury Verado 200 (4-stroke) engines. The latter surprised me as I've always felt that fast boats should be powered by inboards but with a lightweight 400 hp sitting on the stern, who needs a big, heavy, inboard engine?

This Bonhams auction promises to be unique, for it not only includes the Bladerunner boat, but an airworthy WW2 Hawker Hurricane fighter plane (see our Hurricane blog here) and, obviously, a selection of rare and desireable classic cars. While few among us can afford vintage aircraft or modern high-speed powerboats, this is one auction that has to be as much fun for the spectators as it is for the buyers and sellers.

THE AMERICAN REVIVAL: GOODWOOD COMES TO US

For those who enjoy vintage automobiles and vintage racing there is nothing in the world to compare with England's Goodwood Revival. The one big problem for those of us who live in North America, however, is that Goodwood is from six to nine flying hours from home. So wouldn't it be great if there was an American version? Raise your glasses, then, to Amelia Island Concours founder Bill Warner who, with the guidance of Goodwood patriarch Lord March, is hoping to bring the Revival concept to the sandy shores of northeast Florida.

The Goodwood Revival recreates the atmosphere of postwar competition. Spectators are encouraged to dress in period-correct clothing, for they're surrounded by everything from fairgrounds to race garages to aircraft from the 1940s. The latter put on a flying display that has to be seen to be appreciated and even offers rides in vintage passenger aircraft. To stroll through the grounds and see nearly everyone wearing outfits from WW2 to 1960 is such that with an open mind you can really believe you've turned back the clock. And that's without the three days of sensational vintage competition! Pick your period, pick your car and you'll see wheel-to-wheel racing as it once was. Not for the faint of heart, my friends.

The American Revival, if it happens, will take place in Fernandina Beach, a few miles north of Jacksonville on Amelia Island. Autominded.com says "the northern Florida beach town seems like an ideal area to hold the race event as the lightly used municipal airport has multiple runways where a racecourse can be mapped out while still leaving one runway open to vintage aircraft. Also, this facility meets another requirement as its close proximity to luxury resorts can accommodate the well-heeled participants. Even with this much going for the area, there are rumors that other Florida venues such as Daytona or Palm Beach have not been ruled out."

If it happens the American Revival will most likely take place next autumn, after the European racing season has ended. Much is to be done before then, however. The FAA needs to give this its standard proctological exam before approval and of course the town needs to provide its support. It certainly has mine. Having attended the Goodwood Revival in 2010 I know what a magical affair it has become and there's no reason why North America can't create it's own version. I'm ready to book my room the moment it becomes official.

[Photo of 50 year Cortina: Ford]

ROLLS-ROYCE HOLDS A PARTY, REVIVES OLD MEMORIES

You'll forgive me, I hope, for admitting there are certain events in the car world that I wish I'd been invited to attend. I'm not exactly sulking for being left off the list but the opening of Rolls-Royce Motor Car's newly refurbished London showroom in Berkeley Square this week was just such an affair.

Now you might wonder why I'd want to suffer a nine-hour flight from Vancouver to London just to show up at a showroom party but this one was special. During the four years I spent in London (early 70s, and yes it was a long time ago but at my age everything happened yesterday) I was working in Berkeley Square as creative director of the European Accounts Group for the J. Walter Thompson ad agency. Our offices looked directly across the Square at the Jack Barclay showroom, then the number one Rolls-Royce outlet in the world. Occasionally, during lunch hour, my art director David Barker and I would wander over there, admiring the cars and wishing we were wealthy.

Our primary assignment was to create ads for Ford of Europe but David drove a Morgan and I drove a BMW 2002 and obviously our car owning loyalties weren't with Ford (though we did our utmost to produce great advertising). A short stroll to the Rolls-Royce emporium gave us our enthusiast "fix" whenever we tired of mundane Cortinas and Escorts. So you can appreciate that memories of Jack Barclay's Rolls-Royce dealership come with a bowl full of nostalgia.

Things changed with Rolls-Royce over the years and eventually the company took over the showroom. Obviously it must have become a bit too shabby for a luxury car and the time arrived for a complete makeover, enough that the company refers to it as its "new" London showroom. The exclusive event, attended by customers and VIPs, was hosted by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce Chief Executive, who reminded visitors that the showroom has ranked as one of the top five global dealers since the launch of the Phantom in 2003. The Berkeley Square location is also steeped in Rolls-Royce heritage – Charles Stewart Rolls was born on Hill Street just to the west and he opened his first dealership on Conduit Street, two minute’s walk to the east.

During the evening the Phantom Coupé Aviator was unveiled – the first time the car has been seen in public in the UK. Hand-built at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood it hints strongly at the Company’s past. Inspired by Charles Stewart Rolls and the legend of the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S6B (powered by a Rolls-Royce R Type engine) of the early 1930s, the car includes an aluminum transmission tunnel, mahogany veneer and a Thommen aviation-grade clock. Just 35 examples of the Phantom Coupé Aviator will be produced.

Yes, I'd have happily flown across the ocean to admire the new showoom, look back across Berkeley Square at my old office, and spend a few minutes stoking my imagination in the Aviator's cockpit. Maybe next time Rolls-Royce holds a party in London I'll get invited. Or... maybe not.

YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A HAWKER HURRICANE, FAMED WW2 FIGHTER

It isn't every day, or year, or decade, that an airworthy Hawker Hurricane fighter comes up for sale, which makes Bonhams sale of Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands, England, on Monday, December 3rd, a very special event. With only a handful of these iconic aircraft still flying today, this is a rare opportunity for an individual or museum to acquire a Hurricane in highly original condition. A preview and photo op is being offered on Thursday, October 18, at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford Aerodrome, Cambridgeshire.

The Hurricane, the Royal Air Force’s first monoplane fighter, had its finest hour during the Battle of Britain, where it shot down more enemy aircraft than its famous service partner, the Spitfire. The historic Brooklands race track, where the Bonhams sale will take place, has its own history with the Hurricane: it was assembled and first flown in prototype form there in 1935, and altogether more than 3,000 Hurricanes were produced on site – one fifth of the total built.

Hurricane Mk XIIa 5711 (G-HURI), equipped with 12 Browning .303 machine guns, was built in 1942 and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force the following year, remaining in Canada for the duration of the war. Its service history has proved elusive, but it may have protected convoys on the east coast shore line from German U-boat activity, or been used as a training aircraft. In 1947 it was bought by a Canadian syndicate and was later restored to flying condition, making its first post-restoration flight in 1989. The plane was acquired by the Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002 and housed at the Imperial War Museum.

Following extensive refinements, including the fitting of the correct Merlin engine, G-HURI now flies as ‘Z5140’, with the code letters HA-C and in the Battle of Britain colours worn by a Hurricane IIB flown with 126 Squadron during the siege of Malta. During the Collection’s ownership it became the first Hurricane to return to Malta since World War II, and this summer was the first to fly to Russia since that time, where it flew in the presence of Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Moscow Airshow. With a range of 900 miles and a top speed of 330 mph, the Hurricane was a formidable opponent, helped by the fact that it was very agile and could outmaneuver not only the enemy aircraft but the newer and faster Spitfire. It is 32ft long and 13ft high, with a wingspan of 40ft.

The estimated sale price is £1.4 million - £1.7 million. Should that be a bit stiff for your pocketbook, The Hurricane joins a number of interesting cars consigned for the December sale, including a 1931 Invicta 4.5-litre S-Type Low Chassis Tourer, a 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5-litre Sports Two-Seater, and a 1935 Ford Box Van used as Lance Cpl Jones’s butcher’s van in the classic television series Dad’s Army.

The latter, though hardly as glamorous as a Hurricane fighter or a pre-war Jag, is one that I'd bid on if I had the estimated £20,000 - £30,000. Dad's Army, a very funny TV show about the Home Guards, a motley group of veterans and volunteers assigned to protect England in case of an invasion, was a favorite during our four years in London. The series can still be purchased from the BBC on DVD.

[Photo: Richard Paver]

AT LAST: INSPIRED BY THE SPITFIRE, A ROLLS-ROYCE TO FULFIL OUR DREAMS

Perhaps not surprisingly I prefer vintage Rolls to the newest models. I find them to be more elegant, adhering better to the traditions behind the marque than the current aggressive shapes. But I will happily make an exception for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Aviator, a limited edition inspired by the Rolls-Royce engined Supermarine aircraft of the 1930s, described as a precursor to the iconic Spitfire, from a time when cars and aircraft engines were made by the same company.

Take yourself back to 1913. The Schneider Trophy Race had just been established by Jacques Schneider of France, open to seaplanes of all nations. By 1923 the winner that year, a US Navy Curtiss CR-3 (first plane to fly with a metal propellor) had achieved 177 miles per hour. Each subsequent race was marked by innovations in airframe design and engines until the streamlined British Supermarines, designed by R.J. Mitchell, reached speeds of 343 miles per hour in 1931. Those Supermarine racers were powered by Rolls-Royce V-12 aviation engines.

After his planes won the Schneider three times in a row the trophy was retired. Bear in mind that those aircraft were carrying floats that added considerable drag and weight. Mitchell was thus inspired to develop the Spitfire, arguably the most famous fighter of all time. He continued to refine the design until his death from cancer in 1937, whereupon his colleague Joseph Smith became chief designer. By the time the final post-war version took to the air with its bubble canopy, clipped elliptic wings, and 5-bladed prop, it was capable of just under 500 mph in level flight, more than some of today's corporate jets. By then the famed Merlin V-12s had been replaced by Rolls-Royce Griffon engines, able to produce 2,035 hp.

In an earlier dive test a Spitfire XI had achieved 606 mph. In 1952 a Spitfire climbed to an astounding 51,550 ft!

Eventually the Rolls-Royce aircraft engine division was separated from the car manufacturer, so that the two are now related only by name. But that doesn't mean that the car's aircraft heritage must be ignored. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO, said "our founding forefather Charles Stewart Rolls was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of motoring and aviation to the limit. With our exclusive Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection we celebrate this great British hero, presenting a car which hints at experiments in early flight married to the best engineering, modern design and exquisitely crafted materials." The only exterior clue is the striking grey metallic paint, which features a contrasting matte finish on the hood, windshield surround and grill surround.

To my mind that's enough to distinguish this handsome automobile. Inside, it offers a hand-crafted mahogany lower dash underneath a matte grey stainless steel fascia featuring custom matte black dials, and an aviation standard mechanical clock. The leather-lined glove compartment includes an embossed Charles Rolls quote following his first flight with the Wright Brothers in 1908: "The power of flight is as a fresh gift from the Creator, the greatest treasure yet given to man." A center console chrome plaque describes Rolls–the second man in Britain to hold a pilot's license–simply as "Pioneer Aviator," below a representation of his signature. The floor mats are in leather with machined aluminum protective bullet rods.

I could go on and on describing the interior appointments but I'm sure you get the point. The Phantom Coupe Aviator is a very special Rolls-Royce, of which only 135 examples will be sold. If I were a rich man I'd immediately add my name to the list while wondering if the engine sound also replicates that of a Spitfire V-12, one I've often compared to the mellow tones of a contemporary jazz tenor saxophone. Stan Getz with wings?

787 DREAMLINER IN FIRST FLYING DISPLAY REMINDS US OF THE CONCORDE'S DEBUT

Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner is a beautiful plane and now we discover that it flies with the agility of a light aircraft. Quatar Airway's Dreamliner entertained the spectators at the UK's Farnborough Airshow in a remarkable display of its maneuverability. Included were steep climbs, tight banks, and something you never see big passenger aircraft executing at air shows: a touch-and-go. Gizmag covered Farnborough and reported that "the most striking feature of the 787 in flight (after an afternoon filled with the roar of jet fighters) was just how quiet it is." Passengers won't have to endure similar maneuvers but it's nice to know the Dreamliner is capable of such things.

Reading of this took me back many years to the first public appearance of the Concorde, which also happened at Farnborough. My family and I were there and like all the spectators were eager to see this incredible flying machine. But it was a day with low overcast and there was concern that the flight may be cancelled. Not to worry. The announcer advised us to look right. All we could see were dark clouds hovering a few hundred feet above the ground. Suddenly, looking like a visionary craft from the future, Concorde burst through the overcast. The dramatic effect was heightened by exhaust smoke trailing from the four Rolls-Royce engines (it would be cleaned up before the plane was certified for commercial use but wasn't a concern during the development stage). We and the rest of the passengers were stunned by the sight and sound, so much that more than a few (including me) had tears in their eyes.

Little did I realise that more than a decade later I'd be a passenger in the Concorde, flying from London to New York, luckier still to have spent a few minutes at supersonic speed in the cockpit. The only other visitor up front that day was actor John Travolta, who now has more than 6000 hours flying passenger jets along with a variety of other aircraft. No wonder he was smiling as he walked back to his seat. I hope that some day I get a chance to fly in the Dreamliner because, although all passenger jets are functional, few are truly beautiful.

[Photo Credits: Gizmag]

FLY AND DRIVE WITH CLASSIC CAR ART

Much as I admire the work of any automobile fine artist I have a special affection for those who combine cars with other kinds of historic transport. And that includes trains, boats, and aircraft. Thanks to an article in the June issue of Classic & Sports Car I can happily recommend the art of Benjamin Freudenthal. But this talented Frenchman also loves movies, and manages to include images of classic film stars.

The above painting, entitled Hollywood Boogie, is a superb example. Next to the Buick and the TWA Starliner Constellation is an embarking group that includes Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Gary Cooper, Sean Connery, Marilyn Monroe, and director Alfred Hitchcock, with Freudenthal in the aircraft's cockpit. "Movies and classic TV serials are a source of inspiration," he explains. "I'm a big Alfred Hitchcock fan." Count the great British artist Michael Turner as another important inspiration, for Turner was one of the few artists who could brilliantly capture the feeling of speed on canvas.

Included in his portfolio are a scene depicting Stirling Moss on a night drive in a Facel Vega and in an homage to Hitchcock's North by Northwest, a Cobra racing a Boeing Stearman biplane (above). Freudenthal is now working on a collection devoted to World Speed Record heroes. Quoted in Classic & Sports Car he says "I visited Nevada as a 12-year-old and have never forgotten that amazing landscape. I want to recapture my excitement with the high speed world of Malcolm Campbell and Bert Monroe."

While you impatiently wait I suggest you visit Benjamin Freudenthal's site for more outstanding examples of cars, planes, and movie stars, and the links to order online.

[Image Credits: Benjamin Freudenthal]

ADVICE TO CLASSIC CAR GUYS: ADD A LITTLE STYLE TO YOUR CORPORATE JET

Like many dreamers, I sometimes fantasize about winning a lottery. I ask myself what I would do with the money, aside from handing a few million to family and charity. Reality causes me to forget about starting an F1 team. Reality, however, does not prevent me from thinking that my first purchase would be a corporate jet, like the one featured in this blog. Except that I'd need to be very, very rich just to buy the aircraft, let alone hire a design team to customise the interior. The Gulfstream G550 is the Rolls-Royce of corporate jets.

The folks who own this aircraft are obviously among the super-rich. But they have their needs, just like you and me. Quoted in a fascinating Architectural Digest magazine article they said "we take long flights to Europe and South America frequently," noting that the G550 can fly almost 7,800 miles without refueling. "We sleep mostly. When you travel as much as we do, you want to arrive refreshed at your destination." I can certainly sympathise with that, having several times flown back and forth across the Atlantic in economy, but I can't help but wonder how, if the Gulfstream is a flying bedroom, they have time to appreciate what architects Lee F. Mindel and Peter Shelton of Shelton, Mindel & Associates, have done to the interior.

It features unfinished oak, a matte nickel finish on control panels and cupholders, a sofa (that converts into a twin bed) upholstered in a gray wool flannel that matches the V’Soske custom-made carpet woven in five shades of gray. AD reports that "Mindel covered the seats with a Spinneybeck leather in a color he describes as that of an Hermès saddle. He specified topstitched seams, a reference to sporty driving gloves and the steering wheels of 'vintage motorcars'." Ah... I knew there was a reason I was drawn to this aircraft.

The architects even worked on the jet’s exterior graphics, which follow the datum line from the nose of the plane and emphasize its aerodynamics. "You see other planes at the airport and their graphics look like roadkill," says the owner in this article. "Sure, you can find them easily on the tarmac, but they are not beautiful and subtle like Lee’s design." I'll agree with that. I like my aircraft to look elegant and speedy.

But much as I admire the customised Gulfstream, both inside and out, I probably wouldn't spend my lottery winnings on a corporate jet of this class. Something simple and affordable would do. For example, Cessna's new Mustang, a six-place twinjet (2 crew + 4 passengers) available for a mere $2.55 million USD. The range might be limited but we could enjoy hopping from airport to airport, even on those long flights to the Monaco Grand Prix.

[Gulfstream Photos for Architectural Digest: Michael Moran. Mustang Photo: Cessna]