“4 days, 12 sports cars, 16 Alpine passes and a helicopter flight as a highlight”

So I got on the phone, called Ernst and a few minutes after a warm “hello”, my personal highlight for a great trip in late summer 2023 was set. From then on, I could look forward to an exhilarating festival of curves over the most beautiful Alpine passes, which would make all our hearts, filled with “gasoline in the blood”, beat faster – 4 days, 12 sports cars, 16 Alpine passes and, as a highlight, a helicopter flight over the simply incomparable scenery of the Dolomites. Now the biggest challenge for 2023 was to wait for the day when it would finally start.

I got to know Ernst when he began to turn his passion for fast and old cars into something new. After originally pursuing a career as a professional racing driver (European Karting Champion 2006, racing and testing experience in Formula BMW and Formula 3), he completed an international business degree. After further stations in business and consulting, he started his first brand “Oldtimer Urlaubsreisen” (www.oldtimer-urlaubsreisen.de) in 2017 and now, voila, since 2022 the second brand with “Sportwagen Erlebnisreisen” (www.sportwagen-erlebnisreisen.de ).

During our phone call, I was spoiled for choice when it came to choosing one of the four trips on offer for 2023. The choices were the season opening on Lake Garda over 7 days with the special treat of an exclusive boat trip with Frauscher sports boats, a tour over 4 days through the Bavarian & Austrian Prealps under the motto “In the footsteps of Ferdinand Porsche & Walter Röhrl”, an eventful 8 days along the Route des Grandes Alpes and Route Napoleon with everything this fantastic scenery has to offer and last but not least my choice of the tour through the Dolomites and around the Grossglockner. What all the tours have in common is that the focus is on experience, sharing and enjoyment, inviting participants to let themselves drift, be inspired and pampered.

What Ernst repeatedly emphasized on the phone was what he places particular value on and what makes his trips what they are, something special, but definitely eventful. In order to actively differentiate himself from other providers in this segment, he focuses on the overall experience of riding, discovering and enjoying. He focuses on small group sizes, which benefits both the overall organization and execution as well as the development of direct interpersonal contacts. His hand-picked daily highlights offer the opportunity to take part in exclusive events/activities that are not always open to the public, and the sociable togetherness comes naturally through groups that are perfectly matched to the personal interests of the participants.

Of course, the whole event will be accompanied by professional photography and video, so that everyone will be able to see their own personal highlights afterwards.

What does a “normal” tour day look like, or what can you expect?

Roughly speaking, the day starts after breakfast with a first one-hour drive to the first program point of the day. This varies depending on the region, but for us it was a visit to a South Tyrolean coffee roastery. This is followed by a short stage to lunch and from there to the next “place of action” – the next special activity of the day in addition to the route. Then it’s a relaxed ride (or another sporty ride, depending on your mood) to your chosen accommodation for the evening and night. So none of the participants will return from such a tour without having got to know the respective region, some of its special features and especially its beauty.

The great thing is that not only one highlight is selected per tour, but there is something special to experience every single day, be it in selected culinary outstanding locations (we were in the 1-star restaurant Malga Panna in the middle of and with a great view of “nowhere”), extraordinary events, such as in our case the helicopter flight around the Sella massif (mega! ) or visits to local artistic, artisanal or commercial specialties – all in all, a great balance of riding fun, experiences and discovering new things, as well as getting to know the other participants and making new friends among like-minded people.

For me, it was four exceptionally enjoyable days with lots of great experiences, the opportunity to meet extremely nice and interesting enthusiasts and the fun of a perfectly organized and orchestrated event. Such undertakings thrive on the love of detailed preparation and execution, the perfect mix of participants and the flexibility and spontaneity to get involved in unexpected new things outside of the planning. The fact that Ernst has a “lucky” knack for this is something that the participants experience on every single day of the tours and is also reflected in the high rate of “repeat offenders”.

If you fancy a ride like this, you can find the program for 2024 here, as well as more information about the brand and the team behind it.

I myself have not yet been able to decide for 2024. Depending on my schedule, it will either be the shorter tour from Bavaria to South Tyrol (I’m particularly keen on the ‘James Bond experience’) or the longer trip to one of my favorite regions (Massif Central – an absolute insider tip!). I still have a little time to decide, but I won’t wait too long – my first inquiry with Ernst revealed that many tours are already fully booked.

Photos: Dominik Pelzer – Sportwagenerlebnisreisen https://www.sportwagen-erlebnisreisen.de

Der Beitrag Enjoy the finest driving and new experiences erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Shortly before the world premiere of the new Porsche Macan, Michael Mauer talks about the challenge of further developing the familiar design of the successful SUV. “The new Macan is the first model that we are electrifying from an existing, established product identity,” said the Head of Style Porsche. For him, “every new sports car must be clearly recognisable as part of the Porsche product family and the respective model, but must also be perceived as ‘the new one'”. This aesthetic consistency is very important for the Porsche brand. Finding exactly the right balance between “typically Porsche” and “innovative” is sometimes a difficult task, according to the designer.

Mr Mauer, with the new Macan, Porsche is starting the new year with a very special highlight. As a designer, how do you approach the task of designing the first all-electric Macan?

Michael Mauer: Before we think specifically about the design, the strategic approach plays a decisive role in the design. What characterises the model? What do previous generations look like? That was a particularly exciting task with the new Macan. We presented the first Macan in 2013 and have been carefully but consistently developing the model ever since. Generally speaking, the Macan therefore already has an internationally established product identity. With each new generation, our task is to find the right balance between familiar design features and new elements. Specifically, each new sports car must be clearly recognisable as part of the Porsche product family and the respective model, but must also be perceived as “the new one”. This aesthetic consistency is extremely important for our brand. The new Macan is also the first model that we are electrifying from an existing, established product identity. So the question arises: how “new” must the “new” be – what is too much, what is just right?

How do you find the right balance? Which parameters can be used to recognise whether the model will be well received by customers?

Mauer: That is generally a difficult question – the design process takes place years before the market launch. There are no strictly rational parameters by which we can assess the attractiveness of a model in the future. At brand level, we have defined a kind of guideline with the Porsche Design Principles, which help us in our daily work on the models to align the design with our strategic goals. For the Porsche brand, we have chosen three key terms – Focus, Tension and Purpose – to describe the character of the brand. In somewhat simplified terms, you could say that these keywords describe what characterises a Porsche brand product – what makes it tangible for the customer as a “typical Porsche”.

How did they come about? How are they applied in practice?

Mauer: To exaggerate somewhat, I would say that the creation or rather definition of the terms was almost more important than the terms themselves. The task of finding exactly three terms is far more complex than it sounds. Here, too, it is not possible without teamwork. The exchange of ideas and the associated discussion of the brand’s attributes was and is a very valuable task for the entire design team. On the one hand, the terms serve as a kind of compass to ensure that we do not lose sight of the essence of the brand when looking to the future. On the other hand, they help us decide which approaches to pursue in the early concept phase.

Can you give a concrete example of the realisation of a key concept?

Mauer: The “Focus” example explains it well. In terms of the interior, focus means that the driver is always at the centre of a Porsche sports car. In concrete terms, all the components that are important to the driver are arranged around him or her within direct reach. With the so-called Curved Display, we are going one step further: thanks to the free-floating display element in a slightly curved shape that is ideal for the driver, we are aligning this central instrument even more consistently with the driver. We have also created a kind of “minimal mode” in the instrument cluster. This allows the driver to select only those elements that are absolutely necessary for the journey. Focussing on what is absolutely necessary, so to speak.

To what extent do different international preferences and trends play a role in the design process?

Mauer: In general, I believe that the right balance is crucial for a well-established brand like Porsche. A brand with a distinctive identity also thrives on not following every trend. Sometimes it is a better strategy not to always be the first with all topics. It’s about scrutinising trends and influences and critically examining whether they suit the brand. This is the only way we can secure our unique identity in the long term. This also applies when looking at the markets. One example: In Asia, digital elements play a very important role in cars – design is generally more playful from a European perspective. What does that mean for Porsche? The consequence is that we are looking very closely at these needs. Nevertheless, I am convinced that Porsche is so popular worldwide precisely because of its clear brand DNA with a long history and what I call a “consistent CV”.

Finding exactly the right balance between “typical Porsche” and “innovative” is sometimes a difficult task.

Is there a risk of being perceived as old-fashioned and outdated at some point?

Mauer: Definitely! Finding exactly the right balance between “typical Porsche” and “innovative” is sometimes a difficult task. We also take this challenge into account structurally. The design of a vehicle never comes entirely from the pen of a single designer. Design is teamwork and thrives on the exchange of different ideas. At Porsche, we have deliberately created the creative freedom to think about future approaches and characteristics of individual design elements, far removed from work on specific models. In this way, we ensure that creative ideas can emerge independently of the series production process. It is not uncommon for these to actually flow into series vehicles later on. Another important aspect is the composition of the team. We deliberately combine very experienced designers with the “young and wild” – this exchange usually results in super exciting approaches. We employ around 200 designers in total.

What influence do the new technical components have on the design process? Mauer: Basically, the technical requirements of the car are always crucial. This starts at a very early stage with the packaging – i.e. the arrangement of various components in the car. The packaging is decisive for the basic proportions – the typical Porsche flyline would not be realisable with every arrangement. The electric drive offers new degrees of freedom and challenges at the same time: the elimination of the massive engine block allows us to emphasise the typical topography on the front bonnet. At the same time, the battery, which is still quite massive, requires a lot of space and would potentially disrupt the characterising width-to-height ratio. Of course, aerodynamics also play a major role in terms of the range of an electric sports car. In principle, however, this is not a completely unknown situation for us: in addition to a new form of drive, we are constantly confronted with requirements that influence our design. Examples include increased crash requirements or restrictions with regard to the approvability of individual elements such as the design of the front and rear lights.

Specifically in relation to the new, all-electric Macan: How important is the visualisation of the electric drive in the design? Mauer: In general, we at Porsche have decided not to completely differentiate the electric models from the combustion-powered sports cars in terms of design. Porsche remains Porsche – even an electric Porsche is the sports car in the segment. With this in mind, it is logical that we do not abandon our established Porsche design DNA. Without giving away too many details: The new, electric Macan is also clearly recognisable as a Porsche and as a Macan at first glance. I would say that we have fundamentally retained the proportions that define the sports car in this segment for Porsche. The design of both the interior and exterior has been further honed – the new model looks even sportier and more dynamic. The driving pleasure is definitely reflected in the design.

Text&Photos: Porsche

Der Beitrag Michael Mauer on “typical Porsche” and innovation in the design of the Porsche Macan erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

SC: Hi Jasper, first things first: How are you and the E30 doing and what has changed since last year?

Jasper: Hi Max! Cosmetically, the E30 is in better shape than ever, with new paint and a proper sealant, it looks better than it has in a long time … unfortunately, it’s technically time to tackle the drivetrain, the many kilometres of the last few years have left their mark!

An E28 535i has crept in as an addition to my E30. With the 3-series / 5-series estate car, I hope to have chosen the right one for everyday life as well as for longer journeys. Besides, something else is going to happen soon, a nice coupe from the 70s would be just right for the weekend, wouldn’t it?

SC: How did the decision to buy the 535i come about?

Jasper: I saw the 535i advertised in the classifieds at the end of last year. Actually, I didn’t want to buy an E28, but when I saw the equipment, I knew that I would have to have a look at it at least once … and the rest is history! Shadow Line was only available in 1986 and 1987, then in diamond black metallic and with black leather interior. I will never get much closer to the equipment of an E28 M5! In addition, there are all the extras that have not been seen on my 316 (also built in 86) for a long time: Air conditioning, electric sunroof and windows all around, for example.

SC: The licence plate will certainly look a little familiar to some people. How did it come about? (For photo reasons, a DIN number plate is attached).

Jasper: The fact that the car has the number M-WM 535H is of course no coincidence either! In fact, BMW deregistered their E28 M535i from the Classic Collection with exactly the same number plate just a few weeks before I bought it … when I saw that this vanity plate was available, I didn’t hesitate for a second … !

SC: We’ve seen on Instagram that there’s been a lot of activity at Hfmstrs as well. How do you see the development of the project for BMW enthusiasts?

Jasper: With hfmstrs we have managed to open a new chapter. This year in particular, we have managed to be represented at more major events than ever before. As an example, I would like to mention the weekend of the Concorso at Lake Como and Ultrace in Poland. As different as the visitors to these events may be, the hfmstrs theme finds equal acclaim everywhere and also meets enthusiastic visitors! However, it is important to me that we remain accessible, so our smaller and spontaneous “quickie” meetings remain of enormous importance. We don’t just want to be present at existing events, but also organise our own gatherings.

SC: One thing has changed fundamentally. Instead of being in Munich, we are now in Cologne. How did that come about? And what makes the city on the Rhine special for you?

Jasper: Cologne is a great city, I just have to start with that! You really only find the atmosphere and the people here. But I was drawn here professionally, because I work not only in the car scene as a photographer, but also in the field of architecture. That’s why I’m on the road more than ever before, and of course Munich is not left out! Seen in this light, Cologne offers me an excellent starting point and at the same time a basis for all my projects, whether they stay in Germany or drive me abroad. Whenever I’m back, I can devote myself to the two cars and enjoy the city to the fullest!

SC: Are there differences in the way you photograph in Cologne compared to Munich. What role does the architecture of the city play here?

Jasper: Definitely! Munich and Cologne are not comparable when it comes to locations. While the Munich State Opera or the nearby Ludwigstraße always manage to convince with their architecture, comparable locations are simply not to be found, especially due to the history of the city of Cologne. For this, as a photographer, you simply have to look at what makes the city tick instead. Cologne lives, for example, from its proximity to the Rhine. For centuries, the river has attracted people and business. One of the places where I always like to spend time is the Poller meadows with the nearby swing bridge. The feeling, the location and the light are just right here! But the aforementioned post-war architecture has also left behind one or two gems. For example, the multi-storey car park at Kaufhof, which can be seen here in the pictures. Although the architecture is very simple, the location still offers a very charming atmosphere in my eyes.

All info and photos from previous events can be found on the Instagram account @hfmstrs.

Photos: Jasper Schwering

www.instagram.com/jasperphotographiert

Der Beitrag Cologne sunsets with Jasper and his BMW 535i erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Last year, the first small “test meeting” took place on a parking garage deck at the BMW Welt in Munich. In a small circle, the first thing was to get a feel for something that had been missing for so long – namely a get-together in the city of the manufacturer with the Hofmeister kink. Almost 12 cars from Jasper’s circle of acquaintances and friends came that evening. As the sun set behind the Olympic Tower and Stadium, I drove down the 4 floors of the BMW parking garage, I was already aware before the barrier – there are a lot of things to come. A lot of good things.  

Not even one year and only three Hfmstrs events later I meet Jasper now at Lake Como at Villa Erba. With him are over 140 cars as part of the Wheels & Weisswürscht. 

M: First things first. We are in front of Villa Erba with almost 140 cars but I haven’t spotted your BMW yet. How is the E30?

J: Haha yes that’s right … he’s better than ever before! Almost half a year ago I started my “mini-restoration”, where I could now finally eliminate all the small dents and scratches (and one or two rust spots) with a fresh paint job! Since then I’m just even more in love with the car and above all even more determined to never give it away! But Max, when do we go for a ride again?

M: Hopefully soon! The last time we met we were standing on an airfield near Munich, at that time more than 70 cars found each other on the helicopter landing pad. I remember that vehicles came from Switzerland and Spain. Who all made the journey to Villa Erba?

J: Yes, that’s right! At that time I still thought: Madness! There’s one with Swiss license plates and there’s one with Spanish license plates … that’s not possible! Today, people have come from similar distances. For example Rasi and his buddy Chris came from Hannover with their E36 Safari and E36 Compact Track tool. Or Sebastian with his E28 B7 Turbo arrived here yesterday from Essen! But the great thing is that not only we are represented with our cars. Also the BMW Club Italy is here with cars from all over Italy and even two M3s with Turkish license plate I saw earlier!

“Together we drove a total of 14 hours to Como. So you can imagine that more pass roads than highway were part of the route…. “

M: Speaking of which, how was your journey? What and who were you traveling with?

J: I had a blast on the way here! We left Munich at 6am on Friday. I sat in the original M5 Ring Taxi of Sabine Schmitz, chased by Chantal in her E36 M3 and Rasi in the E36 Tracktool. When we reached the Bernina Pass and had a little lunch break Sandro from Switzerland joined us in his 535i! Together we drove a total of 14 hours to Como. There you can imagine that more pass roads than highway were part of the route… 

M: What do the meetings so far reveal about the BMW brand? And what values would you like to convey with the meetings?

J: I think what stands out the most for me is the variety. BMW has brought an incredible number of different vehicles onto the market over the last 50 years: Whether it’s the small 3-series or the big 7-series. No matter if 4 cylinders or 10 cylinders. Whether BMW, M or even Alpina. There is really something for everyone! And just as different as the vehicles are the drivers behind them! And there I count myself with my “standard 316” also to it! I am always happy when someone comes with a vehicle that I have not yet seen. 

M: Have you had time to take some photos yet? Which car are you most excited about?

J: Oh yes many, the location is really unbeatable! I think I’m most happy today about the Safari from Rasi. Especially in the BMW space I have never seen something like this, and even more so with so many great details. No matter in which context you would see such a car, I think it would always attract your attention! But especially here, at this grandiose villa right next to the Annual Concorso, it offers us a show like no other.

M: Have you had time to visit the Concorso d’Eleganza or Fuori Concorso? How are these events different from Wheels & Weisswürscht/Hfmstrs?

J: In fact, the three events could not be more different from each other. While the Concorso allows you to see and hear incredibly rare vehicles of automotive history live, the setting of this event is completely different. The exclusive entrance alone makes Villa D’Este very special! Here the Fuori Concorso is already a little more open. This year, the theme is Porsche’s special request program, with rare one-offs from Zuffenhausen. But what I liked so much about Fuori at Villa Grumello are not only the cars, but also the geographical location of the house. Through the garden you can easily walk along a steep slope until you reach the upper end of the property. There are of course more vehicles and cool drinks prepared. A great view over Lake Como is guaranteed here! And what can we do that the others have not already offered? With us EVERYONE may enter! At Villa Erba, we have made it possible for anyone to drive their vehicle onto the grounds, or to join them on foot. In total we had over 140 vehicles and 1200 visitors registered. Tickets could be booked online and registration with a vehicle was easily possible via Instagram.

M: Hofmeister meeting at Villa Erba – sounds like that would be very difficult to top. Are there any plans for this year?

J: Haha yes, that’s what I think sometimes, how can we make this even better? I think but in the end it’s not about topping one or the other, but much more about the variety. We want to offer something new every time, as long as it doesn’t get boring! And for the further plans this year I can only say: it will definitely not be boring! But the best thing about what’s coming up now is that we’re finally heading north. We want everyone to be able to participate all over Germany and not just in the Munich area. Hanover, here we come! 

M: Very exciting! Then also again with your freshly painted E30?

J: Exactly, that’s the plan! Whereby I can already say, the E30 will definitely not be the center of attention…

M: What else is on the agenda for you today?

J: First of all enjoy the sun a bit and try to chat with everyone I have not seen yet! Afterwards i’ll drive to the airport and head to London … it should never be boring!

M: Hofmeister goes to London? 

J: I would actually like to get that going! The BMW scene there is not to be put into words! Maybe nice photos could help there …

M: Then i wish you a good flight and see you at the next Hofmeister meetup!

For all the info and even more photos of this and all previous events, check out the Instagram account @hfmstrs.

Photos by Jasper Schwering aka @jasperphotographiert.

Der Beitrag Living la dolce vita with Hofmeisters erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Secret Classics: “Hello Tom, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with us.”

Tom Kristensen: “Hello from me, too. You’re very welcome.”

SC: “We’d like to start with nine quick A or B questions as a warmup. You can pick a predetermined answer. Nine questions because of your nine victories in Le Mans.”

TK: “All right, we’re ready to go.”

SC: “What do you like more, race cars or street cars?”

TK: “Race cars.”

SC: “Sports car or family car?”

TK: “A Sports car, but you can combine the two well, for example with an Audi RS 6. There you have both, a sports car and a family car.”

SC: “Skiing or cycling?”

TK: “Cycling I do by far most. I like skiing as well. Without a doubt, though, cycling is a big part of my life and number one on my training list.”

SC: “Vacation on the beach or in the mountains?”

TK: “I absolutely love the mountains, also in terms of sport. I get bored at the beach, but sure when I like to relax I also like it, but only for a short time. I can spend longer times in the mountains. preferably on a mountain bike or hiking. So I can spend longer time there than snorkeling.”

SC: “Reading books or watching TV?”

TK: “I’d love to read more books, but if I’m honest, I end up watching too much TV. Mainly news and sports, though. These are the two prime things, so to speak.”

SC: “If you had the chance: Compete again at Le Mans or stay home?”

TK: “(laughs) I retired for a good reason and at the right time, and I’m happy with the decision. But of course it would be great to make a comeback attempt, but it’s not going to happen.”

SC: “Three answer options this time: Meat, vegetarian or vegan?”

TK: “I attach a lot of importance to sustainability, but I also eat meat. Significantly less and, above all, higher quality meat than before, but it remains on my menu.”

SC: “Expensive or reasonably priced, in terms of all everyday items?”

TK: “There is no final answer to that. You should look more at quality than quantity.”

SC: “And so to the ninth and final quick question: interviews, are they interesting or rather boring for you?”

TK: “That depends very much on the interview partner. Interviews can definitely be very interesting. So far, I’m very happy with this one.”

SC: “With that, we move on to the questions sent in by our Instagram community. Two of them can be combined. They are: What was your best year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? (asked by @jimmy.mtr17) and: Which was your most difficult victory at Le Mans? (asked by @mathias_a_larsen)”

TK: “I’ve competed 18 times at Le Mans. It’s difficult for me to single out a “best time”. Of course, everyone involved in the respective teams was totally thrilled and enthusiastic after every victory. But the year that was really special was 2008. No one had us on their radar. No one even suspected us to be close to victory or even the podium. Peugeot gave us a terrific fight and was 3.5 seconds faster than us per lap. With the help of the rain and an aggressive strategy and the way we drove, all three drivers, Capello, McNish and myself, we were able to achieve something big there. We always switched back and forth between intermediates, rain tires and slicks very early on. Intermediates when it was actually still really wet, slicks when there was still moisture on the track and vice versa. We also tried to put out another lap on the fuel per stint but driving as quickly as possible. Everyone in the team and in the pit garage ‘over-performed’. We felt that and that led to a fantastic ambient. As well as fantastic camaraderie and huge pleasure. We’ve had that every year in Le Mans, it’s even better when you win. But in 2008, on top of that, there was just a special energy because no one from outside saw us as a candidate to win and we didn’t want to accept that internally.”

“In 2008, nobody had us on their radar.”

SC: “Which is your dream race where you would like to compete in? (asked by @macalistairthomson)”

TK: “In my career, I have experienced many racing series and vehicles. I love this versatility. I don’t know what else I could dream of. One of my inspirations was the cartoon series “Flåklypa Grand Prix” from Norway (which ran as “Hintertupfinger Grand Prix” in Germany, as “Pinchcliffe Grand Prix” in English, and in Denmark as “Bjergkøbing Grand Prix”), which I watched as a little boy. It was about a fictional car race, but it was in my mind and inspired me as a young man. Then there is the Paris-Dakar Rally. My dad competed there. That would be a completely different way of racing for me compared to anything I’ve done before, including the Race of Champions. In Germany, you would say “Abenteuer” (adventure). So my dream race could be something like that, the Paris-Dakar or the Baja 1000 in the dunes of Mexico.”

SC: “How did you feel before and in your very first race at Le Mans? After all, you won outright. (asked by @0guzh7n)”

TK: “The very first time there is special in so many ways. Many things are simply unique. The first thing you notice is that Le Mans is different from all the other races. The history and heritage, the buildings, you’ve seen it all before on TV or in magazines, even though you’ve never been there yourself. But when you get there, it has a different impact on you as a driver. The race course is unlike anything else you drive. It’s longer than anything else, apart from the Nürburgring Nordschleife, but it’s also much faster. That excitement was definitely stronger the first time than it has been in the years to come when I competed there again. The first time was definitely something special. Also because I joined the team at the very last moment.”

“The first time was very special.”

“I had never met the other drivers before. I only got to know them and the team at the track, the day before qualifying. So it all happened at the last moment the first time. I only signed four days before the race. By then the team had already left for Le Mans. So my first time there, those six days I spent there, left a lasting impression. I learned more there in that short time than I probably had in an entire school year before. I arrived there as a debutant, the third driver for the Joest Porsche team. Michele Alboreto and Stefan Johansson helped me a lot. Not by telling me what to do, but by giving me a lot of faith, supporting me, and showing me that they were fully okay with me joining them in the cockpit. I was very happy about that and of course it helped my confidence. The best way to illustrate how well my debut at Le Mans went is to look at the following: I drove four stints during the night into the morning hours. Not only did I set the fastest lap of the race, it was also a new lap record at the time. On my second time in this car in the race! With the knowledge and self-confidence I gained back then, I laid the foundation for all my later Le Mans races with different teams, manufacturers and driver colleagues.”

SC: “Were you ever bored behind the wheel at any point in Le Mans? For example, while it was going into the night? (asked by @tonsty)”

TK: “No. I’ve never been bored driving. It was a different situation in 2011, when I was actually bored at times, but that was also the only race were I technically never took part in. Our car crashed after only one hour and I never sat behind the wheel during the race. Of course, I was still involved and worked with the team. I also helped with André Lotterer’s last pit stop. But that was 22 hours after our own car retired. Otherwise, I was only able to attend a few PR activities, but without the usual adrenaline. Allan McNish had this serious accident and on top of that Mike Rockenfeller crashed around midnight with the second Audi. Both accidents were very wild and that was reflected in my emotions.”

“I was bored at Le Mans in 2011.”

SC: “How many calories did you consume before a 24 hour race and burn during the race? (asked by @ozcanemreaksoy)”

TK: “I never looked at it that way. I focused more on my diet. It wasn’t about dieting to lose weight, it was about eating what gives you enough energy. I didn’t look at calories, I looked at making sure what I was eating was easy to digest. That was important. At the same time, I had to drink enough. Just before going into the car it was mainly isotonic drinks with lots of electrolytes to prevent too much sweating. Sometimes a little salt went in because you lose so much fluid in the closed race cars that you can get cramps or worse if you don’t take precautions. Other than that, you eat light food. The heaviest thing you can indulge in is pasta with tuna or pasta with tomato sauce. Otherwise, there was banana, maybe with a little bit of honey or yogurt. All things that are very easily digested. You stay away from meat, onions and other things that will stay in the stomach for a long time.”

SC: “To what extent was your success the result of conscious discipline versus intrinsic drive? (asked by @asb.kau)”

TK: “I don’t know exactly. I hope people read my new book (more on that at the end of this article). Dan Philipsen, the lead author, also asked that question. I would say it was a mix of both. In the book, several other people describe it from their point of view. Among others, Dr. Ullrich in his foreword. But I think that conscious discipline has given me the freedom to instinctively push more. For me, it’s very important to be in good physical shape. That motivated me a lot for my training before important races, especially before Le Mans. If I had prepared well and, as part of this discipline, was able to work well with the team, I was able to perform better and take certain chances. These chances led to success, risks paid off. Some say I got lucky at the right time, but that’s the result of proper preparation.”

“The chances and risks paid off.”

SC: “You didn’t just drive the big Le Mans prototypes in your career. In the book you can read your progression through karting, touring cars and so on to Formula One tests. If you were a few years younger and still active in motorsport, how would you feel about driving Formula E? (asked by @mximlr)”

TK: “I’ve really driven a lot of cars, so it’s actually wrong to call the new book ‘Mr. Le Mans’. That wasn’t my idea. But I agreed in the end, because it’s actually the most important race of my career. But I’m glad you know my other career as well. Formula E is great, a great alternative and will certainly grow in the future. From my point of view, that’s because the supervisory board members of the manufacturers represented are getting incredibly good feedback, even from politicians around the world. So it’s currently the idea to work with. And where Formula E is particularly well positioned, apart from sustainability, is urban racing. The races take place in the middle of major capitals around the globe, bringing racing to where a lot of people are. That’s brilliant. I’ve driven a Formula E race car, but only for a few laps on the Audi test track in Neuburg. It’s a completely separate discipline to which you have to adapt and optimize your driving skills and style. Since then, the cars have evolved significantly, with more power and better drivability. But even the early generation I tested was very interesting. So sure, if I were a bit younger, I might have gone down this path together with Audi. But in my career, this question has never come up.”

“Formula E brings racing to the people.”

SC: “Do you think the 24 Hours of Le Mans will one day be all electric? (asked by @werk_911)”

TK: “Racing is always about breaking boundaries and setting records. At the moment, I think the hybrid drive works better for endurance races over 24 hours. And I think that should remain the case for the next ten years or so. If you look at today’s cars, they are already very electrified by these hybrid systems. At the same time, this has meant that we drivers have had to evolve quickly over the last ten years to keep up with the complexity and the increased speed. The Le Mans organizers are trying to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles, which also makes sense from my point of view. So I never say never in terms of racing, but from today’s perspective, an all-electric 24-hour race is still a little further in the future.”

SC: “What’s the best race car away from Le Mans cars you’ve ever driven? (asked by @petar3.14)”

TK: “Well, at least I can tell you which was the fastest. That was the Williams FW21B, without a doubt. I drove it in 2000, but it’s a 1999 race car and had the powerful BMW V10 engine in the rear. We could only drive around for 350 to 380 kilometers at a time, then the engine was changed. It consisted of interesting and, above all, expensive materials. Parallel to our tire tests for Michelin, BMW kept developing the engine in our car. Later, Michelin switched to a Jaguar, which was still based on Stewart’s F1 race car. But the Williams was clearly sharper, in my opinion.”

“The Williams was sharper than the Jaguar.”

SC: “What car do you use as a daily driver? (asked by @fabianson5)”

TK: “So far an Audi RS 6. But I’m thinking about trying out an electric vehicle and gaining experience with it. I’m getting an Audi e-tron GT soon, but it’s not in the garage yet.”

SC: “This brings us to some final questions from our editorial team. If money were no object, what three cars would you like to put in your garage?”

TK: “The first car I’m thinking of is from the year I was born, 1967. It would be a Ferrari 330 P4. Then it would be the Bentley Speed 8 from 2003. The car in which Guy Smith, Rinaldo Capello and I won Le Mans. And then I could be foxy and say the 2013 Audi R18 e-tron quattro because I actually already have one in my garage. You could leave it at that. But in fact, I’d love to have an Audi R8 LMP-1 in my collection. The reason is simple. The R8 has taken five victories at Le Mans and each time I was one of the drivers. After the last of these victories, the Audi board members decided to build a mid-engine road sports car and to call it the Audi R8. A few years before that, they had presented a concept car called ‘Le Mans’ in Frankfurt (IAA). This car became reality a few years later and was given the name of the LMP-1 race car, R8. Nowadays, everyone knows the abbreviation as a result, but whether everyone knows the origin, I don’t know.”

“I would love to have an Audi R8 LMP-1.”

SC: “Is there a race track anywhere in the world you’d like to race on (again)?”

TK: “There are a lot of great race tracks that I’ve been able to race at. I’ve also been to some tracks where I didn’t race, but was just a spectator. For example, Philip Island in Australia. I loved racing at Road America in the United States. In my time in Japan, I probably raced at pretty much every track there and some of them are great. Unfortunately, I never competed at Virginia International Raceway. That’s a proper oldschool track with a long history that started as a dirt track and was paved at some point. The track layout has a great rhythm and at the same time a certain danger. It offers sporting challenges that are not present at many modern circuits. Many of them today are far too similar to each other. To get back to your question: Give me a mix of Le Mans, Suzuka and Sebring. A nice mix of those three circuits. That’s were I’d want to drive all year.”

SC: “If you had the chance to meet your 15-year old self, what would you say to him?”

TK: “Get a haircut!”

SC: “We’ve talked a lot about your racing career. What is Tom Kristensen doing today, after retiring in 2014?”

TK: “I feel very privileged to still be involved in racing and motorsport in general. I get the most adrenaline when I commentate Formula 1 on Danish television. Then I’m there as an expert and coach for Eurosport at Le Mans. Otherwise, I now do more office work and important activities at the FIA, where I head the drivers’ commission. Together with some driver colleagues, we pass on advice and feedback to the motorsports federation in order to further develop our great sport. And then I have a couple of ambassador roles for brands that I’ve raced with over the years. So I’m very privileged and busy. When I do have some free time, you can find me either on my bike, at a golf course or playing soccer with friends. In that case, our glass of beer after the match is always important to us.”

“Get a haircut!”

SC: “And that brings us to our last question. Suppose there is no oil left to produce anymore one day and you’re allotted the last 50 liters of gas (or diesel), what car do you run it in and where would you drive?”

TK: “I would probably take my 1967 Volkswagen Bus. Of course, the whole family would come along. And then it would only be on small back roads, not on any highways. This car has never been on any highway so far, by the way. I would drive to the various places where relatives live or once lived. So it wouldn’t be a long distance overall from my immediate neighborhood.”

“I would take my 1967 VW Bus.”

SC: “Thank you very much for your detailed answers and taking the time for us.”

If you want to learn even more about Tom Kristensen and his impressive racing career now is your chance. Together with Dan Philipsen, the new book ‘Mr. Le Mans – Tom Kristensen’ was created. In addition to stories from the decades on and off the racetracks of this world, there are pictures worth seeing. We were allowed to use some of them for this interview. ‘Mr. Le Mans – Tom Kristensen’ by Tom Kristensen with Dan Philipsen is published by Evro and is available as a 432-page hardback book under ISBN 978-87-972603-0-2 directly from Evro Publishing or from Amazon. It costs 40 GBP (with autograph by Tom Kristensen directly from the publisher at 55 GBP).

Images: Evro Publishing, Charles Reviere, Keith Rizzo

Der Beitrag Tom Kristensen – Mr. Le Mans erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Are we allowed to change things that are already close to perfection? When it comes to fashion designer Rik, the answer is obvious – “Yes”. With rebuilding and customising Porsche 911s, one of his childhood dreams has become true.

“MAKE IT YOUR DREAM 911”

SC: For those people who don’t know you please tell them who you are and what you’re working on?My name is Rik, aka Rico-Customs on Instagram. I’m working as a fashion designer for a denim brand based here in the Netherlands. When I’m not working I spend as much time as I can on restoring classic cars and sometimes even motorbikes. I think you can say that I definitely have the petrol virus on the highest level possible. Currently I‘m working on backdating a 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 liter to a 911 R in slate grey. 

It all started when my dad took me to the race track of Zandvoort for a classic race when I was young. I can remember that I was addicted straight away. The sound of the engines, the smell of petrol, just everything started to excite me. First it was mostly BMWs that catched my eye, also because they were cheaper to drive and race. I bought an E30 in full DTM spec, which was an insanely great car, I still miss it! But at one point I just wanted to pursue my dream – a 911.So I sold all my BMWs and bought my first Porsche. It was a 912 which I restored and sold straight away to finally get a 911. From there on the 5th gear kicked in.

SC: What does your day look like when you don’t work on Porsches?I’m a designer for a fashion denim brand. So there is no day like the other, it’s very versatile. Everyday is different and that’s what I like about it. A lot of times I need to travel to Asia to visit the factories or fly around Europe to get inspiration and ideas for the upcoming collections. SC: What is the most important thing in your opinion when it comes to building an outlaw 911?

MAKE IT YOUR DREAM 911.

SC: Where do you get your inspiration for Rico Customs?

Thats a difficult question. The list is way too long to tell you. But a Porsche 904 Replica definitely catched my eye. When I could dream a little longer I would get a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso. I think everyone knows why. It’s stunning!

Der Beitrag The man behind Rico Customs erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Secret Classics: “Amy, we’re glad to have you here for a couple of questions. For the people who might not know you, can you please give us a little introduction? Where did your passion for cars start?”

Amy Shore: “Hey! Thanks for the chat! I’m an automotive and lifestyle photographer based in the UK. I’ve been shooting the automotive world for the last six years or so and I couldn’t think of a better job. My dad used to work as a model maker for Team Lotus in the 80s and then in classic sports car bodywork restoration, so I’ve always been surrounded by cars and bikes. I got my first classic car – my 1985 Mini – when I was 19 years old, it was great to get to university in it when I was running late. But my genuine love for cars didn’t really kick in until I started doing this job in the summer of 2013, right after I graduated. I was flung into the car world as a photographer quite unexpectedly and just fell in love with the lifestyle of it all. The road trips, the people, the oily smells, the racing, the drivers – everything about the life cars and motorcycles more so than what’s under the bonnet.”

“Vettel and I talked loads about classic motorbikes!”

SC: “Recently, I saw a photo of you and the Ferrari SP2 with Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel inside. Can you talk us through a shooting like this and how you feel meeting these guys?”

AS: “Ha, yes! Well, that was meant to be kept secret for a little longer. On a shoot like this with high profile people, I just remind myself that they’re only people. They’re people who are super cool, who have achieved some amazing things and I’m so chuffed to be able to photograph them! But I really do photograph and chat with them like normal people. I can’t deny, I think I’d definitely get a bit star struck and shy if I met Don McCullin or Harry Benson! But when it comes to the point, I have a job to do and in some cases, in a very short space of time. Because of how tight Vettel and Leclerc’s schedules are, I had just 40 minutes to do the whole shoot, from the moment they arrived on location to the moment they had to leave again. I had my location, I knew some set ups I wanted to do, but then it was basically letting my creativity and camera do the work. I don’t really think too much when I’m shooting, it’s just something I naturally do. The hardest part is trying to get natural responses from the subjects, so I made sure to chat with them both about things they loved. Vettel and I talked loads about classic motorbikes! And once you wave goodbye, it’s only really then you think ‘Bloody hell, that was pretty awesome!'”

SC: “There’s always a certain kind of style in your pictures. What are you paying the most attention to when you’re shooting cars? Are there any specific car characteristics that you focus on?”

AS: “When I’m shooting cars, I’m nearly always looking out for a human element in it. A hand, a person in the foreground walking their dog, people chatting in the background, hands on the wheel, eyes in the rear view mirror. I’m always drawn to graphic profile shots, you can’t beat a good profile. Headlights are always a draw too because they’re the ‘eyes’ of the car. Otherwise, light and shapes will determine my image. If there’s a really lovely shape road, or the sky is that delicate cross between yellow and pink, right after sunset, I’ll usually get attracted to those moments and then throw a car into them. At least, that’s where I feel my best images come from. It’s much harder when I have to shoot for a job where you have a car at a certain location just for that day!”

SC: “How do you balance your style with a client’s vision?”

AS: “Most of the time, I don’t have to try too hard. My style is pretty noticeable to, so if the client wants something different, I usually decline the job. But thankfully that doesn’t happen often at all. Most of the time, the balance comes from being given a brief and then I try to nail it in my style. Sometimes briefs can be pretty boring and bland in location, but that’s also not always a bad thing. For example, I was working for Pirelli at the Geneva Motor Show this year. I was photographing tyres at an indoor car show. Not the most inspiring. But that also made it a challenge. I started to hunt out reflections from other stands I could use. I was looking for new angles, really trying my hardest to create some beautiful images and you know what, I was pretty pleased with the outcome. Pirelli is a great client and cool company, so I wanted to make sure they were happy but also create images I was happy to share myself. Sometimes there can be some differences with my editing style but again, I try to avoid altering anything if I can help it. Sometimes we meet in the middle.”

SC: “I saw that you’re also doing a lot of wedding photography. How does your thinking differ when you are shooting weddings versus shooting cars? Are there any similarities?”

AS: “I don’t shoot weddings anymore. I shot my last wedding about two years ago (but I totally ended on a high, shooting a wedding in the middle of olive groves in Tuscany). But weddings are totally the reason I shoot cars the way I do now. They taught me how to shoot quickly, without planning and always looking for moments unfolding. I used to shoot bride and grooms the same way I shoot cars now. The best locations around, the best light, the best moments I could grab. The only thing is, now I shoot machines on wheels instead.”

SC: “With Social Media and Instagram in particular, a lot of people are getting into car photography. What kind of advice would you give aspiring photographers?”

AS: “I actually wrote a huge blog post on how to be a car photographer, imaginatively titled “The Giant How-To of Car Photography”. It’s basically the entirety of my knowledge and what I did to get to where I am now in detail. It’s been genuinely so heart warming to receive messages and e-mails telling me how much the post has helped them. So to give one piece of advice to anyone reading this – stop comparing yourself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s certainly not the way to find your own creative route. Be inspired, yes! But don’t compare. It’s also something I still have to remind myself from time to time.”

SC: “Speaking of which, what do you think of social media these days? How does Instagram affect your career?”

AS: “For me, social media is brilliant. My career has rocketed because of Instagram, absolutely no doubt. But there is always the fear that one day it will become redundant and be replaced with something else. But for now, I’m running with it. It’s an amazing platform that is an easy portfolio to be viewed by millions across the globe. The danger comes when one starts basing their creative worth on their Instagram likes. Like everything, it’s all about moderation and balance.”

Go visit Amys beautiful Instagram account…

Photos: Amy Shore

Der Beitrag Interview with photographer Amy Shore erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

 “I love traveling and love the mountains. They are like a power
outlet to charge the battery for me.”

Secret Classics: “Stefan, we are very happy to ask you a few questions today. Please tell us and our readers just who you are and what you are working on.”

Stefan Bogner: “Hi. I am a ‘genuine’ Munich guy. In the 90s, I studied industrial design in Munich and founded the design office fpm with two friends back then. We have worked for international customers, many of the products can be found in every German-speaking household. Because I wanted to focus more on my passion topics Hospitality, Food & Travel and Automotive – the Curves Magazine became increasingly successful and took more and more of my time – I sold my shares in the agency to my colleagues three years ago and now concentrate exclusively on projects in fields that correspond to my personal passion.
I love traveling and love the mountains. They are like a power outlet to charge the battery for me. In addition, I started very early in my life to prepare old VW Beetles and eventually an old Porsche came around the corner.”

SC: “How did you come up with the idea of starting your own magazine? Do you spontaneously remember any special moments that have brought up this plan?”

SB: “I got my driver’s license in 1986 – that was the key to freedom – and then drove with friends for six weeks through France. After that USA, Europe – the main thing was going out and ‘roadtripping’. I always had a good time ‘on the road’. Then the car became a place of rest to me – that may sound a bit bizarre. In the office it went up high, at home I had a family with toddlers – full throttle everywhere. In the car I closed the door behind me and it was ‘me time’.
As a little break I drove into the mountains in my old Porsche with some friends a few times a year. To prepare my trips, I always missed a road trip magazine that appealed to me. At the time I had already designed travel magazines for MairDumont for eight years and in that job your antenna is always on reception. On a trip around the Sella circuit in the Dolomites, I scribbled the concept of Curves in a sketchbook in about five minutes: 5 days roadtrip – a time window you can always cut free somehow. A country, empty streets, modern layout.”

SC: “If you had to describe the contents of Curves Magazine in three words, which ones would you think of first?”

SC: “Photography is often associated with a lot of preparation and planning. How can we imagine your shootings and the production of a book?”

SB: “The planning for the locations and trips I do in winter, old-school with maps. You have the best overview in them and get a good feel for the area. Then, of course, social media helps for interesting contacts and I also use Google Earth. Each trip develops over 2 to 3 months. Even at the planning stage, the anticipation of the journey is a constant companion. Everything then develops almost by itself.
On the journey we are a small group – maximum four people in two cars. Me, my best friend, driver and assistant Michi Daiminger, David zu Elfe for the movie and most of the time someone from Porsche if we have a new car with us. For a Curves edition, we are about 2 to 3 weeks on the road – after that comes the image selection at home, image editing, layout and so on. This also takes about 3 weeks of pure production time.”

 “In my late 20s I bought my first 911 – a 1986 Carrera,
which I still own today with 300,000 km on the clock
– 180,000 of them on Alpine roads.”

SC: “With Porsche you have found an incredibly authentic partner for the project. What connects you with Porsche and where does your passion for the sports cars from Zuffenhausen come from?”

SB: “My parents had a 911 and a 944 in 70s and 80s. I remember the rides in the back of the Targa well. My first car was a Lancia Abarth A112, which had an engine failure after only 8 weeks. From my remaining money I bought a Beetle – after that it happened to me. In my late 20s I bought my first 911 – a 1986 Carrera, which I still own today with 300,000 km on the clock – 180,000 of them on Alpine roads. With time and growing contacts in the Porsche community, some beloved cars were added to the collection. A Porsche is the best ‘interface’ for me. It is visually a pleasure and has its own physicality and sensuality, which is unique. With a Porsche you are always well dressed. Besides, no Porsche has ever failed me on one of my trips so far.”

SC: “Last year you’ve been to Austria, among other places, where you shot a spectacular video about Porsche’s 70th Anniversary. Let us take a quick look at this project and the effort behind it.”

SB: “Most of the vehicles came from Curves fans and friends. I organizes the cars after two days on the phone. These are typical Porsche fans – they just come along to have fun and a good time together. I didn’t even think that it would be that easy. Porsche Design and GO provided us with the Mission E Concept and the 911 T Rally and also supported us in the project.
The operators of the Grossglocknerstrasse, many thanks at this point, were immediately on our site. At the same time I did a book project about the Grossglockner and the only problem was to make an appointment. Because of a bad weather front we had to pull the shoot and the film through in just one day, which was pretty hectic. The road only had to be closed for us in the morning between 5 and 8 o’clock.
The team wasn’t big, we had DJI as a drone team, David zu Elfe shoot the video and I took pictures with Michi Daiminger. Everything went like clockwork – in retrospect, an incredibly beautiful day, of which I really only noticed something afterwards, when I looked through the pictures.”

SC: “The magazine also often takes you far out of the Alpine region. Which place has surprised you the most and why?”

SB: “Every region has something special, every encounter with another culture and its people. Iceland, Scotland, the Pyrenees, recently Thailand surprised me completely. But even if I come to Switzerland for the 50th time, or to the Dolomites or the French Alps – it is always unique. The Sustenpass, one of my favourite roads, is always an experience again.”

SC: “Just recently, you were in Bangkok at the Porsche event ‘Das Treffen 3’. How do you feel about the car scene there and how does it differ to our scene in Europe?”

SB: “Even more relaxed than in California, deep knowledge, attention to details, very familiar, attentive and friendly. Of course, the country, culture and people play a major role. Naturally, the RWB Porsches are also interesting – but this is a separate culture.”

SC: “Finally, our classic question: If you could choose any car in any location for a photo shoot, which car would you like to shoot and where?”

SB: “New Zealand – 550 Spyder – on a road trip. But the 917 is also at the top of my list.”

SC: “Thank you for your detailed answers, Stefan. Continue to be successful in your diverse projects. We look forward to reading more about it.”

More pictures of Stefan Bogner can be found on the Instagram account @curvesmagazin

Der Beitrag Interview with photographer Stefan Bogner erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Secret Classics: „Vincent, we’re glad to have you here for a couple of questions. Please tell us shortly who you are and what you’re doing/working on at the moment.“

Vince Perraud: „Hey, cheers! I’m a French photographer. I started taking pictures at extreme sports events, so I shot BMX and skaters for almost 10 years, but now I evolved into lifestyle and car related stuff, just trying to have fun everyday. At the moment, I just came back from a massive trip around the whole country, where I did a few exhibitions and shot my first love BMX with my colleague Matthias Dandois, who’s the best in BMX flatland. But I’m always working on many projects, so no time to chill.“

SC: „Talk us through your beginnings in photography. When did it start?“

VP: „I started photography about 15 years ago. I was passionate about BMX, but not really good at it myself. At that time I broke my knee ligaments and was not able to ride for a year. So I had to find something else to stay with the crew in the streets, so I grabbed my first analogue camera. I never wanted to be a photographer. I can’t believe it now. It’s unreal and it feels like I’m living the dream.“

SC: „While scrolling through your Instagram feed, we quickly realized your certain kind of style. It combines passion, desire and emotionality for a specific way of life. How would you describe your own photography style? What are your influences?“

VP: „Oh, thanks! I keep searching for my own style and just get on insane projects and I also try to document my life. It’s a good mix of work and lifestyle. For my influences, I would say I’m lucky to have super creative and talented friends. So I learn a lot from them, but for photography I try to get influences from everything, arts, sports, architecture, fashion… Of course I also look at other peoples work. Good or bad, there is always something to take. You learn everyday.“

SC: „Speaking of which, what role does Instagram play for you? Blessing or curse?“

VP: „I feel like I have a love-hate relation with Instagram. You know, when I started back in the days, there was no social media (maybe Myspace) and you had to be really good to get your work published in magazines. Now, kids don’t care about magazines any more. It’s all about YouTube, Instagram and so on. But I think it’s a great platform to show your work and get connected to people, clients and other parties. It’s insane, because you can get so many inspiration everyday, but nowadays everybody thinks he/she is a photographer.“

“It’s insane, because you can get so many inspiration everyday, but nowadays everybody thinks he/she is a photographer.”

VP: „Yeah, it seems that I like them, but I don’t really know why. Just look at them, they are so cute and sexy! If you see one in the street, you immediately know it is a real sports car and it’s even better to drive it. Most times it is just pure pleasure. First I just wanted to shoot a series with a model and a car. All of a sudden, many people contacted me to say it was really cool and more people offered me to shoot their car and also cruise in it! For me it’s just awesome to meet new people.“

SC: „Where does your passion for classic cars come from and how does it fit in your lifestyle of surfing, BMX, skateboarding etc.?“

VP: „I just got influenced by what surrounds me, for example my friends. It just came to me naturally. Some of my friends started skateboarding or BMX, but when you get older you just slide into motorcycles or cars. Nothing was really planned, I just try to have fun.“

SC: „If you could pick any car in the world at any location, what and where would you shoot?“

VP: „That is a very good question! Two years ago I had the extreme luck to borrow one of Magnus Walker’s cars in Los Angeles for a couple of days. It was just so crazy to drive a race car in California! But now I would say, I’d love to cruise my own Porsche 912 (under restoration) and explore the South West of France and visit friends. I can’t wait to make this happen!“

SC: „You’re also shooting a bunch of analogue images. Why? What makes analogue different from digital photography?“

VP: „I started to be ‘old school‘, you know? I started with analogue photography! I try to keep this real, but I have to be alright on the setup to shoot analogue. With modern digital cameras it is quite easy and also nearly everybody shoots with their phones (quality has improved massively in the last years), but I just try to make things different and it’s more some sort of art this way.“

SC: „If you could speak to your younger self. Are there any tips you would give him in regards of photography?“

VP: „Oh, this one is hard. I did a lot of mistakes in my life and still struggle with a bunch of stuff, but you learn more from mistakes than from pure success, so I wouldn‘t be here without my background. I would never have met so many interesting people, friends and so on. I just try to follow my instincts, even if I know it could end bad. So I would say: Just follow your dreams, trust your instincts and have fun! And that’s what I’m trying to do every day.“

SC: „What’s next on the agenda for you? Any trips planned?“

VP: „A bunch of projects are cooking at the moment, but my next big deal is to move to Biarritz this week and start a new life there.“

SC: „Thank you very much for your time and effort, Vince. We‘re looking forward to more nice pictures of yours. Merry Christmas and have a good start in Biarritz.“

VP: „Thanks. And also Merry Christmas to all the readers of Secret Classics!“

If you would like to see more pictures of Vince Perraud, you can follow the link down below or click right here for his Instagram account @vinceperraud.

Images: Vince Perraud

Der Beitrag Interview with photographer Vince Perraud erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Secret Classics: “Please introduce yourself in just two sentences.”

Bill Pack: “First, thank you for your interest in my art and the opportunity to share it with your readers. I love the design and direction you are taking with Secret Classics. I am artist and image maker Bill Pack. I create Automotive Art imagery of rare classic and collector cars.”

SC: “How did you start your work?”

BP: “I started my career as an advertising photographer in San Francisco, CA. It was during these years that I developed my love for design and lighting.”

SC: “Did you start photographing in your youth already?”

BP: “I developed a love for photography in high school. I set up a darkroom in our basement and started developing film and making prints. It was a great creative outlet. After high school, I was accepted into the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. I was taught a strong foundation of the photographic process, of how light worked with film and photographic paper. I learned how to create what I saw in my mind’s eye and produce that image on film.”

SC: “How did you come up with your outstanding idea of this special kind of photography?”

BP: “It began as an appreciation for automotive design. When I first combined my lighting and design with a rare classic car, it produced something quite special.”

SC: “What makes it so special?”

BP: “I approach cars from the perspective of a designer. I present familiar subjects in a different light, from a different point of view. My images are deliberately designed and lit, to evoke an emotion. Basically, it is a lot of hard work that produces what I hope, will be received as art.”

SC: “And how do you want to develop it further?”

BP: “I am always exploring and experimenting. That is what I love about photography. Regardless of how skilled or accomplished an artist is, there is always something new to discover. The process is continual, where it leads me I really can not say.”

SC: “Explain a typical day at work.”

BP: “There really is not a typical day. That is what I love about the creative process.
A day can range from viewing a private collection to working on my computer doing post-production work from a past commission. They range from hearing the history and stories of a car while it has been in the present owners care, to presenting a completed commission to a client. There is something special about the days when I am alone with the car in the dark, with just my camera and my lights. It is here that I sculpt out with my lighting the lines of the car’s designer. I always look to present those lines in a different light. Wayne Carini says ”All of your images bring out shapes in cars I have not seen before.”

SC: “How many car photo shootings do you do per year?”

BP: “My average is about 55 cars per year.”

SC: “Has there been any car shooting you’ve liked very much?”

BP: “That is a hard question. I love the creative process and with each car I find images that were unexpected. That is what excites me, always wondering, what will I discover today?”

SC: “Is there any car in the world you would like to take pictures of?”

BP: “I would love to do a series with the Franco Scaglione designed Alfa Romeo BAT (Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica) prototypes, number 5, 7 and 9. The design and lines are so unique. I believe they would surrender some fabulous imagery.”

SC: “If you could wish something what project would it be to work on?”

BP: “One project is an installation of automotive art, to be exhibited at galleries and museums. A “Movable Creative Feast” if you will, of Automotive Art imagery that features the lines of the designer.”

SC: “What are additional targets and projects for the future? You told us
about your idea of an Automotive Art Section at Secret Classics, can you
explain it a bit more?”

BP: “With an Automotive Art feature I want to give a brief backstory of the designer, then let my imagery tell the emotional visual story. Thus creating a visual essay that allows the viewer to appreciate and understand the car and designer on a different level, becoming experiential. It is not just looking at a car photograph, but experiencing an emotion. This creates a deeper appreciation for the craft and skill of the designers and builders who brought these works of art into a tangible reality.”

SC: “When will the Automotive Art Section start?”

BP: “I have several series all ready to go.”

SC: “You just finished working on your first book, what can we expect?”

BP: “We are very excited about this project. It started out as a promotional book for me to use as my portfolio. I attend various Concours d’Elegance’s around the country. Invariably each time I have the book out, a group of people gather around asking where they can buy a copy. So that started the process of designing a book to sell.
We are running a Kickstarter Campaign to publish V12’s inaugural book of Automotive Art. This will be the first of many volumes.
Lionel Fierreira has created a fantastic design for the book. He has given the book a tactical quality of surfaces that I just love. To me, it’s not just about graphic design when viewing a book, but also how does it feel in your hands. What is the experience one has when viewing the book? What senses are engaged? Lionel has created something that is experiential, and in my mind, it is perfect.
The Kickstarter Campaign runs for 25 days. The purpose of the campaign is to invite people to be a part of this art project. It’s not just buying a book, but having a role in its creation. Bringing a community together to produce something that did not exist. I invite your readers to join us and be apart of the process.”

SC: “Dear Bill, it was a pleasure and a great honour for us having the opportunity for this interview. It has been fascinating to get all the information about you and your work and to look behind the scenes. Before we close I would like to ask you a final question. What do you like about Secret Classics and its approach?”

BP: “I think the team from Secret Classics and myself share the same passion for classic cars and have the ambition to share this with the whole scene and beyond. Beside that I like creative and innovative people who are hungry in developing things further. And Secret Classics and its whole concept of promoting classic cars in a highly emotional and passionate way, bringing high quality statements to the market to deliver best quality to its customers as well as having a unique variety of exclusive and exceptional products, services and information for classic car enthusiasts is absolutely the right way and the “missing link” in the whole scene. Therefore the term “digital showroom for classic cars and the automotive lifestyle that goes with it” does perfectly match and pointing out what Secret Classics is to build up during the upcoming months. For sure there is still a way to go, but I am absolutely confident that the team will make it. And I am happy to be a part of it.”

SC: “Bill, thank you very much and we are looking forward to read more about you, your work and projects as well as to discover your Automotive Art Section.”

So as written above, in the next weeks we will start an ‘Automotive Art Section’ featured by Bill Pack. We also would like to introduce his new book to you as soon as it is available. Other features together with him might follow as well. Maybe he can give us a ‘Behind the Scenes’ look at one of his shootings one day.

Images: Bill Pack

Der Beitrag Interview with photo artist Bill Pack erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.