Cars

It's difficult to think of a machine more timelessly beautiful than the California Spider - or, indeed, one more evocative of what many believe to have been the golden era of the sports car. Born from the vision of American Ferrari distributors John von Neumann and Luigi Chinetti, who spotted a niche in the U.S. for a roadster which combined jaw-dropping looks and truly potent performance, it arrived on the scene in late '58.

It’s been 50 years since Carroll Shelby introduced the Ford-powered FIA Cobra and, to commemorate the occasion, Shelby American is releasing a limited edition continuation of the car, held to be among the most important in American racing history.

Authentic (and undeniably cool) features such as the period FIA livery, black original-style wheels with knock-off hubs, and widened front and rear wings have all been retained, while integral components have been upgraded to contemporary standards in the name of safety and performance – the brakes and chassis, for example.  

It’s very James Bond, this film – picturesque scenery, a gorgeous car, a tension-building score and, of course, a pistol-wielding, sharp-suited chap looking rather pleased with himself. And we would be, too, jostling a Corvette Stingray up arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the world (the old Gotthard Pass, in case you were wondering), safely ahead of a rather suspect looking convoy. If Martin and Sandro Baebler’s ‘Advantage’ doesn’t leave you itching for more, we’re not sure what will.

Chassis no. 198.042.7500569 has enjoyed a somewhat colourful past, not only because tragic Hollywood sweetheart Natalie Wood bought it brand-new at age 19, but also due to the colour she subsequently painted it. Originally delivered in the familiar shade of Silver Blue, Wood soon had it repainted bright pink – a colour change which has since been reversed by the current owner. The original red interior remains, as do the ultra-desirable, factory-fitted Rudge wheels which were only specified on 25 cars.

David Brown – who has no connection to the legendary Aston Martin MD with whom he shares a name – has sought out leading industry figures in the fields of design and engineering to help complete his goal. ‘Project Judi’, as it’s known for the time being, will have a completely new exterior and interior design, and will combine modern manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship. Brown explains: “I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences.

Hunt prepares to do battle in front of his home crowd at the British GP of 1973, held at Silverstone. With his stomach settled – probably by emptying it against the nearest pit wall, true to form – he now sets about doing the same with his nerves.

Despite setting the fastest lap of the race, Hunt will end his debut home GP in a respectable but not entirely satisfying fourth place. But there's a lot more to come from the dashing daredevil...

With such global appeal, it’s little wonder that this fetching Ferrari has a few stamps in its passport. But any ill effects of its country-hopping will no doubt have been remedied by the near-£200,000 restoration that its current owner commissioned Bob Houghton to undertake in 2012. Upon completion, ‘10905’ had several hundred gentle miles pass beneath its lengthy nose before it was sent back to UK-based marque specialist Houghton for a post-run-in going-over.