In the early 1930s, Rolex opened the doors of motorsports, paving the way for other Swiss watchmakers to form partnerships with drivers and racing teams. During the 1960s and 1970s, which is often considered the golden age of auto racing, no watch brand was more prominent on racetracks around the globe than Heuer. The romanticContinue reading “The Racing Heritage of TAG Heuer”
Author Archives: Rubens Junior
The Racing Heritage of Rolex.
It is an understatement to say that the worlds of motorsports and timekeeping are intrinsically connected; after all, drivers must first beat the clock before facing each other on the race track. Since the dawn of the sport, watchmakers have established partnerships with teams and organizers, supplying watches and chronographs in exchange for publicity. SirContinue reading “The Racing Heritage of Rolex.”
Classic Story- We Don’t Want You To Die.
Louis Armand de Lom d’Arce, French aristocrat, writer, and explorer who served in the French military in Canada, once said: “To survive the Canadian winter, one needs a body of brass, eyes of glass, and blood of brandy.“ Well, Monsieur Louis Armand was absolutely right: winter in Canada is brutal, but when my wife andContinue reading “Classic Story- We Don’t Want You To Die.”
End of The Season Reflections
The 2024 Formula One season has concluded, and I would like to share a few brief thoughts on it. First, I want to clarify that I am not delving into deep analysis, as I follow the sport more superficially. Additionally, I will be writing from the perspective of a South American fan. Max Verstappen MaxContinue reading “End of The Season Reflections”
The 2014 Brazilian Southern Nats. – Classic Car Meeting.
During the time I worked as a parts guy for two different restoration shops in Brazil, I had the opportunity to attend quite a few classic car meetings. Although I have nice memories (and some pictures too) of all of them, there is one I consider special. It was the last meeting I attended beforeContinue reading “The 2014 Brazilian Southern Nats. – Classic Car Meeting.”
Smokey Yunick – The Wizard of NASCAR.
If you follow this blog, you probably have noticed that I love motorsports. I can spend hours watching all kinds of races on TV, but I am not a big fan of NASCAR. First, I don’t like watching races on oval tracks in general, but what disgusts me the most is how they encourage driversContinue reading “Smokey Yunick – The Wizard of NASCAR.”
Classic Story – 1973 Cadillac Eldorado – Not a Primadonna
In 2014, I decided to quit my job at Powertech, and I went to work for another restoration shop called Phoenix Studio. If it was a wise decision, I still don’t know, but it was a different experience. A salesperson in a restoration shop must perform various duties; there is no such thing as “thisContinue reading “Classic Story – 1973 Cadillac Eldorado – Not a Primadonna”
The Panoz/Nissan Delta Wing
In the world of motorsport, evolution is constant. If you were to compare a Formula One car from the 1970s to a modern one from the 2020s, the differences due to half a century of technological advances are simply astonishing. However, both vehicles still share some core similarities, such as having four open wheels, aContinue reading “The Panoz/Nissan Delta Wing”
Sergio’s Pictures – Part II: São Bento do Sul, 2024
Once again, my dear cousin, Sergio D. Florentino, visited São Bento do Sul in Brazil for the 19th edition of the traditional classic car meeting on July 6 and 7, 2024. Sergio sent me hundreds of pictures of the meeting, and I decided to make a video with the best shots. The majority of theContinue reading “Sergio’s Pictures – Part II: São Bento do Sul, 2024”
Sergio’s Pictures – Part I : São Bento do Sul, 2019.
It has been almost ten years since my wife and I moved from Brazil to Canada; time really flies, even when you’re not having fun. Although I am far from the Brazilian classic car scene, my cousin, Sergio Devens Florentino, keeps me updated on every gathering he attends and regularly sends me pictures. After allContinue reading “Sergio’s Pictures – Part I : São Bento do Sul, 2019.”
Lamborghini Miura – 1966-1973
This is a well-known story that has been told over and over again among the gearheads around the world. Just like any other story/legend, this one can vary widely depending on who is telling it, but it mostly goes like this: Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of Lamborghini Trattori and notorious bon vivant, was dealing withContinue reading “Lamborghini Miura – 1966-1973”
All The Pretty Things Money Can Buy.
What are your favorite brands and why? Many years ago, when I was a parts consultant for a restoration shop in Brazil, I had an interesting conversation with a customer about the things we wanted but we could not afford, mostly hot rod-related. This is how he wrapped up the talking: “You know what IContinue reading “All The Pretty Things Money Can Buy.”
Honda XL 250R
Reliable, stylish, affordable, and groundbreaking; no wonder this little Honda became one of the most popular bikes of the 1980s. The perception of motorcycles varies across different cultures around the world. In developed countries, it is a vehicle used mainly as a hobby, but in poorer nations, a bike is the most affordable means ofContinue reading “Honda XL 250R”
Flight To Arras / Pilote de Guerre
What book could you read over and over again? The Prince of the Sky. Writer, poet, illustrator, pilot, and above all, a romantic guy regarding most aspects of life. Antoine de Saint-Exupery was blessed with quite a few qualities when he came to this world. Saint-Ex, as friends and family knew him, became famous thanksContinue reading “Flight To Arras / Pilote de Guerre”
Classic Poetry – Huey
Such a hot afternoon. It could have been a Wednesday, or a Friday, but not a Sunday. Sitting on the driveway, brake parts scattered around me. And then the sound. POM POM POM POM… I remember this sound, I know what it is. POM POM POM POM… I close my eyes. I am not listening…Continue reading “Classic Poetry – Huey”
Jimmy Stewart, The War Hero.
Old movies are the closest thing we have to a time machine. They can bring us back to a time when life was simpler, and people were more authentic. Every movie lover has a list of their favorite classics and, consequently, their favorite actors and actresses. During the glory days of Hollywood, Bogart was theContinue reading “Jimmy Stewart, The War Hero.”
The Argentine Mission at the 84 Hours of Nürburgring
– In 1969, a team of Argentine racers, led by Juan Manuel Fangio, won one of the most gruesome endurance races ever, driving an unlikely race car. This is their story. No, it is not a typo. The first time I came across this amazing story, I also thought: ” You mean 24 Hours ofContinue reading “The Argentine Mission at the 84 Hours of Nürburgring”
The Classic Machines 