LOCAL KNOWLEDGE DAXTON HOTEL

IF THERE’S ANY PROOF NEEDED OF the upward curve of the area around M1 Concourse, it’s the Daxton Hotel on Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham – a popular area lined with eclectic and historic businesses.

This 151-room boutique hotel was opened in spring 2021 by local entrepreneur Mark Mitchell, who wanted to create something that reflected the cosmopolitan and energetic nature of the Birmingham community. The project started at around the same time that his son Daxton was born – hence its name.

From the start, Mark wanted to fill the hotel with original works of art. The resultant 400-piece collection was curated by Saatchi Art, and means the lobby doubles as an impressive gallery. Large abstract paintings by Australian artist Stephen Rowe and a goldplated mechanical horse by Adrian Landon dominate the lobby and provide an immediate talking point – especially the horse.

Mark playfully claims that he had originally been looking for a stuffed unicorn for the lobby but, “having searched long and hard”, he admitted defeat and instead chose the horse, which springs into motion at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, a large geodesic-dome structure by Michigan-based welder Andy Dafski sits over the bar area, and the 300-person Salon ballroom/conference room is illuminated with “dream-like” lighting.

What really sets the Daxton apart, though, is that there are unique works of art not just in the communal areas but in every bedroom, too, with artists from more than 80 countries represented. The rooms feature floral scrims by local painter Louise ‘Ouizi’ Chen, arched doorways and well stocked bookshelves. On every floor of the hotel, guests will find a pantry replete with complimentary drinks and freshly baked treats.

Speaking of food, the walls of the hotel’s signature restaurant, named Madam, are lined with portraits by Karin Vermeer. Dishes from the eatery – which has just been declared Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year – are chosen from around the world, deliberately simple in concept – they include burgers and pizzas – but beautifully created and presented. In addition, Madam has a separate 12-seat room available for private hire, away from the main dining area.

Mark Mitchell has also always been keen to point out that the Daxton takes its responsibility to the local district seriously, working with food charities to minimize waste and to redistribute leftovers.

A long-term resident of the area, Mark started his first business aged just 15, and went on to found the Visiting Physicians Association, a house-call practice located in Michigan, in 1993. This was prompted by the difficulties he experienced in finding adequate levels of health care for his grandmother at the time, and it grew into the largest housecall practice in the US, with more than 40 locations across 14 states.

He was also the founder of US Medical Management (USMM), Pinnacle Senior Care, Grace Hospice and The Home DME, which together provide home-based services to more than 50,000 patients annually. He sold his interest in USMM in 2014, while continuing as CEO for a further year.

In 2016, Mark started what has developed into Mitchell Family Office. This specializes in the management and investment of businesses in the healthcare industry. Its evolution has allowed Mark to focus on strategic initiatives, growth and new projects such as the Daxton Hotel – one of the brands in the legacy portfolio. For more information, see www.daxtonhotel.com.

Designed to evoke 1950s and ’60s hot rods, the WDS timepiece collection has been developed by the Detroit Watch Company. This $395 copper-dial timepiece is complemented by an all-black-dial version, and each design is limited to 50. m1concoursestore. myshopify.com

The Daisy M1 Concourse ladies’ distressed-look T-shirt from Camp David is available in three cool colors – Wisteria Purple (shown above), Navy Blue and Charcoal Grey – and costs $20 m1concoursestore.

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Available in gray or black, these unisex caps will keep the sun out of your eyes at summer car shows and your head warm during winter drive-outs. Costing $40 each, they feature an M1 circuit logo and have a nickle slider on the back. m1concoursestore.

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This $130 top is available in men’s and ladies’ sizes S to XXL. It’s made from a stretchy, warm nylon/spandex fabric mix, and features an embroidered M1 logo, check-print collar lining and contrast zip. m1concoursestore.myshopify.com

Our $170 snug red nylon quilted vest again caters for both men and women. Layer it up under an outer shell to keep warm while spectating trackside, or wear it over a simple T-shirt for a stylish, casual look for get-togethers. m1concoursestore.myshopify.com

This special edition of the famed family favorite pays tribute to iconic Detroit landmarks, from Woodward Avenue to Bagley Street. It’s crafted from black-lacquered

Goodwool takes a novel approach to car-cover construction – its indoor covers use pure Merino wool. Each shell is unique in replicating every detail of the car thanks to a 3D digital-layering program. Merino wool is lightweight, super-soft and breathable – it keeps the humidity value between 40 and 60 percent inside the car, regardless of the outside temperature. The outer layer uses a blend of polyurethane and elastane to provide a snug yet adaptable fit, as well as water resistance. The best news is that the level of customization is unlimited – just like the Ferrari 275GTB cover shown here. Prices are bespoke to each car. goodwool.it

Tumi’s Tegra-Lite luggage uses Tegris, a durable yet lightweight material seen in NASCAR and the NFL alike. Two cases are available, in carry-on and checked-luggage sizes. Each has a built-in USB port, as well as uses a zipper-expansion system that provides an extra 5cm of packing space. Each one also has a removable garment sleeve, and you can customize your luggage with an optional accent kit. The carry-on model is $895 and the packing case is $1150

This 1:18-scale Dodge Challenger is presented in a suitably 1970s shade of Butterscotch. The trunk, hood and doors open to reveal an nostalgiainducing interior and engine bay. It costs $139.95

Fancy finishing off your Italian look on the Mille Miglia? This Sicilian-style flat cap is made from denim, with a suede peak and yellow topstitch detail. It’s available in sizes from 6¾ to 7¾, and also comes in two further colors, with a corduroy peak. It’s $103 lairdutility.com

Vintage Circle

Neon Sign

Made from hand-blown neon tubing, this retro sign can be hung in a window or on a wall, or set on a shelf. It uses a 110V current, and is more efficient than incandescent bulbs. No assembly or special wiring is required, and it measures 24in in diameter. It sells for $619.95 wearmopar.com

This stylish design is from Gabor Vida, and is available on a variety of garments, from a men’s ‘athletic-fit’ T-shirt through to a baby’s onesie. Prices vary depending on item and size, but the Tee costs $19. fineartamerica.com or silhouettehistory.com

This 1:8-scale model recreates the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa driven by Ed Hugus and Ray ‘Ernie’ Erickson in the 1958 Le Mans 24 Hours. Nicknamed Lucybelle II, it finished in seventh place in front of

150,000 spectators. The model, exquisitely crafted by Amalgam, has used the original materials, archive imagery and drawings courtesy of Ferrari’s archive, as well as digital scanning of the original car. Set on a carbonfiber base, it costs $13,970 amalgamcollection.com

The McKlein Motorsport Calendar never disappoints, and its 2023 edition is no different. Whether your passion is for the glory days of endurance and Formula 1 racing, or the gritty adrenaline of rallying, this 26-page calendar has it all, from thunderous Ford GT40 to cheeky Mini Cooper. The spectacular driving talents of the likes of Graham Hill, Pedro Rodríguez, Walter Röhrl and François Cevert are captured in stunning black-and-white imagery that shows them doing what they do best. It is $51 rallyandracing.com

This beautifully rendered 1:18-scale model features a highly detailed interior that’s visible via the similarly exacting replica of the engine bay, which even has a hood stay. The trunk opens, too, although it’s up to you to scalemodel your shopping in the back. It costs $249.95

Part of the Puma BMW M Motorsport collection, this 70 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester T-shirt features a BMW M Motorsport car-inspired graphic print, with a BMW Propeller and M Motorsport print on the left sleeve. It’s available in sizes S to XXL, and retails at $50 us.puma.com

Abas Engineering hand-builds reduced-scale replicas of the 1932 Ford Model B. Aimed at kids from six to 12, these are made bespoke to the customer’s spec, and are powered by a 48V 40Ah lithium-ion battery with a two-speed reversible motor. The 30mph top speed can be reduced upon request – and there are hydraulic brakes to rein things in. Three models are available: the roadster with a picnic basket; the hotrod with custom paint if required; and the banger-racing style, with stickers and decals. Prices start at around $10,330 abasengineering.com

This ground-breaking supercar gets put under the microscope in Keith Bluemel’s detailed tome

The interplanetary pull of the Ferrari F40 continues unabated. Despite a slight pivot in popular opinion regarding its usability as a road machine, and the lure of the F50, plonk an F40 anywhere and eyeballs will swiftly follow. The king of 1980s supercars? Countach and 959 fans may protest, but it wears its crown as triumphantly as its enormous rear spoiler.

It’s 35 years since Leonardo Fioravanti’s wedge broke the 200mph road-car barrier, and Keith Bluemel’s $84, 240-page book provides a spectacularly detailed look at the inner workings and construction of Enzo’s last personally approved project. There’s also an extensive guide to the F40’s long-lived GT racing career, which saw the Maranello machine punch above its weight against much newer machinery well into the 1990s. Each major race is described in detail, and the archive photography will take you back to the early days of the BPR Endurance Series. There’s also, at the back of the book, a detailed guide to the car’s racing achievements.

While more bespoke photography would have been a bonus, the modern imagery is beautifully reproduced, and there are some truly evocative images of the F40’s factory construction. There are also some exceptionally illuminating technical diagrams.

As with any great car, it’s the people behind it who provide the biggest intrigue. Although the interviews with technical mastermind Nicola Materazzi and development driver Dario Benuzzi are fascinating, it would have been interesting to hear more from those intimately involved in the car’s genesis. The F40 came at a tumultuous time for Ferrari, with Enzo’s decline, the growing interference of what Materazzi calls Fiat’s ‘gray men’ and problems with the 348. While we get hints of this turmoil via Materazzi, we’d have liked to hear more voices from this era.

We can, however, read excellent first-hand accounts about the realities of working on F40s from the likes of DK Engineering and Bob Houghton, as well as the ownership realities via Nick Mason, John Reaks and more. We also get insight into various notable examples, from the bespoke Brunei creations to Gianni Agnelli’s semi-auto. Very minor gripes aside, this is a well rounded book that will delight F40 fanatics. Bluemel’s masterful blend of technical prowess yet easy-to-read narrative means that it’s easy to find yourself absorbed by the car all over again. porterpress.co.uk

Miles Collier knows a thing or two – or more than 100 – about collecting cars. He’s the man behind the Revs Institute museum in Naples, Florida, which hosts an epic collection dating from 1896-1995. He’s now put together his thoughts on the cultural impact of the automobile in a series of scholarly essays that form this tome. The engrossing read delves deep into what makes old cars so enchanting; a 500-page labor of love, it’s $106 collierautomedia.com on overall trends, plus comments and results on 8431 cars. This includes pre-sale estimates, which are easy to contrast with the actual results – something auction houses conveniently omit come result time. There are also some amusing oddities – particularly in how the Uhlenhaut Coupé sale skewed the usual market make-up with one car. This $95, 416-page book is an essential reference for those who buy and sell on a regular basis. autobooks-aerobooks.com

Adolfo Orsi’s full-color annual guide to the world’s market moves now also covers onlineonly auctions. There is plenty of granular detail

The first win is always the hardest, and as Mike Hembree and Al Pearce uncover in this 252-page, $27 book, the path to the light of the victory lane is often shrouded in darkness. There’s luck and humor along the way, and sheer force of will – such as Mario Andretti defying team orders to win first, or father-son assistance in the Petty family, or Cale Yarborough sleeping in his car between rain-stopped race starts. Entertaining and heartwarming stuff. octanepress.com