Vintage Cars Are All About The Details

By now you likely know car details fascinate me beyond words.   The curve of a door handle, bespoke cabinetry in a backseat large enough for a kitchen table, or the lengthy shape of a single large piece of steel –  each one reaches out for my attention.  Small parts and pieces, mostly hand fashioned, come together to create a piece of life size motoring sculpture.  It could be a spring, a head lamp, the stylistic detail or an engine which looks more like something to stare at rather than cover with a hood/bonnet.  Mmmm, I could ooze on endlessly.  But I won’t, I’ll offer pictures to invite your eyes to linger and your mind to enjoy. This early 1901 De Dion-Bouton 4 ½ hp Motorette Chassis no. 159 Engine no. 5638 offered at the Bonhams Quail Lodge 2012 auction is an impeccable example of simplicity with style. When speaking with one’s driver, it is useful to have a microphone.  You can also spot some of my favorite trapunto stitch details too, which I recently used on pair of new sofas. For whatever reason the spring on this Hall Scott racecar will not leave my mind’s eye.  I’m going to have to incorporate it into something… hmmm chair, lighting, what will it be?These pics of a 1932 Daimler 40/50 Double Six Sport Saloon don’t even hint at what this car is truly about.   The details are abundant but look at the whole car: As this shot of the Double Six from the Gooding & Company auction catalog will attest: size matters.  Just imagine sitting behind the wheel with 10ft of nose out in front of you.  I’m thinking, not one for drifting. Interesting though abrupt in the way this 1928 Bentley Le Mans Sport Bobtail ends.  Not the most elegant but sensible. Now for my final photo, do you know what car this next detail is found on? Happy motoring!  – Lisa 🙂