A New Era ....
2008 Tesla Roadster - Commercial Success
A New Age. The automobile industry is changed forever with viable battery powered automobiles. With the Model S (2012) Tesla sold its four door sedan to over 200,000 customers. Its similar Models 3 and Y continue to demonstrate that electrics are here to stay, perhaps overtaking engine powered cars.
2008 - 2012 Tesla Roadster production began, 2,450 manufactured in California
Tesla Model S Production 2012 - Electric motor, battery powered, 400+ Horse Power, 0-60 mph - 4 sec
Express Yourself ... 100 years of ICE's
America's many expressions of style, class, performance, individuality
Hot Rods ... this high powered, 1929 Plymouth coupe with 390 ci 57 Hemi, 671 Wieland super charger at 7 lbs boost. Quick Change rear axle connects to Torque Flight Transmission.
1967 C2 Corvette
1927 Duesenburg
1971 Dodge 340
Who am I ....
Name, James Kauppi, Born in Detroit, actually in Henry Ford Hospital.
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Grew up in Milford, Michigan, home of the General Motors Proving Ground.
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Attended Northern Michigan and Western Michigan University.
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Have had an lifelong interest in mechanics and machinery ... but hands-on mostly limited to shade tree mechanical work, but included a few more ambitious projects.
I've enjoyed photographing machinery, especially cars and tractors. But it's not just about the machines themselves, but rather all of the back stories behind them.
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These things ... machines ever evolving are a reflection of our individual hopes and dreams and in a real sense, our American culture.
I hope you enjoy this website.
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A neighbor and friend, a Californian whose's owned many premium cars wanted a mid-engine Corvette. He found this 2020 (first year for mid-engine), pretty much perfect with 12k miles. He let me look it over and take the wheel. Costing less than many pick-up trucks this thing is amazing.
100 years of Detroit Automotive History through
the Eyes an octogenarian born into it ...!
The Model "T" above is one of not many unrestored and original. It's a 1911 model. It's rare to see the wood, canvas, levers and brackets as they were. This "T" is early production, well prior to the first one million.
Henry Ford, 1863 - 1947 (83)
Edsel Ford, Henry's only child*, 1893 - 1943 (49)
We start with Henry Ford, like him or not. The Model T gave mobility to all of America. It also began the era of American consumerism. Henry was determined to produce a reliable automobile that most Americans could afford, many were recent immigrants, as were my grandparents. Autos of this era were built only for the leisure class. Living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, work in the copper mines and woods paid enough after a decade to purchase their own land.
Eventually, a Model T was purchased, as was a famously balky Fordson tractor. They no doubt were thrilled. Even though the Northern climate and poor soil didn't produce much there were few complaints even as the children left for the city. They most certainly believed that life was good.
Henry's Legacy ...
31 Model A Coupe
40 Ford Deluxe 4-Dr Convertable
1956 Ford Sunliner.