Bond In Motion: Petersen Automotive Museum

Maybe this isn't the exact Aston Martin most folks would have a dream of, but this particular British vehicle, in its own way, is a BOND GIRL. Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Bond In Motion: Petersen Automotive Museum

Words & Images By: Brandon J. O'Brien 

The latest exhibit that opened on September 25th at the Petersen Automotive Museum displays various vehicles used in the twenty-six James Bond movies.  The exhibit titled "Bond In Motion" had been on display at the London Film Festival from 2014 and now allows North American visitors a rare up-close experience with some of the most iconic vehicles associated with the world's most famous secret agent, 007.  The exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the James Bond films since "Dr. No" was released in 1962.

It features more than 30 cars, motorcycles, submersibles, a helicopter, an airplane, and scale filming models.  The exhibit will interest young and old, automobile buffs, movie aficionados, and especially James Bond fans.

1964 Aston Martin DB5 used in many James Bond movies since 1997.  
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 used in "On Her Majesty's Service"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1977 Lotus Esprit S1 - Wet Nellie - used in "The Spy Who Loved Me"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1997 BMW R1200C used in "Tomorrow Never Dies"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1999 BMW Z8 used in "The World Is Not Enough"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2002 Jaguar XKR Convertible used in "Die Another Day"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hiller 12C used in "From Russia With Love"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Although not all of the exhibits from the collection in England were brought over to the Petersen ... this exhibit will be worth the time and effort to go and see as well as all the other exhibits on display. 

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TAGS: Aston Martin, Brandon O'Brien, BMW, EON Productions, Jaguar, James Bond, Lotus, Motor Driven Images, Petersen Automotive Museum, 007

Long Beach - 2021 NTT IndyCar Finale

Penske Racing's Josef Newgarden leads eventual Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach winner Andretti Autosport's Colton Herta as he passes Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon while navigating Turn 6 on the backside of the course. Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Long Beach - 2021 NTT IndyCar Finale

Words & Images By: Brandon J. O'Brien

For the first time in it's 46-year history, due to schedule changes brought on by the pandemic, the streets of Long Beach hosted the NTT IndyCar Series finale.  Being the final race of the season the tension and excitement was palpable. 

There were to be three distinct honors handed out. The foremost was for who would be the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series Champion.  Going into the race weekend the points leader was Alex Palou. Following him were Pato O'Ward (-35 points) and Josef Newgarden (-47 points). Only O'Ward and Newgarden had any mathematical chance of besting Palou. This is the 16th consecutive season where the Championship has been decided in the final race. 

Alex Palou in the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara-Honda DW-12 Mk III in the Fountain Curve at Long Beach. 
 Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Pato O'Ward in the #5 Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet in the  Fountain Curve at Long Beach.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Josef Newgarden in the #2 Penske Racing Dallara-Chevrolet DW-12 Mk III on Pine Avenue
At Long Beach.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Vying for the 2021 NTT IndyCar Rookie of the Year award was former F1 driver Romain Grosjean and New Zealander Scott McLaughlin. 

Scott McLaughlin in the #3 Team Penske Dallara-Chevrolet DW-12 Mk III in the Fountain Curve at Long Beach.
Image Credit:  2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Romain Grosjean in the #51 Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing Dallara DW-12  Mk III exiting the Fountain Curve at Long Beach. Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Coming off a solid win at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca the previous weekend Colton Herta was attempting to end his season with two wins in a row. In practice he showed that he had the car that could go the distance for the win. 

Colton Herta in the #26 Andretti Autosport w/Curb Agajanian  Dallara DW-12 Mk III between turns 1 and 2 at Long Beach.
Image Credit:2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Long Beach has never been a forgiving track and during qualifying many cars accelerating out of Turn 8 would brush the outside wall. Herta did this one to many times damaging the suspension putting him out of contention for the pole. Josef Newgarden was able to top the "Fast Six" taking the pole and gaining one extra point toward the Championship. 

The first two rows were filled by Newgarden, Dixon, Castroneves, and Pagenaud. Herta would start mid-pack in 14th. After the start of the race, having the fastest car all weekend, Herta was able to carve his way through traffic and by the 15th lap he was solidly in fifth-place and the race for the lead was truly on. Newgarden, Dixon, and Castroneves were still holding the first three positions. 

On lap 31 Herta made his pass on Dixon and followed that two-laps later by passing Newgarden who was technically in second due to pit stops. After a full course yellow on lap 66 Herta was able to get a jump on the restart holding off Newgarden. 

From that point to lap 85 Herta stayed in front while diligently holding off his charging rivals. This was made more difficult as he was on the harder compound "Black" tires while the others were on newer softer compound "Reds".  

2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Winner Colton Herta
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

It was electrifying to watch him skillfully charge to the front of the field and take the checkered flag for the second straight weekend and his sixth IndyCar win. 

The Championship went to Alex Palou who finish the race in fourth and Rookie of the Year honors went to Scott McLaughlin. 

    

2021 NTT IndyCar Series Champion Alex Palou with his trophy talking with the media after the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2021 NTT IndyCar Rookie of the Year honors went to Scott McLaughlin.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Next year the "Rites Of Spring" Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will return to its normal place and times April 8-10, 2022.

TAGS: Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Alex Palou, Brandon O'Brien, Colton Herta,  Dallara, DW-12, IndyCar, Josef  Newgarden, Motor Driven Images,  MotorSports Journal, NTT IndyCar Series, Pato O'Ward, Romain Grosjean, Scott McLaughlin 

2019 Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights

Newly appointed President and CEO of MBUSA Nicholas Sparks introducing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC at the Media event on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2019 Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights
By: Brandon O'Brien

Starting this weekend the Los Angeles Auto Show will be open to the public.  This year Twenty-seven manufacturers have their newest and best wares on display to wet the appetite of the car buying public.  Notably absent was Volvo.  Noticeably present was a lot of "blue".  It appears that this years' favorite color for display is a light blue close to that used on the original BOSS 302's. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and Porsche used this color.

Since the movie "Ford vs Ferrari" debuted this past week lets start with that iconic manufacturer.
Which one, you say?  Ford of course!  Much of the talk since the early part of the week has been about the new electric "Mustang".  It's called the Mustang Mach E4 X.  It certainly does not look like a Mustang.  Guess Ford is trying to get mileage out of the Mustang name.

World Premier of the 2020 Ford Mustang Mach E4 X at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Also new this year and on display for the first time in Los Angeles is the 760 horse power Shelby GT500.  Now, IT DOES look like a Mustang.  One that can go "head-to-head" with the Hellcat and Demon.  Time and testing will tell.

The aggressive front end on the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 760 horse power 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 as seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

A real surprise has to do with the movie.  On display, behind glass, is the real GT40
that had the overall win at the 1966 Le Mans event.  This car was not used in the movie. I've seen the car before, in Monterey in 2017, but this time seemed more special.  Being able to see this car is worth the price of the ticket and parking. See the movie, then come and see the real thing.

The 1966 Le Mans winning Ford GT40.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The other car that was getting a lot of attention on Media Day was the new Chevrolet Corvette C8.  Chevrolet had two on hand, one coupe and the other a convertible.  The car is beautiful but to this writer it seems that most of the mid-engined automobiles have the same design characteristics and look.  Put the new Corvette next to an Acura NSX or Ferrari 488 and you will see what I mean. On the lower level near the South Hall there is a display of early Corvettes.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is the first mid-engined Corvette to reach production.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The convertible hardtop Chevrolet Corvette C8 in a stunning light blue color as seen for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

1953 Chevrolet Corvette on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Karma Automotive put on a nice display off the Concourse Hall next to the Galpin Hall of Customs.  The Karma started life a few years ago as the Fisker Karma. The company went into bankruptcy in 2013 was bought out and became Karma Automotive.  On display they have the Revero GT, GTS, and two concept cars; the SC1 Vision and SC2.

2020 Karma Revero GT.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2020 Karma SC2 Concept on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Under the cover is the Karma SC1 Vision.  You will need to go to the show to see what it looks like.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

There are twenty-four other manufacturers so what follows are some of the other cars you will be able to see.

Vision Mercedes Simplex Concept.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 all electric Mercedes-Benz EQC has 402 horse power and 564 lb-ft torque from four electric motors.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLS 6.3.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The limited production 2020 BMW M2 CS.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Built in collaboration with BMW the Toyota Supra is based on the BMW Z4.  The is the GR Hyperboost Edition.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Toyota i-ROAD Concept is a single seater for travel in metropolitan areas.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The new 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S was unveiled by Porsche at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport Carbon.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The KIA Habaniro Cross-over Concept seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2019 Audi TT RS Coupe.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

1965 Honda S600 Roadster on display in the Honda area.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2019 Aston Martin DB11 on display in the Galpin Hall.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 Audi RS Q8 SUV has a whopping 591 horse power V8.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Honoring 60 years is this Lifestyle Collection Mini.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Santa's Dodge SRT Sleigh Demon on display direct from the North Pole.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The show is open to the public from November 22nd through December 1st and has a lot more than what I depicted here.  Have fun!




TAGS: Los Angeles Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Automobiles, Car Show, Brandon O'Brien, Motor Driven Images, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volkswagen, Ford, Shelby, Corvette, Aston Martin, Galpin, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Mercedes-Benz

The Red Coats Were Here

Red Arrows Helmets lined up on wing. Image Credit: Defense Imagery OGL (2017)

The Red Coats Were Here
By: Brandon O'Brien

On August 7th a British invasion took place starting at Halifax, Nova Scotia and over the past 60-days this small force of highly trained specialists have moved through Canada and the United States making their mark.

The invasion I speak of was by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team better known as the Red Arrows. Flying their red painted aircraft sporting the Union Jack on the tail they are similar to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the Canadian Snowbirds promoting the service and the country they are associated with.

Red Arrows No 1 Squadron Leader Martin Pert the Executive Officer next to Wing Commander Andrew Keith Officer Commanding. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

It was the biggest visit by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team to Canada and the United States and the first to the two countries in more than a decade. It included 108 personnel, 12 Red Arrow aircraft, and one Atlas A400M support transport. The aim of the tour was to promote the best of the British and to deepen partnerships with close friends and allies.

The RAF Red Arrows have used the British Aerospace Hawk T.1 since 1979. The Hawk is a two-seat "fast jet" trainer. The RAF is currently using the Hawk T.2, which differs in having a "glass" cockpit for all of it's "fast jet" training and expects to keep the type in service until 2030.

British Aerospace Hawk T.1 aircraft in Red Arrows livery. Image Credit: Defense Imagery OGL (2017)

RAF Red Arrows over MCAS Miramar during their California debut. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The weather at MCAS Miramar, a week ago Saturday, was more typically British than SoCal. Dark cloud, drizzle, and some rain occurred through the day.  Instead of the anticipated "full" show they were only able to perform the "rolling" display that precluded any looping maneuvers.  Also, only eight of the nine display aircraft performed on Saturday.  Even with the dreary sky and minus one member their southern California debut was spectacular.  On Sunday the weather was better and this weekend at the Pacific Airshow over Huntington Beach it was perfect.  The team was able to demonstrate the "full" show with all of their maneuvers.

RAF Red Arrows over MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 perform a rolling head-on pass seen at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 completing the Double Rolls Pass.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 performing the Carousel at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

RAF Red Arrows performing the Tornado during the airshow at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

RAF Red Arrows performing at MCAS Miramar.  I>mage Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Concorde Formation minus one aircraft.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Reds 6 through 9 Break.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

This writer has made numerous trips to England to view Battle of Britain events in the fall and also watch the Red Arrows perform.  Having them perform in our own backyard was a privilege.  Hopefully it will not be another decade before they return.




TAGS: Bae Hawk,  Blue Angels, Brandon O'Brien, British Aerospace, Motor Driven Images, Royal Air Force, RAF, Red Arrows, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds, MCAS Miramar, Pacific Airshow, Hawk