Editorial

So Porsche have released pictures of the latest version of the 911, in Porsche-speak ‘Type 997’. Available from July this year the new model appears to move slightly backwards in styling, at least to the 993 shape with echoes of much earlier cars, and even the delectable slatted boot of the Carrera Abarth. In your editor’s eyes the last, outgoing 996 was just slightly too anodyne in its regular form - and a bit tarty as an ‘S’ or Turbo. It’s nice to see the dash has reverted to a simpler, more ‘classic’, design from the stylised one we have at present. One of the greatest things about the new car is that 911 ownership is still available at (reasonably) reasonable money; from 75,200 Euro in mainland Europe, and not a lot more for RHD UK cars with a likely higher spec.

It won’t be at the forthcoming British Motorshow though so we’ll have to wait a little longer for the full picture, and next year it will be up against the Aston Martin AMV8. A showdown worth waiting for.

Talking Newport Pagnell, you can read the report on the Aston auction below, it’s interesting to see some sizeable prices achieved for restoration cars, when complete, running examples can be had for far less than the cost of even getting the project on the go. A fantastic example of that phenomenon was the component parts of a 1966 Ferrari 275GTB sold at Hendon recently for nearly £200,000 including VAT. Potential racing provenance aside, with restoration this is going to be a nigh-on £400,000 car when completed, so someone is either reading the market with optimism - or just revelling in the experience that is the total restoration project.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER

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PREMIUM OFFERS

Ferrari 'Dino' 246GT

First registered 26/04/73. Originally Gold with black leather, became red in 1984. V5's show 3 previous owners since Nov 1976. Prior to that five more. Restored by Maranello Concessionaires in the middle of 1987, with all the bills to substatiate( £11.000 then). Same owner who restored it kept it until 1998, always serviced by Maranello. Extensive history files, in magnificent condition with the original owners manual and tool roll. Excellent value.

Colour Rosso
Interior colour Nero
Drive RHD
Year 1973
Mileage 139.530 km / 86.700 m
Chassis No. 6090

Price 49.995 GBP

Dealership:

Nick Cartwright Specialist Cars
Unit 3&4 Brookfield Park, Tansley, Derby DE4 5FY

P hone +44 (0) 1629 56999


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Lola T212 ex-Helmut Marko

original racing history

Cosworth BDA Engine with Lucas Fuel Injection and a Hewland FT200 5-speed gearbox. Ex-Helmut Marko Championship car. Zero-hours on freshly rebuilt engine. Spare set of factory original doors, wheel tools, headlight covers and additional fuel equipment. This car is complete with the original two-seat style FIA molded inner body work. Unlike most examples, it has not been modified or stripped-out. Car still retains functional headlights making it eligible for both US races as well as FIA-sanctioned European events. One of the finest and most original early Lola Sports Racers we have seen. Please call or email for additional information and history.


Colour Red/White
Year 1971
Chassis No. HU 23

Dealership:

Symbolic Motor Car Company
7440 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, California 92037 - 5029, USA

Phone +1-858-454 1800


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Bonhams Auction, Les Grandes Marques a Monaco
15th May 2004

Grand Prix de Pau Historiques, France
22nd - 23rd May 2004

Barons Classic Auction, Sandown Park, Esher, UK
25th May

5th Rallye de Princesses, France
30th May - 4th June 2004

2nd Three Castles Welsh Trial
5th - 8th June 2004

International Bugatti Rally of 2004, UK
20th - 26th June 2004

see further event details

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