The modern artist's 'muse' is nothing like her original counterparts, the nine sisters of ancient Greek mythology. Today, most verge on the ‘scandalous’; but isn’t that exactly what we expect from modern art?...   lire >>

Assuming you have, say, a cool 40 million US dollars to spend, would you head straight for a Sotheby’s art auction, or would you want something you could drive, rather than simply look at? We thought we’d give you the chance to browse in both markets… and decide for yourself where you’d allocate your dream millions...   lire >>

Classic Porsches and Ferraris have that indefinable something: that little bit extra that makes men and women fall head over heels in love with the sensuous curves of a 911, or the masculine cut-and-thrust of a Testarossa. But what about Mercedes? We have searched for the unique appeal of the three-pointed star...   lire >>

How would Magnum P.I. react to a very pretty lady, in highly transparent underwear, lolling on his Ferrari? He would probably be quite strongly affected...   lire >>

Well-known powerboat racer Eugenio Molinari brought something special to the deep waters of Lake Como in 2007...   lire >>

Amateur racing driver and motorcyclist, Joint Master of the South Oxfordshire Hunt, a keen sailor, shooting aficionado, qualified pilot, polo and tennis player, racehorse owner and water skier – Sir David Brown was every inch the wealthy post-War industrialist...   lire >>

Watches are like a little window into the wearer’s personality – from sporty to sophisticated; from elegant to casual. The strong-minded man needs a watch that reflects his mindset, so we’ve picked some ideal examples from the forthcoming Sotheby’s sale in Geneva...   lire >>

It’s not only men that are attracted to Porsches. London-born, Berlin-based photographer Kate Bellm is also a fan. In a new series of photographs, she takes studies of two irresistible forms...   lire >>

Porsche Design is well-known for its watches and sunglasses, but the division has created some less predictable products over its four-decade existence. We take a look at some of the more unusual offerings...   lire >>

Behind the scenes of the thriller ‘The Birds’ by Alfred Hitchcock, fact followed fiction rather more closely than the film crew would have liked. Actress Tippi Hedren was among those who suffered minor injury as the result of a bird attack. In this short film, the film-making genius explains how our feathered friends can turn into enemies...   lire >>

Whether it was the fact that in the era of black-and-white films, blondes photographed better, or that they were indeed "a symbol of the heroine", there’s no disputing that ‘Hitch’ included a fair percentage of fair-haired actresses in his work...   lire >>

For those fascinated by the sometimes dark, always interesting world of Alfred Hitchcock, two forthcoming Christie’s sales separately list a b/w portrait and an original film poster...   lire >>

Choosing the Archer family to write the definitive history of both the 31 Ulsters, and the tangled and financially fraught history of the company from its birth to WW2, was the only way this epic could have been accomplished in such depth and with such clarity...   lire >>

Two leading lights in Aston Martin history, without whom we wouldn’t have the brand today, were very different men. We discovered the following about Lionel Martin and Bert Bertelli...   lire >>

When the atomic clock clicked over to 00:01 on 1 January 2000, the 21st Century had arrived. So would the prophecies of so many sci-fi writers come true? The horological world rose to the occasion with new brands such as Urwerk bringing radical new ways of reading the time...   lire >>

Colourful cotton and bare skin: no other fashion label embodies the hipster movement of the noughties as strongly as American Apparel – not least because of the frivolous adverts, which showed innocent girl-next-door types sprawled in unambiguous poses...   lire >>

Pamplona and its San Fermín festival, or fiesta, became a love affair for Ernest Hemingway in the early 1920s. Ninety years later, and you can still watch the bulls tearing their way up Calle Estafeta...   lire >>

With so many taking their names from powerful bulls, Lamborghinis are appropriately titled for the arduous task of locking horns with Ferrari. We take a look at the namesakes of the Miura, the Islero, and others of that ilk...   lire >>

Not too far from Pamplona, there’s a place of pilgrimage for wine and art connoisseurs. The Señorío de Otazu lures the visitor with superb wine, modern sculptures, and a cellar like no other...   lire >>

Don’t mess with Donna Mae. The cars might have been cutesy lipstick pink but when the flag dropped, the Pennsylvania-born lady racing driver was “out there only for one thing: to win. Nobody remembers second place...”   lire >>

‘Rush’ is Hollywood's version of the famous 1970s on-track battles between roguish English playboy, James Hunt, and Niki Lauda, the calculating, calm and collected Austrian...   lire >>

Producing a tourbillon watch is considered the highest form of haute horlogerie. But who wins the battle of the ‘Champions League’ of watch complications? Classic Driver takes a look at some of the stars of Baselworld 2013...   lire >>

Spring: longer days, shorter skirts, and all seems right with the world. In a suitably sunny mood, we went in search of the most beautiful legs we could find...   lire >>

With the digital revolution now in full swing, many of the defining icons of the 90s (apart from cars, of course) were electronic objects. Now it’s time to reminisce about these technological marvels, from handheld games consoles to supersonic jets...   lire >>

Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer were by no means the only highly paid catwalk queens of the 1990s. We bring you our personal best of the beauties...   lire >>

Wait a minute, isn’t this watch named after the famous 1960s counter-culture movie? No, perhaps the hyphen in the name is a clue, but alongside the legend ‘Easy-Rider’ is the name of another: the Belgian ace Jacky Ickx...   lire >>

Do you find Hef’s latest gaggle of giggling girls a little too tacky? Then spend Easter with some of the Bunnies of the 60s, who proved that saucy didn’t have to mean scatterbrained...   lire >>

Trendy, cheerful and colourful, the Swatch of 1983 singlehandedly brought the Swiss watch industry back from the brink of oblivion – and did so with a price tag that everyone could afford. There might be something a little more exclusive on your wrist nowadays, but it could very well have the quirky little Swatch to thank for its existence...   lire >>

The 1980s saw the dawn of the digital revolution, and with it a raft of equally revolutionary female sex symbols ready to capitalise on the global exposure offered by the new technology. Here we look at the divas that defined a decade...   lire >>

Although bearing a name inspired by events that took place more than 300 years before, the story of one of the world’s most famous watches begins in 1970. At four o’clock one afternoon, the famous designer Gérald Genta received a call from Georges Golay, the Managing Director of Audemars Piguet...   lire >>

This is Hakes Marine’s new HH42 grand prix racing yacht prototype. The China-based company is so pleased with its vessel, 100 are going to be built, and sold at around 385,000 euros each...   lire >>

The Corvette is arguably America’s greatest sports car, but could it make for Europe’s greatest boat...?   lire >>

Have you ever considered the qualities required for a perfect co-driver? We have – and we present our favourites from five eras here...   lire >>

Standing just 5ft 5.5in tall, who would have imagined that little Norma Jean, a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe, would become one of the world's most famous movie stars? Certainly not that bright young thing from Los Angeles. We have discovered five facts about the luminescent blonde we would like to share...   lire >>

That heady black brew served up in dainty cups is as much a part of Italy as the red speed demons from Ferrari. Keeping this firmly in mind, the founders of the aptly named Espresso Veloce created the perfect union of car and coffee. Here’s how to pimp your daily demitasse...   lire >>

When male attention wasn’t being captivated by the cars and watches of the Seventies, it was daydreaming about these seductive sirens that kept us occupied. Here’s our top five...   lire >>

The 1970s has become known as the decade that taste forgot. The bright-coloured clothes, the extravagant hairstyles, the avocado, brown and plum bathroom suites – all were synonymous with that immediate post-60s period. Watches of that era were no less exuberant – and not always so awful – Classic Driver presents some of the most popular...   lire >>

At every motor show, voluptuous metalwork is often complemented by equally well-proportioned bodies of the human form. Now, Classic Driver compares both types of model to be found at Geneva 2013...   lire >>

Ah, mustard adverts on TV – don’t you just love them? Well, such was the popularity of a 1980s ad that featured two millionaires passing a jar of Dijon’s finest between the open windows of their chauffeur-driven Silver Shadows, that a raft of spoof versions have appeared in film and on TV...   lire >>

Carlo ‘Cici’ Anderloni is regarded as the design mastermind behind Carrozzeria Touring. Following in the footsteps of his father, he soon became an automotive legend in his own right, having played a major part in many notable machines of the coachbuilt ‘Golden Age’...   lire >>

With its ‘Monometer’ model, Rolex laid the foundation for a series of professional watches such as the Submariner and Sea-Dweller, now collectable pieces famous the world over...   lire >>

Just five kilometres from St Moritz, a new boutique hotel has opened. The Nira Alpina sits above the village of Silvaplana, and aims to be the perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts looking for something less traditional than that which is usually found in the area...   lire >>

A scandal-free affair in the Royal Family? Yes, there is such a thing, at least when it comes to royal circles and their love of the Range Rover. The Royal Rangie is as much a part of the Queen’s public persona as her pastel-coloured hats and Corgis. Nor is it just the Queen who loves the luxurious SUV...   lire >>

Designer Giovanni Michelotti was the Pablo Picasso of automotive design. Just as Picasso is said to have created more than 15,000 works in his lifetime, the Torinese Michelotti was a prolific artist: credited with more than 1,200 car designs...   lire >>

Walter de Silva, J Mays, Adrian Van Hooydonk, Lorenzo Ramaciotti and five other of the world’s leading design directors bare their souls to the famous Belgian publishing team led by Bart Lenaerts...   lire >>

His eccentric parties at the Marbella Club were legendary in the 1960s and 1970s. Prince Alfonso was not only one of the last great playboys, but was responsible for transforming the sleepy fishing village of Marbella into a meeting place for the international jet set...   lire >>

Peter Fonda’s not the only Hollywood star to take to two wheels. In various movies, Clint ‘Dirty Harry’ Eastwood often grabbed a passer-by’s Bonneville or Harley in order to pursue the bad guys or make good his escape...   lire >>

George Bamford is as passionate about watches as he is about cars. No wonder, then, that as well as an attractive woman, his own range of personalised chronometers and a black Ferrari 275 GTB star in this video...   lire >>

What’s a jet fighter doing in a mid-engined Porsche special? Well, it IS mid-engined, innovative and fast: 548mph fast, to be precise...   lire >>

This photograph of Ferry and Dorothea Porsche was taken in Sicily on 4 May 1969, in the pitlane of the Targa Florio. The boss’s surprise visit must have worked as the Stuttgart company’s cars finished first to fourth...   lire >>

Watches and cars go well together. They appeal to the same customer base and have a mechanical symbiosis that transcends mere marketing appeal. Over the years, the Ferrari badge has appeared on a variety of collectible timepieces. We take a look at some of them...   lire >>

Followers of historic motorsport might recognise the names of some German sponsors, such as Heuer, Jägermeister or Bosch, emblazoned on vintage metal. But what about that mystifying yet enticing Mampe Lufthansa Cocktail? ...   lire >>

Long hair, bushy sideburns and over-the-top sunglasses were trademark features of the star Grand Prix drivers of the 1970s. But who had the greatest style? And the most hair? You get the chance to vote...   lire >>

The Cigarette Racing Team and the Mercedes-Benz AMG racing division are bound to make a splash at the Miami International Boat Show this week, with the debut of the all-new Cigarette 42' Huntress. This powerful offshore performance boat is the third collaboration between the two companies...   lire >>

A worldly contrast: while the hustle and bustle of beach life rages in front of the Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive, Miami, behind the ‘Florida Georgian’ façade you’ll find calm and tranquillity...   lire >>

The American TV show Miami Vice set the tone for the eighties. Remember the cars, the boats, the fashions? Like cool duo Crockett and Tubbs, we’ve gone undercover to ferret out some interesting facts. Here’s what we found...   lire >>

Only true Lamborghini tifosi know about the Quetzal. Why? Because this model was never conceived for the road, but rather built for offshore racing. We’ve dug deep into the archives and found extraordinary pictures of the first ever Lamborghini boat...   lire >>

When two goddesses come face to face, there can be problems. Not in this instance, however, since the goddesses in question were film star Gina Lollobrigida and the Citroën ‘Déesse’ and who – judging by this photograph – understood each other well...   lire >>

This will frighten the neighbours. ‘Beware of the Dog’ and ‘Premises Alarmed’ signs are soooo last year. What you need to scare away intruders is an ex-Belgian Air Force fighter jet...   lire >>

It’s a little like ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Ferrari’, as the small-scale 288 GTO that Artcurial will offer at its forthcoming Paris Rétromobile sale is a near-perfect replica of the original...   lire >>

This 300SL Roadster, photographed and enhanced by French photographer Renaud Marion in a new study called ‘Air Drive’, recalls the floating spaceships from the animated series ‘The Jetsons’, produced in the 60s by American animation studio Hanna-Barbera...   lire >>

“He who loves his car pushes his car,” and the same, apparently, goes for film stars. But what Sophia Loren discovered during a Gullwing breakdown was that it’s one of the only cars in the world that you can push and steer simultaneously – without the door getting in the way...   lire >>

Everyone knows Twiggy. The freckled, startlingly skinny, crop-haired, 16-year-old schoolgirl who became a fashion sensation and the symbol of a new kind of woman with a peculiar, androgynous sex appeal. Almost overnight, the Bambi-eyed model changed the way feminine beauty was defined…   lire >>

Few companies have had such an impact on their industry in such a short space of time as Wally, founded in 1994. But the pioneering yachtbuilder has continued to push the boundaries, and has recently revealed ‘Better Place’: the world’s largest carbonfibre-hulled sloop...   lire >>

Carbon, ceramic and aluminium: materials that have been in common use in the automotive sector for over a decade. Now, these high-tech materials are finding their way into the latest timepieces on show at this year’s SIHH Geneva Watch Salon...   lire >>

Imagine yourself at London’s Roundhouse in the late 60s, herbal cigarette in hand. What sensations… what experiences. None more so than the vision of Jimi Hendrix in full flow, converting sound into a multi-coloured mixture of sight, smell and touch...   lire >>

At the beginning of the last century, ski posters were displayed on railway stations to lure well-heeled outdoor adventurers to the A-list winter destinations. Today these colourful relics can be found in chalets of art-appreciating ski enthusiasts…   lire >>

There’s little to compete with Brigitte Bardot when it comes to stealing the show. But the 1963 film ‘Contempt’, directed by Jean-Luc Godard, offers a surprising rival for 'BB'...   lire >>

Whether speeding over the Ligurian Sea from St. Tropez to Elba, or dashing between Long Island and Cape Cod for some whale-spotting, the Judel/Vrolijk 47' Feara will ensure you do so with an abundance of classic sophistication...   lire >>

Martha and the Vandellas’ catchy number ‘Nowhere To Run’ gets most people’s toes tapping. Imagine the effect of Ms Reeves and the rest of her band dancing in and out of the Mustang production line at a mid-60s Ford plant. This video shows how it’s done...   lire >>

Film star Elizabeth Taylor, the Shah of Iran and Prince Rainier of Monaco — all were to own examples of the most famous powerboat in the world, a Riva. It’s no wonder, then, that the classic wooden boats built on Lake Iseo are as popular as ever...   lire >>

It’s probably the least famous of the Lotus Bond cars, but the ‘Copper Fire’ Esprit Turbo not only survived filming without being blown up or driven into the sea; it also kept a smile on Roger Moore’s face between takes...   lire >>

Bicycling is not only fun, it’s also an environmentally friendly way to get around. Now you can do your bit to prevent global warming, while scoring some serious style points with the people in your neighbourhood. The Dutch product design house Van Heesch has elevated the simple ‘granny bike’ into a shiny creation, set to make anyone who rides it the centre of attention…   lire >>

The futuristic ‘comic strip’ film ‘Barbarella’ made Jane Fonda, the director Roger Vadim’s wife at the time, an international sex symbol...   lire >>

If you’re going to smoke, you might as well do it without compromising your ‘cool factor’ – that’s what the people over at Stiff, the Swedish product design company, seem to think. Now the company has launched a piece of peculiar, plastic hardware to meet the smoky demands of any serious pipe puffer…   lire >>

This year, the British Classic Car Meeting will hold its 20th event in the Engadine. To celebrate, Classic Driver presents some very special exclusive photographs of parts of the ‘Jubiläumsstrecke’ route...   lire >>

It’s getting a bit ‘parky’ now, as we say in London. That’s ‘cold’ to those not born within the sound of Bow Bells. So when one’s looking for a winter coat, it’s a good idea to search for something toasty warm...   lire >>

Are you one of those people who loves the thrill of motor racing and fantasises about being part of the on-screen action at Le Mans? If so, then here's something for you. No, not a car that once belonged to Steve McQueen, but instead you can bring your passion to the dining room – furniture-maker Laisr has the must-have piece for every classic car fan: a chair based on a Porsche 917 racer...   lire >>

We are so used to scenes of snow, fir trees and sledges, that any other part of the globe enjoying a warm and sunny Christmas seems slightly unusual. Have a look at these water-skiers from 1969, taking in the sun and surf at Cypress Hill, Florida...   lire >>

Emperors and kings, movie stars and writers, all have enjoyed the welcoming hospitality of the Suvretta House Hotel, a name as synonymous with St Moritz as the Dracula Club and the Cresta Run...   lire >>

The St Moritz Tobogganing Club is an institution like few others. Since 1885, men of courage have dared to plunge head-first on a toboggan down the famous Cresta Run. With the official season opening on 19 December, Classic Driver follows one Cresta rider preparing for the 2012/13 season...   lire >>

Dig out your 1980s Bogner skiwear, put on vintage Walkman headphones and pour yourself a Piña Colada. This video shows German alpine ski racer Willy Bogner Jr. at the peak of his prodigious powers...   lire >>

Invisible cars, lasers concealed in watches and exploding pens – superspy James Bond wouldn’t have lived to die another day without his famous gadgets. Now a rare wartime book is up for auction, detailing the equipment that was dreamed up by Britain’s secret services and used by real life M19 agents to outsmart the Nazis…   lire >>

To our knowledge - and please correct us if we're wrong - a comprehensive and scientific survey has yet to be conducted in order to determine the answer to the most important question in the history of the automobile: which cars make the best babe magnets?...   lire >>

You didn’t think we’d leave a car off our Christmas shopping guide, did you? Really. Just a short walk from South Kensington tube is an Aladdin’s cave of classic cars. We rubbed our lamp and out popped this classic Jaguar XK...   lire >>

Just before we cross the finishing line, one of our final Christmas gift ideas is for the romantic: something from the new collection of lingerie by the young designer Fiorina Benveniste-Schuler...   lire >>

With its countless small shops and boutiques, London is an ideal venue for Christmas shopping: but where can you find the really special and unusual gifts? Classic Driver is out and about in the Capital, and will be suggesting a new gift idea every day...   lire >>

For today’s gift we have travelled east, to London’s latest trendy district, Shoreditch. Among the fixed-wheels, trappers’ hats and £300 Japanese designer jeans we found a coat... from Sweden...   lire >>

Table tennis, ‘ping pong’ - or ‘wiff waff’ as we Londoners, taking a cue from our Mayor, like to call it – is a fun sport for all the family. A stylish way to enjoy a game in one’s Notting Hill basement conversion is the ‘James Perse Limited Edition Ping Pong Table’...   lire >>

Tucked away among the cartographic pieces in the Knightsbridge shop, The Map House of London, is a selection of travel posters. In a corner that is forever England, we liked the one advertising Goodyear tyres...   lire >>

There are few hotels in the world with as many legends surrounding them as the famous Badrutt’s Palace in St Moritz. Since opening in 1896, the castle-like building has dominated the skyline at the world’s most famous winter resort...   lire >>

For over 100 years, Asprey has held a Royal Warrant to supply the British monarch. Nowadays, the humblest of visitors to the famous Bond Street store can buy a set of one of its most famous pieces: The Asprey Christmas Cracker...   lire >>

By ‘Foxy’, we mean someone having a keen nose for style and crafty craftsmanship. By coincidence, today’s gift idea is a Gladstone bag from The Merchant Fox...   lire >>

The accessories produced by the small automobilia boutique GTO London are largely inspired by classic Italian GTs of the '50s and '60s. It’s the limited-edition ‘Accensione’ cufflinks, crafted from metal reclaimed from classic Ferraris, that caught the Classic Driver eye...   lire >>

Today’s gift from London was found rather by accident. In the pop-up shop ‘The New Craftsmen’ in Mayfair, there’s a special pocket knife for sale. The handle of the hand-made-in-Sheffield ‘pen-knife’ has been created from used carbon parts of Formula 1 racing cars...   lire >>

Bond enthusiasts might recognise the name 'Anderson Wheeler', as one of its 500 Nitro Express Double Rifles features in the latest chapter of 007’s adventures, ‘Skyfall’...   lire >>

British furniture designer (and nephew of Her Majesty The Queen) David Linley’s shop in Pimlico Road, Chelsea has some wonderful gift ideas. For the keen sportsman, we suggest the Gentleman’s Shooting Companion...   lire >>

His signature, over-sized tortoiseshell glasses and even the knot of his tie became well known the world over. He loved Maria Callas and married Jackie Kennedy; he owned yachts and islands - Classic Driver takes a look at the glamorous lifestyle that was Onassis’s. ..   lire >>

London was once the centre of world travel. One started there and headed for various points of the compass ‘abroad’. Think Phileas Fogg. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the nation’s capital should be a source of high-quality travel goods...   lire >>

You know that sticker that says ‘In Emergency Please Pull’… well, you'd better be careful with this gift idea as it’s a Martin Baker ejector seat from an ex-RAF McDonnell Douglas Phantom...   lire >>

To be fair, for this Christmas gift suggestion you will need a large wall. And a lot of Sellotape. Not to mention a few sheets of wrapping paper. It’s a super-size 1967 Italian promotional poster for the James Bond classic, ‘You Only Live Twice’...   lire >>

Are you sitting comfortably? A seat from an Aston Martin racing car is meant for serious, long-distance driving, so why not enjoy the spirit of the Goodwood Nine Hours when having a coffee in the morning?...   lire >>

It's a well-known fact that the simplest route to a man's wallet is through his groin, which is why the most important people in the automotive world are not engineers, designers, road testers or salesmen - but car show hostesses...   lire >>

Winning at backgammon requires a mixture of good fortune and skill. Perhaps it’s the combination of destiny and dexterity that makes the game so compelling. We have found one of the best backgammon boards, at London leathergoods company Pickett...   lire >>

Just a short walk from St Martins Models, the famous Motor Books shop is an Aladdin’s cave for the keen motoring enthusiast. Among many rare titles is a signed copy of the book that lists every single event entered by Britain’s greatest living racing driver, Sir Stirling Moss...   lire >>

Many will be familiar with the Hamleys toy store on Regent Street, but to delight the inner child of a gentleman you’d do better taking a detour to the nearby St Martins Models in Cecil Court. Of all the delightful offerings, it’s a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Lucybelle II model which gives us that warm, Christmassy feeling...   lire >>

Most Lancia-lovers have a favourite coachbuilder, be it Zagato for the Fulvia, Pininfarina for the Flaminia or Bertone for creating the futuristic Stratos Zero. Likewise, any red-blooded gent will have an Italian movie diva favourite. Which model, asks Simon de Burton, has the ultimate combination of character and bodywork? You choose...   lire >>

Bringing new meaning to the expression ‘dry on the outside, warm on the inside’, the Malacca Flask umbrella not only keeps the rain off but, by virtue of its screw-in drinking flask, it also helps maintain the inner man in the most miserable London weather...   lire >>

For those travelling long distances away from base, luxury goods maker Alfred Dunhill has come up with a solution to that age-old problem, “How can I show the family holiday video to my friends, when they say their projector is packed away for the winter?”...   lire >>

You have been there. You have most certainly done it. And now you’ve got the hangover. What better way to shake off those seasonal, post-Christmas-party blues than with a pick-me-up Bloody Mary mixed in a Theo Fennell cocktail set?...   lire >>

Buying a watch as a present does not always show too much creativity, but this Rolex Explorer is something different. As an example from the late 1960s, the classic ‘action watch’ is for the man or woman who appreciates both the model’s understated styling and its performance in extreme conditions...   lire >>

The Barbour Heritage store just off London’s Carnaby Street stocks the famous British manufacturer’s most stylish lines...   lire >>

London gallery ‘Mach Schau’ has a fascinating photo of the Beatle George Harrison casually posing in front of his white Aston Martin DB5. It’d make the perfect Christmas addition to the garage of a tasteful collector, the office of an avid Beatles fan – or indeed, the Classic Driver office...   lire >>

Whether it’s a Jean-Paul Gaultier-designed stage outfit for Madonna, or one of Mick Jagger’s jumpsuits, there’s plenty to interest the avid enthusiast of the performing arts at the forthcoming Christie's sale, 'Pop Culture: Entertainment Memorabilia'...   lire >>

Gunter Sachs was the very personification of the word ‘playboy’, a man who lived life not just to the full – but to overflowing. By no means just a fun-loving ladies’ man, Sachs was a phenomenally successful industrialist, author, photographer, sportsman and film-maker, and among his many passions was his collection of pop art. Now, his top pieces are on display in Munich…   lire >>

Enrico Nardi was an influential figure in the history of the automobile. For over six decades, his hand-finished wood and alloy steering wheels have been synonymous with high-performance motoring...   lire >>

It’s all gone totally topless at Classic Driver. There’s the new Lamborghini Aventador roadster and this week’s review of the Ferrari California 30, so why should the Classic Life team miss out?...   lire >>

Christmas comes early this year for Louis Vuitton enthusiasts. The French luxury brand will release an updated version of its 2005 bestselling book ‘The Birth of Modern Luxury’ – just in time for the holiday season. With nearly 800 illustrations, the limited edition traces the impressive history of 'La Maison' from its formation in 1854, up to the present day.…   lire >>

Who else but luxury store Neiman Marcus could offer a travelling bourbon carrier, made of old bourbon whiskey casks and carrying enough of the American golden nectar to see the hardest drinker under the table?...   lire >>

While fashion giant H&M might be the best known of the Swedish fashion brands, there’s much more to the Scandinavian style scene than first meets the eye. Böle tannery and bespoke saddlemaker is a rare gem, offering a wide variety of handmade leather goods that definitely measure up to royal standards…   lire >>

When the US elects a new President, the world awaits the result with bated breath. Nowadays, we are used to political spin, image management and blanket coverage on social networks, but in 1960 a fresh-faced JFK made full use of his good looks, photogenic family and East Coast classic style...   lire >>

Just one year after the death of the man who made Apple one of the biggest companies in the world, the shipbuilder Feadship has finally completed the yacht that Steve Jobs spent the last six years of his life designing. Not unexpectedly, the vessel is based on a familiar minimalist design that most tech-watchers will instantly recognise...   lire >>

All tied up, roped and chained – this isn’t how you expect to see your favourite film stars. But then again, ‘Hollywood Bound’ is not your ordinary coffee table book either. This photographic guide will take you on a captivating journey (in a literal sense) through the history of film bondage… …   lire >>

Jaguar's ‘Concept Speedboat’ not only replicates the sleek design language of the manufacturer’s contemporary cars, but also name-checks some notable Jaguars of yesteryear in its list of inspirations...   lire >>

After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, you might need a little break to recharge your batteries. However, don’t follow Bing Crosby and Bob Hope on the road to Morocco – find your way to Dar Ahlam, or the ‘House of Dreams’, instead...   lire >>

All this talk of the 2013 Range Rover and its state-of-the-art Terrain Response system is a world away from February 1967, when Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards decided to take his S3 Bentley Continental Flying Spur - known as ‘Blue Lena’ - on a trip to North Africa...   lire >>

Phillips de Pury will be holding an 8 November photographic sale; while at the Tate Modern, the photography of William Klein and Daido Moriyama is on show until early January 2013...   lire >>

Whether in small harbours such as St Tropez or Monte Carlo, or on the Italian Lakes, the exclusive powerboats built by Carlo Riva define the long-faded glamour of the 1960s. Even today, some 50 years on, a Riva symbolises power, wealth and style...   lire >>

You can hardly have failed to notice that the world-famous spy James Bond has a big birthday coming up - and to commemorate the occasion, a German publishing house is launching a 600-page tribute to 007’s adventures on the silver screen…   lire >>

In this short video, Porsche Design chief Roland Heiler discusses the very first PD product – a watch from 1973 – and reflects on its simplicity and functionality...   lire >>

Ever wished you could take the styling of your favourite Mercedes and translate it for use in your home décor? Well, now you can. The German auto giant is making its way into the living room, by launching its first ever furniture collection...   lire >>

Last week, we brought you news that an ultra-rare Hawker Hurricane from World War II is to be auctioned by Bonhams this December. This week, we’ve gone one better: take a look at our exclusive video of the deadly fighter in action with a serving RAF pilot at the controls...   lire >>

In addition to being an architect and designer, Le Corbusier was also an accomplished trendsetter of his time. The great artist was famous for his signature dark suits, horn-rimmed glasses - and bow ties. If still alive today, we think the handmade ties from Smith Brand Bow Ties might have appealed to his sense of style...   lire >>

Who hasn’t ever fancied himself as the ‘King of Cool’? Now’s your chance to ape Steve McQueen’s legendary style by bidding on one of his race jackets next month. As with anything carrying the McQueen DNA, it’s sure to break records – and we have the figures to prove it...   lire >>

The 1970s was not only the decade of disco and low-riding flares, but also the golden age of imaginative concept cars. The newly-released coffee table book ‘70s Concept Cars‘ will take you on a ride back in time, to the world of cars that never were…   lire >>

We all know how difficult it is to obtain an entry to the Goodwood Revival. On the race track, that is. But historic aeroplanes are just as important to the magic of the Revival and, this December, Bonhams will offer a WW2 Hawker Hurricane - ideal for flying into what was once a Battle of Britain airfield...   lire >>

Wherever would coffee house literati be without them: signature, Thonet 'Chair 214's in steam-formed beech? Using the same process, the young, London-based designer Andy Martin has now created a concept road bicycle inspired by this icon of design...   lire >>

Many of us have an image in our minds of what our sunglasses represent and how we want to look when wearing them. This November will see the release of ’50 Shades’, a coffee table book devoted entirely to the art of looking cool in sunglasses - and who better to show us how it’s done than the legendary stars of the 20th Century...   lire >>

At the Christie’s James Bond anniversary auction in London, the sensational price of £44,450 was paid for Bond’s svelte blue swimming trunks. Another surprise was the final bid on the Bond watch – a staggering £157,250...   lire >>

What do Le Corbusier, Aristotle Onassis and Yves Saint Laurent have in common? Power? Wealth? Well, yes, but also their over-sized, horn-rimmed glasses – arguably their fashion trademark. Since the 1930s, French eyewear boutique Maison Bonnet has provided the great and the good of the world with exclusive, handmade spectacles...   lire >>

Architect, urban planner, sculptor and designer – Le Corbusier is arguably one of the most important artists of the 20th Century. This year marks the 125th anniversary of his birth and, to celebrate, we thought we'd take a closer look at some of his more fascinating designs....   lire >>

The name Le Corbusier is synonymous with minimalist and futuristic architecture – he created modern apartment buildings and even influenced entire cities. Whether in art, design or architecture, he strove for absolute perfection; an aim that can also be seen in his small car concept ‘Voiture Minimum’...   lire >>

Renowned watchmaker Girard-Perregaux is celebrating the Le Corbusier anniversary by dedicating a limited-edition series of timepieces to the great Swiss designer: the Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier Trilogy...   lire >>

Le Corbusier’s creativity didn’t end at the sixtieth floor of his tower blocks; the controversial, multi-talented artist also provided the world with some radical furniture designs. Such as the LC4 Chaise Longue, or the ‘Rest Machine’...   lire >>

Think a full-face helmet isn't cool? Well, now there’s no need to compromise your style for safety – Les Ateliers Ruby has answered the prayers of Café Racer enthusiasts and launched the Castel, offering a suave approach to head protection...   lire >>

‘Le Corbusier – Furniture and Interiors’ offers an insight into the life and career of this extraordinary designer...   lire >>

The people at Sotheby’s must be rubbing their hands with glee. The New York auction house has secured two remarkable paintings for its upcoming November art sales - a Picasso and a 1954 Mark Rothko, that together could sell for as much as $70 million...   lire >>

Here’s some interesting news for those of you who thought Mercedes-Benz only builds sleek, high-performance road cars - the German automaker has teamed up with Silver Arrows Marine to create a luxurious, 46-foot motor yacht, set to sail the seas in 2013...   lire >>

Two Patek watches for the price of one? Surely not. It sounds like the sort of offer made by the manufacturers of forged watches – not the genuine items. And yet the Sotheby’s watch sale in Hong Kong in October includes the chance to buy one of history’s outstanding timepieces: the famous double-faced Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon...   lire >>

Keen to host the perfect cocktail party – or to learn how to impress a lady or important client with just one drink? The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails will teach you this and much more, with a step-by-step guide to get you drinking like a 'Mad Man' in no time…   lire >>

With the 007 memorabilia auction just around the corner, we thought we'd share a few more peeks of the spy-related curiosities going on sale. Among the items set to draw a lot of attention is a pair of cufflinks – perfect for the Bond enthusiast wanting to make a fashion statement...   lire >>

The Chedi Andermatt – a five-star hotel set in the heart of the Swiss Alps – is well on its way to becoming Europe’s next hotspot for jetsetters. Recently, a fully furnished mock-up room was unveiled to give future guests a glimpse of what awaits them, once the finishing touches have been made and the hotel is ready to open its doors...   lire >>

Old rockers would struggle to believe it, but the wax cotton motorcycle jacket - once famous for being smelly, dirty and unwashable - has now been elevated to aristocratic heights following a deal between Lord March and Belstaff which will see the launch of an entire range of Goodwood-inspired clothing in the spring of 2013...   lire >>

Fancy a piece of American crime history? Well, here’s an offer you can’t refuse. A pocket pistol once carried by the legendary mob boss Al ‘Scarface’ Capone is going to auction, alongside more than 100 unique, gangster-related pieces in a New Hampshire sale on 30 September...   lire >>

The Aston Martin DBS may be the top attraction at the upcoming auction marking the 50th anniversary of 007, but there are several other spy-related items going under the hammer: for instance, a set of original 'Thunderball' film posters...   lire >>

If you thought ‘The Godfather’ was a captivating portrayal of the inner workings of the Mafia, wait till you get your hands on this large-format gangster book: ‘Historic Photos of Chicago Crime’ offers a riveting overview of the dramatic past of the ‘Windy City’…   lire >>

Since the very first Revival in 1998, one of the many runaway successes has been the way spectators fully embrace the spirit of the meeting by dressing in period costume...   lire >>

All you wannabe secret agents and spies out there – here is your opportunity to acquire some astonishing gear for your collections, as Christie’s will be selling some unique James Bond memorabilia in London later this month.   lire >>

Have you noticed how racing drivers – just like policemen – seem to get younger every year? Well, hold onto your bus passes and prepare for a shock, because this month’s Goodwood Revival (14-16 September) welcomes a new race event called the Settrington Cup...   lire >>

Finding it difficult to navigate through the jungle of newly released books? Not to worry. Starting from today, we will be presenting a weekly book review to help you build the ultimate library, fit for a classic gentleman. A book that definitely deserves shelf space is the Louis Vuitton World Tour travel book, containing an astonishing selection of vintage hotel luggage labels and anecdotes...   lire >>

Fans of the 1930s Hollywood legend Greta Garbo will finally get an insight into the life of the fiercely private actress. Hundreds of items belonging to the ‘Divine Garbo’, including designer clothing, an LV steamer trunk and the bed she slept in, will go under the hammer in a dazzling Beverly Hills sale later this year...   lire >>

Now dedicated fans of the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway have the chance to own a peculiar piece of literary history – a fishing bag that accompanied the great American author on his adventures at sea is set to cross the auction block at Bonhams in New York next month...   lire >>

Forget walk-in closets. A world-travelled wardrobe trunk is the new must-have for any sophisticated vintage lover looking for an exceptional storage solution. And an exclusive Louis Vuitton portable closet will go under the hammer at Bonhams later this month...   lire >>

Sotheby’s is gearing itself up for some serious auction action, as three exceptional Andy Warhol screenprints inspired by Edvard Munch are set to go under the hammer later this month. If you’re looking for a unique item to add 'wow factor' to the living room – well, here’s your chance...   lire >>

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary spa experience? Look no further. A mid-century ferryboat in Montreal has been transformed into a floating relaxation centre, worthy of any serious spa lover's attention. Here guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, while getting pampered to the lulling movements of the St Lawrence River...   lire >>

It was Mark Twain who championed the idea of 'lies, damned lies and statistics' - but, according to the figures, the 10 most collectable single malt Scotch whiskies rocketed in value by 400 per cent between 2008 and 2011...   lire >>

All boxing fans, ahoy! This is your chance to grab some fascinating sports memorabilia: the American boxing icon Evander Holyfield is auctioning off several championship trophies, along with personal items from his career, in a Beverly Hills blowout sale. Even the boxing great's 1984 Olympic medal will go under the hammer...   lire >>

Here is some news that will get devoted Elvis Presley fans all shook up. A Bible, owned by the 'King' himself, complete with his handwritten notes inside, goes to auction next month – along with more than 100 lots of rare Elvis memorabilia...   lire >>

Nothing is more symbolic of Paris than the Eiffel Tower – but have you ever thought of owning a piece of 'The Iron Lady'? If so, your wish could come true next month, when the furnishings once used in the famous restaurant atop the monumental landmark go to auction...   lire >>

What better way to celebrate the 125th birthday of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, than by toasting the venue with a sweet, sparkling ‘Singapore Sling’? Try mixing it up yourself – we have the original recipe for you here...   lire >>

The famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore has been around for a while – but even at the ripe old age of 125, the colonial-style building continues to be a hot spot for globetrotters with a taste for ‘Sing Slings’. A visit to the hotel is a step back in time, to a bygone era when the Raffles was the favourite hangout of dazzling Hollywood stars such as Liz Taylor and Charlie Chaplin...   lire >>

Transfer West London’s No-Hi, hipster vibe to the English countryside for three days in August and you have ‘Wilderness’ 2012...   lire >>

With so much going on at this year’s Goodwood Revival, visitors will hardly have time to sleep. But when it’s time to hit the hay, what could be more convenient than a cozy accommodation option in the very heart of the Goodwood Estate?..   lire >>

Here’s a real treat for traditionalists: the Swiss Hickory Championship Days St. Moritz/Engadine, to be held on 17-19 August. For those sadly lacking in historical golfing knowledge, this is the original form of the game and the Championship is played with historic clubs, gutta-percha balls – and in traditional dress, no less...   lire >>

It’s one of America’s most haunting crime stories: four members of a Kansas family brutally murdered - a crime that inspired Truman Capote to write his novel 'In Cold Blood'. Now, over 50 years later, a cache of never-before-published material related to the case is to be auctioned...   lire >>

Although next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the death of President John F Kennedy, the ‘American royal family’ continues to fascinate the world...   lire >>

The Classic Driver editorial team is game for anything. So, when BMW said “Would you like to drive a 5 Series GT to Venice?” we didn't hesitate. Now, after many kilometres in the Munich ‘space shuttle’, we understand the car better; and we've learnt a lot about hand-made ballet pumps, too...   lire >>

Even the elevator music is highly sophisticated at this luxurious Amsterdam hotel. And it's not confined to the elevator, in keeping with the history of this landmark building that once housed the Sweelinck music conservatorium...   lire >>

This will take a few tubes of glue. Hertfordshire-based company Evanta has produced the ultimate scale model Aston Martin. It’s a one-to-one replica of the famous DBR1...   lire >>

Playing on the allure of classic design and modernity, boutique computer manufacturer Cottin Paris has created a special little memory device to help you transfer your files in style...   lire >>

Here is something to help you jump-start junior’s passion for classic automobiles – American custom car specialist Rad Rides by Troy has constructed a pedal-powered version of the legendary '32 Ford Roadster which is to be auctioned off later this month...   lire >>

The long-awaited 23rd instalment of the James Bond series is almost upon us – so take a look at the official trailer to see what’s in store for Daniel Craig’s character this time...   lire >>

With electric bikes proving increasingly popular, these high-tech modes of transport are fast becoming the latest 'must have'. The Faraday Porteur is the newest e-bike to take the world of cycling by storm...   lire >>

French luxury brand Moynat is celebrating the art of gracious living by launching an ingenious bicycle trunk, fitted out with all the essentials for a classic picnic in the park...   lire >>

Traditional board games are right on trend at the moment, with renowned brands launching exclusive versions of common coffee table games. Fashion giants Gucci and Hermès are the latest in line to offer treats for luxury lovers with a fine intellect...   lire >>

Conventional showers and bathtubs move aside; the horizontal shower from Dornbracht is here. Now it’s possible to wash away the stress of a hard day’s work – while lying down...   lire >>

Japanese distillery Suntory will release a special-edition blended whisky to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Rolling Stones. But with only 150 bottles produced, it might be difficult for the fans to get their sticky fingers on the good stuff...   lire >>

The new Octo by Bulgari is based on a design by the legendary Gérald Genta, the name Octo deriving from the eight-sided case....   lire >>

As modern celebrity scandals go, it's pretty tame – but when it emerged in 1952 that a hard-up Marilyn Monroe had posed nude for a calendar shoot three years earlier, her bosses at 20th Century Fox said: "Deny everything"...   lire >>

Richard Mille, owner of the world-famous luxury watch company, talked to Classic Driver at the Le Mans Classic, an event he has sponsored since its inception...   lire >>

Thousands of fragments of broadcasting history – ranging from entire studios to a picture of Sir Paul McCartney broadcasting live to fans in Russia – are to go under the hammer in a gigantic online auction...   lire >>

Luxury pen maker Montblanc has stayed true to its 20-year tradition by launching a new piece to complement the Writers Edition series. This year, the brand pays tribute to one of history’s greatest authors, the master of satire and the creator of Gulliver’s Travels: Jonathan Swift...   lire >>

Finally, a boutique hotel to tickle the taste buds of even the most demanding wine-lovers. With its mix of traditional Portuguese wine-making, natural beauty and understated luxury, L’and is the ideal setting for a relaxed getaway. Here, guests can enjoy literally sleeping under the stars, with the Alentejo night sky just one button press away...   lire >>

Since 2007, the boffins at Cartier have been striving to design a watch which reflects the world's current obsession with energy efficiency – and the result is the just-unveiled iD Two concept piece...   lire >>

The most famous secret agent in the world is charming, stylish and as ready with a witty word as he is with his Walther PPK. He’s Bond, James Bond, and there’s a new exhibition in London dedicated to the man...   lire >>

The legendary British car manufacturer is about to conquer the world of cycling by launching a ’superbike’. As the name implies, the limited-edition One-77 cycle is a two-wheeled take on the luxurious Aston Martin One-77 sports car...   lire >>

The newest member of the Riva family makes its splashy debut just in time for the yachtmaker's 170th anniversary celebration – and it promises to be sporty, sociable and a pleasure to captain...   lire >>

Simon de Burton describes how Riva has become a legend in the world of luxury boating - and an essential gentleman's accessory...   lire >>

Simon de Burton thinks Dreweatts' London sale on 10 July looks like a good candidate for a Lovejoy-style 'raid'. Particularly if you're partial to a good single malt…   lire >>

Luxury watch-maker Scalfaro has collaborated with the renowned engineer Giotto Bizzarrini (mastermind of the Ferrari 250 GTO), to create a limited series of hand-crafted Swiss timepieces featuring original material from the ex-Ecurie Francorchamps GTO, chassis no. 3757GT...   lire >>

Wood might be one of the most primitive materials, but it can also be used to demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship. It stands out in today’s world of generic plastics and carbonfibre, and Haydanhuya is using it to hand-craft cases, bags – and even wallets...   lire >>

For some years now, Apple has had a near-monopoly on the tablet computer market. Now, arch-rival Microsoft has launched its interpretation of a handheld screen – named ‘Surface’ and presented in stylish black...   lire >>

We Brits have got a lot to shout about this summer. Last week it was the turn of the Capital’s centre of men’s fashion, Savile Row, to wave the Union Jack with gusto...   lire >>

I just knew I had something in common with the 17th Century Sultan of Morocco. I, too, have stayed at Villa d’Este, and have now seen and enjoyed its out-of-this-world “reported splendours”...   lire >>

Bags, champagne, watches and many other luxury goods are combined under the roof of the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. Now, Louis Vuitton has opened a small, and hence all the more exclusive, boutique hotel in St. Tropez...   lire >>

Aspiring supervillains take note: a secret submarine station – formerly a Norwegian Navy base capable of withstanding a nuclear assault, and now ripe for transformation into a megalomaniac’s lair – has come up for sale for the equivalent of £11.3m...   lire >>

They sure are. And it’s most likely to be the dealers and artists’ agents handling the multi-million-Swiss-franc pieces at one of the most important art fairs in the world: Art Basel...   lire >>

Now in its 32nd year, the London Map Fair will once again be held at that most appropriate of locations, the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington...   lire >>

Here’s something new from the Bamford Watch Department: the watch specialist from London has unveiled an Americana and military-themed collection devoted to two great comic-strip heroes: Beetle Bailey and Popeye the Sailor.   lire >>

It really is just as they show it in the adverts: Patek Philippe ownership is very much a ‘family’ thing, handed down through the generations. This video, released before Monday’s sale which realised $14m, tells us more about renowned Patek collector Henry Graves Jnr. and his grandson Reginald H. Fullerton...   lire >>

They’ve clearly been wielding the yard-broom down at the film lots. Later this month, Bonhams will offer over 400 pieces of film memorabilia as varied as Elvis Presley's meerschaum pipe and Rocky’s boxing gloves...   lire >>

British sculptor Chris Gilmour has shunned the use of precious materials to construct this DB5 replica, opting instead for his trademark textile: corrugated cardboard...   lire >>

Instead of standing for ‘Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach’, in this case the letters ‘AMG’ represent ‘Analog Manufaktur Germany’, a Bavarian company dedicated to making some of the best audio equipment in the world...   lire >>

Motoring logos don't come much more exclusive than that of the Automobile Club de Monaco. The design, depicting a period steering wheel on a background of the Principality's heraldic colours of red and white and topped by a coronet, is available to buy in the forms of a car badge, a pair of cufflinks or a patch for the breast pocket of your blazer – but only if you're a paid-up member...   lire >>

The golden boy of Formula 1, Jenson Button is widely regarded as a quick-witted and humorous man, as well as a World Championship-winning driver. Classic Driver contributor Gisbert Brunner talked to the 32-year-old racing star at Monaco… about watches...   lire >>

While the digital revolution has made taking a photo that much easier, modern cameras don’t offer quite the same sense of occasion as capturing the moment with a classic rangefinder. Ilott Vintage aims to change this by refurbishing mid-century cameras and replacing worn-out leather with tasteful wood veneer...   lire >>

‘Paul Newman’ Rolex Daytona sells for HK$375,000 in Hong Kong

An early Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, more commonly referred to as a ‘Paul Newman’ model, sold for the sterling equivalent of £31,000 at Bonhams’ 26 May, Hong Kong auction...   lire >>

Mille Miglia Chrono GMT 2012: One watch for 1000 miles

This is the latest ‘Mille Miglia’ watch from Chopard, a brand associated with the retrospective event since 1988...   lire >>

P’9981: Blackberry by Porsche Design

The Blackberry is the workhorse of mobile phones. Conceived as a mobile workplace, the Blackberry is chosen by millions to deal with their e-mails, text messages and business phone calls. But it’s never been known for its thrilling design. That could be about to change...   lire >>

Hublot to be new official Ferrari watchmaker

During the 2011 Ferrari World Finals at Mugello today, 5 November, Hublot and Ferrari announced a long-term strategic partnership which will officially start on 1 January 2012...   lire >>