I hope my note of hard–heartedness towards last week's season–opening F1 race in Australia wasn't interpreted as long–term ennui. Far from it, I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm for all things automotive.

The clocks have gone forward and little lambs are gambolling in the fields. Even a post–event (Harrods' launch of its Swiss summer theme) stroll in Knightsbridge last night revealed, in succession: a red, late–70s, no–spoiler 911 Carrera; a white R107 Mercedes SL (hood down, well done sir); and a sparkling 1980s Aston V8. The latter was red, too; as you'd expect.

So there's plenty to catch the eye on city streets. And that's before venturing forth to the Tour Auto (which starts on 11 April) or Villa d'Este in May, where RM will auction some of the Bertone Museum cars, including the amazing Lamborghini Marzal and the first prototype of the mid–engined Lancia Stratos.

And now that the weather's better, there's more of an opportunity for road tests. This week we have probably the best all–round 997–series 911, the Carrera GTS, and Bentley's latest Continental GT.

So let's all say a big "hello" to both the clouds and the sky — spring has sprung.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

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