Think about the idea of intention and purpose. A designer, an engineer, and an executive – oh, yes, let’s not forget the folks in accounting – are all involved in the process of creating a vehicle. Once everyone signs off on it, they have to campaign for its success. Even the marketing folks have to be on board with selling it to everyone – dealerships, the communications folks, and, ultimately, the consumer.
TweetWell before the late Sergio Marchionne arrived at Auburn Hills, there was a brand that competed in the budget car field under the Mopar banner. It was once the match for Chevrolets and Ford, while putting out some of the most compelling models of the Muscle Car Era. Maybe you have forgotten about Plymouth. You …
TweetThe first application of Sir Alec Issigonis' engineering breakthrough – All Photos by Randy Stern, except otherwise noted Remember Sir Alec Issigonis? The innovation he created by switching the orientation of the engine, changing the traditional transmission to a transaxle and sending power to the front wheels was a magnificent idea! The Austin/Morris Mini was …
TweetWhat was so good about the year I was born? The Beatles, The Supremes, Muscle and Pony Cars…am I missing anything else? Here’s an idea: Shove an engine from one of the full-sized models into a smaller one. Before you do, you have to upgrade the transmission, driveline, final drive ratio, suspension, tires, wheels, brakes …
TweetAll Photos by Randy Stern Yes, I am Moparian. You know the story – it's been told many times on this blog. Why should I epxlain this further? Because I am a Moparian (by decisions made by a family member that I shall not get into without going into rant mode), it does not mean …
Tweet1955 was a great year for the automobile. It was a breakthrough one for one particular manufacturer thought to be lost with the shenanigans of the early part of the decade by America's biggest two pugilists of the business. That year saw Chrysler gaining the world's attention. It came up with something that took our …
TweetAll Photos by Randy Stern If there were one thing I learned from my second 10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance, it would be the necessity of preserving automotive history. I was talking to one of the participants from the Concours in regards to being a collector and the responsibility in ownership of these special vehicles. He …
TweetIt has been a while, has it not? The whole My Favorite thing… It is not for lack of imagination. Rather, I have been busy on many fronts. One such front is a new venture for me that might lead to a dream job. More on that when things sort itself out on that front. …
TweetYou always remember your first convertible. All photos by Randy Stern There are days when it is a shame to call myself a native Californian. The most typical scene in classic California iconography has been the convertible. Always with the top down to bring in the sun and the air (air quality varies on location …
If you want to know where "car community" is celebrated – go to a car show or meet somewhere.