The good folks behind VÉHICULE, are always up to something. And after having presented a string of collabs, capsule collections, as well as having appeared in vairious races around the world, the avantgarde brand has presented a short-film, deep diving into the mysterious death of Don Aronow, a champion powerboat racer and founder of several renowned boat companies, including Magnum, Cigarette, and Donzi. Aronow, who embodied a rugged American masculinity, was both a competitive racer and a shrewd businessman known for straddling the line between legal and illicit activities. He was murdered on February 3, 1987, in Miami’s Thunderboat Row, an area synonymous with high-speed boating and the drug trade.
The piece delves into Aronow’s storied career, from his early successes in boat racing and company building to his intricate connections with influential figures and the criminal underworld. It highlights the chaotic crime scene of his murder, potential motives involving his dealings with drug smugglers, and the enduring mystery surrounding his death. The article also reflects on the transformation of Thunderboat Row from a hub of daring boat races and drug smuggling to a more gentrified area, while Aronow’s legacy in the boating world continues through the brands he created.
For more information about VÉHICULE, check out their website. You can also check out our interview, with VÉHICULE founder, Christopher Kippenberger, here.