ALEXBERLINETTA
Author
Carphiles Founder
Hi! I’m Alex, a car enthusiast and photographer based in Berlin. Since I was a child, I always had a passion for cars. Now I found a way to share this love and I call it CARPHILES. With this website, I want to inspire, inform and fuel the interest in cars that many already have. I want to show what is happening in the world of cars with an emphasis on aesthetics and a keen eye for the best cars.
ALEXBERLINETTA
Carphiles Founder
Hi! I’m Alex, a car enthusiast and photographer based in Berlin. Since I was a child, I always had a passion for cars. Now I found a way to share this love and I call it CARPHILES. With this website, I want to inspire, inform and fuel the interest in cars that many already have. I want to show what is happening in the world of cars with an emphasis on aesthetics and a keen eye for the best cars.
ARTICLES
Remembering Marcello Gandini: A Tribute Through His Iconic Car Designs
Remembering Marcello Gandini: Best known for his revolutionary work for Lamborghini and Lancia, leaves behind a legacy of timeless designs.
PrinzipR: The Architects of 911 Dreams, Specializing in Backdate Projects
by Alexberlinetta It was a pleasure to meet and photograph the new PrinzipR project a few weeks ago. Staying true to my usual approach, I specifically chose one of the emblematic buildings representing Berlin’s high-tech architecture that perfectly...
#CarphilesandCoffee June 2022
On Sunday, June 19th, we celebrated the first Carphiles event of this year. In a typical Berlin industrial backyard in the Xberg area where our friends from @conciergecoffee are located! I selected 19 iconic cars to stage and appreciate them in different ways. Here we were both car lovers and non-car lovers which in a different way is my way to draw the attention of those who don’t have an interest in cars, especially these design icons.
Everything revolves around the Testarossa: Fabio Don and his Ferrari
The story of Fabio Don and his Ferrari Testarossa alongside one of the finest examples of Swiss Brutalist architecture
The End Of An Era: Alex and his 993 4S
Everything comes to an end in some way, such as air-cooled engines or more recently the end of one of Europe’s most emblematic and modern airports of the 1970s: Berlin Tegel TXL.
A W111 Helping to chill and put life in perspective: Thomas and his MB 250SE
Mercedes Benz 250 SE 1967 (W111) – for sale in Berlin, Germany a 2.5-liter 6-cylinder, automatic transmission in Metallic Silver.
Haute Future Meets The Future – Part II – Sverre and his Citroën SM
This trip I made to Norway was a great experience, it was very pleasant to be surrounded by such a unique architecture, which is perfectly aligned to photograph the futuristic vision of the SM.
Reviving a concept car: The BMW Garmisch by Marcelo Gandini for Bertone
The revival of the BMW Garmisch, a visionary concept car by Marcello Gandini for Bertone. Explore the meticulous details, design influences, and collaborative efforts between BMW Classics and Gandini that brought this legendary automobile back to life.
Carphiles Friends Become Contributors: Cars As A Work Of Art At Wilhelm Hallen, Berlin
To me, cars were never just cars…They always meant something special to me. Firstly, they are one of the most significant works of art in my life. Thanks to them I developed artistically and professionally, living the dream of working with something I’m passionate about. Appreciating cars from a design perspective combined with magnificent architecture as a playground is something I love and this provides basically the essence of Carphiles
Visiting Walter Historische Sportwagen, one of the best specialists of Ferrari in Zurich
A few weeks ago during my time in Zurich, I had the great opportunity to stop by and take some photos at Walter Historische Sportwagen. It was a real pleasure to take pictures there and witness how they work: everything in order and the neatness of the place is impressive.
Haute Future Meets The Future – Part I – Robert and his Citroën SM
The world of Instagram always helps me connect with incredible people in every country I visit, in this opportunity I met Robert and his wonderful SM. Let’s say it in a better-known definition the Citroën SM is the Concorde for the road, powered by Maserati.
The Noise Of The Car Takes Over And I’m Simply Enjoying The Moment, Truly Living – Sheldon And His 85′ 911 Carrera
Some time ago during my time in LA, in one of those typical Sunday “Cars and coffee”, I recognized the license plate of a beautiful Irish blue 911. It always caught my eye when I saw it on Sheldon’s Instagram. I approached him, to tell him how much I liked his car and if I could photograph him maybe in another context like more Californian vibes.
Venomous Snake In A Concrete Jungle! But Wait, Isn’t It A Dodge? No!: Anthony and his 98′ CHRYSLER Viper GTS
It may sound like a big cliche, but Paris is a city that I love. it has fascinating architecture, part of which are the brutalist buildings of the 70s that many Parisians hate. The viper is a car that I love since I was a child. I remember it being on the cover of one of my very first Motor Trend magazines, in movies, and music videos.
A Photo gallery from The Berlin’s Second Edition of Flitzer Club Tour
During the weekend after a long quarantine, we Berliners were finally able to return little by little to our favorite activities. One of them was the Flitzer Club Tour, organized by Dirk and Leo, which was a two-day drive through East Germany, approximately 350km in total. We went to different interesting places like castles, an abandoned hospital, and a gallery.
The Contrast Of Now And Then Of A Country With The Largest Oil Reserves: William And His 911 Targa
A few years ago during my visit to Venezuela, I had the opportunity to photograph this great Porsche in a location that completely reflects what it once was and what it is today, one of the countries with the largest oil reserves.
The Smoothness of a Classy V12: Oliver and his BMW 750i
Last summer in Berlin, I met Oliver and his wonderful 1990 BMW 750i. I’m a fan of big BMWs from the 80s/90s, they are very spacious and classy. One thing, in particular, I like about this car, was its red interior. I think it makes the car much more special.
One of the very first modern roadsters: Joaquin and his 62’ Lotus Elan S2
While I was in Barcelona, I had the chance to meet Joaquin and his amazing car. He brought me to the family’s garage to show me the impressive collection they have which is where I discovered one of the very first modern roadsters, the Lotus Elan.
BMW 70s icons at one of the most Iconic places in San Francisco: Bengt and Alex’ sheer driving pleasure.
Back in 2018, while I was in San Francisco for the first time, I met Bengt, an Instagram friend who I’ve been following for a long time, and his E9. On this day he drove me to one of the most iconic places in town The Golden Bridge.
Beyond The Beauty Of The Steel And Glass: Kevin And His Bahammer 912
A while ago during my time in Los Angeles, I woke up one day very early at almost 5 am to go with Kevin and his 912 around the city to have the streets of Downtown LA almost to ourselves.
There are a lot of emotions coming together in this photoshoot.
Reliable, comfortable and a very unique two-tone Benz: Rudi and his 250
I always think that the world of cars is so unique. It gives me so many opportunities to meet people who share the same passion as me and thanks to social media I can connect with them instantly.
Passion Connects People: The very first MeilenMacher Rally 2019
A few days ago, I was part of the first MeilenMacher Rally organized by good friends of mine from Munich. Something I really liked about the whole experience was the relaxed, passionate and charismatic group of guys that took part. Cars were always the first topic without it ever getting boring and we also shared a lot of laughs.
1000 Miglia: A Race with the most Incredible Cars of the Automotive History
On May 15th, I had my first experience at the 1000 Miglia – and it was amazing! There were some of the most incredible cars of the automotive history on the road today and I think 1000 Miglia is an ode to the golden times of the automobile.
A Great Atmosphere With A Great Car! : Francisco And His 912
My recent trip to Miami was my very first time in this magnificent city. While I was exploring I found one of the greatest concrete parking lots I’ve ever been to – it perfectly matched with the 912 I was about to shoot. It is one of the most important things for me to have a great ambiance for a great car! I think I have a special feeling for the 912 in particular.
I saw it, I heard it, I bought it! : Martin and his BMW M6
I have a special affinity for the E24, it was the first classic that I photographed properly. I feel the M6 is an incredible car. I enjoyed it on different occasions in Berlin, and outside of the city in summer and spring for a drive with my friend. For this reason, you will see different locations in the photos below.
The Masterpieces of Automotive History in one Place: The Grand Basel 2018
On September 6, 2018, the very first edition of Grand Basel took place, a brand new and exciting happening for car enthusiasts. I was invited by the makers to participate and photograph their event that took place in a stunning venue.
Moin Moin from Hamburg: Stefan and his 964
As always I said, Hamburg is one of my favorite cities in Germany: good vibes, nice surroundings and of course A LOT OF PORSCHES! During one of my visits to the city, I met with Stefan, a good Instagram friend of mine with an amazing 964. L
IT’S BOXY, YET SPORTY AND STILL VERY CLASSY: NICO AND HIS BMW 1600-02
In Berlin, it’s really rare to find many cool locations in one specific district. The government district is the big exception. I remember that I saw Nico one day at a red light in this district. Immediately I wrote to him to finally meet and do a shooting. When I saw the 1600-2 with all these buildings in the background I thought that it’s the perfect location. It really matches with the car!
80’s Fashion Meets German Function: Gregory And His 944
by Alexberlinetta A few months ago, while in Brooklyn, NY, I stumbled upon a magnificent 944 driven by a very young guy- the fact that in such a young age he drove a car like that made me curious about his story and I knew immediately I...
A Photo Gallery From Classic Days At Schloss Dyck 2018
Two weeks ago, I was kindly invited by Michelin to attend the Classic Days in Schloss Dyck, a very traditional German event in the surroundings of a pristine castle in the west of Germany, which bears some similarities to the Goodwood Festival.
A Photo Gallery From Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2018
On July 14, the Goodwood Festival of Speed took place. I was invited by one of the main sponsors, Michelin to photograph and enjoy the festival.
Our Very First “Carphiles & Coffee” in Berlin
Last Sunday we had the absolute joy of celebrating our very first Carphiles & Coffee #instameet in Berlin. Despite the bad weather, we managed to make the best of it and we had a great time sharing our passion for classic cars. The Han Coffee Roasters team was with us, serving their exceptional Vietnamese coffee, that the guests enjoyed surrounded by a variety of selected, French, British, Swedish, Italian and German cars.
A New Yorker’s Pagoda: Christian and his Mercedes Benz 280SL
As far as I’m concerned, the Pagoda is one of the loveliest Benzes ever made. Is a timeless piece of design. Having a W113 is like owning two cars in one, depending on the weather, of course. This time around, the weather was perfect for its roadster mode.
A Photo Gallery From One Of The Coolest Porsche Events: Luftgekühlt 5
One of the remarkable things about Luftgekühlt was the set design of it, which let you admire and photograph every car from different perspectives with changing lighting conditions.
From A Car Designer’s Perspective: Daniel and his Porsche 944
When I was a kid there were two 944 in our neighbourhood. I’ve always loved that car. For me it’s one of the most typical sports cars of the 80s: long bonnet, pop-up headlamps, the upright front screen with thin A-pillars, super roofline with a cabin that sits very far back and all this beauty on a length of 4,20 m.
Bought in 60 Seconds: Ole and his 1970 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior
I have to admit that Hamburg is one of my favourites cities in Germany: good vibes, nice surroundings and of course A LOT OF CLASSICS CARS! On one of my visits to the city my best friend from Berlin, Martin kindly introduced me to Ole and his wonderful Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior.
An Interview With Berlin’s Porsche Expert: Thomas Lundt Of The Renowned Lundtauto
Since I moved to Berlin I have been constantly exploring the local car scene and all the activities related to classic cars. That didn’t go unnoticed in the dynamic world of Instagram and I was recently contacted by Henry, a member of the Lundt family, who kindly invited me to visit Lundtauto Sportwagen Service, one of the best Porsche workshops in Berlin.
One Of The Rarest Mercedes-AMG Ever Made: Henri And His 1996 SL60 AMG
A couple of months ago during my visit in Paris, a Carphiles friend from there, Alex, kindly introduced me to Henri, who owns a timeless piece of the design, a very rare SL60 AMG Mercedes-Benz in a Special Edition. I remember this car was ‘’the thing’’ back in the 90’s and everyone had a scale model of it, it also appeared on posters and even was featured in a music video. Personally, I’m a big fan of SL’s.
A Sunday Drive Around Caracas With The Porsche Club
A few months ago I visited Caracas, Venezuela. I felt sensitive because of the difficult political and economic situation of the country but was still curious to visit some friends I know from Instagram. Ivan from BlaubachMotors invited me over for a Sunday ride to the Hacienda Santa Teresa, where I met the team of Porsche Club Venezuela.
The Pleasure Of Driving A Racing Porsche: Olivier And His 1973 911 2.8 RSR In Viper Green
One of the best details of this 911 RSR for me and for many Porsche enthusiast is the ducktail spoiler, making it distinguishable from any other 911, as well as the race track history behind it back in the ’70s.
A Photo Review Of The Maserati Tour Around Berlin
Maseratis in the streets of Berlin are quite rear. I had the opportunity to join the Maserati Tour, thanks to my Carphiles friend Dirk who kindly invited me for a tour around Berlin with some iconic Italian divas taking over of the highways of the city.
The Good Son Always Returns Home: Pille And His Porsche 912
That is what the classic car hobby is about nowadays – buy yourself an old car and make something out of it you’re happy with, hit the road, be cool and use it as often as you can!
A Photo Review Of The Cars & Coffee Event In Paris
by Alexberlinetta Around the world, every weekend all the Carphiles celebrate Cars & Coffee events at empty parking spaces or gas stations. I had the opportunity to visit "The Roof" for a super cool meeting with amazing cars, kind people at an outstanding...
David And His 1975 BMW 3.0 CSi: Surely One Of The Most Stylish BMWs Ever
by Alexberlinetta Leaving Berlin for a bit, I went to Leipzig, to visit my Carphiles friend, David and his outstanding 1975 BMW 3,0 CSi. Personally, I have a special affection to the E9; I found it one of the most pleasurable cars to photograph, from any angle, any...
Autohaus RWB: The Experts on Engine Rebuilding and Customised Porsches in Thailand
by Alexberlinetta A few months ago in Bangkok, I had the opportunity to visit RWB Thailand by Autohaus. Unfortunately, my stay in the city was super short and I didn't have the time to meet the founder personally. I spent at least 3 hours on the place, enjoyed the...
A True Italian Gran Turismo in Berlin: Dirk And His Maserati Indy America
by Alexberlinetta Spring/Summer in Berlin could have a very special weather. One of those special days, Dirk invited me to meet and go on a ride in his FANTASTIC 1971 Gran Turismo Maserati Indy America 4.7. Dirk was one of the first Carphiles that I met in Berlin,...
A Classic German Car Taking Over The Streets of Bangkok Day by Day!
by Alexberlinetta While I was in Bangkok, Thailand, I had the great opportunity to meet Tamm and his 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220S. Tamm named the 220S “Frank” after a very well known singer: “This W111 has that subtle charm for him, like Mr.Sinatra himself.” Tamm told me....
The Ultimate Dream Dwelling of Every Car Lover
by Alexberlinetta While I was in Thailand, I had the unique opportunity to take a closer look inside one of the most stunning houses I’ve ever heard of - already the first glance at the astonishing residence of Tenn made me literally breathless. I could barely remain...
Visiting Malaysia’s Premier Classic Car Dealer Jags Classic
by Alexberlinetta In order to escape the cold and grey February days in Germany, I’ve decided to travel around Southeast Asia. As with every trip that I go on, I couldn’t have missed the chance to visit places and meet people related to classic cars. This time, I had...
Auto Storica: The Best Oldtimer Restoration in Barcelona
At the beginning of the year I decided to spend some days in Barcelona visiting my good friends there. I always try to find places related to classic cars in the cities that I visit, this time I found Auto Storica. Gonzalo, a car lover and part of the team of this amazing place, gave me a complete tour showing me all the steps of the process of restoring an oldtimer.
Olivier and his Porsche 944 Rothmans – A Limited Edition N°036 of 100
by Alexberlinetta It’s a rainy day in Paris, but for me, it’s perfect for photographs. I meet Olivier, a marketing and art director for Eastpak, who owns a very outstanding Porsche 944 Rothmans. Despite the bad weather, we had a lot of fun taking pictures with a...
Gabriel and his BMW, one of the best 635CSi in Argentina!
I start 2017 with a story about Gabriel, a good friend of mine from Buenos Aires, who introduces me to the world of cars there. He is the third owner of one of the most beautiful BMW 635CSi, or “BE EME”, as he calls it, in Argentina, and he was lucky to have got it in extremely good condition – with only 75.000 km from factory.
Classic Remise Berlin
The Classic Remise Berlin, a center for vintage cars in Moabit, opened in 2003 in a historic tram depot originally built in imperial times back in 1899. Some architectural changes to the building were made in the 1920s. There were limited damages in the war, yet marks from the firebombs can still be seen on the ceiling.
A significant coincidence with a DMC12-DeLorean
I spent the first days of October 2015 exploring Berlin for the first time. I was biking in Mitte, on Axel-Springer-Straße, and all of a sudden a voice in my head urges me to look up to my right and at that moment I see a very beautiful 1981 DMC-12 DeLorean standing right in the middle of the park of the Axel-Springer building. What a coincidence to see one of my favorite cars there, waiting for me to photograph it and of course admire this piece of history that I’m sure we all know.
Visiting Autostadt
Last month I had the pleasure to go on a little trip to Autostadt, which is located two hours away from Berlin in the city of Wolfsburg. It is a place full of activities about the realm of mobility and one of the world’s largest car-delivery centers surrounded by friendly people, striking architecture as well as amazing cars…
Hamburg-Berlin Klassic Rally 2016
In the last week of August, the 9. Hamburg-Berlin Classic Rally with 182 beautiful oldtimers and youngtimers took place. I was invited by the team of Autostadt to make some pictures of the three days of the rally. During a couple of very beautiful sunny days starting in Hamburg, I was jumping into the eight Volkswagen cars that were part of the Autostadt team…
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