Oscar India
Distinctive four front lights, a muscular rear quarter, meaty tyres wrapped around deep dish wheels, it’s hard to believe all of these words describe an Aston Martin, but they do perfectly when talking about the original V8 Vantage.
Built as the brand’s ultimate continent crosser, the V8 Vantage was an integral part of Aston Martin’s successes during the 1970s into the ambitious 1980s. During the car’s long life span, it was thoroughly updated in 1978, giving it the curious ‘Oscar India’ moniker, a pronunciation of the internal designation “OI”—for “October introduction”. These rare examples such as this one featured a blanked front grille with extra lights, a deep air dam under the front bumper, a closed bonnet bulge, a subtle rear spoiler, and Vantage badging, not to mention a claimed 40 percent increase in power over the standard V8. The result is one remarkably cool grand tourer!
In The Spotlight
We owe this very model variant more than we might know, as without the 140 series, no other beautifully boxy Volvo may have existed following it. Designed Jan Wilsgaard, his desire was to modern yet uncluttered design, something that can still be said for the Volvos we see on our roads today.
This example, a 144 from 1972 is the range-topping “Grand Luxe” edition, with its optional sliding roof, yellow spotlights and black leather seats. The car was enjoyed to its fullest, racking up over 225,000 kilometres by 1994. It was then sold to an avid Volvo enthusiast, and treated to a ten-year-long restoration culminating in the golden wonder you see before you!
Third Time’s a Charm
The story of the Monte Carlo Rally, and more specifically how the ultimate underdog from BMC Works defeated a flood of more powerful, better handling, and far more robust machinery to make it three wins at this notoriously dangerous rally event.
Number 177, driven by Rauno Aaltonen and Harry Liddon, navigated their Morris Mini Cooper S to glory in 1967, and has been remembered for decades since, with many enthusiasts replicating the car. This example might just be one of the closest we’ve seen, toting all the period correct roof racks, mud guards and all-important spotlights. Under the tiny bonnet sits a wealth of upgrades, including a Oselli cylinder head, forged pistons, dual SU carburettors, all ensure this classic is revved up and ready for action!
Lancia does Luxury
Straddling the line between certified rally legend and leather-cladded weekend cruiser, the Lancia Fulvia is relishing in its newfound admiration from historic road and rally event lovers all over the world. As nimble as it is compact, the Fulvia was the car to beat during its heyday, claiming victory at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1972.
This Coupé was born in 1976, and has been meticulously prepared and optimised for both road and historic events. It has a 1600 HF front axle and wheels, with its engine being completely overhauled reconditioned. This, combined with a stunning tan leather interior makes for perhaps the perfect weekend classic to get behind the wheel just for the joy of driving!
Stripes at Sunset
Following on from a car as legendary as the Ford GT40 is perhaps one of the motoring world’s hardest challenges. A car that still evokes fear and excitement in equal measures by those lucky enough to drive or share a circuit with one, which only makes a successor’s job that little bit more difficult.
The new-age Ford GT was developed not only to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original GT40’s 1966 triumph of Le Mans, but to return to the race and do it all over again. The resulting road car is powered by a twin-turbo V6, the most powerful EcoBoost engine the Blue Oval has ever built, boasting 647 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, with changeable modes to perfect its drivability on the road and racetrack. This example is finished in what we believe is the perfect specification - Lightning Blue with Silver Overtop Stripes and was fitted with over $100,000 of additional extras!
