Through the eyes of Coop and Aaron Von Minden, we’ve been lucky to grab some glimpses of The Old Crow, a land speed record racer built from the fuel tank of a fighter plane that both of the guys worked on. Owner Bobby Green was approached by the minions of Tommy Hilfiger to see if he would be interested in having the historic racer involved in a bit of a photo shoot. One thing led to another and Bobby & friends built another car in an incredible 2 days and both cars became the focal point for Hilfiger’s 2008 Spring ad campaign. Currently, The Old Crow is on display in Amsterdam.

Bobby has the full story on The Old Crow blog and we’ve got some video for you after the break.
Continue reading →

Popularity: 6%

We’ve started our Holiday Gift Giving guide with a whole bunch of art, and I have no intention on changing that theme just yet. I’ve been very lucky to get to know a few guys on the west coast through this journey that is The Garage, and one of the most influential has been the mightily talented artist, Coop. Mr. Cooper has opened my eyes to the history of hot rods and his own unique styles.

Fan’s of Coop’s blog and Flickr page will be happy to know that their loved ones can buy them their very own Coop art and bits of Coop goodies from the appropriately named Coop Stuff store. Just be sure there are no kiddies around when you open the page up if you’re uptight, as they will see Coop’s boobies!

The about to become classic Helmet print is 22×22 inches and is one of 50 signed and numbered pieces for only $100
Continue reading →

Popularity: 4%

One of our fave artists here in The Garage, Coop, has taken some time away from his muses (or should that be musi?) to spend some time painting dots. These aren’t just any dots though. This dizzying blur of red, white and blue dots melds together at a distance to become an American motorcycling icon.

As always, very cool Mr. Cooper. Very cool indeed.

Popularity: 4%

For those who just can’t get enough kool in their lives, we can be thankful for the lens of Coop. Yesterday was So-Cal Speed Shop’s Hot Rod Halloween Party and Coop was there to document the gathering on digifilm. As always, the images are awesome! To get the full deal, visit Coop’s Flickr page. If you are a Flickr user with your safe search turned off, you can also check out Coop’s other fun goodies.

Popularity: 5%

Caution: Boobs Ahead

Not really, the sign is a warning for the evil speed bumps the Mexicans call Topes. This shot was captured by Coop at the 2006 La Carrera Panamerica.

We promised some fun today and who are we to lie? Over at The Jalopy Journal, lucky Ryan Cochrane spent some time interviewing the man himself, Mr. Cooper, aka Coop.

“When I drew that Devil with a cigar clenched in his teeth, it was a one-off thing for a Zippo lighter. It took me about thirty minutes from start to finish, and I had no idea that it was going to become my trademark, my Flying Eyeball or Rat Fink.”

As a late blooming Coop fan, I hadn’t really known too much about the man’s background, only what I’ve picked up from a few e-mail conversations. Oh yes, and my obsession with his Flickr page. When you visit, be sure to uncheck the safe search box on your own Flickr account so you can get the full effect.

Now, enough of me! Head on over to The Jalopy Journal for the full read.

Popularity: 6%

That wild and crazy artist guy Coop from Cali has been delighting us with his incredibly sexy images (both automotive & nudie) for ages. That lucky guy spent last week at Bonneville for the annual Speed Week with the Old Crow crew and came home with an absolute ton of great shots. It’s a shame that Bonne is so far from Ontario, as these images look like time has stood still on the salt flats.

Popularity: 5%

Regular readers have seen some of Coop’s shots of Old Crow the belly tanker. This week, Coop spent some quality Friday the 13th time in the home of the lake racer. I just love the intake stacks on this roadster, but there are just so many other great toys that you’ll have to visit Coop’s Flickr page. While you’re there, have a look around for Coop’s April Flores captures. Yummy!

Popularity: 6%

I was pretty impressed with the quantity and quality of cars in attendance at a local cruise a couple of weeks ago, but that show pales when compared to an open house at the birth place of hot rodding. Coop took his bum leg and his Leica to the annual open house at the So Cal Speed Shop and took about a zillion photos. Visit Positive Ape Index and then follow through to Coop’s Flickr page.

Popularity: 4%

As I’m beginning to read and clear out all my feeds from the last 2 weeks, I’m finding some really cool stuff. Over at Positive Ape Index, Coop has been cleaning out a bit too. He’s filled his Flickr account full of images. From Old Crow at El Mirage to Trailer Trash Titties, there is something in there for any disciple of style.

I decided to play around with the image above and switch it to black and white. I just love the effect. This shot could have been taken in the Fifties. Be sure to login to your Flickr account and visit Coop666.

Popularity: 4%

The last few days have been a bit challenging, as Mamma G has been quite sick. We spent today at the hospital, only to receive a diagnosis that involved a pair of shrugged shoulders. I wanted to write when we got home, but didn’t really know what to write about. I thought it might help if I found some cool photos to look at. One of the first places I looked was Positive Ape Index, the house of Coop. He always has something cool going on. What I found was this driveway full of Coop’s toys.

It seems that Coop had a rough day a few days ago too and he found some solace in the enjoyment of his cars. Lately, I’ve spent a fair bit of time envying other people’s rides. Whether it’s the work of our west coast guy Aaron Von Minden, or Coop or any of the many other fine characters I come across in my work here in The Garage. Maybe it has something to do with my impending 40th birthday and some of the identity issues that I’ve had lately.
Continue reading →

Popularity: 9%