By Glen Woodcock

Because a new season of old car auctions is about to begin, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the state of the hobby (if hobby is even the right word any more).

Today, it’s become more of a business than a recreational pursuit.

What triggered these dark thoughts were the promo ads on the Speed channel for its live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. starting Jan. 17, 2012.

Because of its inflated prices, I think this annual televised event has done more harm than good to the average collector/restorer of vintage vehicles.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about a recent television documentary on how the fine art market has been transformed from one where knowledgeable collectors bought works for their intrinsic value to one where speculators now rule. Art is no longer bought for its beauty, but as something to be added to the wealthy investor’s portfolio. Not to be enjoyed for what it is, but for how much money it can bring a few years down the line.

I think the same thing has happened in the world of old cars. The investors have taken over and prices have gone through the roof. Continue reading »

Article source: http://www.altonaecho.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3439477

If there’s an age limit on playing with Legos, we don’t want to know about it. The plastic blocks are the perfect time waster, and while we’re sad to say that we’ve let our maniac skills waste away over the past two decades or so, we’re still glad to know that there are people out there keeping the magic alive. People like Marshal Matlock. Matlock recently decided to whip up the Volkswagen T1 Camper Van set in his spare time and was kind enough to shoot a time-lapse video of the endeavor.

The feat required over 1,800 photographs all compressed into 24 frames per second, and the result is a video that soaks up a little over a minute and a half of your day. Watching the van assemble itself and ride off frame is well worth your time, though be warned: you’ll probably want to pick the kit up for yourself after you’re done watching the clip. Hit the jump to check it out.

News Source: FBTB via YouTube

Article source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/lego-vw-van-time-lapse-build-is-the-best-advertisement/

 View photo gallery

24 October 2011 | JDavis

The Viano Marco Polo is a combination of everything you have ever wanted from a camper van and so much more.  The van meets your initial desires, comfort, safety and power but it then goes on to offer you high end features you would expect to see from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.  Features like an easy-glide sliding door, a lockable valuables compartment, fully equipped kitchen, electropneumatically inflatable seat cushion bolsters, wood look floor and to literally top it off, a roof bed.  What else could you want from a compact luxury home on wheels?  Well, for the earth friendly cross-country drivers, Mercedes installed the Viano with a four-cylinder BlueEFFICIENCY diesel engine with a displacement of 2.15 litres and the V6 with its 3.0 liters with CO2 emissions and fuel consumption at record-breaking low figures.

Viano Marco Polo: big shot among the compact camper vans

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Lego will pay tribute to the Volkswagen Westfalia camper with a new kit that goes on sale in October. The model is based on a 1962 Volkswagen Bus with the sought-after pop-top camper option. The interior even features a sink and dinette, along with the all important bench seat-cum-double bed.

Lego’s hippie hooptie features the classic tri-color V paint scheme up front, a lava lamp inside, and a “Make LEGO models not war” T-shirt hanging in the window. In back, there’s even a replica of the the van’s flat four engine wedged between the rear axle and the floor.

According to the model’s designer, the hardest thing was translating the VW’s curves to brick form, but it looks like they got as close as possible, given the medium. Brick builders can pick it up for $99.99 when it hits U.S. toy shelves.

News Source: LEGO

Category: Aftermarket, Classics, Budget, Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Tags: 1962 volswagen westfalia, bus, lego, volkswagen, volkswagen bus, vw, vw bus

Who says mobile home camping is for old people?

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Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Ecosalon/~3/E1o5sKkuTEs/