Carabela Kaiser Frazer Argentina
Topic: Old Cars of Argentina
Kaiser Carabela, a brief history on "The Great Argentine Car".

This last phrase was the advertising slogan heard in the radio, seen in the movies and
read in the paper, during 1950s final years.

It was a trade mark for luxury and sophistication to the Argentine society;
but also it was the expression of a deep economical change. This fabulous
model was fully produced in Argentina. Without a question this expresses a
deeper movement. That is of the consolidation of the local auto industry,
not only as a provider of utility vehicles such as Estanciera or Jeep, but
also sophisticated models to satisfy the upper classes demand of luxury
goods.

According to the different information sources we checked while researching
on this matter, the Argentine Kaiser Carabela is the local version of the
1951 American Kaiser Manhattan and the 1953 high-end version Kaiser Dragon.
It featured a special reptilian theme trim package with "dragon-skin" vinyl
roof a truly beautiful and advanced automobile. During 1955, IKA (Kaiser
Industries Argentina) supplied the Argentine sophisticated automobile market
with imported Kaiser Manthattan. But by 1958 they will begin to produce the
local version: Carabela.

This was the first sedan model car to be produced by means of the modern
assembly line system.

From July 25th 1958 till the end of 1961 there were 8,025 Kaiser Carabela
produced in the IKA Cordoba plant. This deluxe and unique local model
featured a vertical 6 cylinder motor of 3,707 cubic centimetres that
developed a power of 116.6 CV at 3,800 rpm. Among other outstanding features
three marches velocities box on the side of the steering wheel. There were
several luxury details that show the careful quality care, such as the
Carter carburettor and the four- fabric based pneumatics of 7.10 by 15
inches. In the interior the Carabela had a radio, heat, vent, two ashtrays
and one on the back of the right front seat featuring a personal light and a
lighter; plus authentic leather tapestry for the seats.

One other magnificent design trademark we find it in the chromed hubcaps
that appeared to the eye as a continuation of the chrome broad band that
followed the car length.

To the modern reader, these minimal details might appear as insignificant in
relation with these days super luxury cars; but it's important to bare in
mind not only the fact that this was a 1950s design (clearly inspired by the
sophistication of the Space and robot era), as well as the first
sophisticated locally produced automobile for the Argentine magnate and
celebrities. This was a pioneer car within the automobile market at the same
time, because it showed the manufacturers the broad variety of indoors into
the different parts of the Argentine market. Soon IKA, Renault, Ford and all
other car companies will target both sides of the automobile market, the
massive and the exclusive sectors as an economic strategy of clever
complementation.



See Photo Image Gallery for one of the most famous Kaiser Cars, this Funeral Car made in Argentina,email for more information:

         
Kaiser Funeral Car made in Argentina.




As time went by, and with little historical and antiquarian eye, many of
this outstanding vehicles were altered into utility vehicles, adapted to
different needs or just sold as junk once better and more modern models hit
the market. However, in spite of the fact that only a tiny portion of those
8,000 units has lasted in good conditions to our days, we can, from time to
time, have the pleasure of recovering one of these automobile gems from
oblivion.

See Photo Image Galery for parts of all Kaiser Cars made in Argentina,email for more information.

                 
Carabela Kaiser IKA Argentina


For more information :Email Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go to The Buenos Aires Art Dealer, our webzine magazine on Art, Antiques & Collectibles made or found in Argentina. The Buenos Aires Art Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2005. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.

Topic: Real Estate Argentina
How to Buy properties in Argentina, the know-how! This easy …..

Buenos Aires is in these days synonym for good location for a profitable investment.
Once the turmoil of the 2001 crisis was over, at least in its harshest features, the Argentine Republic became a true land of opportunities to the venturous and the entrepreneur with future vision.
To begin with, the economic crash that took place mainly throughout the year 2002 resettled Argentina in a different position world around. If during the 90s Argentina’s 1 peso 1 dollar, encouraged local capitals to flow to other nations with profitable exchange and interest rates, in these past years, the turn has changed favoring the Argentine country. Three to one is the peso/ dollar relation now; nearly four to one is the one established with the European Community Euro.

This is a solid stepping stone for anyone seeking for a profitable investment. From starters, your money is worth three, even four times more the minute you bring it to this potential market.
Not only is that the exchange rate is favorable, this is something usual in several third world countries. But in Argentina there’s also a stable growth of the economy that allows the practical entrepreneur to trace potential developing lines into a near and middle future.

Even further, if we take the Real Estate Market, these appealing features become even more interesting due to the fact that this market has not yet recuperated in terms of prices from the devaluation. Notwithstanding, the real value of the Argentine properties has never drop dramatically.

Why?

Because Buenos Aires –we can take the Argentine capital city as an example- is a cosmopolitan, modern, edgy and business oriented city. Better known around the world as the South American Paris, this gorgeous city beholds outstanding architecture and sophisticated properties and quarters that are as highly appreciated as socially valued and accepted by locals and the Latin American, American and European cr?me de la cr?me.

We have enough reasons and potential gain to a business in Argentine Real Estate, but is this a complicated process to carry on by a foreigner?

And here’s another key factor to this potential gold mine: NO, any legal person has no judicial limitations to engage in this sort of activities. Having a clear record, passport and a couple of hours to spend in the local tax office (AFIP) you can get a CDI,its an ID given to you by the tax man, and hence are enabled to purchase and sell any property in lovely Argentina.

That easy, and legal.

Email Bob Frassinetti. The Buenos Aires Art Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2005. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.

The Cult of Death in Life
Topic: Religions Tours
The cult to Saint Death.

             
Road Side Sanctuaries, Argentina
For more information: Email: Bob Frassinetti.

The cult to Saint Death in the northeast area of the Argentine Republic and southern Paraguay is a reality. This is obviously a pagan cult, for there’s no such thing as Saint Death within the Catholic Santeria. This specific cult –as many other religious re signification processes- emerged after the Jesuit companies were expelled from the northeast region of Argentina and southeast region of Paraguay in 1767. St Death, St Ceoneo and the Lord of the column were invented by the aborigines of the area after the Jesuit exile. This is what in anthropology is understood as syncretism; a process in which local ancestral traditions blend into the Conqueror’s religion, Catholicism. This is a re-signification process in which the new religion becomes a sort of unitary container inside of which we find a rainbow of cults that adopted the catholic form though eclectic and endowing of traditional religions and cults in terms of contents.
So what appears to have happened after the Jesuit departure is that the evangelization process that had taken place during the Jesuit Company’s control of the area left behind a Catholic hale on the surface without having finally penetrated into the heart of these peoples and their view of the world?

The best way to approach this matter through the conception of shape and content, surface and heart; so if we take in consideration the fact that these populations had been baptized and lived “allegedly” according to the Catholic law, we should also take into account that broad variety these of cultural and religious “casts and molds” did not penetrate deep into these culture’s traditions and view of the world.
Even more, before rushing into a cultural condemn of this cult to death we should take into consideration the fact that the perception of death as an end to life as well as the negative imaginary of “death’s evil side” tided to the possibility of hell and the inferno is a cultural product.

This view of life and death took full shape during the European middle ages under the cultural impact resulting of historical consolidation of the Catholic church and this particular monotheist religion. But meanwhile Europe’s heart and soul was conquered by the catholic church, the American continent –specially what in these days we know as Latin America- had a different cultural identity; a circular conception of time (confronting with the linear and positive evolution conception that prevailed in Europe) in which life and death were equally part of the living process. The Latin American polytheism clashed with the European monotheism, and to the conquering churches this pagan rituals instead of expressing cultural diversities, were a sing of demoniac worshiping.

Needn’t to explain that differences between societies are not to be understood as unilateral. But it’s important to point out the fact that a religious bond with death precedes the consolidation of Latin America’s Catholicism. It’s a link with the eternal circle of life, with our ancestors and those to come, and it’s in this way that this cult blended with Catholicism saints, it’s a patron like bond, something that cares from the greater beyond to guard earthy life.

Being this said about St Death patron origin, we can see how this cult evolved by means of syncretism. This Saint is capable both of good and evil. These practices are determined by the relationship the devoted establishes with this “deity”, returns and offerings.

Indeed this Saint is an interesting cultural expression of rites, beliefs and conception of the world.

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Stolen Art
Topic: Art
During the last decade, the illegal market for art and cultural goods has grown at an extraordinary rate. Coming to be within the top 3 most profitable traffic illegitimate transactions world wide (only surpassed by drugs and artillery), Art theft transactions are valued approximately in a billion dollars.



See Image Gallery of the City of Buenos Aires,in B & W.

       
Argentina in Photos Part 1

The Argentine art world has suffered directly of these illegal actions. According to Interpol’s statistics the number of stolen art in our country has grown more than 400% in recent years. In 2002 they registered nearly 60 artworks “missing”, meaning they were stolen; but in these days, they estimate that the number of artwork subtracted is of 300.

Almost every gallery and art museum has suffered these kinds of thefts. Paintings, sculptures, engravings and original manuscripts were stolen. Argentine and international artists are –indistinctly- the target, Berni, Soldi, Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, Goya, Quinquela Martin, Rodin and Matisse, are just some of the most famous artists but the list could go on and on; the common denominator is that each of these artist’s works are highly valued –sentimentally but more importantly economically-, hence the strike is immensely profitable.

The key to understanding this phenomenon is to consider the global picture, for it is by means of an international relocation of the stolen patrimony that these artworks are practically impossible to find, sold or auctioned at international prices and in this way, re entered into the legal art world. This is part of a carefully organized net in which complicity of legal forces and corrupted politicians are the guarantee to impunity and easy –dirty-money. We can point out two different art thieves, those who are plain thieves that –acknowledging the fact that good artwork is a good booty- subtract these works and try to get the best money for them in the local black market; and those who are part of those international networks we pointed out above. This last group is the reason of concern, for these are international illegal corporations linked with the world’s black market control the illegal devices that allows them to relocate the pieces with high economic profits, in spite of the fact that most stolen art work loses between a 70 and a 80% of its value within these transactions, because the millions that represents the remaining percentage makes of this business an appealing option for organized crime.

World wide statistics show that the highest rate of stolen paintings are those of Picasso -543 missing works-, followed by Joan Miro -371-, Marc Chagall -311- and Salvador Dali -279-.

Indeed this specific type of organized crime “robbery” has awakened suspicious around the world. Hence the variety of private and state run organizations working specifically to recuperate these stolen works of Art. Art Loss is indeed the most famous one of all, featuring the world’s largest private data base.

One of the moments in history in which this network of art thieves grew immensely was during the Holocaust. The Nazi regime had organized a careful “relocation” of the values stolen to the deported Jews. In most of the cases it was the Nazi hierarchy that took over those valuable art works, jewelry, antiques, etc to their personal use. But we also have knowledge of other much more systematic thefts, such as the case of the Gold Train that left Budapest just a month before the war ended, packed with all sort of art & antiques belonging to the Hungarian Jews that had been sent to Concentration Camps. The wealth carried in that train was such that hence the name of Gold Train, in which we know for a fact that there were a good number of paintings by the famous Hungarian artist Janos Viski.

Social and political dictatorships are indeed fertile soil for this kind of massive robberies. In Argentina, during the last military dictatorship, these kind of confiscations were also very common. Even more, in 1980 –still under dictatorial ruling- the National Museum of Fine Arts was robbed on Christmas Eve. It was the biggest art theft ever to occur in our country. 16 valuable paintings were substracted that night, and we had to wait over 23 years for the Interpol to find 3 of those when a Taiwanese national was attempting to sell them to a Paris art gallery. The three works are: “The Road,” a watercolor by Paul Cezanne and with an estimated value between $120,000 and $160,000 dollars; “Portrait of a Woman,” an oil painting by Auguste Renoir, estimated at around $500,000 and $700,000 dollars; “The Call,” by Gauguin with an estimated value between $150,000 and $200,000 dollars.

The museum’s authorities and the Argentine government were in touch with private investigators from Art Loss who were asking 20 per cent of the pictures' value in exchange. But the Argentine government argued that being these paintings Argentina’s cultural patrimony; they were not keen on paying those fees. That’s why Argentine agents from Interpol intervened in Paris although the culprit is still at large. The Taiwanese suspect has been identified but not yet arrested. And the remaining 13 works that include several Renoirs, another Cezanne, and works by Degas and Matisse have not yet been found.



The matter of fact is that these kinds of thefts keep on happening around the world in spite of the security and protection. There’s a need of debate and new strategies and solutions that should be the result of joint ventures between art specialists and local authorities.


For more information :Email Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go to The Buenos Aires Art Dealer, our webzine magazine on Art, Antiques & Collectibles made or found in Argentina. The Buenos Aires Art Dealer,Argentina.

Bob Frassinetti. Copyright 2005. Roberto Dario Frassinetti.

Argentinean Ranches and Leisure
Topic: Argentina
Out Door Leisure Argentinean Ranches and leisure During the 19th century the most common place to live is you were a well educated person was not the city, but the country side. Huge houses surrounded by an everlasting field and countless cows and sheeps –main product in those days-. Nearby important cities these ranches known in Argentina and many other Latin American countries as Estancias, were not just mere lodging places but political and social centers. Most of Argentina’s politicians back then arranged their political platforms and strategies from those paradise locations. This characteristic might illustrate the difference between these Latin American ranches and the US ones. Even more, these Estancias were very much linked to the upper classes involved in politics and intellectual productions. Very much alike the Greeks, the Argentinean intellectuals deeply believed in the need of leisure for intellectual production; at the same time, politics were not thought as a job but more as a career, therefore –at least during the first years of the Republic- political charges were handled by those who needn’t any economical help. You had to have other income that assured your social reproduction. If so you’ll have no personal interest in directing politics but the common welfare. This conception has also its origins in Ancient Greece. Of course, nowadays things have radically changed on the intellectual and political side. However those magnificent Ranches remain. Many of them are no longer family houses; they are now a terrific vacation getaway for all those who love to relax and be in touch with nature without having to sacrifice the benefits of these modern days. Leisure and good living are the main ingredients of the Estancia experience. These ranches are not just about high quality lodging. Among some of their attractions there are several sport activities such as polo, tennis, fishing and hunting. One’s own sweet time can be spent riding on beautiful antique carriages from the 19th century –which are not only outstanding museum like vintage items but excellent means of transportation for a luxury ride around the ranches’ facilities. A vacation at a traditional Argentinean ranch is one perfect option for the busy man of today. Sometimes planning a vacation is a stressful activity when it shouldn’t be. Most of our year we’re occupied in difficult matters, stress out by work or family matters and the need for relaxation and tranquility is without a doubt important. Going away is not enough. It must have happened to many of us that we come home from holidays and we’re even more tired. The thing is that we’ve taken away with us all our problems or even some new ones arose. A ranch holiday is a carefree vacation. All will be cared by your friendly hosts, from meals to activities, transportation to any thing you shall need. The restfulness of the ambiance –suitable for all sorts of travelers (couples, families, individuals, and friends) - is the key to a pleasant and unconstrained vacation. To enjoy the beauty this southern country has to offer the perfect option is to combine different ranch locations in your holiday. Arriving to Buenos Aires our first surrogate home would be in the Buenos Aires country side. Most of these Estancias are colonial styled for Buenos Aires was the heart of the uprising Argentinean Republic. These are the oldest ranches of all. Their unique beauty lies on the beautiful surrounding pampas. After a few days, it’s time to head south to the Patagonian lands. Our next ranch is no longer Spanish influenced. These territories were colonized during the last couple of decades of the 19th century. Most of the European immigrants who came to these lands were British and Nordic, and their homeland style is very much expressed in these ranches architecture. The landscape in the Patagonia is much more complex and beautiful, high snowed Peak Mountains and crystalline lakes are the main attractions. During the winter –which is the European and American summer, because Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, so our seasons are just opposite to the ones in the north- this is an unspoiled paradise for all sorts of winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. During the summer it’s a gorgeous natural paradise. Heading towards the Andes Mountains, following the beautiful Route 40 we’ll arrive to our final destination, Mendoza. This ranches stand apart from the others because they are not cattle oriented, their main production is through their outstanding vineyards. And remember that Argentina is one of the latest outcomes in the wine world for their quality and personality. And because their location, these ranches combine some of the northern European influences (Swiss and French) together with their colonial legacy which is just bewitching. This shall be the last stop to an unforgettable leisure ranch trip. Where the importance, set on your delight and the pleasure of enjoying your free time. See Image Gallery for Carriages & Horses.
Horse drawn Carriages from Argentina See Image Gallery for Old Tractors found in Argentina.
Old Tractors, Argentina See Image Gallery for Steam Tractors found in Argentina.
                                         
Steam Tractor to Steam Engines in Argentina, Chile or Uruguay come and check out the artdealer webcam ! For more information: Email: Bob Frassinetti.