Malvern Mover
Ever since the show-stopping Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato’s Anglo-Italian collaboration has produced some of the most gorgeous machines of all time, combining the best of British ingenuity and Italian style. This 1989 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante may not boast the sensual curves of the DB4 GT Zagato, but it is no less alluring with its stunning Giuseppe Mittino-penned exterior, especially in this shade of Malvern Brown.
One of a mere 37 examples ever built, this V8 Zagato Volante was converted to LHD specification by RS Williams in the UK and has covered a scant 4,400 miles since new. This Aston is even more unique, however, boasting Recaro Ideal C Type seats trimmed in sumptuous Magnolia leather with contrasting piping along with the rest of the cabin. However, don’t think this Aston is all show and no go, because under the bonnet you’ll find a 5.3-litre, 430 horsepower V8, giving this coach built grand tourer the continent-crossing credentials one could only dream of.
Endangered Species
Don’t be surprised if this is your first time laying eyes on Alfa Romeo’s answer to the Land Rover and Jeep, dubbed the 1900M Matta, because just over 2000 of these Italian off-roaders were ever built. What’s more, with estimates totalling around 100 properly restored examples in existence, finding one in as fabulous condition as this recently-restored 1954 example is no easy feat.
But why would one opt for a classic 4X4 built by Alfa when Land Rovers are so readily available? Well, not only was the Matta impressive enough in-period that the British Army attempted (and failed) to buy 15,000 units for use in Great Britain’s colonies, but it’s also undeniably more stylish than the Jeep or Land Rover combined. It seems even when building a utilitarian all-terrain machine, the Italians can’t help but add a touch of flair with the slotted vents just aft of the front wheels and Alfa Romeo’s iconic heart-shaped grille. Especially when finished in an evocative shade of rosso with Alfa Romeo script on the bonnet, we can’t help but fall for these endangered Italian off-roaders.
Practical Head Turnier
There’s something about the dignified presence and grandeur of a classic estate that’s hard to overlook. No, we’re not talking about some English mansion, but rather this gorgeous 1976 Ford Granada Turnier, whose clean lines and uncluttered bodywork have us scratching our heads as to why Ford’s modern-day portfolio is dominated by bloated, overstyled SUVs.
Resplendent in Helios Gold Metallic over a beige fabric interior, this Granada may not be a tyre-shredder with its 106 horsepower 2.3-litre V6, but we doubt any prospective owners would plan on putting pedal to the metal in this refined estate. Delivered new to an Austrian master painter, this Granada retains a level of originality that is rare to see, having covered less than 24,000 km during 49 years on the road. If you’re looking for a usable classic that favours style over speed, this Granada would be a stellar choice.
The Touring Bull
Before Bertone became irrevocably intertwined with Lamborghini following the debut of the Miura, — thus placing the Bolognese marque on the path to ever more extreme variations on the raging bull recipe — Touring was the carrozzeria responsible for turning Ferruccio Lamborghini’s dreams into reality. Revealed at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show, the 400 GT 2+2 was the third model to bear the Lamborghini name, following on from the aluminium-bodied 350 GT and more potent 400 GT with a subtly redesigned steel body with enough room for two passengers in the back.
Finished in an attractive hue of Blue Notte over a factory-correct Senape leather interior, this 1967 example is one of just 224 cars built before the Islero replaced the model in Lamborghini’s lineup. Restored by its most recent owner following their acquisition in 2013, this 400 GT 2+2’s 316 horsepower V12 is in excellent health thanks to a recent overhaul at the hands of respected Lamborghini expert Wolfgang Instinski in Germany. Glorious both inside and out, this Lamborghini was honoured with the “Best of Show” award in 2023 at the prestigious Concours d’Elegance in Germany. So, if you’ve got an appreciation for the restrained glamour of these early raging bulls, this prize-winning 400 GT 2+2 could be the car for you.
Cutting Edge Cocktail
There’s nothing we can say about the paradigm-shifting Porsche 918 Spyder that hasn’t already been said. The fastest hypercar to emerge from the hybrid holy trinity of the 2010s, a Weissach pack-equipped 918 like this 2015 example became the first production car to break the 7-minute barrier at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a blistering lap time of 6 minutes and 57 seconds.
Powered by a 608 horsepower V8 combined with an electric motor on each axle for a combined output of 887hp, the 918’s innovative drivetrain set the foundations used by almost all modern-day hypercars, while the Weissach pack provided even greater performance by shedding an impressive 45kg. Fortunately, this 2015 example hasn’t been locked away in a hermetically sealed chamber, having covered a healthy 27,324 since leaving Porsche’s factory. Finished in an eye-catching Martini livery that harks back to Porsche’s numerous motorsport successes of the past, this 918 Spyder hasn’t lost its edge 10 years on.
