Edition 02/2008 49.268 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
I was doing some research for our Classic Driver Dealer feature and came across a hitherto little-read tome; 'Rolls-Royce The Classic Elegance' by Lawrence Dalton.
It's a comprehensive volume that covers the post-War years from Silver Wraith to Silver Spirit and Silver Spur. However, its speciality is the multiplicity of bespoke bodywork carried by the earlier cars, in particular the Silver Wraith and Silver Cloud.
Now stay with me, because the styling variations are well worth a look, but it's not that aspect of the book I found so interesting.
You'd never get away with it now, but for most of the cars the name of the original owner is listed alongside its chassis number and style of coachwork. As a social history of the times it has few equals.
The British military is well represented with various Majors, Captains and Brigadiers taking delivery of new limousines just a few years after the end of hostilities. I am sure Sir Otumpu O.A. Prempah — Direct descendant of King Osei Tutu, founder of the Ashanti Empire, now part of Ghana — enjoyed his 1953 Wraith, while it's nice to be reminded that Tony Curtis, who purchased a 1963 Silver Cloud Drophead Coupé, was a 'USA actor'.
They're all present: Sammy Davis Jnr, Nubar Gulbenkian, Terence Rattigan, Sophia Loren et al. Many cars are registered to once-great British industrial concerns, not to mention major and minor Royalty around the globe, and Fleet Street newspaper magnates.
I haven't found him yet, but I'm sure Terry–Thomas will be there too, and you can just imagine the battalions of British ex-officers suited in two-piece houndstooth — with a mustard waistcoat — in best toothy 'T–T' style, behind the wheel of a Silver Wraith, briar Dunhill well–stocked with Navy Cut furiously 'making smoke'.
Will we ever see that again? The smoking ban has a lot to answer for.
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Steve
Wakefield |
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Classic Driver Dealer: Frank Dale & StepsonsA Family AffairThere's a lot of Rolls-Royce and Bentley experience under one roof at the West London premises of Frank Dale & Stepsons. read more... |
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BRDC Historic Sportscars - New Management and New FormatHistoric racers can expect to see some changes in the format of the BRDC Historic Sportscar Championship, as the British Racing Drivers’ Club has appointed Motor Racing Legends to run the well-known series from 2008 onwards — and some significant alterations are planned. read more... |
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New Baby SUV from MercedesThe Vision GLK Freeside is a new SUV concept from Mercedes to be displayed at this month's Detroit Motor Show. Far from being simply a designer's dream, however, it's a concept which will soon be a reality. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Polo on SnowAn international highlight of the winter social season is surely the 24th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow - held from 24-27 January 2008 at (where else?) St. Moritz. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin Vanquish
colour Rolls-Royce Royal Maroon Metallic |
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Special order Rolls-Royce Royal Maroon Metallic with Charcoal over Parchment leather interior with Charcoal carpeting, edged Parchment,
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Autosport Designs Inc.Telephone: +1 631 425 1555 |
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CLASSIC
Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur
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Finished in Oxford Blue with Tan hide interior this splendid example is one of just 49 Produced in RHD.
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Bramley of KensingtonTelephone: +44 (0)207 937 8487 |
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SPORTING
Lotus Elan 26R
colour White/Red |
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Supplied new to Bob Jane. Continuous race history. Recent rebuild.
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Brian Classic & CoTelephone: +44 (0)1565 830423 |
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EVENTGUIDE 2008
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12.01. — 12.01. Coys Auction — Autosport International, Birmingham, UK |
SERVICE
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