Edition 23/2009 49.987 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Looking down the list of articles in this week's ClassicInside, I am moved to comment on the breadth of the Volkswagen Audi Group's range. From expensive supercars (Lamborghini), impossibly expensive supercars (Bugatti) and luxury saloons sans pareil (Bentley), the range meanders down to the humblest SEAT and Skoda; truly providing a car for everyone.
It's an impressive achievement — although, oddly enough, there's no obvious MINI/Fiat 500 equivalent as the New Beetle always missed the mark.
Audi provides a variety of quality motoring that includes all manner of hot 'RS' models and the R8 supercar, while Volkswagen is the bastion of the middle classes. Is there anyone out there who hasn't owned a Golf?
By some careful cross-range engineering, exciting niche models such as the Audi TT RS and Scirocco R can be offered to discerning enthusiasts looking for a bit of pizzazz — with no kerfuffle.
There's also a new Bentley that will see the light of day later this summer, quite possibly at Pebble Beach. The light produced thus far is plainly from a torch that could do with new batteries as the — beautifully photographed — image released by Crewe gives little away. All will be revealed in due course.
In the meantime, it's down to sister company Audi to be the Group's torchbearer at this weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours. Can the team make it an impressive ninth victory? Come one minute past three on Sunday afternoon we shall all find out.
And if Aston Martin beats them to it, on the 50th anniversary of its only victory, you won't need to tune into the TV: the celebrations will be heard worldwide.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
The 'New Grand Bentley'It's not much, but this is the first teaser picture of Bentley's Arnage replacement, due to be launched later this summer. read more... |
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Driven: Audi TT RSTony Dron tests the 2010 modelThey say there's no such thing as a bad new car these days. They are wrong. However, in recent experience, there has certainly been no such thing as a bad new Audi. The TT RS, yet another fine new Audi product, is likely to change the rather soft image of the TT. read more... |
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Stratton Motor Company Lotus Open DayDriving the Lotus Evora6 June 2009. With its close proximity (six miles) to Hethel, the Lotus franchise owned by Roger Bennington is a popular location for marque enthusiasts. read more... |
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Volkswagen Scirocco R: Successful Race Debut at the 'RingProduction cars to be in UK showrooms late 2009The Scirocco R is the latest tuned car from Volkswagen Individual. With a showroom introduction just a few months away, race versions of the new GT scored two class victories at the recent Nürburgring 24 Hours. read more... |
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Bonhams Rolls–Royce and Bentley Sale, Kelmarsh Hall — 13 JuneIncludes lotlistBonhams' next motoring auction will, in common with its May Aston sale, be dedicated to one marque — or two closely related marques as both Bentley and Rolls–Royce motor cars will be sold at this weekend's event. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Design by Dante: Gold Leaf Gullwings1:1 and 1:2 300 SLsSwiss
artist Dante Rubli's striking 300 SL 'Gullwing' sculptures
were a highlight of the recent Top Marques Monaco exhibition.
London–based collectors, however, have been able to view
one of the half–scale versions in St John's Wood, thanks
to an initiative by luxury car dealer Clive Sutton. |
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Mac Motorcycles: British–Built Café RacersA new British make of motorcycle has arrived, with the launch of Mac Motorcycles — a collaboration between Ellis Pitt and the motorcycle design studio, Xenophya Design. These are not modern, hi–tech superbikes but interpretations of historical two–wheelers with a touch of the Ace Café about them. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin DBS
colour Casino Royale |
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We are delighted to be able to offer for sale this delivery mileage, 58 Registration DBS. Finished in Casino Royale with Black Leather and Alcantara Hide Interior. Equipped with Piano Black Facia, Carbon Trim to Door Panels, Navigation System, 6 Disc CD Autochanger, Bluetooth Telephone Preparation, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, High Specification Alarm System, First Aid Kit, Battery Conditioner etc. Delivery Mileage, VAT Qualifying!
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BramleyTown/City: Bramley, Guildford, UK |
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CLASSIC
Ferrari 275 GTB/4
colour Red |
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The GTB/4 was the final evolution of Ferrari's 275 series. Styled by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, it was the first road–going Ferrari to be fitted with a four–cam V12 engine. Of the 280 4–cam versions built, just 27 featured righthand drive, of which this stunning low mileage example is one. Finished in red with black trim, it has been the subject of an extensive restoration and comes with comprehensive history file.
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Duncan Hamilton & Co Town/City: |
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SPORTING
Porsche 911 T/R
colour Light Ivory with Orange |
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This particular car was sold new in February 1968 painted in its current color of light ivory and fitted with Koni shock absorbers, front and rear sway bars, left and right Recaro racing seats, large capacity 100–litre fuel tank, limited–slip differential, and 911S engine with rally kit. The car was raced extensively by Ernst 'Hunter' Seiler in 1968 and 1969 at a variety of venues including Hockenheim, Montlhéry, Monza, Nürburgring, and many others.
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Fantasy JunctionTown/City: Emeryville, CA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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13.06. — 13.06. The Hamptons Auto Classic Auction, Bridgehampton, USA |
SERVICE
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