Editorial

You have to hand it to one of Britain’s remaining motor companies still in UK ownership, the marvellously unrepentant Bristol Cars. Proudly claiming the simplicity of their bespoke Grand Touring cars in the best tradition, they eschew the modern trappings of today’s ever more complex machinery from Mercedes and BMW (in particular). You get in the car - quite possibly with a conventional key - start car with said key, select ‘Drive’ and proceed at a pace suitable for the occasion to your chosen destination. That may be round the corner for a ‘paper - or at the other end of the Earth. And that could be four of you, with luggage for a long weekend at least.

Less is more (a quite considerable more, but then they are hand-made machines) and over the years Bristol has developed a loyal following from a clientele that could chose about anything in the world of exotic motoring. Other manufacturers please take note, and is there any particular ‘driving aid’ that you find totally unnecessary?

There’s a fabulous new book of photographs of 1950s icon James Dean soon to be published, and we’ve a preview below. Like Steve McQueen, Dean was a film star totally absorbed by motor cars and driving, and also like McQueen the subject of some of the best stills photography ever. Recommended.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Standard Steel Saloon Drophead Coupe By Mulliner

Chassis number LSCX 789, properly known as 'adaptations' (the factory terminology for genuine Mulliner dropheads, body design number 2007) these are amongst the rarest and most magnificent Rolls-Royce ever built, only 38 were made of which only 26 were left hand drive.

This supremely original example of this most beautiful convertible has had just one owner since 1965. With the combination of ultra-low production numbers and the scarcity of these cars to appear on the market, this represents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire one of the most significant collector cars of all time.

colour Shell Gray
interior colour Black Connolly leather
drive LHD
year 1965

Price USD 425.000


Dealership:


Heritage Classics
8980 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood California 90069, USA

Phone+1-310-657 9699

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Ferrari 246 Dino F1 Grand Prix

This magnificent Grand Prix car was reconstructed by Graypaul Motors, England in 1972 and has always been regarded as the closest to an official ex-Works Grand Prix car. The car has full FIA papers and has been raced and campaigned in many European major events with notable success.

colour Red
chassis 0006

Price GBP P.O.R.


Dealership:


Duncan Hamilton & Co
P.O.Box 222, Hook, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG27 9YZ

Phone +44 (0) 1256-765000

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

Porsche 911 Turbo

As new 450 bhp Tiptronic, aluminium pack, aero kit, sat nav and many other options. Cost £110,000

colour Arctic Silver
interior colour Black Leather
drive RHD
year 8/2004
mileage 2.897 km / 1.800 m

Price GBP 89.950

Dealership:


Taylor and Crawley
32 Wilton Row, London, SW1X 7NS

Phone +44 (0) 20 7823 2599

see all details

see complete stock from this dealer

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

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

Brooklands Spring Italian Car Day, UK
30th Apr 2005

Barons Classic, Collectors, Thoroughbred and Sports Car Auction, Esher, UK
2nd - 3rd May 2005

Modena Cento Ore Classic, Italy
7th - 10th May 2005

Legende et Passion, Coys Auction, Monaco
14th May 2005

Bonhams Auction - Les Grandes Marques à Monaco
16th May 2005

see further event details

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