Edition 33/2007 48.989 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
There were an awful lot of exes in Monterey last weekend. No, I'm not about to reveal a dramatic upturn in divorce and separation statistics caused by a lifelong overweening interest in expensive motor cars.
The reference is to the number of cars either catalogued for auction, or at one of the several concours d'elegance, that are preceded by - for example - ‘Ex-Wilbur J. Scruggs III', or even better ‘The Wilbur J. Scruggs III'.
Just having a car that the average guy purchased from his local dealer is never enough. I'm not sure if this is a time-related issue, and that the humblest early owner can achieve immortality alongside Steve McQueen and Clark Gable given long enough, while more recent fame doesn't necessarily impart value or importance.
You (well I wouldn't anyway) want a modern supercar that had been owned by a current ‘celebrity' from sports field or silver screen. It's likely that they've hardly driven it, or treated it a) badly or b) as just another toy or bauble. To be fair – McQueen excepted – I expect many of the stars of the 30s and 40s acted in a similar way, it's just that we did not get to hear about it, thus preserving the romance and excitement if the time.
Anyway, it all seems to have worked as once again a barnstorming week of saleroom activity saw a colossal amount of money pass through the various auction houses, all incisively analysed by Simon Kidston in his personal report that you can read below.
It's Goodwood Revival weekend next Friday so expect a slighter shorter than normal ClassicInside, and if you have not yet bought tickets do check the Goodwood website for availability – as in recent years, there'll be nothing available on the gate.
I hope to meet many of you there.
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Steve
Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
HorsepowerCombined Services Polo with Hackett and an Aston Martin V8 VolantePur sang, blue blood, call it what you will - that is polo, and being a guest of gentlemen's outfitters par excellence Hackett at one of the British season's top events; Rundle Cup Day at the Tidworth Polo Club. read more... |
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Monterey MadnessSimon Kidston brings us the latest from CaliforniaIf anyone wondered whether recent stock market turmoil would dampen results at this summer's benchmark auctions over the Pebble Beach weekend, the hard figures speak for themselves. Despite a shortage of truly ‘great' cars on offer, 2007 was the highest turnover year ever in Monterey. read more... |
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57th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - 2007Aston Martin and Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg the featured marquesThe Duesenberg SJ Special was named 'Best of Show' by the judges at pebble Beach 2007. read more... |
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Historic Mercedes ‘Silver Arrow' at VSCC SeeRed 2007To mark the 70th anniversary of The Donington Grand Prix, a Mercedes-Benz W125 racing car will return to celebrate its only competitive appearance in factory hands on British soil. read more... |
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Jan B. Luehn Track Day at SpaEarlier this month, historic racing car specialist Jan B. Luehn took a carefully selected group of customers, together with their valuable racing machines, to a track day at Spa-Francorchamps. read more... |
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CLASSIC DRIVER DEALER
Brooklands Classic CarsAustralian Dealer Set to Take on the World“My first words were car brands,” says Paul Sabine, of the Australian company Brooklands Classic Cars, and when he saw his first Aston Martin DB4 at the age of 14 he was smitten. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Prancing Horse MobileNew Vertu Handset Celebrates Ferrari's 60thTo commemorate Ferrari's 60th anniversary, Vertu - manufacturer of handcrafted mobile phones for the luxury market - has launched a new handset, the Vertu Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Audi RS 4 Avant
colour Imola Yellow |
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We are delighted to be able to offer for sale this stunning RS4 finished in special order Imola Yellow with Black Hide RS Seats with Electric Lumbar Support.
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BramleyTown/City:
Bramley, UK |
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CLASSIC
Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur Four Light
colour Caribbean Blue |
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This is a Continental Flying Spur with coachwork by HJ Mulliner. Chassis no. BC 10 XA is a true moving work of art, finished in Caribbean Blue with Dark Blue hide,
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Classic Automobiles Worldwide LtdTown/City:
London, UK |
SPORTING
De Tomaso Pantera Group 4 Racecar
colour Red Metallic |
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1977 and 1978 Sebring 12 Hour History - s/n THPNMR02846.
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Fantasy JunctionTown/City:
Emeryville, CA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2007
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27.08. - 27.08. The Masters Racing Series - Oulton Park Gold Cup, UK |
SERVICE
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