Edition 50/2009 50,194 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Welcome to the last, full, ClassicInside of 2009, as we'll be decking our halls and re–stocking the log pile next week, with a short pause to bring you the very latest news on Wednesday morning.
Last year's end–of–year round–up was very much 'looking over the edge' into a chasm of financial uncertainty, with swirling mists, rocky outcrops and all the other overused metaphors so much enjoyed by financial pundits in 2009. And for many of us it's been a tricky old time.
But — and this is the biggest 'but' you can get — the world's still turning, albeit slightly need of a little 3–IN–ONE on its axes. We've had all–new cars from McLaren, Bentley, Rolls–Royce, Ferrari, Mercedes–Benz AMG and Porsche. The classic auction scene has experienced a definite dip in prices but RM still set another world record with its 9,020,000-euro 1957 Ferrari 250 TR. As ever, if you've got something someone wants...
There have been some brilliant events, too, such as the evergreen Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival, the Monterey week extravaganza and the Le Mans 24 Hours. In addition, next year we will have the biennial Le Mans Classic (July) and Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (May) to enjoy.
Early in 2010 we'll be testing the Bentley Continental Supersports and enjoying a 'first drive' of the Aston Martin Rapide. A UK driving test of the Ferrari 458 Italia is planned for the summer.
Classic Driver is not all about brand–new cars, however. I've had some fun in a 7–litre Shelby Cobra and enjoyed splashing along in the mud and rain in an ex–Mille Miglia Ferrari 166 MM. That was an experience. I've even navigated on a rally in St Moritz, failing to win a prize. But I've got over that now.
A Car of the Year? I can only comment on my personal experiences and, picking truly new machinery, I would give the V12 Vantage the nod over the California. Just. Looking at the whole picture, Maranello would get its revenge with the 458 Italia — a car that would have Dr Samuel Johnson sucking on the feathery end of his quill and reconsidering the definition of 'supercar'.
And that's just 2009 — arriving at a new decade, our engine pinging and ticking as it cools off, we could look back at 10 years of new and classic cars. I think that's a job for January.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Voiture Extraordinaire: The Unique Ferrari P540 Superfast ApertaProving that Ferrari maintains its special–client, coachbuilding capacity, the Italian company has revealed a one–off 599 GTB with a Targa roof. read more... |
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Aston Martin Cygnet: Now in the MetalOr should that be 'in the carbon composite'? Whatever the materials, the dinky Aston Martin city car is one step nearer production with the release of new photos of a finished car. read more... |
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Audi e-tron: Electron AcceleratorIt's around seven in the morning on the Pacific Coast Highway. The sun rises over the hills and the sea gleams violet. An orange truck disgorges the possible future of the German sportscar. We are about to take our first test drive in the Audi e–tron. read more... |
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class CabrioletWith characteristic modesty, Mercedes has released details of a convertible version of the E–Class Coupé. read more... |
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MINI Beachcomber ConceptThe North American International Auto Show in Detroit (16–24 January 2010) will be the venue of another creative unveiling by MINI... the four-seater Beachcomber Concept. read more... |
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Classic Car Auction 2008–2009 YearbookWell, we got through it. 2009, that is — and the best guide to collectors' car prices at auction has just been published... read more... |
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Audi Builds 'Driverless' Sports CarTony Dron's report on the new Audi A8 in last week's Classic Driver ended with the question, "How long will it be before these cars don't need a driver at all?" Well, here's your answer, Tony... read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Watches for Cars: Three New ModelsA wristwatch is no longer merely the gentleman's timepiece. Nowadays, one is expected to have the correct chronograph for your car. Here are three new watches resulting from tie–ups with the motoring world. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Bentley Continental GTC
colour Black |
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This stunning Bentley Continental GTC comes with other extras including Bluetooth, Massage Front Seats, Drivers and Passengers Memory seats, Piano Black Wood Trim on the Center Console and in the Front and Rear Door inserts, Turned Aluminium Dash and 20in 7-spoke Alloy Wheels.
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William LoughranTown/City: Preston, UK |
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MODERN Classic
Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph
colour Silver Metallic |
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On Behalf of The Joint Liquidators of L.A. Investments Limited - In Members Voluntary Liquidation. For Sale by Private Treaty.
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Wyles Hardy & Co. LtdTown/City: Bovingdon, Nr. Hemel Hempstead, UK |
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CLASSIC
Ferrari 275 GTB Short Nose Berlinetta
colour Dark Blue |
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Original factory specification throughout with optional 6-carb engine. |
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JD Classics Town/City: Maldon, UK |
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SPORTING
Aston Martin V8 Race Car
colour Silver |
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This car has been totally rebuilt and highly modified, but still remains eligible to run in the AMOC Championships and numerous other championships and series.
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Stratton Motor Company (Norfolk) LimitedTown/City: Long Stratton, Norwich, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2010
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01.01. — 01.01. Brooklands Museum, New Year's Day Meeting, UK |
SERVICE
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