Somebody just did something cool. Fabled British car-maker Bentley just re-created their powerful 1929 race-car using computers and is selling a dozen of the vehicles to collectors. What's noteworthy is that this approach can be used by others to re-create any vintage automobile.
Old cars are fascinating. Last year I visited a car and motorcycle museum in remote Pennsylvania where I saw amazing vehicles. (Some photos below.) When technology is new, people experiment with different ideas, some novel and ingenious. A century ago, there were dozens of small companies trying out new ways of making two- and four-wheeled transportation.
This year Bentley had engineers scan every part of its historic car, convert the scans to CAD (computer-aided design) and use those to manufacture old parts which can be assembled into new machines. The biggest problem of vintage automobiles is finding replacement parts since nobody makes them any more. That problem keeps these beautiful machines sitting in garages instead of out on the road. Bentley's approach eliminates this obstacle.
I like the idea of building new versions of classic vehicles that can be driven today. Who wouldn't want to try driving a Model T Ford or 1955 Ferrari? And since many manufacturers of vintage cars are no longer in business, you wouldn't even need approval to make these cars. This new concept would attract new enthusiasts to automotive technology, and inspire some to build their own new old cars.
One thing's for sure, cars did look a whole lot better in those days. And you could still tell which make it was from afar! xxx
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing concept. Using computers to recreate a vintage vehicle. Some of these old cars are true marvels. There are a few great car museums. The most recent one that I have been to is the Elliott museum in Stuart Florida. If you are ever down on the Treasure Coast or the north part of Florida's Gold coast the Elliott is worth a day. they have a motorized elevator system that moves the cars about so you can see the one you are interested in up close and personal.
ReplyDeleteI find most cars so boring-looking. They're all the same! I would love to see all these old designs come back...but maybe with electric engines?? It would be so fun to see these driving down the road on a regular ol' day!
ReplyDeleteThey have STYLE which is something you know about. :)
DeleteBe still my heart! I've wanted to give riding in a classic Model T a go my whole life. As awesome as doing so in the real deal would be, I'm all for a faithful replica that's more in keeping with 21st century technology and safety.
ReplyDeleteI know that you can get kit cars for various vehicles, but full on repros would be even cooler. Perhaps as time goes on and the real (original) deal grows ever scarcer, a larger marker for classic car repros will emerge. Here's to hoping!
Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
PS: If you're ever in the Okanagan again, there's a terrific classic car museum - called Nixdorf's - in the tiny town of Summerland (which about 15 - 20 minutes north of Penticton) that houses dozens of vintage rides. I think you'd adore it there!
Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
Cool! Thanks for the tip. Whenever I travel, I look for museums and historical places.
DeleteThese cars are just so iconic- wouldn't it be fun to have one sitting in the garage for little weekend outings?
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Old cars have faces! Friendly faces! New cars look like fridges, storm troopers or evil beings!
ReplyDeleteI like the last one as it looks like Bessie from Doctor Who!!!
I like the idea of you building one of these!
There's often classic cars at village fairs here!
I agree. They do have faces and friendlier ones.
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