John E Adams Photography

04/11/2026

The 1930 Aston Martin International is a highly regarded 1.5-litre, pre-war sports car, known for its low-slung Bertelli-designed chassis and racing pedigree. Produced between 1929 and 1932, this model featured a 1.5-liter overhead-camshaft engine with dry-sump lubrication. It was a competitive racer and a popular, stylish road car, with only 81 examples produced.

Key Features and Specs:

Engine: 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder overhead-camshaft engine.
Performance: Top ..speed of 81–90 mph, depending on rear-axle ratio.
Chassis & Design: Available in short (102-inch) and long (120-inch) wheelbases, usually with Bertelli-designed open 2/4 seater coachwork.

03/11/2026

1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio Cabriolet

Original image is in the comments. Taken at a display of auction cars at the 2016 Amelia Concours. The original was from an auction car in a tent which I had manually placed in a beach parking lot in the fog next to a building of million dollar high rise condos right next to the beach. Some hours of work! A note on the Auction at the Amelia this year they set a new record with $111 million dollars in sales in 2 days!

This attractive 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio, a Jean Bugatti–designed cabriolet with distinctive pontoon fenders, was built in April 1936 as a four-passenger Stelvio.

Typical of Bugatti, the design evolved during production. In 1935–36 it featured a folding windshield and a convertible top that folded nearly flat and out of sight into a recessed compartment at the rear of the body. The result was a streamlined, elegant, and sporting automobile.

The 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio is a classic example of automotive excellence, combining performance, style, and luxury. Its powerful inline-eight engine, elegant design, and luxurious features make it an exceptional vehicle. The Type 57 Stelvio remains a cherished and celebrated car among collectors and enthusiasts, ensuring its place as one of the most iconic and revered models in Bugatti’s illustrious history.

Overview

Production Year: 1936
Manufacturer: Bugatti
Model: Type 57 Stelvio
Coachbuilder: Gangloff
Body Style: Convertible (Stelvio)

Design and Specifications

Engine
The Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio is powered by a 3.3-liter (3,257 cc) inline-eight engine.
This engine produces approximately 135 horsepower.
It features a twin overhead camshaft design, which was advanced for its time and provided improved performance and efficiency.

Transmission
The car is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission designed for smooth and reliable operation suitable for both city and highway driving.

Chassis
The Type 57 is built on a robust ladder-frame chassis.
The wheelbase measures 130 inches, contributing to the car’s stability and comfortable ride.

Suspension
Front suspension consists of a solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
The rear suspension features a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
This setup offers a comfortable and refined ride characteristic of luxury cars from this era.

Brakes
The Type 57 is equipped with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes providing reliable and effective stopping power.

Performance

Top Speed: Approximately 95 mph (153 km/h)
Acceleration: Smooth and strong for its era
Handling: Stable and predictable, making it suitable for both leisurely drives and spirited touring

Design Features

Bodywork
The Stelvio variant, crafted by coachbuilder Gangloff, features an elegant convertible body design with a long hood, sweeping fenders, and a gracefully sloping rear. Chrome accents, Bugatti’s distinctive horseshoe-shaped radiator grille, and wire-spoke wheels enhance its appearance.

Interior
The interior of the Type 57 Stelvio is luxurious and well appointed with seating for four passengers. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, providing a comfortable and refined experience. The dashboard features essential gauges and controls designed with both functionality and elegance in mind.

Styling
The styling of the Type 57 Stelvio blends classic 1930s design elements with luxury and refinement, contributing to its enduring appeal and status as a design icon.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio represents an important period in Bugatti history, showcasing the company’s commitment to producing innovative, high-quality automobiles. It was part of the broader Type 57 series, which included several variants with distinctive body styles and characteristics.

03/09/2026

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Chassis 4293

Taken at the 2012 Ameillia Councous -The original image is in the comments.

The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Chassis 4293 is one of just thirty six 250GTO’s produced. It was sold initially to Jaques Swater’s Francorhamp Racing Team. #4293 GT enjoyed a short but spectacular racing career. It won the Spa 500 Km in its initial outing. The following month it finished first in class and second overall at the LeMans 24 hour race. The car was then driven to Brussels for a victorious homecoming. A win at Zolder and another first in class, third overall at Rheims, followed that homecoming.

In the 250 GTO, Ferrari produced the quintessential sports racing car of the post war era. Derived from the successful 250GT SWB Berlinetta, the GTO marked the culmination of the world-beating 250 Series.

Thanks to its comparatively short, accident free racing career, followed by a lifetime of caring ownership, 4293GT remains one of the most original GTO's in existence today.

Background and History

Manufacturer: Ferrari
Production Year: 1963
Model: 250 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato)
Chassis Number: 4293GT

Specifications
Engine: The 250 GTO is powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine (Tipo 168/62 Colombo).

Power Output: Approximately 300 horsepower at 7,400 rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox.

Chassis: Tubular steel frame with lightweight aluminum bodywork.
Design and Features

Body Style: The 250 GTO features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a long hood, a short rear deck, and distinctive front grille and air vents. The bodywork was designed by Sergio Scaglietti with input from Ferrari’s chief engineer, Giotto Bizzarrini.

Interior: The interior is minimalist, focused on weight reduction and functionality, with essential instrumentation and racing seats.

Exterior: The car’s design includes signature elements such as the three ventilation openings on the nose, the "kammback" tail for improved aerodynamics, and various ducts and vents to cool the brakes and engine.

Performance

Top Speed: Around 174 mph (280 km/h).
Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds.
Racing Pedigree: The 250 GTO was built for homologation into the FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car category, making it a formidable competitor in various racing events. Chassis 4293GT participated in numerous races and achieved significant success.

Racing History of Chassis 4293GT

Drivers: Some of the most notable drivers, including David Piper and others, piloted this car in various races.

Races and Wins: This particular GTO competed in several prestigious events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the 250 GTO series performed exceptionally well.

Endurance Racing: The 250 GTO series was known for its endurance racing capabilities, often finishing at the top in events like the Tour de France Automobile and the Targa Florio.

Legacy

Significance: The 250 GTO is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports cars ever made. It embodies Ferrari's commitment to performance, design, and racing success.

Rarity: Only 36 units of the 250 GTO were produced between 1962 and 1964, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Ferraris.
Collectability: The 250 GTO is one of the most sought-after classic cars. It regularly fetches record-breaking prices at auctions, often selling for tens of millions of dollars. Chassis 4293GT is particularly valuable due to its racing history and excellent condition.

Notable Achievements

Auction Records: The 250 GTO holds multiple records for the highest auction prices for cars. While the exact figures for 4293GT can vary, GTOs have sold for upwards of $70 million in recent years.
Cultural Impact: The 250 GTO is not just a car but a cultural icon, symbolizing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design from the 1960s.

02/25/2026

1948 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet

Taken at the 2019 Amelia Concours. Original image is in the comments.

For decades, this 1948 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet languished in a shed outside Paris. In 2015 it was purchased by David Disiere of Southlake, Texas and he had it restored by U.S. Restorers.

It is one of six with a body by coachbuilder Faget-Varnet and also included a distinctive radiator grille.

The 1948 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet is a stunning example of post-war French luxury and craftsmanship. Known for its elegant coachbuilt bodies, smooth inline-six engine, and exceptional handling, the Delahaye 135 M was one of the most desirable grand tourers of its time.

Overview

* Manufacturer: Delahaye (France)
* Model: 135 M Cabriolet
* Production Years: 1936–1954
* Class: Grand Tourer (Luxury Convertible)
* Coachbuilders: Various custom-bodied by Chapron, Figoni et Falaschi, Saoutchik, Letourneur et Marchand

Engine & Performance

* Engine: 3.6L (3557 cc) Inline-6
* Valvetrain: OHV, 12 valves
* Carburetion: Triple Solex carburetors (in M version)
* Power Output: 115–125 hp
* Torque: Around 190 lb-ft
* Top Speed: 100–110 mph (160–177 km/h) 0–60 mph: ≈ 12–14 seconds

Transmission & Drivetrain

* Gearbox: 4-speed Cotal preselector manual (electromagnetic shifting)
* Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Chassis & Suspension

* Wheelbase: 2,950 mm (116 inches)
* Front Suspension: Independent with transverse leaf spring
* Rear Suspension: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
* Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes

Coachbuilt Elegance

One of the defining features of the Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet was its custom coachbuilt bodywork. While Delahaye provided the chassis and drivetrain, various luxury coachbuilders designed their own unique bodies, making each car one-of-a-kind.

Notable coachbuilders for the 1948 135 M Cabriolet include:
* Henri Chapron: Elegant, understated designs with flowing lines.
* Figoni et Falaschi: Dramatic, swooping fenders and teardrop styling.
* Saoutchik: Avant-garde, flashy chrome detailing, and Art Deco influences.
* Letourneur et Marchand: Balanced proportions and luxurious detailing.

Each Cabriolet (convertible) version featured a folding soft top, making it one of the most luxurious open-top grand tourers of its time.

Driving Experience

The 135 M was praised for its smooth ride, precise steering, and powerful engine. Despite being a luxury car, it had race-inspired handling, derived from Delahaye’s 135 S racing cars, which competed at Le Mans and other endurance races.

The Cotal preselector gearbox allowed for quick and effortless gear changes, making it more advanced than many rivals.

The triple-carburetor setup provided better throttle response and performance.

This combination of luxury and sportiness made the Delahaye one of the finest grand tourers of the late 1940s.

Historical Significance

A Symbol of French Automotive Excellence: Delahaye was a direct competitor to Bugatti and Talbot-Lago, offering a blend of high performance and exquisite luxury.

Post-War Revival: Despite World War II’s impact, Delahaye returned with coachbuilt masterpieces, proving that French luxury cars could still thrive in the late 1940s.

Collector’s Dream: Today, the 1948 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet is one of the most sought-after classic French automobiles, with auction prices often exceeding $500,000 to $1 million+, depending on the coachbuilder and condition.

02/24/2026

1954 Cadillac Series 62 Pinin Farina Concept

My original image taken at the 2012 Amelia Concours is posted in the comments. I was privileged to get Media Passes to this event for year which gave me access to any part of the field/event the general public could not. This and the other similar posts were taken kneeling on the grass in front of the Judges/MC/big money invitees reviewing stands. They prided themselves on having models dressed up and then modeling after the car stopped in front of the grandstand. Not sure if they do this anymore after Hagerty bought the rights/management to the event and will not accept my creds. My original work ups of these images were pretty weak but I decided to rework them along with the backgrounds using AI.

THE CAR

The 1954 Cadillac Series 62 Pinin Farina Concept (often associated with the "PF200" series) is one of the most striking hybrids of American power and Italian elegance from the post-war era. Unlike many concept cars of the time, this was a private commission that eventually became a celebrated show car.

ORIGIN STORY

The Client: The car was commissioned by Norman Granz, a famous Beverly Hills concert promoter and the founder of Verve Records.

The Inspiration: Granz had seen the Lancia Aurelia PF200 concept at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show and wanted that exact Italian "jet-age" aesthetic applied to a Cadillac chassis.

The Deal: Legend has it that the price for the coachwork was the cost of materials plus a complete collection of Granz’s record productions for Battista "Pinin" Farina.

The Build: A brand new 1953 Cadillac Series 62 was shipped from Detroit to Turin, Italy. Pinin Farina stripped the body and replaced it with a hand-built aluminum shell.

DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
The car represents a radical departure from the bulk of standard 1950s Cadillacs.

Front End: It featured a prominent circular nose and a round chrome grille, a direct nod to the Lancia PF200. To maintain its Cadillac identity, a small Cadillac "V" was placed inside the intake.

Profile: A low, sleek roadster silhouette with a raked windshield and "cut-down" doors. The 126-inch wheelbase of the Series 62 gave it much grander proportions than its European counterparts.

Rear End: It retained subtle Cadillac-style tail fins and utilized a boattail trunk design. The dual exhausts were integrated into the bumper extensions—a signature Cadillac trait of the era.

Color: Originally finished in a striking silver-blue, which highlighted the "jet-intake" styling of the front and rear.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis: 1953/54 Cadillac Series 62
Engine: 331 cubic-inch (5.4L) OHV V8
Horsepower: Approximately 210–230 hp
Transmission: 4-speed Hydra-Matic Automatic
Brakes: Power-assisted drums
Body Material: Hand-formed Aluminum

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Paris Debut: The car was exhibited on the Pinin Farina stand at the 1954 Paris Auto Show, where it dazzled European audiences who were used to much smaller sports cars.

The GM Connection: This car helped cement the relationship between Cadillac and Pinin Farina, which later led to the Italian firm building the bodies for the ultra-exclusive 1959-1960 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and, much later, the Cadillac Allanté.

CURRENT STATUS

After spending decades in private collections and appearing at various concours d'elegance (such as Pebble Beach and Amelia Island), the car underwent a comprehensive frame-off restoration. It remains a prized piece in a private collection and is frequently seen at major international automotive events, serving as a reminder of the era when Hollywood jazz moguls could custom-order the car of their dreams from the world's finest designers.

02/23/2026

Mysterious Woman and Le Sabre At Night

1951 General Motors Le Sabre Concept Car

The General Motors Le Sabre debuted in 1951 as one of the most influential concept cars of the postwar era. Developed under the direction of Harley J. Earl, it embodied the optimism and aviation-inspired styling of the emerging Jet Age.

Unlike many show cars of the time, the Le Sabre was fully functional and roadworthy. Earl personally drove the car extensively after its debut, making it both a design statement and a real-world engineering testbed.

Although the name later appeared on Buick production models, the 1951 Le Sabre was presented strictly as a General Motors concept vehicle rather than a Buick-branded car.

Design & Styling
The Le Sabre drew heavy inspiration from contemporary jet aircraft, particularly the North American F-86 Sabre.
Key design elements included:
Dramatic tail fins, which actually housed the fuel tanks
A large oval front intake-style grille
A single circular rear taillight meant to resemble a jet afterburner
One of the earliest wraparound panoramic windshields
Integrated bumpers and smooth, flowing bodywork
Concealed headlights hidden behind panels in the grille
The car previewed styling trends that would dominate American automobiles throughout the 1950s.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 215 cu in (3.5L) supercharged aluminum V8
Fuel system: Dual fuel tanks (gasoline or methanol)
Horsepower: Approx. 335 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: Approx. 381 lb-ft @ 3,650 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic rear-mounted transaxle
For 1951, these performance figures were extraordinary, placing the Le Sabre well ahead of most production vehicles of its time.

Chassis & Suspension
Independent front suspension with torsion bars
De Dion rear axle setup
Advanced weight distribution due to rear transaxle layout
The suspension configuration was sophisticated and influenced later performance-oriented designs.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: ~202 inches
Width: ~79 inches
Height: ~50 inches
Weight: ~3,800 lbs
Its long, low, wide proportions gave it a dramatic presence consistent with early 1950s American design philosophy.

Advanced Features (Far Ahead of Production Cars)
The Le Sabre incorporated numerous innovations that would not become common for decades:
12-volt electrical system (most cars were still 6-volt)
Heated seats
Power-operated concealed headlights
Integrated hydraulic jacks built into the chassis
Automatic convertible top with a moisture-sensing rain feature
These features demonstrated how GM used concept cars as engineering laboratories.

Legacy
The 1951 Le Sabre became a defining symbol of early 1950s American automotive futurism. It:
Helped popularize tail fins and jet-inspired design
Influenced GM production vehicles throughout the decade
Cemented Harley Earl’s reputation as one of the most important automotive designers of the 20th century
Today, the original Le Sabre remains one of the most historically significant concept cars ever produced by General Motors.

02/22/2026

The Luminous Altarpiece
Bike by Eddie Trotta taken in 2015. Paint by Bones Kustom paint

02/04/2026

My latest songwriting effort!

New coastal country track just dropped on Spotify at:https://open.spotify.com/track/5uCjOW5tDrJtoCkz72QoGD?si=5281cca26459446eClearwater ➝ Cedar Key ➝ Tarpon...

12/05/2025

Every Three Years - A tribute to my wife and hero!

BLUF - (Navy term for Bottom Line up Front)

Here is a song I wrote about our life for my wife. It is about how we met on her after bootcamp in Chicago. Her friend had come up to me as a joke on her "you see that girl over there, she really likes you and would love to meet" you of course I had to oblige! The theme of every 3 years is related to how we had to make major transfers and our mobile life with 3 kids every 3 years during my 20 with the Navy.

How and why I did it?

I have played guitar and wrote songs my whole life as a hobby. They were pretty good, I just kept plugging as I fell in love with both parts of the musical process with no end game in mind, it just felt good. A couple months ago I read some press about how AI was taking over Nashville and about how songwriters were plugging in their lyrics, average vocals and basic guitar parts to produce studio ready band backed demos to pitch to producers. I was floored their with the results and just had to gave it a spin.

The machine mechanics!

I had the lyrics and basic guitar parts//my lousy voice/etc. for a number of songs and decided to try to plug them into AI to help me out. For the project I gave it and uploaded models of the vocals and basic guitar track and asked it to add additional instruments and they came out awesome! In additional to this song about my wife I added a mix of Tributes to the unsung heroes of the military, the spouses and the commercial fishermen of the USA.

My Link here is for Spotify - which you may no use, I will add the links to Apple, YouTube and Amazon Music in the comments.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0eRjUAUj3OQJn4cRyiW9II?si=c9ddd7fc3e62440a

Gulf Shores · Hearts and Heroes · Song · 2025

11/23/2025

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