La Pantera
As the world turned a new decade, leaving the swinging sixties behind, there wasn't a huge selection of machines that really showcased the hallmarks of a true supercar in 1970, mostly down to the sheer dominance of the Lamborghini Miura. For fellow Italian firm, De Tomaso, 1971 saw their big break into this lucrative world with the launch of the Pantera.
The Pantera would enjoy an incredible 20-year lifespan, leading to the final variants such as this one from 1991. As production winded down, De Tomaso entrusted the design expertise of Marcello Gandini to give the Pantera a much-needed facelift. The result was a low-slung, wide-arched monster that certainly packed a punch, all thanks to a modified Ford 5.0-litre V8. This late-production Pantera is a truly unique and quirky supercar that is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you decide to let it roar!
Chase the Ace
The year was 1953, and a talented group of engineers and designers going by the name of AC had gone all-in on their latest creation – the Ace. Living up to its name, the Ace was a truly impressive car for the age, offering elegant styling and impressive agility, where it was quickly picked up by racing enthusiasts around the world. We all know where this would lead the Ace, which became one of the world’s greatest racing cars with a little help from Carrol Shelby, but these pre-merger cars laid the foundations of greatness.
This example left the Thames Ditton factory in November 1957 and was sent to AC imports of Virginia, USA, where it would bounce around various states over the following decades, before being snapped up by a collector in Colorado. He would go on to campaign this example for forty years, initially in period SCCA events from 1961 through 1965, then continuing in 1978 through to 2003! That means that this example is more than ready to race at the sharp end of the grid, holding current FIA papers until 2031, making it a perfect candidate for Goodwood events.
A Designer’s Delight
A firm favourite amongst the Classic Driver team, the Citroën DS is the pinnacle of French automotive flamboyancy and charm. Bursting onto the somewhat stale motoring scene in 1955, the DS redefined what the motorcar was, offering a contemporary cabin space that oozed style, looking more like a mid-century apartment than a mode of transport.
This fine example is as good they get, having been enjoyed by the same family who bought it new in 1970 until 2019, when it was imported to the UK and underwent an impressive restoration. Inside, you’re greeted by a sea of tan leather and chrome, all lovingly restored and replaced by Enzo Forgione, a master of his craft and regarded as the go-to for DS interior restorations. If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly classic that has more offers character by the boatload, look no further!
Bringing Bugatti Back
It’s a pretty hard task to bring a car brand back to its former glory, especially when that former glory involved sheer dominance in some of the world’s most gruelling automotive events at the time, and even more so when that brand is Bugatti.
Still, undeterred by the weight pressing down on their shoulders, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli rose to the challenge, and while his dream was relatively short-lived, the vehicles he did bring to fruition were some of the brands most innovative: the Bugatti EB110 GT and the one we have here, the EB110 Super Sport. This example is one of just three that were used to develop this outrageous hypercar during the 1990s, and comes factory equipped with the engine from Bugatti’s world speed record-setting EB110.
As pieces of modern-day supercar history go, this EB110 Prototype is the peak, offering an insight into the relentless passion for greatness Bugatti had at this time. The EB110 would lay the foundations for the brand’s more recent successes, ensuring the Bugatti name remains the go-to for opulence and refinement.
Simplicity is stunning
It’s no secret that we are advocates for the lovable micro-Fiats that graced the world during the 1980s and 1990s, but the Fiat 126 is one that hasn’t quite taken off the way its more rugged sibling, the Panda 4x4 has. That means you can still pick up these just as lovable hatchbacks for something of a bargain, all while creating smiles for passers-by along the way.
New in 1974, this pea green example is a real stunner, showing barely any signs of use – something of a rarity when it comes to the 126, as despite their dinky size, they were incredibly durable, meaning very few were left to live La Dolce Vita. Complimenting the pastel exterior shade is a slice of luxury in the form of tan leather seats, which spreads onto the door cards too. For those weekend jaunts, this 126 even has a sizable suitcase, which fits neatly into the frunk!
