Dakar or Bust | evocative photography from Nikon wielding Roger DeSilva (1925-2008) who, after capturing atrocities of WW2, settled in Senegal and recorded the young country’s independence spirit amongst the chic lifestyle of celebrities and politicians. He has a retrospective in Paris exhibiting many of his beautiful imagery.
One Million Years – Chicagoan Raquel Welch stirred the hearts of many a red blooded male in the 60’s as Loana the Fair One dressed in a chamois bikini amidst a world of dinosaurs. She keeps the look on the right side of this triptych with s Vespa scooter. But the centerpiece is a smiling lass astride a Norton. Honest happiness of a smoldering brunette who swept away the submissive blond bombshell of previous sex symbols and led the way for stronger women in the limelight.
Scooter Spring – the weather is slowly but surely improving here in the Midwest. Passed this hipster on his Vespa zooming through Evanston earlier today. The forecast for the weekend is looking good!
Moon Motos- Fortyeight years ago today Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin brought their Lunar Module down onto the Sea of Tranquility to become the first visitors to our moon. Their companion Mike Collins orbited overhead in the Command Module. In later trips a Rover was developed to go further afield on the surface… here’s what a Lunar Scooter may have looked like… kickin’ up some moondust…
Bubble Trouble – this bright red three-wheeler beamed at me by the side of the road today. I had to screech to a stop, park nearby and get some snaps. It’s a Messerschmitt car KR200 or Kabinenroller. Not being allowed to manufacture aircraft after WW2 these were Designed by Fritz Fend with Willy Messerschmitt only putting his name on them. 40,000 were made between 1954 and 1965. The streamlined appearance with fuselage inspired body gives it a futuristic look even today. Flying cars anyone?
Bayswater Road Santy – smashing image of mini-bike zooming Santa Claus haring through London with sidecar bear. Fake cotton wool beard is holding up well to the foggy atmosphere. The red bus and fringed coat would have made this a perfect seasonal image in colour.
Traffic Zapper – scooter traveler to carry out much needed shopping in a gridlocked urban environment. A very elegant lady in her a-line dress will be like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
