Editorial

When is a replica not a replica? When it’s a reproduction perhaps. You will see below some details on what would appear to be the most painstaking recreation of Jaguar’s C-type ever made, its vendors firmly believing it can offer exactly the same pleasures of ownership that the original circa £600,000 car would give. The same can be said of other wonderfully built reproductions such as the Lynx Lightweight E-type or Safir Ford GT40, both of which are so good they almost ‘continue the line’ and they establish the base from which all others can be compared. Of course the problem is the plethora of cheap copies that not only reduce the value of owning the original but also a correct reproduction. Witness the wide-bodied, side exhaust, drainpipe-roll-over-barred Cobra replicas resplendent in candy metallic blue and double white stripes. Compare that with an original 289 AC (or even more original 260) in BRG on wires and narrow tyres. It’s difficult to believe they are meant to be the same car.

No, a beautifully created reproduction, manufactured in the same way can provide all the sensual delights of the original. But it will always be an honourable duplicate and should be treated as such. The ups and downs of ‘true’ old car ownership (yes, practicalities such as weather protection, punctures and space) can be offset against its market value and inherent originality. As they say – you pays your money.

Talking of which, I wouldn’t mind investing some of my hard-earned on the latest volume from The Palawan Press. It’s the definitive work on the R-type Bentley Continental and you can read in Classic Driver about the extraordinary lengths the authors and publishers have gone to in order to produce a book that truly matches its subject in opulence and design.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

Anthony Holt Silversmiths introduce the the DB9 Collection

Anthony Holt Silversmiths have created an authentic replica which captures the spirit and heritage of the marque's latest model. The DB9 measures 20cm in length, is engraved with the owner's personal number plates and is supplied in gunmetal, cold cast bronze and sterling silver...

read the complete article

Bentley Continental Sports Saloon - the definitive book from Palawan

Fifty years ago, the Bentley Continental Sports Saloon was launched to transport discerning motorists across Europe in high-speed comfort. It was the fastest and most expensive four-seat car in the world, with a list of owners that read like a Who’s Who of the 1950s...

read the complete article

Carrera GT offers “best automotive innovation” of the year

Stuttgart. The new Porsche Carrera GT does not hit the streets of the United States until December, yet this high-performance sports car is already winning prizes in the USA. In its ‘Best of What’s New’ awards, the magazine ‘Popular Science’ has given the 450 kW (612 bhp), 330 kph Porsche the ‘Grand Prize’ in the ‘Cars’ category...

read the complete article

Racing Green Cars announce the world’s most perfect reproduction C-Type Jaguar

Almost certainly the most user-friendly and charismatic sports-racing car produced by Jaguar, the C-Type evokes all that was great about the marque and the men who drove them. Only 53 were produced and if you can find one, it will set you back £600,000. Racing Green Cars is able, now, to supply you with the world’s most perfect reproduction C-Type - almost indistinguishable from the original...

read the complete article

Vintage cars and motorcycles – Padua Exhibition Centre from 22nd to 23rd November 2003

The traditional autumn date for the annual exhibition of vintage cars and motorbikes is fixed for the 22nd and 23rd November at the Padua Exhibition Centre. A 9,000 sq.mt. exhibition area, 500 spare parts dealers from all over Europe, more than 100 marque clubs, over 1,500 historic vehicles on show - these are the numbers that make the exhibition a guaranteed attraction...

read the complete article

Advertisement
PREMIUM OFFERS

Pagani Zonda C12S

6 speed, leather, navigation system, Xenon lights, sports suspension

1 Owner.

colour Champagne Silver
interior colour Grey Exclusive Nappa Leather
drive RHD
year 3/2003
mileage 6.000 km / 3.728 m

price 320.000 GBP

Vendor:
Euro Sportscars
Stoke Poges, Berks

Phone +44 (0)1753 648064

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Aston Martin DB4

4 speed

For Sale by Auction Dec 2nd 2003
Sandown Park Exhibition Complex, Esher, Surrey

colour Black Pearl
interior colour Charcoal
drive RHD
year 1961
Chassis No. DB4/581/R
Engine No. 370/570

Price estimate 47.000 - 55.000 GBP


Dealership:

Barons Auction 2nd December, Esher, UK
Quayside House, 23 St. Johns Street, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6BZ

Phone +44 (0)23 8084 0081

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Bonhams & Goodmans Auction, Sydney, Australia
30th 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

Coys Auction, The Royal Horticultural Halls, London
4th December

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

Bonhams Europe Auction, Gstaad, Switzerland
19th December 2003

see further event details

SERVICE

If you wish to be removed from future mailings,
please visit our ClassicInside Homepage at

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/community/2300.asp