Editorial

A brief dip into the obituaries this week reveals the world of hedonism has lost one of its number with the relatively early demise of the French writer Françoise Sagan. Unfamiliar perhaps to many outside La Belle France, Sagan made a fortune at 18 with the publication of her best seller Bonjour Tristesse.

Not a matter for readers of Classic Inside I hear you say? Au contraire! With the £500,000 in royalties - a considerable amount of cash in 1954 - she promptly bought the latest Ferrari, drove swiftly down to St Tropez and turned her newly-acquired fortune into strong liquor, gambling chips - and a lot else unsuitable for publication in a family newsletter. More expensive cars followed. In 1957 she was left her in a coma for three days having survived a serious accident in her Aston Martin, and in the 1960s, espousing a left-wing lifestyle turned up at a demonstration in her latest Italian exotic. "What's Comrade Sagan doing in a Ferrari?" a protestor enquired "It's not a Ferrari, it's a Maserati," she replied to her ‘brother’ manning the barricades.

An introduction to this week’s Paris Motor Show? Possibly - but great stuff on its own I hope you agree. There is some super photography from René Staud in our review of one of the industry’s sexiest events, and for those ‘Gentlemen’ among you (and I’m sure you all are) there’s a preview of an auction in Geneva this weekend that is sure to be of interest.

A la semaine prochaine!

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

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PREMIUM OFFERS

Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 Cabriolet

This is the finest vehicle we have had the pleasure of offering in the last few years. Not least because it is my favourite car in my favourite colour! Our car is a 1963 Left Hand Drive model, originally registered in the UK in 1963 and professionally restored over the last few years. She is finished in Porsche Black with contrasting Red Leather interior. She is showing 11,500 miles but I would not take that as correct. What is more important is the work that has been undertaken on this car, The car drives like new and has the external appearance of a 356 that is perhaps 3 years old. The car is also the extremely desirable and rare Super 90 model.

She comes with a new black soft top and hood bag. The V5 shows the one owner for over 30 years. I also have the original owners manual and Buff Log Book for the vehicle.

colour black
interior red
year 1963
mileage 11.000 km / 6.835 m

Price 29.995 GBP


Dealership:

Justin Banks Classic Cars
West Ealing, London

Phone +44 (0)20-8579-6392


see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe

Interesting history. Very fast. Competition prepared with many Rally successes. Immaculate condition in silver with original red interior.

colour silver
interior colour red
drive LHD
year 1955
Chassis No. 550/0730

Price P.O.R.

Dealership:

Brian Classic & Co

Phone +44 (0) 1565 830 423


see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

'The Gentlemens' Sale', Parc des Eaux-Vives, Geneva, Switzerland
2nd Oct 2004

Brooklands Autumn Italian Car Day, Weybridge, Surrey, UK
3rd Oct 2004

H&H Classic Auctions, Buxton, UK
5th - 6th Oct 2004

Tour de España, Seville - Jerez, Spain
14th - 19th Oct 2004

Barons Classic, Collectors, Thoroughbred and Sports Car Auction, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey
18th - 19th Oct 2004

London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally & Saturday Concours, UK
6th - 7th Nov 2004

see further event details

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