Atlanta's Car Fascination Revealed

That headline is totally a joke. If you've lived here even a couple of months, you know that we Atlantans can't even go to the corner market without getting in the car. 

Until recently, that's just been matter-of-fact living in the ATL. One of the side effects of such a lifestyle has led the Atlanta International Auto Show, this year its 33rd annual, to being the largest show of its kind in the Southeast! Our fascination for cars has never, ever been concealed.

Make your way to the Georgia World Congress Center this weekend, now through Sunday, to see the more than 400 cars and trucks—concept to classic—as well as entertainment and celebrity appearances!

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

I've owned a number of cars in my lifetime, but there's only one model of which I've owned two. That would be the BMW. So, when I arrived at the Auto Show, I bee-lined it to the BMW section and discovered the beauty pictured above. 

That's the 2014 BMW i8 and its marketing tagline is "Innovation disguised as a sports car", which is precisely what it is.

Not associated with the Auto Show, but perhaps of interest to fellow BMW enthusiasts, also underway this weekend is the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience Tour. It's here through Sunday, March 29 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia.

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

Everyone knows that concept cars are ALWAYS a big draw at auto shows! I'm right there with such enthusiasts and we're all in for a few delicious treats. There are quite a few pre-production and concept cars in this year's Show, including the above pictured Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S. My car-before-last was a Mercedes—I've never felt so safe in a car—but it wasn't quite as nice as this one.

I overheard a father who had brought his two sons to the show tell his younger one, "Study hard and get a great job. You'll want one of these. And you'll want to buy me one for bringing you here today." 

There were quite a few father-son outings at the Show. I admire those parents for spending quality time with their kids. I had extremely few opportunities to spend quality time with my father, so it's super cool to see kids today to have such an awesome experience...dad and cool cars!

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

I've had a love affair with the Corvette since 1978. Many generations are fans of the Star Wars franchise, but many of those of us who saw the first Star Wars in 1977 went on to see Corvette Summer, starring Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Annie Potts, the next year. 

That metal-flake candy apple red Corvette Stingray was the most beautiful car I'd ever seen as a kid, but the 2015 Corvette Z06 pictured above, which is in part modeled after the 2014 Stingray, would be a sweet ride, too! Don't you think? 

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

Ford is offering rides in its ST Simulator! It's unlike any simulator I've ever been in and I've been in Boeing-737 and NASA Space Shuttle simulators! This one let's you experience world-class racing and it spins 360 degrees! When you're turning the "car", you're actually turning! I didn't personally ride it on this visit, but the folks I saw riding it were having a blast!

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

For the more than a few NASCAR enthusiasts I'm sure will attend the Auto Show, there are several race cars just waiting for photo-ops! There's even one that's a cut-away model, so you can see inside the engine, inside the cab, the frame...you can see everything! 

Speaking of seeing...there are several celebrity appearances throughout the Show. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks; the Atlanta Hawks Cheerleaders; Scooby-Doo; Spider-Man; and Iron Man! The last time I saw Iron Man was at Medieval Times, but that's another story.

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

"Hank" is a life-size fully interactive robot, and a Ford representative/entertainer! I don't know how often Hank's performances are, but you're going to want to make time to see him. He has a brilliant sense of humor, some pretty smooth moves, he's at least bilingual, engaging, entertaining and puts on a great show! The show I saw included a trivia contest and prizes!

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

I love old cars, just as much as concept cars. The classic cars at the Atlanta International Auto Show is reminiscent of last year's Dream Cars exhibition at the High Museum of Art...they're truly magnificent! And there are quite a few of them. 

In addition to the above pictured 1957 300C Chrysler there are vintage police cars and a fully restored antique Atlanta Fire Truck! The classics are spread out throughout the Show, so have fun discovering them!

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

I told you how about my Corvette love affair when I was a kid, right? Well, my love affair with the Ford Mustang is a more contemporary love affair. Actually, I owned a black-on-black 1997 Mustang in the late 90s. I loved that car. A black car shines like no other when it's newly waxed. As much as I love the classics and my 1997, today's Mustangs are incredibly sexy! 

If I ever change models again, I'll very likely go back to a Mustang. Except for that unfortunate phase in the 80s when a Mustang looked nothing like a Mustang (personal opinion, sorry Ford), it's been a favorite since I've known anything about cars.

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

I love the Mini! And yes, I've spent more than a few hours on their website building my own Mini. Although I'm on the tall side, I've always had an affinity for small cars. They're racy, they're comfortable, they can go places other cars can't...and in a city like Atlanta, it makes parking a LOT easier than any SUV!

A few other things to look out for when you're at the Auto Show: full-size engines, samples of color and finish options, eco-friendly vehicles, and some of the most beautiful and handsome automobile representatives you'll ever see! The ones I spoke with were very kind, helpful and knowledgeable about their lines. Don't be shy! 

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

Okay...some of these vehicles I can't tell you what they are. Honestly, I was like a dog in a squirrel factory. Cars. Trucks. Cars...and more cars! And rides and shows...and more cars. What I can tell you is that they have something for everyone! Even the above pictured vehicle, which I believe is a Custom Combat Truck, would give any Hummer owner Big-Car-Envy!

I'd also like to say "Thank you!" to Atlanta Daybook for the tickets. I won them in a Facebook giveaway. I've followed Atlanta Daybook for years...they're a press distribution service and an excellent resource for Atlanta events, news and business announcements. 

For the record, I've enjoyed quite a few Atlanta experiences that I first learned about by following Atlanta Daybook, on Facebook and via my email subscription with them!

Atlanta International Auto Show 2015 | Georgia World Congress Center

There are a number of test driving experiences to be had at the Show, but the one I found to be the coolest is the one that Jeep has set up one the plaza between Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome. There are varying terrains, a variety of Jeeps to try, and you get to drive where you would never, ever be able to without getting arrested!

While I'm excited to have Atlanta Streetcar and the eventual rail on the Atlanta Beltline, until the time that Atlanta has a rail system that blankets the city, I'm a car hound! And I'm grateful for an awesome car show!

Head on down to the Atlanta International Auto Show this weekend—it started Wednesday! Remember to check the Show's website for directions and parking information. FYI, sometimes parking is less expensive closer to the Georgia World Congress Center...if you're looking for the best rate, make a little extra time to scope out your options.

Now, go have fun and tell Iron Man "Hello!" for me!

Dream Cars is Approaching the Finish Line

Dream Cars is on its final lap. 

Extended for one week, the exhibition crosses the finish line on Sunday, September 14. If you've not yet experienced Dream Cars at the High Museum of Art, you have only one week remaining to do so...so get yourself over there and prepare to be amazed!

Dream Cars | High Museum of Art

Here's what others have had to say about Dream Cars: 

CNN: These vehicles were designed to look like the future.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: ...as opportunities to experiment with new technology.

Field Trips With Sue: ...that is similar to a thick speedo swimsuit.

Atlanta Business Chronicle: ...including some rarities

Motor Authority: ...the phrase can take on a more literal meaning.

Access Atlanta: have a look...


And of course I had a little something to share about the exhibition here on wanderlust ATLANTA: ...approximately $10,000...in 1947 dollars.

I'm betting that you'll find Dream Cars to be a checkered-flag winner!

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A Dream Come True

The highly anticipated and thus far wildly successful exhibition Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas is—especially for this auto enthusiast—spectacular! Driving around town in any of these 17 beauties, currently on display at the High Museum of Art, would make even Atlanta rush hour a splendid experience...it'd be a dream come true.

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

I'm going to share with you photos of only a few of the cars. That way you'll still have plenty to see when you go to the exhibit yourself...and you do want to go to this one!

There are a number of events specific to the exhibition, one of which would be a great Fathers Day outing. This Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m., there's a tour of Dream Cars led by exhibition curator Sarah Schleuning. And if you want to throw in a little something extra, the exhibition catalogue is stunning.

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

Have a look at the above car. That's the Norman Timbs' Special (1947). Would you believe that it was a backyard project? It was!

It took Timbs 2.5 years to complete the project and approximately $10,000—in 1947 dollars. That's more than just a hobby!

Professionally, Timbs was an automotive engineer, so he knew what he was doing. What I didn't know, but recently learned, was that he worked on the Tucker automobile. I had the wonderful joy of seeing one in Albany, Georgia, many, many moons ago—beautiful, beautiful car!

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

The Bugatti on exhibit looks like something Howard Hughes would have built or something right out of The Rocketeer. And I know a whole lot of Steampunkers who are going to LOVE this automobile!

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

I've tried to not pick a favorite, but the Bugatti speaks to me. Loudly! Everything about it is alluring, from its modern sleekness, to its obvious place in history, from the exquisite details to the comfort beckoning from inside...if I were offered to be able to drive home "only one" car from the exhibition, it would be the Bugatti. And what an awesome color, too!

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

If you've followed me for any length of time, you know how much I love making close-up photographs. There's so much to see in details. I love a gorgeous landscape photograph as much as the next guy, but I really like to explore up close. 

It's amazing what you can see in the details...in the case of the makers of each and every car in Dream Cars, you see passion, expertise, and love of design. And of course the love of cars.

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

These cars, created "from the early 1930s to the 21st Century, pushed the limits of imagination and foreshadowed the future of design with progressive and innovative ideas." - High Museum of Art

I love that there are a few cars in the exhibition that beckon to the future days of George Jetson, this rare Buick Centurion being one of them. This one actually brings to mind all kinds of associations.

The bubble roof makes me think of George Jetson's car. The front of the car, having recently gone swimming with the Whale Sharks, made me think of Manta Rays. And the back of it totally makes me think of the "jet" exhaust on the Batmobile. It's gorgeous inside and out!

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

The rare, and in some cases one-of-a-kind, automobiles in Dream Cars were designed by Ferrari, Bugatti, General Motors, Porsche and others. The newest car on display is a 2010 Porsche “Spyder 918 concept car”...AND...there's a contemporary design workshop.

Have you heard about the new Porsche Driving Center being built here in Atlanta?

The exhibition is truly spectacular! You'll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. There's ample reading, there's an audio tour option, and these cars are packed with details that fascinate and cause you to marvel.

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

This car, Paul Arzens’ “L’Oeuf électrique” (1942), is an electric bubble car designed by Arzens for his personal use in Paris during the German occupation. The car is...adorable! And so far ahead of its time.

In the photo above, I knew I'd want to show some reference to demonstrate just how tiny this car is. You see the small Smart Car on roads today...Arzens' car is so much smaller! This is also the first time it's ever been in the United States, so it's a real treat to get to see it.

Even smaller...there's a car in the exhibition that's a mere 33 inches tall!

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

If minivans looked like William Stout’s “Scarab” (1936), the genesis of the contemporary minivan, EVERY family would be driving one! 

Of course there's more than the 17 spectacular automobiles. The show also features conceptual drawings—which immediately launch the imagination—and scale models, to demonstrate the stages of the design process.

Dream Cars, High Museum of Art

Having owned two BMWs in my personal automotive history, Christopher Bangle’s BMW “GINA Light Visionary Model” (2001), is particularly fascinating for me. 

It's not only beautiful, it features an exterior made of fabric! Of course you can't touch the car, but the museum was brilliant to offer a big swatch of the fabric that visitors are invited to touch.

So, there you have it. How's that for a teaser of so many dreams come true?

Drive on over to the High Museum of Art to see Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas, and be sure to get there before September 7.