Cars

Porsche Cayman

With the release of the F10 BMW M5 (552bhp) and the E212 Mercedes E63 AMG (549bhp with optional performance pack) in recent years, the 503bhp conjured by the Jaguar XFR was beginning to look a little skimpy. As a result, the firm has given the XF the same R-S treatment that was bestowed upon the XK range not too long ago.

The latest addition to the family takes much the same route as the others, both dynamically and aesthetically – and while the styling isn’t exactly revolutionary, nip-tuck treatments have given it a more muscular appearance. The wheelbase is stretched, the (larger) wheels are pushed further towards the corners, and overall it makes a stronger suggestion about the new car’s driving character – for which, of course, the first Cayman was highly commended.

The message Classic Driver received at the by-invitation-only event was that in 2013 not only would the Bavarian company have a production-ready electric car, it would actually be able to offer that car to the public at dealerships. This latest concept is a step towards that car, although it’s likely another will be shown next year. Compared with the i3 hatchback, the Coupé has only three doors, a more steeply raked roof and more rounded windows.

Zagato knew exactly what was required for the fastest Flaminia, Lancia’s flagship luxury car, and produced an exciting, well-balanced design with none of the madness of its earlier take on the Flavia. More to the point, there are hints aplenty of other seminal Zagato creations, such as those based on the Aston Martin DB4GT and Ferrari 250 GT.

And this late-model Flaminia Zagato Super Sport’s Kamm tail is a result of a design by Zagato’s chief stylist, Ercole Spada. It’s in good company, that’s for sure.

Whether it’s the fabled Stratos, low-slung 037 or steroidal Delta integrale, each has a lineage steeped in mud-ridden competition pedigree. Now, many of the original rally-prepped cars have been hidden in private collections – so what better than to take a look at their road-going alter-egos?

Lancia Stratos Stradale
 

In the form you see here, the pale ivory roadster is the coachbuilt prototype of a planned series of Maserati road cars. Just as suitable, one would imagine, for occasional hillclimbs and road races as for touring the Côte d'Azur.

The fact that the production run never happened (the Modenese company chose instead to develop the less competition-focused 3500 GT) makes the story more fascinating, and this very car – to be offered at auction by Gooding & Co. at Scottsdale next January – all the more valuable.

So how did it come about?
 

Now known as the ‘Beatles Bentley’, the 1956 S1 standard steel saloon was once the property of 1960s fashion entrepreneur, Australian-born John Crittle.

Crittle cut his teeth in psychedelic ‘60s tailoring working at Hung On You in Chelsea. The shop sold the classic outfits of the period: Art Nouveau, elaborate collared and cuffed shirts, tailored, high-collar double-breasted suits, and flowery shirts and ties.

The F355 changed all that, with its 3495cc V8 producing 375bhp, and the carefully sculpted aerodynamic bodywork allowing drivers to enjoy every bit of its potential at very high velocities - careful management of the airflow under the car meant it generated negative lift at speed.

It also looked pretty good, something the boxy 348 never seemed to do.
 

Okay, so it might not be the best-kept secret – the cars are, in fact, publicly accessible in one of the halls of the Ferrari factory grounds in Maranello. But if you’ve visited the factory recently and not taken a detour through the hall where they are stored, you might well have missed these particular treasures. Take, for example, the 225mph precursor to the F40, the 288 GTO Evoluzione (one of just five built).