1979 BMW R 100/7 – Kingston Customs

One of our favourite bike builders in Europe is the super talented Dirk Oehlerking from Kingston Customs in Germany. Dirk is a self-proclaimed perfectionist and motorcycle fanatic. Not only was he the German Enduro Champion as a kid, but has owned 36 racing machines over the years. Now he spends his time building unique customs and pioneering the scene in Germany. After finishing his stunning red R75/6 bobber last year, he decided it was time for a new BMW project. “I really wanted to build a BMW café racer build” says Dirk. “A BMW café racer is nothing new, but I wanted it to look very different in the Kingston style.” Well, amongst other things, we think he has definitely nailed the ‘Kingston’ style.

To keep with that Kingston style, Dirk has ditched the rather large stock tank for a smaller and leaner Yamaha RD50 tank which was customized to fit. The frame has also been altered to achieve a lower stance which helps gives this café racer its beautiful proportions.

Like most of Dirks builds, the engine has been completely rebuilt and brought back to ‘out-of-the-factory’ condition. The engine is breathing through a Norton Universal ‘Dunstall’ style replica silencer. He has chosen classic Metzeler tires 19” on the front and 18” on the back. The café racer bump seat has been custom-built by Kingston and covered in brown leather.

Because of Dirk’s racing background he has added some modern features like disc brakes for better braking power. He has redone the electrics and hidden the battery in a custom-made box. There’s also new handlebar controls from Domino and switch gear made from CNC’d aluminum. The lovely little rear tail light was created from an old school BMW exhaust pipe nut. The bike was then finished off in a deep BMW Ocean Blue Metallic paint.

Kingston Customs have shown us again that their level of craftsmanship is second to none. But as we all know, it’s not just about the design but how it makes you feel. “It’s not very convenient and it is not great for touring.” says Dirk. “But when you ride the bike, it gives you that incredible feeling of happiness. It puts a smile in your face.” What more could you ask for?

via PIPEBURN

RCZ-R Le FILM Clara Automobiles LE MANS

Concessionnaire Peugeot au Mans, Clara Automobiles fête la sortie de la Peugeot RCZ-R en faisant un bon dans le temps. Grand passionné d’automobile et des 24 Heures du Mans, Philippe Beaugé a souhaité mettre en avant le modèle routier de la marque au lion le plus puissant jamais sorti.

Plutôt que de faire un vulgaire film présentant la RCZ-R, Philippe Beaugé a eu l’idée de remettre au goût du jour les quatre premières minutes du film Le Mans avec Steve McQueen. Point de Porsche 911 dans les rues du Mans mais bien la Peugeot RCZ-R. Pour cela, il fallu retracer l’itinéraire emprunté par Steve McQueen et sa Porsche. La vidéo revient également sur l’épopée Peugeot 905 et 908. Une bien belle initiative !

Relive the (troubled) early days of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

Even the name sparkles with Italian magic. In September 1929, the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este (or ‘cup of gold’) was held for the first time: a concours for the world’s most beautiful cars, in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But the timing could hardly have been worse…

It was held just two months before Black Tuesday and the Wall Street Crash, when such extravagant automotive icons as Isotta Fraschini (which scooped the top prize at the inaugural Concorso di Villa d’Este) become anachronisms, almost overnight. Yet, strangely, out of the darkest days of the Great Depression came some of the most gloriously indulgent automotive creations in history, and Villa d’Este played host to the best of the best.

Experts and public disagree

Then, as now, it is the geographical setting which gave the event its unique character. The cars gathered in the large and generously planted gardens of Villa d’Este, on the shores of Lake Como – the third largest lake in Italy.

Although the Concorso was not held every year – some events were skipped for reasons that ranged from WW2 to internal wranglings – it struggled through to 1949, which was a very strange event in itself. By this time, Ville d’Este awarded prizes voted for, separately, by a panel of experts and by the public. In 1949, the panel chose a worthy but fairly dull saloon by Ghia, while the public showed vastly far more flair by voting for Touring’s stunning version of the Alfa 6C 2500 SS – a car that would ever after be known as the ‘Villa d’Este’.

Postponed... for 40 years

But despite public enthusiasm for the elaborate beauty of such icons, the coachbuilding industry was in crisis. The planned 1951 Villa d’Este never took place, and it was soon announced that the concours event had been ‘indefinitely postponed’.

Postponed, in fact, for 40-odd years. The once great event launched itself back onto the world scene in 1995 as the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este – and even then, its path was not smooth. It was held sporadically until the BMW Group came to the rescue in 1999. Happily, for the last 14 years, the concours has been jointly supported by BMW and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, in whose magnificent grounds (as well as at the Villa Erba) the now world-leading concours is still held.

Photos: Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance

Classic Driver reports live from the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2014 – and is kindly supported by Berenberg private bank. For the latest articles from Lake Como, click here.

Villa d'Este Style: How to look sharp at Lago di Como

As well as enabling aficionados to get close to some of the world's rarest, most immaculate and most covetable motor cars, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este also provides an excellent excuse to dump the ubiquitous jeans and baseball caps and indulge in some appropriately sophisticated dressing…

Ever since the event was first held in 1929, the Concorso has been a by-word for sophistication both for its achingly beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Como and for the genteel nature of its gently milling crowds - so, rather like Ascot or the Henley Royal Regatta, it's one of those 'dos' where 'looking the part' significantly adds to its attraction.

Be wise to the weather

For spectating men, it's an opportunity to don traditional summer staples such as pink or blue striped seersucker jackets, ivory linen suits or, perhaps, a classic gilt-button blazer. (In this regard, I would always favour the shamelessly formal 'Squadron' by British brand Daks.)

It is, however, important to be weather-wise - while the 'lago' is undeniably beautiful, even in May it can encourage a biting wind, and the occasional downpour is not unheard of. As a result, a back-up cashmere sweater is advisable, thrown casually over the shoulders 'Euro style' or perhaps contained in your Vuitton shoulder bag along with your compact Leica, telescopic umbrella, Villa d'Este programme and supply of 'cartes de visite' (you never know who you might meet....)

No Nomex, please

If a tie seems a trifle formal, a casually worn cravat of silk or cotton should cover the neckwear department, while Gucci loafers or Tod's driving shoes will ensure hours of pain-free strolling and a proper, roll-up Panama is worth keeping to hand in case the sun gets fierce.

Participating owners, meanwhile, can go to town with the tweed sports coats and lightweight driving gloves - but, even if you're behind the wheel of a piece of hot competition machinery, leave the period overalls at home. And positively no Nomex...

Where every woman looks like Grace Kelly

For women, of course, the Concorso provides a golden opportunity for gossamer dresses, intriguing headwear (brims not too big) and a good reason to pull off your best Grace Kelly. And don't forget - be prepared for erratic weather. And sensible heels only...

Photos: © Jan Baedeker for Classic Driver

Classic Driver reports live from the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2014 – and is kindly supported by Berenberg private bank. For the latest articles from Lake Como, click here.

black !