0
0
October 5, 2010
Big Bad Benz Truck
Atomicalex
While Mercedes-Benz is known best as a luxury car maker in the US, in Germany, they make and sell everything from tiny city cars to giant city buses. And if it wasn’t raining over here all the time, I might be able to get a decent pic of some of their big stuff. This truck sure deserves one – it’s a purpose-built road-and-rail truck that, you guessed it, runs on train tracks as well as the road. This one is used to clean the rails and the clips and plates that secure the rails to the sleepers and rail ties. A pic of the custom hydraulics for the rail wheels after the jump…
October 4, 2010
The Worst Sign on the Autobahn
Atomicalex
The Autobahn is often regarded as a driving enthusiast’s dream, but more and more of these signs are popping up: Stau (or Ruckstau) is the German word for traffic jam. It’s particularly bad around cities, just like in the US. I get to see this sign about three days out of five on my morning commute, and the image quality mirrors my mood about it. I’ll post a pic of the best sign next week. Hint: it’s the polar opposite.
October 1, 2010
Audi Aflame
Atomicalex
In keeping with the recent theme of terribly done flames, I spied this Audi a flambe in the parking lot at the German equivalent of Home Depot. I wanted to wait around for the owner and score it for my LeMons efforts. Don’t you just love the fact that there are crazy rednecks in Germany, too? The surreal flames are perfect on this total beater.
September 20, 2010
Worst Driver’s License Photo Ever
Atomicalex
My Michigan license has a picture of this cute chick with a big grin and bouncy blonde curls. So what happened on the way to the German license office? I was worried about having to take one of the most difficult driver’s license exams in the whole world, that’s what! I got lucky, though – my saucy Michigan license qualified me for a pass, and I got to skip the usual 120-question written test and the driving practical. Good thing for me, as regular Germans spend up to two years and $2500 on driving instruction to qualify for their lifetime license. Imagine if we had that in the States – would you have a licenswe if it cost $2500 to get? More on the Mighigan thing after the jump!
August 26, 2010
Zombie Apocalypse Defender
Atomicalex
Oh, boy. If I was going to buy an SUV… If that SUV was actually available in the States… I would get a Defender. I spied this particular Land Rover Defender in the parking lot at work, kitted out for zombies, deep water, sand, and whatever else you can come up with. The Defender is one step down from a UniMog in functionality, and it’s definitely one of the truly classic functional vehicles. The dreary day seems to underscore the timelessness of it. I recently discovered that you can order a Defender as a pickup – I’d always figured that the ones in the movies were hacked up. Hmmmm, if it weren’t for the taxes, I’d be pretty tempted to enjoy one of these bad-to-the-bone toys while I’m over here.
August 13, 2010
‘Ring Rental Caterham
Atomicalex
I arrived home from work the other day to find this next to my house. It’s one of the many cars that you can rent specifically for use on the Nordschleife. That’s important, because car rental firms keep their eyes on the webcam at the entrance to the course, looking for their cars and denying insurance claims to all who crack them up on the fabled course. Private owners can find themselves in the same sticky spot as in the US – no coverage if there is any evidence of timing. Unfortunately, this track-prepped rental was in the possession of a lucky neighbor, not me! More pics and strange German road sign after the jump!
August 12, 2010
Chrysler Touring, German Style
Atomicalex
Jen posted up that great vid of the LX Fest yesterday, and what do I run into on the way to work? This Chrysler Touring (that’s a Magnum to the rest of us) got worked over by someone who really likes red trim. Minus the cheesy shark graphics, it’s pretty decent, with a lot of attention to detail. Check out the back side after the jump.
July 22, 2010
The Car Maniac
Atomicalex
German TV at its finest! I caught a few minutes of the game show “The Car Maniac” the other day. The contestants have to answer questions about general automotive topics, and are trying to win prizes that include a trip to the US for a NASCAR race. Wait, what? Anyway, in typical German fashion, the show is hosted by a hot blonde chic who may or may not have any idea what she is talking about. Specifically, TDI, which does not stand for “turbocharged Diesel injection.” VW fans know that it means turbo direct injection. She also had trouble with “muscle car” – when the choices are Camaro, Corvette, Charger, or SuperBird, Camaro is not the right answer, ok… Significance of the pic below? 313 is the area code for Detroit.
July 21, 2010
The Perils of Vinyl Wrap
Atomicalex
From two or three meters, this Z4 looks awesome. Then I got closer. Vinyl wraps are a really good way to try out new looks on your car without the permanence or cost of new paint, but be wary when you buy–the quality of the wrap will determine how good it looks and how well it holds up. This wrap had a number of obvious seams in it, and the panels gaps were visible due to the bright blue paint underneath. And about how well is it holding up? Find out after the jump.
July 20, 2010
Alfa Romeo Nuova Super 1300
Atomicalex
The car-spotting over here does not stop! I didn’t know these existed until I spied this super-clean example while out shopping. Does anyone have any info on this little beauty? Another view after the jump.
