Edition 12/2008 49.415 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Described by Enzo Ferrari as "the most beautiful race in the world", the Mille Miglia, now in its 'retrospective' format of a regularity run, is under new management this year. Attending one of several 'road show' events, at London's Science Museum, last night, I was able to find out how this would impact on the look and feel of the vastly over-subscribed event.
First, there will be a return to stricter entry criteria. Many of the cars accepted in the past, for all sorts of reasons that included celebrity drivers and factory involvement, will find it harder to obtain a place. Furthermore, the field will include a genuine cross-section of typical MM cars; so you can expect to see Fiat Topolinos, small Renaults and the actual VW Beetle that competed over 50 years ago.
I think that's a good thing. And from next year there will be 'tribute events' before the May extravaganza, based in Japan, the United States, Russia and the U.A.E. The idea behind this is to spread the word further afield, creating a global community of Mille Miglia (and, by association, general classic car) enthusiasts.
This can only do good for the motor industry as a whole, offsetting (to use a popular phrase) the all-too-negative automotive publicity of recent years.
As an aside, Nigel Mansell — Il Leone, for it was he — conducted a charity sale at the presentation. As an auctioneer, he can't half drive…
A Happy Easter to you all.
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Steve
Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Avro 720 Mirage Ford GTNew run of limited-edition Ford GTsMost mirages dissolve as you approach them; but this one can race away at 220mph. The Avro 720 Mirage Ford GT, the result of a collaboration between Brooklands–based supercar specialist Avro Motor Cars and Roush Technologies, is a limited–edition version of the Ford GT. read more... |
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Coys at Essen Techno Classica 29th March 2008 - PreviewCoys has assembled a top–notch list of 50 cars for its forthcoming European sale, held at the Techno Classica exhibition in Essen. One of the highlights is this 1955 300 SL 'Gullwing' Mercedes. read more... |
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M is for MoreThe new Mercedes M-ClassThe Mercedes M–Class has been revamped. This popular luxury SUV now has more of everything: more power, more style, and a more generous specification. It's even more environmentally friendly; the V6 and V8 petrol or diesel engines are up to 1.1mpg more fuel–efficient. read more... |
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Race Retro 2008The best of the show — with full Bonhams auction resultsThere are few, if any, dates in the calendar which welcome such a huge congregation of historic motorsport big–hitters as the Friday of Race Retro, the International Historic Motorsport Show at Stoneleigh. It's a networker's paradise. read more... |
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Tomorrow's World?Pininfarina SintesiA high–performance environmentally friendly car that doesn't rely on petrol or diesel is generally regarded as automotive Utopia. From the established manufacturers to the small studios, the race to reach that Utopia is well and truly on — and whoever wins will earn themselves a place among the big players. read more... |
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Spada TS Codatronca: Monaco LaunchIt's official: the Spada TS Codatronca design study will be made. And potential purchasers can place their orders at this year's Top Marques Monaco exhibition that starts on the 24th April. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
'Very Zino' — the New Luxury Brand from DavidoffMore familiar perhaps for its fragrances, cigars and smokers' requisites, the Swiss company is branching out into watches, pens and luggage. All will carry a new logo and the name of its founder: the celebrated cigar aficionado Zino Davidoff. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Bentley Continental GT SPEED
colour St James Red |
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Finished in St James Red with Beluga Hide, Fireglow Contrast Stitching and Dark Tinted Machined Alloy Dash, 20" Dark Tinted Alloy Wheels, Darkened Chrome Front Grilles, Power Boot Opening,Massage Seats, Bluetooth, Power Boot, TV Tuner, Navtrac.
Alarm, Navigation System, Power Foldback Mirrors,Space Saver Spare Wheel, Telephone, Traction Control, Bluetooth®, Sport Suspension, Drilled Alloy Pedals, Mulliner Driving Specification, Parking Aid - Rear, Reversing Camera, Parking Aid - Front,T V Tuner, Massage Seat - Driver, Massage Seat - Passenger
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Supercars ExeterTown/City: Exeter, UK |
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CLASSIC
Aston Martin DB4
colour Silver |
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Restored without compromise in 2000 by Upper Classics in Eindhoven, Holland, an undertaking that occupied no less than 2,300 man hours and included a cylinder head conversion allowing the use of unleaded petrol, this splendid Aston Martin has covered fewer than 3,000km since.
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Coys Auction - Essen Techno Classica, 29th Mar 2008Town/City: Essen, Germany |
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SPORTING
Ferrari 250 TR Pontoon Recreation
colour Red |
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To the style of a 1957 car. UK registration. 1957 Ferrari Chassis Number and Title. FIA Historic Technical Passport
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Cars International Kensington Ltd.Town/City: London, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2008
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26.03. — 30.03. Techno–Classica Essen 2008, Germany |
SERVICE
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