Cars

Like the Golf GTI and 930 Turbo, the M635CSi represented the epitome of design and performance in the 1980s. Visually, its shark-nosed bonnet and rubber boot spoiler managed to exert an aggression modern cars would envy; yet it rode on 15-inch alloys and used the revered M badge sparingly both inside and out. It was assertive yet modest, even though it had no reason to be: beneath that never-ending bonnet sat a tweaked version of the M1 supercar’s straight-six – with significantly more power than the M535i which played intermediary.

“If you’re passionate, you’re there and you’re in the driving overalls yourself, it makes you understand what it’s all about...”

Well, maybe it wasn't your actual heaven, but it certainly felt like it from behind the wheel of Aston Martin's latest work of art, the V12 Vantage S.

"This might just be the finest production car Aston has ever built..."

This deliciously taut and pugnacious-looking 565 horsepower animal would bring out the devil in even the most saintly driver if faced with those endless miles of come-hither asphalt around Palm Springs, where Aston chose to launch its latest hard-core sportster.

The route from Los Angeles to Palm Springs on Interstate 10 is convenient, but offers no great scenery; so what car might you choose to liven up your trip to the desert? You could of course take the traditional classic approach in a quick and comfortable early Mercedes SL, or how about something a little more unusual? And a great deal more angular?

No doubt with the LWB-loving American and Chinese markets at the forefront of its collective mind, Land Rover has stretched the fourth-generation Range Rover – the main beneficiaries being the rear-seat passengers. While only the eagle-eyed will spot the well-executed elongation from the outside (overhangs remain unchanged for proportional consistency), the changes are more obvious once the extended rear door is opened.

Team owner Tony Parravano, standing third from the left, appears less cheerful. Perhaps he suspects that Shelby will crash the Ferrari? 

At home in Amsterdam

Despite widespread presence in the media, the design of the compact four-door still appears other-worldly. But it’s not only its appearance that makes passers-by gawp in amazement: once the quirky looks have been digested, there’s then the realisation that it’s gliding by in complete silence.

During the initial ownership period, you can expect a barrage of questions. Yes, it’s built in Germany. Yes, it’s electric. And yes, it’s made largely of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic. Any more?

At the time, the 959 was commended for its road manners. By their very nature, homologation specials saw sacrifices made in every aspect in order to prioritise the competitiveness of their full-blown racing cousins. In many cases, the required road-legal counterparts were churned out with little or no consideration as to usability, ergonomics or quality of finish. But the 959 was an exception to that rule – which is even more extraordinary when you consider that much of its technology was gleaned from Porsche’s 956 and 962 Group C racers.

When the thunderous German V8 catches, all those post-summer blues instantly evaporate. Besides, the SL 60’s 381HP/580Nm is more than enough to outrun those sudden autumn showers. The enlarged 6-litre engine boasted some impressive performance figures – the 0-60mph sprint is dealt with in just 5.8sec while those brave enough to remove the car’s 155mph speed-limiter could manage around 185mph flat-out. Interestingly, insiders at the AMG skunkworks said that those figures were modest, and claimed the car was both quicker and more powerful than suggested at the time. 

"From the silver-plated kidney grille to the model insignia on the bootlid, every relevant detail shimmers in silver..."

For more than two decades, BMW’s Individual department has been applying personal touches to BMW models before they even leave the factory. Now, the department can add another tradition-steeped name to the collaboration list, having produced the 760Li Sterling in conjunction with Robbe & Berking.