Edition 50/2007 49.246 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
2007 was another hectic year on the Classic Driving front and, as is traditional at this point in the calendar, I shall try to pick some highlights.
I don't suppose Jaguar will thank me for nominating the XJ I took to Scotland and back as the Most Surprisingly Good Car of the Year — but it was. Other cars driven in 2007 included the evergreen (Guards Red, actually) Porsche 911 and a car that defines open–top luxury motoring: the Ferrari F430 Spider. The latter on a trans-Europe trip to visit Maranello in May. Not to mention just about every Aston in the book, including the last ever Vanquish and the latest DBS.
The latter proved to be a very good car indeed, the finest so far from Gaydon, and as a usable GT right up there with the best of them.
We nominated the Ferrari 599 GTB as last year's Classic Driver Car of the Year. Not yet having driven the 430 Scuderia — milder weather awaits in 2008 — nor the Alfa 8C, I think we'll have to pass on that this time, although you can read all about the genuinely must-have, limited-edition Alfa below. By all accounts it's utterly brilliant and truly deserves a greater production run than the piffling 500 the Milanese manufacturer has promised to give the world.
The fastest car I drove in 2007 was, without question, the Ford GT 600RE from Roush, a machine with so much torque it would happily spin its wheels at 100mph. That's not to say it's a handful, just that the modified mid–engined machine is more F40 than 599 GTB. An unforgettable experience.
The big events attended this year included a baking all–Ferrari sale in Italy, a soggy Le Mans 24 Hours (where Aston Martin Racing reigned supreme) and two wonderful Goodwoods. The Festival was wet but dramatic, and allowed me the opportunity of finding out more about the one–off Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5, while the Revival was up to its regularly high standard, albeit delayed on occasions by the use of the safety car.
Rétromobile in Paris was well worth a visit — and will be in my 2008 diary — as was the second Geneva Classics, once again a nice day out that combines top-class classic cars, boats and aeroplanes, all set against a stylish Geneva backdrop.
But it was a quintessentially English summer's day in July, in an Aston Martin V8 Volante for the Combined Services Polo with gentlemen's outfitters Hackett, that was the high-point of the year for your Editor. Truly Doing It In Style.
Thank you for all your support in 2007; I'm already looking forward to a 2008 that promises some more great cars, events and Classic Driver stories.
Our very best wishes to everyone for the festive season and New Year holiday. The next ClassicInside will be on Friday 4th January.
Merry Christmas!
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Steve
Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Worth the Wait: Alfa 8C CompetizioneThis beautiful, limited-edition Alfa has arrived at last: the show-car-turned concept and the first rear-wheel drive Alfa since the 1992 RZ. The first of the fortunate 500 who have ordered them will be receiving their cars soon. read more... |
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Bonhams at Gstaad 19 Dec 2007 - ReviewAs the last classic car auction of 2007, what indications for market activity in 2008 can be gleaned from this year's Gstaad sale? read more... |
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New BMW X6BMW says its new X6 sports activity coupé "heralds the dawn of a new era in motoring". Really? There are certainly some interesting new facets to the X6 but the dawn of a new era in motoring? read more... |
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‘edo competition’ Carrera GT770 Horsepower, Anyone?If those fortunate individuals who own a Carrera GT are starting to find that 612HP (604bhp) is becoming a bit passé, they can now opt for a development package which will raise power to even more astronomic levels. read more... |
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F1 Car Ownership: Now a Step CloserOwning and running an F1 car has always been exclusive to the super–rich — until now, and the launch of PF1. "The idea is that we’re going to provide motorsport enthusiasts with the opportunity to own and run a late-model F1 car, without any of the associated problems," said Paul Osborn of Cars International. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Secret Beauty: The Bel-Air Safe by DöttlingFew things are more hidden from public view than a safe; so at first it might seem strange to have a bespoke version built that is, in the manufacturer’s own words, both ‘luxurious’ and ‘elegant’. But the modern masterpiece that is the Bel-Air is not just about picking the perfect colour, or suitable finish. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
colour Onyx Black |
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Manufacturers Warranty Until November 2009.
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GRANGE WELWYNTown/City:
Welwyn Garden City, UK |
CLASSIC
Ferrari 275 GTS
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Delivered new April 22, 1966 (original paperwork included) to San Diego from Auto-Becker, this 275GTS remained with its first owner until 1986. At that time this car had traveled less than 20,000 miles. Paperwork from the third California owner showed just 22,809 miles in 1988.
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Aston Martin of New EnglandTown/City:
Waltham, MA, USA |
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SPORTING
Shelby GT 350 FIA Racecar
colour White/ Blue |
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Fresh from a professional rebuild to concours standards, this beautifully presented Shelby GT350 Mustang (in GT350 R guise) has undergone a fastidious, professional rebuild/ restoration to current FIA historic technical regulations (new style HTP papers accompany the car).
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Morris & WelfordTown/City: |
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EVENTGUIDE 2007
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08.01. — 08.01. VSCC New Year Driving Tests, Brooklands, UK |
SERVICE
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