CS.no

Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance takes place next weekend, and the ever-growing list of showcase vehicles now includes six classic cars styled by Pininfarina. The wares, offered by Gooding & Company, comprise the obligatory Ferraris including a 1965 500 Superfast Coupe once owned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, the former UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Its price is expected to climb as high as $1 million.

The two surprises, though, are international efforts from the Nash-Kelvinator dating from the mid-fifties. A silver and burgundy 1953 Nash Healey Roadster combined Nash Ambassador running gear with a Healey body from England that was then restyled by Pininfarina. It’s auction ceiling is thought to be $325,000.

Then there’s the 1956 Nash Rambler “Palm Beach” Coupe Special. Another cross-Atlantic collaboration, this one put a Nash Rambler running gear under a bespoke body designed by the Italian house. It is a one-of-one prototype, fully funtional, designed to be a “cutting-edge sports car with the running gear of the Rambler.” And that makes perfect sense, because everybody’s got a Ferrari, but nothing screams “I’m Hot!” like the little green guy above, right? Have $900,000 at the ready if you want to take it home…

Gooding & Co Taking a Passel of Pininfarinas to Amelia Island originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Share/Save

John Carnett, a ‘Popular Science’ photographer and inventor has literally taken all terrain driving to a new a new level by integrating a jet-turbine engine into a regular Polaris RZR all-terrain vehicle donated by Polaris. Although obtaining the jet engine was a big problem, Carnett managed to secure an engine used in a power generator for a military base in 1960. Though, you might expect this setup to achieve an otherwise unattainable speed, its top speed is almost the same as that of a regular RZR fitted with a stock engine. However, the difference is that, with the jet engine it can achieve this speed in seconds and continue on it without any problem. To build the Whirl(that is what this project is called), Carnett required 10 months of efforts and more than $15,000. However the end result was something to be cherished. The jet-turbine engine is mated with a gear reduction box which changes its output of 8000 RPM to an effective of 3650 RPM.

Since the turbine requires 24V to jump start, Carnett has connected two 12 volt batteries and placed them under the driver’s seat. Though an all terrain vehicle providing an efficiency of seven miles per gallon isn’t something for the environment, it sure is ‘Christmas coming early’ for an adventure lover.

[popsci]

Share/Save

Plans to have a solar powered passenger terminal at the Page Field General Aviation Airport in Southwest Florida have received a nod of approval from the Lee County commissioners. The 22,613-square-foot passenger terminal powered entirely by solar energy is a part of a project with an estimated budget of around $16.1 million. This is the second airport going green after the Le Castellet International Airport in the South of France. The French have perhaps set a green environment friendly example to airport authorities all over the world, who are gradually taking up the steps required. The Le Castellet International Airport recently inaugurated the Solarquest power plant set up on the roof of the H5 hanger.

These tweaks and changes in the way airports power themselves up will help save a whole load of energy making the aviation industry greener and cleaner.

[News-press]

Share/Save

Toyota has jumped aboard the Clean Energy Partnership bandwagon and will help promote low emission and zero emission vehicles in Europe. Five FCHV advanced fuel cell vehicles based on the Highlander will be provided by Toyota for the CEP test fleet in Berlin and Hamburg in Germany. The company will also tie up with CEP member Total and will develop hydrogen fueling stations in Germany. To start off with, the company will first build a CO2-free facility at the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport.

Hydrogen fueling stations in Berlin, Hamburg and on routes connecting the two cities are being planned. The company aims at introducing the automotive market to series production fuel cell vehicles by 2015. CEP is currently working on increasing supply of hydrogen from renewable sources by 50 percent over the coming years. Here’s a thumbs up to Toyota’s and CEP’s efforts in turning our city streets eco-friendly by the day.

[Autoblog]

Share/Save

The NVL Quant is sure burning in its magnificent glory at the Geneva Motor Show. Developed by NVL Solar and Koenigsegg, this car will be production ready by next year, which means this awesome super car will burn the asphalt soon! This environment friendly car sets an example to super car makers around the globe using two battery systems, four electric motors dedicated to each wheel, a carbon fiber chassis and a futuristic thin-film coated photovoltaic body. The body of the car helps convert solar energy into electricity which is then used to power up this vehicle with a power conversion efficiency of 38% with a maximum of 50%.

The cars motors produce a combined 600 kW (805 hp / 816 PS) and 1500 Nm (1107 lb-ft) of torque allowing the Quant to cross the 62mph mark in just 2.8 seconds. This 1680 kg (3704 lb) electric monster has a top speed of 377km/h.

This fours eater let’s you take your family on a quick spin and features other technological candy like alcantara upholstery, LED lighting, carbon fiber trim, and 23 inch wheels!

[Worldcarfans]

Share/Save

We’ve heard of portable wind energy generators and hydroelectric power generators earlier. Now the Japanese are here with a portable solar power generator to help make your life easier and powered up on the go! The SolarFold and SolarFan are two devices that unfold into surface area utilizing solar power collectors. They’ll suck in enough juice from the sun to power up your iPhone for a 3 minute call after exposing it to the sun for 10 minutes. The SolarFold wraps up in a flat stack and unwraps like a folding screen to maximize energy accumulating surface area. The SolarFan on the other hand can open up like a Japanese fan when you need to generate energy and also includes a tripod that helps you to adjust its angle according to the time of the day and location.

Designed and manufactured by AmbienTec, these two devices can power up anything that can connect to a USB post and cost around $250 each.

[Popsci]

Share/Save

Saving energy and finding ways to do so is what’s playing on the minds of people all over the world today. That’s pretty obvious taken the fact that energy resources have been exploited before, and if we don’t save up now, we’ll run dry in the future. Another product of this realization is the PowerHouse Dynamic’s eMonitor. How helpful is this device? Well it hooks on to your circuit board and tells you how much energy each individual circuit is using. This power management software helps users attain real time stats and also customized energy saving recommendations and a handy read-out of your “carbon footprint” and ways to offset it.

You can also configure alerts for overloaded circuits that rip you of energy and appliances left on and unused. Individual outlets and thermostats can be controlled manually.

You can buy yourself one of these energy saving packages by PowerHouse Dynamic for just $800.

[Engadget]

Share/Save

This drop-dead gorgeous Phantom HD camera sure looks enticing, but let me tell you, it is strictly for the loaded. With a price of $118,000, and specs like a pro, it could easily be seated in the sets of a Hollywood movie. The camera has an unbelievable 1,052 fps high-speed 1080p recording. Its other specifications include an ISO 640 sensitivity, the ability to achieve 35mm depth-of-field, upto 32GB of in-camera memory, with a swappable flash memory of a massive 512GB, compatible with 35mm accessories, a 11 stop dynamic range, 14-bit sensor depth, a maximum resolution of 2048×2048 and the ability to capture videos in slow motion. With these incredible features, the Phantom camera could be a photographers dream come true and a medium for a model’s instant promotion.

[Uncrate]

Share/Save

The Aussies are going to have a new ground to play, one that is the city’s largest and most expensive. Sydney’s Darling Harbour, which is situated at the city’s centre, is going to boast of a 4000 Square meter playground in front of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Center. About 28 million people visit Darling Harbor each year, and the construction of the new playground is going to up this number by multiples. The playground hosts a large climbing rope structure, a sand pit with digging implements, a flying fox and a giant slide. The $NZ 10.38 million (US$7.28) playground is part of the $A500 million redevelopment of Darling Walk by Lend Lease and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. For their awesome game spirit, they deserve a ground like this one.

[Stuff.co]

Share/Save

A massage is the best thing you can get after you’ve had an extra tiring day at work right? And if you work odd hours, you have to wait for a weekend get away to a spa to actually have that relaxing massage. Well, Panasonic wants you to think otherwise as they launch the EP-MA70 Massage Chair. Built with an inbuilt ceramic heater, the device can spread heat to your back, waist, shoulders and neck around up to 40C. And what’s more you can choose from six different massage options that too with a remote control!
Available in two hues, black and white, the chair is priced at $4,500. But you will have to travel all the way to Japan to lay your hands on this toy.

[Ubergizmo]

Share/Save

Alfa Romeo definitely knows how to celebrate the coming of a century in style. They have tied up with luxury writing instruments markers Montegrappa, which has been a big name in the business since 1912. The special Alfa Romeo series will produce a limited edition of 1900 pens consisting of 246 (24-6, ie June) stylus, ball and roller Carbon fiber; 246 stylus, ball and roller silver, plus 167 pieces of each of the micromine and finally 25 pieces for each of the four series in gold. The first pen model will be crafted with a carbon fiber trunk, and handmade carving in the gold and silver collections, which draw inspiration from the Alfa Romeo Logos.
The nib for the pens will be made from 18K gold with rhodium-plated two-tone and partially conducted in ebony and a strong rubber hold base. The hood will have a classic cloverleaf Alfa engraving. Each pen will come packed in faux leather pencil pouch along with the warranty booklet and a demonstration of international research.

[Deluxeblo]

Share/Save

If you have guests that stay overnight every time, and that puts your relation with your maid on tender hooks, it’s time to make your guests self-sufficient. And you can enhance the décor of your room at the same time, by picking the right gadgets. Check out the Trunk Mini Bar from TT Trunks which is a combination of a 40 liter refrigerator and a coffee machine. Weight in at 60kgs, this 60cms wide, 52cms deep and 115cms high trunk can be placed in a corner of your elegant room.
Meant ideally for hotels, you can also store coffee and champagne bottles on the door frame and storage space to place magazines. The trunk has a large drawer spotting trays with handles create internal sections. These columns can be replaced by a portable cigar okoumé solid.

Just be prepared to pay up 11650 € ($15,800) or more for this Trunk Mini Bar that can serve coffee to kick start your day and end it by raising a toast with a chilled champagne.

Thanks Julien

Share/Save

Vintage cars not only are an object of fancy for collectors, but they are also contenders for some of the most prestigious awards do be handed out. One such award is the Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award, which is presented to the Best of Show winners at the world’s most prestigious automobile concours d’elegance. And this year’s lucky winner is the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta owned by America’s Jon Shirley. Restored using original parts, the stunning car has also been a proud recipient of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este held at Lake Como last year.
Another important award given out is the Concept Car Award, which is believed to be a potential winner of the concours d’élegance after 40 years, when it goes vintage. And this time around the award was picked up by BMW for their Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle which was first displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.

[Luxist]

Share/Save

For the luxury loving gentleman, Italian luxury fashion house Brioni, is offering a classy new watch box. Sure to appeal to your luxury loving taste buds, the exquisite watch box is crafted from the world’s finest genuine alligator skin and lined with suede and glove-soft leather. Featuring gold-plated hardware, this luxe box provides storage for six timepieces in removable compartments, along with a separate slim portfolio to hold additional watch straps. The perfect abode for your priceless timepieces, this watch box is truly a class apart.
Priced at $5000, the exquisite crocodile skin watch box is available in classic brown, black and red.

[Justluxe]

Share/Save

If you love crocodiles, but have an unfavorable relationship with Lady Luck, you definitely can’t count on winning that GatorBike. To make up for the loss (in a small way) here is another unique croc piece that will appeal to you. And for which you don’t have to enter a draw. All you need is $18,000! For the pricey sum you can take home a rare inlaid Crocodile Head from Papua New Guinea! Made sometime in the late 19th century and early 20th century, this inlaid croc head is a unique antique piece. Said to be in great antique condition, this croc head with shell (including Cowerie shells) and wood inlay is available from Jonathan Burden LLC, New York.
Measuring 12 1/2″ h x 15″ d x 35″ w, this exclusive piece is one heck of a catch for every crocodile lover.

[1stdibs]

Share/Save

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Air Jordan franchise, Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) has unveiled its new 2010 Silver Edition livery. What is more, with the team all set for the 2010 National Guard AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike Championship run; it is also offering a collection of limited edition 2009 season prints. The team will be seen flaunting uniforms and special footwear inspired by the silver anniversary of the franchise and ride bikes that are silver too! Celebrations will continue throughout the year, with the Jordan brand introducing a special collection including shoes in a silver chrome color scheme that will be released all year through. The shoe will sport a famous Michael Jordan quote, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Two of the shoes in the range, the Air Jordan Retro 6 Premium and Jordan 6 Rings Premier, which were created exclusively for the racing team, will also be made available to the public. As mentioned earlier, the silver jubilee offerings also include limited edition, numbered prints (measuring 25-1/2″ x 16) of riders Aaron Yates and Geoff May on their 2009 Jordan Suzuki and National Guard Suzuki GSX-R1000 race bikes.

A great offering, it is sure to spread cheer among Michael Jordan fans.

[Autoevolution]

Share/Save

When I compare the customized chrome Hummer H2 to the gilded Ferrari or Mercedes, I can confidently say the Hummer H2 is one hell of a looker. When not in comparison to the gilded disasters, the chromed-out Hummer H2 is no stunner. Turning the Hummer H2 into a garish package are German fine tuners CFC whose press release reads, “Take your Hammer and drive it sexy”. And yes, that’s no spelling mistake on our part, the “u” has been replaced with “a” in the PR. The CFC Hummer H2 screams for attention with the “chrome” vinyl wrap on the outside, tinted windows, carbon wrapped bonnet and not so discreet CFC stickers! Riding on massive 28-inch TunerShop light-alloy rims shod in jumbo-sized 325/35 R28 pneumatic tires by Kumho, the H2’s various other exterior upgrades include four tail pipes, additional lights, chromed side guards and the Lambo-Style-Doors.
The interior competes with the exterior for attention. The SUV’s cabin is fitted with 17 LCD screens plus an HD TV, (on the ceiling, sunscreen, central console between the front seats, trunk and doors), a DVD-player, a 1.360-Watt RMS music system, a mini bar etc. The seats have been upholstered in black leather with yellow stitches while there’s also a new rear sofa and yellow decorative trim on the dash. The engine too was not spared and has been tuned to put out a total of 480HP.

The price of this chrome creation has however not been released yet.

[Carscoop]

Share/Save

If you were thinking of giving this year’s Vitality Show a miss, think again. Cause this year, the show is all about pampering. The Vitality Show 2010 which runs from 18th-21st March at Earls Court 2 in London, is offering visitors the globe’s most flamboyant and of course expensive spa package, with each component’s worth adding up to nearly £12 million ($18million)! What is more, lucky visitors can get this package worth millions for a measly sum of £5,000 ($7,500)! Promising to make you feel like a celebrity, most of the treatments in this luxurious spa deal are a favorite with A-list stars including Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Catherine Zeta Jones.
The spa package is a five part pampering experience that includes the Hot Rock spinal massage ((£500/ $750), exfoliating cacao scrub and chocolate body wrap (£800/ $1,200), Iranian Caviar hair wash (£1,300/ $1,950), Esmeralda Special Panamanian coffee hair rinse (£700 /$1,050)). Every treatment comprises of the most exotic and exquisite components from gold to diamonds as well as caviar worth millions of dollars. To get all this for just £5,000 ($7,500) is definitely a dream come true!

For more info on each package click here.

Share/Save

Here’s another story of the rich getting richer. We’ve heard of actors being invited to ‘gifting suites’ set up in hotels before the ceremony, where they are allowed to pick up their item of choice from the dozens of luxury treats in return for posing for a photograph to help promote the product. But this year’s ‘return gift’ to the nominee who didn’t win an Oscar is way too outrageous! The nominees are being offered a £61,000 ($92,000) ‘gift basket’ which includes an African Safari, tickets to an all exclusive fitness bootcamp and a Tiffany crystal studded cat collar! The unofficial, ‘Everybody wins at the Oscars’ gift bag from Distinctive Assets includes the £30,000 African Safari for 16 people, trips to Monte Carlo and a private island in the Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean’s as well as the feline collar.
Apparently, very few of the big names showed up as they were worried about alienating recession-hit fans with heavily laden gifts. If the celebrities though they empathized with the ‘recession-hit’ fans, then they are utterly wrong, as there were other means of helping them out. Like accepting the goody bags and selling them off and donate the proceeds to Haiti victims.

[Dailymail]

Share/Save

A superyacht that flaunts three names: Project Sigma, SF99 and A, had made a lot of news in 2007 when it offered a sneak preview of its interiors to the world. Then went on to be a rage in 2008 when she was towed out of her cradle and presented her design to the world. But the work on the yacht wasn’t finished until then, hence, it went on to show fragments of its work each year and was delivered in 2009. We have some exceptional photos of A, where we can take a complete look at the interiors which are completely jaw-dropping. The interior designer of the yacht is Philippe Starke, and he describes the interior design as ‘elegance of intelligence’ which nobody could contend after taking one look at the interiors. The yacht boasts of Jacuzzi inside the main salon, revolving beds in the main stateroom and some guest staterooms. It also features a lot of shiny metals and free-standing mirrors.
The yacht has two main water areas on her main deck: A glass-fronted swimming pool in front of the superstructure and a massive whirlpool aft of the superstructure. There is also another aft on the bridge deck at the spa and wellness area. A massive, self-sufficient yacht like this one can’t do without tenders, hence, there are two 10 meter custom tenders by Vaudry Miller from New Zealand: An open tender and a Limo version. This yacht is a truly amazing piece of work and icon of sorts.

[Superyachttimes]

Share/Save