Edition 21/2009 49.979 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
There's been much in the British media this week about the increasing scarcity of the cuckoo. The summer–visiting bird is now on a 'red–list' of the UK's most threatened bird species. Its call is traditionally the sign of the arrival of spring.
I spotted a rare bird the other day, whose very existence is much under threat from current economic and social pressures: a BMW X6. I think it may well have been my first of the year (and our local cuckoo has been tootling away for more than a month; so that's one–up for the animal kingdom).
Said X6 was flying along at quite a pace and did, it has to be said, look quite good. The Bavarian company, having been caught out most terribly by the global downturn with its 4x4s, has announced that the 5 Series Gran Turismo will be in the showrooms later this year.
Now I think this is a clever car. It marries all the advantages of high seating and the visibility of an SUV with the limousine qualities of the 7 Series.
It is an 'evolution of the species', and quite appropriately launched in Charles Darwin's bicentenary year.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: On Sale from October 2009Well, we all knew they'd make it, didn't we? The seemingly production–ready car that debuted at this year's Geneva show will be on sale later this year. read more... |
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Design Analysis: New MINI and Fiat 500Retro design is a modern concept, says Chris Hrabalek, that has created new icons. read more... |
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The Masters Historic Festival Brands Hatch 23–25 May 2009Brands Hatch and Bank Holidays go together like gin and tonic, or strawberries and cream. It's a tradition going back several decades that great race meetings take place at this wonderful Kent circuit when most of the UK has an extra day off. read more... |
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Rolls–Royce: Ghost Brings New JobsThis is the sort of news we like. Thanks to the new Rolls-Royce Ghost, more than 150 jobs have been created at the marque's Goodwood plant — which represents a jump in the manufacturing workforce of around 50 per cent. read more... |
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Aston Martin Owners Club St John Horsfall MeetingSilverstone 30 May 2009'Promising to be even more successful than last year' is how the Aston Martin Owners Club confidently describes its forthcoming race meeting at Silverstone on Saturday 30th May. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Les Ateliers RubyInspired, we're told, by an unusual combination of Steve McQueen, science fiction, mechanical beauty and the tradition of French luxury, Jerôme Coste created Ruby — a brand of distinctive accessories. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series
colour Black |
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670 BHP, Comand including Satellite Navigation, integrated phone including handsfree facility, Keyless Go, Two-Tone Black and Grey Alcantara Sport Seats, Cobra VTS Tracker, UK Supplied.
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Tom HartleyTown/City: Swadlincote, Derbyshire, UK |
CLASSIC
Alvis TE 21 Drophead Coupé
colour Opalescent Dark Blue |
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Navy blue mohair soft-top and hood bag. Chromium wire wheels. Automatic with power steering. Correct wood rim steering wheel.
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Hurst Park Town/City: |
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SPORTING
Ferrari Formula 1 F2002ex-Schumacher
colour Racing Red |
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Euro-ClassicsTown/City: Carmel, CA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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30.05. — 30.05. Aston Martin Owners Club, Silverstone St. John Horsfall Race Meeting, UK |
SERVICE
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