Editorial

A motor racing legend passed away this week. The man who in 1958 so evocatively described the Grand Prix of Gibraltar, actor Peter Ustinov, has died. Now before you think this is the introduction to some feeble, tardy April Fools joke (and I would hope you’d know us better than that), let me explain. Ustinov, a man with more than a passing interest in cars, created a superbly-crafted satire using similar names to the ones popular in the day (Fandango for Fangio, for example) and wove them into a story of 1950s derring-do, complete with engine-sounds also brilliantly imitated by himself. Conceived before modern sensitivities of national stereotyping, and made with the global conflict a recent memory, the record ticks all the boxes of Gallic romanticism, English amateurism and Teutonic efficiency.

There is a Grand Prix of Bahrain taking place this weekend and it would take a meaner observer than your correspondent to draw comparisons between the two events.

On a separate note perhaps it’s worth commenting on the effect the rise in popularity and respectability of the modern Rolls-Royce marque is having on older models. Dining with friends after Christie’s London Auction last Monday, the consensus round the table was that the 1964 Silver Cloud III sold that evening, a year or so ago seen as a poor cousin of the modish Bentley, was not only an excellent model for reliability and convenience but also a badge and grille that one would feel comfortable (in all senses of the word) sitting behind again.

Driving to the Chelsea restaurant in a marvellously original-specification Aston Martin DB5, and parking up in a mews, the car seemed so right in its surroundings. Another iconic English actor David Hemmings (who sadly also died recently) drove a Rolls-Royce convertible in Antonioni’s seminal 1960s Swinging London film ‘Blow-Up’ - not a Bentley. I rest my case.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

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Aston Martin Vantage V600 Supercharged

Finished in Cannock Black with Forest Green hides and Alcantara interior. One of only 40 Le Mans special edition cars built. Re-engineered by the factories ‘Works’ service division to V600 specifications. Included are 600 bhp engine, upgraded suspension, brakes, wheels, tyres, sports exhaust and more. A homage to Aston Martins long and succesfull association with Le Mans, these superbly equiped and constructed cars are the very last of the coachbuilt type. Having covered less than a thousand miles from new, this Left Hand Drive example is unmarked and almost indistinguishable from new.


colour Cannock Black
interior colour Forest Green
year 2000
mileage 460 km / 286 m

price P.O.R.

Dealership:

Nicholas Mee & Company Ltd
Brackenbury Garage, 12 Wellesley Avenue, London W6 OUP
phone +44 (0) 20 8741 8822


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Jaguar E-Type SI 'Lightweight'

FIA Papers

The car available today is a 1964 car which was commissioned to be Lightweight spec and therefore retains all the modifications of the works cars. This actual car has been raced and driven by none other than Sir Stirling Moss and has been a regular contender across the world in significant and prestigious Historic Events. This competitive and desirable Jaguar has been campaigned and prepared without compromise. Having recently just returned from the 50th Anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix, this car has returned to the UK and is available to compete insome of the finest GT and Endurance races in Europe such as,The Gentleman Drivers Championship, Spa 6 hrs, Oulton Park Gold Cup, Goodwood, to name just a few. As a race car it is beautifully balanced and very powerful and is equally at home as an enjoyable road car. This interesting and competitive Jaguar supplied with current and UK issued FIA papers is available immediately for premier Historic Events!


colour Silver
interior colour Black
year 1964
Chassis No. 2807GT

price 88.950 GBP

Dealership:

Legends Racing
Sycamore Barn, Bourton on the Water Ind Park, Bourton on the Water, Gloucs GL54 2HQ

phone +44 (0) 1451 821611


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Techno Classica, Essen, Germany
1st - 4th April 2004

Sanremo Rally Storico, Italy
1st - 3rd April 2004

The Three Castles Trial Ypres Retro
2nd - 4th April 2004

Tour de France Auto, France
19th - 24th April 2004

Barons Classic and British Heritage Auction, Sandown Park, Esher UK
19th - 20th April 2004

Concorso D'Eleganza Villa D'Este, Italy
23rd - 25th April 2004

Bonhams Auction Motor Cars, Automobilia Toys & Models, RAF Museum, Hendon, UK
26th April 2004

see further event details

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