ClassicInside - The ClassicDriver Newsletter

ClassicInside – The Classic Driver Newsletter

Edition 15/2004

April 16th 2004

This edition is sent to 26.333 subscribers

Editorial

The story on Jaguar's Concept Eight is worthy of close reading. Jaguar Cars' Advanced Design Studio have taken the newest Long Wheel Base version of the XJ saloon and turned it into a microcosm of SoHo or Shoreditch loft-living with the same American walnut that you would find on your fitted-kitchen, mixed with red up- and down-lighting from your favourite cocktail bar. DJ-ing is down to you, but the 860W Alpine concept sound system should be up to the task as the Coventry company proudly states it "employs 14 speakers to recreate sound precisely as the artist intended". Presumably with a digitally-enhanced volume switch calibrated to start at -1 for pieces by John Cage, stopping at 11 for Nigel Tufnel.

I think it's great and a particularly nice touch is to see the 'Conker' leather supplied by that great name in worldwide coachbuilding 'Connolly' again. Cancel the big wheels, go easy on any darkened glass, and I think this could be a winner.

We've also got news features on two new super-performance sporting cars from Germany, Audi's 'RS6 plus' and the SL65 AMG version of Mercedes' luxury sports car. No special lighting effects here, just an attempt with their horsepower figures to match the numbers of the Jaguar's stereo. The latest RS6 with 480 bhp and the SL with a walloping 612 bhp (I just can't quite come to terms with that…) clearly show Germany leads the field when it comes to tuned production cars. Interestingly it's only really above 100 km/hr (62 mph) that the extra 132 horses - and lighter weight - of the two-seater come into play. By the time the Audi hits 200 km/hr the SL will be long gone, it's about 4.5 seconds faster to this benchmark.

All marvellous stuff, but there's a time when cruising in town is called for and the Concept Eight is the car for that.

Steve Wakefield
Managing Editor
sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
The all-new Land Rover Discovery 3 The Land Rover Discovery 3 is an all-new, premium SUV that offers class-leading breadth of capability, innovative user-friendly technology, distinctive design and a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to seven adults... read the complete article
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG: the most powerful roadster in the world 12-cylinder AMG biturbo engine, an output of 450 kW/612 hp and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm – the new SL 65 AMG is the world's most powerful and highest-torque series-produced roadster... read the complete article
Jaguar XJ - LWB and 'Concept Eight' The launch of the new XJ LWB (which will be available from autumn) also marks an opportunity for Jaguar Cars’ Advanced Design Studio to use the most spacious vehicle the company has ever built as the base for an intriguing design programme – the Jaguar Concept Eight... read the complete article
Ferrari - 50 years in US celebrated by red floodlighting in New York, and new store opens in Rome From dusk until midnight on 8th April, the Empire State Building was bathed in red light to celebrate Ferrari’s 50th year in the United States. Ferrari will also open a new Store in Rome. Exclusive Ferrari memorabilia from the world of Formula 1 and official merchandise can be found at the official House of Maranello shop... read the complete article
Mercedes at the Targa Florio and Coppa Florio 1924 - 80 years on The Targa Florio and the Coppa Florio were among the toughest and most difficult road races in Europe. A single lap of the extremely narrow and tortuous mountain route just outside Palermo, in Sicily, was 108 kilometers long. The Targa Florio involved four laps, the Coppa Florio another on top of these – a total of 540 kilometers... read the complete article
Bonhams at Hendon 26th April 2004 - Preview As well as the AJ Lees Collection previewed elsewhere on Classic Driver, Bonhams have gathered a useful selection of cars at their next London Sale. Over thirty lots spanning nearly eighty years of motoring are under the hammer, including this 1957 AC Ace at £40,000 - 50,000... read the complete article
Bonhams at Hendon 26th April 2004 - The AJ Lees Collection, Preview Forming an important part of Bonhams forthcoming RAF Museum Sale, the AJ Lees Collection of Competition Ferrari Chassis and Related Parts is worthy of description in its own right. Over 200 lots are offered, comprising dashboard instruments, gearboxes and carburettors - as well as restoration projects such as a 1955 Ferrari 500/750 sports-racing car... read the complete article
Barons Sale 20th April 2004 Sandown Park, Esher Barons next Esher Sale will be a ‘British Heritage’ one so you can expect more than a fair smattering of classic British sports and saloon cars. At least twelve Jaguars are entered including this Teal Blue 1972 E-type SIII V12 Roadster for £21,500 - 24,500... read the complete article
Audi RS6 plus - The sports version from quattro GmbH quattro GmbH is now launching an ultimate sports version of the RS 6 developing 353 kW (480 bhp). The RS 6 plus is equipped with features echoing the world of motor sport and comes with new colour concepts.With an output of 480 bhp, the RS 6 plus generates 30 bhp more than the standard Audi RS 6 version... read the complete article

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Jaguar XK150 FHC RHD An original UK manual + overdrive matching numbers car in BRG with very pleasant interior and recently retrimmed seats in stone with green piping. This car has a huge history file with much evidence of thorough maintenance over a long period. Fitted with chrome wire wheels this is a smart and honest XK which drives nicely. colour British Racing Green interior colour Stone with Green piping year 1959 price 23.500 GBP Dealership: Twyford Moors XK Specialists The XK Workshops ,South Lane , Clanfield, Hampshire PO8 ORB phone +44- (0) 23 925 70900 see all details see complete stock from this dealer
AC Cobra MkII 4.7 This car has an impeccable provenance with full and continuous history from new. The last owner, of 20 years, converted the car in to a very successful historic racer in the early 90's, retaining every last bit of original equipment, trim and metalwork. Colour red Drive LHD Year 1964 Chassis No. CSX2229 Dealership: Brian Classic & Co phone +44 (0) 1565 830 423 see all details see complete stock from this dealer

EVENTGUIDE

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

FiA Cup for Historic Grand Touring Cars, Donington Park, UK
1st - 3rd May 2004

Mille Miglia Retrospective 2004, Italy
6th - 9th May 2004

Bonhams Auction, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, Newport Pagnell, UK
8th May 2004

Bonhams Auction, Les Grandes Marques a Monaco
15th May 2004

see further event details

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