Chicago Car Culture

The automobile has certainly left its mark on society, in ways more than one. Every now and then, however, the imprint left on a culture by the car can manifest itself in very interesting ways. One such example is a parking lot in Chicago, IL, on East Lake St, between Michigan Avenue and North Wabash (specificaly, 60 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601). The parking structure, erected in the 1980's, glorifies one of the more recognizable automotive symbols: Rolls Royce. The picture to the right was taken this evening by me while I was strolling through downtown. I'd almost forgotten about this interesting automotive alter, but when I looked up, it was hard to miss. The wheels are the awnings over the entrance and exit, the grill is the garage itself, the headlights (one of which is obviously out) are porthole windows, and the top of the garage is crowned with a hood ornament-like spire. Awesome.

More on Chicago Car Culture, including a better pohotgraph and a more thorough history of the parking lot pictured here, can be seen at the Chicago Car Culture Exhibit currently on display the the Chicago Cultural Center

Introductions and Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance

This is my first post to a blog, let alone my own blog, so I think an introduction is in order. I am a 22 year old recent college graduate (from Emory University) and a big car nut. I am most drawn to pre-WWII vehicles because of their unique style, innovative engineering designs, and multitude of different bodies and looks. I was bitten by the bug about 12 years ago and have been reading about cars and going to shows ever since. No one else in my family shares my passion or interest. As a matter of course, I am pursuing a career involving vintage cars, most likely in auctions, insurance, or museums (any leads would be much appreciated).

Now that that is out of the way, onto more important matters: the 2006 Meadow Brook Hall Concours and RM Auction at Meadow Brook Hall.

The auction, which was held on the Saturday before the Concours was rather good this year, with some great cars selling. The star of the auction was a 1928 Stutz Blackhawk Model M, one of two supercharged cars ever produced. It sold for $710,000 to the O'Quinn Collection.

This year's event was very impressive, dare I say, one of the best. The car selection was top notch and the crowds were somewhat thinner due to a price hike in tickets from $20 to $40. The featured marque was Mercedes and a number of collectors brought a fine selection of great Stuttgart sourced autos. A line up of 540K Roadsters was accompanied by a 770K, a 630K, a SSK, and others. Additionally, Arturo Keller, of Petaluma, CA, brought 5 amazing Mercedes cars.

The Best of Show cars this year was a 1931 duPont Model H Merrimac Sport Phaeton (which won Best of Show at Amelia Island this year) and a 1938 Horch 853 A Cabriolet (which won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 2004).