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Films:
This Oakland Racer Fits Just Perfectly
This is still my favourite Petrolicious video: A rare and handsome prewar-car, an enthusiastic owner, faboulus music – when are you going to produce something similar? – I mean, classic Porsches, Mercedes and market-oriented collectors are anything but particularly rare these days. But cars like this fantastic Oakland and people like Brian Bent are. I’d wish you’d manage to produce more of that caliber from time to time. Any prewar special would do…
I have watched this video about seven times in the last two days, having newly discovered Petrolicious only a few days ago. I believe I have learned a few things from Mr. Bent that I’d like to comment on here.
* It’s perfectly OK to have been born 75 to 100 years “too late” for the times. I often feel as though I ought to have been born in 1890 and not 1966 as was the case. You can be yourself whatever ear you think you “belong” to.
* What other people may think is of no consequence to how you ought to pursue your life. I knew this already, but am glad to see my opinion validated to such a high degree in this film.
* Perception of speed is relative to the manner of conveyance.
* Gasoline, or diesel fuel spent in “aimless” driving is often the most satisfactory sort of investment possible.
* One does not need to be an absolute car expert to be an expert on one’s own car.
* I had the chance a few years back, to buy a 1927 Buick chassis, complete with wheels, radiator shell and running drive train and did not because I thought it too difficult and expensive to get a new body for the car, AND because I was wary of the wood spoke wheels. I realize now, how stupid that decision was.
* With regard to vintage cars, I will do better next time!
Having skipped this video previously because I didn’t think it would appeal I should have learnt by now that, regardless of perception each and every video is worth watching; some for the people, some for the cars, some for their stories. This guy and his motor are fascinating….another fantastic video….I love you guys at Petrolicious, great work. Am constantly left smiling each week……..thank you
I just met Brian a month or so ago in San Diego because he set up a Hot Rod Garage sale (for clothing) and parked his other hot rod in front of it http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2014/02/oakland-roadster-show.html
Rock on. The world needs more characters, and I identify with this guy; perhaps a bit displaced in time and searching for that elemental elegance when it seems like the world was still fresh for exploring. Righteous car, sweet board, and a great way to live a life.
Bravo my friend.
And as always, thanks Petrolicious for yet another glimpse into a unique slice of motor-life.
your car videos are probably the most well executed and beautiful that I’ve seen on the net. However, I just don’t understand your music choices. Piano music and jazz just seems so out of place on many of these. We don’t want to hear rock and roll necessarily but just something that matches the feel a little better. Idk, just my 2cent.
Dear Mr Corral,
You are right: this particular car video is most certainly one of the most well executed and beautiful to be found on the web. Unfortunately, I believe you are also wrong, as regards your opinion on the music chosen. I feel the piano music fits this car and the whole story just perfectly. I use to watch the film every now and then – and still enjoy it immensely.
Best regards
Michael
Fabulous.
Brian’s legendary status has even stretched to the UK, he’s a regular in Nick Clements’ [url=”http://www.mensfile.com/”]MensFile [/url]magazine. I wondered what he was like and he doesn’t disappoint! Everything he does seems to be done with great verve and taste. It’s well worth checking out the magazine for a modernist/retro take on all sorts of stuff.
What a nice video and what a beast of a car too 😀 I always love seeing videos with cars from brands that no longer exist and that many people most likely don’t know much about as well. I love the parts of the video where he is driving around cause that car looks terrifyingly fun to drive 🙂
