Everything We Do is Driven by You (or McRae)
You’d be very much forgiven for thinking the first-generation Ford Focus RS was a homologation special, built to give Ford’s god-like lineup of drivers, including Carlos Sainz Snr, Colin McRae, Markko Mãrtin and François Duval, their best chance to dominate in a highly competitive field. However, the Focus RS was simply Ford’s way of celebrating the fact they had such a competitive car, and they wanted to bring everything they had learned on rally stages to the open road, creating a car that was immediately perceived as both potent and exclusive.
The RS boasted widened bodywork, a ground-hugging stance and Sparco bucket seats, as well as a heavily-modified 2-litre Duratec motor. Not content with stopping there, Ford hit the once-family hatchback with new pistons, forged conrods and a Garrett turbocharger that lifted power to 212bhp, all of which is sent to the front wheels. As prices of older-generation Fast Fords continue to rise, we'd bet that this early-2000s rocket is a certified future classic!
Ice Cream Purosangue
When Ferrari first announced their plans to enter the SUV market, it’s fair to say the entire motoring world peeked through shaking hands as they covered their eyes, fearing the worst. However, in the two years (already!) since Ferrari’s ‘FUV’ first launched, those sceptics have been silenced somewhat by the car’s outrageous performance figures, well-thought-out cabin and striking looks, not to mention the V12 up front!
It's those looks that divided the most opinions upon its launch, and placed the car firmly in the "with the right specification it’ll look great" category, but this example from Tom Hartley proves the Purosangue looks great in more hues than you'd think. Finished in Ferrari’s historical two-layer Verde Pallido paintwork over a stunning Cioccolato leather interior, this FUV would stand out amongst even the craziest of hypercars. The paint alone, a 25,000 pound optional extra, is the same price or more expensive than nearly 1,000 cars currently listed on the Classic Driver Market!
Back in Bleu
33 years ago on a late summers day, some 2,000 guests were invited to a presentation in central Paris that would mark the rejuvenation of one of France’s most historic marques. Among the onlookers were big names from the worlds of film, sport, and current affairs. With 35mm point and shoots wound and VHS-recording cameras at the ready, one singular Bugatti EB 110 finished in French Racing Blue gracefully glided down the Champs Élysées on what was the 110th anniversary of Ettore Bugatti’s birth, marking the world's first sight of the car that paved the way for the Veyron, Chiron and Tourbillion.
The EB110 was a car that truly left its rivals for dead, boasting a quad-turbocharged V12 engine, an ultra-lightweight carbon monocoque, all-wheel drive, and two differentials for the first time ever. A mere 139 examples were produced, making this example a true rarity. It left Campogalliano wearing SuperSport wheels, a telephone antenna, and it's the only EB110 to leave the factory with the SuperSport engine fitted, pushing its total output up to a blistering 610 horsepower!
Less is More
There are very few cars out there that preach the ‘less is more’ mantra quite like an early Alpine A110, especially when it comes to a very early production example like this one from The Classic Motor Hub. While many A110s were built in Mexico, Brazil and Spain, this early 1965 example rolled off the assembly line in its hometown of Dieppe in northern France.
After being enjoyed for decades around the UK, the car underwent an extensive three-year restoration, and now presents perfectly in Ivory. With its more-powerful, period-correct, 1108cc Gordini ‘VB’ engine, amazing handling, and an overall weight of only 650kg, it’s an agile sports car that’s perfectly capable of humbling far more exotic machinery on a cross-country blast!
Blue’s biggest fan
Among the over 1,300 Porsches that are currently available on the Classic Driver Market, we’ve encountered our fair share of unique specifications. Some boast iconic shades like Rubystar Red, while others dare to be different with a lavish interior finish. This Porsche 928 GTS, however, combines both, and showcases one of the craziest colour combinations we’ve ever seen on the V8-powered grand tourer.
If you’re a blue car fanatic, this is your chance to own one of the few Tahoe Blue Metallic 928s ever made, complete with specially-requested factory full leather trim in Azure blue. The result is a truly unique example that will undoubtedly turn heads wherever you decide to drive it!
