Eschewing vinyl and plastic for hardwood, stainless steel, and leather, The Opera by Axel Enthoven is a major departure from the typical pop-up camper. No need to worry about the styrofoam cooler or screen tent–the Opera comes fully equipped with a wine cabinet, espresso bar and an enclosed teak veranda.
Would it even be considered camping at this point?
via dezeen
Still short a few seats in my case, but getting closer! Dutch Bike Co. Seattle imports a wide variety of beautiful European bikes, including the Workcycles Fr8 (up top) and the Onderwater Tandem (underneath).
The Onderwater Tandem can be set up to accommodate one adult and three kids: one child gets to pedal (up front — the “stoker”), another can sit on an optional seat in front of the driver (the “captain”) and another can sit on a rear rack-mounted seat. Wow!
I’ve been mourning my 2001 Eurovan Westfalia ever since it finally gave out. Sure, it had its share of problems and quirks, but it was the coolest, most versatile vehicle I’ve ever owned. I have yet to find a suitable replacement and, unfortunately, Volkswagen decided not to import their latest version (pictured above) into the U.S.
Spernicelli Biciclette has a fantastic collection of vintage Italian city bikes, like this 1930 Bianchi. Absolutely beautiful!
This book is an absolute must read, especially for those with a weak spot for vintage station wagons and road trips. Published by Ford in 1957, this is hardly a “consumer’s guide to camping gear”–there’s a definite independent vibe and lots of backyard ingenuity!
Of course, you’ll find lots of little gems like this (wrong on so many different levels):
“Families with small children find the wagon a special boon on long trips. Suitably padded, the long floor space behind the front seat becomes a safe play area. Back there with their toys and picture books youngsters can work off their restless energy without interfering with the serious business of driving the car.”
Now in the public domain, you can download the book freely from the Internet Archive.
via daddytypes (via knitting iris)
Bent steel and aluminum bicycle by Jean Prouvé, circa 1941. Designed during the war, in a time of great economic turmoil, with the hope to facilitate his employees’ journey between their homes and the ateliers.
Sold at auction (Christie’s, 2009) for $100,261.
via southsiders
These super fun ride-on cars are available from habitat ($125 for black, pink on sale for roughly $60).
via hygge nook
The Converto Bike from Angeles comes with a second life, allowing you to convert the tricycle into a big-kid two-wheeler when your child is ready. It’s made of cast aluminum, so it will probably be around for your grandchildren as well!
They also have a really cool Lo-Boy Trike (think big wheel) and an optional matching trailer.
Even the rowdiest toddler would have trouble wearing out this tricycle! It was made in the ‘70s by Angeles Tricycles out of galvanized steel, more proof that they don’t make things like they used to. It’s available at Modern 50 (they have lots of objects for the curious). Angeles Tricycles is still producing a revised version of this rickshaw as well as other trikes.
