I recently had another business trip to Strasbourg. I went there by Thalys high-speed train. This is nothing new, if you have been reading content on this website, you already know by what means I go on my business trips. The return journey was different.
I went home to Brussels by car. Not my car. I don’t own an Audi RS5, yet. I was a passenger. The reason why I am telling you this is that the trip to Brussels from Strasbourg was rather lovely. The roads are of the highest quality, you see mountains and dark forests, you drive through Luxembourg, and there are plenty of interesting places to stop and explore. If I’d have to go to Strasbourg every month then having a car would definitely be worth it. But I don’t, yet. Therefore, now I can only dream of driving again.
Today when commuting to the center I saw this lovely lady in red. Imagine having a weekend trip in your Ferrari. Are you able to imagine it? I am.
This is going to be the last article in this Autoworld Supercars 2 expo series. The first one was all about Audi, the second one was all about Ferrari, and this one is going to be a mix of things.
Even though I previously stated that I don’t particularly like retro cars, that I prefer newer ones, which is true. But, nevertheless, I would like to try to restore or fix an old Bentley or an old Rolls-Royce. Wouldn’t that be something? Anyway. Please enjoy all the pictures below, the text in quotes is not mine. May the force be with combustion engine cars.
This is a 1928 Bugatti 44. “Successor to the Type 38 and predecessor of the Type 49, this is the first “Touring” model produced by Bugatti. Sturdy and reliable, but with advanced technology: overhead camshaft, three valves per cylinder (2 inlets, 1 outlet). Note the forged tubular front axle. 1200 units were built, this model boasting a bodywork built by Mahy.” Bugatti 44 has a 2991cc engine producing 81 brake horsepower with a top speed of 135 km/h.
This is a 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111. “With its gullwing doors, marked wedge shape, and metallic orange paintwork, this “test lab on wheels” proved to be a show-stopper, and it still is. Although there were many orders and even blanc cheques for the car when it was first shown, it remained a purely experimental vehicle of which 16 were produced in different configurations: 13 Wankel-engined, two diesel-engined, and one V-8.”
This car has a 2400cc Wankel quadruple rotor 350 brake horsepower engine with a manual 5-speed transmission producing 300 km/h maximum speed. From 0 to 100 it goes in 4.9 seconds.
1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. “One of the best cars of its era, it was this model that was at the base of Rolls-Royce’s reputation. This is the perfect illustration of how a luxury car left the factory in those days: as a rolling chassis, ready to be fitted with a “made to measure” coachwork based on the owner’s taste.”
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost had a 7428cc – 6-cylinder double ignition engine with 40/50 brake horsepower. With its 4-speed shaft drive transmission, it reached a top speed of 100 km/h.
I would just love to receive this car completely disassembled and with a manual. Just to be able to enjoy the process of putting everything together. Bolt by bolt, part by part, like a watchmaker putting a perfect Patek Philippe movement together.
There is something special about seeing in person a Bentley GT. Unfortunately, I did not take a photo of the car’s description.
This, on the other hand, is a 1928 Bentley 3L – 4.5L. “This Bentley 3-liter chassis with Vanden Plas “Speed Model” bodywork was fitted with a 6-cylinder 4.5-liter engine by a British specialist for competition purposes. This iconic model is similar to the cars raced by the “Bentley-boys” claiming victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930. Countless replicas have – and still are – being produced.”
The 1928 Bentley has a 4398 cc – inline-6 engine with 110 brake horsepower and a 4-speed transmission producing a top speed of 155 km/h.
Public transport is good, I use it every day to commute to work and on weekends for small holiday trips with my beautiful woman. Cycling and walking are also good, it is healthy and good for the environment. If I’d have a bike here I’d also cycle in my free time, considering that there are still many places to explore here in Brussels, that would be a good means of transportation. But cars. Combustion engine cars are also good. Of course, not all of them. I am not a fan of American vehicles, Teslas including. But the cars mentioned in this and in my previous articles are exceptional and they are good if not for the environment then for the soul of a man and/or woman.
Those who have heard a V-8 or a V-12 or even a W-16 roar, know what I am talking about. Also, those who have their own garages where they fix and spend time with vehicles also know and understand what I mean. Cars are special. And it took me a while to understand it.
I hope you enjoyed this series. Until next time my petrolheads.
Kind regards,
Olaaf
Photo credit: Olaaf and Laurukaa
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