Edition 14/2009 49.974 subscribers
FORWARD TO A FRIEND >
EDITORIAL
It's an earlier–than–usual ClassicInside this week as the holiday season is upon us. Just as you've put the winter wheels and tyres back into storage, there's news from two of the best 4wd manufacturers (BMW and Land Rover) of new 2010 MY luxury all–wheel–drives.
Except that the reason their 'off–roaders' have been (nearly said 'are'...) so successful is their superb performance as long–distance cruisers non pareil. Bentley has been cited in the media as the benchmark for luxury in the range–topping Range Rover, such are the high standards now aimed for at Gaydon.
Coincidentally, we've been behind the wheel of a Bentley over the last few days and I, for one, am smitten. You can read my thoughts below, and also see what Mercedes–Benz has released on its SLS AMG 'gullwing'.
This is going to be one of the most eagerly awaited launches but — as is the case with the Porsche Panamera — it's going to be a long birth.
The latter will, though, officially see the light of day in China at the Shanghai Auto Show on 20 April. Time for a few more sneak peeks, I am sure.
 |
Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Nuclear Power: Bentley Continental GTC SpeedPower may well be 'the great aphrodisiac', but was it the effortless 600bhp or the matchless quality of build and ride that made me love this car? read more... |
 |
Mercedes–Benz SLS AMG: the Next StageThe latest news and pictures on the much–anticipated Mercedes SLS AMG 'gullwing' focus on the car's interior, as the manufacturer drip–feeds details to the waiting world. First we had officially released 'spy' shots of a disguised car; and now we have close–up interior shots. read more... |
 |
Classic Driver Dealer: Historic ClassicsThe 'other' side of Henry Pearman...When we ran a story on Eagle E–Types at the end of last year, we asked proprietor Henry Pearman why his business is devoted entirely to this one model. Well, since then, things have moved on. read more... |
 |
Bonhams at Hendon 20 April 2009Includes full lotlistYou can keep your 1905 Gardner–Serpollet 18hp Type L Steamer (for all its Tulip Phaeton Coachwork...) — the star of Bonhams' forthcoming Hendon sale is the fabulous two–seat Spitfire. read more... |
 |
New BMW X5 M and X6 MBMW breaks new ground with its X5 M and X6 M SUVs. We're used to the M treatment being applied to ultra–sporting saloons but here we find something very different. BMW no longer refers to them as SUVs but, respectively, as a Sports Activity Vehicle and a Sports Activity Coupé. read more... |
 |
Reigning in Spain: Dream Debut Win for Aston Martin at CatalunyaAston Martin Racing won the opening 1000km round of this year's Le Mans Series with its new LMP1 machine. read more... |
 |
New Range RoversUnveiled at the New York International Auto Show, a key part of the updated Range Rover is the new 510PS 5–litre supercharged LR–V8 petrol engine. With power increased by 29%, plus a claimed improvement in refinement, the new engine also reduces fuel consumption by 7.3%. read more... |
 |
Historic Racers Out in Force, Recession or NotThe historic racing world has been waiting with some trepidation: how will the recession affect Europe's most prestigious events? read more... |
 |
THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1
colour Special order Blue |
 |
|
F1 Paddle Shift Gearbox, Alcantara Boot Carpet, Aluminium Colour Brake Calipers, Cruise Control, Dark Paint.Aluminium on Dash, Handling GTC Package, Leather Dash Inserts in "Nero", Leather Rear Shelf, Navtrak System, Radionavi Bose Hi-fi.
|
|
Dick Lovett Ferrari SwindonTown/City: Swindon, UK |
 |
CLASSIC
Aston Martin DB2 Mark lll
colour Safire Blue/Zambezi Silver |
 |
|
This is an outstanding opportunity for a collector to buy an original left hand drive car – not a conversion – that has been restored with fastidious attention to detail and is ideal for Continental touring.
|
|
Byron International Town/City: |
 |
SPORTING
McLaren F1
colour Silver |
 |
|
Only 10,440 Km from new, only 64 road cars ever built!
|
|
Euro-ClassicsTown/City: Carmel, USA |
 |
EVENTGUIDE 2009
|
21.04. — 25.04. Tour Auto Optic 2009, France |
SERVICE
Copyright: |