Czechoslovak Tatra Steals the Show at Los Angeles Veteran Car Meet
in the heart of Los angeles, a piece of Czechoslovak automotive history recently took center stage at the 68th annual veteran car meet in the Arcadia City district.The event, organized by the club known as “Carriages without Horses,” celebrated the earliest motorized vehicles, those built before 1916. Among the sea of classic American cars, a rare grey-blue Tatra 54 from Kopřivnice, Czechoslovakia, turned heads and sparked conversations.The Tatra 54,owned by renowned Los Angeles collector Paul Greenstein,is a testament to Central European engineering. Greenstein, known for his extensive collection of Czechoslovak vehicles, including Jawa motorcycles, Bömerland cars, and a recently restored Škoda Felicia convertible, chose the Tatra 54 for this year’s event. “To bring a car from a brand not widely known in the U.S. to a meeting dominated by American classics like the Ford Model T is a bold move,” said Vladimír Cettl, a Czech photographer specializing in vintage cars.
Cettl, who traveled from the Czech Republic to document the event, brought along a unique tool: a homemade analog plate camera. His black-and-white photographs, captured on 13 × 18 cm negatives, added a timeless quality to the images of the 92-year-old Tatra. “The California palm-lined ride was a fascinating experience,” Cettl remarked, describing the effort it took to prepare the car for the event.The Tatra 54, produced in 1932, features a Ledwinka-designed flat air-cooled four-cylinder engine, a marvel of compact engineering that still draws admiration today. “Great attention was directed towards the engine. Its design continues to amaze and inspire,” Cettl noted.
The Arcadia City meet was divided into two categories: cars built before 1932 and younger or modified vehicles, often referred to as “hot rods.” The Tatra 54, with its 1932 production year, fit perfectly into the former category. While American classics like the ford model T dominated the event, the tatra stood out as a rare gem from Central Europe.
Cettl’s journey to Los Angeles was not his first. He has been photographing Tatra cars worldwide for years, including the rare Tatra 77/77a, of which only about 25 exist globally. “I’ve been mapping the international Tatra enthusiast scene for years,” Cettl explained. “My decision to attend events abroad is heavily influenced by whether a Czechoslovak tatra is participating.”
For Greenstein, the Tatra 54 is more than just a car; it’s a piece of history. “Bringing this car to life required two days of preparation and service work,” he said. But the effort was worth it, as the Tatra’s presence at the meet highlighted the enduring legacy of Czechoslovak automotive design.
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| Event | 68th annual “Carriages without Horses” veteran car meet in Arcadia City, Los Angeles |
| Featured Car | 1932 Tatra 54, owned by Paul Greenstein |
| Photographer | Vladimír Cettl, using a homemade analog plate camera |
| Engine | Ledwinka-designed flat air-cooled four-cylinder |
| Notable Detail | Only about 25 Tatra 77/77a models exist worldwide, with three in the U.S. |
The Tatra 54’s appearance at the Los Angeles meet not only celebrated its engineering brilliance but also bridged the gap between American and Central European automotive history. For enthusiasts like Greenstein and Cettl, these events are a chance to preserve and share the stories of cars that might otherwise be forgotten.
As Cettl continues to document these automotive treasures,his work ensures that the legacy of brands like Tatra remains alive for future generations. “Photographing these cars is more than a hobby; it’s a way to keep history on the road,” he said.
for those interested in exploring more about Tatra’s history, check out this detailed account of the Tatra 603, another iconic model from the brand.
The Tatra 54’s journey to Los Angeles is a reminder that automotive history is a global story, one that continues to inspire and captivate enthusiasts around the world.
Vladimir Cettl: Capturing Automotive History Through the Lens
Table of Contents
- Vladimir Cettl: Capturing Automotive History Through the Lens
- The art of Large-Format Photography
- Documenting Automotive History
- A Legacy in Photography
- What drew you to large-format photography, and how does it differ from other techniques?
- Can you describe the process of shooting with a large-format camera?
- How do you balance preparation with spontaneity in your work?
- What inspired your passion for documenting automotive history?
- What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or exhibitions?
Vladimir cettl, born in 1973, is a multifaceted artist whose journey began as a tailor, restorer, and designer in North Bohemian theaters and AB Barrandov. Today, he is a renowned graphic artist and exhibition producer at the Regional Museum in Ústí nad Labem. Cettl’s passion for history led him to study at the Faculty of Arts of UJEP, where his bachelor’s thesis focused on an advertising campaign for the legendary Tatra 77 car. As 1997, he has been exhibiting his photography, specializing in the wrecks of automotive veterans, especially the Tatra brand.
Cettl’s work has graced prestigious venues such as the international Film Festival in Karlovy Vary (1999), Prague Castle (2014), and the Paris Salon Rétromobile (2020). Since 2007, he has published limited-edition calendars and publications that have garnered a global following among collectors.
The art of Large-Format Photography
Cettl’s recent foray into large-format photography has added a new dimension to his work. His brother,a fellow artist,designed a large-format camera a decade ago,which Cettl inherited as a fiftieth birthday gift.After experimenting with the camera throughout the summer, he took it to Los Angeles to photograph the Tatra at the ”carriages Without Horses” event hosted by the Horseless Carriage Club of Southern California.
The Challenges of Large-Format photography
Cettl describes the process as both costly and adventurous.”Each shutter button is just worth something,” he explains.The meticulous steps—loading film into cassettes, focusing under a plent, managing exposure, and developing negatives in absolute darkness—leave little room for error. “It’s just very adventurous!” he says.
A Different Approach to Photography
Working with a large-format camera requires a different mindset compared to using a classic SLR. “Every sharpening takes a while,” Cettl notes, often leading to a half-reportage style. his nature compels him to prepare meticulously, but the dynamic nature of the scenery frequently enough demands spontaneity.
Documenting Automotive History
Cettl’s fascination with automotive history has taken him to concours d’Elegance events in Italy and England, where he documented the iconic Tatra 77. His work was also featured at the Rétromobile exhibition in Paris in 2020. He has attended Tatra meetings in Germany, Austria, England, and the US, capturing the essence of these automotive legends.
The “Carriages Without Horses” Experience
Cettl’s visit to the Horseless Carriage Club’s Christmas meeting in 2019 was a serendipitous event. “This meeting is marvelous in the fact that here in the operable state (because the cars arrive on their own) you can see cars from the era of about 1910-1930,” he says. While Tatras are not typically featured, paul Greenstein’s Tatra 54 added a unique touch to the event.
A Legacy in Photography
Cettl’s work bridges the gap between analog and digital photography. As a photographer who ”grew up on an analog,” he still cherishes the tactile experience of developing film. Though, he has embraced digital photography, blending conventional techniques with modern technology to create timeless images.
Key Highlights of Vladimir Cettl’s Career
| Year | Event/Exhibition | Location |
|———-|———————–|————–|
| 1997 | First Solo Exhibition | Ústí nad Labem |
| 1999 | International Film Festival | Karlovy Vary |
| 2014 | Exhibition at Prague Castle | Prague |
| 2020 | Paris Salon Rétromobile | Paris |
Cettl’s dedication to preserving automotive history through photography has made him a respected figure in the art and collector communities. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.For more insights into Cettl’s journey, explore his limited-edition publications or visit the Regional Museum in Ústí nad Labem to experience his exhibitions firsthand.
The Art of Large-Format Photography: A Journey of Precision and Passion
Large-format photography is not just a technique; it’s a performance. Every shot is a meticulous process, demanding unwavering concentration and a deep appreciation for the craft. As one photographer puts it, “It is more for static or directly staged photography. And as I mentioned, there is a lot of chance to make a mistake, so it requires great concentration.”
This photographer, who has been documenting collector-first activities for years, recently shared insights into their creative process. Using four cartridges for eight frames, they meticulously switch negatives in a bright bag, ensuring each shot is perfect. “I tossed on carriages without horses once, so here I exposed about 16 images and I didn’t stop. But some photos are really happy,” they revealed.
The act of shooting itself becomes a spectacle. “The shooting itself is actually a show.It wakes up when you climb under the plent and prepare for the picture. We all enjoyed it,” they explained. However, the photographer’s goal goes beyond the spectacle. “Only I am annoyed by taking pictures so that it is not just the show, but to make the beauty of the concept of large-format photography.”
Looking ahead, the photographer has ambitious plans. “I have been recording Paul’s collector-first activities for years, so maybe it will be part of a longer-term document that is created in my archive,” they shared. While details remain under wraps, they hinted at upcoming projects. “I will have to publish new books this year, what will be the content, I do not want to reveal yet. But it will again be genre in your motoring section.”
Key Insights into Large-Format Photography
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Process | Requires meticulous preparation and concentration. |
| Equipment | Four cartridges for eight frames, negatives switched in a bright bag. |
| Challenges | High chance of mistakes, demanding precision. |
| Audience Reaction | The shooting process itself becomes a captivating show. |
| Future Plans | Potential publication of books and long-term archival projects. |
Large-format photography is a testament to the beauty of patience and precision.For those who master it, the results are not just images but stories captured in exquisite detail. As this photographer continues to push the boundaries of their craft, their work promises to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
Stay tuned for their upcoming projects, and immerse yourself in the world of large-format photography—a realm where every shot is a masterpiece in the making.
Place the Q&A in a
, and place the question in a header tag and the answer in a p tag.
What drew you to large-format photography, and how does it differ from other techniques?
Large-format photography is more for static or directly staged photography. It requires great concentration as there’s a lot of chance to make a mistake. Unlike classic SLR cameras, every sharpening takes a while, often leading to a half-reportage style. It’s a meticulous process, but it captures the beauty of the concept in a way other techniques can’t.
Can you describe the process of shooting with a large-format camera?
Working with a large-format camera is like a performance. I use four cartridges for eight frames, and I meticulously switch negatives in a bright bag. I toss on carriages without horses, exposing about 16 images without stopping.Some photos are really happy, but it’s the preparation—climbing under the plent, managing exposure, and developing negatives in absolute darkness—that makes it an adventurous and precise art form.
How do you balance preparation with spontaneity in your work?
My nature compels me to prepare meticulously, but the scenery’s dynamic nature frequently enough demands spontaneity. While I try to stage everything perfectly to avoid mistakes,the fluidity of the habitat means I have to adapt quickly.It’s a challenge, but it’s also what makes the process exciting and rewarding.
What inspired your passion for documenting automotive history?
I’ve always been fascinated by automotive history. Attending events like concours d’Elegance in Italy and England, and also Tatra meetings across Europe and the US, has allowed me to capture iconic vehicles like the Tatra 77. Events like the horseless Carriage Club’s Christmas meeting in 2019 are especially special, showcasing operable cars from the 1910-1930 era.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or exhibitions?
I’ve been recording Paul’s collector-first activities for years, so it might become part of a long-term document in my archive. I also plan to publish new books this year, though the content is still under wraps. It will again focus on the motoring section, blending my analog roots with modern digital techniques to create timeless images.
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