Under the bonnet burbles a 2.6-litre V8, derived from the 2.0-litre V8s used in the ‘33’ race cars of a similar vintage. Despite being detuned for the road, the SPICA fuel-injected motor redlines at 7,000rpm (almost unheard of in an early-70s V8) and promises 200bhp.
In 1985, Saab had the world at its feet: the 900 was popular with doctors, pharmacists and architects – while the 9000’s life had just begun, its sights set firmly on the acclaimed BMW 5 Series. Then, contrary to expectations, Saab unveiled a revolutionary design study. It was based on the underpinnings of the proven 900 Turbo, but was blessed with a sleek body and the designation ‘EV-1’ – standing for ‘Experimental Vehicle’, rather than today’s more usual meaning (electric vehicle).
The company describes the car as “an elegant and refined sport sedan, conceived with great attention to the environment,” with particular emphasis being placed on not only the engine, but also on the materials used.
The first special edition DBS was the ‘Carbon Black’ of 2009. The latest cars are to the same specification, featuring hand-finished (a 25-hour process of flatting and polishing) seven-layer paintwork complemented by 10-spoke, gloss black diamond-turned wheels. Reversed diamond-turning or full gloss black finishes on the wheels are options.
In addition to the significant presence of the many cars incorporated into the Porsche and Mille Miglia themes, the InterClassics & TopMobiel of 2012 had much more to offer. To start with, there was an assortment of attractive classics for sale from both dealers and private vendors, accompanied by numerous stalls specialising in spare parts and automobilia. A great many classic car clubs were represented, while other luxury products such as jewelry, clothing, and wines were showcased.
Equipped with the optional ‘Performance Package’, the ML63 AMG nudges the performance ceiling of the segment marginally higher: it produces 549bhp, distancing itself from the BMW X5 M by a mere two brake horsepower. As standard, the ML63 produces 518bhp, which equates to a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.8 seconds (4.7 with the Performance Package) and a maximum speed of 155mph – which, with the electronic limiter optionally removed (for a not insubstantial price), increases to 175mph.
Lotus is a trend-setter when it comes to reducing the weight of a car. It has been a Lotus philosophy from the earliest days of the marque, and how appropriate that has become to the modern car market. According to Dutch dealership Smiths-Veglia, which is offering the light blue car for sale, this very attractive Elite left the Lotus factory in March 1960 and headed for a new life in the USA, where it remained for 27 years, before returning to the UK in 1987.
In the opening scene of Martin Scorcese’s Las Vegas epic ‘Casino’, Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (played by Robert DeNiro) swaggers over to a ’79 Cadillac Eldorado and turns on the ignition – only for both car and salmon-jacketed occupant to be engulfed in an explosion. Film buffs hold the opening shots in historic regard, but one detail seems unlikely: only one car would be suitable for a swanky casino boss-come-playboy – the Cadillac Seville designed by Gucci.
GT Guy LLC completed the car with assistance from Camilo Pardo, who was responsible for the design of the 2002 Ford GT40 concept and its subsequent production model (and the basis for the Merkury 4) – the 2004 Ford GT. New York-born Pardo spent 24 years with Ford’s design studio, during which time he also worked on the Thunderbird convertible.
Honda is keen to emphasise that the NSX Concept does not rely on brute force from a large engine; rather, the supercar credentials come courtesy of its ‘extremely favourable’ power-to-weight ratio – although, disappointingly, no actual power-to-weight figure is given.