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  The Sophisticated Gentleman

Gentlemen, Please Start Your Engines

12/6/2010

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(1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Gangloff Drop Head Coupe)
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ugattis, Porsches, Ferraris  (and, of course,  the occasional Morgan, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz), are  all there in the most extraordinary and impressively prodigious vintage car collection of  Ralph Lauren. Having collected and meticulously restored 60 plus automobiles over the last several decades, this is a man who has indeed proven to be driven and influenced by his automotive passions; parts of which are often re-interpreted  sartorially and have been known to show up in one of his collections (the RL-CF1 Carbon Fiber lounge chair, for example). He is definitely not a collector of  the nouveaux riche variety: those who are, often too eager to show the world what their money can buy. The fact that he routinely drives these asphalt demons is further testament to his (in)vested interest and dedication to these most breathtakingly sexy, exotic and sophisticated "toys." Handsomely showcased in this month's issue of Vanity Fair,  are but a few of Mr. Lauren's priceless and frightfully well-kept mistresses.                                    

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1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK "Count Trossi" Roadster
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1957 Jaguar XKSS
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2010 Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce
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1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia Spyder
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2006 Bugatti Veyron
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1938 Bugatti Atlantic
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1954 Ferrari 375+
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1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia Spyder
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1965 Ferrari P2/3
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1955 Morgan +4 Drop Head Coupe
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1948 Ford "Woody" Station Wagon
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1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe
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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible
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1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing with steel-body
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1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing interior with alloy-body

(All Photographs by Todd Eberle for Vanity Fair)

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While watching the documentary channel several weeks back, I came across  this wonderfully executed piece, "SPEED, STYLE & BEAUTY:  The Ralph Lauren Car Collection, which apparently is based on his book of the same name. To look at still images in a book is one thing, but to see moving video of these exquisite (and often extraordinarily rare) automobiles is breathtaking. How the camera pans and glides over the curves and lines of the Mercedes Gullwing can only be surpassed by seeing it in person. The shine on the vehicles (the red & black ones, in particular) looked as brilliantly polished as a woman's manicure; each seemingly lacquered to a high-gloss.  Had  I been aware of this eclectic melange of automotive perfection when it was shown in gallery, I really do think that I would have purchased an airplane ticket just to have been able to witness, first hand, the visually intoxicating glory of this amazingly seductive car collection up close and personal. Oh well, in the meantime...

(Video via Youtube)

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    N.D. Harrington
    I was born in the country, but brought up in the big city, with hopes of always maintaining the charm, wit and character of a southern,      sophisticated
    gentleman. In my goal to live more  passionately & purposefully, here are just a few things  that  I've  learned and experienced along the way, making my journey more interesting, and more importantly, easier.
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