Recent Comments:
Spyker announces plan to sell, lease back Saab real estate {Autoblog}
Apr 12th 2011 12:27PM Wasn't the situation effectively either Spyker buys SAAB from GM or it would be gone and the factories closed like they decided with Hummer, Saturn, Pontiac? The current line of cars (in the US) don't retain traditional styles cues expected with a SAAB and just appear like any other bland but overpriced cars.
They're no Audi and never were but at one time people were willing to pay for quirky cars that stood out. When a one-time premium-priced automaker is producing cars no less distinctive then anything from South Korea its spells doom.
Video: P4/5 Competizione takes on the Nürburgring {Autoblog}
Mar 30th 2011 10:22AM Any idea what the livery colors will be for the car in the 24-hours of Nürburgring?
It will be interesting to see if a F458 Italia run successfully in the Sebring 12-hours, all things considered, will appear also in the 24-hours against the P4/5.
Video Update: Twin-turbo Corvette's incredible crash at 230 mph {Autoblog}
Mar 28th 2011 3:45PM The infield photog looks like a 'she' not 'he' (albeit a moot point) and agreed there doesn't appear to be a hint of "I wonder if the driver is ok, let me check" exhibited. Rather just a "let me check my camera to see if I caught the carnage in progress".
Felder Avenue, Estate of the Day {Luxist}
Mar 24th 2011 4:03PM Thanks Tobor for the comments. I have admired McAlpine's work and its unique to find a house he designed for himself with so much charm and built quality for cheap. I'd recommend to anyone to find a copy of his recent book and take a look at this home and several others which are more throwbacks to a different era. While AL is likely far cheaper in terms of labor, land and materials then say NJ it still should make anyone wonder why builders churn out homes lacking in taste and details constantly but charge more.
If I could duplicate this same home (with a few inside color/presentation changes) in the Northeast on an elevated piece of property tucked in the woods with a view I would.
By the way the link in the article either changed or was slightly in error:
http://www.bessjenkins.com/Good_Better_Bess/Come_inside!/Pages/100_Felder_Avenue.html
Upper River Road, Estate of the Day {Luxist}
Mar 9th 2011 2:25PM A very nice offering that has plenty of rich architectural details mixed with charm that only comes with an age worn home. Generous rooms, tall ceilings, skilled craftsmen having invested time to make a finish product to be proud of.
That slate covered roof of the carriage house alone has more charisma then most 'executive homes' of the modern era. For just over $2M it would be exceedingly hard to create a home today with an equal impact upon on anyone - including the owner - each time you approach the house.
Civil War Historian's Home And Belongings For Sale This Weekend {Luxist}
Mar 7th 2011 11:14AM It's an interesting bit of architecture and the connection with it being the late Shelby Foote's home makes it that much more. Using the listing site below, if you view the property (0.8 acres) with the birdseye view option its wedged on a sliver of land between others.
This isn't a sprawling mansion despite the courtyard hinting at it and the interior is more then a bit rustic. However that is part of the charm. Walking on to the property with low expectations and finding this hidden jewel that needs some polishing. See the listing below:
http://www.memphispropertyfinder.com/homes/12905074/TN/Memphis/542-E-Parkway-Avenue-S-38104/
By the way much of Foote's historical collection (books, manuscripts, personal papers, maps) was acquired during the auction by Rhodes College in Memphis and will go on display later.
Delong Place, Estate of the Day {Luxist}
Feb 27th 2011 2:56PM It's been on the market for almost a year with an assessed value of $6M in Fayette Co. KY. With just 11 acres it has no ability to double as an equestrian property nor is located near horse properties either. It is a well done modern day interpretation of an English estate that the owners saw a few times a fairly. However most premium end sold Lexington-area mansion are historical in age and on far more land. I can see why this one will sit for a while more.
In 2010 while I was at Keeneland for the Spring Meet there were a few brochures for the property (then called "Bloomfield Manor") sprinkled around at Griffin Gate Resort. It's an interesting property thats a bit over the top. What stuck me as odd - and appears to be toned down now - is all the child themed bronzes and statues. The iron entry gates has/had figurines climbing it as if they're peering in.
The owner (and builder) moved in on Derby Day in May 2000 and sold his emergency response equipment supply company in the 1990s. They live half of the year in Naples FL and will remain in the Lexington KY area after selling this. Per published reports at the time the owner isn't motivated to sell and the price a yer later hasn't moved.
Video: De Tomaso SLC Concept looks like a BMW 5GT fighter {Autoblog}
Feb 21st 2011 11:27AM Alejandro must be rolling in his grave.
First they dump his brand logo - note the ugly reworked marque on the massive grill - and then they proudly display this tank. What are they thinking?
Not only are they putting forth something lacking in style but they go into a very cluttered market segment that has zero tolerance for imperfection. You have some leeway with exotic sports cars and the fit / finish not being perfect but even that isn't like it was a couple decades ago.
I cannot imagine this startup venture using the iconic name can produce a saloon that is on peer with all the kinks worked out like a Maserati. FIAT/Ferrari pumped in billions to produce high quality cars, stylish, and with all the perks.
The days of old with DeTomaso finding enough buyers who just want something rare - like their1970's Deaville - regardless of quirks just aren't here anymore.
De Tomaso to Relaunch in Geneva with new SLC {Luxist}
Feb 21st 2011 11:16AM Egads that is some of the worst styling I've seen since the demise of the Eastern European automakers under Soviet control. What in the world are the new owners of De Tomaso thinking? The fastback rear has hints of the Volvo P1800 mixed with the unattractive tank like front grill with cat-eye headlights.
It just seems like misstep after misstep. First they dump the iconic logo and then they produce a visual lump of coal for the already very crowded luxury sedan market. I cannot image they can produce a car with the same quality control and expectations consumers will have as fellow auto maker Maserati can deliver.
Report: Ford will attempt to stop Ferrari from using F150 name [UPDATE] {Autoblog}
Feb 9th 2011 2:10PM Didn't Ferrari and Pontiac coexist just fine with the GTO moniker used by both vehicles?
When did the F-150 from Ford get classified as a passenger vehicle for insurance and DOT assorted regulations? It's a truck.
