At the German Mercedes-Benz restoration specialist Mechatronik, unusual classics are not uncommon. But a 300 SL in the national colours of Germany – that’s quite a sight, whether you like it or not. Fortunately the ‘paint’ on the Gullwing is merely a spray-on film that doesn’t affect the original bodywork and is easily removable.
Ferrari is a badge most car-lovers would be proud to wear on the grille, whatever the model. But even among the top Ferrari collectors, the 275 GTB – unveiled at the 1964 Paris Motor Show – is a very special, beautifully proportioned, race-inspired successor to the 250 GTO that commands huge interest (and prices) today. Especially the lightweight competition versions. But the competition versions were themselves based on the remarkable 275 GTB/C Speciale, of which only three were built by the Ferrari factory – specifically for FIA homologation and factory racing development.
This weekend, the courtyard of Schloss Bensberg will once again become the meeting point for the annual Schloss Bensberg Classics. The streets of Bergisch Gladbach will play host to a great automotive show of seldom-seen classic cars and, although the concours d’elegance might be the real highlight of the event, there are many other fascinating sights worth seeing.
Visit the Classic Driver Market to view all lots from the Silverstone Auctions sale on 26 July at the Silverstone Classic 2014.
It's only a matter of time before more follow. Take the massive potential of the 1973 911 2.7 RS, which has seen enormous price jumps in recent years: €500,000-plus is no longer a rarity for this classic 911. And early this year we witnessed auction house Gooding & Company sell one of only 200 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 ‘Lightweight’ models, with the coveted M471 sports package, for 1.4 million U.S. dollars.
While Porsche’s long-anticipated return to the Le Mans 24 Hours in June wasn’t quite the hoped-for success, the marque’s presence at this year’s Le Mans Classic reminded us of the unrivalled number of victories that Porsche has enjoyed here over the years.
When you’re overtaken on the public road by a formation of thunderous Ford GT40s – followed closely by a Lamborghini Countach and a Ferrari 512BB – you’re either hallucinating from motorway monotony, or on the way to Le Mans. Every other year, the European historic racing scene congregates in northwest France for its own version of the legendary 24-hour race.