Imagine wearing a fine Italian suit tailored to perfection, then combining it with heavy American work boots
Many will be familiar with the tales of woe behind Bizzarrini, De Tomaso and Iso Rivolta. Even before the landscape-changing oil crisis, they were struggling to find buyers.
Video: Giorgio Oppici
It was the most successful Lamborghini of all time - and is already establishing itself as a classic. The compact, angular, 10-cylinder sports car designed by Luc Donckerwolke was a sensation at the 2003 Geneva Show. This was followed by countless special and racing versions, much to the delight of the Classic Driver team. Next spring is likely to bring us the successor to the 'little bull'. We are curious to see if it will be a match for the sharp-edged purism of the Gallardo.
Many regard the DB4 Convertible as a highpoint in the constant evolution of the David Brown-era cars. While later developments were increasingly weight-laden, the DB4 took full advantage of the lightweight ‘Superleggera’ construction licensed by Touring. What’s more, while DB5s and DB6s had four silencers, the DB4’s straight-six had only two to do battle with – and that characteristic raspy note is only enhanced on this Convertible, given that it has the Special Series engine with triple SU carburettor set-up.
If you voluntarily take a seat in the rear of a car, it’s usually for good reason. Very often, it’ll be because there’s an ‘L’ badge on the car’s bootlid – more often than not, the technical definition of a chauffeur’s car. And although it’s only a minor typographical addition, it could well be the deciding factor behind your purchase.
Look closely at the above photos: notice anything unique about this particular ‘E’ (besides that magnificent trailer, of course)? This stunning duo is the responsibility of Jaguar specialists at Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC) who, in extensively restoring the Series 1 Roadster, actually extended the floor pan by a sizeable four and a half inches.
In the early 1990s, many of the 'luxury' marques offered long-wheelbase versions of their flagship saloons to seduce the men of big business (as well as big businessmen) into the rear seats of their cars. The LWB models ranged from chauffeur-centric limousines, to large, long cars that were spectacularly good to drive. We pick five of our favourites.
Obviously, rarity plays a significant role in collectability; with only 351 built, that side of the 2000GT’s appeal is clear. But look at the factors behind its tiny production numbers, and you’ll find an explanation for the little Toyota’s delayed success.
Okuyama always had a fondness for special edition projects, overseeing the design of the Glickenhaus Ferrari P4/5 and the Maserati Birdcage 75th. Born in Yamagata in 1959, he also designed motorcycles, furniture, houses and trains. In 2007, he established his own studio and in 2008 presented his first sports car: the KO7 roadster, based on Lotus Elise R underpinnings.