A Bite of History  by Mike Thies

 The Jaguar XK120

There are moments in automotive history when a single car changes everything, when elegance, engineering, and audacity collide to create something that feels more like a declaration than a machine. We learn that the Jaguar XK120 was one of those moments. When it first appeared at the 1948 London Motor Show, no one…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1948 Rover P3 Saloon

The 1948 Rover P3 Saloon marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British motoring. Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the P3 was a bridge between prewar craftsmanship and the modern engineering ethos that would come to define Rover’s future. Although its styling retained many traditional elements, including an upright grille, separate fenders, and rear-hinged front…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Duesenberg

Founded in 1913 by German-American brothers Fred and August Duesenberg, the Duesenberg Motor Company became the gold standard of American automotive engineering, combining race-bred performance with unmatched luxury. Known simply as “Duesys,” these cars weren’t just automobiles, they were status symbols.

Duesenberg made its mark early in motorsport, winning the 1921 French…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Pierce-Arrow

Pierce-Arrow, founded in Buffalo, New York in 1901, quickly became synonymous with opulence, elegance, and cutting-edge engineering. Originally an offshoot of a household goods manufacturer, the company shifted focus to automobiles and carved a niche for itself as a premier American luxury carmaker, favored by royalty, industrialists, and even the White House.

Renowned…

   Most folks have become very comfortable with the Rat Rod phenomenon. But for those new to the idea, a Rat Rod is a style of custom car or truck, that in most cases, imitates (or perhaps exaggerates) the early hot rods of the mid 20th century. While there are many re-creations and period correct restorations of the traditional hot rod from that era, the Rat Rods are the rough edged, scrappy country cousins. Fans argue the Rat Rod is made for driving and hanging…