Yeah yeah, we know, 1950s design this, midcentury that. Try as you might you can’t avoid it. However, there’s no question that things just tended to look pretty slick back then and it’s testament to this golden era that much of what came out of the decade has stood the test of time. These Porsche posters are a classic example, listen up advertisers, this is how its done. More at Retronaut.

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Here’s a great info graphic seen over on Autoblog: all those famous James Bond vehicles. You can see the full graphic after the click, but for those who wonder how they went from a Bentley in “From Russia with Love” to A Chevy in “Live and Let Die,” you may not find answers. Our guess is that it came down to Sean Connery’s preference and maybe Mr. Moore getting shafted a little. Nothing wront with a Chevy, but it’s no Bentley. The again the Bentley reign did not last too long. Judge for yourself.

View the full graphic after the click.

The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and luxurious hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers. Not to forget about the powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560 to 575 horsepower.

The car will celebrate its debut on the streets towards the end of 2011.

Can this writer admit that he’s just not that into cars? But even he has to admit that this is a pretty amazing vehicle. Made in 1939, the plexiglass outer was a collaboration between General Motors and Rohm & Haas. Completely see through, it’s been owned by one family since the ’80s and has only clocked up 98 miles since then. Presumably it was only brought out when the family felt they needed to stunt like their daddy. (Found By James)

Could this well be the end after 32 years? Somewhat it seems. Mercedes-Benz’s latest PR release sheds some light on the future of this classic G-Class G350 and G500 vehicles. The G350 looks to be EOL’d: “A classic off-roader is entering its final phase: as the model designation suggests, Mercedes-Benz is producing the last edition of the short wheelbase Station Wagon in the successful G-Class with the special “BA3 Final Edition” model.”  The G500 looks to remain and they bring even more shine to the long wheelbase model with its own “Edition Select” with two-tone paintwork exclusively for the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon. A solid troupe of AMG details are being dropped into place on the BA3 Final Edition – both inside and out.

More looks after the click.

Volvo’s newest luxury car has been revealed in Shanghai. The Volvo Concept Universe is for the business man who appreciates understated luxury and Scandinavian craftsmanship. Designed by Jonathan Disley, the car is also the first  new Volvo since Chinese firm Geely acquired the company in March 2010.

Full information about the Volvo Concept Universe at Curated.

Yes, you read that headline correctly. It’s car, made like a shoe, that you can drive around town. Our heads are exploding at the thought of this. Made by the Kang shoe company, it took six months to make and can carry two people. With a maximum speed of 20mph, it’s designed for Wiz Khalifa levels of stunting on haters and is a rather genius promotional tool (we’re talking about it aren’t we?). We hold our breath in anticipation for a Tricker’s for Junya Watanabe version. (Orange)

After showing us his garage, Ralph Lauren will be taking his car collection on the road – to France to be specific. Luxist reports that he’ll be taking 60 cars from his collection to show them off in Paris this spring.

Take a leap to see a couple that might make the trip across the pond.

More Defender love. Land Rover has teamed with Startech on this “Yachting Edition.” “Land Rover teamed with Startech (subsidiary of Brabus) to propose a 4X4 on the theme of the yacht. This Land Rover Defender 90 Edition Yachting dressed in white is equipped with SVX front grill and aluminum rims 16 inch 275/65 R 16 roadway. Inside, the mood is blue. Inside, the atmosphere is blue found on the Recaro seats, dashboard and door panels. To the floor when it is like on the boats teak and black alcantara headliner. Under the hood no change… This Land Rover Defender 90 Yachting Edition is currently showcased at the Essen Motor Show in Germany.” (viacomit)

More looks after the click.

OPENERS Japan always brings the ultra-luxe to the forefront. Check this Lambo work done in conjunction with Blacnspain.  While not the first time we’ve seen helping hands work over interiors in high end luxury cars, this may well be my favorite. The work is a celebration of the partnership of the auto line with one of the world’s oldest watch makers.

More looks at the Lamborghini LP570-4 Blancpain Edition after the click.