von Thyme Productions has been shaking things up since 1969. Our mission is to create memorable programs and events that bring good people together. The bonds of friendship and shared experience bring more to the world than anything else there is. If you're having a fun time -- we're doing something right!
We also like to play with cars.
Makepeace Manor
Makepeace Manor
von Thyme Productions is based at Makepeace Manor, an arts-based intentional community founded in 2010 in Alexandria, Virginia. The residents and artists of Makepeace Manor are inspired by the idealism of Alice's Restaurant and the 10 Principles of Burning Man.
Makepeace Manor Events
Since 2010, Makepeace Manor has provided maker space, artistic outlets, workshops, campouts, and a residential community. Our signature events have included the annual Alice's Restaurant Party, the Titanic Wake, varied News Years happenings, and Bastille Day extravaganzas. During a quiet time, your hosts and organizers are recharging our batteries and looking forward to the time that madcap social activity can resume. We thank everyone involved for a brilliant first decade!
VTP MOTORCARS -- BREWSTER'S CARRIAGE HOUSE COLLECTION
memorable classics, lovingly preserved and shared
Brewster von Thyme Thackeray has been obsessed with distinctive vintage automobiles from the moment he rode home from being born in a 1967 Volvo 122S. His eclectic tastes run from Alfa Romeos to Cadillacs, Jeeps to VW buses. What do they all have in common? Each is a rolling piece of history, bringing a smile not only to a driver and passenger, but also to observers of art on wheels.
The core collection in the Makepeace Manor Carriage House rotates with some frequency. If you spot a vehicle here that would make your life infinitely better, please contact Brewster at BrewThack@gmail.com, or 703/508-4418. It just might be available, and if not, he would relish the challenge to track down the closest possible equivalent. And since Brewster cannot own all the toys, VTP Motorcars on occasion hosts and represents very select vehicles owned by fellow enthusiasts. Contact Brewster if you have a classic ready to roll on from your garage.
If you have an art or film project, or an event (weddings, reunions, etc.) that would be made more special by the inclusion of one or more of these Carriage House classics, let's talk.
Alfabase on Bring a Trailer
A Car Hobby that makes a difference
After working for online car auction site Bring a Trailer, I found that my experience and car knowledge were of meaningful value to my car club friends and other enthusiasts. You can check out auctions I have done of my own and friends' cars here, and if you have something automotive you want sold for top dollar, please contact me at BrewThack@gmail.com to see what we can do!
IMAGES FROM THE CARRIAGE HOUSE COLLECTION
1967 Volvo 122S
1976 Cadillac Sedan deville
1967 Austin Healey 3000
The first car I ever rode in was my parents' 1967 Volvo 122S. I grew up in that car, and it became my first car in high school and into college. I missed that car for many years, and in 2010 I tracked down its identical twin, the cream-colored two-door, four-speed model. Molly the Volvo has shared many adventures for the past decade, including driving to the Volvo Club Convention in Vermont with my mother as navigatrix in 2018. Click here to see more.
1967 Austin Healey 3000
1976 Cadillac Sedan deville
1967 Austin Healey 3000
The epitome of the classic British sports car, this 1967 BJ8 was the end of a storied line. The "Healey Blue" car sits on wire wheels and has an exhaust note just as exciting as the car's lines would suggest. This car turns heads like few others can. Click here for the Healey's gallery.
1976 Cadillac Sedan deville
1976 Cadillac Sedan deville
1976 Cadillac Sedan deville
This bicentennial behemoth was the largest and proudest American car of its day. 1976 was the final year before a downsizing and modernization. Journey back to the Ford Administration in this regal four-door hardtop, immaculately preserved and with only 26,000 miles under its belt. It was originally purchased from Madison Cadillac in Memphis -- famous as the late dealership where Elvis bought most of his Caddies.Learn more here.
1979 VW Microbus Westfalia
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1976 Cadillac Sedan deville
A little house on wheels! The 1970s Volkswagen Westfalias were mini Winnebagos that could sleep four adults, and came with a stove, sink, fridge, and lots of storage. Playa Beltane has been with me since 2008, and has survived many memorable camping trips. She's been to Florida, New York, and Chicago for the final Grateful Dead shows in 2015. Along the way she has acquired a couple of bumper stickers.
1979 Jeep Wagoneer
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
I crushed on the classic Wagoneer, which had a three-decade run, ever since I had a Tonka toy one as a kid. This 1979 is among the last that were not drowned with luxury features; it's a real bench seats and manual windows truck. Folks often remark how unusual it is to see a surviving Wagoneer without "wood" on its sides. I like the way the original lines shine through. More photos -- click here.
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
Rinata has found a new home. She is a terrific, running and driving project Alfa -- complete with a factory hardtop, a roll bar, and some other nice additions.
1986 Jaguar XJ6
1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary
1988 Alfa Romeo Graduate
Resplendent in British Racing Green, this was the end of the line for this classic model, redesigned in 1979 by Pininfarina for a magical blending of British class and Italian polish. Even more notably, this car graced the roads in the 1980s, a time of squared off, artless designs from many other makers. This Jag features a strong and smooth 4.2 liter six cylinder engine and the finest luxury options of its era. The 80s Cat enjoyed a two-year run at Makepeace Manor.
1988 Alfa Romeo Graduate
1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary
1988 Alfa Romeo Graduate
I first bought "Gloria" back in 1996. I knew very little about Alfa Romeos then; they have become a huge part of my life over the past quarter century. I upgraded from my first Spider, but then refound it many years later. I shared that it was available and my friend Greg bought and refreshed the car, then sold her back to me when he moved on to another project. A little rough around the edges but still an irresistably fun car on the twisty roads!
1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary
1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary
1992 Cadillac Brougham limousine
For the 35th birthday of America's Sports Car, Chevrolet offered the Corvette 35th anniversary package. Fitting for the era of Miami Vice and Duran Duran, the car came in any color you wished -- as long as it was white. The wheels and the leather interior were white as well. The loaded sports car was topped off with a translucent blue roof. A fashion statement when new, it remains one of the most distinctive anniversary cars GM has produced. Click here for more photos and information.
1992 Cadillac Brougham limousine
1992 Cadillac Brougham limousine
1992 Cadillac Brougham limousine
280 inches of American glory here! This Limousine Werks stretch was made during the final year of the classic, full-sized Cadillac Brougham. Never "in service," this car has just 80,000 miles and a like-new, leather and wood-lined coach with facing bench seats. This car won second place in class at the Cadillac Grand National in Tysons's Corner, Va. in 2017. It has been featured at weddings (such as Tom and Amanda's here) and other stately events, and has motored to beaches and ski chalets too. More limo pix here.
2017 Fiat Spider 124 Abarth
1992 Cadillac Brougham limousine
2017 Fiat Spider 124 Abarth
The original idea was for Mazda to partner with Alfa Romeo for a twin Spider/Miata project, but in the end the program went to Fiat instead. The resulting car evoked the classic 1960s to 1980s Fiat 124 Spider, and had an Italian engine but was built in Japan. My car was the 2017 Washington, DC Auto Show car. It is the Abarth edition, named for Fiat's legendary racing arm. See more here.
2017 Alfa romeo Giulia
1992 Cadillac Brougham limousine
2017 Fiat Spider 124 Abarth
Like all Alfa Romeo fanatics, I mourned the marque's 1995 departure from the U.S. and dreamed of a return... and a triumphal return it was, with the 2017 Giulia. This "rosso competizione" TI sport edition gave BMW and Audi and immediate challenge to their lofty perches. It's an amazing feeling to drive a new Alfa and see others on the road! Giulia photographed at Monticello Motor Club, a premier private track in New York State.
Motorcycles
2013 Triumph Bonneville
2013 Vespa GTS Super 300 ie
2013 Vespa GTS Super 300 ie
A brilliant British motorbike, with 850cc powering classic styling in a stunning shade of metallic red. I decided to "go big" for my first motorcycle. This was actually the first British vehicle I ever owned -- the Austin Healey came a few months later. Purchased this bike from National Powersports up in New Hampshire late in 2019. Rev high here.
2013 Vespa GTS Super 300 ie
2013 Vespa GTS Super 300 ie
2013 Vespa GTS Super 300 ie
It's red, it's fetching, it's nearly new -- and it's for sale! Enjoy motion Italian style with this Vespa that has the heart of a lion -- a 300CC engine. You can go 80 MPH on this Vespa. Asking price is $4,950. Click here for photos and details.
A Vision in Paradise
An Epic Trip
A Vision in Paradise is a gathering of growth-minded individuals, inspired by the 10 Principles of Burning Man, that is held at Half Moon Beach in Jamaica.
2020: A Vision in Paradise launched the concept in March, 2020, as the world was on the precipice of chaos.
A Vision in Paradise '2: Return to Paradise will be April 4-10, 2022. Learn more and consider joining in a journey of growth and fulfillment in a singularly beautiful location. Learn more here.
My Blog
Social
About Me
My Beginnings
My Favorite Work
My Favorite Work
I credit my parents Bill and Selma -- in conjunction with the Hackley School, Camp Sloane YMCA, the American Youth Hostels, Hamilton College, MassPIRG, American University, and myriad close, meaningful and inspiring friends -- with getting me to where I am, and pushing me to where I need to go!
My Favorite Work
My Favorite Work
My Favorite Work
It's all based out of Makepeace Manor, an intentional arts community founded in 2010 in Alexandria, Virginia, and inspired by the 10 Principles of Burning Man. We connect creative people and meaningful ideas.
I am fortunate to have had a diverse career, the highlight of which has been advocating for the civil and human rights of people wit
It's all based out of Makepeace Manor, an intentional arts community founded in 2010 in Alexandria, Virginia, and inspired by the 10 Principles of Burning Man. We connect creative people and meaningful ideas.
I am fortunate to have had a diverse career, the highlight of which has been advocating for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities and older people.
All work and no play makes for a dull brewster. Playing with cars is a diversion that ties together history, art preservation, and the adventure of the road.
My Life Today
My Favorite Work
My Life Today
In this most challenging of times, where much that we took for granted has become uncertain, my view of immediacy is that we have much to learn; if we focus and strive, and think outside the box, the potential of the future can be unlocked.
Events
November 23, 2019
Alice's Restaurant Party -- the 30th Anniversary!
6:00 pm
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5:00 am
Makepeace Manor
Event Details
November 23, 2019
Alice's Restaurant Party -- the 30th Anniversary!
This tribute to Arlo Guthrie's 1960s song and movie will feature an open mic, great food, and the best people -- all in their 60s finest.
6:00 pm
-
5:00 am
Makepeace Manor
March 12-16, 2019
2020: A Vision In Paradise
6:00 pm
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9:00 pm
The Practice Studio
Event Details
March 12-16, 2019
2020: A Vision In Paradise
VTP's bold Jamaican adventure -- come camp with us at an exclusive oceanside getaway, where we will share company and growth in the warm Car...
Event Details
6:00 pm
-
9:00 pm
The Practice Studio
Fridays
The Greatest Show
9:00 pm
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2:00 am
The Lounge
Event Details
Fridays
The Greatest Show
Our weekly gathering for performers and the people who love them.
9:00 pm
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2:00 am
The Lounge
Contact Me
Looking for great entertainment?
Are you planning a special event? Would a vintage vehicle make the perfect backdrop? Or could you use one of our cars or bikes for a photo shoot? Are you looking for connections to fire spinners and other performers for a variety show? Send me a message about your plans, and Brewster and his team will get back to you soon!