Ritchie Marine Compass 4" Dial on 2040-parts.com

Ex-Morgan Chief Designer forms Matthew Humphries Design

The former chief designer at Morgan, has formed his own design consultancy, Matthew Humphries Design, in a bid to branch out into the worlds of bespoke cars and product design. Humphries will continue his relationship with Morgan in a partnership that will see the newly formed company help to develop future models for the independent British sports car manufacturer. The 28-year-old Coventry University graduate believes he can begin moving into the growing market for integrating automotive design elements into product design – such as furniture – and particularly British-themed products.

Ford Escape recall addresses door handle issue

Ford is recalling Escape SUVs from the 2013 and 2014 model years for a problem that can make the doors difficult to close or -- more ominously -- can cause the doors to open while driving. A total of 581,986 SUVs made between October 5, 2013, and April 10, 2014, are affected; Ford blames the recall on assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel. The danger of this assembly issue involves the possibility of an unbelted passenger falling out of the SUV, though Ford has not indicated that any such incident has occurred.

One Lap of the Web: Motel kitsch, Bentley dragsters and rusting Porsches

-- The roach motel lives on in these postcards from Petrolicious. The Googie signs and modernist architecture jump from the Howard Johnsons and Travelodges of the 1950s, when buildings were built in color. For a precious few decades in the tapestry of American interstate travel, before they became the refuge of schlocky horror movies, the motor hotel was the true King of the Road.