Edition 44/2009 50,154 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
Writers often use expressions such as 'jewel–like', or 'the watchmaker's art', when waxing lyrical about some mechanical component. Well, having seen the innards of a 'skeleton' watch by Vacheron Constantin in the process of assembly at last night's excellent SalonQP, I can only say the descriptions underestimate the horological industry by a fair margin.
Gosh, looking at the mechanism through a microscope, and squinting at an assortment of metallic slivers in a small tray, the process is more akin to assembling a 1:1000 scale miniature of HMS Victory. From a pile of dust. It's a three–month process, apparently, and I can now see how collectors get so excited by these complex creations.
The Mercedes SLS AMG is made of sturdier stuff, but in its way is no less precise. We have the first drive story in this week's ClassicInside with some stunning photographs from California, the venue for the model's worldwide launch. There's a video, too, that does tend to err on the arty, but you get an idea of what 180,000 euros buy you.
That market is becoming ever more interesting, with the Ferrari 458 Italia (a car that we'll be testing in 10 days' time), the Bentley Continental Supersports and Aston Martin's Rapide due for worldwide launch next year.
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Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
First Drive: Mercedes SLS AMGWings of desireWith the new SLS AMG, Mercedes has built exactly the sort of sports cars you might expect from BMW. Never has a Mercedes felt better to drive; never has it been sportier. Rejoicing in Stuttgart means tears in Munich. read more... |
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Tribute to Trans–Am at the Petersen MuseumThe Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California, will present a 'Tribute to Trans-Am' on Thursday 12 November 2009, continuing its much–admired tradition of honouring a motorsport legend or racing group every autumn. read more... |
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Porsche Boxster Spyder to Debut at Los Angeles ShowPorsche is revisiting its 550 Spyder past (again) with a lighter, more powerful version of the Boxster S. The new 'Spyder' will weigh in at 1275kg and has a tuned 3.4–litre, direct injection flat-six producing 320bhp. That's an increase of 10bhp over the standard 'S'. read more... |
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Camaro ConceptsChevrolet unveils five concepts at SEMA Convention in Las VegasChevrolet has come out fighting to boost its place in the market, presenting its latest Camaro in a dazzling range of special versions. read more... |
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Volkswagen Scirocco R and Golf RPerformance models — prices announcedTwo very rapid additions to the Volkswagen range have been confirmed, along with UK prices. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Bell Star ClassicReturn of an iconBell has re-introduced its 1966 original: the very first full-face motorsports helmet, worn by the best drivers from the late 60s to early 70s. read more... |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
colour Onyx Black |
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We are delighted to be able to offer for sale this delivery mileage V12 Vantage.
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BramleyTown/City: Bramley, Guildford, UK |
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CLASSIC
Ferrari 412 LHD
colour Pale Bronze |
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This car is in superb condition throughout and comes with a considerable history file detailing maintainance by well known Ferrari specialists both in the UK and Europe.
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Runnymede Motor Company Town/City: near Beaconsfield, UK |
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SPORTING
Caparo T1 Road Legal
colour Orange |
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Stratton Motor Company are proud to offer, for the first time, a road legal T1. One of just four to be registered for road use, this example has covered just 300 kilometres and is presented in “as new” condition.
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Stratton Motor Company (Norfolk) LimitedTown/City: Long Straton, Norwich, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009/2010
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12.11. — 15.11. Ferrari Finali Mondiali, Valencia, Spain |
SERVICE
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