Editorial

Geneva 2005 has brought the usual selection of mad, bad and if not downright ‘dangerous to know’, then certainly some weird devices that might have been better left on the designer’s hard drive. The oddity of several cars matched only by the sheer barminess of their press copy. I hope we have spared you the worst of this and can offer a selection below of the finest models from the Salon.

Aston Martin’s long-awaited V8 Vantage finally made it into the public domain and few people would deny the British company has scored an absolute bullseye with a 911-beater that has ‘gotta have one’ written all over it. Closer examination of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur also revealed a four-door of class and potent performance that one’s only comment would be to regret the use of the same front-end styling as the GT. I also have to say that the Morgan Aeromax, a Bugatti Atlantic-esque bespoke GT, has a strange attractiveness.

It was nice to meet so many 'Classic Drivers' at last weekend’s Historic Motorsport Show at Stoneleigh, I hope we will have space for a review in next week’s Classic Inside.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

Aston Martin DB AR1

153 miles from new, 6-speed manual transmission, #39 of a total of 99 manufactured for the world wide market.

The DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) boasts revised body styling with coachwork by Zagato of Italy. It incorporates a number of dynamic elements, which have been finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience. Available only as a two-seater, the DB AR1 has a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, while the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provide graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.

The car is powered by an up-rated 'GT' version of the V12, with power up to 435 bhp and torque to 410 lb ft. The active sports exhaust system with rear muffler by-pass valves - as used on the V12 Vanquish - provide the DB AR1 with a very distinctive exhaust note.

This DB AR1 is as new throughout.


colour Antrim Blue
interior colour Grey
year 2003
mileage 246 km / 153 m

Price 256.000 USD


Dealership:

Autosport Designs
203 West Hills Road, Huntington Station, New York, 11746

Phone +1 (631) 425-1555

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Ferrari 275 GTB 2 Cam NART Spider

Restored and converted by Mototechnic in the early Nineties to alloy-body NART spider specification from an original LHD car, in excellant condition throughout, on Borrani wheels.


colour Metallic Blue
interior colour Tan leather
year 1967
Mileage 3.300 km / 2.051 m

Price 345.000 GBP

Dealership:

Oakfields


Phone+44-(0)1256-760 256

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see complete stock from this dealer

Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML 320

Finished with Walnut trim, this car is fitted with cruise control, 17" alloys, twin airbags, towing equipment, radio/cassette, adjustable steering column, electric seats, air conditioning and 4 speed automatic gearbox. Taxed, full Mercedes service history and 3 owners.


colour Tormaline Green
interior colour Tan
year 1999
Mileage 114.263 km / 71.000 m

Price 13.995 GBP


Dealership:

Runnymede Motor Company


Phone +44 (0) 1753 644599

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Geneva Motor Show, Switzerland
3rd - 13th Mar 2005

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, Florida, USA
11th - 13th Mar 2005

Techno Classica, Essen, Germany
7th - 10th Mar 2005

Coppa Milano-San Remo, Italy
11th - 13th Mar 2005

Barons Classic, Collectors, Thoroughbred and Sports Car Auction, Esher, UK
21st - 22nd Mar 2005

Tour Auto Lissac, France
25th - 30th Mar 2005

Royal Windsor St George's Day Festival of Aston Martin, UK
21st - 23rd April 2005

see further event details

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