Editorial

The Le Mans Classic was a tremendous success and everyone is hoping it will be repeated in two years time. You can read our impressions below; suffice it to say from this correspondent’s view at least, it was as good as the ‘real thing’ in June.

At Le Mans last weekend it was the first time for many to have a good look at the new Porsche 911. The Stuttgart company had several examples on show, the Carrera S having the wider wheels and proving once again that less may very well be more, the ‘standard’ car being the one to go for. First impressions are of a compact car lengthways, but one that seems to have filled out a little sideways to the extent of its wheel arches. It’s a surprising broad beast, but no less attractive for it. The rear treatment, with the 1960s Abarth Carrera engine cover treatment is very nice, and just a stub of a louvred wing is raised at speed, like the 964 car.

Also at the French circuit were a fleet of DB9s giving demonstration laps as part of Aston’s corporate presence. Seeing these, and the Ferrari Enzos and 575 Ms, circulating the track in between races showed just how fast modern-day supercars have become. For any road car to look fast on a circuit is an achievement, but for something to look really fast on the wide open spaces at Le Mans is nothing short of sensational.

Which all of these cars are of course.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

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PREMIUM OFFERS

Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

For Sale by Auction Tues Aug 3rd 2004
Sandown Park Exhibition Complex, Esher, Surrey

New for 2004 - viewing is available on the Monday preceding the sale between 3.00pm and 7.30pm

The Alfa Romeo SS or Sprint Special was first seen as the Giulietta in 1957, based on a design by Franco Scalione. In 1963 the model was revised and renamed the Giulia SS with a 1600cc engine and body work by Bertone.

Supplied to Alfa Romeo GB on the 29th May 1964, this example is said to have been the 1965 London Motor Show car.


Colour Indigo Blue
Drive RHD
Year 1964
Chassis No. AR00121-01230
Engine No. AR380735

Price estimate 19,000 - 21,000 GBP


Dealership:

Barons Classic Auction 3rd Aug 2004
Quayside House, 23 St. Johns Street, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6BZ

Phone +44 (0) 23 8084 0081


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Venturi 400 GT

During 1992-4 the French sportscar manufacturer Venturi produced a number of 410 BHP, 1190 kg sports racing cars to compete in a series of ‘Gentleman Drivers Trophy’ races at FIA sportscar rounds. Subsequently a road going version of this model called the 400 GT went into production.

Fitted with full road equipment including air conditioning and full hide interiors less than 20 left the factory. Of these cars only one was built with Right Hand Drive. This is the car. Finished in Rouge Passion with Black hide. Equipment includes, Carbon Industries 3rd generation carbon disc brakes, 410 bhp twin turbo 3.0 litre V6 motor, 18’’ OZ Magnessium Wheels, A/C, full hide interior and trimmed full roll over cage.

Unique and amazingly fast this extremely competant car has covered only 2,800 miles from new and apart from being maintained has been used only to satisfy the last owners itch for excitment, in dry weather only.


Colour Rouge Passion
Interior colour Black hide
Drive RHD
Year 1997
Mileage 4.556 km / 2.831 m

Price 59,950 GBP

Dealership:

Nicholas Mee & Company Ltd
Brackenbury Garage, 12 Wellesley Avenue, London W6 OUP

Phone +44 (0) 20 8741 8822


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Barons Classic, Collectors, Thoroughbred and Sports Car Auction, Sandown Park, Esher, UK
2nd - 3rd Aug 2004

AvD - Oldtimer Grand-Prix 2004 - Nürburgring, Germany
6th - 8th Aug 2004

Christie's Auction of Exceptional Motor Cars: The Monterey Jet Centre, Monterey, USA
12th Aug 2004

Motor Racing Legends Pre-War Sports Car Series - Assen, Holland
14th - 15th Aug 2004

Goodwood Revival, Goodwood, W.Sussex, UK
3rd - 5th Sept 2004

VSCC ‘See Red’ Festival, Donington Park, UK
11th - 12th Sept 2004

see further event details

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