Drive-by Snapshots | Drive-by Snapshots

FIAT Panda Mk1 Véhicule sans permis | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2014)

Jun

16

FIAT Panda Mk1 | The story is often hidden in the details

All of you have have been in this situation before: a long distance, cross-country journey by car. If you happen to be driving through France, make sure to stay away from the Autoroute and use the Route Nationale instead. I bet you – it will never be boring! Driving home from the 24 Heures du Mans, we stopped at a red traffic light in Sedan (Ardennes), not far from the border to Belgium. The low sun cast an interesting shadow on the wall, in front of which a FIAT Panda was parked on the sidewalk. Not really interesting, you think? Well look closely, and you will see what instantly hit me.

Citroen HY 1964 Carrosserie Le Bastard | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2014)

Jun

15

Citroën HY S.E.V. Marchal | Carrosserie Le Bastard 1964

Citroen / Drive-by Snapshots / France Posted by Sebastian / 2 comments

In the 1960’s the internet wasn’t invented yet and only a few people had a black and white TV. Apart from advertising in newspapers and cinemas, companies had to come up with different ideas to get the attention of potential customers. In France, many companies ordered special re-bodied vehicles from coach builders to gain attention at events like the Tour de France and the 24 Heures du Mans. These vehicles drove along the circuit before the races began. Concerning the Tour de France, the tradition lives on even today, but unfortunately most vehicles are not purpose-built solely for advertising duty any more.

Station Service Fermée Tuffé France | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2014)

Jun

15

Lost Places | Station Service Fermée

Drive-by Snapshots / France / Lost Places Posted by Sebastian / 3 comments

There are many reasons why I love France. One of them is the fact, that the French do not immediately dismount the pumps after a petrol station goes out of business. Instead they just display the lowest possible price on the signpost, call it a day and wander off to play a game of Pétanque with their friends, enjoying a glass of red wine.

24h du Mans Starting Grid | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2014)

Jun

14

Le Mans 2014 | Starting grid and first lap

Drive-by Snapshots / France Posted by Sebastian / 0 comments

Everybody know about the starting procedure of the 24 Heures du Mans race. The cars are lined up in an angle in front of the pit lane wall. But… theoretically knowing about it and seeing it live are two different things entirely. All the buzz on the starting grid is quite interesting…

Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 Le Mans 2014 | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2014)

Jun

12

Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 @ Le Mans 2014

Drive-by Snapshots / France / Porsche Posted by Sebastian / 0 comments

One of quite a few Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 models in 1:1 scale that graced the Michelin booth at the 24 Heures du Mans 2014. A stunning car and engineering masterpiece… but not particularly pretty. It might have looked a lot better had it sported a Martini or Gulf livery. Maybe next year?