Some say Germans don’t have much of a sense of humour. On the contrary I say, their humour is nearly fatal.

Vanagon Racing -
Sit down for this one Teutonfiles, this is funny, and somehow unsettling – the maroon Westy with traction control is what pushed me over the edge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWLFGPl1Kdk&feature=related

The 500+ hp old VW bus on the track with an Aston Martin and GT3
This one’s a favorite at Nurburgring –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=powVngJ-Ljc

A lesson in fun-loving Germans part 1 & 2 -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVoxxHKR-PM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcGlotIzX4c&feature=related

Phil G.

When I saw the movie premier here in town that year, the 917 McQueen drove was sitting right there in the theater lobby. This made a huge impression on our young minds and hearts, at an age when all we could think about were cars and boats. Not surprising most of us ended up pretty involved in sports and racecars in the years that followed.
Just the beginning scene where McQueen slowly drives the course in that gorgeous new 911 Targa, flashing back to the disastrous race the year before is pure magic and art. That had to be moment the world fell in love with the Fuchs alloy. I know we all did.

Another favorite, while technically only having one unusual chase scene is The World’s Fastest Indian (NZ-2005) staring Antony Hopkins. This is based on the real life story of New Zealander Burt Munrow who to this day holds the >1,000 cc speed record for motorcycles at Bonneville. Everything about the movie is great though, not just the sound of that big ancient twin racing on the beach or joining the 200-mile-an-hour club on the flats of Bonneville.

Anyone who loves machinery, speed, and nurtures a passion for life shouldn’t miss either of these films.

Phil G.

Rendezvous is now out on DVD, and it’s worth it.

It’s phenomenal.

I’ve yet to see Rendezvous, but I imagine that will change before long.

I blame the spell checker…

2) Ronin

3) Le Mans

4) Bullitt

5) Vanishing Point

6) Rendesvous

7) The Road Warrior

If you ever get to see the Director’s Cut of Grand Prix, with commentrary from Frankenheimer, Garner, and the others, it’s amazing. What they were able to do, the way the movie was filmed, and the story behind it are nothing short of astonishing.

Frankenheimer relates the story of flying in a helicopter at 100 Ft. at 150 mph IN THE RAIN to get the shots of the action at Spa.

Ronin, is, or course, Frankenheimer’s other masterpiece. Along with The Manchurian Candidate (the success of which made Grand Prix possible), He’s done three of my favorite films ever. The decision to use the 6.9 was classic Frankenheimer. Throw in the climactic chase between the Renault and the BMW the wrong way on the highway is beyond words.

Le Mans: McQueen, Porsche 917, what else is there?

Bullitt: if only those old cars actually performed that well…

Vanishing Point: Goofy philosophy and a 1970 Challenger R/T 440. The race between the Challenger and the Jag is classic.

The Road Warrior: How could we leave out Mad Max???

Rendesvous, the cult classic, is only about 12 minutes long IIRC, but the depiction of the car racing through the empty streets of Paris will stand your hair on end. Bonus: It was thought that the car used was a Ferrari 275 GTB, but it came to light that he actually used a Mercedes 6.9, and dubbed in the Ferrari sound.

‘Bullit’ is an obvious one – actually watched it again a few weeks ago.

‘Against all Odds’ – with the chase between the 911 and 308 Ferrari.

‘The Transporter’ – Jason Statham and a 7-series BMW – a bit stupid but great driving and the main character was obsessive about his car being treated with respect.