Edition 04/2009 49.939 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
The 18th Century clockmaker John Harrison deserves our thanks. As everyone who has read the popular best–seller, Longitude, knows, it was Harrison who finally perfected a time–keeping mechanism accurate enough to calculate a ship's lateral position on the earth's axis.
Without Harrison there would have been many more square–riggers on the rocks. His final watch, snappily titled 'H4', was just 39.2 seconds out, over a voyage of 47 days from Barbados to Madeira in 1764. It won him the Admiralty's prize and the gratitude of the world.
His previous efforts (yes, you've guessed it: H1, H2 and H3 — but he was a watchmaker, not a brand consultant...) were not well–suited to wear on the wrist; even the average footballer or hip–hop star would shun something the size of a portable TV anchored to their left arm.
The reason I'm considering the horological world is not only that I visited the Royal Observatory in Greenwich last weekend, but that we have a watch special in this week's ClassicInside. And watches, after all, are close to most car lovers' hearts.
The nomenclature may be a little fancier than in Harrison's day, but the commitment to accuracy and superb craftsmanship is the same.
Oh, and if this is arriving in your inbox a little later than usual, it's because we held back this week's issue for the latest, official photos of Aston Martin's ultra–desirable four–door: the Rapide.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Aston Martin Rapide — New Official PhotosWith a world launch anticipated within the next 12 months, the Aston Martin Rapide has taken a break from cold-weather testing to visit the studio. read more... |
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Biofuel Bentley for Geneva Salon DebutNew supercar will also be its "fastest, most powerful production car ever"It's been a long time coming, but the much–trailed, biofuel–powered Bentley will be launched on March 3rd in Geneva. read more... |
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Paris Rétromobile 20096—15 FebruaryNext week sees the start of the 34th Rétromobile, the 10–day event in Paris devoted to classic cars and the history of locomotion. read more... |
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Aston Martin to Race Gulf–liveried Prototype at 2009 Le MansBid for overall victory to celebrate '59 winRunning two works LMP1 cars, the iconic British manufacturer will attempt to repeat its last win at the famous 24–hour race, 50 years ago this June. read more... |
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Goodwood Breakfast Club: 2009 Dates and ThemesWhat better way to spend Sunday mornings than at the regular Goodwood Breakfast Club meetings, combining a delicious, traditional breakfast menu with gatherings of wonderful cars? read more... |
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Porsche 911 GT3 RSR - Updates for 2009Porsche's GT2 race car, the (rather confusingly named) 911 GT3 RSR, has undergone extensive modifications for 2009 to give it more engine capacity and better aerodynamics. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
2009 Watch Trends from Geneva: Time is MoneyThe Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2009Held at the same venue as the Geneva motor show, 17 exclusive watchmakers showcased their 2009 collections at this year's SIHH. read more... |
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Airstream: Iconic American Trailers Tailored for EuropeThere is something unreservedly American about the look of these aluminium 'silver bullet' travel trailers, made by Airstream Inc, of Ohio, USA. They've been around since 1931 and, remarkably, more than 65% of the Airstreams made are still in use today. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster N400 Sportshift Limited Edition
colour Bergwerk Black |
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N400 Limited Edition styling including: restyled sills, Magnum Silver grille and air intakes, clear rear lenses, micro spin alloy facia, Nürburgring circuit embroidered on centre armrest and 19in lightweight alloys, sat nav, Bluetooth prep, climate control, cruise control, electric heated memory sports seats with lumbar, multi CD, i-Pod connection, 700w Premium Audio, park distance control, Xenon headlamps, traction control, computer, multi function steering wheel, folding mirrors, sports suspension, red calipers and Tracker fitted.
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ImperialsTown/City: Romford, UK |
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CLASSIC
Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada
colour Silver |
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Completed in 1966, this is one of the early, first-series 5300 Stradas featuring aluminum bodywork and the more attractive interior layout. These early cars closely resemble their famed competition kin and sport one of the most exotic designs ever penned for a road-going car.
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Fantasy JunctionTown/City: |
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SPORTING
Jaguar C-type
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Matching numbers, original factory colour specification, purchased new by Fangio.
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JD ClassicsTown/City: Maldon, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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06.02. — 15.02. Rétromobile 2009, Paris, France |
SERVICE
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