Edition 51/2008 49.915 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Welcome to the last ClassicInside of 2008. As a year, it has been (to borrow a phrase from Mr Ritchie) 'emotional'.
Who'd have thought from the dizzy heights of the Bentley Brooklands launch in Tuscany in February, via guiding a gorgeous Celeste Metallizzato Ferrari 612 Scaglietti to Maranello to see 29 million euros change hands for a variety of Classiche–approved Ferraris (including the famous ex–Coburn, black SWB 'Cal Spyder') in May, we'd be in the situation we are today?
In a bit of bother, to say the least. It's been a funny old year, and who knows what's likely to happen in 2009?
However, let's be positive. 2008 saw the introduction of a new Ferrari (the California, a car we'll be driving when the weather clears up next year) and yet more record–breaking prices at auction for the really true greats, such as the McLaren F1, Ferrari 250LM or Bugatti 57SC Atalante Coupé.
And we've had two more glorious Goodwoods, a Le Mans Classic and the usual fun and finery at Monterey. It was my first time at the Peninsula and I enjoyed every minute; not only for the cars and racing, but for having the opportunity to meet friends new and old. Other personal highlights of 2008 included a trip to the polo in the only car that truly echoes 1930s elegance: the Rolls–Royce Phantom Drophead, plus finally getting behind the wheel of an SWB — and riding in a Bugatti Type 35.
We don't go in for cups or prizes but I do like to give an award of Special Merit once a year. Out of sheer cussedness, I'd like to recognise two cars driven this year that encapsulate the recent era (of ups and downs) in luxury motoring, while providing effortless everyday transport: the Porsche Cayenne GTS and Bentley Continental GT Speed. One of each in your garage would do the job nicely.
Anyway, signing off now for 2008 and very much looking forward to bringing you all the latest news in 2009, may I wish you all the very best for the New Year.
The next ClassicInside will be on Friday 9th January 2009.
Merry Christmas!
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Porsche Driving ExperienceTony Dron samples Silverstone from a new perspectiveThe only thing wrong with the new Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone is that not everybody will be able to do it, writes Tony Dron... read more... |
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RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona January 16 2009RM's first 2009 sale will feature over 120 classic motor cars. With the majority coming from the inter-war era, one of the highlights is an ex-Harrah Collection 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante Coupé. read more... |
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The New BMW Z4Come rain or shine...In what is a first for a BMW roadster, the new Z4 — due to go on sale in the UK in May — has a retractable metal roof. The two-piece electrohydraulically operated hard-top, which opens or closes in 20 seconds, is just one in a number of innovations for the all-new model. read more... |
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Coys at The Autosport International Racing Car Show January 10 2009With the Christmas break nearly upon us, Classic Driver was offered an exclusive preview of Coys' Autosport International sale, an event that will take place early in the New Year. read more... |
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Automobile Year 56 2008/09 ReviewedIf any publication can make sense of this extraordinary period for the automotive industry, it's Automobile Year. From the heights of an $11m classic Ferrari in the spring, to worldwide recession as the leaves fall in autumn: this most indispensable book covers it all. read more... |
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Factory Performance Upgrades for 4.3-litre Aston Martin V8 VantageOwners of older V8s can now enjoy an extra 20bhp - as well as sharper handling - by having their cars upgraded with both Sports Pack suspension and a revised engine induction system and ECU. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Silvestris 8.1 V8 LENautical haute coutureFollowing last year's launch of the 23-foot Silvestris Sports Cabriolet speedboat, an extremely sporty limited-edition variant of the boat — powered by an 8.1-litre V8 engine — has been announced. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster SportShift
colour Dark Green Metallic |
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Special on Demand Paint Colour, Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth Telephone Preparation, Full Contemporary Leather, Bright Finished Grille, Hid Headlights, Heated Front Seats, Fine Stitching Throughout, Cruise Control, Power Folding Mirrors, Electric Memory Seats, Passengers Seat Hight Adjustable, Garage Door Opener and Auto Dimming Mirrors, 19 7 Spoke Alloys, Wind Deflector, Aston Martin Tracking System.
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Tom HartleyTown/City: Derbyshire, UK |
CLASSIC
Jaguar E-Type SI 4.2 Coupe
colour Opalescent Light Blue |
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Finished in the popular body colour of Opalescent Light Blue with excellent Black interior trim and chrome wire wheels. Previously supplied by ourselves and absolutely in keeping with the quality with which we are associated.
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Racing Green Cars Ltd.Town/City: |
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SPORTING
Ferrari F 40
colour Red |
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An early example with only 11,000 miles, 3 owners, and a good fully documented history.
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Historic ClassicsTown/City: East Sussex, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2008 / 2009
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20.12. — 20.12. Bonhams Auction, Gstaad, Switzerland |
SERVICE
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