Editorial

Chapeaux, as they say in France, to Michael Schumacher for a magnificent performance this year for Ferrari. Despite making it a policy of not really commenting on modern motorsport, and F1 in particular, one cannot but praise the whole effort at Maranello in recent years. Six World Championships, four on the trot with Ferrari and before that two back to back with Benetton, make Michael a true colossus bestriding the sport. Was there any more worthy a champion this year given the overwhelming number of race wins he notched up? Thank goodness it was more exciting in 2003, but for those of you wanting a change at the top I am sorry, the best man won – again.

We mention Michael’s achievements in this week’s Car of the Week feature, it’s Ferrari’s latest GT flagship, named ‘612 Scaglietti’. A truly gorgeous machine, judging by Ferrari’s photos, and one worthy of the tradition of long-distance Maranello machinery about which we have often waxed lyrical. Roll on the group tests of it and its Bentley and Aston Martin competitors.

Dropping into Christie’s in London this week to view the unbelievably original Bizzarrini 5300 GT and pristine McLaren F1 they have in their December Sale,
I could not help but notice how perfect in size and proportions the British supercar is compared to many current models such as those from Pagani, Koenigsegg and so on. This one had the small tail wing and front carbon fibre ‘splitter’ (together with a host of other modifications) but it still looked very driveable even in the capital’s traffic.

There was another F1 at the AMOC’s final race meeting of the year last weekend, a road car driven up by an Aston V8 Zagato racer. That would obviously have done a few motorway miles there and back, which makes me think; what’s the highest mileage a true exotic has done? Count Rossi (of Martini Vermouth) famously had a Porsche 917 as a road car; did anyone ever see it on the autostrada?

Perhaps you would like to tell me about real rarities on the road and the unusual circumstances in which you may have seen them.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

Aston Martin - Photos by René Staud

The true value of a work of art lies in the unique relationship between the art itself, its creator and ultimately its owner. It is the same with an Aston Martin. Each car is made to a unique specification that reflects the personality of it owner the car itself is an expression of its owner's life and loves...

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New showroom opens at Maserati HQ

The new showroom at Maserati headquarters was officially inaugurated on 7th October in the presence of Ron Arad and Maserati’s CEO and Managing Director, Antonello Perricone...

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Christie's announce feature lots for 2 December Auction in London

London - Christie's December sale of Motor Cars boasts a superb selection of cars sure to whet the appetite of motoring enthusiasts and collectors. With estimates ranging from £200 to £600,000 and models dating from 1912 to 1998, there's something to suit all tastes and pockets, including the flamboyant and stylish custom painted Kandy Orange metallic McLaren F1 (1998) estimated at £500,000-600,000...

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Win an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and entry to the Gumball Rally!

Over the last month our Aston Martin has been living the highlife, rubbing shoulders with celebrities and their cars at the Cartier Polo International and at Jodie Kidd's launch party for her new events company 'Prêt a Polo'...

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Bentley Pre-War 3 Litre Blue Label Light Tourer By Vanden Plas

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colour Dark Blue
interior colour Dark Blue
drive RHD
year 1925
Chassis No. 1200
Engine No. 1198
country United Kingdom

price 79.995 GBP


Vendor:

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Aston Martin Vanquish 2+0

sequential gearbox / touchtronic, 6 speed, leather, phone, full history, Power Fold Mirrors, Linn Sound System, Tracker Horizon, Red Brake Callipers, Heated Seats.

colour Ferrari Canna di Fucile
interior colour Pacific Blue Hide
drive RHD
type Coupe
year 2003
mileage 5.216 km / 3.241 m
country United Kingdom

price 144.950 GBP


Dealership:

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Barons Auction, Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, UK
21st October 2003

London to Brighton Run, UK
2nd November 2003

Tour d’Espana Auto, Spain
5 – 9th November 2003

The International Classic Motor Show, NEC, UK
8 – 9th November 2003

Bonhams Auction, London Olympia, UK
1st December 2003

Christie's Auction, The Jack Barclay Showroom, UK
2nd December 2003

Barons Auction, Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, UK
2nd December 2003

H&H Auction, Buxton, UK
9 – 10th December 2003

Bonhams Europe Auction, Gstaad, Switzerland
19th December 2003

see further event details

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