Cars

It’s very James Bond, this film – picturesque scenery, a gorgeous car, a tension-building score and, of course, a pistol-wielding, sharp-suited chap looking rather pleased with himself. And we would be, too, jostling a Corvette Stingray up arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the world (the old Gotthard Pass, in case you were wondering), safely ahead of a rather suspect looking convoy. If Martin and Sandro Baebler’s ‘Advantage’ doesn’t leave you itching for more, we’re not sure what will.

Chassis no. 198.042.7500569 has enjoyed a somewhat colourful past, not only because tragic Hollywood sweetheart Natalie Wood bought it brand-new at age 19, but also due to the colour she subsequently painted it. Originally delivered in the familiar shade of Silver Blue, Wood soon had it repainted bright pink – a colour change which has since been reversed by the current owner. The original red interior remains, as do the ultra-desirable, factory-fitted Rudge wheels which were only specified on 25 cars.

David Brown – who has no connection to the legendary Aston Martin MD with whom he shares a name – has sought out leading industry figures in the fields of design and engineering to help complete his goal. ‘Project Judi’, as it’s known for the time being, will have a completely new exterior and interior design, and will combine modern manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship. Brown explains: “I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences.

Hunt prepares to do battle in front of his home crowd at the British GP of 1973, held at Silverstone. With his stomach settled – probably by emptying it against the nearest pit wall, true to form – he now sets about doing the same with his nerves.

Despite setting the fastest lap of the race, Hunt will end his debut home GP in a respectable but not entirely satisfying fourth place. But there's a lot more to come from the dashing daredevil...

With such global appeal, it’s little wonder that this fetching Ferrari has a few stamps in its passport. But any ill effects of its country-hopping will no doubt have been remedied by the near-£200,000 restoration that its current owner commissioned Bob Houghton to undertake in 2012. Upon completion, ‘10905’ had several hundred gentle miles pass beneath its lengthy nose before it was sent back to UK-based marque specialist Houghton for a post-run-in going-over.

Stretch as stretch can – length matters

With the boiler room boys of the 1980s splashing their cash in the most dramatic manner possible, it’s little wonder that the Lamborghini Countach was a favourite. Even by the time the 25th Anniversary edition arrived in 1988, the basic design was still arresting – though the flared arches, enlarged rear ‘air boxes’ and much-specified optional spoiler added a touch of visual strength to reinforce the owner’s financial muscle.

Mercedes’ latest 12-cylinder flagship aims to please not only the well-heeled who find the marque’s AMG models too brash, but also, as the LWB-only configuration suggests, a core base of American and Chinese customers.

While the 530HP twin-turbo V12 will no doubt provide effortless acceleration, occupants will be cossetted by the silky-smooth Magic Body Control suspension with road surface scan – as well as the knowledge that it’ll brake automatically at speeds of up to 25mph, just in case the chauffeur is having an off day.