Motor Driven Images: July 2017

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Oh Seein' - The 2016 Orange County International Auto Show

Maserati | Convertible - Sedan - SUV. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Oh Seein' - The 2016 Orange County International Auto Show

By: Brandon J. O'Brien
Images By: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise specified

The Orange County International Auto Show heralds itself as the first auto show of the season. Though technically true, the manufacturers generally hold off new model presentations and concepts for major shows like Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles which closely follows in November.

What was seen at the Orange County International Auto Show last week were models currently in production for the 2017 model year as well as those limited production cars that premiered this year at other shows.

If you are looking for exotic cars this is the venue for you. At Los Angeles you will see more exotics in the parking structure than on the floor at the show. Hopefully this will change this year with that shows new name and emphasis.

All the major brands were there, including professional grade utility trucks by Ford, Ram, and Toyota.

The original Fiat 124 Spider was produced between 1967-1985. This new Fiat 124 Spider using the Mazda Miata chassis still carries over much of the timeless lines from that first model. Currently available as two models, the Classico and Lusso, it will be joined by an Abarth model and possibly others.

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Classico has cloth seats, 16-inch wheels and a body color surround on the windshield. The Lusso is upgraded with a leather appointed interior, standard seat heaters, 7-inch screen, 17-inch wheels and a silver colored windshield surround.

Power for both models is supplied from an Italian designed and produced 1.4 Liter SOHC unit mated to the standard Miata transmission that has been reprogrammed. The original 124 was the Fiat sales leader in the U.S. Time will tell if this one is as popular at a time when open-top sports cars appear to be loosing popularity.

Mazda brought their new fourth generation Launch Edition MX-5 RF hardtop convertible. The MX-5 RF with its elegant coupe styling has a personality all its own. The retractable hardtop disappears in about 12 seconds with the push of a button and the design ensures that trunk space remains essentially the same as in the MX-5 roadster.

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

There are a lot of individuals that would love to own a true sports car but do not like the inconvenience and noise of a soft-top. This car is aimed at that sector of the population. In the past they needed to go upmarket to Mercedes or BMW in order to get the same qualities as seen here.

An interested individual talking with the PR lady at the Mazda exhibit for their Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition.
Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Getting back to where the general public will be looking and buying, the Honda Clarity is a new model in the Honda line-up. It will eventually be available in three drivetrains; electric, fuel-cell, and plug-in hybrid. Seen in Anaheim was the fuel-cell model.

The 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell model on display at the Orange County International Auto Show.
Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Clarity Fuel Cell, the first version to launch, is powered by electricity generated by an onboard fuel cell fed by compressed hydrogen. This is now the second automobile to be produced using this technology, the Toyota Mirai being the first. Time will tell if this technology will be readily accepted by the public. If it is not, at least Honda will have the two other drivetrains available.

The 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell model on display at the Orange County International Auto Show.
Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Toyota Prius Prime may be the new hybrid efficiency champion on the road. With a tested 133 MPGe it beats the industry leading BMW i3. The Prius has always been popular in California and this newer slightly more upscale model will certainly find a home in many garages.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Moving on to a more upscale automobile, Lexus showcased their LC500h. When released in 2018 this model is thought to be targeted against the BMW i8. The Lexus LC500h coupe is powered by a new hybrid system dubbed "Multi Stage Hybrid System".

2018 Lexus LC500h as seen on the Lexus display stand. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The system has been designed to provide a more sporty driving experience. It features a 3.5 Liter V-6 engine combined with a powerful electric motor backed by a 44.6 kW lithium ion battery pack. The gasoline engine produces 295 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor steps in to take power to 354 hp.

This is coupled to the new longitudinal hybrid transmission which includes a CVT that incorporates two electric motors, similar in concept to the Hybrid Synergy Drive used in their Prius, and adds a conventional four-speed automatic transmission to the mix. Essentially two transmissions.

Lexus says the LC500h will feel like a lot of hybrids with only a conventional CVT when driven in the Normal or Eco modes. Putting the LC500h in Sport or Sport+ the transmission acts like a conventional 10-speed transmission. This automobile is stunning in real life and is sure to be a hit once released in 2018.

Other premium sports cars being showcased by their manufacturers were the Acura NSX, Mercedes-AMG C63S, and the Audi R8 V10 Plus.

2017 Acura NSX on display at the OC Auto Show. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus looked stunning in Gotland Green. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

It seems like many of the ultra-luxury manufacturers are producing an SUV. Maserati has jumped into the market with their Levante and Levante S models.

The Levante is powered by a Ferrari built 345 hp 3.0 liter, twin-turbocharger V6 engine. The S ups the horsepower to 424 making it the fastest and most powerful SUV in its class.

The 2017 Maserati Levante is Maserati's step into the SUV world. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Every Levante comes with the Maserati Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive, five-way air suspension, and Maserati adaptive shock absorbers. With a starting price of $72,000 it appears that Maserati is taking aim at Porsche.

Up in the exotic range, which were found on the lower level, were McLaren, Ferrari and others.

Ferrari 488 GTB. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

A beautiful dark red Ferrari California GT as seen on the lower level of the OC Auto Show. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

For those that were in the market for a new car and wanted to skip going to all of the dealers this was the most convenient way to be hands-on and see all the models available under one roof. Not as elaborate as Los Angeles it meets the needs of the general car buying public in a convenient location for those in Orange County.

TAGS: Acura, Brandon O'Brien, Honda, Lexus, Levante, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-AMG, Motor Driven Images, NSX, OC International Auto Show, Orange County International Auto Show, OC Auto Show, Orange County Auto Show

The Artistry Of The Automobile

By: Brandon J. O'Brien
Images By: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise stated

The Petersen Automotive Museum just recently showcased the Golden Era of coachbuilding of the 1920's and 1930's by presenting a number of automobiles perfected by some of the famous artisans of the era.

After the First World War the people of France, as well as the rest of the world, were ready for something new. It was during this time that the carmakers and coachbuilders produced some of the most remarkable automobiles ever built. They would start with simple sketches, reproducing the design by affixing narrow ion straps to the chassis and then create a wood frame, generally in ash, to which hand-formed sheet metal was attached.

Joseph Figoni set up his shop in 1923 initially restyling cars and then building complete bodies. The shapes of airplanes fascinated Figoni. Much of his work was centered on aerodynamics and creating the illusion of motion even when standing still. This led to his use of tear-dropped shapes that can be seen in most of his creations.

Fignoni had a command of color and made great use of the recently developed Nitrolac metallic paints to present his cars in vibrant two and sometimes three-tone paint finishes. The public loved this use of color when black was still the norm.

1934 Voisin C27 Roadster designed by Figoni et Falaschi for the Shah of Iran. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

It would be his creations for Delahaye, Delage, and Talbot-Lago that defined his reputation and established him as one of the finest coachbuilders. He also loved working with the high fashion designers of the time having them design gowns, hats, gloves, and shoes that perfectly matched the lines and colors of his cars. Nothing was left for granted.

1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS with coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1939 Delahaye Type 165 with stunning coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Henri Chapron, another French coachbuilder started his enterprise in 1920. He quickly developed a reputation for impeccably good taste. Charon bodied a multitude of marques and models but it was his work for Delahaye and Delage that earned him some of his highest praise.

1953 Delahaye Type 178 with coachwork by Henri Chapron. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This 1938 Delahaye Type 145 was re-bodied in 1948 by Henri Chapron and used by him as his personal car. Image Credit 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

He would be one of the few that re-emerged from The Second World War continuing his designs into the 1960's with his last being the Citron DS Chapron.

Although not an independent coachbuilder Jean Bugatti was an integral part of the family company and had already demonstrated his vehicle design abilities in the 1920's. In 1932, at the age of twenty-three years, he did most of the design for the Bugatti Type 41 Royale.

This 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Cabriolet is one of eleven built and was designed by Jean Bugatti. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Jean Bugatti designed three bodies for the Type 57, the Ventoux, Stelvio, and the Atalante. Regarded as the finest of all touring Bugatti models the supercharged Type 57 was first displayed at the 1936 Paris Salon. His designs complemented his father's engineering skills making Bugatti one of the greatest names in automobile history.

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic designed by Jean Bugatti. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This 1939 Bugatti Type 57C chassis has coachwork by Gangloff. It is distinguished by its "long tail", roll back roof, and use of chrome trim. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Pioneer French aeronautical expert Gabriel Voisin was an aircraft manufacturer who went in the other direction and started building automobiles. Voision's chief designer, Andre' "Noel-Noel" Telmont was trained as an architect. He was inspired by aviation and architecture and his designs presented wonderfully balanced Art Deco coachwork that featured new, modern, and aerodynamic themes.

The 1934 Voisin C27 Aerosport was designed by Andre' "Noel-Noel" Telmont and implies an aircraft cockpit and fuselage. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 1935 Voisin Type C25 Aerodyne was actually penned by Gabriel Voisin. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon o'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Letourneur et Marchand was established in 1905 and by the 1920's had become the main supplier of bodies for Delage. By the 1930's they were also building bodies for automakers such as Duesenberg, Hispano-Suiza, Rolls-Royce, and Minerva.

1937 Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupe has coachwork by Letournuer et Marchand which were the primary suppliers for Delage. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The sculptured rear fascia of the Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupe. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Carrosserie Vanvooren was a French coach builder that concentrated on producing car bodies for luxury cars, being closely associated, during the 1930's, with the products of Hispano-Suiza, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Vanvooren's work with Hispano-Suiza evolved into a successful relationship that can be compared to the relationship Rolls-Royce had with Park Ward during that same period. From 1932 Vanvooren provided bodies for more than a third of Hispano-Suiza's output of HS26, K6, and J12 models.

1935 Hispano-Suiza J12 with coachwork by Vanvooren. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Artistry Of The Automobile Jacques Saoutchik founded his company in 1906. By the 1930's the company was famous for their high quality and often extravagant designs. Saoutchik wanted to cater to the top-class. Design wise Saoutchik took every possible risk. He never hesitated to embellish with chrome or even gilt to highlight the dominant lines of the coachwork to provide "visual magic".

1948 Talbot-Lago Type 26-GS with coachwork by Jacques Saotchik. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Georges Paulin, between 1934 and 1938 was the designer for the French coach builder Marcel Pourtout. He became the leading French stylist of the time. All his designs were done with aerodynamics and fuel efficiency in mind. This design philosophy yielded small cars using small engines that were still fast.

1937 Peugeot 302 DS was designed by Georges Paulin and produced by Marcel Pourtout. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The body of this 1937 Delage D8-120 was also designed by Georges Paulin. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Henry Brewster was the lone American represented at the Peterson. In 1914 Brewster and Co. was chosen as sales agents for Rolls-Royce, Ltd. and would be the main body suppliers for Rolls-Royce in the U.S. By 1925 Rolls-Royce would have chassis fitted with temporary seats and protection, to be driven from their Massachusetts plant to the Brewster building in Long Island City, New York to have bodies installed.

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I "Windblown" Coupe was crafted by Brewster & Co. of New York. Image Credit: 2016 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Rolls-Royce showrooms would soon offer 28 standardized body styles. This enabled them to be able to deliver cars to their customers quicker, and for a lower price. Customers would also be able to purchase models directly from the showrooms. After Rolls-Royce of America folded, from 1931 to 1934 Rolls-Royce dealers and individuals shipped chassis directly from Britain to Brewster's large facility.

The Second World War was the beginning of the end for all the great coach builders and small manufacturers. They never fully recovered and most were gone a few years after the war's end. Mass production became the norm. Automobile manufacturers were setting up to sell cars in the millions, not the hundreds that the great coachbuilders were able to turn out. The Golden Era of coachbuilding had come to an end but we are blessed to still be able to appreciate this period of time.

TAGS: Art, Autoart, Auto Art, Brandon O'Brien, Brewster & Co, Bugatti, Delahaye, Delage, Figoni et Falaschi, Georges Paulin, Henri Chapron, Henry Brewster, Hispano-Suiza, Jacques Saoutchik, Jean Bugatti, Joseph Figoni, Letourneur et Marchand, Marcel Pourtout, Motor Driven Images, Petersen Automotive Museum, Peugeot, Rolls-Royce, Talbot-Lago, Vanvooren, Voisin

2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The Dawn Patrol awaiting the entry of the featured automobiles. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
By: Brandon J. O'Brien
Images By: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise stated

Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has hosted the finest exhibition of classic automobiles in the world. Held during Monterey’s Car Week every August on the famous 18^th Fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links it draws crowds of spectators, journalists and celebraties from all over the world.

Jay Leno discussing the finer points of the Porsche Spyder. Image Credit : 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This was the second year that we covered the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Last year I felt like I was being tossed into the deep end of the pool after only a few lessons. I had no idea how overwhelming this event can be. This year knowing what to expect my confidence level was good. Again, we arrived prior to dawn and joined the Hagerty Insurance team for their "Dawn Patrol. The warm coffee and donuts were greatly appreciated and the wait in line allowed us to make new friends.

I determined from last year that to get good pictures of the cars as they drove onto the green was nearly impossible due to the lack of light and my panning skills. I elected to skip this and work my way to the further edges of the Concours area.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing waiting for entry to the 18th Fairway at Pebble Beach. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Once the cars are in place you notice that the field is bustling. The owners and their team of assistants swarm over them with rags, polish, mirrors (to view the undercarriage), paint and model brushes in order to clean up the grass on the tires and undercarriage, hand prints, smudges, and any almost invisible chips in the paint. Judging includes all of these areas plus much more. This is a time where you can get close to the cars photographing all the details, and when not busy, speak with the owners.

Last minute detailing this 1934 Duisenberg J Durham Tourster. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Making a final inspection of this 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Grand Sport Touring "Flying Star" Spider. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Not all the automobiles are presented in pristine condition. Unlike the majority of restored classics on display there is a class for unrestored vehicles called "Preservation Class" and these can be quite interesting as they show the patina of their age. Many judges and collectors agree that now is the time for this new class. It might be a disservice to do a 100-point restoration to a beautifully preserved original automobile.

Preservation Class 1956 Maserati A6G 2000 Frua Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Preservation Class 1934 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Maythorn Saloon. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Preservation Class 1921 Stutz K Bearcat. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The unrestored motor compartment in the 1921 Stutz K Bearcat. Image Credit 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

As the early morning light gives way to another spectacular day the crowds grow and all the onlookers stroll around the beautiful automobiles. Excluding a few areas where the bollards prevent the guests from getting too close, the majority of the automobiles are easily accessible. Stroll with us as we present some of our favorites in no particular order.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Competizione, chassis 1813GT. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1964 Ferrari 250 LM Scaglietti Berlinetta, chassis 6119. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1953 Ferrari 340 MM Vignale Spyder, chassis 0350AM. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pinin Farina Coupe Aerodinamico Prototipo, chassis 2207SA. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Spyder California, chassis 0919GT. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring Coupe, chassis 915014. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1930 duPont Model G Merrimac Speedster, chassis G967. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 duPont Model G Merrimac Phaeton, chassis 80. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1929 duPont Model G Waterhouse Roadster. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B MM Touring-style Spider Corsa, chassis 815001. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Spider. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Bobby Rahal's 1965 Shelby G.T. 350, chassis SFM 5S558. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1952 Cunningham C-3 Competition Coupe Prototype, chassis 5206X. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1952 Cunningham C-3 Vignale Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe, chassis CSX 2602. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Tourer. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Sindelingen Roadster. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1955 Dutch Grand Prix winning (Fangio) Mercedes-Benz W196R, chassis 00013. Image Credit:2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1955 MM winning (Moss) Mercedes-Benz W196S 300 SLR, chassis 00004 Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1970 Mercedes-Benz C-111 2nd Generation Concept. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith H.J. Mulliner Drophead Coupe, chassis WGG48. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The picnic basket and place settings located in the boot of the 1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith H.J. milliner Drophead Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1932 Austro Daimler ADR8 Keibel Karosseriewerke Limousine. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooran Cabriolet, chassis 57808. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1931 Invicta S Carbodies Tourer. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1931 Invicta S Carbodies Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1935 Lancia Augusta Farina Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1956 Continental Mark II Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hidden gas cap on the 1956 Continental Mark II Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 Packard 443 Eight Dietrich Coupe. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1929 Packard 645 Deluxe Eight Rollston Roadster. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1929 Packard 626 Speedster Eight Roadster. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1936 Cadillac Model 90 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hood Ornament on the1936 Cadillac Model 90 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Graham Model 97 Saoutchiok Convertible. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon o'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1926 Renault 4 MC Manessius Cabriolet deVille. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1903 Thomas Model 18 Sheldon Rear Entrance Tonneau. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1904 Pope-Toledo Type IV Rear Entrance Tonneau. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C-Six Five Passenger Touring Car with owner in period costume. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This event is always a pleaser and as you can see there is generally a make, model, or time period that makes attending worthwhile. Although it is too early to guess at what marques will be present next year, BMW will be celebrating it's 100th Anniversary so it is a good bet that some unique BMW's will be on the green.

If you have never been to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance now is the time to book your accommodations and make plans to attend the 66th event which will be held on Sunday August 21, 2016.

TAGS: Motor Driven Images, Brandon O'Brien, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Monterey Car Week, Concours d'Elegance, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance