Author Archives: Ted Engler

1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Labourdette Skiff‑Torpedo

The H6B Hispano-Suiza, launched at the 1919 Paris salon was to set the standard of automotive design and engineering that other manufacturers strived to equal. Hispano-Suiza’s policy of producing only one model provided the highest degree of quality control and at the same time enabled detailed improvements based on experience and customer suggestions: By theContinue reading “1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Labourdette Skiff‑Torpedo”

1927 Bugatti Type 35B Hellé-Nice Grand Prix

Engine: straight eight overhead cam, Bugatti-Roots supercharger, 2,292cc giving approximately 130 bhp at 5,500rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front-Bugatti type forged steel tubular axle with trunnion mounted leaf springs, rear- axle carried on reversed quarter- elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive. Considered by many people to be the most beautifulContinue reading “1927 Bugatti Type 35B Hellé-Nice Grand Prix”

The Elegance of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet

The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooren Cabriolet is a highly sought-after classic car known for its elegance and engineering. It features a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-8 engine, 160 horsepower, and a top speed of around 100 mph. The bodywork was designed by Vanvooren, a Parisian coachbuilder known for their Art Deco style. This particular model was a gift to theContinue reading “The Elegance of the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet”

Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr. engines

Close up of two of the three Tri-Motor Ford engines. The Wasp Jr. R-985 was the third engine type designed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, following the Wasp R-1340 and Hornet R-1690, all of which were nine-cylinder engines. The Wasp Jr. was designed to compete at lower power and was virtually a Wasp of reducedContinue reading “Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr. engines”

EAA’s Tri-Motor Ford

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Tri-Motor Ford at Spirit of St. Louis Airport gets ready for passengers. The plane had been there all weekend but, on this day, due to high winds, it did not fly. This looked like a fun experience, and I decided to sign up for the event. My interest was more thanContinue reading “EAA’s Tri-Motor Ford”

Heaven Hill

Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. It’s a critical step in developing bourbon’s distinct flavor.Freshly distilled bourbon doesn’t look anything like what you use to make an Old Fashioned. When it comes out of the still, it’s crystal clear, and smells and tastes like funky raw grain. Most of a bourbon’s character,Continue reading “Heaven Hill”

Heaven Hill Distillary

There were big rains during the week we visited the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. Here we just arrived and had to stop and photograph this old truck carrying 6 barrels of wiskey. Once inside, we signed up for a tour and were on our way. Click on the photo fr more information. Clicke here toContinue reading “Heaven Hill Distillary”

Exploring Kentucky’s Bourbon Rickhouses

Here is a rickhouse passage. A rickhouse, also known as a rackhouse or warehouse, is a specially constructed building used to store and age bourbon or other distilled spirits, typically with barrels stacked on wooden structures called “ricks”.  Rickhouses are designed to provide a controlled environment for the aging process of whiskey, which is crucialContinue reading “Exploring Kentucky’s Bourbon Rickhouses”

Inside the Rickhouse: Where Kentucky Bourbon Grows in Flavor

Storage in the rickhouse. This is where the barrels are aged for around 10 years. During this time the barrels are regularly inspected so they can be sorted by the way the bourbon is aging. A typical rickhouse, or warehouse for aging whiskey barrels, can hold anywhere from 18,000 to 55,000 barrels in these veryContinue reading “Inside the Rickhouse: Where Kentucky Bourbon Grows in Flavor”