Cars

The Bulli with the big mouth

The Ferrari 212 Inter arrived just six years into the marque’s infancy, but it has come to epitomise the vibrant and romantic 1950s ‘boutique’ era. Designed as a replacement for the triumphant 166 and 195 Inters, 80 cars were built from 1951, individually bodied by various carrozzerie and finished to follow the exacting (and often extensive) criteria of the customer. As such, no two 212s are truly alike, only adding to their charm.

When Jaguar launched the D-type in 1954, the aeronautical principles incorporated into its DNA made it the most technologically advanced racing car of its time. Young engineer Malcolm Sayer had gained plenty of useful aerodynamic knowledge during his previous stint with the Bristol Aeroplane Company, as well as bringing with him such revolutionary ideas as the monocoque chassis and deformable fuel bags that could adapt to the car’s soap-bar silhouette. But the D-type was by no means perfect – at least, not at the outset.

Steed of the stars

A connoisseur's club

 1960 Plymouth XNR

Porsche identified the sales potential of a 4-wheel-drive sports car several generations of the 911 ago – but now the new-kid-on-the-block F-type is surely set to snatch a portion of those customers, with all-corner power deployment to be offered from 2015.

Based on the Range-topping LWB Autobiography Black edition, the Holland & Holland shooting special will follow its predecessors by offering keen shots a host of bespoke enhancements.

Racking up the mileage