Eye of the beholder

Attraction initially is a result of a superficial desire on the external. We are simply drawn to beauty on face value. What you see as gorgeous on the outside preconditions that, what’s inside is presumed to be the same. It’s hollow, yes, but it is the law of attraction. And that is the flaw of it.

Cars are perceived the same.  It is but customary to be awed by the wonderful curves of a sports car. The angular-tension and skillfully chiseled body lines of an Italian exotic automobile are a sight to behold. We adore the restrained ornamentation and appreciate the elegance of the well-tailored proportion on a German executive sedan. These attractions start at the external. Most of them are translated well on the internal and the performance side of their merits. And surely, they won’t disappoint the initial impression set by their external splendor.  But, sadly there are those that are utter let down: looks well but doesn’t measure up to the expectation. Such a case could be the BMW Z3, as infamously reviewed in Top G... you know where!

External beauty can have a perilous effect if it sets off consequently high expectations on the other aspects. Is it then better to start with a less attractive external if that is the case? Would a plain-Jane of a design be better off? Maybe VW could be thinking along this light, decades back. The first Karmann Ghia, the Type 14, is universally accepted as a beautifully bodied Volkswagen. So much has been written about how well liked its shape is and KG-lover/enthusiasts are a plenty to affirm this. Though as beautiful as its external, the stock performance is not as sporty as the bodywork suggest. When the second Karmann Ghia, the Type 34 came into light, the reverse it seems happened. The external styling is, well, not as charismatic as the first one. To tell you honestly the first time I saw one in a photo, I really thought it was a Chevrolet Corvair. VW though, up the ante on a plushier interior, better available equipments, enhanced safety, bigger engine and host of other improvements. So did the plain-Jane KG approach work? Not really! The sales figures said so, thus their numbers aren’t many (by VW standards), making this KG a rare sight today.

So how does one perceived the external of the Type 34?

A queer proportioned coupe?

Are the Integrated driving light curiously placed?

Or, is the front end too distinctive?

Strong sharp lines earned its nickname “Razor”.

Luxuriously appointed interiors.

Personally, I have grown an unexplainable liking to this KG Type 34. Yes it is queer, but it has the charm of a rare uncommon beauty. If given the chance I’d love to have one (1:1) of these in my future garage. I guess “beauty” as they say, “is truly in the eye of the beholder”!

1:43 PMA VW 1600cc Type 34 from my Karmann Collection.

The name says it all!

Of plastic and diecast series 2 

There is a definite purpose in anything we do.

An action will cause a proportionate reaction.

It is the law of nature. Physics even says so!

Basically it has something to do with (well meaning) cause and (well intended) effect too.

Thus, many great creations encompass equally great effect on people.

When people started creating toys, their perceived purposes were vast.

Most toys are scaled down versions of desirable human possessions (i.e houses, prized animals, gadgets) that are meant to be aspirations in later adult life (i.e doctors gear, driving a sports car). A toy thus is a miniature meant to stimulate a child’s mind and heart to reach for his/her dreams in the future.

In spite of this fact, there is an underlying noble and basic intent of toys.

To be honest, the fundamental purpose of which is to bring happiness.

Pure and simple JOY!

So too this car brings joy …

Old-world delightful rendition,

of a vintage VW Scirocco MK1

by the brand,  JOY-TOY

An apt name, don’t you think?

  Made in Greece with joy!

Special thanks to my friend MT for this :-)

ATS old-school wheels

Wheel fetish series

In the 70’s, it was still the norm to see cars, factory equipped with steel rims and chrome hubcap.

Those with alloy wheels were either top of the line models or cars from very expensive marques.

Of course, the aftermarket industry saw this as a lucrative opportunity to develop wheels to enhance the performance (by lighter rolling weight), handling (stiffer structure) and looks (sportier design) of the stock automobiles.

One of them, was a wheel manufacturer known as, ATS of Germany.

The alloy wheel they designed and designated as code# 55151, is one of my favorites.

These were fitted on special VW 1303 LS Cabriolet of the 70’s.

1303’s have better suspension utilizing MacPherson struts,

and the ATS alloy wheels made the suspension setup even more responsive.

The VW 1303 was the last of the German made classic air-cooled VW Beetle.

ATS classic wheels were appropriate German made equipment on this classic icon!

1:43 by Paul’s Model Art from my shelf  of classic VW’s.

Of metal and plastic

Cars of yesteryears were predominantly made with metal.
Progress and evolution have made this practice not the general rule anymore.
More and more plastics of different compositions have gradually replaced metal.
Good examples are bumpers, car exteriors and interiors...and by that, it's a lot!
The engine bay hosts a lot of these plastics as well.

There also exist, parallels in small scale car miniatures.

Those Lesney Matchbox for example, has metal bases then, now they are mostly in plastic.

I guess plastic will continue to exist side by side with metal, as both have their distinct advantages when used in cars. Whatever the scale is!
I have recently been receptive of the appeal of plastics as well.

They are mainly vintage plastic cars, and I’m delighted to have broaden my horizon.

Diecast metal is a staple in my collection, but I’m open to other materials nowadays.

This pair of VW 411, illustrates the individual charm of each material.

Diecast in 1/66 by Schuco, Made in Germany

Typical of vintage diecast cars are opening features like doors,

and diecast base chassis.

Plastic in 1/64 by Stelco, Made in Germany

Typical of this vintage are the lack of interiors,

and no base chassis!

Both wonderful examples of the curious VW 411

White Car Black Wheels

Wheel fetish 2

There is a renaissance of the color white in cars. Not that white was absent as a dealer option, actually it has been there ever since. In the era of metallic paints and fancy mix, it has persistently survived. Recently, I have noticed that luxury rides, sport cars and even exotics are cloth in white paint; this trend has fueled the resurgence. White is the new silver nowadays!

Ironically, I even see it as the new measure of vanity. It is one of the cheapest paint per se, but on the maintenance front, it is the opposite. A frequent trip to the carwash and wax detailing are norms in owning a car painted in white. It rakes in more effort and expense to keep pristine. But going through all of this, one is rewarded with a stunning looking car; it is classic at the same time avant-garde. A cool combination!

There is an even more stunning combination IMHO!
Like this classic 911 turbo,

…same recipe on a modern 911 turbo!

Similarly on a classic Golf GTi’

…and its later reincarnation!

How, about on a Jetta GLi…

…or this MK4?

Some really great inspirations! Don’t you think?

So, here’s my take on the theme…

White car,

Black wheels.

New car,

Old school wheels.

BBS from the Sportline Golf GTi

Wheel Fetish

The love for cars has different versions of fixation.
Some love them for their flashy chrome stuff and bling.
Others go for the pumping audio equipment and electronics.
People spend their money on wild paint job and bodykits.
It all boils down to this; your money, your style.

I for one am a bit conventional on styling of 1:1 cars.
Sure I prefer Lambo or Porsches any day, if I have the dough.
But, would rather keep them bone stock. That is my preference.
None of the fancy cosmetics to modify them, I’d keep them original.
Apart maybe for one exception; the proper wheels!

I’m a self confess wheel fetish, literally and figuratively.
I like a car with a great set of rim/alloy wheels on it.
I can actually remember some wonderful rims on VW or Porsches that came standard on them. The aftermarket wheel that perfectly suite a VW, is a must have for me.
Thus, from my point of view a great set of wheels make a good car, great looking!

An example is this VW Golf IV GTi

The paint is perfect for this car

All the more, sporting the BBS wheels, model RS771!

Love the stance and overall look.

Paul Model’s Art 1:43 version

The start of something good!

An event that is a prelude to something life-changing (for the better) is always a great time to remember. All of us have them in abundance, and these make it worthwhile when looking back. I’m compelled to share examples, which are the prerequisite of the best journeys taken. Such is the development of the Porsche 907 in 1967 by Ferdinand Piech (now the VW Chairman) for the 24 hours Le Mans race. It was a David among the Goliaths, as it was powered only by a 2000cc engine as opposed to the all conquering 7000cc of the reigning champ, the Ford GT40. But Porsche saw fitting to forge ahead, and came 5th overall in 1967 only bested by the much bigger engine Ford and Ferrari. In 1968, saw the winning streak of the Porsche 907. First winning the 24 hours of Daytona with the staggering 1-2-3 sweep of the podium finish! Next was the 12 hours of Sebring with an equally impressive 1-2 finish wins. Winning the legendary Targa Florio was subsequently in the list of impressive victory of this mighty mite. Then all it needs was the Le Mans win that would make the icing on the cake…but that didn’t happen. The Porsche 907LH (Langheck aka Longtail) would take the 2nd spot after the winning (3 year, grand-slam) Ford GT40. At the end of the 1968 season, the development of the 907 and its subsequent prelude to Porsche’s ambition for an overall Le Mans win, has taken serious root. The 907 opened the doors and has paved the way for the development of the greatest racing car in history, the legendary Porsche 917!

Ironically, my search for the 3 inch scale of the Porsche 907, was a wonderful start of something good as well. I have posted my search for the only known manufacturer of it, that being Majorette of France. A kind-hearted gentleman heed my call and thus as we say ‘’the rest is history’’. The wonderful Porsche 907 has led and brought me a very good friend! I can’t thank him enough for these charming Majorette cars!

Solid Red with the early regular wheel variant. Marked; #8, BP (British Petroleum) & Dunlop

Metallic Red with the 5-spoke wheels. Marked; #3, BP (British Petroleum) & Caltex

Orange with the 3-spoke wheels (background).

Light Blue with the 5-spoke wheels. Marked; BP (British Petroleum) & Shell

Metallic Blue with the 3-spoke wheels. Marked; #3, BP (British Petroleum) & Elf

Baseplate says 1/63 scale.

There are more colors and combinations apart from these....

... all are very good examples of the mighty mite 907!

Setting the record straight

In the olden days, whenever a mention of ‘Volkswagen’ was made… you automatically think of the Beetle. A small car which was cheap to buy and cheaper to maintain. A perception that is connected to the brand, up to today in our shores. New VWs have been sorely absent here for a considerable time, so a lot of us are not up to date with, where the brand has gone to nowadays. Most still think, VWs are cars with aircooled engine at the back. What I can tell you from the everyday use of my watercooled VWs, is that; (1) good examples aren’t cheap to buy here and, (2) they are expensive to maintain as parts are from few specialized importers.

And speaking of how far VW has been to…here is one of the extreme case in point.

The Volkswagen W12 Coupe which set 7 world 24-hour speed records at the Nardo Circuit near Lecce, Italy in February of 2002. http://www.vwvortex.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=2&num=37

This is not your dad’s Beetle :-)

Mean machine in matte black body.

Designed by Georgette Giugiaro of ItalDesign, same genius behind the VW Golf & Scirocco.

Not your dad’s rear engine Bug

The mean W12 powerplant, 12 cylinder 600HP behemoth.

It rolls on my favorite alloy wheels, BBS of Germany.

Ran a record 7,749.4 kilometres at an average speed of 322.89 km/h….
Not bad for a Volkswagen!

Shown is the miniature by SPARK, from my 1:43 collection.