Edition 07/2010 50,231 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
If you can track down a copy of the road test of the early DB2 'UMC 272', written by veteran British motoring journalist Laurence Pomeroy M.S.A.E. for The Motor in 1950, you will enjoy it.
As part of my research into the dark maroon Aston you will read about today, Pomeroy's story of a journey in the same car to Le Mans (via Paris and Brussels) and back to "conduct sundry arrangements" between The Motor and the A.C.O. came to hand. How times have changed.
Devotees of modern print, online and TV motoring journalism would be shocked. Pomeroy's well–being is uppermost in his mind as various hotels and eateries along the way are described in detail. He rises at an "intolerably early" hour to take the Aston for some minor mechanical work at Duval et Cattaneo ("that excellent garage..."), and is shocked to find that "a glass of fresh orange juice costs slightly over 3s 6d".
The strange habits of Continentals apart, Pomeroy is razor–sharp in his write–up of the fourth–ever DB2 and I found myself agreeing with many of his observations from the safe distance of 60 years.
His conclusion that it "will prove an immense attraction to those discerning drivers who seek performance of very high order" may seem unrealistic to those used to 600bhp, 200mph supercars but — in the early post-War context — sums the car up well.
And, given the choice between Pomeroy's exasperated Briton abroad, and the "if this car were Melanie Griffiths, I'd..." style of journalism, I'm with Pomeroy all the way.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
David Brown's Aston Martin DB2: Behind the Wheel of 'UMC 272'There's some history here: the fourth DB2 chassis built, the second six–cylinder car, and 'DB''s personal transport until pressed into racing service by works driver Lance Macklin, who entered it in the 1950 Targa Florio and Coppa Intereuropa, Monza. read more... |
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Geneva Preview: Bentley Continental Supersports ConvertibleThe new Continental Supersports Convertible is not only Bentley's fastest open–top car ever (0–60mph in 3.9 seconds; top speed of 202mph), it's also the fastest four–seat convertible in the world. read more... |
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Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2010This year's motorsport festival at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire will be held over the weekend of 17–18 July, offering its usual celebration of speed and daring on the track, on water and in the air. read more... |
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Geneva Preview: Fastest–ever Jaguar XKThe latest evolution of Jaguar's supercharged XKR coupé will be the fastest ever, with a top speed of 174mph, up from 155mph. When it's unveiled at Geneva next month, the public will also see bold styling changes for the 2011 Model Year. read more... |
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The 2010 Aston Martin British GT4 ChallengeFirst official one–make series for the marque in the UKBritish motor racing enthusiasts will be treated this year to the sight of equally matched, racing Aston Martin Vantages doing battle over a six–round series. read more... |
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Book Review: 'Races, Faces, Places'The motor racing photography of Michael CooperI first met Mike Cooper in 2002. A highly talented photographer, he was also somewhat eccentric, very opinionated and huge fun to be with. This book, written with feeling by Paul Parker, is a superb tribute to one of British motor racing's great characters. read more... |
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Porsche Panamera V6New 300HP engineThese two won't be at Geneva — but they will appear at the Beijing motor show the following month. The new Panamera and Panamera 4 (offering two– and four–wheel drive) feature a new 3.6-litre 300HP V6 engine and will be launched to the public in China on 23 April. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Wally Wallyship: Steady as She GoesWally has discovered the art of 'slow sailing'. The latest super-luxury motor yacht from Wally is not what you'd expect from the Italian master yacht builder. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Ferrari Enzo
colour Rosso Corsa |
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Large racing seats in Rosso leather, knee roll and arm pads in Rosso, racing harness, Rosso instrument dial, Ferrari Scuderia shields, Nero brake calipers, original fitted luggage, car cover, this car benefits from being signed on the underside of the bonnet by everyone who worked on the car at Ferrari.
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Tom HartleyTown/City: Swadlincote, Derby, UK |
CLASSIC
Mercedes-Benz 'Pagoda' 280SL
colour Dark Red |
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1968 Mercedes 280SL finshed in #542 Dark Red with a Bamboo MB-tex interior. A nice colour combination.
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Kent Car Collection Town/City: Ramsgate, UK |
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SPORTING
Shelby Cobra USRRC Roadster
colour Blue/White |
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CSX 2557 is one of six USRRC cars. One of only two of the USRRC Cobras completed with dual side pipes on each side of the car, it was entered in the season-ending FIA race, the Bridgehampton Double 500 in September 1964. Driven there by Charlie Hayes, it failed to finish when a carburetor drain plug worked loose, dumping its fuel on the track and emptying the tank on lap 48 of the 110-lap race. Thereafter, it was retained by Shelby American as a spare until it was sold in April 1966 to Richard Roe, who raced it in SCCA A/Production during 1966 and then sold it to Murray Kellner in Locanto, Florida, who continued its U.S. racing although with unknown results. Its subsequent history is known and documented in the SAAC World Registry.
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RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island March 13 2010Town/City: Amelia Island, FL, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2010
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04.03. — 14.03. Geneva International Motor Show, Switzerland |
SERVICE
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