The ultimate homage
As of 2023, it’s been 64 years since the now iconic green flash of an Aston Martin DBR1 claiming victory set the grandstands of Le Mans alight, marking one of the brand’s most triumphant victories in their vast history. As a fitting way of celebrating 60 years of this achievement, in 2019 Aston Martin’s experts in their Q Division set out to create a limited-edition DBS Superleggera that paid the ultimate homage to the original race car.
Just 24 examples were built, one for each hour of the gruelling 24hr endurance race, all of which were quickly snapped up by eager enthusiasts. Rather than the usual red bow and flower-filled handover, buyers were invited to participate in a ‘once in a lifetime’ handover weekend at the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours, the 60th anniversary of Aston Martins outright victory at the same race, which included a recreation of the iconic running start and a lap of the La Sarthe circuit!
This fine example available via renowned Aston Martin specialists Nicholas Mee & Company Ltd is perhaps the most original of all, having covered a mere 380 miles from new, and is naturally immaculate throughout. For racing fans, there aren’t many better tributes than this one!
Sweet Sixties Symphony
Let’s face it, any Porsche 911 born in the 1960s is now a delight to the senses. As the later generations gained more weight and a lot more tech, the original is as bare bones as you can get, offering a driving experience that is truly unlike any other sports car of that era. Many were used in racing, while others were simply enjoyed to their absolute fullest on the open road, which is exactly what this example is ready and waiting from its lucky new owner.
Having been treated to a full restoration, this factory correct, matching numbers example is perhaps as good as it gets, transporting you back in time but allowing peace of mind thanks to Webers, new pistons, and an electric fuel pump. Inside, this 911 is fitted with a Momo steering wheel and Sparco harnesses, with an autograph from none other than Jacky Ickx to spur you on while enjoying some spirited driving, not to mention the striking bonnet livery which really gives the car a period-raced feel!
1:1 scale goodness
If you’ve ever rolled the wheels of a scale model car and imagined what it would be like to own the full-sized version, this 1995 Ferrari F355 Challenge might be the perfect way to experience it, all thanks to the ever-impressive Straderial.
One of just 108 examples ever made between 1995 and 1998, the goal for this Challenge model was to race competitively, most notably in the Ferrari Challenge Championship. Believed to be the only Bianco Avus 100 Challenge car in existence, and has been immaculately restored to its former glory, despite over 20 years of racing under its belt, including the top step of the podium in the 1995 Ferrari Challenge Central Europe, where it sported this Burago livery, and has since been used to create scale models in its honour.
Beauty in Bronzebraun
“They don’t make them like they used to” – it’s a phrase used for so many things these days. Houses, watches, dresses, and of course, cars. That phrase carries arguably more accuracy for Mercedes-Benz than most other brands, especially went we talk about style. This striking two-door 280 SE 3.5 Coupè is, in my humble opinion one of the most beautiful cars ever made and was built during a time where Mercedes-Benz saw only luxury, power and refinement in their machinery.
This 1970 example is finished in wonderful colour combination, Bronzebraun with a Dark Maroon roof over beige leather, and was originally used by his excellency André Gadaud, French ambassador to Spain and Switzerland. On top of the already impressive specification these W111s had, this model includes a Behr air conditioner, Becker Grand Prix radio with a rear speaker, and a sunroof. If you’re tempted (we certainly are), head to RM Sotheby's Paris auction to get your bid in.
Go anywhere, fast
If you’ve ever felt the Porsche Cayenne is a little too glitzy and proper, this rugged example available through Boxer Motor might be a little more to your taste. Powered by the torquey 4.2-litre V8 Diesel, this 2015 Cayenne S is ready to tackle even the harshest of terrains and look seriously cool while doing so!
Over and above the already impressive specification the Cayenne S offers, this example has been treated to extended wheel arches and a suspension lift, allowing the all-terrain tyres and 911 Turbo design wheels to take a beating. Continuing the safari look, the Cayenne also boasts front spotlights, roof rails and sports leather seats, making it not only comfortable when barrelling over gravel, but also durable too! With winter still very much upon us, we would happily take this Cayenne as our all-purpose machine!
