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Crankcase Chronicles
Edition 3 - classic BMW, Italian car scene, a Vespa with attitude, cool art and more!
Crankcase Chronicle
February 25, 2024
I have created this newsletter as a hub for everything motor-related: from captivating pictures and the latest news to intriguing products and accessories that catch my eye.
Rather than a narrow focus on a particular automotive niche, this newsletter takes a broad view of what's out there - things that are interesting, cool, and informative. My tastes range from classic cars and hotrods to mopeds and vans, and I often delve into the artistic and fashion aspects associated with these realms.
If you're ready for an eclectic journey through my automotive passions, I invite you to sign up and let's embark on this adventure together.
News.
Toyota sells some of the most successful Hybrid motors in the world but don’t expect them to be rushing to manufacture EVs anytime soon.
The main reasons appear to be a lack of required raw materials, infrastructure and vehicle costs. Then there’s the 1:6:90 rule where the raw materials required to make one long-range EV could instead produce 6 plug-in hybrids or 90 hybrid vehicles. The overall carbon reduction of these 90 vehicles over their lifetime is 37 times that of a single battery electric vehicle.
Cars.
How is this for a tidy BMW 3 CLS? I shot this on Wimbledon Common a while back, the first Sunday of each month you can find an eclectic selection of cars parked up. Get there around 8 to 8.30 have a look at some of the cars and then wander off for a coffee in the village. A great way to start your Sunday.
Bikes.
I was never really into scooters. something about bigger bikes always resonated more, I was always a bit of a speed freak.
Maybe I am getting old (well yes I am) but I appreciate older scooters, not your annoying plastic steeds that delivery riders hurtle around on, but the cool old-style Vespas & Lambrettas. There’s something about that Italian style that exudes cool, even on a wet weekday in London. Maybe it’s me and my love of choppers and rat rods but scooters like the one below are even cooler than the immaculate concourse versions you see being ridden around.
The following text has been translated from the site that you need to view for the great photos of this super cool machine. Click the link to see the rest of the gallery.
“42 HP and still comfortable to move and definitely suitable for touring. This is proven by the 6000 km that the owner Salvatore covered in one year with his good-natured vehicle.
The 57 Acma reveals so many details that it is a work of art as a whole. A work of art to sit on, which at the same time contains technical innovations that you only become aware of after the speedometer needle has exceeded the 100 km/h mark at the speed of a windshield wiper...
Even if all purists will curse, it takes a lot of enthusiasm and courage to put something like that on the tires. And without good advice and even better friends, you're lost, as Salvatore explained to me with expression.
You definitely have my respect for Tore #57 & Willi #35!
Art - with Teeth!
Pinstriping and Kustom artwork is a form of art I find fascinating, especially the skill of pulling perfect lines with a brush. But it’s not limited to petrol tanks and custom cars. Check out the video below for Hixgarage to see the full process of turning this old saw into a petrolhead work of art.
Youtube. - channels I’m watching
Larry Chens's brilliant channel, in this episode he is in Milan and there’s a wide range of cars on display from VW beetles to Lancia Deltas
EDC.
Mechanix Wear - FastFit Gloves
Mechanix Gloves
I have tried countless gloves from numerous manufacturers and for everything apart from working in really wet conditions I always come back to Mechanix Wear gloves. As with everything in life you get what you pay for and these are definitely worth the money .
MADE FOR WORK – Rugged .6mm synthetic leather gloves for hard-working individuals. Great as safety work gloves, mechanic gloves, home improvement gloves, and everything in between
TOUCHSCREEN GLOVES – These gloves can be used for smart phones, tablets, and computers for easy use at the jobsite or in the garage
BREATHABLE – Reduce blisters from repetitive tasks with evaporative cooling TrekDry material that forms to the back of your hand and stays breathable keeping hands cool and comfortable while you work
ADDED DURABILITY: Reinforced thumb and index finger provide added durability and pinched construction provides fingertip strength to outlast basic gloves in high wear areas, making this utility glove the perfect tool for any project
QUICK FIT – Prevent gloves from slipping off while keeping out dirt and debris with these secure fit gloves, equipped with an elastic cuff for added protection and a comfortable, performance fit
MACHINE WASHABLE – Wash in warm water and air dry to maintain long-term performance
Lego motors .
Features Technic Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck, an exclusive collectible vehicle model with many authentic details and functions
Enjoy quality time with this model building set packed up with features like the V6 engine with moving pistons, plus suspension on all wheels
Reading material.
Wilco Lindner - the Netherlands
I read about the bike builder Wilco Lindner in edition 5 of “We Are Makers”, he produces hand built full sized and mini motorcycles. For me it was the full sized bikes that caught my attention, all bare metal and mechanical beauty.
His Instagram feed is filled with amazing work showcasing his fabrication skills and if you want to listen to the podcast you can find We Are Makers on Spotify and most podcast players.
If you would like to read more pick up the We Are Makers publication , its currently on sale for £6. Click the image below to be redirected.
