The flag dropped on the 2003 Classic Driver Calendar this week when Michael Cooper, the famous 1960's motor racing photographer, firstly commenced his marathon signing session and then was the star guest at the official launch of the Calendar at Aston Martin Sales of Mayfair. Michael, pictured left with the Calendar's art director Brian Cowan and Classic Driver's Steve Wakefield, had a chance to meet up with old friends such as former Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan, as well as Anthony Hussey and Tony Dron. Both of whom he has known for a very long time.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, was present and the proceedings were greatly enlivened by the the Bishop family, Ivan actually featuring in the Calendar running around Graham Hill's prototype Ferrari at Goodwood in 1964. Ivan had some tremendous stories to tell about the great age of '60s motor racing.

Please see the preview of the 2003 Classic Driver Calendar or visit the dedicated website www.classicdriver-calendar.com

'Mr March', Ivan Bishop of the Maranello Concessionaires racing team, with 'his' photograph

Michael Cooper enjoys a joke with former Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan

l to r; Ivan Bishop, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, Steve Wakefield

l to r; Michael Cooper, Anthony Hussey, Tony Dron,Mr & Mrs Charlie Prince , Charis Whitcombe

Writer Paul Parker explains the finer points of the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato on display

Michael stands by the Zagato

Jasper Galloway (left) talking to Peter Stratford

Mr & Mrs Cooper with an ex-Bond film Vanquish, on loan from the factory for the night

With grateful thanks to Nick Mee, Tom Papadopoulos and Peter Stratford for organising the DB4GT Zagato at such short notice and Alan Baker at Aston Martin Sales of Mayfair without whose co-operation the whole event would not have been possible.