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EDITORIAL |
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Oh dear, oh dear. You must excuse me; I've been reading about the new Mercedes–Benz SL and am feeling a little sleepy.
It's not that John Simister's report is in the slightest bit dull — quite the contrary, in fact — but as 'an expensive car for those not really interested in cars (or driving)', the SL in recent years has had few equals.
And it's all the more frustrating because, at the launch, the Stuttgart company laid on some older SLs which showed just how far the car has travelled from the first, 'Gullwing'–derived 300 SL Roadster.
Gone was the sense of having to master the car, to really drive it. Instead, you have a superlative tourer that's really a high–tech German saloon in all but name and door–count.
For that sort of money (£80k or so) you could buy... ooh, I don't know... a new Aston Martin. I've been driving the latest, 2012–spec V8 Vantage. You decide which one you'd prefer.
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THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
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FEATURES
Lancia Stratos 'Stradale'
Although marginally less dramatic to look at than the Project Zero concept car from which it evolved, the road–going Stratos was a wild and theatrical machine, hugely desirable but one which — when new — quickly built a reputation as being challenging to drive.
read more...
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Lancia Stratoses in the Classic Driver Marketplace |
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DRIVING REPORT
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
So, this is Aston Martin's revised, 2012–spec V8 Vantage. In virginal ('Stratus', actually) white, it's the company's entry model, the most accessible new Aston Martin ever.
read more...
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DRIVING REPORT
Mercedes–Benz SL500
John Simister has mixed feelings when he takes to the road in the new Mercedes SL – "a great car, smothered by layers of technodazzle..."
read more...
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NEWS
Mercedes–Benz SL 65 AMG
Following the recent launch of the eight–cylinder SL 63 AMG, Mercedes–Benz has now announced the SL 65 AMG V12 roadster, with a 6.0–litre twin–turbocharged engine that develops up to 630HP and 1000Nm of torque. read more...
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Mercedes SL generations in the Classic Driver Marketplace |
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NEWS
Jaguar Launches Heritage Racing Programme
While we've revelled in seeing Jaguar C–types and D–types on track at numerous top–class historic events in recent years, it's been 56 years since the cars were works–supported entries. But in 2012, that's all set to change.
read more...
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INTERVIEW
Five Questions to Sir Stirling Moss
One of motor racing's living legends took some time out of his busy schedule to speak to Classic Driver. The occasion was the launch of Jaguar's Heritage Racing Programme at the Royal Automobile Club, London. read more...
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EVENTS
Eco Targa Florio 2012
More than 100 entries have already been submitted for the Eco Targa Florio (as the retrospective regularity run is now called), which runs this year from 10–14 October along a route that centres on Palermo and follows the famous Circuito Madonie in Sicily.
read more...
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EVENTS
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS Coupé Villa d'Este: Calling all owners
An idea by Marco Makaus will see a gathering, on 10 June, of many examples of the Alfa 6C 2500SS Coupé Villa d'Este by Touring. Where? At Villa d'Este, of course...
read more...
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FEATURES
Champagne Tour by Jaguar XK–R
Simon de Burton rises at an uncharacteristically early hour, to sample the delights of a Jaguar XK–R and some very special Pol Roger champagne.
read more...
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NEWS
GTA Spano: The 820HP Spanish hypercar
This GTA Spano is about to shake up the international supercar circus, and its vital statistics — 820HP, 8.3 litres, 10 cylinders — will certainly command respect from its peers. read more...
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MOTORCYCLES
Ducati Monster Diesel: Powered by Italian chic
You can retrieve your eyebrows from the ceiling – Ducati hasn't made a motorbike which drinks from the black pump, but it has collaborated with the Italian clothing brand to produce a special edition version of its popular Monster motorcycle.
read more...
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CLASSIC LIFE |
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Oliver Goldsmith: Spectacle–maker to the stars
With the gentle rays of sunshine heralding the onset of spring, what better time to buy a new pair of sunglasses? The famous Oliver Goldsmith brand was one of the first to be regularly featured in fashion magazines, and can be seen on the faces of the rich and famous from Acapulco to Zermatt.
read more...
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Book Review: 'Cult Eyewear, The World's Enduring Classics'
A new book from Merrell, written by Neil Handley, the Curator of the British Optical Association Museum, examines some of the world's most charismatic eyewear since spectacles first came into use in the late 18th Century.
read more...
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Shore Vista Boat Dock: Floating garage
Veritable palaces in which to store your cherished cars are no longer that unusual. But here is something rather different: a superbly luxurious 'garage' on the water.
read more...
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SHOWROOM |
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New to Classic Driver: Mercedes–Benz CLK GTR and LM road cars
The motor racing homologation process is a wonderful thing, and over the years has been responsible for some glorious, limited–run specials. None more so than the mid–engined CLK GTR and LM Mercedes of the late 90s.
read more...
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Editor's Choice: Ex–Chris Evans 2010 Ferrari 458
Selecting the colour of your next Ferrari can be tougher than selecting the model. So, once you've set your heart on a 458 Italia, why not consider 'Vinaccia' — a good way to stand out at Ferrari events. read more...
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Modern Ferraris in the Classic Driver Marketplace |
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SERVICE
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Copyright:
All articles in ClassicInside and in the Classic Driver Magazine
are subject to Classic Driver copyrights.
Responsible for content:
Steve Wakefield
(Director)
If you want to unsubscribe from our Newsletter, please click here.
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