Cars

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.

Visually, the new A6 Allroad is set apart by the single-framed grille with vertical slats, underbody protective plates in stainless steel front and rear, plus roof rails and bumpers/sills in a contrasting colour. It also sits 60mm higher than the standard Avant (while the extensive use of aluminium components reduces weight by as much as 70kg), and the standard four-wheel drive makes for rapid progress on poor roads – but doesn’t turn the Audi into a genuine off-roader.

It was something of a shock to drive along Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell and find, instead of a glazed building set back from the road with a row of Astons on display, extensive building activity that will result in ‘Aston Martin Works Newport Pagnell’, a brand-new dealership opening this spring.

BMW’s much-respected M-division hasn’t exactly hesitated to buck trends in recent years; one only needs to glance in the direction of the M-powered X5 and X6 SUVs to notice the company’s willingness to respond to consumer requirements. Environmental factors also saw the M tuning arm twisted so hard that it resulted in a twin-turbo V8 in the latest M5 to supplant the V10 of its predecessor.

It’s not exactly the sort of car you’d choose as a daily driver – far too rare and special for that – but this car (which for many years had the honour of being part of the Jacques Swaters Collection) might be an intriguing mode of transport for the odd day trip. It would certainly command a huge amount of attention from passers-by: not just a four-door Ferrari but something utterly and genuinely unique. If you fancy snapping up this opportunity to own a piece of Italian motoring history, you’ll want to speak to Auto Speak Srl, which is offering the fascinating concept car for sale.