Edition 35/2008 49.683 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Take a deep breath on this one: we've a car with a clock (that's also a watch), and a watch that's also a car key. The latter is, apparently, the 'first watch developed with the ability to control access into a luxury sports car'. In this case, the Aston Martin DBS.
The watch won't start (or possibly 'initiate the multi-cylinder combustion sequence of') the car; it merely serves to open the door locks, and you will still need Aston's Emotional Control Unit, or 'key', in layman's language.
The clock/watch of the Rolls–Royce Hyperion is a more straightforward gizmo, with no hi–tech pretensions. You get in, drive off somewhere ritzy, realise you've left the Casio on the mantelpiece — but are lucky enough to unclip the on–board Girard–Perregaux and strap it to your wrist.
Just to complete the tone of surrealism this week, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the world's fastest cabriolet, has an ingenious solution to a sudden downpour when touring hood–down (the detachable roof cannot be stowed in the car).
One simply erects an umbrella–like fabric roof (and yes, it's black!) and proceeds in comfort.
What will they think of next?
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand SportThe world's fastest roadster, launched at Pebble Beach, is as instantly recognisable as its fixed–roof forebear. But the differences are far more substantial than simply removing the roof. read more... |
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A Day at the Races: The 2008 Rolex Monterey HistoricsIncludes photo-galleryWhen you've had your fill of concours and auctions, there's only one thing to do: head for the hills and take a day off at the Mazda Raceway. read more... |
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Rolls–Royce HyperionA one-off from PininfarinaA custom-built two-seater derived from the Rolls–Royce Drophead Coupe, the Hyperion is a remarkable creation in more ways than one. read more... |
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Racing Version of Audi R8GT3 racer with rear-wheel drive available 2009"Ever since the R8 was unveiled we've been inundated with enquiries about a race version," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. read more... |
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The Concours on the Avenue 2008Carmel–by–the Sea event now in its second yearThere can be no better way of starting the Monterey classic car week than visiting the concours held in the delightful streets of Carmel. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Aston Martin and Jaeger LeCoultreA watch that is more than it seems...The AMVOX2 DBS Transponder, created solely for owners of an Aston Martin DBS, is both a high–quality timepiece — and a key to the owner's luxury sportscar. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
colour Competizione Red |
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Late September delivery. Competizione Red, black interior with red stitching. Luggage and car cover. 10 percent over list price.
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Legends Automotive LtdTown/City: Bourton on the Water, UK |
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CLASSIC
Cisitalia 202 SMM Spyder Nuvolari
colour Red |
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The definitive model from the specialist Italian manufacturer: this concours restored Spyder Nuvolari has never left its native Italy and is probably the finest example available worldwide today.
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Kidston SATown/City: Geneva, Switzerland |
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SPORTING
Ferrari F 40
colour Red |
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This F40 is a cat non-adjust that was UK supplied when new by Nigel Mansell. It has just been prized out of long term ownership by ourselves and is therefore a one owner form new motorcar having covered approximately 9,700 Kms. Comprehensive service history accompanies the car, it is in excellent condition with the carbon fibre Kevlar weave visible still in many places such as the roof and the bonnet.
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DK EngineeringTown/City: Chorley Wood, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2008
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08.09. — 09.09. Barons 10th Anniversary - British Heritage + Classic & Collectors Motor Cars Auction, UK |
SERVICE
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