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By 1993, Volkswagen’s North American sales had dropped to a mere 50,000 total units. Two VW designers, J Mays and Freeman Thomas, believed the key to future success was to resurrect the Beetle. At the 1994 Detroit Auto Show, the Concept 1 was unveiled to great public fanfare, with consumers already putting in orders for […]
Volkswagen New Beetle- 2003 Read More »
The idea of Volvo building a sports car in the 1950’s seemed unlikely to most. Volvos have been safe family cars since the beginning. But after Volvo vice-president Assar Gabrielsson visited GM in 1953 and saw the new Chevrolet Corvette production line in Flint, Michigan, he realized sports cars influenced by European designs were becoming
BMW’s Bavaria model was a US-only model, derived from Europe’s 2500/2800/3000/3300 series of sedans. Known as the E3 among aficionados, it shared everything under the skin with the E9 Coupe, which many consider BMW’s most beautiful design. It was called Bavaria here in order for BMW to reinforce to the US market that they were
BMW Bavaria 3.0S- 1973 Read More »
Danish-born American automotive designer Henrik Fisker is best known for designing luxury cars such the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DB9, and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In 2005, Fisker teamed up with colleague Bernhard Koehler, to start a new luxury car design firm, Fisker Coachbuild. Two years later, Fisker Automotive was established to produce
Fisker Karma- 2012 Read More »
Stanley Shaw established the Shaw Manufacturing Company in 1903. Operating out of an old drug store, Shaw sold Elgin and Waltham watches in the front of the store and built small gasoline engines in the back. In 1905 Mr. Shaw secured a patent for a small, air-cooled, 400cc engine that, when sold as a kit,
Columbia Bike-1896 with Shaw Motor Kit -1916 Read More »
Aerothrust Engine Company was a small manufacturer in Chicago, Illinois that made small engines and propellers. They mated these two products together to make a semi-universal propeller propulsion unit. These units were to be used on bicycles, small boats, and ice sleds. What you see here is an Aerothrust unit mounted to a B. Klinedinst
C.B. Klinedinst Special Bicycle with Aerothrust Propeller- 1914 Read More »
By the year 2000, carbon fiber had emerged as the leading material for high end-bikes. Early models such as this one used lugs and glued-tube construction. Later models were “monocoque” or 1 piece construction. Carbon fiber was laid down in molds and shaped by inflated bladders within the molds. By carefully shaping the finished product,
Trek Carbon-Fiber Road Bike Frame- 2000s Read More »
By the 1980s, advantages in manufacturing allowed the extensive use of TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas).No lugs were required, and frames became lighter. More importantly, the method allowed greater automation and reduced manufacturing costs, at the expense of less craftsmanship and individuality. Specifications: Designer/builder: Trek Country of Origin: Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA Weight: 2721.55g/
Trek TIG-Welded Steel Mountain Bike Frame-1980s Read More »
The New Mail welded steel frame design dates back to 1891. Notice how the basic diamond frame and proportions have remained relatively unchanged in the past 120 years. This replica was produced for Euro Disney, Paris. Specifications: Designer/builder: William Read & Son Country of Origin: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Weight: 4082.33g/ 9lbs.
New Mail Safety Bike (replica)-1891 Read More »