Edition 47/2009 50,176 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
I make no apologies for featuring a mainstream BMW on this week's ClassicInside masthead. Don't complain, you had a 458 Italia last week and in next Friday's edition we plan to bring you a road test of one of the earliest Ferraris, a genuine ex–Mille Miglia car, driven in wind and rain only the other day.
No, the new 5 Series is a significant model and one that will be a familiar sight on our roads. When the Bavarian company introduced the last 5, its Chris Bangle styling alienated many owners loyal to the marque. That, and the uncompromising ride of the run–flat tyres made the car (quite literally) harder to like. We made some crack about breakfast power meetings at motorway services never being quite the same again.
I don't know whether management still trails the length and breadth of the UK in middle–market saloons. I expect that, in an age of video conferencing and advanced IT solutions, much of that style of business is over. And many manufacturers are enticing free–thinking company car drivers to choose well–specified niche models, such as BMW's own MINI.
Anyway, let's say 'welcome' to the new 5 — and re–consider our initial reaction to the outgoing model. I think time has been kind to it. Don't you?
Finally, do look at classicdriver.com every day from the first of next month, as we will have our own advent calendar. It's titled 'Sleeping Beauties', and it will give you some tips on future classics.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
2010 BMW 5 SeriesSixth generation revealedThe sixth generation of BMW's 5 Series sees this successful line of luxury sporting saloons restyled, improved and updated. The new model looks to be an elegant, modern BMW, with no hint of the controversial design touches with which BMW seemed to be experimenting not so long ago. read more... |
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CTS Auctions in Sydney, Australia, 5 DecemberSydney–based auction house CTS has assembled a fine catalogue of cars for its first event. Six Lamborghinis will be sold, including this 1968 Islero estimated at AUS$175,000 – 200,000. read more... |
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RM to Hold All–British Car Sale at Arizona 201021 January 2010There will be an extra day added to RM's January auction next year. Titled 'The British Are Coming', the catalogue will list Jaguars, ACs and Aston Martins, including this LHD, AML Service Department–created lightweight DB4GT. read more... |
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Sleeping Beauties: Classic Driver's Christmas Countdown of Future ClassicsAlternative investment tips for Christmas: which cars are likely to be the sought–after classics of tomorrow? The Classic Driver editorial team has invited the opinions of dealers, auctioneers and industry insiders to bring you a daily countdown of models with investment potential. read more... |
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Exclusively BentleyNew range of accessoriesAmong the new accessories from Bentley are the sleek but striking 'Vented Wings', styled by Bentley's head of exterior design, Raul Pires, for the Bentley Continental GT and GTC. read more... |
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2010 Monterey Historic Automobile Races: Classes and Eligibility AnnouncedNext year's Monterey–week races at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will feature historic Trans–Am saloons, an all–Bugatti 'Grand Prix' and the first appearance of classic NASCAR racers. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Hyatt Regency Kyoto: Tradition Meets ModernismTokyo might be the pulsing heart of modern Japan but, if you want to experience the country's soul, you need to visit the former Imperial city of Kyoto. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera E-Gear
colour Arancio Borealis |
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Superleggera Rims, Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Navigation System, Superleggera Rear Wing, Rear-View Camera.
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Lamborghini LondonTown/City: London, UK |
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CLASSIC
Bentley S3 Continental Two Door Coupé by Mulliner Park Ward
colour Black |
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Only thirty original left-hand drive drophead coupes were built, being the very last medium sized Bentley to be fitted with custom coachwork. Chassis No BC12LXC was acquired by one of our London-based clients on the Continent a couple of years ago. He subsequently instructed us to carry out a partial cosmetic restoration which included, but is not limited to, a full re-trim in black leather, new headlining, carpets, woodwork restoration and some re-chroming works, including the radiator shell and both front and rear bumper blades and over riders.
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Frank Dale & Stepsons Town/City: London, UK |
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SPORTING
Jaguar E-type SI Lightweight
colour White/Blue |
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This stunning car is painted in the authentic colours of the original Briggs Cuningham E type, and has been professionally built by renowned historic racing car & fabrication specialists, Tester Engineering.
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Nick Whale Sports Cars DirectTown/City: Nr. Warwick, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009/2010
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01.12. — 01.12. Coys Auction, Horticultural Halls, London, UK |
SERVICE
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