It’s the subject of intense debate in the Classic Driver office today: is this 1960, Zagato-bodied Bristol a classic, unconventional and charming design typical of the famed design house whose name it bears, or just a slightly awkward, Anglo-Italian collaboration boasting some warped dimensions and a confused character?
A cheeky taunt or two only serves to heighten the prospect of the enticing battle between the pair at Le Mans this weekend – and the ‘display’ in this video conducted by the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro outside Porsche’s Stuttgart HQ is far from subtle. But some aficionados will also have noticed the more discreet gibe shown on the trip there, when the Audi blazes past a Porsche tractor with ease. Roll on Saturday...
Video: Audi
In addition to the evocative livery (available on either white or black bodywork), the car receives the front and rear aero parts from the Cup package, illuminated ‘Martini Racing Edition’ lettering on the stainless-steel door sills, and a body-coloured dash with special badges to indicate its significance.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale, June 27th
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It’s somewhat ironic that one of Porsche’s best-selling cars is also viewed by some as one of its great failures. While the 914 brought Porsche ownership within the grasp of the masses, it was widely criticised for being underpowered, overpriced and most un-Porsche-like in appearance. The latter was intentional; marketing strategies dictated that the designers make the joint venture between VW and Porsche unrecognisable next to predecessors from either stable.
Coys’ inaugural Athens auction last year saw an array of curiosities go under the hammer, and this year’s sale is equally diverse. How about a Lancia Stratos chassis (€30,000 – €35,000), with a separately sold selection of parts (€20,000 – €25,000)? Or if you prefer your cars intact and restored, the rare Alfa Romeo 1900 AR51 (€14,000 – €16,000) might tempt you. Also carrying a reasonable estimate is a 1965 Panhard CT 24 (€4,500 – €5,500), one of the few cars in the sale not to have Greek provenance.
"A Mondial makes a good driver look bad. A 250S makes a bad driver look cool"