Car

2010's Top Ten Cars Sold at Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

The industrialist hordes lifting placards to bid this year's vintage machinery were not victim to the paroxysms of 2009, when a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa went for $12.2 million and a 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe was swept away for $7.25 mil. None of the top ten trophies in this year's vintage bazaar provoked such financial spikes, yet the decline from first place to tenth was much more gradual: the sum of 2009's offerings was $51.22 million, while 2010 racked up $50.54 million.

That isn't to say the year lacked any monumental spasms: a 1957 Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic "changed hands," to use the clinical parlance of tycoons, for somewhere between $30 and $40 million. That, however, was a private treaty sale handled by Gooding & Company, not an auction result.

Ferrari made another top showing among the perp-walk of pageant winners, with prices spanning $7.26 million for a Ferrari to €2.8 million for a... Ferrari. But Jaguar, Aston Martin, Mercedes and Talbot Lago were also on the list of what ended up being a very beautiful party...

Gallery: Top 10 Cars at Auction - 2010

Tags: 2010 top car auctions, alfa romeo, aston martin, car, ferrari, jaguar, mercedes-benz, talbot-lago, top ten, top ten cars

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MARCH LA.B AM 1 Shelby Limited Edition Watches Partner With Automotive Icon

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Still very new as a brand, MARCH LA.B timepieces was able to woo Carroll Shelby enough into doing a limited edition collection together. The famous icon of the American auto industry is probably most well known for his work with Ford producing many generations of Shelby Cobra 'super' Mustang cars.

Working closely with Shelby, MARCH LA.B now offers two limited edition timepieces that evoke the spirit of the American muscle car based on MARCH LA.B's AM 1 watch model. Increased in size to 40mm wide, the steel watch features a design that is specifically influenced by one very special concept car. That vehicle being the 1968 Shelby Green Hornet prototype. Only a few were made and then forgotten for years. One or two of them exist today in restored condition. The all green body of the Green Hornet is captured in a few green elements on the watch include the crystal over the caseback (on the automatic movement version), and the color of the text on the date disc.

Gallery: MARCH LA.B AM 1 Shelby Limited Edition Watches

Tags: am 1, car, green hornet, march la.b, mustang, shelby, watch, watches

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The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

This season Argentina-based design house Etiqueta Negra, known for its modern take on masculine, equestrian and sporting style, is launching a new men´s collection inspired by one of our favorite things: classic cars. The company's Classic Cars Collection features casual wear such as sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, down vests and leather jackets characterized by clean lines and neutral colors - black, white and dark gray - with a touch of yellow in the detailing designed to evoke traditional motor racing livery. The sporty and sleek pieces range in price from $40 to $1,200 for a leather motorcycle jacket.

"I've had a passion for automobiles since I was a child and am an avid car collector," explains the label's founder Federico Alvarez Castillo. "This appreciation for beautiful cars has played a central role in the design and aesthetic of Etiqueta Negra as a brand from its inception. It was only appropriate to integrate the vehicles into the design of the clothes." Etiqueta Negra, which means "Black Label", is committed to impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics, from Pima cotton to fine denim, cashmere and merino.

They also offer a line of leather shoes designed exclusively for them by Casa Fagliano, the Argentina-based maker of Prince Charles' bespoke polo boots. Prices for the princely footwear begin at $2,500 a pair. Etiqueta Negra also sponsors a polo team in Argentina called Ellerstina, ranked as one of the country's best, which serves as the mascot for its Polo Team Collection comprised of chic sporting classics. Both collections are now available in the company's stores, including the recently opened New York outpost. The stylish spaces (above) are decorated with vintage leather luggage, racing helmets and handmade riding boots set against a background of dark wood paneling, iron beams, black and white photography and vintage-inspired industrial lighting.

Gallery: Etiqueta Negra Classic Cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Argentina, car, classic cars, equestrian, Etiqueta Negra, Ferrari, horses, leather, luggage, Maserati, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, New York, polo, Prince Charles, Sienna Miller, sporting

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Ultima Jewelry Luxury Toy Car Models In Gold & Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry, Luxury Cars & Autos

Never thought the day would come that I would see a solid gold Hot Wheel cars. Please allow me to put my lawyer hat on and reiterate that Ultima Jewelry has no connection with Hot Wheels, or any other toy or model car maker. I use such names for example and comparison purposes. I just had some odd feeling Mattel lawyers would be particularly litigious.

Anyhow, for the super luxury toy and model lover comes these 1/43 scale model Lamborghinis (and other custom creations) in gold and platinum. Here is a Lambo Reventon that has been fun sized. The headlights are diamonds and the tail lights are rubies. Prices start at about 25,000 euros in silver, and go way up from there. Gold models start at 55,000 euros, while the platinum version starts at 88,000 euros. Fully customizable, and fun to play with on the floor with your 6 year old. "Look daddy, I'm gonna make the car crash really hard!"

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: car, gold, luxury, model, platinum, toy, ultima

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition Car

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

The luxury watch world has a slew of car themed watches, but are there are watch themed cars? Well now there is. The relationship between Swiss Blancpain and Italian Lamborghini has blossomed to the point that a bar has been born. Specifically the Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition. Blancpain President Marc A. Hayek already races Lambo cars and the brands have participated together in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo race series for at least two years now.

As special limited edition, the car, in black (with yellow trim), has some special Blancpain imagery on it, as well as a custom body kit. Both interior and exterior components are in carbon fiber, while the curb weight of the car is only 2954 pounds. Note the conspicuous Blancpain logos on and in the car. The car contains the standard LP-570 570hp 5.2 V10 engine, while this Gallardo enjoys a 3.4 second 0-62 time.

No word on price and how many of the autos are to be produced. Click the "READ MORE" link before for more details from Blancpain.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition Car

Tags: blancpain, car, edition, gallardo, lamborhini, lp-570-4, watch, watches

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Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept Car In The Flesh

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

While everyone else is stuck in the past with new cars that look that old cars, Bertone is looking ahead. The famous car designer now only devises concepts for various client automaker brands who take the designs as a study on future core brand style directions. Alfa Romeo has been a client of also Italy based Bertone for years. At the Geneva Autoshow (2010) Bertone unveiled this Pandion Concept - which I got to see in the flesh recently. While a thematic successor of the C8 Competizione, the Pandion is actually built on top of a Maserati GT. At least it is an all Italian machine.

The highly futuristic design is a source of pride for the design firm. The rhythmic shapes and smooth angles are couples with an interesting, and new type of design source - organics. Well, computer organics - if there is such a thing. Bertone created special software to create random looking shapes and "formations" which are the basis for the crystalline looking exterior parts, and the biologic looking interior parts. The entire rear-end and interior wheel decor is based on quartz crystal formations. The new type of look is utterly novel and highly thought provoking. Sensible for production? Not in an instant, but artistic nonetheless.

Inside the car is all about shapes looking like they stem from the "skeleton" of the case. As though they are ripping through the skin. Follow the paths of the cabin structure to see what I me an. The blue seats provide a color thematically like the pinkness inside a body. Despite the highly unconventional cabin structure, the car is still fitted with all the amenities that one might desire, mostly controlled via a large touch screen panel.

The real mechanical spectacle of the Pandion are the automatic gullwing doors. A press of a button and the rear haunches of the car lift and move aside, making room for the scissor like doors to electronically lift up. They close in the same automatic manner. Will any part of this car reach future Alfa Romeo cars? According to Bertone, "probably." Alfa quite likes the new interpretation of their "V" grill design that you can see on the front of the Pandion. If they are smart, Alfa will think a lot about how to incorporate the spectacular visuals of the Pandion's rear-end as well. Check out the "READ MORE" link below for video coverage of the Pandion in action.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept Car

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Bertone, Car, Concept, Pandion

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The World's Most Expensive Car Wash

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services, Luxury Cars & Autos

Buy an expensive luxury car and then run it through a $12 car wash? Or wash it by hand? The obvious answer is to wash it by hand but that takes time, something most high-end car owners don't have or don't want to spend. Enter Gurcharn Sahota, a luxury car enthusiast living in the UK who started a car-washing business five years ago that has since evolved into the world's most expensive car washing service. Charging up to £7,200 ($11,200) per vehicle Sahota can spend several weeks washing a car and uses over 100 cleaning agents, wax priced at $12,000 per tub, a computerized microscope for detecting minute scratches invisible to the naked eye, and a special clay compound for smoothing out imperfections. ''I treat every car like an individual project, Sahota says, "I want them to leave my workshop looking better than they have ever done. If you're paying £150,000 for a car then you're going to want it to be perfect."

Ironically, each wash starts out with a simple soap-and-water scrub using a lambswool mitten.

Sahota works alone out of his parent's garage although his business, called Elite Detailing, is expanding and he just recently opened a secondary workshop. His client list includes many well-known celebrity names (although he won't get specific to protect privacy) and many elite supercars including the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and his personal favorite: a McLaren F1 GTR. Check out video of the process after the jump.

Source

Tags: car, car wash, cars, most expensive

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Luxury Watch & Cars: Wearing An MB&F HM3 In Monterey At the Car Shows

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Car crazed fans of all types and budgets flock to Monterey, CA each summer to experience the Concours de Elegance, Quail Lodge car show, races at Laguna Seca, and a number of other events and auctions that all celebrate the appreciation of fine cars. The Concours de Elegance itself is all about, well.... elegance. A highly subjective concept that a panel of trusted judges are called to determine. I wonder why then they seem to choose the same 1930's era French cars as "Best of Show" each year. Though you'll find cars new and old - specially some of the most expensive and exotic motorcars in the world all in one weekend.

So I travel to Monterey this year with one of the world's most exotic watches - priced as much as many brand new luxury cars. Though not quite up to the cost of a rare vintage European sports car at auction around town that weekend, the watch should be an impressive sighting for those "in the know." With millions of dollars exchanged each day of the event in car auction sales, the demographic of people who attend the events is comprised of the wealthier elite. These people are often watch lovers as well. So in cooperation with MB&F, I see how their Horological Machine Number 3 (HM3) "Sidewinder" watch (which I wrote in more detail about here) adds to my, and the experience of others during the show.

At Pebble Beach, the attention you get is often linked to what you are doing, and who you are with. Myself, toting a backpack and camera was likely taken as a photographically inclined car fan (which I am), or a member of the media (which I also am). Thus, people didn't look carefully at my wrist expecting to see something special. Among the ranks of collectors with their rare cars, it felt good having a rare watch - a bit like I was part of the "in crowd." Perhaps this crowd is something you can buy in to, but your status there is all about what you bring to the party - and I had something interesting. An avant garde Italian sports car from the 70's equivalent in watch form.

Tags: 2010, beach, car, hm3, mbf, monterey, pebble, quail, show, watch

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Rolls-Royce Custom Luggage & Picnic Set For $30,000 - In The Flesh

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Luxury Cars & Autos

We covered the custom Rolls-Royce picnic set previously here as part of Rolls-Royce's new Bespoke Program. The Bespoke Program allows Rolls-Royce customers further access to customization features on the cars, as well as a series of accessories. I met with Rolls-Royce at car festivities for 2010 at Pebble Beach for some hands-on with the new picnic and luggage set along with some addition information. My first question was "who is making this stuff for Rolls?" According to the spokesperson - no one is. Roll Royce is making it all themselves at their special wood and leather shop. I thought that was pretty cool. Would have been pretty easy to go to a custom maker of such stuff and ask them to put the Rolls Royce name on it.

The luggage set is beautiful. Retro in design (what, no shoulder strap?), it features very soft leather and serious looking zippers! No plastic here, "luxury hate plastic!" The picnic set is too nice to actually use. Unless you travel with a caravan that will delicately clean it for you after each use. All the silverware is polished like a brand new wedding ring, while the glasses are crystal. If only I ate this well at home! The picnic case looks as though it weighs a ton, but owners will likely have spare people form their palanquin carrying team to move it to their picnic spot. Or maybe you can say "tailgate Rolls Royce style!"

Together, the set is said to cost about $30,000, of course with varying prices as this is the "Bespoke Program." Makes a great addition to your new Drophead Coupe.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Rolls Royce Luggage and Picnic set

Tags: 2010, bespoke, car, luggage, pebble beach, picnic, rolls-royce

Elon Musk Of Tesla Motors Enjoying His New Tag Heuer Monaco Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Guess who showed up at Tag Heuer's party in Malibu recently? Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk. His appearance makes sense given Tag Heuer and Tesla's recent partnership in creating a special Tag Heuer branded Tesla Roadster car as part of their Odyssey of Pioneers campaign. The all-electric Tesla sports car for Tag Heuer has traveled all over the world so far, and has now made an appearance in California. Below you can see images of the decked-out Tesla Roadster with lots of carbon fiber, complete with a mechanical Heuer stopwatch in the cabin. A very cool car, and a sign of how the two brands feel enough corporate cohesion to work together.

Elon Musk is seen here showing off his brand new Tag Heuer Monaco watch. A classic staple for Tag Heuer, the Monaco has always been one of its biggest sellers. Musk is standing next to Ulrich Wohn, CEO and President of Tag Heuer North America. I'll keep track on Tesla and Tag Heuer to see what conspires between them in the future!

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Elon Musk with Monaco and Tag Heuer Tesla car

Tags: car, Elon Musk, Tag Heuer, Tesla, ulrich wohn, watch

2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster Car

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

It seems to make sense that TAG Heuer teamed up with Tesla Motors - though I don't quite understand why I think that. Successful marketing on behalf of both sides I guess. The collaboration between the brands may continue for a while (likely not going to be like the maligned and now extinct Panerai Ferrari deal) - but the first consumer result is something that I have never seen before. It is a watch themed car. Something I never thought would occur. The rest of the time it is a car themed watch. How fascinating the result is. The bad news? This is a one-off car for now. No word on whether anyone will be able to purchase this cool Tesla Roadster or one like it. Call it a hunch, but I believe that Tesla and TAG are going to be doing things together in the future.

The case comes complete with some cool graphics on it and the TAG Heuer name. The side swooshes are in white with gears in them. Pretty cool. Note the green and red side mirrors that are trademark TAG Heuer colors. The car is actually done as part of TAG's 150th's anniversary. Inside the car will be a special Heuer vintage 1/5 of a second stopwatch and a TAG Heuer Meridiist luxury mobile phone. People who attend the Geneva auto show will get to check out the unique electric sports car, and then it wil be driven to Baselworld for us watch nerds to view. You can thank TAG Heuer's reassuringly burly guards in advance, who will need to prevent me from driving off quickly (but quietly) in the high-tech, fast driving, watch themed, zero polluting, wonder-mobile.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster Car

Tags: car, roadster, Tag Heuer, TagHeuer, Tesla, watch

Bell & Ross Clock In Peugeot SR1 Concept Car

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

The marriage of timepieces and automobiles is usually skewed in the direction of the watch makers needing to communicate the value of the relationship. We have tons and watches out there dedicated to car makers or specific models, but anything in the reverse is much more rare. Sure there is the occasional novelty, such as the Parmigiani watch that will come with the upcoming Bugatti Galibier, but watch branded cars we have not, and having a branded clock in a car is uncommon at best.

Now watch maker Bell & Ross has teamed up with car maker Peugeot. Why these two brands together? Well they are both French, what else can I say? While not a production car (right now), the relationship has a Bell & Ross concept clock inside of the Peugeot SR1 concept car. It is interesting to see a sexy convertible roadster with an aggressive clock inside. The concept dashboard clock above is based on Bell & Ross's BR01 Pro models - but with some interesting design work and texturing on the dial (dial milled from solid piece of metal). An interesting item is the apparent presence of a power reserve indicator on the dial of the clock. This would typically infer that it is a mechanical clock, and that there would need to be either hand-winding or some type of mechanism in the car that winds the watch/clock. Also, Bell & Ross has released images of a stand alone watch. This might be something sold as a limited edition, or the concept clock in the car might be actually a removable wrist watch. I will just have to wait and see what the talk is all about when the Peugeot SR1 (pictured below in the gallery) is debuted at the Geneva Auto Show soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Bell & Ross for Peugeot SR1 car

Tags: auto, Bell Ross, BellRoss, car, clock, Peugeot, SR1, watch

Future Vision? Tesla Roadster Sport Cars Seen Charging

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

I snapped these pictures while at the Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance auto show recently. I caught these two new Tesla Roadster Sport all electric sport cars charging quietly behind the scenes. like any electric car, all Teslas need to be charged to juice up. You can see the large plug that comes supplied with the car. I am not totally sure if it can use a stand wall socket, but I don't think so. You probably need a special set up. Unlike gassing up your car, to charge an electric car you need to wait hours, not minutes.

Look into the cabin of the car and you'll find a charging status screen. A green progress bar like you'd find on a laptop computer or mobile phone is accompanied by a mileage indicator of how far you can go on the current charge. While the Tesla is charging, a light around the plug glows and beats to indicate charging is taking place.

Strolling by the scene it seems almost natural, until I realized that this is likely something we will see lots more of in the future. Not to mention the fact that most people have never seen an electric car charging, or even a Tesla for that matter. Gone here are the manicured details of the inside of a showroom or auto show. This image is just what you'd see by having your own Tesla (if you are lucky enough to get one) charging quietly in your driveway or garage. As times go on, more and more electric car charging spots are popping up all over the country. I am sure your city has at least a few with major cities having dedicated parking spots with chargers and more.

Hearing the Tesla start up and drive off is another strange experience. Unlike the bellows of a Ferrari, or the growls of a Lamborghini, the Tesla has a no engine noise, and just the soft sounds of a transmission and tire noise. Like a large radio controlled model car, but made for people. Tesla has had a lot of financial problems, but thankfully many have come to its rescue and the cars are finally ready for prime time.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Tesla Roadster Charging

Tags: car, charging, electric, roadster, sport, tesla

Classic Mercedes Benz 300 SL Car Gets "A Bathing Ape" Camo Makeover

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

No worries, this auto overhaul is no sick joke. Japan based designer "Nigo" of A Bathing Ape (Bape) routinely asserts his brand of camouflage treatments to high-end and luxury products. The latest victim/subject is this Mercedes Benz 300 SL classic car. More than just a paint job, the car has been thoroughly mechanically upgraded by Mercedes in-house tuner AMG. Notice the wheels are new, and inside, the car has a new engine among a list of other goodies. Will this special one-off car be sold? Possibly? Price will be extravagant.

What else would you expect from the co-creator of another brand Nigo is involved in called "The Billionaire Boys Club?" With ongoing themes of luxury urban style - with an avant garde designer twist - BAPE creates some honestly creative fashion items, but of course succeeds in shocking or insulting many by what some would certainly describe as defacement of a classic icon car. Underneath, the Mercedes Benz 300 SL (made 1952-1963) is serious collector's car with its almost modern day handling and gullwing doors. Nigo pulls off design PR stunts like this for the attention, or maybe because he actually intends to cruise around in it. I'd keep it away from Stuttgart though. Click on the link below for more images.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Via Highsnobiety.

Tags: 300 SL, 300Sl, a bathing ape, ABathingApe, auto, bape, car, mercedes, nigo

Bugatti Veyron Gets The Golden Touch In Kuwait

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It is true that the Midas touch usually ends up appearing more like a beating from the 'rod of distaste.' Not always though, and thankfully this splendid Bugatti isn't actually suffering from Gold sheet metal, but rather a decadent paint job. With a slathering of two-tone gold paint, this owner of this charming speed demon pampers it like a new born - an almost 2 million dollar new born. Kept in a special climate controlled garage in Kuwait, this gold Veyron is a pride of the desert.

With needs like an occasional $10,000 detail job, this isn't the type of super car you just ignore until you get the itch to drive fast. Instead, the proud owner will likely be spending much of his time with a delicate cloth buffing the Veyron's flanks while whispering to it in soft German. The occasional drive through the boulevards of Kuwait with the luxurious gold paint job may not necessarily be to show off, but rather as camouflage to blend in with the sand while pushing the Bugatti's massive 1001 horsepower 16 cylinder engine to its over 200mph limit.

Gallery at Zero Customs.

Via Motor Authority.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: bugatti, car, gold, kuwait, paint, veyron