Another member of the flock

Another Lotus has come home for the summer from wherever it migrated over the cold seasons (probably a nice heated garage), it promptly went shopping Uptown.

Lotus: like Punxsutawney Phil but for supercars

Love the color of this gorgeous Lotus Elise, it's definitely the season for exotics to stray forth and delight us with their tuned exhausts and sensuous styling. I'm looking forward to more and more of these as the warm weather develops.

Need to wash my windows.

Kawasaki Bobber

When leaving the local pub last weekend I happened upon this Kawasaki bobber. It was  very dark so my phone's flash had to work overtime on these photos. Nevermind the dorky scooter in the background.

Red spokes, always a hit with the hot rod crowd.

Solo seat.

The best part was the lace paint job on the tank, despite this photo the paint was more of a root beer color than red or pink.

Off-Roadie

I recently took a trip to my favorite surplus store, and upon leaving found this beast of a sand-rail/dune buggy parked out front. This is clearly a fairly high-dollar off-roader, all the paint and chrome, the high build quality, and the registration (not simple to get for these vehicles) point to a deep wallet or an un-cluttered schedule.

Plug plug plug.

Major suspension at work.

It's only two wheel drive.

All-business two-seater cockpit.

Plenty of lighting.

Fuel cell and cargo area behind the seats.

Exposed controls ahead of the cockpit.

From the Archive: Monster Engine

Several years ago I happened to see this flatbed pickup hauling an enormous V12 engine. I suspected at the time that this was a marine engine, for a speed boat or similar, but I really don't know. It's a short block (it doesn't have heads and may not have pistons or a crankshaft) which means it's being rebuilt. 

The Supernationals: Rafik Kaissi

A featured builder for the show was Rafik Kaissi, a Texas based motorcycle builder who has been shaking things up for a few years now. I first became aware of Kaissi when his 'chain bike' hit magazines and websites about five years ago. Since then he's clearly been letting his imagination run wild and putting his impressive fabrication skills to good use. I had the opportunity to speak to Kaissi about some of his creations and techniques, I found him to be very friendly and enthusiastic about his work, and was happy to have met him.

 There was a large and pressing crowd around the area, which made it difficult to get good camera angles. The bikes are also incredibly detailed, I tried to capture as much as possible but there is definitely missing information.

The Chain Bike

The antique fire extinguisher on the floor is actually the fuel tank, worn on the back while riding.

Nearby was this interesting bike with an off-center in-frame fuel tank, the seating area defies definition.

Also on display was this tube-framed trike.

Very cool pulley-and-wire suspension system.

Kaissi and his lovely companion visible in the background.

Finally this bitchin', out-there creation, with one of the most unique suspensions I've ever seen.

Notice the single coil-over shock.

Notice the ring around the engine.

Notice that the front wheel is attached to the outside of the ring, the rear wheel to the inside.

The whole bike flexes at the middle to absorb bumps in the road.

I found both the man and his creations inspirational, he's definitely pushing the envelope of avant garde motorcycles, and I genuinely appreciate that he took the time to show his work speak to his fans on a personal level.

Ferrari in California

Sent from a reader, a beautiful Ferrari.

 Thanks Laurie!

Prowler

Nicely maintained convertible Plymouth Prowler near Artisan's Supplies, great big wheels and the gorgeous purple paint caught my eye immediately. This is also the first time I've noticed the bulges behind the cab over the trunk, very attractive. 

I had the R/C version of a Prowler way back when they first came out, I thought they were the way all cars would look in the future, but poor sales shot that dream down. Too bad they never made a V8 version.

It's Electric!

Tesla Model S, at Downtown Subscription in Santa Fe. Unfortunately poor photos due to the crowded parking lot. The owner was very friendly, he described the ride as similar to flying thanks to its smoothness and quiet. He claimed (and I'm inclined to believe) that there are only two in New Mexico currently. Very cool, sleek and classy vehicle. 

Thanks to my buddy Patrick for pointing it out or I may have missed this great vehicle!

UPDATE 1/13/13: the Tesla Model S was named Automobile Magazine's car of the year!