Editorial

Few people have earned the description 'living legend' with more reason than Paddy Hopkirk, the famous BMC Mini, Big Healey and MGB (and C) driver of the 1960s. Being fortunate enough to sit next to Paddy at a recent lunch at the RAC this week I was able to quiz the great man on what it was really like being a works driver in those unsponsored days. In company with other journalists, we were expecting stories of the team being run out of the back of an Austin Cambridge estate, with the minimum of support. Not so. BMC's big effort with the Mini, (in the days when it had a definite article), masterminded by Stuart Turner and others, was a giant operation with over a 120 people working solely on the competition cars, and a full programme of events taking in the Monte Carlo Rally, short circuit racing, European Touring Car racing and the World Sportscar Championship. BMW would not be in the fortunate position they are in today with 'MINI' if it had not been for the superb organisation of the British team back then.

Which brings me to another British Team (with German parentage); Team Bentley. I can reveal a scoop for Classic Driver; Bentley will not be racing the new Continental GT. Not until that is, as a team member told me this week, the rules require all cars to be full four-seaters. Seriously, the car does look fabulous, and the Crewe manufacturer should be congratulated on a magnificent launch to the UK market at London's Somerset House last Tuesday.

Next week is British International Motor Show time and Classic Driver will be bringing you a full report on what's new.

Steve Wakefield
Managing Editor

This week in Classic Driver

CAR OF THE WEEK

Lotus Elise

When the Lotus Elise was first launched in 1996, it was immediately obvious that this funky-looking sports car was destined to be an all-time great. In its handling, its performance but above all in its eccentric looks, it simply stood out from the crowd...

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CLASSIC CAR OF THE WEEK

Porsche 914/6

Porsche's 914 had a short life in production despite being a practical mid-engined sports car with good visibilty, a decent cockpit and reasonably good performance – plus handling that was considered outstanding for its day...

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EVENTS

NEWS

Press launch of
the Classic Driver Lounge

Norman Wagner, Ute Herrmann, Lennart Pratje and Jan Christopher Sierks (from right to left) were under the spotlight of the press...

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PREMIUM OFFERS

Jensen Interceptor MKIII

automatic

Burgundy with tan interior. Auto, PAS. Very low mileage example. Absolutely faultless. This car is rust free and drives beautifully. Recent gearbox overhaul. Only 93,000 miles from new.

Colour: Burgundy
Interior colour: Tan
Drive: RHD
Type: Coupe
Year: 1974
Location: UK

Price: 10,995 GBP

Dealership:


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Mercedes-Benz CL 600

Colour: Anthracite
Interior colour: Black
Drive: RHD
Year: 1993
Mileage 966 km / 600 m
Location: UK

Price: 29,500 GBP



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International Supersports Cup, Nurburgring, Germany
19 – 20th October

British International Motor Show, Burmingham
24th October - 13th November

Bonhams Auction Great Yorkshire Showground, UK
14th November

Cheffins Auction Huntingdon, UK
23rd November


see further event details

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