Vincent Black Lightning : World Most Expensive Motorcycles

Vincent Motorcycles was a British manufacturer of motorcycles in the United Kingdom from 1928 to 1955. Their Black Shadow is one of the best known high performance motorcycles of the 1950s.
The “Black Shadow”, capable of 125 mph (201 km/h), and easily recognised by its black engine and gearbox unit, and large 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, was introduced.

The Vincent Black Lightning was a racing version of the Black Shadow, was designed to to set a different record: a world speed record in 1950. with every necessary steel part on it that could be, remade in aluminium, and anything not essential removed altogether, reducing the weight from 458 lb (208 kg) to 380 lb (170 kg).
Even tought the bike didn't break the record, but its pristine condition has made it a highly prized item for collectors with deep pockets.
In the Oktober 2008, at The Stafford Show UK, The Vincent Black Lightning was sold by Bonhams' it an estimate of $400,000 - $600,000, has been bought by an anonymous collector.

Source : http://www.luxist.com

The Russia Royal Family Regalia

The Collection Of Russia Royal Family Regalia

The collection of state regalia (royal objects) in the Armoury Chamber of Kremlin is the national pride of Russia. It consists of crowns, scepters, thrones, the state sword and shield, chains and crosses which played a leading part in court ceremonial from the thirteenth to nineteenth century.

These sacred relics, symbols of state power, were passed down from generation to generation, affirming the continuity and unshakeability of supreme autocracy. They reflect the whole history of the Russian state and were witnesses of the most significant political events.

All these items are of great artistic, historical and material value. They were used almost without changes at all the coronations right up to that of the coronation of Nicholas II.

Source : http://www.tristarmedia.com

Most Expensive Classic Car

Classic cars is an expensive hobby where the most finest models will cost you millions of dollars. Surprisingly enough, the cars doesn’t have to be that old before the prices go skyrocketing. One of the cars in the top 5 was just 45 years old when it was sold at an auction for almost 10 million dollars.

The Silver Ghost was one of the first Rolls-Royce models to be built at the beginning of the 20th-century. One of the Silver Ghost’s was painted in aluminum paint and used to promote the reliability of Rolls-Royce cars. This one aluminum painted version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost still exist. It is insurance at $35,000,000 making it the most expensive car in the world.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is epitomising all that is the very best in British engineering. Utmost attention to detail resulted in such an outstanding quality that this motor car rightfully was stated to be "the best car in the world". The first public display of the 40/50 hp model as it was called then was at London's Olympia Motor in November 1906 with deliveries commencing from April 1907. It was this model on which the company's reputation for excellence was based - not at least had added to this record non-stop run carried out by the original R-R Silver Ghost, chassis no. 60551, whose name became a more popular model designation than the company's term 40/50 hp. Steady development resulted in significant improvements in performance and handling. Production continued until 1925.

Technical Data:

6 cylinder in-line engine in two groups of three, sidevalve, watercooled, bore x stroke 114.3 x 114.3 mm (4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in), capacity 7,036 cc (from 1910 bore x stroke 114.3 120.7 mm (4 1/2 x 4 3/4 in); engine capacity 7,428 cc), coil and magneto ignition; cone type clutch; 4 speed gearbox, spiral bevel final drive; semi-elliptic springs front, platform rear suspension (from 1908 three-quarter elliptic rear springs; from 1912 cantilever rear springs); friction type shock absorbers; footbrake acting on transmission (from 1913 footbrake operating on rear wheels; from 1924 4-wheel-brakes with gearbox-driven mechanical servo); wheelbase 135 1/2 in or 143 1/2 in; tyre size front 875 x 195 or 880 x 120, tyre size rear 880 x 120 or 895 x 135 (from 1913 short wheelbase abandoned; tyre size front and rear 895 x 135; from 1923 wheelbase 144 in or 150 1/2 in, tyre size front and rear 33 x 5)

Source :
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http://www.transportspecs.com

Antique Gold Coins

According to history, King Croesus of Lydia was the one who introduced gold coins around 643-630 B.C. A pale yellow mixture of gold and silver called the electrum was a natural resource in Lydia. As people did not know how to separate these two metals, the first gold coins were a mixture of gold and silver.

In 560 B.C., the Lydians found out a way to separate gold from silver. At last, real gold coins were produced along with silver coins, although gold was considered to be more precious than silver. In 546 B.C., the Lydians captured Persian army and when the Persians walked around the Lydian kingdom, they were astonished with the gold coins. The Persians started learning to mint gold coins and after some time they used them for trading.

In the past, one of the most progressive nations in the world was Persia and they popularized the used of gold coins around the world. As a result, gold coins became an important currency for commerce. Many nations used them for trading and for some people, collecting gold coins became a way to accumulate wealth.

After many centuries, gold coins were stopped being used as a currency in 1933 because most countries considered them too expensive. There are some gold colored coins today, but they do not contain any gold.

The beauty and historical value of antique gold coins have been making a very valuable.

Antique Jewelry: A Timeless and Elegant Adornment

Antique jewelry is a timeless classic adornment which can never go out of fashion. It is the epitome of ethereal charm, delicate grace and a gentle reminder of a bygone era. It is that jewelry which has been made during and before the early 1900's.

The jewelry has its own unique character which cannot be copied or imitated. In most cases antique jewelry is handcrafted. It has exquisite craftsmanship and a very special whimsical aura surrounding it, which sets it apart from all other jewelry, however beautiful or expensive they maybe. There is an understated classic elegance inherent in the design and styling. Though widely looked upon as being something worn by only those who are older; perceptions are gradually changing. It is now also seen as a very fashionable ornament which is quite in vogue and is worn by almost anyone, irrespective of their age group.

Just a simple piece of antique jewelry can greatly enhance your over all appearance, add to your appeal and lend a sophisticated charm to your entire persona. Being the beautiful pieces that they are, this jewelry can easily attract attention and can become the focal point of any conversation. However not every one can carry off antique jewelry, you have to have a certain inner beauty and dignity to wear it.

One of the best things about antique jewelry is that its value only appreciates with time. In fact some of the pieces are valuable collector's item and can fetch huge sums of money. They can in the long run, actually prove to be good investments.

Antique jewelry is a wonderful thing to buy for yourself, a delightful possession and also a great thing to gift to some one special in your life. Whether it is your daughter, mother, wife, girlfriend or sister; antique jewelry is that gift which lets the other person know how much they mean to you. Also this jewelry is not just restricted to women; there are beautiful intricate pieces which are there for men too.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/