Style Deluxe: Bell Rock Rod

When Oliver Kaps told me the first time that he'll build a stretched Hot Rod, I was like: W-T-F. And I suppose everybody thought "W-T-F" as well. Beside Olli himself. He was always sure it would look awesome. Now, as the rod is finished, I know I was wrong. The car is a beauty. Although it has been stretched.

Mr. Kaps picked up a 1931 Chevrolet as a basis. And if you are familiar with the German TÜV, you'll know what it means to get such a monstrum street legal. Ok, it wasn't easy all the time, but Olli accomplished it. Chapeau!

The Bell Rock Rod was built for the Bell Rock Hotel (Rust Europar Park). You'll find a lot of details on Olli's site — just follow this link.

(Photos: Carlos Fernandez Laser)

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl X Oldieklinik Bruckner (Austria)

It's official — we just teamed up with our first partner in Austria: Bruckner's Oldieklinik. For us it's a major honour, especially as Otto Mathé, the builder of the famous Porsche-based "Fetzenflieger"and the racing legend who developed the additive (Mathé® Classic), came from Innsbruck, Austria. 

Sorta homecoming.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Top Gear Magazine, Petrolicious

I love my inbox (not). I just rediscovered this photo Clemens Gleich (mojomag.de) sent me — over a month ago. The reason why I turned my back to my inbox (and overlooked this Top Gear Magazine photo) is we shut ourselves away to build a brandnew Chromjuwelen Motor Öl website, which you might have seen already. If not — shazam, HERE IT IS. 

You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. Ok, and while we're on it, I forgot to say thank you to Wrenchmonkees as well. Darn, I am an idiot ... 

Well, with this one I will be much faster: our soulmates from Petrolicious just presented our tailor mad engine oil to their audience — thank you very much, Barmak!

Mercedes-Benz: Die G-Klasse von 1979 bis heute

Darn it! Now I am hooked. And want a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Especially as I sold my Mercedes-Benz W 108 in 2012.

Anyway — Thank you very much for sending me "Legendewagen — Die G-Klasse von 1979 bis heute", Mercedes-Benz!

Google+ Communities

"Google+ Communities" is the new kid on the block. And although a lot of people think Google+ is dead, we think it's worth a try. As of shortly Google's tools felt clunky and geeky, but in the meantime that has changed. The web-interface is smart, and the new mobile app is a killer. No more fiddling with different apps, just one intuitive and snappy client.

Beside from that the quality of communications quality on G+ is very high. Which is perfect for our intention, as we aren't interested in just another blinged and artistically-filtered food porn flash in the pan. Our intention is much more to create cultural (Think: Motorkultur!), long-tailed storytelling.

You wanna join the party? Follow this link!

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Print

ramg Magazin 2012

Wallpaper Magazine 2012

Elle Dezember 2012

Edition – Das Werte Magazin (Nummer 3, 2012)

auto revue 2012

Street Magazine (November 2012)

PowerGlide Magazine 2012

Eigen Huis & Interieur (November 2012)

Volkswagen Fleet MagazineWhen we thought first about "Chromjuwelen Products", our intention was create products which embody a certain type of lifestyle. The mixture of Chromjuwelen Motor Öl in print — auto revue, Edition, Elle, Eigen Huis & Interieur, Fleet Magazine, PowerGlide, ramp, Street Magazine, Wallpaper Magazine — shows we reached that target. Yeah!

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl can be ordered here. If you are looking for some further information about Chromjuwelen Motor Öl, follow this link.

Dear Auto Industry, It's time To Roll Up Your Sleeves And Get To Work

Our friends from Amy & Pink just posted this Rammstein video of "Mein Herz brennt". There's one sentence in Amy & Pink's article, which made me laugh:

"Etwas, das dein großer Bruder, der jetzt um die 40 ist, hört, wenn er an seine Exfreundin denkt, die ihn wegen Torsten, dem stellvertretenden Filialleiter des lokalen Tengelmanns verlassen hat." (Rough: "Something your 40 years old brother is listening to, when he thinks of his ex-girlfriend — who left him for Torsten, the manager of the local supermarket.")

A moment later the laugh sticked in my throat.

For some time past we are asking different automotive industriy, marketing and media decision makers about the average age of their readers and clients. And without the ability of attesting it — the average age seems to be something between 35 and 50 years. If not even higher. Once again, this is just a gut feeling. But it seems car enthusiasts are at the least 40+.

So – compared to Amy & Pink's article – are (we) car enthusiasts just as the above mentioned old (fashioned) brother? Recapitulating the majority of our meetings we had with the German Auto(motive) Industry recently, I would go so far to say: Yes, we are.

Here are some more interesting details. Sorry for linking to German articles, but I am sure — if you ask a search engine — you'll find similar articles written in your language as well:

• Adolescents prefer smartphones/communities to driving licenses.

• (Maintenance) costs for automobiles are way too expensive.

• Media usage behavior is changing dramatically and irretrievably. Which means: Ads and offers don't reach younger people.

• Brand values are in danger to age (and to die) — as they aren't connected to younger, inspiring (lifestyle) scenes.

• It seems more than a few decision makers don't understand the opportunity of converting a brand into a sender. Which is crucial at the moment.

• Journalists/bloggers mutated into rat racing SEO-bots. But will search engines reach a younger – and much more skeptical – target group?

• ...

Ok, there is one (courageous) star in the (media) sky which gives hope, because he is doing a lot of things properly. But what about the rest? And what about the auto industry suppliers? If the trends will prove to be true — will any younger person ever be interested again in the product differences of tires, dampers, wheels? The risk of being buried in oblivion is high.

Dear Auto Industry: Awake – Dein Herz brennt. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Bethink yourself of your core (brand) values and start communicating — but be aware of all the filters that are installed to avoid annoying advertisement. Please start surpriseing us again — like Tesla does, like Car2Go does. But stop acting that stony. 

If you need any help, let us know.

Two Car Shows On Two Continents In Five Days

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

Wolfgang Würth, smart electric bike

smart electric bikes, Niketown, Beverly Hills

The Jim Henson Company, smart forjeremy

Jet-lagged and tipsy: Mathias "MC Winkel" Winks and some muppet

James Bond Aston Martin DB5 Coupé, LA Auto Show 2012

Decadent lunch with Marcel Winatschek (Amy & Pink), David Fischer (Highsnobiety) and Mathias Winks (Whudat)

"A brand is your friend" — Word.

Slammed W108 with mascara (caption borrowed from Clemens Gleich)

Now, with a Chromjuwelen branding, this Opel Kadett is worth over a million. No — wait: Five millions.

Bon appétit!

Yes, you can. You can visit two car shows (LA Auto Show, Essen Motor Show), three world premieres (Mercedes-AMG SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force, smart forjeremy) and several parties in five days. Here's a quick journal:

• Tuesday, November 27th (early): HAM-FRA-LAX

• Tuesday, November 27th: Arrival Los Angeles

• Tuesday, November 27th: Beverly Hills on smart electric bikes

• Tuesday, November 27th: Presentation Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

• Tuesday, November 27th: Presentation smart forjeremy at the Jim Henson Company

• Wednesday, November 28th: LA Motor Show

• Wednesday, November 28th: Santa Monica

• Wednesday, November 28th: Departure (LAX-MUC-DUS)

• Tuesday, November 29th: Arrival in DUS

• Tuesday, November 29th: Dinner with Chem-Tools

• Friday, November 30th: Essen Motor Show 2012, meetings

• Friday, November 30th: AUTO BILD Race Night

• Saturday, December 1st: Essen Motor Show 2012, meetings

• Saturday, December 1st (late): Back in Hamburg

• Sunday, December 2nd: BRAINDEAD

• Monday, December 3rd: BRAINDEAD

What I learned: You need a really good condition (err ... really?). And some good friends, who help you.

I would like to thank Mercedes-Benz/smart for the hospitality, Klaus Rasch for saving me from the police in Santa Monica, Thomas Backe and Dieter Hofem for picking me up in DUS, Manfred Prescher and Stefan Müller for the wonderful Race Night — and DOTZ/AEZ for gallons of coffee.

And not to forget — thank you David Fischer (Highsnobiety), Mathias "MC Winkel" Winks (Whudat), Marcel Winatschek (Amy & Pink), Michael Kaune (QVEST) and Matthias Arens (Quality) for teaching me lessons in "Lifestyle, Ego-Blogging and Fashion"!

smart forjeremy: Haters Gonna Hate

The smart forjeremy rises

Jeremy Scott: "Few can afford"

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam aka M.I.A. aka "Missing in Action" aka "Missing in Acton"

Dr. Annette Winkler (smart), Jeremy Scott

Landed: smart forjeremy

Winged smart fortwo electric drive

White

smart electric drive forjeremy

I have to admit I didn't know who Jeremy Scott was when Mercedes-Benz/smart invited me to join their exclusive "smart forjeremy" event in front of the LA Auto Show 2012. A quick search later I learned that he is a fashion designer who has built a reputation for outrageous designs favored by pop stars and celebrities: Madonna, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears — just to name a few.

Shame on me, but I am no fashionista. I may know some things about Winged Warriors, but neither I had heared about "The Wing(ed) High Tops", nor about the "Teddy Bear Shoes". As well I am really awful at things like pop music. After some of my diehard old school petrol heads heared that I would fly over to Los Angeles to watch the presentation, I saw a lot of scrunched up noses. "A guy who is into gaudy fashion is doing a car? And he is doing what — a winged plastic car? Are you kidding me?"

Well, I think the smart forjeremy is cool. And let me explain, why. The fact, that a car manufacturer — in this case: smart — cooperates with an artist — in this case: Jeremy Scott —, impresses me. It is sovereign and courageous, because it creates something new. And for smart it is long overdue to get such a remix, if you ask me.

And regarding those who dislike this project: You know how it is — haters gonna hate. It is always the same. But if you've got haters, you'll probably have done some things right …

Mad Max Fury Road: Leaked

It seems "Mad Max: Fury Road" likes trucks. Images borrowed from Futuro Finale 2088 AD and Facebook (Mad Max Replica Cars).

Where The Wild Things Are: Our Latest Stockists

Red Wing Store (Hamburg)

Red Wing Store (Hamburg)

Red Wing Store (Hamburg)

Oettinger Sportwagen (Hamburg)

Burg & Schild (Berlin)

Burg & Schild (Berlin)

Oldtimer-Tankstelle (Hamburg)

Oldtimer-Tankstelle (Hamburg)

FUNC. functional furniture etc (Feldafing)

FUNC. functional furniture etc (Feldafing)

Previous articles like "In The Wild" and our Facebook-Page (make sure you follow it!) are already listing some of our stockists: Rider's Room Hamburg, Prototyp Museum Hamburg, Oldtimer Tankstelle Hamburg. In the meantime we teamed up with some more specialists, as shown above. We are very proud to introduce:

• Burg & Schild (Berlin)

• FUNC. functional furniture etc. (Hamburg)

• OETTINGER Sportwagen (Hamburg)

In this regard we would like to thank one person: Tobias "To" Pflug – as not only for showcasing our Chromjuwelen Motor Öl in the Red Wing Store Hamburg and consulting us, but also for providing us with his very valuable contacts.

Hemi Ride

Drivestyle.

In The Wild: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

The other day we made our debut with our Chromjuwelen Motor Öl. In the wild, at the Oldtimer Park Hamburg. We are still thrilled, to be honest. It is a huge difference to see a ton of your products at one place, after you played around for a long time with a handful of home-made dummies. Wow.

As well we were priviledged to shoot some campaign images at the Prototyp Museum Hamburg, where the "Fetzenflieger" lives — Otto Mathé's famous racecar we are showing on our label. As I wrote before – if you will ever be in Hamburg, make sure to pay the museum a visit. It is gorgeous. And — btw —the Prototyp Museum sells Chromjuwelen Motor Öl ...

I would like to thank some people: 

• Ronald Szasszer for inviting us to the Oldtimer Park Hamburg and giving us his 1957 Porsche "Ed Parlett" 356 Speedster

• Helge "Motoraver" Thomsen for providing his 1973 Ford "Mad Max" Falcon XB GT Coupe for our Chromjuwelen Motor Öl booth

• Daniel Dimpker (24helmets.de) for showcasing Chromjuwelen Motor Öl at the Stadtpark-Revival Hamburg

• Michael Schade (Oettinger Sportwagen) for the perfect neighborhood

• Everybody who joined our premiere of Chromjuwelen Électrique at the Oldtimer Park Hamburg

At the moment we are working hard on shipping the Chromjuwelen Motor Öl to our stockists and finishing our "Online Store". Tragically one thing turned out to be more tricky than we thought: shipping the oil to the States. The freight charges kill us. So — if somebody reads this who wants to act as an distributor — please shoot us an email!

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Ready To Ship

Finally. We just launched an online store – which means Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is ready to ship.

At chromjuwelen-oel.com you will be able to order our products via a fulfillment partner next to you. At the moment we are looking for a partner in the US – as we are getting overwhelmed with inquiries. If you have got an idea who might be a perfect partner for our Chromjuwelen Motor Öl – don't hesitate to shoot us an email!

@ the rest – what'cha waiting for!

Chromjuwelen Électrique: Full Version & Bonus Videos

Not all that long ago we made a self-attempt: we eBay-ed a 1964 Imperial Crown and drove it from Los Angeles to Las Vegas – and back to Los Angeles. As you can imagine, we had a blast. You will find the video here. This time we switched to the other extreme: We travelled in a smart fortwo electric drive from Paris to Le Mans (Classic). Yup. Battery-driven. Of course – we know this electrified fellow isn't made for long distances. Even worse – we knew it will not be easy to find enough charging stations. But hey, that exactly was the challenge. If anybody of us speaks fluent French? Er ... no.

My favorite scene? Arthur's tribute to Stephen Brooks and all the dubstep video jockeys at 09:38.

Chromjuwelen Électrique features:

• smart

• Mercedes-Benz Classic

• Blenheim Gang

• Chartres

• Le Mans Clasic

• Frank Jacob (Springbok Sportwagen)

• Jochen Maas

Music:

• La Horse

• "Getting Along"

• mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape

• szoll

• "broke"

• soundcloud.com

• Tarpans

• "Rivers"

• mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape

• Advencher Club ft, Kai

• "Need Your Heart"

• soundcloud.com

• Edvard Grieg

• "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - I. Morning" (performed by Musopen Symphony Orchestra)

• musopen.org

• EmoShock

• "Kaboul"

• soundcloud.com

All filming & editing: Faust & Heisler. For a full (German) Travelogue visit chromjuwelen.com.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: THANK YOU!

It seems we did something properly – as we are getting such a tremendous feedback. We are turning as red as a beet and would like to say THANK YOU to everybody who is supporting us!

• AUTO BILD KLASSIK (Print; 09/2102)

• Blenheim Gang: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• Cool Hunting: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• The Dieline: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• Designbote: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• For Love And Glory: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl // The Beauty Of A Genuine Product

• fubiz.net: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• Gear Patrol: Chromjuwelen Classic Car Motor Oil

• Motoraver: Das läuft wie geschmiert

• notcot.org: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• Packaging Of The World: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl

• The Pixeleye: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl — Pre-Order Now!

• race-dezert.com: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl — Pre-Order Now!

• Stipistop: Otto Mathé feat. Chromjuwelen

I am sure there is more on it's way — I will update this article regularly.

A special THANK YOU goes to Oliver Schmidt and Thomas König, as they are not only supporting us with Otto Mathé's "Fetzenflieger" for our packaging, but also opening their awesome Prototyp Museum Hamburg for our shootings. If you ever come to Germany — make sure you will visit their beautiful museum!

X-RAY MAGAZINE: Hamburg – City Of The Classics

Im Vollbildmodus anzeigen

Im Vollbildmodus anzeigen

The other day x-ray magazine ("fashion business intelligence") asked me if I would like to write an article about "Motorkultur in Hamburg". What a question — of course! This is not only a perfect opportunity to present Hamburg amongst the other featured cities Los Angeles and London, but a good way to thank all those people and places who inspire me every day.

If you ever were looking for a perfect Motorkultur travel guide regarding Hamburg, here it is: Hamburg – City of Classics (English; page 64-67), Hamburg – Die Stadt der Klassiker (German; page 64-67).

Featuring (in alpahbetical order): 

• 20 Flight Rock

• Artistocrat (Zsolt Machat)

• Hafenbahnhof Hamburg

• Hamburg Harley Days

• Hamburger Stadtpark-Revival

• Heliumcowboy Artspace (Jörg Heikhaus)

• PLY (David Einsiedler)

• Prototyp Automuseum Hamburg (Oliver Schmidt, Thomas König)

• Queen Calavera

• Rider's Room (Sven Eden)

• Oldtimer Tankstelle (Alex Piatscheck, Jann de Boer)

• Jules Wenzel

 In this regard I would especially like to thank two persons: Oliver Breitwieser for taking all photos, Sven Wiesner for slamming his Rostkäfer. And yeah, needless to say: I <3 Hamburg.

Chromjuwelen Électrique: Trailer

We had a blast. Thanks to smart & Mercedes-Benz Classic for letting this happen!

The "Director's Cut" will be released September 2nd. In the meantime – here is our (German) Travelogue and a full loaded gallery.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: About The Background

Due to the tremendous feedback for the package design of our Chromjuwelen Motor Öl, I would like to get one thing straight: It was neither me nor my Chromjuwelen partner Chris who did the design. Ok, I am responsible for squeezing and advancing the idea, but all props regarding the package design go to Donkey. In person: Boris Frommen, Daniel Dondorp and Christian Kandel.

I know Boris for years now and he is doing an amazing job with his agency. But if you visit Donkey's website, you will soon figure out that Donkey's core competence is not exactly … er ... automotive based. It is much more the fashion- and fragrancies-business they are in. But it has been a ongoing complaining from Boris (who is racing Porsche and Ferrari, btw) on a high level that he would love to do something auto-related one day.

When I told Boris about our cooperation with Mathy he was immediately hooked and brought Daniel Dondorp and Christian Kandel into play. Daniel and Christian are both into classic cars as well, and they turned out to be the dream team we were looking for. I take my hat off to both of you, Daniel and Christian — you've created something sheer incredible!

Granted. It took us over a year to bring our first first product, Chromjuwelen Motor Öl (yes, written with "Ö"!), to shape. Of course, we know the needs of the market and our audience – but at the end of the day Chris and I are just two buffoons who are bringing on some geeky automotive interwebs pollution. But in this regard we see ourselves to be our prototype clients: not savvy in engineering — but in search of products who fit to our passion: classic and modified cars. To keep it short: our intention was to create a product which we would buy.

When we thought for the first time about "Chromjuwelen Products" (yeop, there are some more on their way — stay tuned!) it was indisputable for us we can't do that on our own. But with Mathy and Donkey we feel like we hit the jackpot. On the one hand Mathy, who is gutsy enough to realize our neurotic ideas, on the other hand Donkey, who is highly skilled to bring 'em to shape.

As well I would like to thank at this point all media representatives (AUTO BILD KLASSIK, and several journalists), garages, museums and technicians we had the honor to learn from. Guys, without your affirmation we wouldn't feel that secure, as we do today. 

Right now we are working on our Chromjuwelen Online Store (which we will launch end of August) that our products can be ordered worldwide. Btw — this was one of our biggest tasks: to get them shippable. Please don't hesitate to talk to us, if you would like to offer Chromjuwelen Motor Öl in your Vintage Furniture Store, in your Garage our in your Heritage Fashion Shop!

Oh, btw, just one last thing: We will debut September 1./2. at the Oldtimer Park Hamburg and the Hamburger Stadtpark Revival. Safe the date!

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Pre-Order Now!

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to our first Chromjuwelen product: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl — specially formulated for classic cars!

Anyone who drives a classic is familiar with the question of which oil is the best one for his engine. Nowadays even the least expensive products are of such high grade that they are superior in quality to the top motor oils of the past. But because most classics are taken out on the road only a few months per year they experience long periods of inactivity. Base motor oils are not made for this; they do not adhere long enough to provide a protective coating on critical parts such as cylinder liners, camshafts and crankshafts and end up flowing back into the oil pan. This makes the next cold start a material killer.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is custom tailored for classic engines operated only a few months per year. Formulated by Mathé® Classic, the oil provides wear and corrosion protection precisely tailored to the needs of historic engines and ensures long-term adhesion to metallic surfaces. This mitigates potential damage that may ensue following long periods of inactivity such as winter storage or museum exhibitions.

Based on a mildly alloyed, mineral-based multigrade oil, Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is ready for immediate use and can be mixed with all standard brand name mineral-based, HC synthetic or synthetic motor oils. According to SAE classification, Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is suitable for vehicles of all types: cars, motorcycles and utility vehicles. 

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is specially formulated for vehicles only used occasionally and tolerates long periods in between use.

Order in advance — you’ll be glad you did!

The official sales launch is scheduled for September 1, 2012. Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is available for purchase at http://chromjuwelen.com and select outlets. Initially, two viscosities are available: SAE 15W-40 and SAE 20W-50. MVG® Mathé-Schmierstofftechnik GmbH will be handling the shipping.

Advance orders will be taken from the beginning of August 2012 – with substantial customer benefits! For the purchase of a 5l canister by September 1 the shipping and handling fee of EUR 5.95 will not be charged for delivery within Germany. The customer will also receive a free one-liter bottle of the selected viscosity at no charge. Ordering 5 liters thus saves the customer EUR 24.85!

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 15W-40 (1 Liter): EUR 18,90

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 15W-40 (5 Liter): EUR 79,90

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 20W-50 (1 Liter): EUR 18,90

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 20W-50 (5 Liter): EUR 79,90

Delivery starts from September 3, 2012.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Made by people with a passion for classic cars for people with a passion for classic cars.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl was jointly conceived by MVG® Mathé-Schmierstofftechnik GmbH and Chromjuwelen, is based on the needs of the various groups of classic car aficionados, and its premium standard of excellence and formulation with Mathé® Classic make it unique.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is manufactured by MVG® Mathé-Schmierstofftechnik GmbH in Soltau, Germany. The additive specialists can look back on a long tradition. Since the mid-80’s they have been carrying on the legacy of racing legend Otto Mathé. To improve the performance and lubrication of his motor oil, Mathé developed his own additive. This resulted in his engines running more reliably than the same types of engines being used by his competitors.

Whether in his "Ahnherrn", the Berlin-Rome car developed by Ferdinand Porsche, a Porsche 356 or his "Fetzenflieger" (scroll to 1952) adorning the Chromjuwelen Motor Öl logo, Otto Mathé (1907-1995) was a legend in his own lifetime and dominated racing in Austria. Although he steered using only one arm (his right arm was paralyzed in an accident), he went from one victory to another. Niki Lauda still says that "Otto Mathé was the idol of my childhood".

The oil was named after Chromjuwelen ("chrome jewels"), the magazine for motor culture, since 2005 publishing issues related to classic vehicles at http://chromjuwelen.com. Like practically no other medium it is familiar with the needs of the individual car cultures, including everyday classics, exclusive unique specimens and high performance vehicles from international car racing. Chromjuwelen.com is a reference frequently quoted beyond the borders of German-speaking countries, especially when the topic is "Motorkultur".

Download: 

Press release and details (English)Press release and details (Deutsch)