Edition 43/2008 49.814 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
I call it the half–inch test. That is, being able to hold a car at reasonable, I–should–be–able–to–get–away–with–this European motorway speeds with just the merest hint of accelerator pedal depression.
The possibility then exists for an overtake to be accomplished by a gentle roll of the foot; with full–on, tyre–shredding accelelaration as the end–game, size 10 firmly buried in the lambswool.
Except that you wouldn't hurt the 275/35 Pirelli P–Zeros of the Bentley Continental GT Speed too much, as its sophisticated constant 4wd does its best to apportion grip wherever it's needed.
A far cry from the electric-powered MINI E, perhaps, but maybe not. There are tales of a mighty Ruf 911 with a 480lb ft electric motor. It is an amazing machine — and that's from someone who owns a conventional Ruf Porsche Turbo but was bubbling with excitement having driven the electric version.
And finally, here's a suggestion: if you really want to get away from today's unrelentingly bad news, why not enter the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina?
Driving through Patagonia in Southern Hemisphere spring sunshine? Sounds good to me.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Road Test: Bentley Continental GT SpeedIf any car personified the 21st Century new generation of 'affordable' supercars, it was the Bentley Continental GT. With only a few hours behind the wheel of a GTC, however, I was seriously lacking in seat-time until a GT Speed came my way last week. read more... |
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MINI Goes Electric500 MINI E vehicles to the USA in 2009An all–electric MINI is coming to a state near you (as long as it's New York, California or New Jersey, that is). read more... |
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Argentinean Mille Miglia 200826th to 30th NovemberArgentina's equivalent of the Mille Miglia retrospective, the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina, has been running for 20 years. In November, more than 200 historic vehicles built between 1915 and 1981 will again take to the roads of Patagonia. read more... |
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Star Ferraris at Bonhams, GstaadDecember 20thBonhams' annual Ferrari-focused sale at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad is now in its 11th year. While the December 20th auction is still two months away, some highlights have already been announced. read more... |
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Neiman Marcus BMW 7 Series: Bavarian ChristmasNeiman Marcus, the American luxury brand, has created a new limited–edition BMW 7 Series. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Stockinger for Bentley"Our passion is to manufacture the ultimate safe: as secure as a bank, as precise as a prestige timepiece, as beautiful as art." So says Dominik von Ribbentrop, CEO of Stockinger, manufacturer of some of the world's most desirable bespoke safes. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Lamborghini Murciélago 6sp Man
colour Azuro Blue |
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2002 02 Reg, 30,000 miles, Metallic Azzuro Blue with Scuro Hide, 3 Owners. 18" alloys, 6 Cd Changer, FFSH, Tracker, Adjustable seats, Air conditioning, Central locking, Climate Control, Traction control, Sports Exhaust.
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Amari SupercarsTown/City: Preston, UK |
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CLASSIC
Lancia Aurelia B24S Spyder America
colour Black |
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A really attractive and more than desirable B24S Spyder America with an original Nardi upgrade kit to the engine. This is a 1955 car, chassis number B24S 1025 with engine number 1075 that is part of a small but select privately owned collection of motor cars. Highly presentable black paintwork with red leather trim and black convertible soft top, tonneau cover and side screens, the Spyder has the upgrade Nardi inlet manifold, air cleaner and twin Weber (40CZ6) carburetors so performance is pleasantly sparkly.
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Morris & WelfordTown/City: |
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SPORTING
Ferrari 275 GTB
colour Red |
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This stunning period Ferrari is the second of just 10 cars comprising the first series of competition 275 GTBs built by Maranello in 1965, and one of only three to be fitted with right hand drive.
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Duncan Hamilton & CoTown/City: Hook, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2008
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25.10. — 25.10. COYS Auction Auto Moto d'Epoca, Padova, Italy |
SERVICE
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