Isle of Man sign
Isle of Man sign.

Walk into this storefront on the north side of Chicago on 3856 North Lincoln (just south of Irving Park) and your senses will be bombarded by all things automotive, from clothing to collectibles, to signs and scooters and a whole variety of items that range from rare to odd to just plain desirable, whether you like cars and motorcycles or not.

It really is part of something new in retail I think. There seems to be a rebirth in the joy of craftsmanship and artistry. Places look like they have personality and the store itself is very much a part of it. Even the signage is handcrafted and is quite different from the chain stores of today, where everything seems to be prepared and manufactured, all towards the goal of selling you something you don’t really need or want.

The difference here is that you “feel” a sense if community, and the things you end up wanting and hopefully buying are really a reflection of what you really are or hope to be.

The Isle of Man is clearly a heart-felt venture. Every detail in this store has been thought-out. Every item they carry has a purpose and a story and most of the pieces on offer are one of a kind. If you’re looking to put a smile on your face, pay them a visit. You will most likely walk out of there with something that will become a keepsake forever.

For those of you who have gasoline in your veins, check out these few examples for this collection of wax.

It is truly a loss that it is no longer there.

Sounds Of Speed
Sounds Of Speed.
The exciting racings sounds of Grand Prix
The exciting racings sounds of Grand Prix.
Grand Prix cars at Watkins Glen 1962
Grand Prix cars at Watkins Glen 1962.
The big sounds of the sports cars
The big sounds of the sports cars.
Sound effects, Daytona Speedway Sports Cars
Sound effects, Daytona Speedway Sports Cars.
Hot Rod rally
Hot Rod Rally.
Chrome on the Range!
Chrome on the Range!
Sounds of the Big Irons
Sounds of the Big Irons.
32 Little Dulce Coupe. The Beach Boys.
32 Little Dulce Coupe. The Beach Boys.
The Big Sounds of the Drags!
The Big Sounds of the Drags!
Sounds of Sebring 1958.
Sounds of Sebring 1958.
A Sound and Pictorial History. Mercedes Benz 75th Anniversary.
A Sound and Pictorial History. Mercedes Benz 75th Anniversary.
Sports Cars in Stereo.
Sports Cars in Stereo.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
Isle of Man.
SONY DSC
George L. Beck Jr.'s 1957-58 Korea bag.
George L. Beck Jr.’s 1957-58 Korea bag.
Barbour International Steve McQueen jacket.
Barbour International Steve McQueen jacket.
Barbour International Steve McQueen jacket.
Barbour International Steve McQueen jacket.
Prat Motors Mercedes scale model.
Prat Motors Mercedes scale model.
Ford starter.
Ford starter.
Petro-Carbo first aid salve.
Petro-Carbo first aid salve.
Aviator goggle.
Aviator goggle.
Stadium Vesper goggles.
Stadium Vesper goggles.
Jim Bechtold, co-owner of Isle Of Man in Chicago.
Jim Bechtold, co-owner of Isle Of Man in Chicago.
Isle of Man #11 jacket.
Isle of Man #11 jacket.