Edition 03/2010 50,217 subscribers
FORWARD TO A FRIEND >
EDITORIAL
Have any of you used a space–saver tyre? We did, the other day, when one of the big Pirelli winter tyres on the Bentley Supersports sprung a rather large leak, courtesy of what must have been a piece of metal hidden in a snowy pothole.
The car's on–board measuring device worked well (the pressure dropping at an alarming rate) so we were soon parked up, with Bentley Assistance Service on its way, contemplating the next course of action. Enterprising as ever, out came the skinny spare while the car was jacked up and the massive wheel and (decidedly flat) tyre was removed.
Pausing for a minute to marvel at the Frisbee–sized carbon/ceramic brake disc, it was a simple matter to pop on the get–you–home wheel, twizzle the nuts tight and set course for London. Impressively, given our remote location, the knight in Day–Glo armour of the rescue service turned up just 30 minutes after we put the call in and pronounced our work satisfactory.
150–or–so miles is a long way at 50mph. Particularly in a car with a 204mph potential. However, a couple of points are worth making. First, a Bentley cabin is a pretty special place even at mundane speeds and, secondly, on a straightforward motorway run these tyres perform incredibly well.
I expect it was a combination of the super–sophisticated Bentley's drivetrain and suspension and, ahem, my driver's Jackie Stewart–esque technique. Whichever, if you are in any way concerned about space–savers — don't be, they really do work. You learn something every day.
 |
Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Driven: Bentley Continental SupersportsBentley delivers a knockoutIf you can imagine a lithe Muhammad Ali in his prime, mixing ballet dancers' footwork with steam-hammer hooks and jabs, you are half way to understanding what it's like to be behind the wheel of the Supersports... read more... |
 |
MINI CountrymanFourth model for the MINI range features optional 4wdYou shouldn't really be reading this now, as BMW had been intending the final 'reveal' of its latest MINI variant to be at the forthcoming Geneva show. read more... |
 |
Fiskens at RétroMobile 2010One of the must–visit stands at the RétroMobile show in Paris, starting this week and running till 31 January, is that of Fiskens. The renowned historic automobile dealership based in London SW7 has excelled itself this year, with a collection of cars on display which includes... read more... |
 |
Audi e–tron: Design Analysis"If this represents the styling of things to come, we might want to consider skipping the next decade and moving straight to the 2020s," suggests our design expert, Chris Hrabalek. read more... |
 |
Aston Martin DB3S Comes to MarketThe 'Checkpoint' carYorkshire–based Aston Martin specialists Post Vintage Engineers are selling DB3S/116, a car used in one of the most famous 1950s motor racing films. read more... |
 |
Nicholas Mee Racing Scoops Podium at Dubai 24 HoursIn Dubai last week, the Nicholas Mee Racing team tackled its first–ever 24–hour race. Despite their lack of experience, they took their no. 124 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4 to 3rd in class in the highly competitive Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai. read more... |
 |
The Sir Stirling Moss TrophyA new historic race series from Motor Racing Legends"Our aim is to offer the most authentic historic motor racing possible, with longer, two–driver races at high-profile meetings." read more... |
 |
CLASSIC LIFE
Aston Martin Skis: Morning FrostAston Martin has launched a range of skis in four very appropriate colours: Morning Frost White, Quantum Silver, Almond Green and Silver Blonde. They follow on from last winter's special–edition 'Lightning Silver' skis, handmade by Austrian ski specialist Differences. read more... |
 |
THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin DB9 CoupeSport Pack, Touchtronic, 2008-Model
colour Tungsten Silver |
 |
|
Full Sport Pack with 19in 5-spoke Alloy Wheels and Titanium Wheel Bolts. Satellite Navigation. Bluetooth. High Spec Alarm. Bright Finish Front Grille. Piano Black Veneer with Piano Black Door Cappings. Heated Front Seats. Cruise Control. Memory Front Seats. Passenger Seat Height Adjustment. Front and Rear Parking Sensors. Garage Door Opener With Auto Dimming Interior Mirror. Black Brake Calipers. Front Stone Guards. IPod Connection In Centre Console. Taylors Grey Headlining. Aston Martin Tracker. Just Been Freshly Serviced At Aston Martin. Huge Specfication. UK Supplied.
|
|
TOP 555 LTDTown/City: Oakham, Rutland, UK |
 |
CLASSIC
Ferrari TestarossaLate Model LHD
colour Rosso Corsa |
 |
|
This Testarossa was reputedly owned by Rod Stewart when it was new. It is a late model, LHD 512 Testarossa that was delivered in 1991.The vehicle was imported to the UK in April 1998 and an expansive history file from that date forwards accompanies the car detailing a thorough and complete service history all carried out by independent Ferrari Specialists in the UK.
|
|
DK Engineering Town/City: Chorleywood, UK |
 |
SPORTING
Tojeiro Jaguar
|
 |
|
To be offered at auction at RM's Automobiles of Amelia Island event, March 13, 2010.
|
|
RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island Mar 13 2010Town/City: Amelia Island, FL, USA |
 |
EVENTGUIDE 2010
|
21.01. — 22.01. RM Auctions, Automobiles of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA |
SERVICE
Copyright: |