A Car Collector's Dream

Ralph Lauren abre sua coleção para Discovery Channel

1929 Blower Bentley:

The brutish Blower Bentley is one of the most thrilling Bentleys ever built. The car was designed by W.O. Bentley, but it was Sir Henry Birkin, one of the storied Bentley Boys – a group of rich British gentlemen who drove fast cars and lived fast lives – who pushed Bentley to include a supercharger, or the “blower” element. Almost tank like, with its heavy body and British flag decoration, the Bentley Blower was created for one purpose – to win races. It is not surprising that this was the automobile Ian Fleming chose for James Bond/007 in his early novels.

1930 Mercedes-Benz “Count Trossi” SSK:

This rakish Mercedes-Benz was designed by its flamboyant owner, the aristocratic Italian racecar driver Count Carlo Felice Trossi. The car has a swept-back Art Nouveau style with a long hood enveloping over half of its body.

1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe:

One of only three models ever built (and two left in existence,) this fantastic car is almost sinister looking, with its exposed seams and button head rivets running down the spine and around the fenders of its body.

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia:

Known as a very fast car in its day, the design accentuates its speed, with perfect symmetry in the sweep of the body panels, the teardrop-shaped fenders and tapering tail.

1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa:

This car bears the stamp of Sergio Scaglietti, one of Ferrari’s most talented coachbuilders. The Testa Rossa (translated: “red head”), which derives its name from the red cylinder heads of its V12 engine, has the signature Scaglietti traits – a long, torpedo-like body, tapered headrest and sleek covered headlights.

1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 61 Spyder Fantuzzi:

This racer’s seductive lines were conceived by automotive designer Medardo Fantuzzi. The one on view in the exhibition was owned by Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata, founder of the Venice Film Festival.

2005 McLaren F1LM:

Assembled completely by hand, this is the world’s fastest production car. Race car simplicity becomes beauty inside the F1LM. Exposed carbon fiber, unique instrument panels and racing gearshift make it one of the fastest cars on the road, with a top speed of 225 miles per hour. As with a Formula One racecar, the driver sits in the center, flanked by his passengers. One of the newest cars in Mr. Lauren’s collection, and one of five ever built, the McLaren F1LM continues the traditions of great automotive design.