High Museum, The Alllure of the Automobile

Sounds like a good reason for an F-Chat gathering. Maybe 3/27, meet about 3 pm check out the exhibition and then dinner at 1280.

Just throwing out an idea, any other suggestions, especially for dinner, are more than welcome!!

 

I have been waiting for this one ever since it was announced - can't wait.

 

+1

I found out about it months ago and can't wait!

And for any architecture buffs, they currently have a John Portman exhibit on. He designed much of downtown Atlanta as well as several famous worldwide buildings including the Renaissance Center in Detroit, where GM has its headquarters. I haven't been yet (going this weekend) but it looks neat.

 

From your list, a 1961 is the last year. Are you going to have later models?

 

I have already started the process to get advance tickets...as I've said before, I am and always will be a lifetime member of the High! We are truly lucky to have a world class museum here to enjoy these priceless works of art.

 

I first saw the notices on a wall across from the museum while walking to an ASO concert back in September. (See http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259327.) It looks like it should be a good one.

 

The 250 TR is Bruce Meyer's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keAnMnAxkew&feature=related


Does anybody know if they allow pictures/video of this exhibit? I know their normal exhibits are o.k. to use cameras in, but I wouldn't think they would allow it on their special events. What a great lineup of cars, though! -kevin

 

I should think photos would be allowed. We went to the MFA in Boston when Ralph Lauren's collection was on display, and everybody had cameras.

 

I think so, although one of the last special exhibits (I think it was the impressionists) did not allow photographs... though for more obvious reasons.

 

They might allow cameras, but perhaps not the use of flash -- better check and see how your camera does at ISO 800 or 1600.

 

Just bringing this topic back to the top. The exhibit starts on the 21st of March and ends on the 20th of June. It may be a bit early, but we should kick around some ideas about an F-chat get-together. Also, here is an interactive page which displays some of the exhibit's highlights:
http://www.high.org/autos/get-in-gear.html
Not sure if it has been on there, but I think it is a recent addition to the site. -kevin

 

Andy......I'm in.

Probably not a bad idea to find a later date, something before it ends, but, not at the beginning when the "newness" will have the place packed.

 

They also have a current show about John Portman, the famous architect who invented the atrium lobby, like the one at the Hyatt Regency, and I want to see that as well. That show ends on April 18, so sometime before then would be ideal. But I'll be out-of-town on March 27.

 

I am totally going to this.

 

The local British Car Club is planning on going to this too as a day cruise. Sounds like a great event.

 

Can't wait. My wife and I are going Monday night to a Patron preview but I plan on going back to take my son and if there is a group from here.

 

I was lucky enough to be among the very first to check out the exhibit tonight, as my employer, Porsche Cars North America, got a sneak preview since we are a sponsor. I was delighted that they let us take all the photos we wanted - they will follow momentarily.

 

As promised, attached are photos from the event. The cars are:

- 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
- 1934 Packard LeBaron Runabout Speedster
- 1935 Duesebnerg JN Roadster
- 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante (six exhaust tips!)
- 1937 Delage D8-120S
- 1937 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H-6C Xenia
- 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster
- 1938 Alfa-Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta
- 1938-1989 Porsche Type 64 (body shell)
- 1948 Tucker Model 48 Torpedo
- 1953 Porsche 550
- 1954 Dodge Firearrow III
- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SLR (plaid seats!)
- 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
- 1957 Jaguar XK-SS (ex-Steve McQueen)
- 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
- 1961 Aston-Martin DB4 Zagato
- 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SEFAC SWB

The exhibit is really nothing short of fantastic. I'm not much of an older car guy, but seeing these unbelievably beautiful cars here is really something special. They also do really feel like pieces of art, and even I felt privileged and excited to be among such wonderful vehicles. And I'm someone who couldn't tell a Packard from an old Cadillac! Some of the design and detail work - like the windows on the Delage, the interior of the Bugatti and Pierce-Arrow, and the entirety of the 540K - is truly beyond words. The Corvette Sting Ray looks like a Hot Wheels brought to life. To me and among the others I spoke to, the general consensus was that the best car was the 540K, whose presence was absolutely astounding.

There are also neat laminated cards with facts about the cars you can borrow while you look at the car, which are fun as they give engine, power, and top speed data. In addition, the plaques in front of each car very appropriately present information, background, and specs about the cars in simple but still car-guy appropriate language.

My photos do not do these vehicles or this exhibit justice - I hope everyone enjoys the exhibit as much as I did.
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Outstanding!

Thanks Doug.

Ciao,
George

 

Fantastic! It looks well worth the trip.

 

That's one of the nicest SWB's in existance. That car was consigned throuogh Adrian Hamilton some years ago and spent a brief pre-Cavallino stay at our store. Truly a time warp example of that period with a fantastic pedigree. Love the two vintage Porsches and the Jag.

 

Thanks for sharing, Doug! Just so you know, your "DB4 Zagato" link is actually a link to a pic of the Bugatti's exhaust tips. -kevin