Sprinting Sumo
The first generation Bentley Continental GT was the automotive equivalent of a sumo wrestler, combining big power with lots of weight, but that didn’t hamper its reputation as a world-class luxury missile. However, Bentley’s skunkworks department felt there was still performance left on the table, and in 2009 they revealed the Supersports variant as a runout special, boasting angrier bodywork, 621 horsepower, and a 110 kg diet. At the time it was the fastest Bentley ever, capable of sprinting to to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 205 mph.
This particular car was one of the last produced, supplied by Bentley Cheltenham in 2011 in the fantastic specification of Silver Tempest over a Beluga hide interior. Let’s not forget the dark smoked steel brightwork, and the carbon fibre trim decorating the interior, further adding to this Bentley’s high performance aura. Currently showing 42,000 miles, this Bentley offers a shockingly affordable way to join the 200 mph club.
The ‘Champ is Here!
Nothing screams 1970s quite like a metallic gold De Tomaso Longchamp, and that’s no bad thing at all. Just 410 examples trickled out of the factory during the Longchamp’s 17 year production run, which makes it all the more desirable today, especially as the Ghia bodywork, styled by Tom Tjaarda, continues to mature.
This glorious example was the very model displayed at the Brussels Car Show in 1977 and remains in outstanding original condition to this day, proudly retaining its original engine and beige leather interior, complete with chocolate-hued inserts. While it may not be as eye-catching Pantera sibling, the Longchamp benefits from the same 5.8-litre Ford ‘Cleveland’ V8, pushing out a still-respectable 330 horsepower through a three speed automatic in the case of this example. So, if you want a golden specimen of one of De Tomaso’s most underrated models, look no further!
The Perfect 911?
Every so often, a car comes to market that seems purpose-built to torture us for our insufficient bank balance, leaving us to implore our dear readers to buy it in our stead. Today’s near-lethal dose of envy comes courtesy of this simply outstanding 1997 993-generation Porsche 911 Carrera S Vesuvio.
If you somehow don’t understand the appeal, we’ll break it down for you. Not only is this one of the last air-cooled 911s, but it also boasts the Porscheholic’s dream combination of rear-wheel-drive, wide body, manual gearbox, and a healthy mileage of 117,250 km — meaning you don’t have to be afraid to drive it! The colour — Vesuvio Metallic — is one of Porsche’s greatest ever shades, and reveals this example to be one of 100 units built globally to celebrate Porsche’s 50th anniversary. However, the Vesuvio special edition includes a host of desirable options aside from the exterior hue, such as heated seats, cup rims, and a perfectly-matched grey interior. If we could choose one car to drive until the end of days, this would be it.
Princely 6C
Picture this: it’s the 1950s and you’re a prince shopping for a new ride. It needs to be fast, elegant, and most importantly, drop-top so the general public can admire you in all your princely glory. In the case of Prince Aly Solomone Kahn, this 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet was the only choice, and we have to admit it was a good one!
Registered when new in Como, this 6C spent the first few decades of its life in Italy before being shipped to California in the mid-1980s. In 1991, it returned to its homeland before joining the current owner’s collection in 2004, where it received a four-year restoration to return it to concours condition. Powered by a sonorous, matching-numbers 2.5-litre DOHC six-cylinder engine and finished in the incredible combination of black over a scarlet leather interior, this Alfa remains one of Pininfarina’s most beautiful creations ever.
Tommykaira’s Z1
The BMW Z1 with its drop-down doors was already an exceptionally quirky vehicle in the Bavarian marque’s lineup, but this example’s story is even more fascinating. Sold new to Japanese turning specialist Tommykaira — the official Hartge agent for the land of the rising sun — this Z1 is believed to have received a partial Hartge upgrade package, including those lovely contrasting silver decals and a 35 horsepower increase.
In 1997, a Kyoto-based specialist bought this Z1 and imported it to the UK the following year, promptly making the decision to thoroughly refreshen this beautiful Bimmer. The running gear was overhauled, soft top replaced, and the interior was retrimmed in an attractive combination of grey leather with red nubuck. In 2013, the car was sold again, undergoing another 12 month restoration that added a lovely original set of Hartge alloys, completing this alluring BMW’s period-tuned look. Recently dyne’s at 176 horsepower, this is likely one of the most potent Z1s out there!
