(1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Gangloff Drop Head Coupe)
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.
1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK "Count Trossi" Roadster
1957 Jaguar XKSS
2010 Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce
1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia Spyder
2006 Bugatti Veyron
1938 Bugatti Atlantic
1954 Ferrari 375+
1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia Spyder
1965 Ferrari P2/3
1955 Morgan +4 Drop Head Coupe
1948 Ford "Woody" Station Wagon
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible
1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing with steel-body
1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing interior with alloy-body
(All Photographs by Todd Eberle for Vanity Fair)
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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| Ralph Lauren in 4D | Ralph Lauren's Women & Home Flagship Store | Elle Decor: Ralph Lauren |
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