Edition 19/2009 49.983 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
"Formula One is Ferrari and Ferrari is Formula One, it's just a marriage made in heaven." These are the remarks of Bernie Ecclestone, speaking last weekend on the rumours of a possible withdrawal by the Scuderia from Grand Prix racing due to the proposed, cost–cutting rule changes for 2010.
Is it likely to happen? I would say "no" — and were it anyone other than Ferrari, that they could jolly well get on and cut costs with the rest of them. But, cut away all the hype and yes, even the 'history' and 'tradition', and you still cannot escape the fact that the Italian marque uses more developments from Formula One on its road car range than any other manufacturer.
We've been here before, of course, mainly in the 60s when Enzo Ferrari himself would regularly threaten to withdraw from Grand Prix racing, having fallen out with the rule–makers over something or other. In 1964, N.A.R.T. took over Ferrari's multi–car entry at the US and Mexican Grands Prix, with the then blue–and–white–painted single–seaters clinching the World Championship for John Surtees by just a single point from Graham Hill.
The team is not doing too well in 2009; that's true. And neither are many others, most noticeably the other all–conquering équipe, McLaren. But things will change — they always do. Ferrari's argument is that it's a manufacturer of road cars that utilise its racing technology. Take away that connection, so the impassioned reasoning goes, and its involvement becomes pointless.
Wags might suggest that's where they are right now: quite literally 'point–less', but I'm with the Scuderia on this one. In fact, I shall shortly be packing my bags for tomorrow's opening day of the RM sale that is held in the big grey 'hangar' at the Pista di Fiorano.
We'll have all the results early next week, as well as a road test of one of this year's most eagerly anticipated cars.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Driven: Porsche 911 GT3Tony Dron takes the wheel of the 2010 Model Year carThe previous Porsche 911 GT3 was so outstanding, it's hard to imagine how improvement is possible. It's already safely established as one of the greatest interpretations of the 911 theme that we've seen. read more... |
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Bonhams Aston Martin Sale at Newport Pagnell — 9th May 2009 — ReviewAuctioneer Jamie Knight was on sparkling form at this year's Works Service sale. The top–selling car was an entry featured on Classic Driver only recently. read more... |
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Ferrari to Auction the Very Last F430 for CharityIn a generous gesture in aid of the victims of the Abruzzo earthquake, Ferrari has donated the last–ever F430 to be made. It will be sold at the forthcoming RM Auctions classic car sale at Maranello. read more... |
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Coys at Brands Hatch Sunday 24th May 2009In a month of frenzied auction activity, Coys will hold its second May sale at the Masters Festival at Brands Hatch. The catalogue includes many competition machines, as well as an 'Excellence of Porsche' sub–section. read more... |
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Nicholas Mee Racing on Good FormIn what was only the second race weekend for the newly formed team, Nicholas Mee Racing's Aston Martin GT4 ran faultlessly at Rockingham in early May, the scene of rounds two and three of the Britcar Championship. read more... |
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Bonhams 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco' — 18th May 2009Bonhams Europe will sell a varied selection of classic, sports and luxury cars at its forthcoming Monaco auction. The thick, glossy catalogue abounds with quality. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Pinasse 46: the Motor Yacht for SailorsThe Pinasse motor cruiser was designed with many aims in mind, but near the top of the list was the desire to produce an environmentally friendly boat with relatively low fuel consumption. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Lamborghini Gallardo SuperLeggera
colour Arancio Borealis |
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Arancio Borealis (Orange) with Nero Perseus (Grey) Interior with Orange Stitching.
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Elms Collection Classic and Exotic CarsTown/City: Essex, UK |
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CLASSIC
Monteverdi 375L
colour Gray |
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This 1970 Monteverdi 375L High Speed is a rare, beautiful car. It has a Chrysler 440 V8, single 4-barrel carb and automatic transmission, It runs and looks great, and is fully equipped with leather, AC, power steering, power brakes and a recent nut-and-bolt restoration. |
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F-40 Motor Sports Town/City: |
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SPORTING
Porsche 911 3.0 Litre RSR
colour Period White |
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This example was sold new to Jim Busby by Vasek Polak Racing. Included with the car is documentation from Porsche confirming this as a factory built 1975 3.0 RSR racecar. Busby used the car throughout the 1975 season with considerable success.
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Fantasy JunctionTown/City: Emeryville, CA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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13.05. — 17.05. Mille Miglia 2009, Italy |
SERVICE
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