Elegance in Motion: The 1962 BMW R60/2

Lovingly restored and now ridden faithfully, this 1962 BMW R60/2 hits the sweet spot.

By Greg Williams 
Motorcycle Classics Magazine January/February 2016 1962 BMW R60/2

Claimed power: 30hp @ 5,800rpm
Top speed: 90mph (est.)
Engine: 594cc air-cooled OHV horizontally opposed twin, 72mm x 73mm bore and stroke, 7.5:1 compression ratio
Weight (wet): 436lb (198kg)
Fuel capacity/MPG: 6.5gal (24.6ltr)/50-60mpg
Price then/now: $1,300(est.)/$6,000-$15,000

The Apple computer I’m using as I write this story and its subject matter, a BMW R60/2, have something in common. In the early 1980s, long before Apple and its iProducts were household names, Steve Jobs, the enigmatic mind behind the company, rode around San Francisco on a 1966 BMW R60/2.

Corinthian Leather and Darth Vader: Memorable Automobile Commercials

Every so often a car commercial comes along that just makes us laugh and smile. Some ads like Chrysler’s unforgettable 1970’s Cordoba commercials make you want to cry. I went deep into the archives and unearthed some ancient classics. I also found several modern commercials that are poised to become future classics. The TV commercials that follow are among the best that Madison Avenue has to offer. Enjoy!

Dr. Dieter Zetsche: AICGS Global Leadership Award Dinner Speech

Dr. Dieter Zetsche

Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG Head of Mercedes-Benz

AICGS Global Leadership Award Dinner

November 5, 2015

Dr. Dieter Zetsche recently spoke at the the annual American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) Global Leadership Award dinner. AICGS sponsored the evening and is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. The Washington D.C. based organization seeks to strengthen American-German relations and “provides a comprehensive program of policy-relevant public conferences, research reports, networking events, and fellowships designed to advance the political, corporate, and scholarly constituencies it serves.” You can learn more about AICGS here.

BMW Motorcycles and a Tour Through History

Photo: JAMES ROBERT FULLER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Classic motorcycles can be works of ‘industrial art.’ For one collector, the R5 ‘makes this incredible sound. It’s like a symphony.’

Nov. 17, 2015

Philip Ernst Richter, 45, president of Hollow Brook Wealth Management in New York City, on his BMW motorcycles, as told to A.J. Baime.

The 1930s was a terrible era in so many places around the world, but especially in Germany. To me, BMW motorcycles from that era are like a silver lining. The engineering was out of this world. And the bikes are so beautiful.

Keno NYC Auction Commentary with Dean Laumbach

Turtle Garage contributor, friend, and master Mercedes-Benz refinisher/restorer Dean Laumbach shares his perspective and photographs of the various vehicles at the recent Keno auction in New York City.

An Afternoon with Keith Martin

PER and Keith Martin at the Keno auction preview in New York City.

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Sports Car Market (SCM) founder and publisher Keith Martin. We met for lunch at the ultra-chic David Burke Kitchen in the West Village. For an avid car and motorcycle collector, time with Keith is gold. I am a lifelong learner and Keith is always willing to share his encyclopedic knowledge.

Go Like Hell *****

For Enzo Ferrari, the internal-combustion engine was a symbol of life. It had revolutionized society. He had watched it all happen during his lifetime. He spoke of automobiles as if they were animate. Cars possessed unique behaviors. They breathed through carburetors. They were skinned with metal. “Ferrari’s aim,” he once told a reporter, addressing himself in the third person, “is to perfect an ideal, to transform inert raw material into a living machine.” (Excerpt from Go Like Hell by A.J. Baime)

Go Like Hell is the untold insider’s account of an epic struggle for victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A.J. Baime’s gripping story focuses on the key personalities in the automotive world during the zenith of auto racing in the mid 1960’s. It’s the tale of the drivers, engineers, executives, families, and sponsors of racing’s most famous era. It’s a history of the people and companies that brought to life the legendary Ferrari 330 and Ford GT 40. It’s a story of life, death, winning and losing.

RUSH *****

Directed by Ron Howard and written by Peter Morgan, RUSH gives the audience an insider’s view of the competitive and dangerous world of F1 racing during the 1970’s. The film’s plot focuses on the bitter rivalry between Austrian driver Niki Lauda and British racer James Hunt. Chris Hemsworth plays the carefree James Hunt and Daniel Brühl plays the always serious Niki Lauda. Both individuals were well cast in their contrasting roles. Turtle Garage gives RUSH a solid five stars. Fire up Apple TV and buckle up for a fast ride.

Steve Jobs’s Garage

Shortly after his death, I read Walter Isaacson’s revealing biography of Apple founder Steve Jobs. It’s a great read, primarily because much of the book was carefully researched and written while Jobs was still alive. Over a two-year period the author conducted over forty interviews with Jobs. He also interviewed family, friends, and business associates.

The Eagle Has Landed!

At Contemporary with owners Scott Coleman and Allan Sokol. The SL 65 is stunning!

Here are the facts: 6.0 liter V12 biturbo engine. 670 horsepower. Zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Retractable wing. Carbon fiber bodywork. Nappa leather, Alcantara and carbon interior. Manufactured in Affalterbach by AMG. Only 350 were made. Only 175 were sent to the U.S.A. $304,000 MSRP in 2009. When new, dealers fought for a single allocation from Mercedes-Benz. Over the last two years I’ve been searching for the perfect SL Black Series. Last month I finally found it in Silicon Valley. In hunting for cars it sure pays to be patient! Like investing, I prefer to wait for the fat pitch.