Edition 06/2009 49.958 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Paris was, as you'd expect, very pleasant. A friend said to me yesterday: "But what would someone who'd flown in specially from the USA think of Rétromobile? Doesn't it get smaller every year?" Well, as I only go every couple of years or so, I cannot really comment on the latter (and they do swap the halls about just to confuse).
Like most exhibitions — with the possible exception of Techno–Classica in Essen — you can 'do' it in a few hours. Rétromobile, however, still has a uniqueness that makes it worth a trip at least once. And, if you tire of fixing–studs for Alpine Renault door–winder mountings, there's always the beautiful city of Paris to enjoy and explore.
Manufacturer presence was, unsurprisingly, a little subdued this year. Citroën was celebrating its 90th birthday, so did put on something of a show with serried ranks of stylish saloons prompting the inevitable, "Cor, they're good, aren't they? Bit of fun, get you down to Le Mans with a few mates…"
But you probably wouldn't buy one. Which makes the news reported elsewhere in the motoring press that French manufacturers will — en masse — drop big–car production altogether, none too surprising.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Porsche Panamera: Interior Design and European Pricing RevealedV8–engined range to start at 94,575 eurosIn advance of the car's official debut in China in April, Porsche has revealed not only high–quality interior photographs, but also the Panamera's home–market pricing structure. read more... |
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Paris Rétromobile 2009 — ReviewLeaving to one side the slightly forced connection between the 1899 World Record electric car, Jamais Contente, and today's environmental agenda, the 2009 Rétromobile exhibition was another must-see event. read more... |
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Mini John Cooper Works ConvertibleComing to GenevaMini says the new John Cooper Works Convertible will be 'the world's fastest small premium cabriolet', when it's unveiled at the Geneva show on March 3rd. At 146mph, the Convertible's top speed is just 2mph less than the JCW hatchback, while 0–62mph takes 0.4sec more — but still comes in at a mere 6.9 seconds. read more... |
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Ferrari 'Pontoon–Fender' Testa RossaFor sale by RM AuctionsThe instantly recognisable 1957 Ferrari 250 TR (chassis no 0714TR), with its Scaglietti–designed 'pontoon-fender' bodywork, is a potential world record–breaker. read more... |
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Bonhams at Rétromobile Paris 7 Feb 2009 — ReviewFew were surprised by Bonhams selling the superb, unrestored Bugatti Type 57S for nearly 3.5m euros. One of the unexpected highlights of a successful auction, however, was the 337,500 euros achieved by the 1973 Citroën DS23 ie Cabriolet — nearly double its upper estimate. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Leica M8.2 'Safari'Limited-edition digital cameraThe olive–green finish of the Leica M8.2 'Safari' camera suggests it might be suitable for war reporters. Or, given the Safari branding, big–game hunters, perhaps? read more... |
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Coys Launches New 'Rock Department'Rare 1952 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top an early consignment for March saleCollectors of electric guitars have discovered that Kerrang! can turn into Ker–ching! as the value of some rare items has soared in recent years. read more... |
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CLASSIC ESTATE
Exceptional villa at a fabulous locationSales price P.O.R. EUR Darling Harbour ImmobilierContact Jürgen Hasse |
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This exceptional villa enjoys a fabulous location just 10 - 12 minutes' walk from Pampelonne Beach and the Tropicana beachside restaurant. Very private, it is set within a well-maintained garden with lawn, palm trees, fig and olive trees, surrounded by pine trees and bamboo. There's plenty of parking and the property is fully alarmed.
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin Vanquish S 2+2
colour Grigio Titanio |
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Brake Caliper in Silver, Chrome Exterior Door Release, Heated Front Screen, Front Stoneguards, Bluetooth, 2+2 Seating Arrangement, Quited Headlining.
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Austin OwenTown/City: Waltham Abbey, UK |
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CLASSIC
Bentley S1 Continental Fastback
colour Dark Blue |
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Bentley Factory trials car. PAS Factory fitted. Full service history.
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Chelsea WorkshopTown/City: |
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SPORTING
Tojeiro Jaguar
colour Green |
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This well known car was built by John Tojeiro for John Ogier and used extensively by him and Dick Protheroe with a great deal of success throughout '56 and '57.
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Peter Bradfield LtdTown/City: London, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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12.03. — 12.03. COYS Spring Classics — Royal Horticultural Halls, London, UK |
SERVICE
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