Category Archives: Auto Auctions-Shows

Ferraris in Palm Beach

Image

Red Ferrari by Chip Bunnell Photography

Click to enlarge – See the details

Ever since Thomas Magnum raced on to the small screen in his famous red 308, I have had a love, appreciation and admiration for the work of Enzo Ferrari and his team of master craftsmen. Yes, their automobiles will get you from point A to B, but it is much, much more than that. They get you there in uniquely Italian style and class! When you arrive, you have a mixed feeling of profound sadness that your drive is over, shaken with a heavy dose of excitement to share your rolling art with those that greet you. Even though each model would be a treat to own, there are still those that rise to the top in this elite class of motor-masterpieces. I was fortunate enough to witness this year’s gathering in person!

Each year, for 5 brief days, Ferrari owners from around the country and beyond, descend on Palm Beach to enjoy the Cavallino Classic. They bring their daily drivers as well as examples that only see the light of day once a year. Others, who only dream of owning a piece of rolling-art (that’s where I come in), are equally as welcome to look and take in the feel of track days as these remarkable machines carve the corners. Brand new models that have never been seen locally in person as well as historic, 1-of-a-kind Le Mans winners are lined up. No ropes or guards keep you away…only your respect creates a inpenetrable barrier refraining your touch of these truly beautiful creations.

This image shows one of the many rare treats we enjoyed on that sunny South Florida day. Even in the land of excessive wealth and high-priced toys, the fiery red marvels still turned every head and did not disappoint.

Photo Stuff: Single image, processed in LR and PS

www.ChipBunnell.com
©2015 All Rights Reserved

EVENT :: A Topless Classic

Image

Chip Bunnell Photography of a Chevrolet Convertible

Click to Enlarge – See the Detail

Sun and fun surrounded by palm trees and sand is the typical South Florida postcard. In my opinion, the picture is not complete unless you are going topless. …well, the car is “topless” at least.

Even the earliest automobiles needed a way to shelter their passengers from the outside elements. Protection from the rain, blazing sun or falling snow was a must. Ironically, as soon as we had a rolling roof over our heads, some felt a bit trapped and confined. They missed the open air and feel of the wind blowing through their hair as they rambled down the road. The solution – a convertible top. With the flip of a lever or push of a button, a normally boring commute, trip to the grocery or driving the kids to soccer becomes a stress-relieving, recreational activity.

This year’s Father’s Day brought return of the annual car show to Mizner Park in Boca Raton. Numerous classic, custom and exotic cars lined up to be judged by a panel of a few and admired by all. Many of those on display were convertibles. They came in all sizes, shapes and colors. Some owners were younger, while most had navigated much of life’s experiences. Whether they dreamed of them as children, had a rusted out version as their 1st car or simply admired the unique lines of designs of the past, this was their time to relive some of their youth by owning and showing one of these classics today. With a little more time on their hands and a few more dollars in the bank, the current owners are able to restore cars that were common over 50 years ago to a better than showroom shine. Not only is this a goal realized to them, but it also preserves a little bit of history for the rest of us to enjoy.

This particular image is of a 1956 (I believe) Chevrolet Bel Air convertible. I was struck by the simple and colorful lines of the interior. I was drawn to the shine of the chrome to contrasting fun of the fuzzy dice. Rather than making the same exterior image that I had seen countless others snap, I chose an angle that uses the retracted convertible top as a base frame and allows the viewer to see the interior beauty as I saw it that day. The shallow depth of field makes the dashboard pop while allowing the Florida palm trees to fade into the background.

The current owner may have a little less hair now than when this model first drove off the assembly line, but it’s clear their choice is to still roll “topless” under the warm Florida sun.

Single Frame, Processed in LR

^Return to Top^

www.ChipBunnell.com