History/owner’s guide (CollectorFILE) originally published in AutoWeek April 18, 1994; republished by the author “It’s a doozy.” The phrases entered the American lexicon to the extent that most don’t know its origin. We, of course, know it came from “It’s a Deusie,” short for Duesenberg, a symbol of grand extravagance. The Duesenberg Brothers racer’s and […]
Type 49 Bugatti: Mme. Abry’s piece de resistance
History originally published in AutoWeek November 26, 1983 The Schlumpfs: Hans and Fritz, brothers, textile industrialists of Alsace, fanciers of classic automobiles,, fanatics for Bugatti’s. How the Schlumpfs must have burned to have this car. They had one chance in World War II during the German occupation of France. The car – a Bugatti Type […]
1938 Alfa Romeo 8C2900 B: Champ of the Mille Miglia
History originally published in AutoWeek July 18, 1983 Wedged in the passenger seat as Bill Serri works the Alfa, cutting crisp vintage holes through the workaday traffic of the New Jersey that lies across the river from Philadelphia, it’s not hard to imagine a riding mechanic named Mambelli occupying the same seat 45 years ago. […]
1903 Winton Bullet #2: Alexander Winton’s Great Red Hope
Originally published in AutoWeek February 1, 1982 Alexander Winton in the Winton Bullet No. 2; Contemporary photograph, public domain It was…unexpected. The hood is broad and flat behind the wedge-shaped nose. Low and clean lined, it looks almost modern. Such appearances, though, are betrayed by the tall wheels, narrow tread and the exposed driving position. […]
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