Edition 07/2009 49.954 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
There's one big story this week: the new Rolls–Royce 200EX. The British company has released details of what it refers to as an 'experimental' car and has confirmed that the four–door will be on show at Geneva in a week or so's time.
And even better than that, it's likely to be in the showrooms next year, being very much production–ready, as were all recent 'EX' Goodwood Rolls. I like it very much. The designers have managed to retain the styling elements of the Phantom, yet packaged them into more wieldy, everyday dimensions.
As with its larger sibling, 200EX also has an air of Rolls' past, and mixes it with futuristic elements such as the interior and dash. There's no name yet, although most pundits fancy a 'Silver' prefix and the company can choose from its rich heritage for the completion. It's also widely considered to be in the £175,000 range, so will make the case for cars such as the risible Maybach even weaker.
A little further down the scale (or perhaps, 'up the hill', given a test that included track–time at Gurston Down hillclimb course) is the new Abarth 500. Tony Dron has driven it, likes it and declares: "If I'd just bought this car, I'd be well pleased."
So, why wait until 2010 for the new Rolls? You couldn't spend more than a tenth of that on a new Abarth and it would be in your garage in a few weeks. If Fiat had followed the 1960s original to the letter, it would have had rear–opening doors, too, just like the Rolls.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Rolls–Royce 200EXThis is the new Rolls–Royce saloon, a car referred to internally as 'RR4', and one that will see production in 2010. It will be at this year's Geneva Motor Show. read more... |
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2009 Mercedes–Benz E-Class CoupéAerodynamic efficiencyWith an astonishing Cd figure of 0.24 for the best model in the range, the freshly unveiled Mercedes–Benz E–Class Coupé is claimed to be the world's most aerodynamically efficient series–production car. read more... |
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BMW Concept 5 Series Gran TurismoFirst pictures releasedThe latest to 'define a brand–new vehicle segment' is BMW, with its Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, revealed to the world last Friday via an online press preview. The concept aims to lend the characteristics of a classic GT to a four–door, four–seater, with a dash of SUV. read more... |
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Abarth 500Tony Dron takes a test driveZig–Zag hill was on our Abarth 500 test route. Quite why this place is so famous, I don't know, but it's an unusual stretch of English road. read more... |
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RM Auctions — Automobiles of Amelia Island March 14 2009RM's third 2009 sale will be in Florida, held at the same time as the famous concours d'elegance. One of the leading entries is the ex–Le Mans, 1963 AC Cobra estimated at $1,000,000 – 1,400,000. read more... |
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Fiat 500C: Cabriolet for Launch at 2009 Geneva ShowFiat's 500C will feature a full–length, electrically operated fabric roof in the style of the original 1960s car. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Hublot Aero Bang Morgan: Artistic FusionMorgan is celebrating its centenary by a co–operation with Swiss watchmaker Hublot. The result is the Aero Bang Morgan. read more... |
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CLASSIC ESTATE
An elegant contemporary villa with stunning countryside viewsSale price P.O.R. EUR Darling Harbour ImmobilierContact Jürgen Hasse |
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In the heart of the Provençal pine forest is this elegant and bright architect–designed villa, set on 25,000sqm of private land. The property is situated 4 kilometres from La Garde–Freinet village centre.
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
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Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible
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Homelink, Sport Chrono Package Plus
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Porsche Centre BristolTown/City: Bristol, UK |
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Chequered Flag International is pleased to offer this 1991 Ferrari Testarossa in Red with Tan. 44,500 miles. Tools & Books. Nice car - runs and drives great. Good tires. Inspections encouraged. All sales AS-IS. Sales tax and lic fees due if delivered in California.
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Ex-Reine Wissel Broadspeed Mini. FIA papers with great history.
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Fox Racing DevelopmentsTown/City: Huntingdon, UK |
EVENTGUIDE 2009
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12.03. — 12.03. COYS Spring Classics — Royal Horticultural Halls, London, UK |
SERVICE
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