Edition 20/2009 49.981 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
From a sales standpoint 2008 was, in fact, Aston Martin's second best year (after 2007). Not bad going considering the vertiginous drop in the world economy from last autumn onwards. CEO Dr Bez expects the company to sell 4500–5000 cars in 2009, including its latest supercar, the V12 Vantage.
Don't think I've come over all 'industry', and will be spouting cross–range chassis utilisation and powertrain logistics. I simply want to make the point that things are not quite as bad as some people paint them. We've even had the great news this week that Rolls–Royce will be increasing its workforce by 50 per cent to support the production of the company's new model, the Rolls–Royce Ghost, at its state–of–the–art Goodwood factory.
And RM grossed a not inconsiderable sum in excess of 21m euros in Maranello last weekend, when the great and the good of Ferrari collecting congregated for the annual Leggenda e Passione sale.
But I hope I've kept a sense of proportion when, as other journalists were furiously taking shorthand notes on damper settings and spring rates of the new Aston, my concern was how would several drivers know whose unmarked Emotional Control Units were whose, when on the table?
Well, not that sort of table, I hasten to add... but you know what I mean.
Worries of this sort aside, after a few kilometres in the new car it soon revealed itself to be quite a machine — as you can read below.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Driven: Aston Martin V12 VantageIt's an Aston — but not as we know itDon't read too much into Aston's choice of launch location. The new V12 Vantage may carry many developments learned at the nearby Nürburgring, but is a road car, pure and simple. And one that doesn't half go... read more... |
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RM Auctions — Ferrari Leggenda e Passione 17th May 2009Includes full resultsRM beat its previous record for the 'most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction' by a handy 1,980,000 euros last weekend, with the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa selling for 9,020,000 euros. read more... |
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Volvo P1800 re–bornby Vöx Custom Shop/VizualtechImmortalised in the UK by being Simon Templar's car in the popular 1960s TV series The Saint, Volvo's sleek P1800 has been treated to a major makeover by Swedes Mattias Vöcks of Vöx Custom Shop and Bo Zolland of design house Vizualtech. read more... |
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Three–car Prototype Entry for Aston Martin at Le Mans 2009In a surprise announcement, Aston Martin Racing revealed that a third LMP1 car in Gulf colours would be at this year's Le Mans 24–hour race. read more... |
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Bonhams 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco' — 18th May 2009Top–selling car at this year's Bonhams Monaco auction was the 1990 Ferrari F40 LM Competition. The 850bhp GT, capable of 228mph, sold for 964,500 euros. read more... |
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Wörthersee 2009: Audi Q5 custom conceptA new interpretation of the Audi Q5 SUV featuring a power–enhanced 3.0–litre TFSI petrol engine delivering a mighty 408PS will be one of the stars of the 2009 Wörthersee Tour (20–23 May), Austria's now legendary GTI enthusiasts' meet. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Vacheron Constantin Overseas: Travel companionWith cases, bezels, faces and straps all finished in elegant monochromatic greys, the Geneva manufacturer Vacheron Constantin presents two new Overseas models: an Automatic and an Automatic Chronograph. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Porsche 911 Turbo (997) Tiptronic S
colour Guards Red |
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Adaptive Sport Seats, Homelink, Sport Chrono Pack Plus, Carbon Package, Cardon Door Entry Guards and Door Finishes, Guards Red Seat Belts, Rear Wiper, Windscreen with Grey Top Tint, Porsche Vehicle Tracking System.
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William LoughranTown/City: Preston, UK |
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CLASSIC
Aston Martin DB4 Series V
colour Caribbean Blue |
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This Series V example is reported to have covered only 12,130 miles from new. This DB4 was originally delivered new to Norfolk and first registered on 7th February 1963. Some 15 months later the car was sold to a Mr Mullard, a friend of the previous owner, Mr Simon Wood-Greaves. According to Mr Wood-Greaves the car had covered 7,000 miles by June 1964. The buff log book supplied with the car shows that it was taxed up to 30th November 1966, which ties in with the corresponding period tax disc that is displayed in the windscreen. According to Mr Wood-Greaves during the period the car was taxed it covered 5,000 miles, totalling 12,045 miles, with Mr Mullard using the car on the odd Sunday or bank holidays. Due to the car receiving little use the car was put on axle stands and into storage until he had time to use it. In August 1982 1031 was purchased from Mr Mullard by Mr Wood-Greaves with the intention of doing all necessary work to return the car to the road but sadly time had not permitted and was eventually bought by the current owner in August 2006.
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Coys Auction - Brands Hatch - 24th May 2009 Town/City: |
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SPORTING
Ferraris F40
colour Red |
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This stunning car has since remained part of a fantastic collection and has been maintained to the highest standards which included new fuel cells and a comprehensive service in 2007. This is an extremely correct and low mileage F40 at just 24,000km with only 3 long-term owners.
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Mayfair PrestigeTown/City: London, UK |
EVENTGUIDE 2009
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23.05. — 25.05. The Masters Racing Series Festival, Brands Hatch, UK |
SERVICE
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