Editorial

Hot on the heels of Porsche’s 2003 celebration of its 40 years of 911 production come two significant 50th anniversaries in 2004, both of which with very strong North American connections.

It’s fifty years since Mercedes-Benz launched the ground-breaking 300SL ‘Gullwing’ at the New York International Motor Sports Show, the model’s introduction being partly at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman in order to capitalise on the competition success of the earlier 1952 racing cars at Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. The result was the majority of Gullwing coupés finding their way to the States and Hoffman building on this by asking Stuttgart to produce an open version of the car - which they did in 1957. The roadster of course selling in far higher numbers than the coupé, and both models becoming automotive icons.

Compare this very Teutonic, methodical approach of producing two versions of one car targeted at the American market with that of Ferrari, who celebrate their half-century of delivering GT cars to the USA this year. The various permutations of body, engine and nomenclature that the Maranello company used for its North American export cars in the 50s and early 60s has equally baffled and delighted enthusiasts of the marque ever since. It’s now Ferrari’s biggest market but going back fifty years a trickle of exquisite, big-engined ‘America’, and the superlative ‘Superamerica’, cars were sent to discerning clients Stateside. The term ‘America’ is redolent of the biggest V12 possible mated to expansive bodywork by Pinin Farina or Touring and delivered to a wealthy US clientele. Ferrari has taken this anniversary to premiere its fabulous 612 Scaglietti to the world – a car very much in the tradition of American Ferraris past. How about following the precedent created by Aston Martin (with its DBAR1 Roadster) of making a US-only version, perhaps also a (full) convertible, with an even bigger motor titled ‘Superamerica’?

We carry the first approximation from the organisers of the 2004 Classic Le Mans of this year’s likely entry and very good it looks too. With an extra half day’s closed circuit practice for the competitors, as well as an additional grid for later cars and a move to a July slot with its milder weather and longer hours of daytime, the race is shaping up to be another ‘must-do’ event, perhaps even at the expense of the June meeting proper. Needless to say, Classic Driver will be on hand to report on the event in detail should you not be able to make it.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

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Bentley Special Le Mans Eight

Beaulieu Garage is pleased to announce its appointment as UK and European agents for Racing Green Engineering’s new Le Mans Eight Tourer.
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Whilst it retains all the looks and proportions of the original Speed Six. Known to be W.O.Bentley's favourite car, it has the advantages of uprated brakes and suspension, making it a delight to drive.
A new dedicated showroom is under construction for our first demonstrator due in January.
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Hand built by craftsmen to the highest standards, using traditional methods and materials, the Le Mans Eight is a faithful and detailed recreation of one of the most evocative sports racing cars ever produced - The Bentley Speed Six. A car built around a re-worked and lengthened Bentley Mark Six chassis, utilising its original running gear to ensure that the balance and integrity of this fine chassis is not compromised. The powerhouse is a rebuilt straight eight Bentley engine, slightly modified, breathing through four period SU carburettors. The ash framed, aluminium panelled body, constructed to the dimensions and proportions of the original coachwork, is covered in the traditional green leather cloth and complimented by green leather upholstery. Weather protection is provided by a double-duck hood and full length tonneau. Period instrumentation, set into a machine turned aluminium dashboard completes the nostalgic feel of the interior. Let your ultimate dream become a reality with the Racing Green Engineering Le Mans Eight - a truly unique experience.

colour British Racing Green
interior colour Green
drive RHD
type Cabrio / Roadster

price P.O.R.

Dealership:

Beaulieu Garage
Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7YE, United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0) 1590 612999

see all details

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Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

IMMACULATE ONE OWNER CAR FOUR CAM V-12 ENGINE, TOUCHTRONIC TRANSMISSION, FACTORY SPORTS EXHAUST SYSTEM, BOOKS, TOOLS


colour British Racing Green
interior colour Tan
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year 2000
mileage 20.921 km / 13.000 m

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Dealership:

Heritage Classics
8980 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood California 90069, USA

Phone +1-310-657 9699

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Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
23-24th January 2004

Barons Classic, Collectors, Thoroughbred and Sports Car Auction, Esher UK
2-3rd February 2004

Christie’s Sale at Retromobile, Paris, France
14th February 2004

Retromobile, Paris, France
13-22nd February 2004

International Historic Motorsport Show 2004, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, UK
20-22nd February 2004

H&H Classic Auctions, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, UK
21st February 2004

Bonhams Auction, RAF Museum, Hendon, UK
1st March 2004

see further event details

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