Edition 12/2009 49,964 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
If I had £1.00 for every time someone said to me, while testing the latest VW coupé, "Scirocco? I had a V6 one once — it was such a great car...". Well, I suppose I would be a few quid better off. And I would also have had the satisfaction of pointing out that they didn't mean Scirocco, it was a Corrado that had the six–cylinder engine.
There, that's told them. No, our Scirocco had a nice, punchy, turbocharged four in the manner of the earlier–generation cars — and it suited it well. As I say in the article, most of us have run a Golf GTi or Scirocco at some point in our lives, and the memories come flooding back.
Coincidentally, the Golf Mk VI GTi had its international launch this week. I'm looking forward to driving it at some point, but perhaps nothing will measure up to that day in January 1983 when I collected my Lhasa Green 1800cc Golf GTi. 1800cc! Wow, that's, well, that's a simply massive engine in a small car. We can laugh now, aye; the innocence of youth.
But it was an outrageously fast car at the time and VW made great play of its ability to out–accelerate a Ferrari 400i. 0–62mph was 8.2 seconds which, when you think about it, is not bad going compared with the 6.9 seconds the now–210PS (vs. 112PS) new car needs for the same sprint.
Before we get too misty-eyed, though, which one would you rather use for everyday transport today? And — it has to be considered — have an accident in? Quite.
If revenge is a dish best savoured cold, then nostalgia is best left in the wedding–present fondue set, in a congealed mass, awaiting a thorough scouring and eventual disposal in the bin.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
The 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Preview3-5 July 2009'True Grit — Epic Feats of Endurance' is the theme of this year's Festival. read more... |
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Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TSIBlue MondayAh, it takes you back. Few cars sum up the hedonism of the 1980s as well as the Scirocco. VW reintroduced the Golf–based 2+2 in 2008. Would a few days spent in the latest car really turn back the clock? read more... |
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Coys at Essen Techno Classica 4th April 2009Coys has assembled a 51-car catalogue for its Essen Techno Classica sale. The mix is predominantly European-based, with one of the leading entries being the 1952 Ferrari 225 Inter Vignale Coupé. read more... |
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Lamborghini Estoque — No Go for NowLamborghini has released a statement following press reports that its forthcoming four–door supercar, the Estoque, has been ‘cancelled'. read more... |
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Modern Classics: Lynx EventerWhy didn't Jaguar do it themselves? Everyone wondered. A more practical, proper four–seater shooting–brake version of the XJS seemed an obvious development: one which would surely be a hit with golf–playing country types. read more... |
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Book Review: 'Ferrari 375 Racing in Argentina'The latest in the series of books on the Argentine racing scene of the 50s and 60s is dedicated to just four examples of one model: the Ferrari 375. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Frauscher Editione Dino FeltrinelliFor more than 25 years, there has been friendship between the great boat–building families of Frauscher and Feltrinelli. So, when the Frauscher shipyard asked to dedicate a special production run to the great boat racer Dino Feltrinelli, his family was happy to agree. read more... |
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Patrizzi Auction of Davide Blei Vintage Rolex CollectionMotor car auctioneers would have looked on in envy at the sale of Rolex watches from the Davide Blei collection that took place in Milan last weekend. Not only did all but two of the 114 timepieces sell — equating to a 98% success rate — but it would have been 100%, had it not been for one online bidder who overstretched his limit... read more... |
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CLASSIC ESTATE
Modern Villa Overlooking the HillsSale price P.O.R. EUR Darling Harbour ImmobilierContact Jürgen Hasse |
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St Tropez: Charmingly located on the heights of Cogolin, a 15–minute walk from the village centre, this villa offers a wonderful view of the authentic castle of Grimaud. Comfortable living room with fireplace; wide opening onto terrace; highly specified kitchen.
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Audi R8 Manual
colour Ice Silver |
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Stainless Steel Pedals, Engine Bay Light Pack, Oxygen Side Blades, Navigation, Magnetic Ride, Heated Seats, CD Changer, Tyre Pressure Management System, Front and Rear Park Aids, Cruise Control and Bluetooth.
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Dick Lovett Ferrari SwindonTown/City: Swindon, UK |
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CLASSIC
Ferrari 330 GTC
colour Blu Scuro 18942 |
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Originally built for the Italian market with a kilometre speedo (reading 111,049 kms to date) this car was supplied new in Italy by Ferrari dealer Crepaldi in Blu Scuro with light blue hide which has been replaced by Pelle Beige.
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Simon Furlonger Specialist Cars Town/City: |
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SPORTING
Porsche 356 Carrera 2/2000 GS
colour Smyrna Green |
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This late production 'C"' (one of only 126 produced) Carrera Coupe was originally sold in Germany, then found its way to Los Angeles, California and then at some point was sold on to a collector in Japan. Imported back to the USA in the Spring of 2006. Driven 1750 miles since that time.
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Aston Martin of New EnglandTown/City: Waltham, MA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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01.04. — 05.04. Techno–Classica Essen, Germany |
SERVICE
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