Words and images by Simon Hallgath-Jolly (@cyclosophy)
I love the inner city because it’s dense, vibrant and ever-changing. For me, automobiles are an important part of that urban landscape and one of the reasons why I love to photograph it.
It’s been said that when we’re travelling through a familiar environment, much of what we experience is based on memory. Our brains rely on our previous experience of static objects like buildings, roads, roundabouts, and trees to free up more processing power. This helps us better focus on the dynamic flow of people and vehicles.
As objects in the urban landscape, beautiful and interesting cars have a unique ability to surprise and delight us. They can turn up out of nowhere, catching our eyes and ears with a flash of shiny bodywork or a blip of the throttle, and they can disappear just as quickly. If we’re lucky, we can find them parked, so we can appreciate their form for a little longer.
While it’s always nice to have a good look at some exotic or historic cars in a museum or showroom, the backdrop of the urban landscape provides a fantastic juxtaposition to the smooth lines and glistening curves of a beautiful automobile. There’s also something about seeing them in the wild as it were, being used as their makers intended, and that their presence is fleeting only serves to intensify the experience.
Cars brighten and enliven the urban environment and are expressions of their owners’ personality. In this way they are a form of street fashion or even art. Without them, the urban landscape would be far less exciting.
The city is the best place to catch supercars, and few catch your attention like the Aston Martin Vanquish with both its voluptuous form and its refined yet ferocious exhaust note.
The Bentley Continental GT – a fine blend of power, luxurious comfort, and style.
The stunningly beautiful and perfectly proportioned Ferrari Dino, named for Enzo’s first son, was the first mid-engined Ferrari and has set the tone for every one since. It’s a rare find these days.
A car doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive or high performance to draw our attention. A fine example of an older model that has been cared for by a passionate owner, like this Chrysler Valiant, can still trigger a reaction in many a car lover’s soul.
A huge ‘50s American coupe will always be a stand-out here in Australia – especially with a custom paintjob like this 1950 Hudson Commodore.
MGBs are brilliant little cars. Small by today’s standards but with a beautiful long bonnet, they’re a true classic sports car that illicit reactions wherever they go. They’re great for getting around the inner city.
Ferrari 360 and Harley-Davidson V-Rod – not necessarily what you expect to see in the church carpark!
Few cars have the visual or aural impact of the Lamborghini Countach. It looks and sounds like a wild beast. Few cars stand out like this one.
With no roof or doors and racing harnesses, few cars say “designed for fun” like a beach buggy. They always spark envy on the street.
Cars aren’t the only vehicles that can stir our emotions. This classic Yamaha strikes a fine pose in the morning sun.
Like all Lamborghinis, wow factor comes standard with the Huracán. It makes a bold statement wherever it goes.
Nissan GT-Rs have always been epic cars. Seeing one take a corner at speed is a breath-taking experience, but even standing still, they have quite a presence.
American muscle cars always stand out – none more so than a red Corvette.
Some vehicles stand out not for their beauty or style but for their iconic status. Legendary for its reliability and toughness, the Land Rover is not what you’d call pretty, but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t recognise and respect it.
VW Beetles never fail to make me smile; especially a fine specimen like this one – complete with vintage luggage.