Marque1

TWO GREAT RACES CAPTURED IN ART ON REDESIGNED SITE

If you're a motor racing fan the weekend of May 25-26 is a veritable feast, with two of the world's greatest races, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, happening on Sunday. They couldn't be more different. Monaco is an F1 road race through the twisting streets of the municipality, backed by spectacular scenery. The Indy 500 is an oval race over a 2.5 mile course with four slightly banked turns. There is no scenery but plenty of spectacle.

I'll be watching both on television, which means that on Sunday I'm a couch potato, except for a brief break to get out for a walk and some fresh air. But if I could choose to attend one of the events live it would be Monaco, a race I've seen twice and a place I've visited several times as an automobile journalist and an ad writer. With all due respect to Indianapolis, I'd rather watch the 500 on TV.

That this is the biggest race weekend of the year gives me an opportunity to post a blog about CarArt.us, which has just undergone a major redesign of its Web site. "Symmetrical, clean, classic, and consistent," is how it describes itself, with a home page that features a slide show six times bigger than before.

To put this in perspective, CarArt.us has grown to include 1,300 artworks by 75 international artists, whose talent originates from 18 countries and is categorized into 35 special interest galleries. Founder Peter Aylett, in paying tribute to those who offered advice, ideas, feedback, and encouragement during the redesign, kindly included yours truly. And that gives me an excuse (not that I needed one) to show our viewers examples of the racing art available from the site, chosen to display the vastly different styles, each as unique as the cars themselves.

Those who know their racing history will immediately recognise the car in Dennis Brown's painting (above), for the Lancia D50 had its fuel tanks on each side, between the wheels. Very scary if you think about the risk of fire in a crash. Dennis paints in a variety of mediums, but the majority of his work starts out as an outline in pen and ink, followed by filling in with transparent watercolor or acrylic. He likes layering deep, vivid colors with bright, hot highlights – the colors glistening so much the car looks freshly painted and still wet from the spray gun.

 

Using a more traditional technique, Walter Gotschke takes us back to 1937 and the Czechoslovakia Grand Prix. Bern Rosemeyer's Auto Union wins at Masaryk, a famous racing circuit named after Tomas Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. This historic track led through streets of a town called Brno and neighboring villages such as Bosonohy and Zebetin. The self-taught artist was born in 1912 in a village of imperial Austrian Silesia (now Czech Republic) but lived and worked in Stuttgart, Germany from 1938. By special arrangement with Gerhild Drücker-Gotschke, Car Art Inc. is offering the Memories of an Enthusiast Collection – a series of signed limited edition prints.

 

This Hawaiian Islands resident lives thousands of miles from any race tracks but that doesn't prevent Niles Nakaoka from bringing a fresh new look to the art of motorsport. Though he tries to attend at least one major open-wheel race a year, Nakaoka relies mostly on friends to supply him with photographs for subject matter. Inspired by the work of Hector Bergandi he prefers F1 cars because their open wheels impart a feeling of speed. A member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, Niles is a recipient of their two most prestigious awards: the 2002 Peter Helck Award and the 1996 Athena Award of Excellence.

 

I like Alan Fearnley's philosophy about his audience, for it parallels mine in producing Marque1. Alan is convinced that if the enthusiast school is ever to be recognized and valued as it should, it must produce pictures of such artistic quality that they can be appreciated and valued by all art lovers. They must also have pictorial merit to hang anywhere – not only in the studies of car enthusiasts. Alan once specialised in railway and landscape compositions but about thirty years ago, to our everlasting benefit, he started a move towards motoring and motor racing. In Wet & Dry he captures the drama of Belgian's Spa, with Michael Schumacher racing to victory in 1995.

 

No circuit anywhere in the world can match the glamour or beauty of Monaco, where the streets may be narrow and passing difficult yet every race is unpredictable right to the last lap. Alfredo De la Maria takes us back to the 1957 Monaco Grand Prix with Juan Manuel Fangio in the winning Maserati 250F hotly pursued by Stirling Moss in his British Racing Green Vanwall and Peter Collins in the Lancia Ferrari 801, as they climb the Montée Beau-Rivage. The Latin-American artist was born in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, studied architecture at the Facultad de Arquitectura and painting and sculpture at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes (National School of Fine Arts) in Montevideo.

The artists whose work is shown here have all succeeded in meeting the most difficult challenge in painting automobiles: creating the illusion of speed. Check the new CarArt.us site for more examples and enjoy the race this weekend, whichever one you choose to watch. That's both for me.

GREATEST ALL BRITISH CAR SHOW, VANCOUVER 2013

It can be hard to measure greatness but by most standards Vancouver BC's ABFM (All British Field Meet) must be one of North America's finest British car shows. The number and variety of automobiles (more than 600 in 61 classes), the uniqueness and rarity of some of those cars, the commercial displays, the lovely setting of Van Dusen Botanical Gardens; all combine for a very special day. For 2013 that date is Saturday, May 18th and it's one not to be missed if you enjoy British cars and live in British Columbia or nearby Washington.

Like most great car shows, the ABFM has its own official poster. This year it's as unique as some of the cars featured in the show, for the poster features four new paintings by Vancouver artist Bill Richards: an Aston-Martin, a Morris Minor, an Austin Healey, and a Vincent motorcycle. Widely known for his automotive paintings and drawings, Richards uses a mixed-media technique combining ink and watercolour on paper to produce a luminous effect. Examples of his recent work will be on display at this year’s Vancouver ABFM vendors area.

Featured marque at the ABFM this year is Aston Martin plus "A Century of Morris Motors, 60 Years of Austin Healey, and 85 Years of Vincent Motorcycles." It should be fascinating to discover the cars and bikes that will appear in those categories and I suspect that among them will be vehicles you and I have never seen before nor even knew existed. Personally I'm looking forward to that magic moment when the best of British cars bloom amid the beauty of Van Deusen Gardens on May 18th.

EYES ON DESIGN PLACES REVOLUTION OVER EVOLUTION

The ever-growing number of concours d'elegance in North America are distinguished by the cars they present and by the hugely attractive settings. Yet few are genuinely unique. One show, however, can honestly make that claim: the Eyes on Design concours at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, held this year on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16. What makes it so different is the emphasis on design itself, which results in cars you seldom see at other shows, such as prototypes from earlier eras and automobiles that were revolutionary in their time.

Because of the unusual content, plus its proximity to the Detroit automaker's headquarters, the show is well attended by many of the industry's leading car designers. Indeed, at least one "star" designer each year is specially honoured. It's natural, then, that the 2013 Eyes On Design Automotive Design Exhibition commemorative poster should be created by a noted automotive artist. Steven Macy's poster shows a revolutionary car, a green 1948 Tucker, in front of the gatehouse of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, where the show is held.

Speaking at the unveiling was Macy, John Tucker (grandson of the Tucker company's founder) and Jack Telnack, retired global VP of Design at Ford Motor Company. "Preston Tucker is a prime example of how thinking outside the box can create something truly revolutionary," said Tucker of his grandfather and the theme of this year's show. Even the 2013 poster is revolutionary. While illustrating a classic car and a historic mansion, it also offers the latest in technology – an Augmented Reality feature that allows viewers with a smartphone to access brief remarks about the artist, the car and the home.

The 2013 Eyes On Design week begins with a press preview at the Ford House on June 11 and concludes with the 26th annual exhibition of more than 240 vehicles on Father's Day, June 16. It's not often that I wish I was living in the east again (hardly ever, to be frank) but when this concours makes its annual appearance I do get homesick. A natural reaction, for one who's been in love with transportation since he was a kid. Ah well, at least I can have the pleasure of viewing Steven Macy's stunning artwork.

NOW IN BOOK FORM, PORSCHE SHOWROOM POSTERS FROM THE FIRST 25 YEARS

Some of the most beautiful automotive art appears on posters, especially in the car industry's earlier years. European artists were masters at this, including those who did their work for Porsche. And now a book of Porsche factory-sponsored posters that originally appeared between 1949 and 1974 has been published for all to enjoy. Porsche Showroom Posters ~ The First 25 Years is the work of two of the best known and most active Porsche poster dealers in the world. In addition it provides access to the collections of several very focused owners, including Prescott Kelly, Jim Moran Jr., Jim Perrin, and the comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

Every poster is shown in large size with reference to the actual size and type on the border. You can also view it online, free, but having done so I can assure you it will definitely make you want one. Unfortunately the hard-cover edition, printed in very limited numbers, is sold out but the regular soft bound edition, printed on heavy stock, is still available. But listen up, Porsche fans... the soft-cover print was limited to 911 copies (wonder where they got that number?) so it will soon be gone. The very reasonable price is just $39.95 plus $8.00 for shipping/handling. Taxes, if applicable, are extra. For more information and to order contact Everett Anton "Tony" Singer at Tony@vintageautoposters.com.

TIN CANS PLUS BOTTLES PLUS TALENT COMBINE TO CREATE AMAZING MODELS

Nigel Matthews sent me the following photos, which I believe Marque1 viewers will enjoy very much. There's little I can add to Nigel's comments. These pictures speak for themselves:

"He used to go to all the public functions...especially the movie theaters. And he always carried a sugar bag to collect empty bottles and cans. His name was Albert (Tapper) Torney. Everyone thought he was a bit eccentric and kids would tease and hassle him. But eventually they learned that he was very talented and only sold the empty bottles and a few of the cans.

After Torney died in 1998, at the age of 86, the wonderful collection of model cars that he made from the aluminum cans was discovered. Which goes to prove...'You Shouldn't Judge A Book by its Cover,' or a sculptor by his sugar bag. A very talented man was Tapper."

Nigel Matthews is Director of Sales and Marketing for Hagerty Canada.

ONCE A RAILWAY STATION, NOW A LIQUOR STORE, TORONTO LANDMARK RECALLS AN EARLIER ERA

My late friend Wentworth Folkins was generally regarded as Canada's finest painter of railroads. He focussed on trains not only because he loved them but also as a way of preserving Canadian transportation history. "Went," as he was known to his friends, did this so eloquently that I wish there was a permanent display of his works in a museum or gallery.

In the painting above he deviated slightly from his focus on massive steam engines to present a scene that features the historic North Toronto station, opened in 1916 and formerly served by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was constructed in the Beaux Arts tradition and features a 140 foot clock tower modeled after the Campanile di San Marco in Saint Mark’s Square in Venice. It was the first building in the city to be constructed of Tyndall limestone from Manitoba, noted for its weather resistance, embedded fossils, and dappled beige hues.

When the downtown Union Station opened in 1927 the North Toronto Station, which served smaller towns in Ontario and was originally meant to augment the bigger station, began to lose customers. The last paying passengers filed through the station on September 27, 1930 and Brewers' Retail, the government-owned liquor and beer store, moved into the northern portion of the terminal building in 1931. So the station was saved although for many years it was left in a semi-grubby state.

A few years ago it was restored to as-new condition, including a modern liquor store and an attractive interior that pays homage to the building's history, including photo presentations of the station and neighbourhood as it used to be. Fortunately the clock tower, once a Yonge Street landmark, has been retained, complete with functioning clocks.

Went's painting also involves automobiles, streetcars, a bus, and, if you look carefully in the background, a train on the bridge that crosses over Yonge Street. A lovely reminder of the romance of transportation, though much has changed since then. The famous Peter deWitt streetcars are gone, the 1920s automobiles have been replaced by contemporary models, public transit exists but it's now underground in the form of a modern subway. Rail traffic is limited to freights and alas, no passenger trains stop at the former CPR station.

Thanks to the artistry of Went Folkins we can all imagine a time when streetcars, automobiles and passenger trains converged on a busy Yonge Street. A far livelier scene 80 years ago than it is today.

NEW LIMITED EDITION STAMPS FEATURE FAMOUS MUSCLE CARS

With muscle cars currently the hot item among collectors the United States Postal Service has chosen to honour the American automotive icons with a stamp series, adding five muscle car stamps to its America on the Move series. The limited edition stamps feature the ’66 Pontiac GTO, the ’67 Shelby GT-500, the ’69 Dodge Charger Daytona, the ’70 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda and the ’70 Chevelle SS.

I can imagine that selecting the cars must have required considerable research and discussion among the USPS creative team, for these five were not the only great muscle cars; perhaps, however, they were the most representative. The artwork was created by Tom Fritz of Newbury Park, CA, under the art direction of Carl T. Herrman of North Las Vegas, NV. Other issuances in the series — ’50s Sporty Cars (2005), followed by ’50s Fins and Chrome (2008) — were the work of artist Art Fitzpatrick of Carlsbad, CA.

The series launch took place at Sunday's Daytona 500, an appropriate venue, with seven-time NASCAR National Champion Richard Petty helping dedicate the America on the Move: Muscle Cars Forever stamps. Petty joined his son Kyle and Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe at the dedication.

"The Muscle Cars stamps celebrate an exciting era in American automotive history," said Petty. "These examples of raw power bring back fond memories for me and my family, a testament to how aerodynamics transformed racing. I’ve been around racing and muscle cars all my life. These stamps bring back the memories of our racing heritage in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This is a great way to share our stories, old and new, about the Petty history in racing."

"The muscle cars gave everyday Americans the opportunity to experience the rush of driving a fast, powerful car," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "Just looking at the stamps evokes a feeling of speed. As Forever stamps, they’ll always be good for mailing a First-Class letter anytime in the future. And when you think about it, that’s fitting. Because these stamps — just like the great cars they represent — are timeless."

The Muscle Cars stamps are being issued as Forever stamps in self-adhesive sheets of 20 (four of each design). Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. Well done, USPS!

[Photo:  © 2013 United States Postal Service]

SENSUOUS AUTOS FEATURED IN UNIQUE MUSEUM EXHIBIT

Never admit you're a fan of Art Deco unless you plan to furnish your premises with the elegant 1930s design style. That's what happened to me when I was blessed with a gorgeous French-Canadian girlfriend, a great job in the ad agency business, and a tolerant ex-wife with a background in decorating. Girlfriend, ex-wife, and friends showered me (well, okay, a few raindrops) with art deco furnishings for my remodeled agency office.

Not that I didn't appreciate their generosity but while I liked Art Deco I wasn't planning to wrap my workspace in the stuff.

I was wrong, of course. The result, with some input from yrs truly, was so stunning that the agency president would bring visiting clients to have a look. I wish I had those furnishings today. I also wish that a genie would transport me to Nashville this summer when the Frist Center for the Visual Arts will present "Sensuous Steel: Art Deco Automobiles, an exhibition of unique and luxurious autos from the 1930s and '40s."

The 1929 L-29 Cord up top is a glorious example. The Burnt Orange paint job, ordered by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is stunning... but what else would you expect from an architect whose second home and school, Taliesen West, was in Arizona with its beautiful earth tones?

Art Deco influenced automobile design as much as it affected architecture and everything from radio cabinets to dishware to women's fashion. Indeed, some of the most beautiful automobiles of that period drew their inspiration from the unique style, including limited-production cars and custom prototypes like the Pierce-Arrow, above. Designed by Philip Wright, only three of the nine examples survive and one will grace the Sensuous Steel show, which will display 18 automobiles and three motorcycles drawn from some of the most renowned car collectors and collections in the automotive world. None could be more sensuous than the French cars of the period, as epitomised by the Delahaye.

It is entirely appropriate that this display should appear at Frist Center’s landmark historic Art Deco building, which was completed in 1934. Organized by Guest Curator Ken Gross, former Petersen Automotive Museum director, the exhibition will be on view in the Center’s Ingram Gallery from June 14 through September 15, 2013. Perhaps the Timeline Genie will transport me there.
[Photos: © 2012 Peter Harholdt]

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT YOU GET BORED WITH LOOKING AT CLASSIC CAR BODIES...

When I was a kid we used to sneak a peek at the nude and semi-nude girls in Esquire magazine and from them we formed our opinions of what the female body should look like. This was long before the days of Playboy so the girls were illustrations, not photos. Two very talented artists made themselves famous for their work, which had a unique yet similar style. The girls were named after the artists, hence we had both the Petty Girls and the Varga Girls.

I'd almost forgotten about those impossibly perfect ladies until I saw the photos of two vintage illustrations that Nigel Matthews sent from Barrett-Jackson's automobilia auction in Scottsdale, where he was attending auction week. What amused me, though, is that they were being sold at a classic car event. On the other hand, why not? Pretty girls have always been used to sell cars in advertising, right back to the turn of the century, and they still do in today's TV commercials.

But if the appearance of these ladies on Marque1.com startled you, wait until you see the other surprise in today's blog. As Nigel said, he would have bought it on his credit card: A 1976 Datsun 280Z coupe in superb condition, sold at the Russo & Steele Sports and Muscle Car Auction for just $9800!

This is a BRE Tribute car, painted like the #3 BRE team car which won the 1970 and 1971 SCCA championship. It features a rebuilt 2.8 liter engine, 5-speed transmission, rebuilt suspension with a custom exterior, a completely restored interior, factory air, plus a set of new Falken tires. Receipts for all the work came with the car. And get this folks; its after-restoration mileage was a mere 2000! How the potential buyers could have overlooked this stretches my imagination but I'll bet the seller regrets offering it at no reserve.

So yes, Nigel, you should have put it on your credit card. You and I could have had great fun driving it in retro-rallies in California and Nevada. Instead I'll go to sleep dreaming of Petty Girls and Varga Girls. And being twelve again.

[Photos: Nigel Matthews]

SPORTS CARS ETCHED IN THE SNOW

Just when you think you've seen every technique for rendering automobile art, another one comes along to amaze and admire. Richard Wade, an English artist, not only has a passion for vintage cars, he's enthusiastic about etching, a very difficult and time consuming method. The results are enchanting, amusing, and very different.

Wade, who lives and works in England, must also have a thing about winter, for many of his whimsical illustrations feature snowy backgrounds. With the benefit of artistic license, Wade packs his etchings with top-down classics, many of which would probably never be allowed outside in such weather conditions. On the other hand, to drive an open vintage car in winter can be fun if you keep away from roads that have been salted or covered with sand.

Fortunately Richard Wade also sells his work as prints, cards, and even mugs. Etchings are mailed flat, limited edition prints in tubes. The artist is seen at vintage events, particularly hillclimbs, and has been commissioned to create designs for the XK Club and Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, thus he can do the same for your group as well. But you'll have to travel to England to catch one of his shows.

When Wade travels, however, he does so in style, using a vintage Bristol 403 about which he says, "I love driving it and it's very practical. With its passenger seat out I can carry all my boxes and a small press." I wonder if he drives that lovely 403 in the snow?