The Jag in drag
There’s no shortage of controversy in the news at the moment, but here’s something everyone can agree on: a Series 1 E-Type is an utterly beautiful sports car. However, there was one man who still felt the design could use some fettling, if only because “there is always a demand for something different”. Those words belong to John Coombs, the man who, in collaboration with Frua, produced this redesigned E-Type. It launched at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, and despite some immediate orders, the costs involved killed Coombs’ re-styled Jag before it could enter production. As a result, this intriguing Frua-bodied 1965 Jaguar E-Type is the only one in existence, making it a fantastically interesting addition to any collection.
Pack the anti-venom!
The first-generation Viper is a car that easily lived up to its name. With a colossal 8.0-litre V10 snarling under its endless bonnet, the fibreglass all-American sports car packed enough grunt to throw even the most experienced drivers into the nearest ditch if it wasn’t shown enough respect. However, approach with caution and you’ll find an engaging driver’s car — free of electronic nannies — that boasts one of the best engine notes no matter which side of the pond you’re on. Already a modern classic, this 1995 Dodge Viper shows a mere 6,619 miles on the clock, which places it among the best examples you’ll find anywhere on the internet.
Float like a butterfly…
You can’t mention Colin Chapman without talking about his unfaltering dedication to all things lightweight, and this 1959 Lotus Elite Type 14 was the realisation of this philosophy. The first fibreglass monocoque production car, the Lotus Elite practically needed to be tied to the ground with a shockingly-low kerb weight of just 503.5 kg. Powered by a 75 hp, 1.3-litre all-aluminium inline-four, the Elite boasted an impressive top speed of 179.9 km/h, proving that if you’ve got a lightweight car, you don’t need a lot of power. This matching-numbers example has been completely restored to concours condition and looks absolutely fantastic in its original shade of yellow. If these shorter autumn days have left you with a vitamin D deficiency, then this could be the ray of sunshine you need.
Modern problems require Modena solutions
21st-century life can be stressful at times, so what better way to let off some steam than by screaming up to the 8,700 rpm redline in this manual 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena? Finished in a triple-black combination of Nero coachwork, leather, and carpets, this prancing horse is almost entirely stock, aside from the crucial addition of a Tubi stage 2 sports exhaust. Showing just 26,906 miles on the odometer, this 360 looks simply spectacular, especially riding on those Challenge Stradale wheels. So, if you’ve got a lot on your mind, we’re sure the sound of the flat-plane crank V8 in this Ferrari would help you to forget your woes.
Sixties seduction
If the Jaguar E-Type is the most beautiful car ever made, then the Lamborghini Miura is easily the sexiest. Don’t believe us? Just gaze in amazement at this gorgeous 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 finished in Bianco Miura over a red leather interior. Powered by Bizzarrini-developed four-cam, 350HP V12 engine, this raging bull sounds just as good as it looks too. Adding to the laundry-list of factors behind this car’s appeal is rarity: just 275 examples of the P400 were built between 1966 and 1968. One quirk of these early Lambos is that constant improvements were made to the Miura’s design throughout its production. As it so happens, this was the 200th Miura to be built, so it’s the very first car to benefit from an improved, reinforced chassis. Today, this Miura remains in outstanding condition and would make for an impressive crown jewel in any collection.
