Journal: What Would You Like to See More of?

What Would You Like to See More of?

By Yoav Gilad
April 24, 2014

Photography by Afshin Behnia for Petrolicious

At Petrolicious we run stories that appeal to us, which we think will also appeal to you. And we try to capture a wide range of vehicles, brands, and people. But frankly, this is a dialogue and we’d like to know what you’d like to see more of? While I have to admit that if this was my own personal site I’d cover nothing but Italian cars and their associated paraphernalia, I’ve been told that there are cars built in other places and that they, too, have a following. I’m not quite sure why given that Alfa, Ferrari, and Lamborghini are all from Italy, but apparently this is true.

Obviously, I’m joking. I own an American car, a Japanese car, and, gasp, a Korean daily driver. But I continue to lust for something that sounds like a curse word and will try to kill me at every turn. Countach! But I’d like to know, if Petrolicious was yours to command, what you’d like to see more of? Which brands, which cars, which products, and which people should we be paying more attention to? There are no wrong answers, even if you claim there are cars made outside of Italy, which is obviously not true.

What would you like to see more of?

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Patrick Andrews
Patrick Andrews
8 years ago

How about
Interviews with original designers…or with current designers asking which famous designers influenced them .
Better designed merchandise. Maybe ask the designers above each to come up with a suggested T shirt?
A future classics section in which the best current vehicles for longterm relationships are discussed.
Interviews with the mechanics whom collectors employ.

Ernesto Rosa
Ernesto Rosa
10 years ago

You guys do an excellent job.
I love the italian videos!!!
I miss them.

Jorge
Jorge
10 years ago

Did anyone ever mention Lotus? and more generally, British cars. And Venturi, Matra, Pegaso, Hispano Suiza, Riley, EMW… There are plenty of smaller brands with a very interesting history and covering almost all fields. And I am sure there is interesting people around those less named brands.

Marvin
10 years ago

I am an Alfista and love the cars that come from Italy. However that does not mean I am not interested in cars that were made outside Italy. I also prefer handling over power.
In general cars that are different get my attention, different in design (that doesn’t mean they have to be beautiful), different in technology. And of course the lesser known cars and the underdogs. And the vintage racing cars.
What I also like is to read (or watch videos) about the owners of a vehicle that have a special story.

victor ceicys
victor ceicys
10 years ago

A genuine smile car: NSU TT.

Jeff
Jeff
10 years ago

Mr. Gilad,

Thank you for this work of art you have created. I have been blessed in many ways in life, and Petrolicious is one of these blessings. One extraordinary thing you could do would be to conduct driving events where your guests were able to gently test drive a variety of automobiles, both vintage and new. Various sponsors would have an interest (including vintage car showrooms such as The Stable in Gladstone, NJ), and a fee could be collected for charity, operations costs and a small profit. Perhaps we could speak over the next few days about organizing this.

Russ Seuffert
Russ Seuffert
10 years ago

I love this site. Very nicely done with fine photographs. I really wouldn’t change anything, however just a suggestion . . . I’d like to see the Honda S2000 featured along with one or more of the earlier ones from the 60’s, the S500, S600 or S800.

Reginald Warlop
Reginald Warlop
10 years ago

How about featuring lesser known cars – like Pagaso or Bucciali’s? You could also cover some interesting innovations introduced by the cars (e.g. the Bucciali was the first and probably the only front wheel driven car with two inline 8 engines linked up). I’m always surprised to discover how early technologies like 4×4 or overdrive were invented and put into production cars.

Raul Andrei
Raul Andrei
10 years ago

Lamborghini, more Italian heritage, more about Italian designers and automotive engineers…i love italian automotive heritage
also 70s 80s and 90s concepts

SeanC
SeanC
10 years ago

I started to notice how many times I followed a link back to this site, and spent some time really diving in. I’ve read through virtually every photo essay and watched nearly every video. The photography is top notch with a great aesthetic that compliments the overall theme, and the video productions reflect that well too. I concluded that I have cars you guys have never featured and stepped up to submit… and realized that the preference is for big money, super rare, highly-restored cars.

To that point, you’ve done a great job of masking the money behind the aura of desire and design; and the almost universal interest automotive enthusiasts have for these cars. But just once, I’d like to stumble upon an automotive site that can transcend the unattainable and concourse perfection and convey the passion of enthusiasts that do their own work, do their own thing, are mid-way through their projects on a car that is within their means and ability which they genuinely love and thoroughly understand.

Don’t get me wrong, the pieces on zagotos and other gorgeous, perfect cars are alluring. I love hearing the engines, seeing how the suspension reacts, and observing little details I didn’t know about. Because I will otherwise never see one in the flesh. Some of these characters, like in the Oakland, Tatra and XK videos, are practically more interesting than the cars; which is fantastic. But honestly we’re all driving around in Volvos or Miatas. It would be great if someone could respectfully end the suspended disbelief that a great number of people are really priced out of playing with the big boys; but are quite happy tossing around their project that’s be no means perfect but perfect to them.

James Honderich
James Honderich
10 years ago

Though Petrolicious already does a fine job in regards to featuring air-cooled Porsches; I’d love to see even more coverage of said autos!

Peter Swanson
Peter Swanson
10 years ago

Honestly, the crowd and culture behind swedish and english vehicles are my favorite. Not too precious, not too snobby, not fixated on power. Everyday people who wrench and experience every moment with their vehicle they drive regularly. Not about exclusivity or purity of breeds or investors masked as enthusiasts. It’s the drivers who define the cars.

Robert C
Robert C
10 years ago

The cars featured are gorceous, I tune in as soon as a new video comes available and then I cath up with all the articles. What I enjoy alot except the cars are the fashion ques, you guys featured alot of cool stuff from bags to gloves and retro sun glasses so alot more of retro style would be nice that goes with the cars. Also planning a Autodromo buy soon!

Grant Harmsen
Grant Harmsen
10 years ago

I would love to see more French stuff. Really, anything from France would be great (In loved the Tour Auto pieces!). Some Art Déco highlights. History of Delage in racing. Profile of Avions Voisin. Or possible a history piece of French Coachbuilders. Maybe some Citroën DS rally pieces or how the Peugeot 404 is a great rugged classic. Basically anything French.

Aside from France, Anything that is unique; outside the ‘run of the mill’. Lagonda maybe?

Chris
Chris
10 years ago

Two words… Jag-Uaaaaaaaaar

James Hulme
James Hulme
10 years ago

So few sites/blogs/programmes/photographs focus at all on the interior of a car. I will never understand this: PEOPLE SPEND MOST OF THEIR TIME CONNECTING WITH A CAR FROM THE INSIDE!!!! I really think that steering wheels, gear sticks, toggle switches, gauges etc etc represent man’s interaction with the machine, and yet so little attention is paid to it. Stylistically there is so much that is neglected on the inside of a car.

Raymond Quon
Raymond Quon
10 years ago

Hello, I’d like to see more cars from the 60’s. Maybe a Pagoda (MBZ SL)? Feature on the Alfaholics GTA-R or their Super… Although not from the 60’s, Volvo 240 turbos, maybe a flat hood? Thank you for putting out such wonderful videos on not only the cars, but the owners and their stories behind the cars.

Joao Miranda
Joao Miranda
10 years ago

Show more Alfa Romeos 😉

Marc Grosjean
Marc Grosjean
10 years ago

Great Site! Keep going! Don’t forget about the Lancias and specially these from Zagato… Cheers Marc

Russ_T_B
10 years ago

More 80s and 90s! NSX, F355, 993 turbos, ford cosworths, peugeot 205 gti
Maybe even australian cars, you know, for the rest of the world that doesn’t know about them…

Robert Spina Jr
Robert Spina Jr
10 years ago

This is by far and away my favorite site of all time. The format is excellent. I agree with Mark Paddack about what is compelling. The love affairs the owners have with their cars are what makes this site special. If I had to change one thing it would be to make the videos longer! There are many creative shops (speed shops, custom shops, etc) that would make for some great features as well. The owners, the community built around them and the products created through that relationship could also make for some great viewing/reading. Oh and more BMW stories!

Jon
Jon
10 years ago

Please feature a Porsche 944!

Mark Barnard
Mark Barnard
10 years ago

Would love to see more on Allard’s .. Back in the 30’s and 40’s the notion of shehorning a huge V8 American lump into a stiff British chassis was very much the order of the day, paving the way for Shelby and the like in the 60’s. Allard covered all angles from hill climbing, flat sprinting and drag racing.. always squeezing the very max out of any flathead V8 to hand.
.. oh and anything Frazernash please… got to love chain driven!

Colin Van Elderen
Colin Van Elderen
10 years ago

I’d love to see some more ”retro” era cars. Like the Group B inspired era, late 80’s and early 90’s. Some more attainable and more affordable cars. We all love classics but I think we should keep an eye out for the soon-to-be and/or future classics.

Other that that, keep it up, love this site!

Redvers Arnold
Redvers Arnold
10 years ago

The format at present is excellent and I wouldn’t change it. A good variety of cars, Italian, German, American and Japanese have been covered along with associated films, advertising literature and paraphernalia. All interesting and of high quality. one possible area to include would be to cover slightly older vehicles from say the 1930’s just to add even more to the site.

Nathan Leipsig
Nathan Leipsig
10 years ago

I’d like to see more accessible vehicles. Vehicles who’s price tag wouldn’t force you to decide between (x vehicle) and a down payment on a nice house or, in some a cases, said nice house altogether.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that desire comes from things you know you can’t have, but there are also comes a point where vehicles that are reasonably attainable become exponentially more attractive because they are just that: reasonably attainable. I won’t give a Ferrari much more than a passing glance because I’ll never have one anyway, whereas I will almost stalk an older 911 or Alfa GTV just get a better sense of the car, and what it takes to have one.

I have an E28 BMW 535i and an R107 Mercedes 450SL. I didn’t bother with college/university and my daddy isn’t loaded; my cars are [i]mine[/i]. I’d like to hear from more people like me, honestly. I admire shooting the for the stars, but the ground can be a nice place to hang out.

David C.
David C.
10 years ago

I’d love to see more features on automotive designers and their influence on automobiles as well as more features on small and mostly forgotten car manufacturers.

Giovanni Ciampa
Giovanni Ciampa
10 years ago

Great website….keep it up!
I’d really enjoy seeing more FIATS of the 60’s/70’s…..fiat 850 sport coupes and X1/9’s in particular! 😉

ciao

Mark Paddack
Mark Paddack
10 years ago

I wouldn’t change anything to the format. The love affair the owner has with his car is what is compelling. Newer cars with passionate owners with a story once in a while would be great!

Stephan P
Stephan P
10 years ago

Etceterinis

frank
frank
10 years ago

I love stories with pics/ movie special trips/ holidays with special cars. For example coust to coust with a fiat panda.

autobianchist
10 years ago

Maybe more 60’s or 70’s little italian cars like fiat abarths lancia’s etc.. In otherwise I understand the complications to find them.

Mutupo
10 years ago

There’s very little that can be said that others here have not already. Petrolicious just keep bringing the goodness and I, for one, have no complaints. I’m extraordinarily partial to your films I must declare.
As to your question; I’d very much like to see films of some of what I call the “less respected” classics like the
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type14 & 34), Volvo 1800s, Peugeot 504 cabriolet, Renault Alpine A110. As well as some of the more proletariat type jam jars like Peugeot 404/504, Morris Mini Moke, Datsun 120/140Y and the like.

That said; Petrolicious you do fabulous work and we thank you for that. By far my most favorite automotive site.

David Nelson
David Nelson
10 years ago

I once owned a 96 Dodge Viper RT10 and have always regretted selling it. I’ve owned many great cars, but there is nothing like a Viper. With it’s incredible lines and insane power, it is the only car I’ve ever been been afraid of. Would like to see a story on a Viper and it’s owner.

Mike
Mike
10 years ago

I own a ’69 Triumph ‘GT6 (first sports car I’ve owned or worked on), I would like to see more info on Michelotti’s influence on Ferrari, and how it has translated over time to some of his other designs.. I also really enjoy your articles about owners and their experiences actually working on their own cars. It’s nice to hear about the struggle of fixing and understanding your favorite ride.

Luke Ogier
Luke Ogier
10 years ago

I think you are doing a great job and you have covered a very diverse set of classic sports and GT, keep it up.
From the posters so far I would agree with:
Features on engines, gearboxes or trans axles.
A bit of history, the unique and rare.
Interesting quirks.
Less American, More European.

D L
D L
10 years ago

I would love more orphan marques. The ones you rarely ever see, like Pierce Arrow, Studebaker, Hudson, etc.

Antony Ingram
Antony Ingram
10 years ago

Frankly, I’d be perfectly happy if Petrolicious continues to do exactly as it has done – it’s by far my favourite automotive website and the content is spot-on.

However, since you asked… I’d echo the thoughts of a select few others here that the occasional dabble with slightly newer vehicles wouldn’t go amiss. I don’t think it should be a main aspect of the site by any stretch – classics are what I love to read about – but for those not lucky enough to own a classic, the prospect of “future classics” or more recent vehicles that still maintain the “Drive Tastefully” ethos could turn up the occasional interesting vehicle. Particularly if the same high standards of photography are maintained – everyone likes to see a beautifully-photographed car.

BillamJunior
BillamJunior
10 years ago

Less American,
More European
Please

Jake Williams
Jake Williams
10 years ago

More pre-1980s Italian and Japanese. Ferrari, Lancia, Datsun, Alfa Romeo, and the like. I love hearing about the average joe’s love for their car, but everyone has a story. The motto is “Drive Tastefully,” so it only makes sense, right?

Matthew Lange
Matthew Lange
10 years ago

I reckon keep doing what you’re doing.

Mike Neisen
Mike Neisen
10 years ago

I agree that more of the same would be delightful, but since you asked…

-Videos or written interviews of collectors talking about their collections rather than just one or two cars in the collection.
-vintage factory racers converted for street use
-Stories about engineers/designers/drivers (Delorean, Pete Brock, Smokey Yunick, Battista Farina, etc.)

Denis Porokhniak
Denis Porokhniak
10 years ago

Keep doing what you’re doing. I especially appreciate the video content so naturally I’d love to see more of that. As for the cars covered, I like to see perhaps some more cars that haven’t become a cliché, the ones that are perhaps overlooked, forgotten etc. Don’t get me wrong, I love the early Countach as much as anyone (or more), but stories like the ones you had on Tatra are very few and far between on the web (presented this well), at least as far as I can see.

Thanks a lot!

BiTurbo228
BiTurbo228
10 years ago

More of the same wouldn’t be an issue in the slightest 🙂

Personally, I’d like to see some more 80s cars. Maybe an Alfa 75, or my erstwhile Maserati Biturbo.

Ooh, something that would be a great idea is features on engines. A bit of history, interesting quirks, potential modifications, racing/endurance examples, traits and characteristics. Maybe with photos of stock examples and various different modified ones in as many styles as you can find 🙂

BiTurbo228
BiTurbo228
10 years ago
Reply to  BiTurbo228

Another idea would be features on engineers of note. Perhaps people like Harry Mundy, Walter Hassan, Spen King etc., or influential CEOs like Ferrucio Lamborghini, Enzo Ferrari or Sir William Lyons.

Hayden
Hayden
10 years ago

When you guys where associated with “Depth of Speed”, I was told to expect a short video about the AW11 Toyota MR2… No one on the internet has a good 1st gen. MR2 video.

Razvan
Razvan
10 years ago

Firstly love your site, and it became a daily “must visit”.

Like before mentioned, love the diversity but I wonder if would it be of interest some articles on “future classic” cars, late 90`s early 2000.I think there are a lot of italian cars that will obtain without a doubt this “status” in the following years. Alfa Romeo 156 owner right here hehe.

Keep up the great work and wish you luck in all that you do!

BiTurbo228
BiTurbo228
10 years ago
Reply to  Razvan

As a fellow 156 owner I second this idea 🙂

Tuval
Tuval
10 years ago
Reply to  Razvan

And i triple this! The 156 deserves a piece on design and to me it is a classic.
Can’t stop looking back at her after I park.

AverageCarJoe
AverageCarJoe
10 years ago

Keep running the gamut like you have but I have notice the best stories are often more about the people then the cars.

Zinhead
Zinhead
10 years ago

The best part of this site is seeing cars, mechanics and owners that you never get a chance to see in real life. The eighties cars are interesting but these cars are still relatively common. On the other hand, the piece on the Lancia Flaminia Zagato allows us to appreciate a car most of us will never see in real metal. The following topics would be interesting.

1) Noted mechanics like Jaan Hjorth at Eddins Moto or Mike Besic of Besic Motorsports.
2) Noted race car drivers, perhaps reunited with the same or similar vehicle to what they drove.
3) Prewar cars would build up appreciation for these classics.

Keep the focus on the European cars, and keep up the good work.

BJ Barker
BJ Barker
10 years ago

I’m in agreement with Aircooled1, that your site produces fantastic content, so I think for the most part, you should keep doing what you are doing.

Personally, as a young college student currently without a car, I’d love to see more posts or videos about good entry-level vintage cars. More videos or interviews with master mechanics and restoration experts would be great too, as anything I’m likely to pick up in the near future will be dirt cheap and riddled with problems.

That being said, I’m still a sucker for all the articles and videos about extremely rare vintage, euro, and race cars. Keep up the good work!

Slava
Slava
10 years ago

My name is Slava and I am a graphic designer based out of Toronto, Canada. Petrolicious is my daily – I am a huge fan!

Thank you for asking! You guys have been doing a splendid job and I absolutely love your videos. From what I’ve seen there is definitely a lot of accent on the Italian cars and after I’ve read this post I learned why 🙂

If Petrolicious was mine to command I would feature a little bit of everything just like you are doing right now, but of course, a bit more on Japanese cars. I am a Honda nut and I was delighted to watch your feature on the CRX. I would document more videos in Canada and in other parts of the world as well as focus on design. I keep on coming back here because I want to learn, be entertained and inspiring stories. I admit that sometimes I enjoyed hearing the story more than seeing the car, like the Isetta video for example. The Isetta is a wonderful little machine but the story behind it is even better.

Keep doing what you are doing right now because you are doing it really, really well!

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