Editorial

If Mercedes having to bill-board advertise its last series of 'run-out' SLs in the UK was considered something of a shock, coming as it did from a company so wedded to the idea of glacial delivery times for its more sought after models, then the announcement this week of the Stuttgart company producing a limited edition of the new SL, the 'Mille Miglia', is even more surprising. Once the preserve of the mass market manufacturer, adding 'Spice', 'Zest' or 'Red Pepper' to some mundane euro-hatch, it was usually a way to shift a few more units to meet manufacturer sales targets.

One can only assume M-B are hoping to inject a bit of life into the V6 version of a range universally acclaimed for its fire-breathing V8 models, having a pricing structure whereby most potential buyers in this bracket are unlikely to opt for the economy version.

On a separate note I see they have used the red 'Mille Miglia' arrow logo on the car, together with an outline of the course on each headrest. Questions of taste apart in this application, I am a big fan of exclusive badges on cars, the sort of ones money simply cannot buy. Top of the list would have to be the BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club), closely followed by SMTC (St Moritz Tobogganing Club). The Nurburgring outline one is also good; if a bit easily obtained.

No, the Mercedes you want your red arrow badge on is a battered old T-Model - with a Maserati 450S on the trailer.

Steve Wakefield
Managing Editor

This week in Classic Driver

CAR OF THE WEEK

BMW 5 Series 2003

Larger and more spacious then its successful predecessor, BMW’s new for 2003 5 Series model is nevertheless lighter, due to the extensive use of aluminium in its construction, and bristles with technological features usually only seen in a 7 Series...

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NEWS

Porsche Carrera GT debuted at Monaco GP

A premiere in Monaco: the new high-performance sportscar Porsche Carrera GT appeared for the first time on the road before a huge audience. Michael Hölscher, as the overall project leader, was set to drive the mid-engined roadster once around the Grand Prix track immediately before the Supercup race last Sunday. The Carrera GT was then set to lead the field on the formation lap around the traditional street circuit...

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Porsche to build 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has lit the touchpaper for the next level of its model offensive: in October, the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet will hit the road – the first open sports car of this type...

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Mercedes announces special 'Mille Miglia' SL350

Mercedes-Benz presents an exclusive new special-edition model of the 180-kW/245-hp SL 350 recalling the legendary Italian car race, the Mille Miglia. The new model will be offered in a limited production series of only twelve units...

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EVENTS

ASTONishing Race Entry for AMOC Silverstone June 28 2003

The AMOC’s St John Horsfall race meeting at Silverstone on 28 June promises to be the season’s best, attracting a selection of the ultimate historic racing Astons from the marque’s golden era of the 50’s and early 60’s...

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Coppa Milano-Sanremo 2003

A great show on four wheels for over four hundred kilometres: this was the first historic revival of the Coppa Milano-Sanremo, organized by MAC Events and Meet National Point under the auspice of the Automobile Club of Milan, the first organizer of this event from 1906 until 1973...

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AUCTIONS

16th June 2003 Christie's at the Jack Barclay Showroom

McLaren’s F1 is a rare machine, seen at auction about as frequently as it is on the road. On 16th June Christie’s are selling a 1994 example in blue, with just over 10,000 kms on the clock and extensive history at Woking in 2000 to upgrade and improve its already stellar specification...

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PREMIUM OFFERS

Aston Martin Vantage Volante SWB

6 speed

The last model of the Coachbuilt Aston Martin cars from Newport Pagnell, the Vantage Volante SWB (Short Wheelbase) was restricted to an issue of 8 cars only.

Never formally announced all eight build slots were quickly snapped-up by long term Aston Martin customers.

Individually specified to the owners requirements and tastes they represent the final realisation, of the craftsman's art in the building of motor cars.

Serious collectors are invited to contact us for more details of this superb car.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A HI-RESOLUTION PHOTO GALLERY OF THIS CAR


colour Cumberland Grey
interior colour Smoke Green
drive LHD
type Cabrio / Roadster
mileage 16 km / 10 m
year 2000
mileage 7.000 km / 4.350 m
price P.O.R.
country United Kingdom


Dealership:



Nicholas Mee & Company Ltd

Phone: +44 (0)20 8741 8822

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Bentley R-type Continental D-Series Manual 4.9 litre

To Be Auctioned June 15, Sydney, Australia

This fine example (one of very few in Australia) was delivered by H.R. Owen Ltd on 16.3.55 to Lady Hogg in the U.K. in Silver with red trim, the colours it retains to this day. We understand BC59D was restored in the late 1980s in the U.K. when the opportunity was taken to install air-conditioning, which has been done unobtrusively without altering the original appearance of the instrument panel. These cars have always been at the forefront in terms of collectibility, and prices have steadily risen over the years, due in part because only 207 were produced, of which about 170 are thought to survive. This is a very rare opportunity to join the select group of world-wide enthusiasts who treasure these cars, in its most desirable D-series form.


Est: AUS$220,000 - $270,000

colour Silver
interior Maroon
drive RHD
type Saloon
year 1955
Cassis No. B.C.59D
Engine No. BCD26
Price estimate: 88.243 - 108.298 GB
country Australia

Dealership:



Goodmans Auction 15th June 2003 Sydney

Phone: +61 2 9327 7311

see all details

see further event details

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