Despite much general coverage in the media, there are still some secrets when it comes to the S-Class, or ‘special class’ Mercedes. For example, were you aware of the unofficial, armoured version of the W108/109? Here are five facts we’ve discovered…   read more >>

Who says that a ‘real’ classic Ferrari should have 12 cylinders? You only have to look at the modern-day 458 Italia or California to see that a V8 engine, with its raucous bark, can be every bit as thrilling as a full-blown V12. Here are five classic V8 Ferraris that you can buy today...   read more >>

When David Brown bought both Aston Martin and Lagonda in 1947, it took a few years before the DB2 made it to production. It was to be a long, hard road from victory at Spa in 1948 to the finest racing performance of the marque to date, first at Le Mans in 1959…   read more >>

Exactly 65 years ago, on 30 April 1948, the Land Rover marque was born. To celebrate, Land Rover assembled 138 of the most innovative, remarkable and downright bizarre cars from the last 65 years at the Packington Estate, its original testing ground. We drove some, goggled at some, and picked our five favourites...   read more >>

In June 1972, famous German photographer Rainer Schlegelmilch was in front of the lens rather than behind it when he hit the headlines after his Porsche 911 Targa was stolen by left-wing militant Andreas Baader...   read more >>

Don’t try this behind the No. 9 bus. In 1979, French racing cyclist Jean Claude Rude made use of a specially modified 800bhp works Porsche 935 in his attempt to be the fastest cyclist on Earth…   read more >>

The names ‘Coal Scuttle’, ‘Bunny’ and ‘Green Pea’ might not be as familiar as ‘Vantage’, ‘Virage’ and ‘Vanquish’, but they are still significant in the history of Aston Martin. This is the story of the birth and early years of this most famous British company…   read more >>

The specific characteristics of turbocharged cars can engender strong opinions. So much so, in fact, that they almost have their own, dedicated sub-culture within the automotive community. With development nowadays focused on frugality rather than exhilaration, we put our favourites from the past together in a decade-by-decade showdown...   read more >>

Maybe the McLaren F1 is an inevitable winner when it comes to all-round 1990s supercar stardom, but who are the contenders that dared to challenge the F1’s supremacy in this era of high-octane thrills and stratospheric top speeds? Here is our personal selection...   read more >>

The 80s saw the personalisation of the motor car enter a new era; ‘tuning houses’ sprouted across Europe, with aftermarket projects replacing the bespoke work undertaken by experienced coachbuilders in the previous generation. Here we take a look back, and present the heroes and horrors of the 1980s customisation scene...   read more >>

The Eighties was the decade that saw the introduction of supercars with truly stellar performance - in a quite different league from the 1960s carryovers of only a few years before…   read more >>

It’s the beginning of October, 1955; the Citroën DS is about to be revealed to the world, and subsequently revered for both its technological and aesthetic advances. We’ve unearthed images of ‘The Goddess’ on her maiden journey, just days before the momentous premiere...   read more >>

As the marque’s long-standing flagship, the S-Class has always been a productionised test bed, conjuring world-firsts with each generation of the car. Here we choose our favourites from its eminent lineage...   read more >>

The 1970s weren’t all about flares and sideburns; this was also the era when supercars went from flowing curves to straight lines, and the world was treated to a proliferation of wedge-shaped wonders. We’ve picked five examples of 1970s metal that might not immediately jump to mind, but which scored a particular hit in the Classic Driver office…   read more >>

Chris Hrabalek believes that while Geneva’s ‘Best of Show’ was on the McLaren stand, the real long-term investment sleeper was hiding a few show stands away: but read on, because it’s NOT what you’re expecting...   read more >>

Ten months and 4,000 man-hours: that was the investment that went into the first production version of the new Disco Volante from Carrozzeria Touring. Our film of its creation moves a little faster – and will take you through the entire process in just 4min 43sec...   read more >>

Classic Driver has been granted full access by Carrozzeria Touring to the stages in the construction of the first production Disco Volante, prior to its launch at the 2013 Geneva Show. In Part 3 we saw how it was meticulously prepared for painting and then sprayed. Now, all the interior trim will be re-fitted and the car readied for the show...   read more >>

This brings new meaning to the expression ‘cold buffet’. Yes, it’s well below zero, but with some warm clothes and friends about to turn up any minute, what could be better than an alfresco fondue in the Alps? And getting there? By Range Rover, of course...   read more >>

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What could be better on a cold winter’s day than a meal with friends at a lonely place in the mountains? The question only remains, how do we get there? Click below to see a trailer for the exclusive off-road dinner-for-four from Classic Driver...   read more >>

Pegaso’s foray into car production might have lasted less than a decade, but during that time the Spanish marque produced some notably elegant machines. Inspired by these, one patriotic designer has revealed exclusively to Classic Driver his vision of a contemporary Pegaso...   read more >>

News of James Dean’s ill-fated romance with his petite Porsche spread well beyond the automotive community, but his wasn’t the only 550 with a tale to tell – that of the ‘Operation Caracas’ Spyder is just as fascinating...   read more >>

Classic Driver has been granted full access by Carrozzeria Touring to the stages in the construction of the first production Disco Volante, prior to its launch at the 2013 Geneva Show. Part 2 was all about finishing the body and its component parts. Now, it’s time to create the interior panelling and carefully paint the new car...   read more >>

Today, AMG is responsible for some of the most capable cars produced by Mercedes (think SLS AMG). But before it was officially incorporated into the Mercedes family, AMG worked in a semi-official capacity on cars in the company's 'middle class' range. We take a look at some of its earliest endeavours...   read more >>

Paris Rétromobile kicks off the European season. With auctions, quality trade stands, dealer and manufacturer displays, it’s one of those must-do events. Classic Driver looks at some of the highlights...   read more >>

The ‘unconventional’ Von Dutch had many talents, including as a signwriter, gunsmith, knifemaker, metal fabricator, artist and mechanic. But it was his novel approach to car customisation which made him unpopular with a large group of the automotive community…   read more >>

The history of this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is exceptional. Formerly shipped to Lisbon, and boasting a competition history, it is now being completely restored. Classic Driver has been given an exclusive preview.   read more >>

His nickname might have been ‘Chunky’ (only ever behind his back, mind…) but there was nothing overweight about Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman’s Lotus racing cars...   read more >>

Classic Driver has been granted full access by Carrozzeria Touring to the stages in the construction of the first production Disco Volante, prior to its launch at the 2013 Geneva Show. In Part 1, we saw how an Alfa Romeo 8C is prepared for its new bodywork. Now, it’s time for the hand-beaten panels to be fitted to the carefully prepared chassis...   read more >>

Led Zeppelin’s John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham was a simple soul. Not for him the mysteries of the tarot pack or Aleister Crowley’s ‘Magick, Book 4’. A few pints of beer and his close family nearby were enough to keep the band’s powerhouse drummer more than happy. He also liked cars and bikes...   read more >>

It is all too easy to proclaim a car 'a work of art’. In the case of the 1960s triumvirate of applied artists Douglas Binder and Dudley Edwards, and their manager/agent David Vaughan, pieces such as the ‘Tara Browne AC’ were worthy of exhibition in a London gallery...   read more >>

Helmet: check. Racing suit and slip-on shoes: check. Cigarettes: plenty. Time to put a few laps on a TZ or GTA, then..   read more >>

Carrozzeria Touring has granted Classic Driver full access to each stage in the construction of the first production Disco Volante – the exciting limited-edition model which will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. In 2012, the prototype stunned the crowds. This year, a handful of collectors will be able to order the gorgeous coupé...   read more >>

What does a man used to 6.3g acceleration drive to the shopping mall? Well, in the case of astronaut Alan Shepard, it was a Corvette. From Shepard onwards, the famous American sports car was a frequent visitor to the Cape Canaveral parking lot...   read more >>

If you’re searching for an unusual barn-find, untouched and ripe for restoration, you might want to consider an LRV. Three of them are known to exist, all with extensive history files and plenty of provenance. The only drawback is that they are on the Moon...   read more >>

Frank Strothe has always wanted to drive to the North Cape in Norway, one of the most northerly points in Europe. When the time was right, he checked the battery and alternator of his 1966 Porsche 911 (shod with studded winter tyres), stuffed a sleeping bag and other essentials under the ‘bonnet’ and set off...   read more >>

Many roads lead to the Engadin – but the most beautiful of them all crosses the famous Julier Pass. The serpentine twists and panoramic views are legendary, so what better way to enjoy the Alps than a spirited drive along this mountain pass?   read more >>

Forever associated with the famous Flag Blue Metallic Jaguars entered by the Edinburgh–based racing team, the space-age transporter based on a Commer truck is one of motor racing’s most recognisable sights...   read more >>

Sunglasses at night, neon synth soundtrack, a drifting Ferrari Testarossa – and a customary tail from the LAPD: the latest music video from French electro producer Kavinsky shows a wild trip through '80s Los Angeles...   read more >>

New Range Rover a little mumsy? You need the hand-built Legacy Power Wagon Conversion based on the famous Dodge AWD truck...   read more >>

Europe might have seen a few flakes of snow in recent weeks, but a real winter is different. Classic Driver took the wheel of the new Land Rover Freelander, to discover the great white beauty that is Canada...   read more >>

We were recently given the opportunity to drive the Panamera Sport Turismo concept car, but the marque was a lot more secretive 25 years ago. This four-door 928 was created in 1987, but has only just been revealed to the public – and shows how long Porsche has been considering a sports car in the ‘shooting brake’ mould...   read more >>

The 1966 hit ‘In the Days of King Otto’ might not have topped the charts outside Greece, but it was a big success for the rally-driving singer Stamatis Kokotas. In the early 70s, Kokotas received a present from his friend and fan, the Greek shipping millionaire Aristotle Onassis...   read more >>

You might well have seen them at Pebble Beach or Villa d’Este, but what exactly were the futuristic curled-wing wonders known as the ‘BAT cars’? Let us be your guide...   read more >>

Marzal, Miura, Montreal, Grifo, Urraco and Stratos: exotic cars from the portfolio of the great coachbuilder founded in 1912 by Giovanni Bertone. This video celebrates some of the more modest – but no less fun – designs which brightened up the lives of those living in the 50s, 60s and 70s...   read more >>

Let’s face it, as with motor cars – Aston and Ferrari, for example – you’re either a Beatles or a Stones man. Does their choice in cars reflect their musical differences? I think we should find out...   read more >>

Where are all the classics, race cars and prototypes kept when not on display in the Ferrari museum? During a recent visit to the hallowed premises in Maranello, we discovered perhaps the most valuable garage in Italy...   read more >>

With the loss of Carroll Shelby this year, it’s little wonder that Spirit Level Film, makers of The Snake and the Stallion, have come under pressure to re-release their superb DVD. It depicts the true story of a bunch of Southern Californian hot-rodders – Shelby among them – who had the audacity to take on the might of Enzo Ferrari and his seemingly invincible GTO.   read more >>

Forty years ago this year, a far-sighted BMW Board of Management under Eberhard von Kuenheim took the decision to fully embrace motor sport as a means of attracting younger customers. Once Jochen Neerpasch and Martin Braungart had been hired in the late spring of 1972, BMW Motorsport GmbH was born...   read more >>

Fancy riding with ex-factory driver ‘Poldi’ von Bayern as he steers an M1 Procar around the current German GP circuit? We thought so. Do turn the volume up as racing straight-sixes don’t sound better than this...   read more >>

We know California-based Icon for its high-quality reinterpretations of classic SUVs – almost clinically clean vehicles, durable but with modern technology hidden under their classic looks. But now Icon has a new, darker range of vehicles to unleash…   read more >>

It’s definitely the car of the moment, and one that must be considered a contender for the title ‘the best all-round car in the world’. We drove it on the international press launch in Morocco: and here’s the video...   read more >>

Twenty-five years ago, the first post-War 12-cylinder BMWs rolled off the production line. Now, Classic Driver casts a look back over four generations of the V12-engined 7 Series powerhouse...   read more >>

“Bend ze knees”: yes, it’s back to school, but not on the ski slope. This time it’s learning to driver supercharged V8 Jaguars at the famous Nordschleife…   read more >>

Earlier this year we brought you the trailer for ‘Urban Outlaw’, a film about quirky Porsche 911 collector and customiser Magnus Walker. Now, you can see the 32-minute film in its entirety here on Classic Driver...   read more >>

It’s 27 years since Porsche Exclusive was established as a special unit in Zuffenhausen – but the construction of individual models began much earlier. Who could forget about the Slant Nose models of the 1980s? Renowned Porsche expert Wilfried Hallier looks back to the wild days of special order Porsche cars...   read more >>

The 2012 Goodwood Revival Press Centre was transformed into a scene from the 1948 Winter Olympics by sponsor Credit Suisse. The Swiss bank once again supported a fascinating panel discussion, this time asking the question “Is the spirit of historic racing under threat?”...   read more >>

Back in 1966, a ‘shooting brake’ implied muddy fields, gundogs and winter mornings spent in the English countryside. How different, then, was Carrozzeria Touring’s special one-off bodywork on a Lamborghini 400GT, the car displayed at that year’s Turin Motor Show carrying the name ‘Flying Star II’?...   read more >>

With the fourth-generation Range Rover just making its international debut, we spent some time in one of the very oldest originals, an early development prototype not even carrying the Range Rover badge...   read more >>

Whether it was on a misty morning for the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance, at Quail Lodge, the Rolex Motorsports Reunion or on the famous 18th fairway at Pebble Beach, one thing was certain: Credit Suisse was at the heart of the action...   read more >>

The idea of a concours d’élégance was born more than 60 years ago as a way of displaying and showcasing the most elegant and stylish cars of the day...   read more >>

More than half the orders for the 12C Spider have come from existing owners of the 12C coupé – so what’s so special about McLaren’s ownership experience? Classic Driver was invited to Woking to find out...   read more >>

The unveiling of the striking McLaren X-1 last week at Pebble Beach shows just how dramatic the results can be when a fresh-minded design student is given licence to create a supercar. Now we take a look at the McLaren JetSet; a petite, minimalist, all-electric supercar designed by another RCA graduate...   read more >>

As a companion piece to Classic Driver’s video driving report on the one-off 1955 Ferrari 410 S Berlinetta, William Edgar tells the story of 0598CM, the potent ex-Scuderia Ferrari roadster once owned by his father and driven on his behalf by Carroll Shelby ...   read more >>

The intergalactic-looking Turbo concept landed at the 1972 Paris Motor Show, but it wasn't all about space-age looks...   read more >>

The Manta might have been the recipient of some rather striking Giugiaro-penned coachwork, but its former life as a Le Mans competitor meant its performance was just as dramatic...   read more >>

The men behind the original Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupé feared that its swooping curves would soon betray its age, and set to work on creating a more angular successor. They were eventually proved right – but not until more than a decade after their project was shelved...   read more >>

Over 45 years ago, legendary team manager Alan Mann was evaluating a big-block, Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt at Goodwood. We recreated that scene, bringing a similar, GT40-beating saloon to a blustery Goodwood motor circuit...   read more >>

Bacchelli and Villa are names frequently mentioned in connection with the restoration of great Italian classics. We visited Carrozzeria Auto Sport in Bastiglia, near Modena, the business owned and run by these two experts in the field of Italian cars, to watch them at work...   read more >>

He is one of the most respected Formula 1 drivers of all time: Emerson Fittipaldi, two-times World Champion, in 1972 and 1974. Classic Driver's Mathias Paulokat spoke to him during the 18th Goodwood Festival of Speed...   read more >>

The Ferrari FF could be perceived as the Englishman among the Italian sports cars – practical and bold, yet also stylish. But does its shooting brake format prove make it a suitable steed for a hunt? We hand the keys to probably the most quintessentially British non-pat, huntsman Conrad Hasselbach...   read more >>

Coachbuilt Porsches are something of a rarity, given that the German manufacturer has almost always built its car bodies in-house. However, that didn’t stop French coachbuilder Heuliez producing the 1970 Murène concept, based on a Porsche 914/6...   read more >>

Depending on how you define the word, the Etna could have become the first British mid-engined ‘supercar’. Though it was based on a lengthened Esprit floorpan, it had its own unique V8 and myriad F1 technologies that would have made even future rivals seem somewhat primitive...   read more >>

Welcome to the wonderful world of Gerard Gombert. Somewhere deep in Provence, hidden between Grasse and Fayence Tourrettes, lives ‘La Gombe’ – with his five dogs, a donkey and about 50 vehicles. He is an amiable fellow with white hair and a bizarre collection of cars in his overgrown garden. Classic Driver visited him...   read more >>

The De Tomaso Pantera has posthumously achieved legend status but, in period, its fortunes were much different. In fact, it was nearly replaced just two years into its life by this: the Pantera Series II, also known as the Monttella...   read more >>

Six decades after Touring’s influential Alfa Romeo C52 Disco Volante, the Italian Carrozzeria has been spinning the flying saucer again. Classic Driver talked with Louis de Fabribeckers at this year’s Geneva Show...   read more >>

Which country above all others has produced the most stunningly desirable cars in history? And in which era were the greatest cars produced? Surely, 9 out of 10 owners would say… Italy in the 1950s and ’60s. Vignale and Michelotti are two names that encapsulate that very special time and place...   read more >>

At the EICMA 2011 in Milan, Ducati presented its new superbike, the 1199 Panigale. Classic Driver caught up with Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio to discuss the new model, Chinese Ducatisti and vintage motorbikes...   read more >>

Quo vadis, Ferrari? At the awards presentation for the Ferrari World Design Contest 2011 in Maranello, Classic Driver exclusively talked to Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari's new Head of Design...   read more >>

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Small Cars, Big Bang

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The Road to Pamplona

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Spanish Splendour - The short-lived wonder of Pegaso

A product of Spanish truck manufacturer Pegaso, the Z-102 was the high point of a short stint in automotive production led by ex-Alfa mastermind Wilfredo Ricart...   read more >>

Big Benz

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