Tag Archives: celebrating

Alpine A110 S Enstone Edition Debuts With Carbon Trim, Matte Black Wheels

Alpine has unveiled a special edition A110 S to mark its Formula 1 team and the upcoming British Grand Prix. The limited-production model pays homage to the BWT Alpine F1 Team by incorporating carbon-fiber elements from the same Enstone workshop where the racing outfit is based.

This is the first time that Alpine has produced interior carbon components using the tools, molds, and autoclaves from the Alpine F1 factory. The instrument cluster visor, center console, and drop zone all feature these exclusive carbon-fiber materials. The bill and console are branded with Alpine’s A arrow mark and the signature of the BWT Alpine F1 Team.

Audemars Piguet Presents Four New Royal Oak Chronograph Models

Audemars Piguet is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the renowned Royal Oak Offshore by launching four exquisite Selfwinding Chronograph models in a 37mm size. These timepieces, adorned with diamond and colored gemstone bezels, offer a captivating combination of sportiness and luxury. Designed in 18-carat pink gold, yellow gold, and stainless steel, they feature the same design evolution as the 43mm models introduced in 2021. The latest models showcase various visually appealing upgrades, such as the lady Tapisserie motif and an enhanced AP monogram. With the omission of the snailed zone, the timepieces exude a more refined look. The larger hour markers give them a sportier appearance, adding to their distinctive appeal.

These new Royal Oak models are more than just accessories; they are statement pieces equipped with Audemars Piguet’s interchangeable strap system and powered by the self-winding chronograph Calibre 2385. The pink gold and stainless steel versions feature bezels set with brilliant-cut diamonds, with the pink gold variant complemented by a light blue dial and the stainless steel variant adorned with a warm salmon dial. Additionally, two luxurious models in 18-carat pink or yellow gold showcase a range of baguette-cut colored gemstones. The yellow gold timepiece boasts a mesmerizing gradation of yellow, green, and blue hues, achieved through the exquisite use of tsavorites and sapphires. The pink gold model flaunts a rainbow-colored bezel that beautifully complements the black dial. The newest additions to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Collection are currently available through authorized dealers.

TUDOR x Alinghi Red Bull Racing Launch Spectacular Pelagos FXD Watches

Celebrating their dynamic partnership, Tudor and Alinghi Red Bull Racing has unveiled two exceptional Pelagos FXD models inspired by the thrill of yacht racing. These innovative timepieces, a chronograph and a time-only watch, boast cases of high-tech carbon composite, titanium, and stainless steel, embodying the spirit of yacht racing. Marking a debut in Tudor’s history, these are the first watches born from their alliance with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, solidifying Tudor’s first venture into the competitive world of yacht racing since 2022. These horological wonders are not just similar to an AC75 racing yacht; they embody it.

Employing carbon composite for the first time, Tudor has crafted the Pelagos FXD watches to echo the robustness of an AC75 hull. Integrating a chronograph Calibre into a fixed strap-bars case is another groundbreaking first. Just like the maritime marvel, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC75, the Pelagos FXD models showcase high-tech engineering and materials to achieve a 200-meter water-resistant FXD case design. Keeping legibility a priority, the matte dials sport the AC75’s hue, with luminous ceramic composite hour-markers and Snowflake hands. Paying homage to one of the hallmarks of Tudor, each watch comes equipped with single-piece Team Blue fabric straps with red accents and a titanium buckle. The new Tudor x Alinghi Red Bull Racing Pelagos FXD models are currently available through authorized dealers starting at $3,675.

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From the motorsport archive: on this day in 1937

In 1937, the Bugatti Type 57, driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, ended Italy’s dry spell in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. This victory marked the first time in 11 years that a non-French car emerged as the winner of the endurance race.

Wimille and Benoist, who were not the favorites to win, piloted the Type 57 grand tourer, which was nicknamed ‘The Tank’ due to its new streamlined body design. The Alfa Romeo 8C, driven by Raymond Sommer and Giovanni Battista Guidotti, was initially expected to secure victory.

Throughout the race, the Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, and other competitors like Talbot and Delahaye engaged in an intense battle for the lead position. However, a tragic incident occurred when the 8C was involved in a fatal six-car pile-up, forcing it out of the race. Undeterred by the chaos, newcomer Wimille continued to perform exceptionally well and took the lead.

Despite facing challenges such as passing slower cars, a thunderstorm, and navigating through heavy mist during the night, Wimille maintained his position at the front while his competitors gradually dropped out of the race. Eventually, by 3 pm, Wimille and Benoist broke the distance record with an hour left to go. Only 17 out of the 49 participating cars finished the race, making it one of the most dramatic and challenging Le Mans races in history. The #2 Bugatti crossed the finish line seven laps ahead of its closest competitor.

Tamburini Celebrates 100 Years Of The Italian Air Force With F43 Centenario

The Italian Air Force will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023, and the newly established Massimo Tamburini brand has introduced its first motorcycle to commemorate this occasion. While Massimo Tamburini himself passed away in 2014, his son, Andrea, is now designing motorcycles and related accessories to continue his father’s moto design legacy.

The Massimo Tamburini F43 Centenario is a highly limited edition bike, with only one unit being produced to honor the Italian Air Force. This bike is based on the MV Agusta F4, and although complete specifications are not yet available, it is known that carbon fiber plays a significant role in its construction.

The Moto Club Massimo Tamburini will auction off this singular F43 Centenario to support a worthy cause, the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC). If you wish to learn more about AIRC or support them, we will include a link to their website in our sources.

This release comes just six months after the unveiling of the Tamburini Corse F43 Tributo in December 2022. At the time of the announcement, five different variants were planned, with Tamburini Corse producing only five of each variant for the public.

One notable difference with the F43 Centenario, aside from its exclusive production of only one unit, is the matching helmet that can be seen in the photos. Designed by Andrea Tamburini, the hand-painted Arai RX-7V Evo perfectly complements the F43 Centenario.

While Tamburini Corse has not yet updated its website with information about this bike, they have been consistently sharing photos from the official unveiling in mid-June 2023 on their active social media accounts. For more details about this bike and its upcoming auction, you can contact Tamburini Corse at info@tamburinicorse.com. The limited-edition Arai RX-7V Evo helmet, which is sold separately, is also available for purchase through Tamburini Corse. For any inquiries, you can use the provided email address to get in touch.

Why Every Rider Should Visit The Harley-Davidson Museum

This year, Harley-Davidson is celebrating 120 years of manufacturing the iconic American cruiser motorcycle. On July 13-16 of 2023, there will be a massive homecoming in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with food, drinks, and live performances. But beyond the celebration, there is much to be explored and appreciated at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The museum is a testament to the brand’s illustrious history, showcasing vintage models, racing bikes, and lesser-known motorcycles. Whether you choose to take a guided tour or wander around aimlessly, a visit to this museum guarantees a fantastic time for any motorcycle enthusiast.

RELATED: All You Need To Know About The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival

American Motorcycle History

Harley Davidson History
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Rows of vintage motorcycles facing away from camera in museum.

Harley-Davidson has been manufacturing motorcycles since 1903. As you enter the museum, you’re immediately immersed in the brand’s rich history. Vintage Harley models stretch from one end of the building to the other, showcasing the evolution of the motorcycles over time. The museum also offers exhibits that delve into the early years of the company and its involvement in World War II. These exhibits provide fascinating insights into the brand’s journey and are meticulously curated with informative annotations.

RELATED: Check Out This Harley-Davidson Enduro Motorcycle From The 70s

The Engine Room

Harley Engine Room
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Motorcycle engines displayed in museum exhibit.

The ‘Engine Room’ is a captivating exhibit that appeals to gearheads and enthusiasts alike. It features a collection of Harley engines, showcased in interactive displays and exploded views, allowing visitors to explore the various components. Additionally, visitors can participate in a guessing game to identify different engine sounds. The highlight of the exhibit is, undoubtedly, Harley’s famous V-twin engines. From early experiments to the latest models like the Milwaukee Eight, the ‘Engine Room’ offers a comprehensive experience. One particularly impressive centerpiece is a fully disassembled motorcycle intricately arranged so that it appears whole when viewed head-on, revealing its true nature as visitors walk around it.

Harley’s Racing Pedigree

Harley Racing Pedigree
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Motorcycles displayed on floorboard racing floor in museum.

The Clubs & Competition exhibit is a surprising highlight for many visitors. It showcases full-size motorcycles that were used for racing on board tracks, hill climbs, and endurance races. The exhibit features motorcycles with unique modifications, such as chain wheels, sidecars, and specialized racing parts. Notably, it pays homage to the 1936 El Factory Streamline OHV V-Twin, which broke the land-speed record in 1937, reaching 136 miles per hour at Daytona Beach, Florida. The exhibit also sheds light on Joe Petrali, a member of the Harley-Davidson racing team, who played a significant role in promoting the brand and setting records. Petrali’s accomplishments extend beyond motorcycle racing, as he later became associated with Howard Hughes and his “Spruce Goose” airplane.

RELATED: Here’s An Iconic Harley-Davidson Race Bike You Ought To See

The Gas Tank Exhibit

Gas Tank Exhibit
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Motorcycle gas tanks displayed in museum exhibit.

The Harley-Davidson museum offers more than just motorcycles; it presents motorcycle culture as an art form. The Gas Tank Exhibit, located toward the back of the second floor, showcases a stunning collection of colorful and uniquely shaped gas tanks. These aesthetically pleasing objects resemble an art installation, inviting visitors to appreciate their glossy finishes and vintage and modern designs. The exhibit’s psychedelic colors guide visitors into other captivating displays, extending the experience beyond motorcycles themselves.

Long Way Up’s Adventure LiveWire

Long Way Up LiveWire
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Electric adventure motorcycle standing in museum exhibit.

Visitors familiar with Ewan McGregor’s motorcycle adventures will be delighted to find a special exhibit dedicated to the Long Way Up series. In this series, McGregor and his companion, Charlie Boorman, embarked on an adventure across South America on modified electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycles. The exhibit showcases one of the actual bikes used in the series, complete with dirt, damage, and luggage. Adjacent to it is the PanAmerica, the motorcycle set to lead Harley-Davidson into the future. This exhibit highlights the brand’s embrace of electric motorcycles and their potential for adventure touring.

Vespa Mickey Mouse Scooter Collab Celebrates 100 Years Of Disney In 2023

Disney is going to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2023, and to mark the occasion, it has collaborated with Vespa on a limited edition Disney Mickey Mouse Edition scooter line. This collaboration is not the first between Disney and Vespa, as Vespa scooters played a prominent role in the 2021 Disney Pixar film “Luca”. The collaboration is a combination of culture and business partnership.

The Disney Mickey Mouse Edition by Vespa will be available in a limited-edition lineup of Vespa Primavera 50cc, 125cc, and 150cc scooters in 2023. Both Vespa and Mickey Mouse are iconic symbols of Italy and Disney respectively, so this collaboration brings the two icons together in a rideable form.

The Vespa Primavera is already known for its round mirrors, which are informally called “Mickey Mouse mirrors”. The Disney Mickey Mouse Edition by Vespa takes inspiration from Mickey’s design and clothes, with a yellow front fender resembling his shoes, black and red as the primary colors reflecting Mickey’s design, and white accents representing his gloves. The scooter also features white-on-black line drawings of Mickey and his signature debossed onto the black saddle.

Michele Colaninno, Piaggio Group’s chief executive of global strategy, product, marketing, and innovation, commented, “Today, as then, this collaboration between Vespa and Disney represents the celebration of two historic companies that have a common dream: to allow everyone to express their imagination freely.”

The pricing and availability of the Disney Mickey Mouse Edition by Vespa vary by region. The 50cc and 150cc versions will be available in the US in August 2023, with the 50cc version priced at $4,699 and the 150cc version priced at $6,049. In Canada, only the 50cc version will be available at an MSRP of $5,345. For accurate information, it is best to contact your local authorized Vespa dealer outside the US and Canada.

CITROËN CELEBRATES 55 YEARS OF THE MÉHARI

  • Citroën is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Méhari, revealed on 16 May 1968 at the Deauville golf course
  • Between 1968 and 1987, 144,953 units were produced, mainly at the Citroën factory in Forest, Belgium
  • This atypical, all-terrain and all-season vehicle was renowned for its modularity, practicality and economic benefits
  • The Méhari became an iconic model both for Citroën and more widely within the automotive world and enjoyed a diverse career which included film appearances and service with the French army
  • The Méhari shares this distinctive and leisure-oriented attitude with the Citroën C3 Pluriel, which will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary, and more recently with My Ami Buggy

 

Citroën is celebrating 55 years since the reveal of the Méhari, which was shown for the first time at the Deauville golf course on 16 May 1968.

 

The Méhari’s unusual pick-up design was built on a Dyane 6 platform, while the model produced between 28 and 32hp and featured an innovative ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic body designed by Roland de La Poype.

 

During the Méhari’s almost 20 years in production between 1968 and 1987, 144,953 units were built (including 1,213 4×4 Méhari), making it a surprising success. The Méhari was mainly produced in the Citroën factory in Forest, Belgium, but also in seven other factories in France, Spain and Portugal.

 

AN ALL-TERRAIN AND ALL-SEASON VEHICLE

 

The Méhari’s name derives from the name given to dromedary camels in North Africa and the Sahara. These animals are known for their off-road ability, their resistance and their ability to transport both goods and passengers over long distances – making it a fitting name for a model known for its ability to adapt to all terrains.

 

From the outside, the Méhari doesn’t appear to be suitable for all seasons, as it looks more like a small convertible used during the summer holidays. Thanks to a winter cover, the car is completely sealed, turning it into a vehicle that can be used all year round.

 

PRACTICAL, MODULAR AND ECONOMICAL

 

The Méhari is highly modular, being able to transform part of its floor into a backrest, which allows it to add two seats at the rear and thus accommodate up to four passengers.

 

The body is made up of only 11 easily repairable parts and can be cleaned with a single blast of water both inside and outside. This makes the car easy to maintain and economical for its customers.

 

THREE UNIQUE VERSIONS

 

Although it was produced for almost 20 years, only three different versions of the Méhari were added to the range, including two limited editions.

 

In 1979, Citroën introduced a new variant of the Méhari with the 4×4 version. Then, in 1983, two special editions were launched. The first to be launched was the Méhari Plage, with its holiday look and bright yellow colour scheme, which was sold in Spain and Portugal. Finally, in April 1983 the Méhari Azur was launched in France, Italy and Portugal, limited to just 700 units.

 

A DIVERSE CAREER

 

The Méhari was a popular choice among organisations as varied as the police, customs, airports, racecourses and many others, but also appealed to shopkeepers, craftsmen and private individuals.

 

The model enjoyed a long career with the French army, which ordered a total of 11,457 Méhari between 1972 and 1987. The Méhari 4×4 also served as a medical assistance vehicle, with ten vehicles taking part in the 1980 Paris-Dakar Wheel alignment to provide medical support along the route.

 

Finally, the Méhari even appeared in films, most notably ‘Le Gendarme de Saint Tropez’ starring Louis de Funès.