Edition 30/2009 49.991 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
It's hard to say which news from Ferrari this week was the more dramatic: Michael Schumacher's astonishing decision to stand in for Felipe Massa in just three weeks' time, or the company's out–of–the–blue, mid–morning press release on Tuesday, revealing the all–new 458 Italia.
With regard to the latter, I say 'dramatic' because few were expecting such a radical car, totally unrelated to the outgoing, magnificent F430 — in my estimation the world's fastest car from A to B over all but the narrowest roads. It's going to be phenomenally quick with a now–562bhp V8 and, maybe even more remarkable, the Italian company has slashed the mid–engined supercar's CO2 emissions from 420g/km to just 320g/km. That's near enough a 25 per cent reduction — an incredible achievement.
As for the return of Schumacher, well, who'd have thought it? We're all naturally delighted that Massa seems to be on the mend. Spectating at last weekend's excellent Silverstone Classic, particularly during the race for 60s and 70s 3–litre GP cars, I was reminded of the risks inherent in the sport only a few years ago.
Thank goodness for modern cars and, in 2009, you can't reel out the old "Well, it's a bit boring now; bring back Hunt, Lauda and Scheckter..." cliché.
Where are you all going to be at 14:00 CET on Sunday 23 August, when Schumacher hits the track again in anger? Exactly — glued to the TV, as will millions of others throughout the world.
Will he win? You never know, I wouldn't put it past him.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Ferrari 458 ItaliaA startling new model from the Prancing HorseThe all–new Ferrari 458 Italia, a 4.5–litre V8 mid–engined berlinetta due to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in late September, is an uncompromising driver's car packed with innovative design features. read more... |
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Modern Classics: Audi QuattroTony Dron looks back at the 1980s super–coupéAudi put the wind up every other major manufacturer by unveiling the Quattro at the 1980 Geneva motor show. For a start, everybody else's gleaming new models were overlooked by an admiring public who thought they were seeing something from another planet. read more... |
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Coys at the Nürburgring Saturday 8th August 2009Coys has assembled a 50+ car entry for its forthcoming Oldtimer Grand Prix auction at the 'Ring. One of many cars suitable for both the location and the occasion is this 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL, once used by BMW's then–competitions manager Jochen Neerpasch. read more... |
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Silverstone Classic 24–26 July 2009On the weekend that Lewis Hamilton returned to the winners' podium, F1 returned to Silverstone. No, Mr. Ecclestone hasn't changed his mind regarding Donington (not yet, anyway) but the Silverstone Classic meeting managed to attract over three times as many Grand Prix cars as you were likely to see at the Hungaroring. read more... |
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE |
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Feature:Famous Rolls–Royce Museum for SaleBids invited — starting from 5m eurosHans–Günther Zach is selling his spectacular Rolls–Royce museum and is inviting bids of 5m euros or more for the complete collection... more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Design Driven: the Perfect Maserati GarageEarlier this year, Maserati in the USA teamed up with Architectural Digest magazine to run a competition to design the perfect garage for a Maserati. The competition was split into two sections — Existing and Concept. Overall, some 125 entries were received and the winners have now been picked. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin V8 Vantage PRODRIVE
colour Merlot Red |
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A fantastic and unique AM V8 Vantage. Finished in Merlot Red with Obsidian Black hide (with red stitching), this manual car benefits from a Prodrive engine enhancement (increasing power by 45bhp to 425bhp) and dual mode Prodrive suspension upgrade. Additionally equipped with AM premium audio, heated front seats, 19" wheels, satnav, heated front screen, powerfold mirrors, cruise control and HID headlamps.
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Nicholas Mee and Company LtdTown/City: London, UK |
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CLASSIC
Maserati Sebring 3500 GTiS by Vignale - ex Jo Siffert
colour Metallic Light Blue |
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This matching numbers Maserati Sebring was delivered new on 10.6.1965 to Switzerland in metallic light blue livery and tan leather interior, the original combination it still retains today. No wonder that this beautiful vehicle found its way to the famous Swiss Grand Prix driver Jo Siffert during whose long–term ownership the car was serviced by its chief mechanic M. Oberson, a letter of whom is available in the cars file, also stating its low mileage from new.
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Coys Auction - Nürburgring 8th August 2009 Town/City: Nürburgring, Germany |
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SPORTING
Ferrari 225 S Sport Berlinetta Vignale
colour Red |
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RM Auctions is proud to present this iconic 225S, chassis 0168ED. As one of the six competition berlinettas built (indicated as such by the even numbered chassis, reserved by Ferrari for the racing variants) it features the unmistakable ovoid egg–crate grille (this, in the attractive 'convex' formation) as well as the desirable triple oval, chrome–ringed 'portholes' on the front fenders as well as other eye–catching Vignale touches.
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RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey Aug 13 - 15 2009Town/City: Monterey, CA, USA |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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02.08. — 02.08. Goodwood Breakfast Club, Goodwood, UK |
SERVICE
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