Picture Perfect Porsche
The standard 924 may rank among the least-loved of Porsche’s creations, but it’s a totally different story when it comes to the incredible race-bred 924 Carrera GTR, of which only 17 were ever made. Powered by a highly tuned version of the 924’s 2.0-litre inline four cylinder engine, in normal race trim the Carrera GTR produced an impressive 375 horsepower, however, this 1981 example takes it even further with an upgraded 2.5-litre engine pushing the power output over the 400 horsepower mark.
This car, chassis number 006, was sold new to Richard Loyd of GTI Engineering in Silverstone and competed in two seasons of World Championship races, driven by Loyd himself alongside saloon racing star Andy Rouse. With four race wins to its name under the IMSA class and period history at Le Mans, this Carrera GTR has the pedigree to back up its stunning looks and fabulous Canon livery. If you want to get involved in historic racing, don’t overlook this 924!
A Short Cruise
No, we’re not talking about the Mission Impossible star, but rather this short wheelbase 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series. If you ask us, this is one of the best looking off-roaders of all time, especially in two-door form, and this Land Cruiser bolsters its chiselled bodywork with a reputation for bulletproof reliability. What’s more, this example has been treated to a full overhaul at the hands of industry leaders Legacy Overland New Vintage Motors.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a fully rebuilt GM-sourced 5.3-litre Vortex V8, good for 330 horsepower and 320 foot-pounds of torque. Equipped with a GM automatic transmission and boasting upgraded steering, braking, and suspension systems, this Land Cruiser drives and looks better than new with its Toyota Dune Beige bodywork, complete with eye-catching tri-colour belt line pinstripes. Hop inside the cabin, and you’ll find an improved air-conditioning system for those scorching days on the trail, while an upgraded stereo ensures the party continues when the road runs out. As far as timeless 4x4s go, you can hardly do better than this Land Cruiser heading for sale with Worldwide Auctioneers.
Number One Fan
This is not a drill! We’re proud to report that the first-ever publicly available Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 has hit the Classic Driver Market. Arguably no other car this decade has caused the same stir as the T.50, and it’s not hard to understand why. Built as a spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1, Gordon Murray channeled three decades of ideas into this lightweight, naturally aspirated dream machine, even incorporating a rear-mounted fan for insane downforce at low speeds and a virtual longtail when chasing V-max.
Beyond the trick aerodynamics, the T.50’s real party piece is its 3.9-litre Cosworth V12, capable of revving to a stratospheric 12,100 rpm redline and making one of the best noises in the car world in the process. Just 100 of these automotive masterpieces will be built, and this car, chassis 063, might represent your only chance to get the keys to Gordon Murray’s finest this decade. Finished in the stunning light blue shade of Arnage over a two-tone light grey and black Alcantara and leather interior, this T.50 is packed with amazing details and design flourishes that are too numerous to mention. Currently showing just 735 miles on the odometer, that V12 engine should just about be run-in and ready to sing.
Dartmoor’s Most Dashing
You’d be forgiven for assuming this jaw-dropping coachbuilt Bentley hails from the Art Deco golden era of the 1930s, but instead it was hand crafted by the incredibly talented craftsmen at Bob Petersen Engineering out of Devon. Based on a 1951 Bentley chassis, the Dartmoor Coupe is powered by a Rolls-Royce B81SV 6.5-litre straight-eight equipped with larger valves alongside a custom camshaft and pistons to produce an impressive 265 horsepower at the rear wheels, a 70 horsepower increase over standard.
Finished in Oxford Blue over a glorious interior trimmed in Bordeaux leather, the Dartmoor was displayed for the first time at the Goodwood Revival Meeting in September 2009, before being awarded the the 'Judges Choice' award at the AMOC's Morwell House Garden Party in 2010. Equipped with power steering, the Dartmoor is reportedly an absolute joy to drive, designed as a fast but relaxed grand tourer that’s equally at-home in traffic as it is the outside lane of the highway. Currently showing a mere 2,750 miles, this incredible coachbuilt Bentley would look right at home next to the finest creations of Figoni et Falaschi or Saoutchik on the world’s concours lawns.
Not So Humble Beginnings
Early period-tuned Mercedes-Benzes of the 1980s and 1990s are all the rage these days, which is exactly why this Brabus-tuned 1987 Mercedes 190 E caught our eye. Equipped with Brabus’ 3.6-litre straight six, good for 240 horsepower, this 190 E’s first and only owner wasn’t satisfied with merely enhancing his baby Benz’s internals, opting for a full MAE visual package.
Ordered new in February 1986, this 190 E was sent to MAE for a full wide body conversion a little over a year later, where it received the aforementioned bodykit alongside new MAE front and rear aprons, an MAE roof spoiler, and MAE suspension. OZ wheels at all four corners completed the aesthetic overhaul, while inside it was fitted with incredible electrically-adjustable fabric Recaro seats and a Nardi sports steering wheel. In December 1991, it finally headed to Brabus for the mechanical bite to match its visual bark, with bills totalling a whopping 40,000 DM for the engine upgrade and new sport rear axle, exhaust system, and performance brakes. With just one owner from new, this fabulous 190 E is an awesome and niche alternative to the AMGs of the era.
