Italy

For a Limited Time Only, The Vespa 946.

Since it’s beginnings Vespa has always had a distinct look and classic design lines. The new limited edition Vespa 946 is no exception to the rule. This striking redesign of this scooter maintains the classic look with updated details across the bike.

The dynamic lines, the distinct proportion of the fairing, the sweep of the handle bar, the single round tail light all come from some of the earliest Vespa drawings. The 946 is hand built with an attention to detail and a craftsman’s approach to build quality. Every detail reflects a choice and a reference to Italian-style production.

Limited batch of 3,600 units for all markets worldwide, the production of which in the Pontedera factory will terminate with the month of November. The 946 is priced out at $ 9,946.00 which will probably limit some sales, but if you want one you better not wait much longer.

Magnum Photographer Ian Berry Talks About the GX7

The YouTube video below from Panasonic does two things, it advertises their new compact camera the GX& and it tells a terrific story. This is a beautifully shot and edited film featuring world renowned Magnum photographer Ian Berry. What I like about it is, it feels less like an ad and more like a vignette into Berry’s style of shooting, and his personality. Panasonic has done a great job of hiding the ad for the camera, inside a story that photographers and potential buyers can get behind. This is the soft-sell done right. At five and a half minutes in length it is worth watching just to hear what Berry says about blending in on the streets of Rome as he shoots.

Oh and did I mention just how amazing the video looks? I’m going to bet that this was shot on the Panasonic Lumix GH3. Just a guess, but it is one of the hottest DSLR’s for shooting video these day, so I think it’s a pretty solid bet.

Who Wants a 1957 Maserati 250s? I do.

IIf you have a couple million extra dollars lying around and you are in London this September, you might want to pick up this 1957 Maserati that is being offered via RM Auctions.

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful race cars ever built, this late 1950’s classic has been fully restored to perfection. This 1957 Maserati 250S is one of a handful that were ever built. And in my opinion this vehicle represents the best of the 200S series Maserati’s from that period. The car was popularized on the amateur racing circuit worldwide. Unlike the smaller 200S, the 1957 Maserati 250S was powered by a powerful 230 horsepower inline 6 cylinder engine that could propel the car to 161 mph against professional-class competition.

The definitive lines of this car, smooth, sleek aerodynamic make the look. That long slender nose gracefully sloping toward the ground. Wire spoke wheels. The thin windscreen, and the drivers fairing. Those high arched fenders, and that Maserati Red… This was a remarkable vehicle for its time, and this version has been restored to that original esteem. By the look of the photos you’d think it just rolled out of the Maserati workshop, ready for its next rider to come calling with a hefty checkbook.

This 1957 Maserati 250S will go under the gavel on September 8th at the RM Auctions London show. Reserve and estimated bidding pricing has not yet been released.

Mamma Mia That’s One Fancy BBQ Set.

Would you look at this, a fancy BBQ set designed by Italians, with metal made by Germans, and hopefully serving food to Americans on the Fourth of July. If it isn’t it should be. This stuff looks so nice I’m not sure I’d want to let it near my BBQ. The set is made from rust-resistant, brushed steel from Germany, and Indian Rosewood handles with an oiled finish. I love the clean lines, and minimalist aesthetic.

Maserin’s BBQ set is made in much the same way as their folding kitchen knives. Blades are laser cut from a sheet of steel, then attached to a thick wire that forms the core of the handle, around which goes the rosewood handle.

The set is made by Maserin in Magiano, Italy,which is known as the “city of knives”. Maserin was founded in 1960 and began by making sporting knives. They are now considered among the world’s best. Their tradition of artisanal blacksmithing continues to embrace the latest technologies in blade-making. They’ve since expanded their collection to include everything from mushroom foraging knives to corkscrews, and now, a barbecue set to end all barbecue sets.