Images possess the unique power to bring ideas to life, transforming the unusual into the familiar. Words, equally potent, convey stories and evoke deep emotions. In Automobilist Century Callan masterfully intertwines both through his photography and writing, crafting an immersive experience.
This stunning three-volume work offers more than visual and literary artistry. The beauty extends to the tactile pleasure of holding leather-bound volumes, feeling the premium pages beneath your fingers, and fully engaging with the captivating narratives and striking images within. Each turn of the page deepens the connection to Callan's evocative world. His work is presented across three distinct volumes, each exploring different eras of twentieth-century automotive history. Throughout these volumes, his passion for significant European car design is a prevailing theme. Additionally, he devotes considerable attention to remarkable race cars and notable Americana.
Every photographer brings a unique perspective to their craft, shaped by their interpretation of the world around them. This distinct vision manifests through their "eye" for scale, context, detail, and color. Callan exemplifies this with his intimate style, focusing meticulously on the fine details. His close-up shots of a car's defining features serve as a powerful testament to his artistic approach. It’s the brass headlamps jutting out of the front of 1903 Pierce Arrow or the deep blue of a 1926 Delage GP cockpit. As a child of the fifties and sixties, I was particularly drawn to his photos of a rare ’53 Buick Skylark Roadster's chrome grill, the pink and black fins of a '56 Plymouth and the tail of a ’66 black Pontiac GTO. The images boast exceptional print quality, with deep, rich colors that showcase Callan’s dedication to accurately representing the original media—be it film or digital.
There are numerous shots of Italian exotics from the 1960s, including Alfas, Lamborghinis, and of course Ferraris. Not surprising considering Callan spent several years in Italy working with key auto and motorcycle manufacturers. However, his photographs of race cars are particularly notable, as they are typically captured at racetracks or within garage settings. Unlike studio photos, these photos capture cars during calm periods while they’re being serviced or prepared for a race.
In volume III, “The Formula had Changed,” Callan provides a detailed account of Porsche’s early race car development, culminating in the success of the 917 model at Le Mans and featuring prominent drivers of the era. His expertise, paired with compelling narrative elements, results in a highly engaging and informative read.
In “Neighborhood Drive”, Callan describes meeting someone who let him drive their new Ferrari F40, the last car designed by Enzo Ferrari before his death. The story begins by referencing a translation of Lucretius’ ‘On the Nature of the Universe,’ leaving the reader puzzled about its connection to a drive in a red Ferrari. However, the author later weaves the two elements together, providing a deeper understanding of the narrative.
In Volume II's "Little Immoralities," Callan showcases his extensive knowledge of Ferrari's and Alfa's early racing history. The narrative unfolds through a detailed recounting of a conversation with a pair of his expert friends during the Concourso Italiano, a prestigious gathering of Italian cars in Carmel. The story's title is inspired by an expression attributed to Enzo Ferrari, highlighting his knack for crafting cars that conceal their full potential—vehicles often referred to as "ringers."
Spanning three volumes and totaling 875 pages, Automobilist Century might seem overwhelming at first glance. However, I quickly discovered the magic lies in simply picking up any volume, flipping to any page, and being whisked away to another era and locale. Callan masterfully employs the creative writing principle of "show, don’t tell," enriching each narrative with vivid sensory details that deeply engage the reader. This monumental work clearly represents years of dedicated effort, and I now relish the prospect of savoring its rich stories for years ahead—one car, one narrative at a time.
By Lawrence Davanzo
Lawrence Davanzo Photography
Automobilist Century
Table of Contents
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