Edition 02/2009 49.938 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
In a week somewhat short on 'classic' news, I'd like to move slightly off–piste to draw your attention to one of our 'Classic Life' stories, the Métisse Desert Racer motorcycle. What a machine.
Drawing on the magic of the Steve McQueen legend, the two–wheeler is an authentic replica of the film star's own bike and is beautifully hand–built in England using reconditioned original, or reproduction, parts.
It's a concept that has been tried and tested in the automotive world, with some truly excellent GT40s such as the Gulf and Alan Mann Racing versions we experienced last year. And modern volume manufacturers — particularly in the USA — have tapped this seemingly insatiable appetite for nostalgia, too.
The latest Ford Shelby GT500 is one such. Despite being an all–new design, like the Métisse Desert Racer it will have its inherent flaws and could not live with a similarly priced Porsche Cayman or Corvette on the track. However, from a 'pride of ownership' viewpoint, and the chance to enliven a simple everyday journey, they take some beating.
Now where did I store my Belstaff Trialmaster...
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Audi Sportback Concept Impresses in DetroitA vision of the futureOne of the highlights of the NAIAS came from Audi. Clearly previewing the company's styling and engineering direction, the five–door features graceful lines, a new, 'clean' 3.0-litre TDI engine and the promise of outstanding performance. read more... |
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New Mercedes-Benz E–ClassSafety, comfort and economyThe new E–Class, claims Mercedes, offers a benchmark for 'safety, comfort and environmental compatibility'. Safety first, as they say, and here we have such features as Attention Assist (which comes as standard), along with the option of Adaptive High Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking. read more... |
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Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary MeetingSilverstone, 8-9 August 2009To celebrate its 60th year of racing at Silverstone, the Bentley Drivers Club is holding its first ever two–day meeting. read more... |
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New Ford Shelby GT500 Launched at the 2009 NAIAS'King of the Road'Strictly speaking, the latest performance version of Ford's facelifted Mustang is simply a 'GT500', rather than a 'KR'. However, making full use of engineering lessons learnt from the outgoing 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR, the new car is the fastest GT500 yet. read more... |
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Jaguar XFR and XKR Unveiled at DetroitTwo new Jaguar models were revealed at the Detroit Auto Show this week. Most exciting for performance enthusiasts is the XFR, powered by a 510bhp supercharged V8 with acceleration from 0–60mph in just 4.7 seconds. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Métisse Desert Racer: Built for Steve McQueenSteve McQueen's legendary motorcycle leap over the fence of a prisoner–of–war camp in the film The Great Escape is an image not easily forgotten. Now, Métisse Motorcycles has created a limited production run of the film star's own bike. read more... |
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Hublot Big Bang Ayrton Senna: Part IISwiss watchmaker Hublot has launched a successor to its 2007 Ayrton Senna Big Bang watch. As before, part of the sales revenue will be donated to the Instituto Ayrton Senna. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 Black Series
colour Calcite White |
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We are delighted to be able to offer this stunning and unique example for sale. Finished in Calcite White with Black Interior, complete with AMG Racing Seats Trimmed in Black Leather and Grey Alcantara with stitched AMG Logo to Headrest — cost for these was £3,000.
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BramleyTown/City: Bramley, UK |
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CLASSIC
Porsche 356 B Coupe
colour Aetna Blue |
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For the Porsche enthusiast who seeks a very usable example of the marque, we offer a 1961 Porsche 356B coupe. It has recently benefited from a re–spray in our workshop in the correct Aetna Blue (740). You will also find a renewed interior, with new headliner, dashboard covering and front seat covers. On the mechanical side, this very solid example has received a complete engine tune–up and an overhauling of the brake hydraulic system.
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Vintage Auto CollectiblesTown/City: |
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SPORTING
Ferrari F 40 LM
colour Red |
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1 of only 19 ever built! Excellent condition. With eligibility for the Ferrari Historics these will surely increase in value as they have been in recent years.
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Euro-ClassicsTown/City: Carmel, CA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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11.01. — 25.01. North American International Auto Show, Detroit, USA |
SERVICE
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