Oh Snap!

Mar/Apr 2019 edition
Issue #4 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Dale LaFollette

Bugatti 101C. Actual size: 3.5”x3.25”.

It may have never crossed your mind to look at snapshots as a collectable, and you would be correct, 99% of the time.  But… there are times that snapshots, whether taken by a seasoned photographer or just a lucky photographic happenstance, are worthy of your attention.  
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Looking for and finding that elusive 1% in antique stores, etc. will drive you to tears so leave that to others. There are swap-meet vendors in Europe, and online vendors who specialize in auto photography, and occasionally they will have an outstanding snapshot, many at reasonable prices as most early snapshots are small to very small so they are priced accordingly.

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The first photograph here is of a Bugatti 101C with body designed by Virgil Exner, and coachbuilt by Ghia. I found it in an album of rather pedestrian car photos but this one spoke to me; outlandish styling, and the young lady along-side in period dress with a wonderful smile, how could anyone resist? Since it is a color photo probably printed in the late 1960s, to early 1970s I am afraid to display it, as color images from that era seem to fade rather quickly but I still enjoy owning it.

The tiny image of Caracciola’s Mercedes-Benz W125 streamliner on the steep banking at AVUS in Berlin in 1937 caught my attention, not for the typical snapshot image of the blurry car, but for the man that seems to be standing on the loud speaker.

He looks like a miniature, but in reality, is full size… just standing at the top of the banking in the distance.  It reminded me of the photo-collage images from avant-garde photographers in the 1930s so it seemed appropriate that I should add it to my collection. When I have shown it to people, some question my sanity, others just hope I didn’t pay too much for it.  But I bought it for me, I have owned it for several years and I still enjoy it!

Rudi Caracciolo, Mercedes-Benz Streamliner W125, AVUS 1937. Actual size: 2.75” x 1.875”.

Rudi Caracciola, Mercedes-Benz 38/250, Shelsley Walsh hill climb 1929. Actual size: 4” x 2.75”.

I especially love photographs that someone took the time to write on so here is Caracciola (again) in a Mercedes-Benz (again) in 1929 at the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb.  A satisfyingly sharp image by an anonymous spectator.  One minor problem historically though, I can find record of Caracciola at Shelsley Walsh in 1930 but I have yet to find a listing for him there in 1929.  So, was the date on the photo incorrect or did he race there in both years?  I believe the answer is the photographer wrote on it in later years and just got it wrong, as I am sure the correct date is 1930.

The final snapshot here is of Pierre Marco in a Type 32 Bugatti “Tank” racing in the 1923 French Grand Prix.  What stands out about this photograph is the fact that it was taken with a camera which had a vertical focal plane shutter, thus the wheels are elliptical and even the body of the car has a more aggressive stance than it did in reality adding to the cartoonish nature of the image.  The riding mechanic completes the look by bending over out of the wind to help the streamline effect.

Pierre Marco, Bugatti Type 32, French Grand Prix 1923. Actual size: 3.75”x2.5”.

These four small snapshot photographs would be valued in most cases less than $75 each if they were purchased from an automobilia dealer.  If they were purchased from another more general source I would expect to pay somewhere in the $10 to $25 range. Some antique dealers think any image of a car is worth way more than it really is, so be prepared to barter.  Just remember, the automobilia dealer might have looked at a million snapshots of puppies, anonymous relatives, old touring cars, farm implements, and combinations thereof to find one jewel, so consider the asking price a finder’s fee and well worth it!

Dale LaFollette

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