Octane UK October 2022

WHY ROLLS-ROYCE’S SILVER SHADOW IS THE CURRENT MUST-BUY CLASSIC
£5.70 / ISSUE 232 / OCTOBER 2022
LAPPING LE MANS IN A
MERCEDES
LEGEND
Priceless racer takes on La Sarthe,
scene of the W194 Gullwing’s
greatest win 70 years ago
A DAMBUSTER’S SINGER BUGATTI-ENGINED HYDROPLANE PEUGEOT 504 BTCC BOSS ALAN GOW INSPECTOR MORSE JAGUAR
l l l l
The ex-Peter Collins/Pat Griffith,
1952 Goodwood 9-Hours race-winning,
ex-Reg Parnell/George Abecassis,
1953 Sebring 12-Hours 2nd place
1952 ASTON MARTIN DB3 WORKS
TEAM SPORTS-RACING TWO-SEATER
Chassis no. DB3/5
Catalogue now online
Chichester, Sussex | 17 September
© Motorsport Images
Single family ownership and not

seen publicly for over 40 years
1957 BMW 507 SERIES II
ROADSTER WITH HARDTOP
Without Reserve
Catalogue now online

Newport, Rhode Island | 30 September
On hand to provide expertise on buying and selling.

Bring your car to Bonhams, we’ll sell it to the world.
* For details of the charges payable in addition to the final hammer price, please visit bonhams.com/buyersguide
1 of only 9 built
Final call for entries 1958 PORSCHE 356 ZAGATO
SPEEDSTER ‘SANCTION LOST’
Knokke-Heist, Belgium | 9 October €300,000 - 450,000 *
ENQUIRIES
UK Europe USA Catalogue subscriptions

+44 (0) 20 7468 5801 +33 (0)1 42 61 10 11 +1 212 461 6514 - East Coast +44 (0) 1666 502 200
[email protected] [email protected] +1 415 391 4000 - West Coast [email protected]
[email protected] bonhams.com/motorcars
HERE WE HUB
H U B , T H E H O U S E O F H E R I TAG E .
Come and discover the multifunctional space where

we preserve, take care of and enhance the heritage of
our historic brands: the former Officina 81, in the Turin
factory of Mirafiori, now houses over 300 classic cars
from the Fiat, Lancia, Abarth and Alfa Romeo corporate
collection. The suggestive selection of engines and
interesting thematic routes will lead you to discover
the history of Italian mobility. Visit Heritage HUB and
organize your corporate event here. We are waiting for
you in Turin, where it all started.
www.fcaheritage.com
Issue 232 / October 2022
CONTENTS
‘A CAR MANUFACTURED BY THE MAKERS OF THE
BEST PEPPERMILLS AND DESIGNED BY THE MAN
WHO DREW THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FERRARI’
PEUGEOT 504, PAGE 96
5
®
G
®
(generazioni)
®
CONTENTS
120
72
FEATURES
GULLWING AT LE MANS
Page 60
Driving a W194 at the scene of the model’s
most famous victory, 70 years on
ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW

Page 72
After decades in the doldrums The Best
112 88 Car In The World is on the ascent again
A DAMBUSTER’S SINGER
60 Page 88
Visiting the ghosts of the past – and their
haunts – in an RAF hero’s wartime wheels
PEUGEOT 504
Page 96
Feasting on a car that was artisan bred
THE OCTANE INTERVIEW

Page 104
Alan Gow: the man who brought Touring Cars
into the nation’s living rooms
BUGATTI-ENGINED BOAT
Page 112
Braving record-breaking hydroplane Niniette
THE OTHER MORSE JAGUAR

Page 120
Not the lugubrious detective’s famous Mk2,
but young Endeavour’s more discreet Mk1
7
CONTENTS
18
REGULARS
EVENTS & NEWS
Page 18
The month in pictures; a place to visit;
enter the Historic Motoring Awards now!
GEARBOX
Page 44
Little Car Company boss Ben Hedley
COLUMNS
Page 47
Jay Leno, Derek Bell, Stephen Bayley and
142 152 Robert Coucher put the world to rights
LETTERS
Page 55
Volvos, they’re boxy but good
OCTANE CARS
Page 132
New dampers for Dixon’s Mustang
OVERDRIVE
Page 142
154 158 Electric Renault 5; eclectic Aston and Merc
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Page 150
Credit-denied designer Friedrich Geiger
ICON
Page 152
CDs, the chain-bridge between vinyl and MP3
CHRONO
Page 154
Jody Scheckter’s accidental watch collection
162
BOOKS, GEAR, MODELS
Page 158
Shelf-fillers of all shapes and sizes
THE MARKET
Page 167
Sold, selling soon, and how to buy a T-Bird
DAY IN THE LIFE

Page 210
160 Motoring artist Anna-Louise Felstead
8
THE OFFICIAL CIRCUIT DE REIMS-GUEUX CHRONOGRAPH
THE OFFICIAL CIRCUIT DE REIMS-GUEUX CHRONOGRAPH
Profits from the sale of the watch will go towards the restoration work
of this historical Circuit in Reims. Omologato are proud to be able to
help keep motorsport history alive.
Available from omologatowatches.com/reims

T +44 1753 622555
FEATURING
STEPHEN BAYLEY
‘When I was a boy, the Peugeot 504 was
a symbol of middle-class bohemianism.
Eye-to-eye with one 50 years later, I saw
something that put me in mind of a Ford
Cortina with a French education.’
The Chairman of The Royal Fine Art
SAM CHICK
Commission Trust rediscovers the 504 not

as a car, but as architecture. See pages 96-102.
EDITOR’S WELCOME
No decade for young men

THE CULTURAL TOUCHPOINTS that Car In The World then had to endure years in
unify every British child of the ’70s are myriad. the wilderness as the wedding car of choice.
On the telly there was Blakes 7 (Glynis Barber, How did everyone – except the wedding hire ALEX TAPLEY
say no more), the memory of your parents companies – forget the sheer magnificence of ‘Climbing up, crawling through and sitting in
hurriedly covering your eyes during the sexy the Silver Shadow? Has there ever been a more the tail-gunner’s seat of a Lancaster bomber
bits of I, Claudius and, because things weren’t dramatic fall from motoring grace? to take photos was a daunting experience.
quite bleak enough in real life with non-stop Which is why I am so delighted that the To sit there, imagining flying at 60ft with the
power cuts and non-start bin emptying, there Shadow seems to be enjoying a long overdue nation’s fate on your shoulders while
was The Survivors to cheer everyone up of any rehabilitation. Because of my age, I simply knowing you could get shot out of the
evening. The pop charts were full of now- can’t support all the elements of the motoring sky at any moment, was very sobering.’
disgraced lascivious men in stacked heels, 1970s that a younger generation now deems Singer Dambusters tour: pages 88-94.
represented by now-disgraced impresarios and acceptable – like russet, saffron and all the
introduced by now-disgraced disc jockeys. other BL euphemisms for excrement-coloured
Driveways were packed with Marinas, paint – but the re-gentrification of this once-
playground arguments were largely over who aristocratic Royce (Rolls is for proles, as they
was the sexiest member of Pan’s People and, used to say) is a cause I can get right behind.
inexplicably, Joe Bugner was everywhere. And The number of its champions has been quietly
that is only the tip of the iceberg of the misery. but steadily growing under the radar, except for
Of course it wasn’t all bad: there was the Harry Metcalfe whose campaign is rather more
summer of 1976, and most of all a Corgi 1:43 public, and prices have been rising accordingly.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in every toy box. Good; everyone deserves a second chance.
Mine, like most of my friends’, was the far-rarer-
on-the-road MPW two-door (in Silver Sand, I
think). If any car reflected the fortunes of the JOHN SIMISTER
decade itself, the Shadow was it. It went into ‘Machinery from the 1930s is the theme for
1970 as a glamorous five-year-old, the pinnacle me this month. The waterborne Bugatti with
of sophistication and class both mechanically a water speed record to its name can still
and in status, and came out of the 1970s as the freak out its driver, and the Singer Le Mans
slightly tawdry wheels of choice of the more had a wartime owner who spent a night over
successful northern working men’s club comics. Germany, busting dams.’
As if things couldn’t get worse, this glorious James Elliott, John joined Alex Tapley (above), and also piloted
machine that once laid claim to be The Best editor in chief the Bugatti-powered boat on pages 112-118.
10
NEXT MONTH EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
James Elliott
[email protected]
LAMBORGHINI DEPUTY EDITOR

Mark Dixon
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Glen Waddington
[email protected] [email protected]
vs FERRARI ART EDITOR MARKETS EDITOR

Robert Hefferon Matthew Hayward
Espada and 365 GTC/4: former misfits [email protected] [email protected]
battle for new-found style supremacy FOUNDING EDITOR

Robert Coucher
EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR Dawn Grant

Issue 233 ITALIAN CORRESPONDENT Massimo Delbò
on sale DESIGN ASSISTANCE Ruth Haddock
28 September SUB-EDITING ASSISTANCE John Simister
CONTRIBUTOR Chris Bietzk
USEFUL CONTACTS
Editorial inquiries [email protected]
Subscriptions queries Tel: +44 (0)330 333 9491

Email: [email protected]
or via WhatsApp on +44 (0)19174 35589
DEAN SMITH
ADVERTISING
GROUP ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Sanjay Seetanah Samantha Snow
DEALER ACCOUNT MANAGER SERVICES ACCOUNT MANAGER

Marcus Ross Doug Howard
Advertising inquiries
<< New pics Tel: + 44 (0)1628 510080 Fax: + 44 (0)1628 510090
and credits Email: [email protected]
please
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER
Kerry Lambird Dan Stark
TIM SCOTT
Tel: + 44 (0)20 3890 3914
PLUS
Alfa Romeo P3: seminal SUBSCRIPTIONS, BACK ISSUES, HELPLINES
1930s Grand Prix car explored
UK tel: 0330 333 9491 Overseas tel: +44 (0)330 333 9491
Testing the incredible Singer DLS Subscribe online at subscribe.octane-magazine.com
Manage your subscription at yoursubscription.co.uk
Mark Dixon celebrates a centenary or email [email protected]
in the late Tony Dron’s Austin Seven Single issue price: £5.70 (UK). Full annual subscription (12 issues): UK £59.98,
Europe (inc Eire) £69, RoW £88. Octane ISSN 1740-0023 is published monthly by Autovia Ltd. USPS 024-187
VW’s crazy Half-Track Fox This issue on sale 24 August.

November 2022 issue on sale 28 September
(Contents may be subject to change)

AUCTIONS & PRIVATE BROKERAGE GOODINGCO.COM +1.310.899.1960
OVER 200 LOTS OF AUTOMOBILIA

Including:
RARELY SEEN ORIGINAL
FACTORY POSTERS
ONLINE ONLY NOVEMBER 7–18 CONTACT OUR SPECIALISTS

OFFERING ON-SITE INSPECTIONS TO LEARN MORE
AND PERSONALIZED SERVICE BIDDING OPENS [email protected]
ON A DIGITAL STAGE NOVEMBER 7
LOTS BEGIN CLOSING

NOVEMBER 18
Get 3 issues PUBLISHING AND MANAGEMENT
of Octane
CEO AUTOVIA
Nicola Bates
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Kerry Okikiade
for just £5! GROUP ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Steve Machin
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Steve Fowler
PUBLISHER
Fuelling the passion Fuelling the passion Fuelling the passion
Holly Jerram
PUBLISHING MANAGER
Sophie Valentine
Fuelling the passion Fuelling the passion

225 228
COLLECTORS’ EDITION COLLECTORS’ EDITION
226
COLLECTORS’ EDITION
M A R C H 2 0 2 2 J U N E 2 0 2 2
A P R I L 2 0 2 2
Autovia Ltd
31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP, UK
229
J U L Y 2 0 2 2 230
A U G U S T 2 0 2 2
www.autovia.co.uk, +44 (0)20 3900 1901
229
J U L Y 2 0 2 2
230
A U G U S T 2 0 2 2
OCTANE WORLDWIDE
GROUP LICENSING DIRECTOR SYNDICATION CONTENT MANAGER
To take advantage of this month’s
Fue
F
Fu
uellin
elling
lling the
the pa
pas
assio
ssion
sion Fue
F
Fu
ueellin
lling the
lling the ppaaassssio
sion
sion
+44 (0)20 3890 3840

Ian Bedwell Nicole Creasey
+44 (0)20 3890 3998
special offer and get three issues [email protected] [email protected]
GERMANY FRANCE NETHERLANDS

of Octane for £5, either Ulrich Safferling Yan-Alexandre Damasiewicz Ton Roks
visit JAPAN
Shiro Horie
subscribe.octane-magazine.com
Octane is available for international licensing and syndication
or call
+44 (0)330 333 9491
and quote code DAUG2
The text paper used within this magazine is produced from sustainable forestation, from a chain of custody manufacturer.
Autovia Limited uses a layered Privacy Notice, giving you brief details about how we would like to use your personal information.
For full details please visit www.autovia.co.uk/privacy-policy. If you have any questions please ask, as submitting your details
indicates your consent, until you choose otherwise, that we and our partners may contact you about products and services
that will be of relevance to you via direct mail, phone, email and SMS. You can opt out at ANY time by emailing
[email protected]. We won’t use your personal data for marketing purposes if you have told us not to.
Buying your issue of

Copyright © Autovia Limited 2022. All rights reserved. Neither the whole of this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publishers.
Octane is a registered trademark.
Octane – new and old

Octane is published by Autovia Limited. Autovia is a trading name of Autovia Limited, registered in England and Wales
no.13018565. Registered address: 31-32 Alfred Place, London, WC1E 7DP. VAT number 364 5579 62.
The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct. All material published in Octane is copyright and
unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The editors and publishers of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances
and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.
Octane has taken all reasonable efforts to trace the copyright owners of all works and images and to obtain permission for the
PRINT ISSUE to enjoy the new issue. works and images reproduced in this magazine. In the event that any untraceable copyright owners come forward after
publication, Octane will endeavour to rectify the position accordingly.
Octane is available at the Alternatively you can source Printed in the UK by Walstead Roche. Distributed by Marketforce, marketforce.co.uk.
usual branches of UK shops, the digital edition via either
such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Zinio or Readly.
Waitrose and independents,
as well as WH Smith SUBSCRIBE
High Street and Travel. Superb offers on print ABARTH AC ALFA ROMEO ALLARD ALPINE ALVIS ARMSTRONG
If you like Octane, you’ll love…
You can order the latest (starting with issue 233
SIDDELEY ASTON MARTIN AUDI AUSTIN AUSTIN-HEALEY BENTLEY
2022 CLASSIC CAR

BERKELEY BITTER BIZZARRINI BMW BOND BORGWARD BRISTOL BUGATTI
CATERHAM CHEVROLET CHRYSLER CITROËN CLAN DAF DAIMLER
magazine or a back issue, if you order before 16 DATSUN/NISSAN DELOREAN DE TOMASO ELVA FACEL VEGA FERRARI FIAT
PRICE GUIDE
FORD FRAZER NASH GILBERN GINETTA GORDON-KEEBLE HEALEY
HEINKEL HILLMAN HONDA HUMBER INNOCENTI ISO ISUZU JAGUAR
delivered direct to your door, September), print and digital, JENSEN JOWETT KOENIGSEGG LAGONDA LAMBORGHINI LANCIA
by visiting magsdirect.co.uk or digital only, at subscribe. It’s back! And with a brand new look,
CLASSIC CAR freshly updated for 2022, with all the
and searching for ‘Octane’. octane-magazine.com PRICE GUIDE 2022
VALUES AND SPECS FOR MORE THAN 1000 CLASSICS
1945 - 2005
latest valuations and specs for more
than 1000 classics from 1945 to
DIGITAL ISSUES Problems with your LAND ROVER LEA-FRANCIS LOTUS MARCOS MASERATI MATRA MAZDA
2005. Available now, price £10.99,

M c LAREN MERCEDES -BENZ MESSERSCHMITT MG MINI MITSUBISHI
MONTEVERDI MORGAN MORRIS NOBLE NSU OGLE OPEL PAGANI
Download the Octane subscription? Please email PANHARD PANTHER PEERLESS/WARWICK PEUGEOT PIPER PLYMOUTH
PONTIAC PORSCHE RELIANT RENAULT RILEY ROCHDALE ROLLS-ROYCE
ROVER SAAB SEAT SIMC A SINGER SKODA STANDARD SUB ARU SUNBEAM at WH Smith, Waitrose, Marks &
Magazine app on Android customercare@subscribe. SUZUKI SWALLOW TALBOT TATRA TOYOTA TRIDENT TRIUMPH TURNER
TVR VANDEN PLAS VAUXHALL VOLKSWAGEN VOLVO WOLSELEY
Spencer, selected newsagents
or Apple and you will be able octane-magazine.com or online from magsdirect.co.uk.
NOW INVITING
CONSIGNMENTS
RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce that its long-established London sale will provide a
whole new experience in 2022, as it moves to the incredible surroundings of Marlborough
House, in the heart of St James’s, central London, in close proximity to our principal partners at
the Royal Automobile Club. The sale will take place on 5 November on the eve of the historic
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
1928 Mercedes-Benz 630 Tourer 1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé
Sold for £792,500 GBP in London 2021 Sold for £415,625 GBP in London 2021 Sold for £230,000 GBP in London 2021
5 NOVEMBER
LONDON
UK +44 (0) 20 7851 7070
GERMANY +49 (0) 800 000 7203
ITALY +39 02 9475 3812
FRANCE +33 (0) 1 76 75 32 93
NETHERLANDS +31 653 84 19 60
N
8
6 78
7
5 C
2
S
4
3
1
11
14
15
IGNITION / Month in Pictures
IGNITION
E V E N T S + N E W S + O PI N I O N
18
Dragstalgia, 8-10 July
Dragstalgia is Santa Pod’s annual
celebration of the US phenomenon that first
appeared in the UK at Blackbushe Airport,
Surrey in 1964. Big crowds attended a
sun-drenched event in 2022 and they were
treated to everything from fuel-altered to
funny cars, live music, show ’n’ shine and
jet cars. The main image shows Pete
Christmas’s Dodge Demon Fallen Angel
head-to-head with Neil Francis’s Plymouth
Savoy Rust Bucket. The event also hosted
an auction of drag racing memorabilia by
the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame, which
announced its latest inductees. They are
the National Street Rod Association, the
Stones Drag Racing Team, Jon Morton,
Mark Flavell and the late Henk Vink.
Images: Michael Holden
19
OULTON PARK GOLD CUP, 29-31 JULY

The rejuvenated festival in the North West featured 12
grids battling it out over 18 races, ranging from Austin
Sevens to historic Grand Prix cars. Here the Classic
Sports Car Club’s Tony Sugden trophy for special
saloons and modsports is led by Andy Southcott’s
heavily modified Lenham MG Midget.
FROM TOP: MICHAEL HOLDEN; PETER McFADYEN
AUSTIN SEVEN CENTENARY, 19-24 JULY

Ruairidh Dunford’s recently completed Highland Coupé
with coachwork by Peter Naulls of Nairn, Scotland was
just one of a thousand examples of the baby Austin to
descend on the Cotswolds for the anniversary. See
Octane 233 for Mark Dixon’s emotional odyssey to the
celebrations in a very special and familiar car.
20
RALLYE PÉRE-FILLE, 24-26 JUNE
Spectacular dad-and-daughter event in Monaco organised
by Happy Few Racing. The next is in April 2023.
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL
OF SPEED, 23-26 JUNE
A half-century of BMW
M cars formed the central
theme/sculpture, while an
electric McMurtry Spéirling
obliterated the hill record when
Max Chilton posted 39.08sec.
YORKSHIRE MALLE MILE, 21-24 JULY

ELEGANCE, 19-21 JULY Subtitled ‘The British inappropriate motorcycle race and festival’,
Great turn-out at it also had some cars and took place at Grimsthorpe Castle.
Bowcliffe Hall.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: HAPPY FEW RACING; FABIO AFFUSO; REVERENDPIXEL; MIKE COWLAM
VSCC SHELSLEY, 3 JULY

Round 4 of the VSCC Speed Championship.
21
HERO SUMMER TRIAL, NORTHERN HISTORIC, 27 JULY

24-26 JUNE Phoenix Trials Car Club at Gale Hall.
Constant Busch and Najib
Nakad’s Volvo Amazon won;
this is the James Thomas/
Thiago Kathirasoo Mini.
HRDC SNETTERTON, 16 JULY

An Anglia dramatically exits Murrays.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: BLUE PASSION; CHARLIE WOODING; JEFF BLOXHAM; CHARLIE WOODING; EIFEL RALLYE FESTIVAL; PAUL LAWRENCE; HAGERTY
HSCC LEGENDS OF BRANDS
HATCH SUPERPRIX, 9-10 JULY
Michael Lyons in the Gurney Eagle.
HAGERTY FESTIVAL OF THE

UNEXCEPTIONAL, 31 JULY
Where else could a 1994 Vauxhall Astra
Merit 1.4 take the top honours?
EIFEL RALLYE FESTIVAL,

21-23 JULY
A Metro 6R4 at full chat.
CLASSIC NOSTALGIA, 16-17 JULY

Mick Strafford powers off the Shelsley
Walsh line with his Chevrolet Firenza
Cam-Am’s wheels shrouded in smoke.
22
YPRES TO ISTANBUL CHALLENGE, 14 JUNE – 3 JULY

This 20-day caper to the edge of the orient was Rally the Globe’s longest rally to date.
Some 26 cars took part including the pictured 1939 Ford DeLuxe V8 coupe of Tony
Rowe and Mark Delling. Post-war winners were Steve and Jenny Verrall in their Porsche
911, with the Bentley 4½ of Graham and Marina Goodwin triumphant in the vintage class.
GERARD BROWN / RALLY THE GLOBE
24
NEW
office now open
in Miami traditional values
modern thinking
Sea and Air Freight OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIER
Worldwide Customs Brokerage

Race and Rally Transportation
International Storage
UK and European Trucking
Vehicle Registration
JAPAN MIDDLE EAST W. COAST USA E. COAST USA NETHERLANDS UNITED KINGDOM
+81(0) 45 306 7043 +971(0) 4882 1334 +1 (310) 695 6403 +1 (305) 990 1341 +31 (0) 252 682 526 +44 (0)1284 850 950
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.carsjp.net www.carsmiddleeast.com www.carsusa.com www.carsusa.com www.carseurope.net www.carseurope.net
HERO CHALLENGE TWO, 23 JULY

Bron Burrell exercising Puff the Magic Wagon on a one-day event
won by Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite in a Saab 900 Turbo.
CLASSIC SCRAMBLE,
16-17 JULY
Great action from Mortimer
Classic Motorcycle Club.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: WILL BROADHEAD; ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB; OLIVER DIXON; PAUL LAWRENCE; GREG MOSS
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB SUMMER RUN, 21 JULY
New, more temperate veteran event was a big success.
VSCC SILVERSTONE, 16 JULY FIRLE BEACON RALLY, 30-31 JULY

Start of the one-off Austin Seven Centenary race. Neil Gough checks over his 1911 KRIT.
26
1961 JAGUAR E-TYPE n Incredible long-term preservation after
(PRE-65 SPECIFICATION) its final appearance at Daytona in 1969
Outstanding period competition history until a comprehensive restoration and race
includes endurance racing appearances in the preparation by specialists Valley Motorsport
1965, ’66, ’67, and ’68 Sebring 12 Hours, and in 2019-2020 n Appeared at the 2020 Amelia
1967, ’68, and ’69 Daytona 24 Hours n Early Island Concours, and was a front runner in both 14 Queens Gate Place Mews
flat floor coupe chassis 885096 delivered the 2021 Goodwood Revival RAC TT and the London SW7 5BQ
new to Florida, then rebuilt in period to FIA 2022 Mugello Classic in Italy n Race ready +44 (0)20 7584 3503
GT spec by long-term owner and privateer with current HTP, semi-lightweight construction [email protected]
Richard Robson of Titusville Florida with alloy block, bonnet, doors and boot-lid www.fiskens.com
VINTAGE PRESCOTT, 6-7 AUGUST

Duggie Roper-Marshall heads for the Esses while tackling
the short course in his Austin Seven Special as the
picturesque Gotherington hill bathes in dappled sunlight.
The VSCC cars parked in The Orchard are always a
highlight, while a superb Jean Bugatti exhition in the
Bugatti Owners’ Club was the icing on the cake.
PETER McFADYEN
28
IGNITION / Events Diary
6-10 September
The Picos 1000
The roads around the Picos
de Europa in northern Spain
will provide crews on this
regularity rally with four
varied legs over four days.
bespokerallies.com
9-11 September
Concours d’Élégance
Tegernsee
Beautiful cars old and new abound
at this concours, but ‘Best of Show’
is always the stunning lakeside
venue in the Bavarian Alps.
concours-tegernsee.de
10-11 September
Beaulieu International
Autojumble
The vast sale of motoring bits and
bobs returns. You’re guaranteed to
come home with something you
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille,
24-25 September. Image: Julien Hergault never knew you needed.
beaulieu.co.uk
15-18 September
COMING UP… Gran Premio Nuvolari

This year is the 130th anniversary
of Tazio Nuvolari’s birth, and to
mark the occasion the regularity
The last weeks of the summer bring with them some of the rally held in his honour has been
most keenly anticipated events on the motoring calendar extended to feature a prologue
in his home town, Mantua.
gpnuvolari.it
31 August – 4 September 2-4 September 4 September
Salon Privé The Concours of Elegance Brooklands American Day 16-18 September
Blenheim Palace hosts one of the at Hampton Court Palace The annual gathering of US-made Detroit Concours d’Elegance
UK’s premier concours, following Sixty of the world’s finest historic vehicles will this year include a Three days of activities in Detroit
which the entries will be joined by cars assemble at Hampton Court special tribute to the 1932 Ford, culminate with the Concours itself,
a curated group of club cars – and Palace, the favourite residence of with enthusiasts aiming to arrange held at the city’s Institute of Arts.
by a collection of WRC machines King Henry VIII. Special features the biggest display of Ford Classes include one dedicated
that will tackle the Salon Privé Hill will include a display of Ferrari ‘Deuces’ ever seen in the UK. to the cars penned by legendary
Sprint on the final day. Formula 1 cars, brought together brooklandsmuseum.com GM designer Harley Earl.
salonpriveconcours.com to celebrate the 70th anniversary detroitconcours.com
of the marque’s first win in F1. 4 September
1-5 September concoursofelegance.co.uk Shere Hill Climb 16-18 September
Lime Rock Historic Festival An eclectic group of cars and bikes Circuit des Remparts
The 40th Historic Festival will 2-11 September – 240 in total – head for the Surrey Vintage and classic cars slide
feature two days of racing, and International St Moritz Hills to tackle a mile-long course. around the twisting roads of
a concours, held on the track’s Automobile Week There’s a grass autotest, too. Angoulême, the walled, hilltop
Sam Posey Straight, with classes This revival of a gathering first sherehillclimb.co.uk town in western France.
for everything from Outlaw 911s organised in 1929 features seven circuitdesremparts.com
to Malaise-Era muscle cars. separate events, including a 1km 4 September
limerock.com sprint, and a rally for all-analogue Regis TAP 16-18 September
classic supercars. The festivities The 12th Regis TAP (Tour and Rallye Père-Fils
1-13 September end with the famous Bernina Gran Picnic) starts at Eartham near A regularity rally based in Monaco
Temple Rally Turismo, in which 80 cars race Chichester and runs through and requiring no prior experience
Pre-1986 cars follow a winding around more than 50 bends as the South Downs, with stops – which is just as well, given that
4000km route from Athens to they climb 459 vertical metres including a visit to the fabulous the average co-driver on this
Rome, taking in ancient sites and from La Rösa to Ospizio Bernina, car and automobilia collection father-and-son event is barely
enjoying good grub along the way. high in the Swiss Alps. of Robert and Tanya Lewis. out of short trousers.
endurorally.com i-s-a-w.com bognor-regis-mc.co.uk happyfewracing.com
30
CLASSIC CAR
PRICE GUIDE
Gran Premio Nuvolari,
15-18 September
2022
Image: Mantova Corse
from the makers of
16-18 September 24-25 September N EW VE RS IO N

Goodwood Revival Kop Hill Climb O UT N OW
The organisers of the Revival Cars and bikes blast up the hill
always have a surprise up their in leafy Buckinghamshire, while
sleeve, and this year they have soapbox racers whizz down it.
turned the Lavant Cup into a Entrants range from 1904
race for MGBs only, to mark Pope-Toledo to 2022 Lotus
the model’s 60th anniversary. Emira, and highlights will include
goodwood.com an Austin Seven centenary
cavalcade and McLaren Speedtail.
16-18 September kophillclimb.org.uk
Classic GP Assen
Competition cars and bikes from 24-25 September
the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s Chantilly Arts & Elegance
race around the TT Circuit Assen, Richard Mille
known to fans of motorcycle Kicking off celebrations for the
racing as ‘The Cathedral’. centenary of the 24 Hours of
classicgp-assen.com Le Mans, with concours classes
including ‘Speed & Aerodynamics
17 September on the Mulsanne Straight’.
Rallyday chantillyartsetelegance.com
Jimmy McRae and Nicky Grist
are among the special guests set 24-28 September
to appear at Castle Combe’s Copperstate Overland
popular rally car show. Classic off-road vehicles venture
castlecombecircuit.co.uk into the back country of Arizona
and beyond, but you don’t have
17-18 September to be a survivalist to take part:
Only Shelby Meeting there’s a full support crew and
The first event in Europe for the catered camps are plush.
Shelby cars will take place at mensartscouncil.com
Montlhéry, south of Paris. S CAN W ITH YO U R S MARTP H O N E TO B UY N O W
onlyshelbymeeting.com 25-29 September
Lonville Classic
19-30 September A taste of la dolce vita in It’s back with a brand new look, freshly updated for 2022!
Sahara Challenge Tuscany, featuring pretty roads The Classic Car Price Guide, presented by Octane, gives you
This 12-day rally begins and and a schedule that allows for a the up to date valuations and specs for more than 1000 classic
ends in Malaga, Spain, but is loosen-the-belt lunch each day. cars – all the way from 1945 to 2005. Whether you’re in the
principally run in Morocco lonville.com market for your first classic or you’re a seasoned collector,
and passes through the Atlas this all-in-one guide has got you covered with insight
Mountains as well as the Sahara. 27 September – 2 October from trade insiders, auction analysis from the previous
endurorally.com The Derek Bell Tour 12 months as well as our hot market tips for the year ahead.
Octane’s columnist leads 20 cars
24 September on a jaunt through the South of Available in WH Smith, selected Marks & Spencer and
VSCC Prescott Hillclimb France, finishing in Saint-Tropez Waitrose stores plus local newsagents or online
The VSCC’s final speed event of at the exclusive Rendez-Vous from MagsDirect.co.uk
2022 on Prescott’s Long Course. Riviera car show and party.
vscc.co.uk v-events.co.uk
31
IGNITION / A Place to Visit
National Museum of Arts

and History, Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s turbulent past explained – and a Guinness to enjoy
Words Barry Wiseman
DUBLIN IS AN entrancing city for the tourist, plate was used for the protective duties. They
ALAMY
with much to see. For instance, there’s the had two-wheel drive and were somewhat
beloved Molly Malone statue and the imposing unstable in use, which made for exciting travel
General Post Office, used as headquarters for for the crew of three. These vehicles were
the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916 and still eventually used on UN peacekeeping duties in
bearing scars of the ensuing battle. This building the Congo before finally being retired in the
has a foreboding atmosphere, hardly surprising 1970s. The example here makes the visitor feel
given its history of drama and bloodshed. It sympathy for the crews using it. This is not
makes the visitor want to know more about the a machine to inspire confidence!
past of this country and its people, many of Nearby is a Universal, otherwise known as a
whom are happy souls but tinged with bitterness Bren gun carrier, one of 113,000 built between
about the past. 1940 and 1970 (Mark Dixon described his
First a happy part – the Guinness Storehouse experience with one in Octane 228). A number
and the World of Guinness Exhibition. You’ll of these versatile vehicles served with the Irish
learn during a couple of hours of wandering Defence Force during the war, and they were
around that Guinness is not black, but actually a used by many Allied armies, including the
very dark red and that, as the ads say, ‘It’s good Soviets. Fitted with the ubiquitous Ford V8
for you’. Guinness claims to make three million engine, some were later designed to carry
pints a day, just at this brewery. The interesting mortars while others towed anti-tank guns. It is
tour ends in the seventh-floor Gravity Bar, with thought that only three of the 226 carriers used
grand views over the city. by the Irish army exist today.
Dominating the view is the former Collins Another vehicle exhibited is the M3 Panhard
Barracks, all 18 acres of it, including a massive armoured car, used in Ireland in the 1970s for
cobbled parade ground. Once home to up to internal security. Forty-four of these versatile
4000 soldiers, it is believed that it may well vehicles were in use before they were replaced.
be the longest-serving army base in the world. And then, if we look up, we see suspended
It operated from 1702 to 1997, then it stood overhead a De Havilland Vampire T11 jet
idle before being renovated, re-purposed aircraft, used by the Irish Air Corps for ground-
and then re-opened as the National Museum based training.
of Decorative Arts and History. Around the museum are exhibits that
This imposing, sprawling treasure-house describe and illustrate Ireland’s troubled past,
ALAMY
contains examples of silverware, furniture, with many fine photographs to help explain the
weaponry, costume and carriages, important feelings held today by the Irish people. There is
collections of stamps and coins, and a whole plenty to interest the whole family here, and a
lot more. One particularly colourful room well-stocked shop. And then, having developed
touches on the United States Civil War, a taste for Irish history, you’ll probably want to
where many thousands of Irish immigrants plan a long and relaxed road trip to take in the
fought on both sides. Ireland even manufactured country’s huge number of historic sites.
uniforms for the Confederates, with whom
the Irish sympathised to some extent, and NATIONAL MUSEUM
managed to ship them out through the fearsome OF ARTS AND HISTORY
Union Navy naval blockades. Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7,
An exhibition of interest to motoring DO7 XKV4. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm,
enthusiasts includes a Ford Mark VI armoured Sun and Mon 1pm-5pm. Admission free,
car. During World War Two, the government donations welcomed. Pay and display parking
of the Irish Republic found a desperate need €5 for four hours. More on www.museum.ie.
for military equipment despite the country’s GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
From top official neutrality. An Irish army officer designed St James Gate, Dublin 8, DO8 VF8H.
Guinness exhibition is close to Arts an armoured car based on an existing truck Open Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri and Sat
and History Museum; Vampire T11 was
used for ground-based training; a view
chassis, and a batch was built locally using the 9.30am-6pm, Sun 9.30-5pm. Admission
through Guinness Storehouse’s seven popular Ford V8 engine. It wasn’t exactly from €22 including a drink in the Gravity Bar.
floors; Ford Mark VI armoured car. ‘armoured’, though, given that ordinary steel www.guinness-storehouse.com.
32
A MAJOR AUCTION OF 180 DESIRABLE CLASSIC & COLLECTOR CARS
THE BICESTER
HERITAGE
SALE
1970 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302

Estimate: £42,000-£52,000
Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire

Saturday 24th September
FINAL ENTRIES ARE INVITED VIEWING DAYS
Wednesday to Friday
SALE TIME
Saturday 24th September
Call 01753 639170 21st-23rd September
9am-5pm each day
Commences 9.30am
Doors open 8.30am
See the website for the constantly updated entries and to register to bid in-hall, by phone & online
01753 639170 [email protected] www.historics.co.uk

BUYER PAID
1% IN FEES.
SELLER PAID
NOTHING.
Why sell anywhere else?

®
®
IGNITION / News
HMA voting
TIME IS RUNNING out to enter the 2022 or in any other discipline. Then there is the
Historic Motoring Awards as the official amateur award. We know there are thousands
closing date of 31 August draws near. Make of accomplished hobbyist photographers, so
looms, three
sure you don’t miss out on your chance to this award acknowledges their talent and
nominate everything from your favourite cars dedication – for pictures of the Goodwood
to the best photographers for the only truly Revival ‘scene’, a photo of a favourite classic or
international awards dedicated to rewarding anything else in our world. To qualify as an
new awards
excellence in the classic car world. amateur, you simply need not to have been paid
The nomination process is very simple: for any photos or photography in the past year.
just go to www.historicmotoringawards.co.uk, Another new category recognises that the
announced
search the categories for the one that best suits rising stars in our world are not just people.
your nomination and follow the straightforward With so many brilliant new events being
instructions. And yes, you are very welcome launched every year, we want to find the best of
to nominate yourself. them and give a big boost to an event still in its
Now in their 12th year, the awards continue infancy but definitely going places.
There’s still time to enter to evolve excitingly year-on-year to embrace Best use of social media (whether by a
even more of the classic car hobby and industry. business, or a club or organisation) is expected
for the biggest, most wide- One of the great innovations of the past few to be a hotly contested class, while the awards
ranging Historic Motoring years has been the introduction of the will also be tipping their hat to the new-car
Apprentice of the Year award. Supported by manufacturers who best support the classic car
Awards event yet staged the Heritage Skills Trust, this picks out just one world. Last of the new awards is for the Team of
of the outstanding youngsters who will be the the Year, open to any business, manufacturer,
future of the classic car industry. club or other organisation.
New for 2022 are two new photography There are plenty of other exciting changes
awards. First there is the professional category for 2022. First of all, the Historic Motoring
for anyone whose work you have admired, be it Awards welcomes aboard a fabulous new title
for shooting car features, Historic motorsport sponsor in Classic Insurance Services. The
36
Stunning star cars
head to Salon Privé
With just a week to go to the spectacular winner of the 1965 Targa Florio (Bandini)
Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, visitors and Nürburgring 1000km (Surtees).
are guaranteed a feast of motoring legends. Slightly more sedate will be an
Even as Octane went to press, details were impressive pair of pre-war Brits making their
breaking cover of just some of the concours debuts. One is the famous
sensational line-up of cars at the event experimental Bentley EXP 4 (bottom), as
presented by Aviva on Bleinheim’s featured in Octane, which is said to be
beautiful South Lawn from 31 August making its first ever concours appearance.
to 4 September. Originally a test-bed for four-wheel braking,
They include a brace of Italian beauties it was the first short-chassis Bentley to use
with links to the legendary Mille Miglia. a 4½-litre engine and was campaigned for
The first is what is thought to be the sole decades by Margaret Allan.
surviving Graber-bodied Alfa Romeo 6C It will be joined by a special Lagonda
2300B Mille Miglia. It is one of just a quartet taking its fist UK bow for 60 years. The V12
produced in 1938-39 and has been Rapide drophead is one of only 17 with the
meticulously restored. The other jewel ‘Sanction IV’ engine and one of only two
actually took part in the race in 1955, the wearing this James Young body.
year that Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson Of course, the event is just as well known
tore up the record books in their Mercedes. for its modern cars and launches and one of
Wearing bespoke Vignale coachwork the big displays for 2022 will be Radical
specially designed for the famous road race Motorsport celebrating its 25th anniversary
that originally ran from 1927 to 1957, the with the mighty SR10 and SR3 XX. These
Fiat 8V Berlinetta is still wearing its race futuristic track machines will take part in
number of 431, representing the time the dynamic demonstrations on the event’s
crew left the startline. public Classic & Supercar Sunday on 4
One of the highlights will be the 75th September, with entry from £50 for adults.
Anniversary of Ferrari class, which will Saturday 3 September is the Lockton Club
showcase greats of both road and track Trophy day, which previously attracted
from Maranello. Among them will be one of 1000 cars and is limited to models from the
just two aluminium-bodied Ferrari 275 many marques displayed on the showlawn.
GTB/4 S NART Spyders built by Luigi You can find further information on the
Chinetti’s outfit in the USA. That will be individual days and ticket purchases at
joined by the stunning works racer 365P, salonpriveconcours.com.
insurer that is the number one choice of the

industry brings a wealth of knowledge and
experience to the table. Other overall sponsors
include the Prestige Driver app and Salon
Privé, while organisers are delighted to
welcome back long-term supporter and seatbelt
guru Quickfit SBS and our chosen watch
partner, Omologato.
After the nominations close, they will be
whittled down to a shortlist for each category.
This will then be put to a star-studded
international panel of judges. Except, that is,
for two awards – Amateur Photographer and
Car of The Year – which will be decided by
Octane readers and a public vote.
This year, thanks to a move to a roomier
venue just off Leicester Square in the heart of
the capital’s West End, far more of you can
come and see what all the fuss is about. The
glamorous black tie ceremony will be hosted
by Amanda Stretton at The Londoner on 16
November. Tickets start at £250 and include
Champagne drinks reception, four-course
meal, plus, of course, the awards ceremony
and auction. See historicmotoringawards.co.
uk/historicmotoringawards2022/en/page/
tickets to book your spot.
37
IGNITION / News
NEWS FEED
Three anniversary parades at Goodwood Revival; exhibitions in Turin celebrating rallying
and in LA celebrating Warhol; Bond cars and props at auction; ‘pony car’ stamps from US
Rally in support of Africa

Entries are open for the Hope
Classic Rally, which gives 100% of
its profits and sponsorship to the
WeSeeHope charity for its work
in Africa. Entry costs £1500 per
person for a place on the event
with lunch at Bicester, reception,
dinner and overnight stay at the Pony express delivery
Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel. The US Postal Service is marking
See hopeclassicrally.org. the heyday of the ‘pony car’ era
DOMINIC JAMES
with five new stamps featuring

some of the most famous examples
of the breed. To be launched at the
Great American Stamp Show on
Hill’s racers, Austin Sevens at Revival 25 August, they can be bought
from usps.com/shopstamps.
Three highly contrasting track demonstrations will wow the Goodwood
crowds at this year’s Revival meeting on 16-18 September (goodwood. Credit where it’s due
com/motorsport/goodwood-revival). They will range from more than Sincere apologies to Scott Muir
100 Austin Sevens marking the original people’s car’s centenary to a (www.black-goose.com) who
convoy of more than 40 thundering ex-Graham Hill racers to honour the VSCC insurance deal supplied the superb photo of the
60th anniversary of his first World Championship win. These will include The Vintage Sports-Car Club has Heuer Camaro for last month’s
‘Old Faithful’, the 1962 Championship-winning BRM P578, which will signed an exclusive three-year deal Chrono pages and should have
be driven by his son (and ’96 F1 Champion) Damon. The for Hagerty to be the club’s been credited, but was not.
Championship-winning Lotus 49 is also expected to make an insurance partner, offering policy
appearance. The collection will take part in a multi-lap parade on each incentives and member benefits. Buy Bond cars and props
day, accompanied by a speech from the Duke of Richmond. To mark the 60th anniversary of
The third of the parades slotting between the weekend’s 15 races will the James Bond films, Christie’s
celebrate Ferrari’s 75th birthday, with ‘approximately’ 75 Revival-era and EON Productions are holding
Ferrari racers. The Revival also celebrates ten years of the Settrington a two-part charity sale with
Cup and, to mark the occasion, the J40 Motor Company will present ‘the vehicles, props, watches and
greatest J40 exhibitor display ever seen’ – plus a new continuation model. more. Lots at the live sale on 28
September include Aston Martin
DB5 replica stunt car (£1.5-2m),
1981 V8 (£500,000-700,000) and
DBS Superleggera 007 James
Andy Warhol’s Mercs in art Bond Edition (£300,000-
A new exhibition has opened at 400,000). The online auction
the Petersen Museum in Los starts on 15 September. See
Angeles, California called Andy christies.com/james-bond.
Warhol: Cars – Works from the
Mercedes-Benz Art Collection. Espresso bongo
Appearing for the first time in 30 HR Owen Bugatti London has
Turin rally retrospective Coventry Motofest years in North America, the opened an espresso bar –
The Museo Nazionale This two-day festival dedicated to display features five of the eight appropriately called Ettore’s – at
dell’Automobile’s rally exhibition Coventry’s rich motoring heritage Mercedes-Benz vehicles depicted its Mayfair showroon. This means
opens in Turin on 27 October and will take place on 10-11 in Warhol’s final commission. that the doors of the normally
runs to May. It will showcase car September, themed around the They include a 1937 W125, a invitation-only location are open
types that won World Rally Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The 1954 W196 and a 1970 C 111-II. to the public for the first time.
Championships from the 1960s to Jaguar E-type prototype, ECD Forty original Warhol works from Visitors can buy ‘The Ettore Shot’,
the 1990s, some from the Gino 400, is expected to be one of the his unfinished Cars project are served in a ‘Bugatti Carbon Fibre
Macaluso collection. A hall of stars of the concours in the shown alongside the vehicles. The Espresso Cup’, which then allows
fame will celebrate drivers such atmospheric Coventry Cathedral artist’s own 1974 Rolls-Royce exclusive access to the Bugatti
as Mäkinen, Mouton and Sainz. ruins. See coventrymotofest.com. Silver Shadow is also on display. showroom lounge.
38
Available in our Imperial War
Museum, Duxford Auction,
19th October 2022:
1925 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model

Vanden Plas Tourer
Est: £160,000 - £180,000*
Trusted Motorcar
Auctioneers Since 1993
Why risk selling your classic with anyone else?
[email protected] | 01925 210035 | HandH.co.uk

85% Sales Success Rate • Stunning Auction Venues • International Client Base
Swift and secure payments to sellers for almost 30 years • Live and Online
*All hammer prices are subject to the following Buyer's Premium: Motorcars - 12.5% plus VAT
19th October 2022 30th November 2022 24/7 Online Auctions

IWM, Duxford Pavilion Gardens, Buxton www.HandH.co.uk
An Auction of Classic & An Auction of Classic & Rolling timed auctions of
Collector Motorcars Collector Motorcars Motorcars & Motorcycles
IGNITION / Obituary
Paddy Hopkirk MBE

b.1933
ONE OF THE BIGGEST names in world rallying, and one of the
motorsport stars of the 1960s to most effortlessly cross over to becoming
a household name, this impish, scurrilously entertaining, sharp-witted
Belfast-born Northern Irishman will be missed by all in the Historic
rallying and wider classic car worlds.
Starting locally, his rally career got off to a blistering start and he earned
a works drive with Triumph only a couple of years after making his debut.
However, after an unsuccessful season Hopkirk defected to Rootes and
then moved on BMC and the Austin-Healeys in which he first tasted
international success.
Of course, BMC also exposed him to the all-conquering Minis with
which he would become synonymous. He was catapulted into the
national spotlight after winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in 33 EJB
and he and the car then appeared together on Sunday Night at the London
Palladium. Two years later, in 1966 he was at the helm of one of the three
Minis controversially disqualified from the Monte – along with Roger
Clark’s Ford – for a lighting technicality. The irregularity may have been
minor, but was real according to the regulations. It prompted such fury
because, with the first four cars – all British – banned (along with
Rosemary Smith, who had finished sixth to take the coupé des dames),
the victory was handed to Pauli Toivonen in a French Citroën.
After the Mini glory years, Hopkirk famously gave up potential victory
in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon to drag occupants out of cars
after a crash and to run down the road to warn other traffic of the obstacle.
He also rallied big Triumphs with some success (setting a record for the
fasting traversing of Chile), but professed never to have liked the cars.
LYNDON McNEIL
In later life, his appearances at Historic events were plentiful, but his
competitive outings were less frequent as he focused on his many
businesses, most prominently his famous line in automotive accessories.
Ten years of Elegance

Hampton Court Concours’ big birthday bash
THE TENTH anniversary Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court on
2-4 September has a big bias towards British greats, with the lastest star
car announced being the Prince of Wales’s own Aston Martin DB6
Volante. The car, which famously runs on E85 biofuels, will be joined
by other Brit greats from the pre- and post-war eras, including two
more special Astons, a DB4 GT Zagato and a one-off DB5 V8 prototype
that will feature in a future issue of Octane.
Other British stars will include pre-war greats from Vauxhall, Lagonda
and Bentley, while there will also be a fine showing of Italians
including a Ferrari 250 GTO, ex-Stirling Moss 250 GT SWB, and the
UK debutant ‘Tre Posti’ prototype to honour 75 years of the marque.
As well as the 70 cars in the main concours – the winner of which is
decided by a poll of the owners – more than 1000 other cars are expected
to be at the A Lange & Söhne-backed event over the weekend.
For more info or tickets, visit concoursofelegance.co.uk.
40
IGNITION / Man & Machine
and a BMW i3. And somewhere along the way

I formed Driving Scotland, a group for all
enthusiasts. It now has 120 members and no
snobbery or elitism – it’s great.
The moment I saw this Blu Sera metallic 308
for sale I was in love and traded in my Mondial
for it. The Magnum PI thing is a horrible cliché
but I was addicted to that show. I couldn’t care
less about the characters or the plot, I just
gazed at the car. I bought it in 2016 and drove it
more than 1000 miles in the first year, but
something wasn’t right in the engine. A tweak
turned into a partial rebuild, then a full engine
rebuild, and then a total restoration of the car
inside and out. I’m not someone with unlimited
funds, so I’m scared to add up what I spent:
there were 67 invoices from the restoration
company and the engine was another £15k.
Clydesdale Classic Cars in East Kilbride did
the restoration and were fantastic, fabricating a
MAN & MACHINE custom grille from aircraft grade steel yet using
the original Ferrari badge. To my mind it didn’t
Prancing perfection look right at the front so I sourced a deep-chin

spoiler and twin Carello spots to go behind the
grille, so it looked a bit like a 288GTO. I finally
got it back in May and, now on four twin-choke
Ex-traffic policeman Mark Ryan has created his ideal Ferrari Webers, it drives beautifully.
Interview James Elliott For me the defining moment of the project
was the wheels, which are comparable to
AFTER A 30-YEAR career in the police in Something like the F355 had always been period split-rims. I got them when a lady came
Scotland, the last 20 as a traffic cop, in 2010 I coming. When I was 14 my dad let me drive his up to me at a show, admired my car and offered
bought my dream car, a manual Ferrari F355 company Vauxhall Cavalier up and down the them to me because her 308-owning brother
GTS. As soon as I had joined the police I knew driveway in Kirkcaldy. At 15 I started washing had recently passed away. I accepted them, of
I wanted to be in the traffic department, but I cars for a local dealership and after two years I course, and promised her that the first thing I
did ten years on the beat in Rosyth first. I bought a Mini from them. Almost 100 cars would do when it was finished would be to take
joined Traffic in 1991, achieved a class one followed, including an RS2000, a 2.8 Injection her for a spin. And that’s exactly what I did.
advanced pass in training and was named driver Capri, a Lancia Beta Monte-Carlo, even a
of the year. We drove SD1 Vitesses, Senator Lotus Esprit S2 that I bought at 20 then traded
24V 3.0-litres and Granada 2.9 Injection 4x4s for an Austin Montego when I got married.
– proper rear-wheel-drive power machines. Yet the F355 turned out not to be my dream
Then in 2001 I became an instructor, teaching car and I moved it on after just two years. A 360
advanced, pursuit and royal protection driving, Spider replaced it, then an Aston Martin V8,
having driven most of the royal family at some then another Esprit. I currently have an E92
point. I still do part-time blue light reassessment BMW M3 Dakar edition, one of only a handful
for the police, though the cars aren’t as exciting. left in Britain, plus a 2018 Abarth 124 Spider
WHY WE LOVE… ‘When starting the car from cold, resist the
temptation to leave the engine idling while you
Owners’ handbooks return to kiss your wife or mistress goodbye.’
Talk about knowing your target customer.
Can you imagine a cartoon like the one on the Good old-fashioned printed handbooks have
right appearing in an owner’s handbook today? not yet disappeared from the gloveboxes of new
Amazingly, the stiff-upper-lip marque that was cars, although it is surely only a matter of time;
1940s Rover used this drawing – and many already, some are mere pamphlets that have
similarly witty illustrations – in its first handbook QR codes you need to scan to obtain more info.
for the new Land-Rover. That’s one of the joys At the other extreme, certain German marques
of the traditional handbook: they were as have books running to 500-600 pages.
idiosyncratic as the people who wrote them. Pernicious litigation has a lot to do with the
My personal favourite is the Gordon-Keeble excess verbiage. As the popular meme has it:
handbook I found by chance in the long- ‘In the old days, car handbooks told you how to
established library of a car magazine I used to set the tappets. Now they warn you not to drink
work for. It included this immortal statement: the battery acid.’ Mark Dixon
42
NOVEMBER 6 TO 27, 2022 | 6,500 KMS IN 22 DAYS
LONDON TO DAKAR
Ray
2 2 DAY CLASSIC
ENDURO
R EGULAR IT Y
START
BROOKLANDS MUSEUM
CAEN
PAU
TOLEDO
JEREZ
TANGIER
FES
MIDELT
MARRAKESH MERZOUGA
TAROUDANNT
OUARZAZATE
ZAGORA
LAAYOUNE TIZNIT
DAHKLA
RALLY FROM LONDON IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TO FIND OUT

MORE & BOOK
NOUDHIBOU
THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC ENDURANCE EVENT NOUAKCHOTT
A new challenge from Bespoke Rallies evokes the glory days of the Paris Dakar ST LOUIS
rally using some of the finest roads of the classic event while avoiding the DAKAR
worst, making it suitable for a range of vehicles from classic and two-wheel drive FINISH
hatchbacks to motorbikes
TO FIND OUT
MORE & BOOK
MARCH 17 TO APRIL 1, 2023 INCLUDES
15 Days Automatic
Ray
16 DAY SELF DR IV E Air-conditioned SUV
Hire with Insurance
TOUR IN G
This fully escorted self drive five star tour takes us from Cape Town
in the south through the highlights of South Africa to Johannesburg.
BESPOKERALLIES.COM
Driving the fabled Garden Route, the desert areas of the Karoo, tour bespokerallies
the historic Boer War battlefields.
IGNITION / Gearbox
1 This is Boris, a drunken eBay purchase.

GEARBOX He goes out on the town with me, travels
Ben Hedley
everywhere with me in the passenger seat
(it makes border crossings interesting)
and has become my mascot.
The Cambridge-educated engineer is CEO 2 I did the Caterham Academy last year
and this was my book of the season from
of the Little Car Company and has a sideline Jon Bryant’s Snappyracers. I’m doing the
Roadsport Championship this year.
in death-defying sporting escapades
3 Bugatti wanted our 75% scale Bugatti
Baby II on its stand at Geneva in 2019. It
arrived the night before, but the guy who
1 was meant to assemble it had gone so
2 there was me with a £35k Lego set, a
glue gun and this Leatherman. I finished
it at 4am and it was signed off by Stephan
Winkelmann at 8am.
4 At 30 I started doing triathlons and then

moved on to Iron Man events: a 4km
swim, 180km cycle and then a marathon.
The craziest run I did was the 2016
Marathon des Sables, a six-day, 250km
ultramarathon across the Sahara.
5 My late father Tim had formal watches

3 but always eschewed them for the blunt
practicality of his $10 Casio, which I now
keep as a memento of him.
4
6 I keep this mug for when I can’t believe
that the small electric vehicles we have
officially Bugattis
built 150 of so far are officially
and not just a toy with a Bugatti badge on
5 6 it. The next big thing for us is the Tamiya
Wild One Max, based on the 1980s
remote control car. That will be road-legal.
7 I did a 4000km rally from Chennai to

Mumbai in Tuk Tuks… during monsoon
season. It was carnage and the most
7 dangerous but brilliant driving I’ve done. I
wore these Elvis shades all the way round.
8 I was originally a snowboarder, but

broke my neck and rode a desk for a
decade before going on a road trip (with
Boris) to sample the most dangerous
8 winter sports I could find. I somehow
blagged my way into the Speed Skiing
World Cup, got into the top ten the
following year and captained the British
team for a bit. I’d planned to retire on
my 40th birthday and, the day before,
I crashed at 115mph and woke up in
hospital with another [non-spinal] broken
neck. I got a happy birthday message
from my hero Eddie the Eagle, though.
9 9 These are models of all the cars I’ve

owned. The first MG was awful, but the
red one has a hot Rover V8 and five-speed
’box and I still have it. Same goes for the
Porsche 911 (964 C4), an £8500 eBay
punt 15 years ago – EVERY warning light
was on! It’s been brilliant and a nightmare.
The Legacy GTB was great for touring
and the Nissan GT-R is my daily driver.
It’s been to Litchfield and has 630bhp.
44
‘22
THE DEREK BELL TOUR

A 5-NIGHT TOUR OF PROVENCE FROM THE
H Ô T E L D E PA R I S I N M O N T E - C A R L O T O S A I N T - T R O P E Z
Tuesday 27 September – Sunday 2 October
Join Derek and 20 cars on a relaxed tour through Provence that starts
with lunch on the beach in Cap d’Antibes and finishes with a weekend
in Saint-Tropez. Entry to the tour includes tickets to ‘the party at the
polo’, Rendez-Vous Riviera, at The Saint-Tropez Polo Club on the Saturday
and then on the Sunday a closed-road parade through the village. The
itinerary includes the finest hotels, gourmet food and some of the best
driving roads in Europe.
Entry is open to all classic and modern supercars.
For further details and to see the brochure please

get in touch. Call Chris on +44 (0) 1635 867705,
email [email protected] or visit v-events.co.uk
IGNITION / Opinion
JAY LENO
The Collector
O
ne of my favourite sayings is ‘the great thing 100 years ago?’ He paused for a moment, muttered some
about handmade stuff is that hands haven’t obscenities, and told me to send him the damn parts.
changed’. If they made it once they can make it They turned out beautiful. Expensive but beautiful.
again. This is why the years 1900 through to 1976 The reason I had to redo the Doble’s engine was that I
are considered the golden age of classic motoring. had bought what was described as high-temperature
Before electronics, most things were mechanical. steam oil. It wasn’t. Unlike a Stanley, a Doble runs on
Mechanical things break, electronic things degrade. I superheated steam and requires special oil, otherwise
can look at a mechanical part and deduce that it is you score the cylinders: it runs much hotter than an
broken. With a computer – or even a relay – all I can do internal-combustion engine. We ended up having to
is replace it. I have no idea whether it will work or not. make new valves, pistons and con-rods.
An example is the 1922 Model T a friend gave me that It has to be said that the biggest gamechanger in our
was given to him as a young man. It was parked 45 years hobby when it comes to irreplaceable parts has to be 3D
ago next to his garage with a printing, which allows us to make
tarpaulin thrown over it. He never parts more easily. I bought a 1914
‘THE RESULT IS
JAY LENO
got around to doing anything with Premier, built in Indiana, 25 years Comedian and talk
show legend Jay Leno
it, so he gave it to me. We parked it
in my garage, its first time indoors A CAR THAT STOPS ago. The man I bought it from got it
cheap because it needed a water
is one of the most famous
entertainers in the USA.
for more than half a century.
After it had been sitting in my JUST AS BADLY pump. He never found one, so I got
the Premier for what he’d paid
He is also a true petrolhead,
with a huge collection
NOW AS IT DID almost 50 years earlier. I took off of cars and bikes
workshop for a year or more we
(jaylenosgarage.com).
decided to try to start it. We poured the corroded and porous pump, Jay was speaking with
gas directly into the carburettor
(the tank was too filthy to use), and WHEN IT WAS scanned it for our 3D printer, built
it up where the porosity and
Jeremy Hart.
after a couple of pulls on the

starting crank it fired. All it needed
BRAND NEW’ corrosion were most evident and
printed a new one. That’s been on
was spark, gas, air and a little the car for 15 years and works fine.
compression and it was ready to go. It didn’t even need a Another example was a car that featured in Octane
battery because it had a magneto. Try that half a century 215: my 1934 Rolls-Royce with a 27-litre Merlin engine.
from now with your new supercar! When I got the engine, somebody had it running with a
A few columns ago I talked about a Wills St Claire I’d huge but crude four-barrel Holley carburettor on it. We
found. It had brakes only on the rear, so I could retard wanted something a little more sophisticated, so we used
progress but not stop. The brake drums were worn thin. our 3D printer to make an intake manifold from scratch.
After searching for new ones, we decided to make our Then we could run six huge Webers instead. Besides, I
own. This brings up the question: is it easier or harder had never heard of anybody running a Merlin with
to make something today that was made years ago? Webers. I thought it would look pretty cool. And it did.
Well, I have a 1925 Doble steam car – one of only We first made it in plastic to see if the Webers would fit
about 40 made – and it has a steam-driven fan which and, when they did, we recast it in aluminium. All that
cools the condenser to turn steam back into water. These said, there is still nothing more valuable in our hobby
two turbines have extremely tight tolerances and must than a good machinist. They have saved my life as well
have taken a lot of effort to manufacture back in 1925. as my cars a million times.
Mine were damaged beyond repair. However, the To get back to the Wills St Claire. We pulled the old
manufacturer’s name was still on the turbines, so I drums off the car and disassembled them. The first thing
tracked them down and rang them up. I spoke to the we then did was to roll some 3/16in chrome-moly flat
president of the company, and he told me that his stock into 14in-diameter circles. Then we machined the
grandfather had made those turbines. When I asked if he backing plates, and welded the flat stock to the backing
could make me two new ones he said no, it would be too plates, inside and out. We heat-treated it, machined it
difficult. So I tried shaming him into it. ‘Gee,’ I said, again, heat-treated it again then did the final machining
‘what would your grandfather say If I told him his and truing it up on a lathe. The result is a car that stops
grandson, with all this modern technology at his just as badly as it did when it was brand new. Now I gotta
disposal, couldn’t make something you made almost make some brakes for the front!
47
IGNITION / Opinion
DEREK BELL
The Legend
I
am currently in deepest, darkest France. This Alain’s. It looked so out of place, so horribly
morning, I wandered off into the village where I unprofessional, that I thought it sent out all the wrong
am staying and bought some bread for breakfast, messages. My boss, John Wyer, certainly did. He was
took in a scenic vista or two, and then set about quite vocal about it.
enjoying my day. Fifty years later, as I sit here, the memory makes me
I am used to being around people. I like being around laugh. Alain and his wingman Chris Craft were there
people. I am a social animal, but there is something with the Duckhams Special. It was designed by a pre-
lovely about switching off from the world. It has taken fame Gordon Murray and based on an old Brabham F1
me 80 years to appreciate this, but I rather like this car. It was quick, too, if only in a straight line. The point
version of life. Nevertheless, I suspect the need to get is, all the money went on the car and Alain didn’t give a
my bum into something fast will kick in soon. stuff about presentation. He never did until later in his
It has been like this since I started out club racing career. Not that he was in the least bit career-orientated.
a Lotus Seven in 1964 with the Unlike me, he was from the cool set
car’s co-owner, my great mate in London. He wasn’t interested in
‘ALAIN JUST
DEREK BELL
John Penfold. I suppose mine was going through the ranks in single- Derek took up racing in
1964 in a Lotus 7, won
the traditional route into motor
sport back then. I was a farmer’s WANTED TO BE IN seaters. He just wanted to be in
motor racing, and Le Mans became
two World Sportscar
Championships (1985
son earning £20 a week and I
scrimped and saved until I was MOTOR RACING, AND the centre of his universe.
Alain exuded charm. He always
and 1986), the 24 Hours
of Daytona three times (in
LE MANS BECAME claimed he didn’t have two pennies 1986, ’87 and ’89), and
able to get a racing car, or at least
Le Mans five times (in 1975,
half of one. Thanks to support to rub together yet he somehow ’81, ’82, ’86 and ’87).
from family, and I like to think a
reasonable amount of talent, I was THE CENTRE OF managed to hold on to an Alfa 8C
for decades. He was a born wheeler-
able to proceed through the ranks.
Reaching Formula 1 became the
HIS UNIVERSE’ dealer, buying and selling all sorts
of amazing exotica, sometimes
target and I got there inside five several times over. I doubt he ever
years. Getting there was one thing; staying there was made a loss. When he was racing, people used to get
something else entirely. very cross with him over unpaid bills, but he would
And the reason for me mentioning this? Well, this apply his silver tongue with devastating effect and
isn’t meant to sound maudlin, but you do tend to look invariably get his way. He wasn’t unscrupulous, or a bit
back when you get to a certain stage in life. I was of a rogue, he was just Alain.
always one for looking to the future, and really I still I came to like him enormously. He was compulsively
do, but I suppose the point is that now I reminisce good company and incredibly funny. We became pals
more than I did. I have a great family who are scattered through my wife Misti being very close to Alain’s wife
around in various time zones, I still get to drive amazing Alison. They became godparents to my youngest,
cars, and I am able to travel. Sebastian, and us to their boy Aidan. I don’t think a
Mine has been a fantastic life, and I like to think I week went by when we didn’t speak at least once, and
earned it. Another man who had an amazing time of it, he was still making me laugh until three weeks before
but whose approach to making it in motor racing was he lost his battle with cancer. And without wishing for
diametrically opposed to mine was Alain de Cadanet, this column to turn into another tribute-cum-obituary,
who died in July. Boy, he lived a life. another dear friend, Dennis Defrancesci, also died
We became great friends in middle age, the irony recently. He was the anchor of our Porsche Precision
being that I wasn’t very impressed with him early on. I Driving School with Derek Bell way back when. He was
remember being at Le Mans in 1972 with the Gulf/Wyer a delightful and unforgettable man.
team. I was walking through the paddock. There, among And that’s the thing. Losing friends isn’t great, but it’s
all the race transporters, motorhomes and so on, was a way worse for the family who have to pick up the
horsebox with what appeared to be an ex-army surplus pieces and take on the practical side of things while
canvas awning sprouting out of it. I am not sure if it grieving. However, I am sitting here grateful for the life
was his means of transporting his racing car or the I have and remembering a couple of buddies with a smile
team caravan, but that incongruous monstrosity was and a cheer. I know that is what they would have wanted.
49
A U N I Q U E A P P ROAC H TO
T H E T RA D I T I O NA L CO N CO U RS
J a n u a r y 1 4 & 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 | J W M A R R I OT M I A M I T U R N B E R RY R E S O R T A N D S PA
The one-of-a-kind Motorcar Cavalcade Concours d’Elegance and Garden Party returns to
Miami launching the new year during peak winter warm weather.
Judged by an array of VIP’s and Celebrities, Motorcar Cavalcade awards the artistic and
design excellence of automobiles from the dawn of motoring to the concepts of tomorrow in
unique classes unlike any other event of its kind.
Dress your best, invite your friends and share, show off and compete with your favorite car in
a way you’ve never done before.
To submit a car for consideration, purchase tickets, discuss sponsorships or to become one of our VIP Judges visit
www.motorcarcavalcade.com
IGNITION / Opinion
STEPHEN BAYLEY
The Aesthete
D
uring a four-week stay in Venice, I did not see a So when Italian manufacturers wanted to name a
single car. The city is not well-adapted to the category of car designed to travel fast over long distances
automobile. The old joke, usually attributed the in great style, it was inevitable they should come up with
humourist Robert Benchley, is that, on arrival, he Gran Turismo. Some of the most beautiful cars ever
panicked and wired his editors at The New Yorker: made have been in this category. But that black BMW
‘Streets full of water! Please advise.’ Some, however, say ‘GT’ stuck on the bridge? Its design is empty rhetoric,
the source is the rascally actor David Niven. a culture that has been fatigued, even exhausted, by
No matter. Venice is a challenge to both old and new circumstances including suffocating legislation and
conceptions of how cars might work in cities. At the universal congestion.
beginning of the last century, the madcap Futurist and Would anyone really consider a trans-European road
full-time contrarian FT Marinetti campaigned for the trip now? That man in the BMW, €100,000 lighter than
canals to be filled in, the better for him and his deranged he had been, might as well have been in a horse-drawn
chums to drive loud racing cars phaeton or on stilts. He didn’t look
through La Serenissima while firing glamorous. He looked stupid.
‘WHAT SHOULD
STEPHEN BAYLEY
machine guns at passing aeroplanes. So the question is, while cars still The individual for whom
the term ‘design guru’ could
That came to nothing.
Marinetti was also an influence INTERESTING CARS exist, what should interesting cars
actually be? This clearly was part of
have been coined, Bayley
was the founding director
on Mussolini, who opened the
Ponte della Liberta, the 3.85km ACTUALLY BE? THE the brief recently sent from the
marketing department to Ferrari’s
of London’s Design Museum
and his best-selling books
ANSWER IS AN centro stile. The answer is an include Sex, Drink and Fast
bridge that connects Venice to the
Cars and Taste: the Secret
mainland, in 1931. Its purpose was acronym, but not a GT. It’s an SUV, Meaning of Things.
to allow cars to get as close to
ancient Venice as possible, even if ACRONYM, BUT NOT although if you use that term to
describe the new Purosangue, the
only to the desolate Piazzale Roma
and its melancholy parking garages.
A GT. IT’S AN SUV’ Ferrari people give you strange
(and not altogether friendly) looks.
Leaving Venice on a high-speed True, Ferrari has made four-
train (via a bridge built in 1846, better suited to 2022 seaters before. Enzo himself used to drive a 250 2+2 in
than Mussolini’s more recent effort), I could not ignore the early 1960s. In 1980, the Pinin concept showed that
the absolutely stationary traffic jam: huge, elegiac and a four-door Ferrari need not lose the lascivious beauty
futile. ‘An extinction-level event,’ I mumbled to myself that defined the long F. And four-wheel drive appeared
as I lifted a small glass of chilled Raboso to my lips. on a couple of experimental Ferraris in 1987, reappearing
In the queue was a brand-new, very glossy black 4- or (not altogether successfully) on the clumsy FF in 2011.
8-series BMW coupé, just as stalled as the shabby Iveco Still, there are people dismayed by the Purosangue,
Daily van in front of it. A handsome car, to be sure, but I people who see it as a market-led betrayal of hard-won
began thinking: what can be the meaning of ‘GT’ exceptionalism. There has been a bit of forehead-
nowadays? Even Italy has speed cameras everywhere slapping. But, instead of betrayal, it’s a design that makes
and the road from Venice to Trieste, which should be the most of contemporary possibilities, limited as they
one of the most romantic in the world, is a nasty might be. ‘Touring’ was once the paradigm but travel
concrete-edged rut where you drive as joylessly as if a rat is now a hazardous chore, as it had been before ‘Grand
in a behaviourist experiment by the sinister Dr Skinner. Touring’ was established. Speed is a false promise, as the
Venice and the idea of the GT are inseparable. The man in the black BMW on the Ponte della Liberta had
city was a chief destination of the original Grand discovered. Instead, today, space and practicality are
Tourists, the 18th Century gap-year explorers sent to inspirations. This is what designers now play with when
Europe to do a bit of whoring, gambling, see a bit of art once they were fussed about wedges and wings.
and bring back both fond memories and (often dubiously A Ferrari SUV does not mean the end of Ferrari. It
acquired) paintings to Chatsworth or Stourhead. These means the end of the SUV as a tributary of the
English Grand Tourists created the idea of travel as a mainstream. In the car’s late autumn, the SUV is what it
pleasurable recreation when, hitherto, it had been has become. If that’s the case, I am very glad we have the
regarded as a hazardous chore to be avoided if at all option of Ferrari’s extreme interpretation of the genre.
possible. They made a cult of glamour. It would still be useless in Venice.
51
IGNITION / Opinion
ROBERT COUCHER
The Driver
T
o dismiss the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing as Walker bought 300SLs when they were brand new and
a show pony and the Roadster as an extravagant drove them back from Stuttgart. No doubt the drives
boulevardier, as some might be tempted to do, is back to the UK were flat-out and both commented that
too simplistic. But it can’t be denied that the cars the brakes were a bit marginal. And yes, the brakes on
were aimed primarily at wealthy Americans who mine are pretty terrible – I never know which way they
wanted to splurge $6820 on a ‘foreign automobile’ with will pull. Years ago, I found a new set of drums because
which to impress their friends at snooty golf clubs. Hell, mine were radially cracked. This helped, but you still
the Gullwing wasn’t even launched in Germany. It was have to be careful. That’s drum brakes for you.
unveiled in February 1954 at the New York auto show. ‘The handling is also a challenge. You essentially sit on
That made sense because it was the irrepressible US the rear axle, and when pushing on through fast corners
Mercedes importer, Max Hoffman, who came up with you can feel the twin-pivot rear end jack-up. So never lift
the idea of a roadgoing version of the successful W194 off! Tyres make a big difference. I’ve recently replaced
racing Gullwing. He promised mine and it has transformed the
Benz that he’d take 1000 examples ride and handling. And the
‘THE GULLWING
ROBERT COUCHER
with his first order. So the suits in Gullwing does get hot inside. Very Robert grew up with classic
cars, and has owned a
Stuttgart put Rudolf Uhlenhaut on
the case and, genius engineer that WASN’T EVEN hot. On many occasions, stuck in
heavy London traffic, I had sweat
Lancia Aurelia B20 GT,
an Alfa Romeo Giulietta
he was, he couldn’t help but come
up with something that disrupted LAUNCHED IN dripping off my nose in a cockpit
unfit for human life. I had to open
and a Porsche 356C. He
currently uses his properly
GERMANY, BUT AT the Gullwing door on a few sorted 1955 Jaguar XK140
the traditional sports car market:
as his daily driver, and is
the world’s first supercar. Arguably. occasions and could just feel the a founding editor of Octane.
As you will read in our lead
feature, Mercedes-Benz made a THE 1954 NEW YORK other drivers thinking “flash git”.
Yet still I really enjoy the Mercedes
spectacular return to racing after its
factories were smashed during
AUTO SHOW’ on longer, traffic-free runs.’
International car man Simon
WW2. Pre-war, the Silver Arrows Kidston grew up with a Gullwing
were embarrassingly dominant and, come 1952, the and has owned four over the past 16 years. ‘Recently I
W194 racer marked the competitive rebirth with Snoopy bought back my father’s original 300SL in one of the
Dog looks and a not particularly powerful engine. It worst deals I have ever done. I gave an immaculate car
proceeded to win all the important endurance races with Rudge knock-off wheels for the rather shabby car
including the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, the Nürburgring my father’s had become, irregularly serviced by the local
and the Carrera Panamericana, thanks to its light weight taxi garage. No matter; I have all his purchase papers and
and slippery body. Ferrari and Jaguar were bested. documents, and I love that it’s back in the family.
I’ve been fortunate to have driven a number of ‘Supercars serve no real purpose other than being
Gullwings, and they have varied quite dramatically “super”, so you can’t categorise the Gullwing with
depending on their set-ups. All were tight and lusty, but something like a Lambo Miura. It’s just too usable, an
original-spec ones became surprisingly squirrelly at very excellent GT. I have shipped my Gullwings to America
low speed, their tails swinging out in slow corners for the Monterey Week and they have always been well-
making the Porsche 356 I then owned seem remarkably behaved. They’re at their best on long, fast journeys.
planted in comparison. But rather than my recounts of ‘They do benefit from a few subtle upgrades. The H-K
brief experiences, let’s have the thoughts of two long- Engineering five-speed gearbox is non-invasive and
time Gullwing stalwarts. really helps with cruising. You can fit discs but I’m fine
Resident Octane contributor Delwyn Mallett has with well set-up drums. Some Americans in hot states fit
loved and loathed his Gullwing for 50 years. ‘I bought air-con but I just remove the side window screens and
the Mercedes in 1972 and used it as an everyday car, ensure the complex ventilation cables behind the dash
driving it 12 miles into central London where I was in are correctly linked. If not, they just deliver red-hot air.
the advertising business around busy Soho. I drove it ‘Dropping the ride height helps quell oversteer and
to the Nürburgring as well as on numerous holidays decent tyres are a must. Do all that and you can use this
through France, and it proved reliable, comfortable and single-minded endurance GT as a daily driver.’ Forget
fast. I remember reading that Tommy Sopwith and Rob supercar, then. The 300SL is not even a show pony.
52
HOU
U
USTON
USTO N TO S
SAN
N FR
FRANCISCO
FRANC
CISC
CIS
SCO
20 AUG
UGUS TO 9 SE
UG
UGUST
UGUS SEPTEMBER
SEP
E PTEMBER
ER
R22023
As always with our adventures the route will take us on
roads less travelled and whilst to see America is to cruise
the freeways and highways, the roads that beckon those
who choose to take on this trip will be an altogether less
straight forward affair, giving us all the pleasure of seeing
an America that many eyes never get to see. As Kerouac
himself said, “There is nowhere to go, but everywhere.”
LENGTH OF ROUTE: DAYS: VEHICLE ELEGIBILITY:
5,300 Miles 21 Pre 1986
S A
U
hero-era.com
world famous classic car rallies
@ heroerarally | t. + 44 (0 ) 1869 254979 | [email protected]
WE’RE DEDICATED TO PRESERVING
HILL ENGINEERING
THE CLASSIC FERRARI SPIRIT
LARGEST CONTINUOUS
INDEPENDENT REMANUFACTURING
SUPPLIER OF OF OBSOLETE AND
PARTS FOR UNAVAILABLE
FERRARI CARS PARTS
DEPENDABLE
OFFICIAL BIG ENOUGH
DISTRIBUTOR FOR TO COPE
HILL ENGINEERING SMALL ENOUGH
TO CARE
UNRIVALLED FAST DELIVERY

ENGINEERING SUPPLYING PARTS
AND TECHNICAL TO THE UK, EU
EXPERTISE AND WORLDWIDE
1947-2022
SUPERFORMANCE.CO.UK +44 (0)1992 445 300

CELEBRATING 39 YEARS FERRARI PARTS EXPERIENCE
UNIT G1 RD PARK STEPHENSON CLOSE HODDESDON HERTFORDSHIRE EN11 0BW
CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT [email protected]
Follow us on facebook.com/superformanceukltd
and instagram @superformance.co.uk
IGNITION / Letters
Ducking the issue

Few could claim to be fonder
of the 911 than me, so Matthew
Hayward’s article on the 2.7 RS in
Octane 231 was a great pleasure.
One aspect that especially
interested me was Tilman
Brodbeck’s role in the creation of
the model, and the magical aura
that surrounds it. What seemed Mad, bad, brilliant BMW
Letter to be implied was that the I have owned many classics from
of the ‘ducktail’ spoiler was Brodbeck’s the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s in an
month invention. Having recently
studied and written about the
eventful 65 years of engineering,
but in my opinion my current car,
early-1960s Abarth GTs a low-mileage 1998 BMW Z3M
A post-vintage Volvo
(Abarth-Simca and Fiat Abarth Coupé, is a styling and
Bialbero series) I think this not to engineering icon.
be the case. Such an aerodynamic If this car had come off a
device had featured on corsa Jaguar, Alfa or Ferrari production
I COULDN’T AGREE more several improvements: some versions of these ten years before line it would be admired for its
with Robert Coucher’s thoughts upgraded instruments, Bilstein such a thing first sprouted in Marmite styling alone. It’s
on Volvo (Octane 229). We have shocks, wider wheels, Bosch fog Weissach. I wrote about it here: remarkable that BMW, in the
been a Volvo family for more than and driving lights, a new davidbuckdenlooksback.blogspot. mid-1990s, went ahead with
a few years now, starting with a manifold gasket and a pair a com/2022/02/more-magic-from- building such a low-volume,
couple of V50s followed by an Sparco seats left over from an corso-marche.html. limited-edition car, and made
S60, an XC60 and most recently a earlier project. I recently acquired Applying the principle that it work so well.
2016 XC70, which I like best of a kit to convert the front drum there’s nothing new under the George Redpath, Suffolk
all the current models. brakes to discs but am awaiting sun, I pursued a vague
I purchased a PV544 last cooler weather before starting recollection of a further Citroën’s sickness cure
October from a dealer in that adventure. precedent, also of Italian origin. The Citroën DS cover story in
Pennsylvania who specialises in My long-term goal is to replace Tombola! During development of Octane 226 really brought back
vintage Volvos and Saabs. The the present B18 engine (which is the 246 SP Dino in ’61, Ferrari memories for me. In 1970, we
idea was to have a running project in excellent shape) with another incorporated a lip spoiler to moved to Johannesburg from Sri
car that I could work on and drive Volvo engine I started working on overcome marked rear-end lift. Lanka. I was seven and had pretty
as well. A little research showed before I got this car. The block is Having proved the concept, the much spent all my life vomiting
that a previous owner was a from a 940 turbo while the head following year’s 250 GTO when in any moving vehicle – car,
member of the Vintage Sports is a 16-valve unit from a 740. In featured a more prominent ship, plane – so when we arrived
Car Club of America and that, in lieu of fuel injection, I will be version of the device. my parents bought a Citroën DS.
2012, the car had competed in using twin 40 DCOE Webers. In the minefield of any debate We criss-crossed South Africa,
the Trans-America Challenge Should be interesting. involving pedantry of this type, a up to Zimbabwe and the Victoria
New York to Alaska Road Rally. Richard Johnson lot depends on how you define Falls, to the Transvaal, Kimberley,
Since purchase I have made Maryland, USA the item. Others will probably Pietermaritzburg, Durban, the
cite similar, earlier appendages, Drakensburg Mountains,
perhaps with differing functions. Swaziland, Lesotho and more.
I then wondered if I could I remember endless straight
come up with an example of a red dirt-track roads. Almost every
novel feature that has come to Friday night my parents pulled
define a British car of the RS’s down the back seats, my brother
era. I’d better put a stop to this and sister and I would be tucked
train of thought, having alighted into sleeping bags and we would
first on the ‘quartic’ steering set off for the weekend. I don’t
wheel of the Austin Allegro. remember ever feeling car-sick,
David Buckden, Kent so it must have worked.
The car never broke down,
though goodness knows how my
father then managed to work all
LETTER OF THE MONTH week. It was the most beautiful
WINS BOOKS TO THE car with amazing suspension,
VALUE OF £125 Established more than 60 years ago, Chater’s Motoring Booksellers is one of the height-adjustable to get over the
world’s best known and most respected sellers of automotive books, including titles roughest terrain. Not to mention
The writer of Octane’s Letter of the on classic cars and motorsport, plus railway, military and aviation subjects. Around that you could drive it on three
Month can choose new or used 10,000 different titles are held in stock at the Chater’s warehouse in Hampshire
and, of course, new and currently available books can always be ordered. wheels if it got a puncture. We
books up to the value of £125 from
the extensive range at Chater’s. To find out more, visit chaters.co.uk or call +44 (0)1256 765443. called it The Bluebird.
Lois Pelham-Lane, London
55
IGNITION / Letters
Darwin award I did a quick inspection, drove

I always enjoy Octane’s columnists it around the block and that was
and the standout for me in Octane that. This was in 1996 and it’s
230 was Stephen Bayley. His been a great car ever since.
reference to the Comper Swift Perry Pessia, Oregon, USA
aeroplane was amusing, but it
does require correction. Comper The Mistral that got away
Swift G-ABRE, piloted by a Mr The preview in Octane 229 of the
CA Butler, made the November 1964 Maserati Mistral Spyder at
1932 record flight from Lympne Silverstone Auctions, estimated at
(in Kent, not London) to Darwin £475,000-550,000, took me back
(1956 miles nearer than Sydney) to an auction in Mannheim,
in nine days, two hours and 20 Pennsylvania in 1974. There I
minutes (source: British Civil encountered a 1965 Spyder from
Aircraft 1919-1959 Vol 1 by AJ the local Ford dealer. It was
Jackson). Perhaps ‘England to presentable apart from paint
Australia’ would be a more bubbling in the rear wheelarches,
accurate description than signalling some corrosion.
‘London to Sydney’. I spoke to the seller before it
In Aeroplane Monthly, February came up for bidding, who said it
2017, it was reported that would be sold without reserve
Comper Swift VH-UVC has been because his mechanics could not
restored in New Zealand in a get the spark-plugs out. They
The quickest Alfa 75 Inclusivity plea ‘pseudo-authentic scheme to feared the need for an expensive
I read with enthusiasm the I concur with Footman James’ replicate G-ABRE’. Even in the cylinder head replacement and
excellent ‘Buying an Alfa Romeo research on the need for southern hemisphere they the complexity of a job above
75’ article by Matthew Hayward inclusivity within the classic car continue to celebrate those their skill level. It sold for $4500.
in Octane 223 and wanted to industry (Octane 230). Especially possessing a quirky genius. This is my most painful
bring to your attention one model as I come from a traditionally For the record, just two original example of ‘the one that got
of the 75 range that was not so-called ethnic minority – Comper Swifts now exist in the away’… apart from my brother’s
mentioned. It’s the 3.0-litre second-generation British born UK. One, G-ACTF Scarlet Angel, Lotus 11. After a summer racing
Potenziata, also known as the and bred – which, as a group, the is at the Shuttleworth Collection. at Watkins Glen, Lime Rock and
QV or Cloverleaf in the UK. research omitted to highlight. Mark Humphreys, Surrey Nelson Ledges, he sold the
Introduced in 1990, it had a I’ve enjoyed fantastic dealings race-prepared car, trailer, suit and
number of differences from the with many classic car sellers, but An older new Volvo helmet for just $1200.
standard 3.0 litre 75 model, there are still times when I visit a After reading the story about John Kevin H Park, California, USA
which the QV model also dealer as a potential customer and Pearson’s Volvo P1800 racer in
embraced. These were firmer get quizzed by staff as if I have Octane 229, I wanted to share the
suspension with different springs come to pick someone up, drop story of how I came to own my
and shocks, replacement of the something off or am lost. Even 1970 1800E. Send your letters to
Bosch L Jetronic fuel injection once I’ve established my status I had a 1984 240 Turbo for sale. [email protected]
with a Bosch Motronic ML 4.1 as a buyer, I’m presumed to have A guy asked if I might trade for an
digital ignition and injection little or no knowledge of older 1800. I didn’t really know about Please include your name, address
management system as fitted to cars. Any rampant back-pedalling them but said: ‘Sure, bring it over.’ and a daytime telephone number.
the SZ Coupé, and revised is fruitless because by then it’s too When he pulled up in the car in Letters may be edited for clarity.
ignition and engine timing. late: I’ll give discriminatory the picture (below), I couldn’t Views expressed are not necessarily
Alfa literature at the time sellers a wide berth, politely, find the pink slip quick enough! those of Octane.
quoted 198bhp for the regardless of their inventory.
Potentziata, although that figure So, while this may not apply to
is the subject of some contention. many dealers and their staff, next
The final drive ratio changed from time a stubble-ridden, mature
3.545 to 3.727 to give a sharper Asian chap in jeans and a T-shirt
throttle response and improved wanders into your establishment,
acceleration, reducing the please do not assume he’s here to,
0-60mph time to 7.3 seconds. say, deliver a box of spares you’ve
I bought a Potenziata in early ordered. Instead treat him in the
2018 to join my other daily same way you’d want to be treated
drivers [pictured above]: a 1990 yourself. You never know, he may
75 Twin Spark and a 1966 Giulia then actually spend some money
Super fitted with 2.0-litre Berlina with you. It’s time each and every
running gear, the latter now one of us becomes inclusive for
owned for 24 years. the sake of our dear classic cars
Stuart Stubbs, industry’s survival!
Queensland, Australia Sanjay Shabi, London
56
14-15 OC TOBER 2022
REGISTER TO BID
1955 JAGUAR D-TYPE XKD 515 ⊲ *OFFERED WITH RESERVE
1961 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER
2006 FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO 'PANAMERICAN 20,000' 1937 HORCH 853A CABRIOLET
2003 ASTON MARTIN DB7 ZAGATO COUPE

EX ERIC CLAPTON 1967 SHELBY 427 COBRA 1972 MASERATI GHIBLI SS 4.9 COUPE
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

More than 120 Motor Cars and Over 400 Lots of Automobilia
+1 313.312.0780 ⊲ broadarrowauctions.com
WE’LL
LET THE
CAR DO
THE
TALKING.
THEMARKET.BONHAMS.COM
MERCEDES GULLWING AT LE MANS
60
WUNDERCAR!
It’s 70 years since Mercedes-Benz won at Le Mans
in the 300SL Gullwing. Here we go again
Words Glen Waddington
Photography Craig Pusey and Marco Nagel, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Classic
61
B y the Porsche Curves,

with the iconic pit
building over
shoulder, I pinch myself
as I watch Bugattis,
Bentleys, BMW 328s, Talbots, even a
Lagonda snaking their way around Circuit
de la Sarthe. At speed, with commitment.
Hallowed territory indeed, and those cars –
my
works team scored a 1-2 here on its first time
back at Le Mans in 22 years, with the pairings
of Hermann Lang and Fritz Riess (the winners)
and Theo Helfrich and Helmut Niedermeyr.
The third pairing of Karl Kling and Hans
Klenk retired with electrical trouble nine hours
in, though they had notable success later, as
will become apparent.
Their mounts were the new Mercedes-Benz
marked the company’s return to competition,
after all. While Mercedes-Benz’s most
treasured possession remains the Moss/Jenks
300 SLR ‘722’ that will forever hold the Mille
Miglia lap record, and although the 1955
Uhlenhaut Coupé just became the most
expensive car ever to sell at auction (it made
£115m and is in the top ten of anything sold at
auction), it’s important to remember that it all
which earned their right to race here nearly a W194, the first Mercedes to be badged ‘300SL’ started here – and it didn’t go on for long. The
century ago – still look right, even silhouetted and the progenitor of the subsequent Uhlenhaut car was unraced because Mercedes
as they are above the painted surface of the ‘Gullwing’ production car. Ten were built; turned its back on competition after the Pierre
modern track. It actually brings a lump to my their victories included that 1-2 as well as Levegh crash at La Sarthe in 1955. And the car
throat. Doubtless the 200,000 or so visitors to wins at Bern-Bremgarten, the Nürburgring I’m sitting in right now is chassis number 0005,
Le Mans Classic will feel the same as they Eifelrennen, and the Carrera Panamericana driven to second place 70 years ago in the
devour the sight of 750 racing cars of all eras, (Kling and Klenk) in Mexico. One finished Carrera Panamericana by Hermann Lang and
battling in a variety of grids, day and night over second on the W194’s very first outing, the Erwin Grupp, behind Kling and Klenk. It has
a very special long weekend. 1952 Mille Miglia. belonged to Mercedes-Benz ever since.
My turn soon, and in a very special Some regard the W194 as the most Octane has been invited to take part in a
Mercedes-Benz. It’s 70 years since the Stuttgart significant post-war Mercedes-Benz made: it demonstration lap or two at the tenth Le Mans
62
I set off with Kurt Thiim, twice DTM
Champion, serial (and successful) Mercedes
‘I’ll be in the
works driver, 1991 Le Mans entrant, and father
of Nicki Thiim of the current Aston Martin hot seat, and
works team. Though at first he seems surprised
to be vacating the driving seat, the affable Dane the privilege
smiles as he hands me the keys. And on our
return he calls out: ‘He’s a good driver!’ isn’t lost on me:
Praise indeed. ‘Sure, you got in and just
drove it. It’s an old car, the brakes aren’t so to drive here,
great, yet you were confident and smooth.’
Damned by the talent as a ‘safe pair of hands’, usually you need
then. But bearing in mind the provenance of
what I’ll be driving on the track, I guess that’s
a good thing.
to race here’
You can read more about that particular
car’s background on page 68. As a type, the
W194 was a rearrangement of existing parts
in a radical new lightweight body/chassis
combination, all designed by Rudolf
Classic; there’ll be a co-driver, but I’ll be in the Uhlenhaut. The axles, transmission and
hot seat. The privilege isn’t lost on me: Circuit overhead-cam engine came from Mercedes-
de la Sarthe exists in its entirety only once per Benz’s W189 300 Adenauer limousine;
year for Les 24 Heures du Mans, and again additional power here came from the triple-
biennially for the Classic – the inaugural event, carburettor set-up of the exclusive 300S
in 2002, marked the first time since 1923 that version. The result was 170bhp, 20bhp up on
the full 13.6km circuit had been used for the 300S, though still somewhat underpowered
anything other than the 24 Hours. It didn’t in comparison to the 205bhp Jaguar would
run in 2020, for obvious reasons, so this is the claim for its C-type, not to mention the
first Classic in four years. To drive here, usually thumping 300bhp of the fourth-placed
you need to race here. Cunningham C-4R’s Chrysler V8. Uhlenhaut’s
And I’m trying not to think about the solution was an extremely light yet torsionally
potential value of this car (£10m? £20m? stiff tubular frame, enclosed by a streamlined
More?). Given that Mercedes-Benz is waiving light alloy body. The engine is set well back
its usual stipulation that, to drive one of its behind the front axle, in line with the gearbox,
racing cars, you need a racing licence, I’m for optimum weight distribution. Main image, and top right
happy to submit to scrutiny, so there’s a brief As for that body, its high sills made access to It’s 70 years since the Mercedes-Benz
W194 ‘Gullwing’ scored a 1-2 victory
test in the 300SL Roadster with which I the cockpit difficult. The rules and regulations at Le Mans – the marque’s first outing
became familiar on the 2019 Silvretta Classic for endurance racing said little about the small there in 22 years; Waddington (white
(see Octane 196). doors and access hatches of the development shirt) with Kurt Thiim in 300SL Roadster.
63
Left and right

When it’s not out on the Circuit de
la Sarthe, chassis 0005 takes pride
of place in a special ‘70 years of
the SL’ display, along with the latest
generation, recently launched.
cars and the brainwave came from Monsieur straightforward than it sounds, if no more Merc’s structure vibrates. There’s time for a
Acat, a marshal for the Automobile Club de elegant. The wheel looks older than 1952 ought preliminary getting-to-know-you foray around
l’Ouest, which organises the Le Mans 24 to suggest, with four raw aluminium spokes in the perimeter roads before donning a helmet
Hours. He’d presented a sketch suggesting that cross formation and a slim, dimpled wooden and heading out for the first lap, enough to
the entry hatch be extended downwards – and rim. It clicks and locks onto the steering note the surprisingly slop-free steering, brakes
so the gullwing door was born. column, and through it are visible the speedo that, although servoless and therefore stiff in
There are no locks on chassis 0005’s door, and rev-counter, each in a pod at the top of the action, are consistent, and the gearshift: not
just a tiny lever that twists to release a couple of facia, with a set of four auxiliary gauges ranged light, but slick, deliberate and mechanically
bolts so you can lift it clear and enter over the below. There’s a push-button starter, chromed satisfying, up-and-down, a bit like an Alfa
sill. It’s unlined, a single sheet of alloy over a switches and levers for lights and indicators, 105’s. It’s far less sticky than the later Gullwing’s
simple frame; the Plexiglas window includes a and the gearlever is a long, cranked wand that remote action; just don’t go hunting for first
vent flap, so there’s one each side, plus a hinged extends almost horizontally towards you from unless you’re stationary.
slot in the roof above the rear screen. That’s a point in the centre tunnel hidden well below Then, suddenly, there I am, watching the
1950s racer air-con. the dash. I’m used to the remote shift in the Bugattis and Bentleys by the Porsche Curves,
There doesn’t seem to be an accepted production W198 Gullwings and Roadsters, our access point a little unconventional but
method of clambering across that broad, but I’m told by Mercedes-Benz Classic’s keeping the paddock free for the next racing
square sill; I plonk my behind on its carpeted technician that even the earliest W198s had grid. There’s a convoy of historic SLs and I’m at
top and fold in one leg at a time, then snuggle this arrangement. its helm, the only non-racer taking the wheel
back into the checked tweed bucket seat. A couple of throttle stabs, then hit the starter – behind me are Klaus Ludwig (triple Le Mans
Removing the steering wheel makes that more and the engine fires gutturally. It’s loud, and the winner, fabled in DTM and FIA GT) and Ellen
64
Lohr (the only female DTM race winner, rally response. Through the Esses, back on the gas power down a little early and feel those swing
driver, truck racer and Dakar legend). and off again before Tertre-Rouge, then hard axles roll under and tighten the line. Nothing
It’s warm in here at a standstill as the signal along the Mulsanne Straight (officially scary, just a helpful forewarning of what could
comes, and I lower the door, check my helmet Hunaudières), keeping the pedal down in happen, and what would be far worse if I
(there’s no seatbelt, let alone a harness), dink- fourth, heading around the rev-counter, backed off. And I’m not about to do that.
dink left and up into first and begin to move. revelling in the brawny wail of the engine and Up comes the slight right kink ahead of
Onto the track, accelerating, and feeling that the shriek of the gears. Indianapolis, a broad left before the tight right
straight-six in my chest as much as hearing it Not the best line through both chicanes, through Arnage – the beginning of the most
bellow through the structure. Quickly into admittedly, but I’m not about to beat myself technical section of the track. And it goes OK,
second, climbing via third, finally into top up about it. I’ve driven at Silverstone, Brands, heel-and-toeing down on the brakes, keeping
along the pit straight, pulling a good 80 or Donington; I’ve tested cars at Paul Ricard; things smooth as I find the apex, gather the
90mph, not racing but, hell, I’m in one of spent all day lapping the Nordschleife; even lock and hammer out. The W194 is so lively
the world’s most storied cars and blasting past had a low-speed lap at Laguna Seca in a Ferrari and engaging, much sharper than the
the packed grandstands at Le Mans. And I’m 250GTO. But there’s something genuinely subsequent W198 road cars that allowed Max
kind of in the lead… special about being here. Particularly on a day Hoffman to establish Mercedes in the USA as
A gentle right through Dunlop Curve, then when the old N138 is closed for racing more than a builder of limos. If it makes me feel
left-up-right through Dunlop Chicane, shifting business; the last time I crossed this tarmac was this good, imagine how Lang and Riess felt.
down, discovering that the tough brakes make in ordinary traffic in a modern car. Mind you, as we back off before the Porsche
heel-and-toeing surprisingly easy, and that the I slow for Mulsanne and find myself relaxing, Curves, ready to come back in via the pits, I
steering needs man-handling but is linear in its just a little, and my scalp tingling as I get the realise that my eight miles or so are as nothing
65
‘That double in comparison to the 277 laps completed by

1952’s winners. So I’ll be sure to make the most
at half-past midnight, Klenk removed his
helmet. The Hamilton/Rolt C-type that
victory proved of my night stint later. initially shared the lead had gone out after four
hours, incidentally, with engine failure.
Mercedes-Benz’s THAT DOUBLE VICTORY in 1952 proved

the supremacy of Mercedes-Benz’s novel
The little 2.3-litre Gordini was still at the
front. After a pit stop, however, Pierre Levegh
racing car, which continued throughout the took over in his 4.5-litre Talbot – followed at a
supremacy, season around the world. The Three-Pointed distance of 65km by the 300SLs of Helfrich/
Star was back. It also completed the pack: Niedermayr and Lang/Riess. By noon the day
which continued until then, Mercedes-Benz had won almost all
the world’s greatest races; only the Le Mans
after there were only 19 cars left. Levegh was
still leading and refused to allow his co-pilot
throughout 24 Hours had eluded it.
The three cars at Le Mans wore different
René Marchand to relieve him. Behind him
the two 300SLs thundered on, lap after lap.
the season’ colours around the radiator to distinguish
them: chassis 0009, race number 20 (Helfrich
Then, just 70 minutes before the end, a
damaged con-rod forced Levegh out between
and Niedermayr) sported a red strip; chassis Arnage and Maison Blanche.
0007, number 21 (Lang and Riess) a blue one; From then on the two 300SLs were
chassis 0008, number 22 (Kling and Klenk) unassailable. In the early hours, front-runner
was distinguished by its green band. Helfrich’s error handed his position to Lang.
After the start, Ferrari and Jaguar took the Either way, Mercedes-Benz was going to win
lead, then André Simon and Alberto Ascari set the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time and,
lap records in turn until, two hours in, the for the Lang/Riess pairing, it was the most
clutch of Ascari’s Ferrari 250S gave up; Simon significant triumph of their careers.
then led in the Ferrari 340 America, ahead of
Robert Manzon and Jean Behra’s Gordini. ‘HI, I’M KARL.’ Karl Wendlinger: Le Mans
Towards evening the Frenchmen moved into veteran, former Formula 1 driver, 1989 FIA
the lead, while an alternator malfunction GT Champion, German and Austrian F3
forced pit delays for Kling and Klenk. Finally, Champion. And now he’s my co-driver.
66
The sun has gone down, it’s time for my
second lap, though there’s a slight delay while
we wait to join the track from the service road.
The pit building glows behind us, leading me
to wonder how well I’ll be able to see out there.
Is it lit? Will 1952 candle-power suffice?
I ask Karl what it was like to compete here:
tiring, I suggest. ‘The regulations mean you
can’t be out for more than an hour before a
driver change, but if your co-driver isn’t feeling
good, you might be back out before another
hour. You sit and eat something, maybe, but
you don’t get to sleep during the night. And
though the race begins at four o’clock, you get
up about eight to start your planning.’
It’s gone midnight now and, while I haven’t
been racing all day, I can tell that the energy
coursing through me is nervous, rather than
the kind you feel during morning exercise. But
I’m alert, and it’s time to go: helmets on, doors
down, dink-dink left and up into first…
At night, the feeling out on the track is even Clockwise, from top left
more special: the pit buildings are alive in Le Mans, 1952, the winning Helfrich/
Niedermayr car ahead of Kling/Klenk’s
neon, and the painted kerbs stand-out in no20, which subsequently retired; ready
floodlighting like they’re in a video game. But for the night-time lap – Waddington
inside the Merc it’s still 1952, its crisp sits alongside Karl Wendlinger.
suspension allowing welcome body movement
that keeps you informed about the surface
67
NEXT STOP: MEXICO

Mercedes began development for the Carrera
Panamericana three months after its great Le
Mans triumph, in September 1952. On Austria’s
Grossglockner mountain, the 300SL was
prepared for the high-altitude conditions it
would face in Mexico, where much of the route
was 2000m above sea level, and the Puerto
Aires pass fully 3196m up. There, the engineers
sought more power (in the thinner atmosphere)
for the 3100km race, and managed to extract
an extra 10bhp, for a 180bhp total. In early
October the team set off by ship for Veracruz,
Mexico, with three Mercedes-Benz W194
300SL competition cars plus back-up vehicles.
The first of the race’s eight stages began on
19 November 1952 at 7am, over a distance of
530km from Tuxtla to Oaxaca. Hermann Lang,
Karl Kling and John Fitch followed one another
out at short intervals. Infamously, during this
stage the 300SL of Karl Kling and Hans Klenk
collided at over 200km/h with a vulture, which
smashed through the windscreen, leaving
co-driver Klenk with a bleeding scalp. He briefly
lost consciousness, but Kling managed to bring From top
him round by shaking him and Klenk asked him The three team cars: (L
to carry on with the race. The pair reached the to R) Lang and Grupp,
end of the stage in third place, and their car Klenk and Kling, John
was fitted with a new front windscreen with Fitch and Eugene
vertical metal bars on each side for additional Geiger with W194
Roadster; Kling and
‘vulture-proof’ protection.
Klenk at an early service
After eight breakneck stages, Kling and stop; vulture collision
Klenk reached the finish in Ciudad Juárez on 23 smashed screen – and
November 1952 in a time of 18hr 51min 19sec. wounded Klenk’s head.
In chassis 0005, the car featured in these
pages, Lang and Grupp crossed the line in
second place, just 35 minutes behind. It was
another SL double victory, one of the most
important successes for Mercedes-Benz in the
1950s, at only the third Carrera Panamericana.
68
1952 Mercedes-Benz
W194 300SL
Engine 2996cc OHC straight-six,
three Solex two-barrel carburettors
Power 180bhp @ 5200rpm
Torque 189lb ft @ 4200rpm
Transmission Four-speed
manual, rear-wheel drive
Steering Recirculating ball
Suspension Front: double
wishbones, coil springs,
telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar.
Rear: swing axles, coil springs,
telescopic dampers Brakes Drums
Weight 1130kg Top speed 160mph
69
rather than wallowing in sickly fashion or

bobbing your head uncomfortably. It feels
occasional intervention of the camera car
mean some of my lines aren’t ideal. I have to
‘Inside the Merc
light on its feet, nimble as you might expect for
a closed coupé that weighs 1130kg: for a sense
brake deep into the Esses, noting how stable
the SL is when you really need it to be. Then it’s still 1952,
of scale, it’s broadly similar in length and
weight to an early 911, though fully 6in wider.
again, at Mulsanne it elicits a fair old wiggle
at the rear, but the steering is quick and I its suspension
And this one, being a Carrera Panamericana
car, is tuned to 180bhp, 10bhp more than the
laugh out loud as the car straightens out and
my heart rate recovers. Karl ‘cool’ Wendlinger allowing body
Le Mans machines.
But what daylight deprivation really focuses
seems unmoved: ‘It’s good, you caught it, not
a great line but everything is OK.’ movement that
keeps you
you on is the noise, the ticking and chugging We’re in the latter stages of the lap now, so
at low speeds replaced by sizzle and snarl as it’s into second to accelerate hard then one last
revs rise before hitting the full-on, all-pervading haul against those tall gears along the Route de
blare from 4000rpm and up. I recall Ellen
Lohr’s earlier advice: ‘My hearing is shot as I
Mulsanne (as the straight from there is known
the rest of the year), getting it right again
informed about
never had the correct ear-plugs,’ she had
winced as one of the Group C machines rip-
through Indianapolis and Arnage before
slowing down to cool the brakes and the engine
the surface’
sawed its way past us. But this is my second in time to head back through the pits.
and (likely) final lap of Le Mans, and I want I’ve brought the W194 back in one piece
to hear absolutely everything. and had the drive of a lifetime – yet it was
Powerful overhead lighting is spaced at nothing more than just another couple of laps
intervals so you rely on the W194’s headlamps for this incredible car. Any chance of the full
for a few seconds in-between; that and the 277, for old time’s sake? End
70
Life feels better behind the
wheel of a classic.
Wherever life in your classic takes you, we’re with you.
Call our friendly UK team for a quote:
0330 162 1328

footmanjames.co.uk
All cover is subject to insurer’s terms and conditions, which are available upon request. Footman James is a trading name of Advisory Insurance Brokers
Limited. Registered in England No. 4043759 Registered Address: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial
Conduct Authority. FP: ADGE.2310.09.21
OU T OF THE
Unloved for decades, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is now back
72
SH A DOWS
in fashion – and with good reason, argues Mark Dixon
Photography Sam Chick
73
T
here’s a definite ‘back to the ’70s’ vibe in the That was then, however. Time passed and the conservative-
UK at the moment. Paul McCartney has looking Shadow had started to look dated in the thrusting,
just headlined at Glastonbury, Kate Bush greed-is-good world of the late ’80s. It didn’t help that
has been topping the charts, rampant Rolls-Royce built so many of the damned things: more than
inflation is sparking industrial unrest, fuel 38,000 if you include the badge-engineered Bentley variants.
prices are at record levels – and the Rolls- And, it has to be said, the Shadow’s glamour started to fade
Royce Silver Shadow is a cool car again. How come? in parallel with the reputations of their once-popular
In the 1970s, a Shadow was the car to aspire to. It would owners. Jimmy Savile had a Shadow. Enough said.
almost be easier to compile a list of celebrities who didn’t Which is all terribly unfair, because the Silver Shadow is
own one than to name those who did. In particular, if you a truly exceptional car. Just ask Octane contributor Harry
were a working-class kid made good, the Shadow was the Metcalfe, whose proverbial dream garage of exotic motors
ultimate sign of success: everyone from Jimmy Tarbuck also includes a 1970 Shadow. Harry drove his Shadow to the
(with his registration COM 1C) to, yes, Paul McCartney Arctic Circle for a feature in Octane 181 and subsequently
had one. The class-busting symbolism was perhaps less wrote: ‘The trip was one of the most memorable ones I’ve
significant across The Pond but the Shadow was equally done and the Shadow has become a firm favourite in the
revered over there, with mega-famous owners including garage as a result, despite being surrounded by a gaggle of
Johnny Cash, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Even counter- supercars… I’ve ended up using it more than I intended,
culture types such as Andy Warhol couldn’t resist the lure of even taking it into central London, which revealed it to be
owning The Best Car in the World. a supremely relaxing way to travel in town.’
74
Those last few words sum up the appeal of a Shadow vehicles. Car ownership was increasing exponentially during
today. It is the ultimate feel-good classic, and much more the 1950s and ’60s, and the Shadow was Rolls-Royce’s
suited to modern traffic conditions than you might expect. response at a time when its customers were becoming
Let’s explore the reasons why. owner-drivers rather than chauffeured passengers.
That didn’t mean any sacrifice in interior space. In the
WHEN ROLLS-ROYCE announced the Silver Shadow in early ’60s, during a short-lived liaison between Rolls and
1965, there were some who considered it ‘not a proper BMC (the latter bought-in the former’s F-60 straight-six for
Rolls-Royce’. The car looked completely different from the its Vanden Plas Princess), Rolls-Royce evaluated a new
’Royces of old: instead of being curvaceous (radiator grille BMC 1100 and found its cabin was just as roomy as a Silver
aside), it had a three-box, slab-sided modernity, and – very Cloud’s! The Silver Shadow offered more space inside than a
significantly – it was smaller in every dimension than the Cloud, thanks to monocoque construction that allowed a
Silver Cloud it replaced: 4¼in lower, 6¾in shorter and lower floorpan as well as a lower roofline. It was still a large
3¼in narrower. car in its day but the supersized dimensions of 2022’s
Just think about that for a moment. When was the last vehicles mean that a mass-market, mid-range family saloon
time you heard of a car manufacturer bringing out a prestige will likely be longer and wider, if not necessarily taller.
model that was considerably smaller than its predecessor? Styled in-house by Crewe’s design team, led by John
But Rolls-Royce knew then what today’s automakers have Blatchley, the production Shadow evolved from a series of
forgotten: that more and more people driving cars means slightly ungainly prototypes into a deceptively simple and
less space on the roads, which ought to necessitate smaller elegant form. The car featured here, a very early example that
75
‘WHY ARE THEY SO DURABLE?

THE OBVIOUS ANSWER IS BECAUSE
THEY WERE BUILT TO
ROLLS-ROYCE STANDARDS’
was ordered on 15 December 1965, shows this to perfection. components built at Crewe under licence from Citroën,
First owned by the then-Earl Spencer – grandfather to Lady although the suspension operated in quite a different
Diana – it features red-and-white coachlines in which the manner. Rather than being entirely hydraulically suspended,
red was specifically matched to the colour of the jerkins like a Citroën DS, the Shadow had coil springs all round,
worn by his carriage drivers… Which helps explain why the with hydraulic self-levelling assistance. This meant that the
Shadow wasn’t delivered until 18 February 1967; the springs could be kept soft to give a good ride, but the self-
current owner, Mike Martin, has around 60 A4 pages of levellers would come into operation when passengers or
factory build records just for this one. luggage were carried, or the fuel tank refilled. It turned out
Mike bought the car on 19 September 1979 and it has that the front self-levellers weren’t really necessary and they
covered 191,000 miles. Already the reasons for the were deleted in 1969.
Shadow’s resurgence as a car to own and drive are becoming Suspension front and rear was mounted on subframes,
self-evident: it’s not particularly large, and if it’s looked-after insulated from the bodyshell by cylindrical wire-mesh
it will be incredibly reliable. The specialist who has looked Vibrashock mounts rather than the more usual rubber pads.
after Mike’s car for 40 years, Ray Hillier of Hillier Hill in They may have been reminiscent of Brillo pan-scourers but
Olney, Bucks, also has a customer with a 1971 Bentley the density of the mesh acted like miniature variable-rate
convertible that has covered 300,000 miles. springs to give unparallelled isolation from road-induced
Why are they such durable machines? The obvious noise and vibration. Incidentally, Shadows built for the UK
answer is that they were built to Rolls-Royce standards. and Europe had slightly firmer suspension than those sent
After delivery from Pressed Steel in Cowley, the bodyshells to the USA, and there was a special heavy-duty option for
were subjected to two days of inspection and fettling, before countries with less-developed roads. Presumably without
being sprayed with 15 coats of paint. Interiors were trimmed any sense of Swinging Sixties irony, this was referred to as
in Connolly leather and burr walnut veneers, while electric the ‘Colonial’ specification.
windows, power seats and even a remote fuel filler release
were all standard. This was heady stuff in 1965 but it was ENOUGH TECHNICAL STUFF. What is a Silver Shadow
also a nod to the all-important US market, where such like to drive? Let’s take Harry Metcalfe’s Shadow for a spin;
gadgets were commonplace on relatively ordinary cars. it’s by no means a concours car – he bought it on eBay five
There was nothing revolutionary about the drivetrain – years ago for just £4100, and spent £2500 on sorting it out
which in itself helps explain the model’s proven durability. – but Harry likes his cars to be ‘right’ and so it’s a good ’un.
The basic engine was the 6230cc V8 first used in the Silver Close the driver’s door behind you and you’re ensconced
Cloud and Bentley S2; it was designed in-house to a in a surprisingly cocoon-like cabin that engenders an instant
conventional specification, with overhead valves actuated sense of wellbeing. Being a 1970 example, it doesn’t have the
by short pushrods from a single camshaft mounted in the ‘Chippendale’ dashboard of the earliest Shadows, such as
vee. Carburation was by two SU HD8s. By American Mike Martin’s, and safety crash-pads encroach top and
standards, it was not particularly special, but it was bottom, but it’s more classic than the compromised design
exceptionally well put-together. of the Shadow II, where a bank of rectangular warning lights
Even Rolls-Royce bowed to US expertise for the Shadow’s sits slightly incongruously with the circular dials and
automatic gearbox, however, which was a GM400 (four- ignition panel.
speed on early cars, changed to three-speed in 1968). It was Turn the delicate little ignition key and the engine fires
one of the toughest features of the car; garagiste and rally immediately, making its presence felt more than you’d
driver Bill Bengry, who drove a near-stock Shadow on the expect. Harry’s is one of the last cars to be fitted with the
1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, ended up using it original ‘6¼’ engine, before it was enlarged to 6.75 litres in
to slow the car repeatedly when the brake fluid kept boiling 1970 to cope with forthcoming US emissions legislation,
on steep mountain passes. and he reckons it’s actually punchier than the bigger one.
The combined braking and suspension system was, in Certainly, it provides what Crewe would describe as
fact, the most radical feature of the Shadow. Both employed ‘adequate’ take-off from the line, the automatic gearbox
high-pressure hydraulics – up to 2500psi – based on slurring almost imperceptibly between changes.
76
This page
Wherever you look, the
quality of the details is
impeccable. This car
has red coachlines
specifically matched to
the jerkins worn by its
aristocratic first owner’s
carriage drivers…
By far the most striking characteristic is the steering. wearing the Bridgestone winter tyres that were fitted for his
Apart from recent Bilstein dampers, this car is as it left the Arctic adventure. Their relatively stiff sidewalls may account
factory and it has the recirculating ball system that was for a slightly compromised secondary ride – the response to
superseded by rack-and-pinion for the Shadow II. It is very minor road imperfections that you tend to notice more at
power-assisted and has no ‘feel’ whatsoever… and yet, lower speed – but there’s no doubt that the Shadow is one of
somehow, that doesn’t seem to matter. It’s surprisingly the all-time great ‘wafters’.
precise and, because you must use the gentlest of hands to Tyre choice is important, of course. Originally, crossply
guide the car with that big, thin-rimmed wheel, it positively tyres were specified because of their greater sidewall
obliges you to adopt a relaxed approach. An aggressive compliance, but radials are now almost universally adopted.
driving style just won’t work; instead, sit back, breathe Dougal Cawley, proprietor of vintage and classic tyre
slowly and minimise your inputs. You’ll find you can cover supplier Longstone Tyres, himself drives a late Shadow I
ground pretty quickly with a total absence of stress. (see Man & Machine in Octane 219) and says: ‘If you’re a
On the move, the engine becomes almost inaudible, and passenger, you may prefer Avons, but for the driver it has to
you can literally hear the ticking of the electric clock, plus be Michelins. The Avon is all about ride comfort and the
the occasional tiny squeak of leather (Ray Hillier says that Michelin gives just a little more directional stability and
cars fitted with the rarer Parkertex velvet are notably silent). makes the car handle better, although Shadows were never
The ride is exemplary – even though Harry’s car is still renowned for their sharp handling.’
78
Left
As is usual in car
design, the original
iteration of the Silver
Shadow was the purest
and it remains an
outstandingly elegant
car, 57 years later.
That said, it’s possible to improve the handling greatly was subtly reshaped in order to match its curvier and
by fitting an aftermarket kit, the most famous of which is lower-profile radiator grille.
made by Harvey Bailey Engineering. Developed several In 1966, two-door body styles were added. Most of these
decades back by suspension guru Rhoddy Harvey-Bailey – were by Mulliner Park Ward, with an attractive and sportier
the car pictured here had one fitted 30 years ago – it consists Coke-bottle treatment of the flanks, but there was also a
of uprated springs and anti-roll bars and was endorsed by no small run of two-door cars by James Young, which looked
less a driver than the late Tony Dron, who installed it on much more like the regular saloon.
his own Shadow. Other kits have more recently become In 1967 came a convertible version of the Mulliner two-
available from specialists such as IntroCar, a package that door, and this and the hardtop equivalent were re-launched
has particularly impressed Ray Hillier of Hillier Hill. as the Corniche in 1971, with a raft of changes that included
the new 6750cc V8, a more modern facia and a smaller
ROLLS-ROYCE MAY at times not have been the most three-spoke steering wheel.
forward-thinking of manufacturers – the Shadow was its That year turned out to be a particularly miserable one
first model to feature disc brakes, for example – but it was for Rolls-Royce, when a crisis in its aero engine division
very good at constantly improving a design over time. At drove the whole company into receivership; fortunately,
launch in 1965, the Shadow was produced as a four-door the planned launch of the Corniche went ahead and is
saloon, and also as the Bentley T, the bonnet of which credited with restoring a lot of confidence to buyers
79
1967 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Engine 6230cc V8, OHV, two SU HD8 carburettors
Power c200bhp (never officially stated)
Transmission Four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Steering Power-assisted recirculating ball
Suspension Front and rear: double wishbones, coil
springs, telescopic dampers, self-levelling hydraulic
assistance Brakes Discs Weight 2116kg
Top speed 118mph 0-60mph 10.9sec
and suppliers. Appropriately, journalists were flown to the

South of France to test it; such apparent profligacy made
more sense when the car division’s managing director
pointed out that the whole event cost less than half the retail
price of a single Corniche (about £12,800).
As the ’70s progressed, the Shadow and its siblings
were always evolving – faster-acting steering, better
ventilation, impact-absorbing bumpers – but by far the
biggest changes came in 1977, when the Shadow II and
Bentley T2 were launched. US-style deep, rubber-faced
bumpers and a ‘bib’ front spoiler were the most obvious
external mods while, under the skin, rack-and-pinion
steering improved the handling significantly. The air-
conditioning system was said to have the cooling effect of 30
domestic fridges, while the heater was powerful enough
to warm a three-bedroom house! Which, when you
consider that a Shadow II cost 25% more than the average
UK house in 1977, seems highly appropriate.
Shadow II and Bentley T2 production continued until
1980, when both were displaced by the all-new Silver Spirit
and Mulsanne, respectively, but the Corniche convertible
enjoyed a phenomenal swansong, soldiering on until 1995
(all Corniches were rebranded as Continentals from 1985).
It had no directly comparable rivals by that time and was
particularly popular in California, which accounted for a full
quarter of total sales. Remember Robert Wagner and
Stephanie Powers in TV’s Hart to Hart? The series ran from
1975 to ’84, and the Harts owned a dark green Corniche
convertible, still the ultimate status symbol for ‘a self-made
millionaire’ who was also ‘quite a guy’.
We shouldn’t forget the long-wheelbase Shadow, either,
a relatively rare model introduced in the late ’60s and given
its own identity as the Silver Wraith II in 1977. And we
definitely can’t forget the Shadow’s most outrageous variant,
the Camargue, based on the Shadow platform but with
Pininfarina styling apparently inspired by Lady Penelope’s
‘FAB 1’ from Thunderbirds and with an equally out-of-this-
world price tag. At launch in 1975, it was the most expensive
production car you could buy. Talking of which…
‘WHAT’S IT WORTH, mister?’ It’s not very long ago that

you could pick up a decent Shadow for £10,000 – but, then,
that seems true of so many classics. The reality now is that
you’ll have to double that figure for anything in good shape,
and you could easily spend twice or more again for a really
nice one. Mike Martin’s ex-Earl Spencer Shadow is insured
for £55,000, the ‘Lady Di’ family connection probably
accounting for about 15-20% of that valuation.
81
82
Above
An early Shadow interior is simply exquisite, and
pre-1970 examples are prized for their so-called
‘Chippendale’ burr-walnut veneered dashboards;
US safety legislation then dictated a change to a
shallower design with padded top and bottom rolls.
84
‘CONDITION IS Ray Hillier, who, with Tony Hill, co-founded Hillier Hill
in 1985 and originally trained as a Rolls-Royce service
apprentice in the 1970s, agrees that the Shadow and its
EVERYTHING, PLUS siblings are no longer cheap classics. ‘A top-notch one is
worth £40-000-50,000 now and a nice original and usable
OF COURSE SERVICE car is probably mid-to-high 20s. Condition is everything,
plus of course service history. Colour is slightly less
important than it used to be. Certain colours – dark green,
HISTORY, BUT COLOUR for example – will always be popular, but the ’70s browns
that were once reviled are now back in fashion.’
IS LESS IMPORTANT Bentleys generally command a premium, because fewer
of them were built and many people prefer their more
THAN IT USED TO BE’ understated look. Ray predicts that any two-door Bentley
is likely to prove a sound investment. ‘They’re rarer than
some Astons, and right-hand-drive convertibles particularly
RAY HILLIER so. I think values are going to fly.’
When it comes to choosing between early or late cars,
whether Rolls or Bentley, it really is horses for courses: the
first-generation cars are arguably more elegant, while the
later models have better handling and are more evolved.
The parts situation for all models is generally very good,
thanks to specialists such as Flying Spares and IntroCar, and
there are good-quality repair sections available for common
85
rust spots such as wheelarches. Your biggest potential bill There is one tantalising alternative. The idea of converting
could be for repairs to the high-pressure hydraulics and, if a classic car to electric power is anathema to many, but a
you want to have the many seals changed for peace of mind, Shadow might be the exception to the rule. Its V8 petrol
a full service costs around £3000 plus VAT. engine is not the car’s defining feature; replacing it with an
Discounting the rarer coachbuilt models, you still don’t electric motor is not such a heretical suggestion.
need to spend a huge amount to own a Silver Shadow or Think about it: near-silent operation, better weight
T-Series, one of the finest saloon cars ever built. They are not distribution (so less understeer), and of course today’s all-
perfect but – as Harry Metcalfe, Dougal Cawley and Mike important green credentials. The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Martin can attest – they are the sort of cars with which, to is a superb town car already – but how much better could
use the modern cliché, you ‘make memories’. And, while an electric version be. For enthusiasts like us, an electric
high fuel consumption has always been their Achilles’ heel Shadow really could be The Best Car in the World. End
– road-testers typically returned 11-12mpg – you may well
feel that it’s a price worth paying. THANKS TO the car owners and to Ray Hillier, hillierhill.co.uk.
86
THE DAMBUSTER’S SINGER
HERO’S
RETURN
This Singer Le Mans once
belonged to a tail-gunner from
the intrepid wartime Dambusters
mission. John Simister retraces
its old Air Force haunts
Photography Alex Tapley
88
IF ONLY CARS COULD TALK, and tell us what they
have seen. That’s what my friend (and fellow Singer
owner) Simon Worland said when he discovered
surprising things about his 1935-built, 1936-model
Singer Nine Le Mans Special Speed.
He already knew that its first owner was Ronnie Marsh,
Midlands racing driver and heir to the family meat-
packing business, and that Marsh had it race-prepared for
Le Mans in 1936. That race never happened, France being
in a state of civil unrest at the time, and Ronnie replaced
the Singer with something speedier.
What happened to CRE 945 after that had always
remained fuzzy so, 38 years after he bought it as a major
restoration project, Simon decided to have a good look
at the documents that came with it. A project with Year
Six at his local primary school in Stoke Poges, attended
by Simon’s daughter Anabel, was the catalyst.
The children were studying World War Two, something
that happened almost inconceivably long ago for them.
So Simon brought his Singer along to make the era a
touch more tangible, and they started researching past
owners’ names. The first recorded, in what was possibly
a replacement logbook, was based at RAF Wickenby in
Lincolnshire. He would soon be based at RAF Scampton
nearby. His name was Richard Trevor-Roper.
IT WAS LATE evening on 16 May 1943. Nineteen Avro

Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron were readying to
take off from Scampton in three waves, their mission to
smash the Möhne, Eder, Sorpe, Ennepe and Diemel dams
in western Germany’s industrial Ruhr region. The
‘Dambusters’ mission was one of the most famously
daring and ingenious offensives of the war in Europe. At
21:39, Wing Commander Guy Gibson in the first wave’s
lead Lancaster AJ-G began to taxi onto the grass runway,
flanked by AJ-M and AJ-P. The impossibly daring
‘Operation Chastise’ had begun.
In each aeroplane’s distended belly was stowed what
looked like a giant oil drum, the ‘bouncing bomb’ devised
by Barnes Wallis of Brooklands-based Vickers-Armstrong.
To bounce correctly along the water surface, and to hit
the dam at the right speed and position, the bomb –
codenamed ‘Upkeep’ – had to be ‘back-spun’ at 500rpm
then dropped between 475 and 425 yards in front of the
target from a Lancaster flying at 220mph just 60ft above
the surface. The Lancaster, suddenly nine tonnes lighter,
then had to climb hard and turn to clear the dam and the
aftermath of the drop, flak shells bursting all around.
Each Lancaster’s rear gunner was the most vulnerable
crew member of all. In the tail of AJ-G, Gibson’s aircraft,
was Flight Lieutenant Richard Trevor-Roper – the
highest-ranking gunner of the whole operation.
En route to the Ruhr was the ever-present fear of
interception by enemy aircraft, so the Lancasters flew at
1500ft over England, dropped briefly to 60ft over the
North Sea to test each aircraft’s pair of Aldis lamps whose
downward-angled beams were set to merge at exactly that
low height above the water, then continued at 100ft over
the Netherlands and Germany. This kept the aircraft
below the reach of radar, but it called for hyper-accurate
89
1935 Singer Nine Le Mans Special Speed

Engine 972cc OHC four-cylinder, two SU HV carburettors Power 38bhp @ 5000rpm
Transmission Four-speed manual non-synchro gearbox, rear-wheel drive Suspension Front: beam axle,
semi-elliptic leaf springs, Hartford friction dampers. Rear: underslung live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs,
transverse Hartford friction dampers Steering Worm and nut Brakes Drums Weight 800kg
Top speed 80mph (est) 0-60mph 28sec (est)
90
navigation to avoid power lines. AJ-M, avoiding flak, meadow while AJ-P released its load. Still the dam held. Opposite and this page
actually flew under one. Next, AJ-A, again protected by AJ-G and also by AJ-P. Singer bowls along old A15;
Trevor-Roper’s entry in
Combined with this stress was the claustrophobia- This was the Upkeep that breached the dam, but in such Scampton card index;
inducing crampedness of the gun turret and the relentless slow motion that the fifth aircraft, AJ-J, also dropped its Lancaster’s fight deck; it’s
noise. Would there be space in Trevor-Roper’s head to bomb even as the Möhne was crumbling. This first of the hoped that ‘Just Jane’ will be
look forward to another run in his just-bought Singer? targets was now well and truly destroyed. flying by this decade’s end;
the view from the rear turret;
Probably not, a moment’s inattention and he might have Gibson, and the three aircraft of the first wave still with antique SUs feed Singer’s
been too late to react to enemy fire. an Upkeep on board, then headed for the Eder dam, 14 feisty little engine.
AJ-G and its two companions, followed by the second minutes away. It was undefended but the approach
and third groups of three that completed the first wave, required a steep dive from 1000ft. The last Upkeep did the
were heading for the first of the five dams scheduled for job, and the surviving Lancasters of the first wave headed
demolition: the Möhne. Once there, Gibson did a recce home. Two were shot down, including AJ-A. Gibson’s
run, declared that he ‘liked the look of it’ and lined up for AJ-G landed back at Scampton at 04:15, with three small
Operation Chastise’s first bomb drop, Aldis beams holes in the tail just ahead of Trevor-Roper’s turret.
coalescing as they should. And the other dams? The second wave targeted the
Enabling the bomb-aimer, Pilot Officer FM Spafford, Sorpe, but didn’t breach it. The third wave finished that
to release Upkeep at precisely the right moment was a job, but the Ennepe remained intact and there were no
brilliantly simple sighting device. It had an eyepiece at resources left to tackle the Diemel. The RAF had inflicted
one end and a pair of pegs at the other, mounted on two huge damage on Germany’s infrastructure, but more non-
diverging wooden strips. As soon as the pegs aligned with Germans (593, many of them in forced labour) died from
the dam’s towers, Spafford would press the release button. the Möhne dam’s breach than Germans (476).
He did so at 00:28 on that moonlit night. Trevor-Roper Richard Trevor-Roper was awarded the Distinguished
saw Upkeep bounce three times and then, ten seconds Flying Cross for his role in Operation Chastise. He went
later, create ‘a terrific explosion’ and a huge sheet of on to fly on other missions, but was posted as missing
surging water. Was the dam breached? Not yet. after a bombing raid on 30 March 1944 over Nuremberg.
Nor was it after AJ-M’s run, under heavy fire: the bomb His death was confirmed in June that year.
dropped late and bounced over the dam to destroy the
power station beyond in a ‘gigantic flash’. The heavily SO IT WAS THAT, on 30 June 1944, ownership of Singer
damaged Lancaster then crashed, with just two survivors Le Mans CRE 945 passed to John James of 9 Squadron
– one the rear gunner – who had baled out. Chastise was at RAF Bardney (now closed), again in Lincolnshire and
not going well, so Gibson decided to fly just ahead, and to near RAF Coningsby to which 617 Squadron had
the right, of AJ-P on its approach to the dam to distract relocated. The Singer’s next owner, from 1947, seems to
the enemy gunners. As AJ-G flew over the dam it turned have been a civilian in Suffolk, as were the two after that
left so Trevor-Roper could engage the guns in the nearby until 1958 when Nicholas Galpin at RAF Cranwell, near
91
‘Simon’s car is in peak condition. Even a new

Singer Le Mans can’t have felt any better than this’
Sleaford in Lincolnshire, bought it. Flight Lieutenant have to be 150 miles away by 9am mostly via B-roads in Above and opposite
Galpin was an instructor on Sabres, Hunters and an 86-year-old car, the fruity sound of a 972cc, overhead- Surface of A15 ghost
road appears to have
Lightnings, but he didn’t keep the Singer long: he sold it camshaft Singer engine snorting through a pair of tiny seen no maintenance
to Michael Gibbons, a Canberra pilot for 12 Squadron at SUs announces Simon’s arrival at my house. The weather since the 1940s;
Coningsby, later that year. is dry, the hood is down (it’s almost never up) and the Singer’s long-ago
Late in 1959, he sold the Singer for £25 to his navigator, sidescreens are stowed. My overnight bag fights for space restoration has matured
nicely; Singer owner
Arthur Creighton, having fallen for an MG TA. Creighton with a toolbox and an oil can. Worland sits at
– who died in 2019, shortly after Simon had made contact Simon drives; his car is in peak condition with the Gibson’s desk with
with him – had just passed his driving test and fancied a light patina of a nicely aged restoration. It has a remarkable canine guard at his
sports car, but he sold CRE 945 just a few months later to ride for something running on solid axles and friction feet; Upkeep bomb
resembles a giant
another Coningsby Canberra pilot who later became an dampers. It has no rattles. Its punchy little engine is much
armoured oil drum.
Air Vice-Marshall. It then passed through four more smoother than you’d expect from a design with a two-
owners until bought by Alan Manton of Hemel bearing crankshaft, and keen to rev higher than caution
Hempstead on 24 April 1969. Simon, at just 19 years old suggests is wise. Its Alfin-drummed hydraulic brakes are
and having already restored a BSA Bantam, bought what strong and consistent. The clutch doesn’t judder and it
was by then a derelict ruin from him on 20 April 1983. never overheats. Even a new Singer Le Mans can’t have
felt any better than this.
ARMED WITH ALL this history, and the knowledge So we arrive at our first stop, East Kirkby’s Lincolnshire
that RAF Scampton is soon to close, Simon and I have Aviation Heritage Centre with an excellent café, in
planned a Lincolnshire pilgrimage. At 5am, because we surprisingly good shape. We’re here to see the centre’s
92
1945 Lancaster known as ‘Just Jane’, built at Austin’s
Longbridge factory for the RAF’s Tiger Force in the Far
East. Japan surrendered unexpectedly early, so this
Lancaster never saw wartime service. After a life involving
the French Naval Air Arm, air-sea rescue in New
Caledonia, display in Sydney and a return to Britain,
‘Just Jane’ was eventually bought by brothers Fred and
Harold Panton after it had spent ten years as ‘gate
guardian’ at RAF Coningsby.
The Pantons had bought a part of the defunct East
Kirkby aerodrome, which they developed into what we
see today. And they particularly wanted a Lancaster to
commemorate their brother Christopher, killed during
an air raid on Nuremberg in March 1944. Could it have
been the same raid that claimed Richard Trevor-Roper?
‘Just Jane’ is about to go on one of its regular, and very
noisy, taxiing runs – the plan and the hope is to get it into
flying condition towards this decade’s end – but there’s
time for us to bring a Lancaster and the Singer together as
might have happened nearly eight decades ago. And for
me to contort myself into the rear gun turret: surrounded
by Perspex, I feel simultaneously claustrophobic and
exposed. Imagine that at night, flak bursting all around,
an inescapable nightmare.
From here we head west towards Coningsby, nowadays
home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which
includes a flying Lancaster. The Singer was based there in
the late 1950s; Arthur Creighton told Simon it was
serviced at nearby Finney’s Garage, owned by a racing
enthusiast who kept an ERA in the showroom. That
business is no longer in the village but has moved to a
road just outside it. The Finney family sold it a while ago,
we learn on arrival, but the name endures.
Arthur also told Simon of Saturday morning
amusement with him and Michael Gibbons in the Singer,
performing multiple circuits of the Caenby Corner
roundabout where the A631 crosses the A15. Cyril the
AA patrolman, regularly on duty with his dog by the
AA box, had to salute the Singer’s AA badge on every lap
to his increasing ire. Nowadays the box has vanished
with no trace, and the roundabout is fiendishly busy.
Six miles south of it and the same distance due north of
Lincoln is RAF Scampton, base for the Dambusters raid
and our next destination. We arrive and follow our guide
to one of the hangars that housed the Lancasters nearly
eight decades ago. History is all around: an Upkeep, a
Tallboy as used to sink the Tirpitz, relics of war both hot
and cold. And upstairs, Guy Gibson’s office and the
adjacent dispatch room, just as they were in 1943. Under
Gibson’s desk sits a life-size model of his black labrador,
although the poor canine whose name can no longer be
mentioned was run over the day before the raid, and
buried at midnight on the 16th.
This is where the mission took shape. Here we find
records and photographs of crew members, and a
surviving example of the bomb-aimer’s wooden sighting
device plus a bomb-release button to squeeze. Nearby is
the former officers’ mess, now-semi-derelict, then the
scene of both extreme jubilation among those who
returned and extreme sadness for those who didn’t.
93
TODAY’S A15 skirts round the Scampton base, the kink

in the formerly dead straight road built to make room for
the longer, and hard-surfaced, runway needed for jet-
powered bombers. Part of the old road still exists, running
south as far as the airfield’s perimeter; it’s more derelict
even than the old officers’ mess, but passable. CRE 945
would surely have driven on it during the war so I drive it
there again, trying to imagine what might have been going
through Richard Trevor-Roper’s head.
And then we head south-east to stay the night at
Woodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel, which became 617
Squadron’s officers’ mess after the move to nearby
Coningsby. It’s not messy at all; it’s a mock-Tudor
sanctuary and, as we see when we arrive, is currently
accommodating an outing by members of the Rolls-
Royce Enthusiasts’ Club and their vintage-era machines.
The Singer is tiny in comparison, but warmly welcomed.
Tomorrow, under threatening skies, we’ll visit the
International Bomber Command Centre just south of
Lincoln before heading home. The atmospheric
exhibition there provokes deep thought, the spire-like
memorial is the tallest one in the UK that marks a war.
Its 102ft height exactly matches a Lancaster’s wingspan.
By the spire are layers of memorial walls, 270 panels Top and above
bearing the names – nearly 58,000 of them – of all Singer pauses outside
the Scampton hangar
who have died while serving in Bomber Command.
that housed 617
Including, of course, Richard Trevor-Roper, past owner Squadron’s Lancasters;
of Simon’s Singer. Yes, if only cars could talk. End the Petwood Hotel
served as the officers’
THANKS TO Andrew Panton at the Lincolnshire Aviation mess when 617 moved
to nearby Coningsby.
Heritage Centre, Karen Gibbard at RAF Scampton – and
acknowledgement to The Dambusters by John Sweetman,
David Coward and Gary Johnstone, which tells the story
of Operation Chastise in deep detail.
94
PEUGEOT 504 DECONSTRUCTED
Stephen Bayley explores

the ineffable Frenchness
of the Peugeot 504
Photography Paul Harmer
‘STRUCTURALISM’ IS A mode of thought much

favoured by French academics. Irreverently, it may be said
to be a more intellectual approach to what we more
matter-of-fact rosbifs call ‘inter-disciplinary’.
But it’s a little more than that. The Structuralist point-
de-vue is based on the assumption that everything has
layers of meaning. That objects must be understood in a
complete context. That there are not simplistic mono-
causal explanations of things. A belief that we are all
mediators and translators of the world we occupy and see.
Sometimes this leads to dizzying bafflement, of being
difficult for the sake of being difficult. For example: ‘We
must observe the sliding of the signified beneath the
signifier in the behavioural programme of the post-social
society during the capitalist inter-regnum.’ I have just
made that up, but you see what I mean. Yet sometimes it
all leads to clarity. Let’s see how we get on here.
The 1968 launch of the Peugeot 504 was delayed until
the Salon de l’Automobile in the autumn of that year
because of les événements of that spring. These events were
the radical uprising that began at Paris’s Nanterre
University, when academics and students suspended their
studies of bafflement and took to the streets.
There were barricades, riots, occupations of schools
and factories. Young women in cashmere V-necks and
pleated skirts lit up a Gitane and cheerfully chucked
cobblestones at gendarmes. Eventually, a quarter of the
population was in a frenzy and it got so bad that
President de Gaulle briefly escaped to a French military
base in Germany.
Then it all settled down as mysteriously as it had arisen.
Les soixante-huitards, the ‘sixty-eighters’, resumed their
studies. Workmen in bleu de travail put the roads back
together. But it was le moment décisive: a turning point.
Nothing would be quite the same again. Students were
empowered, the mighty apparatus of La République had
been made to wobble precipitously. Within a few years,
hatchbacks would appear. Within ten years, Paris saw
the building of the Centre Pompidou and expectations
of architecture were changed forever.
And so we have the Peugeot 504, a car very much of its
moment yet which also looks backwards. It was the
successor to the 404, which was manufactured between
96
G AL L I C
AS
GAR L I C
97
Clockwise from above 1960 and 1975, itself a very self-conscious successor while the ‘Familiale’ had seven seats. Wagons and pick-
Structuralist Peugeot is to the 403, which dated back to 1955. ups had live axles, saloons and coupés semi-trailing arms.
at home in a concrete
structure; seat design The 404 benefited from Pininfarina’s open-source The existing Pininfarina connection was reinforced
reflects corduroy design, in which the noble carrozzeria cheekily sold the when the production of the very pretty 504 coupés and
favoured by 504’s same drawings to BMC where they were interpreted as cabrios was sent to Grugliasco, just outside Turin. Perhaps
architect clientéle; the Morris Oxford and the Austin Cambridge. Arguably, no enterprise of comparable size has ever been responsible
engine and dashboard
are paeans to the
the French got the better of the bargain. Both the 403 and for so much industrial beauty. It was not, of course, Pinin
analogue age; Bayley the 404 were popular as column-shift taxis in Paris and, Farina who did all the drawing, any more than it was Enzo
models bleu de travail. being simply specified while robustly made, assisted the Ferrari who engineered all those cars. Instead, Farina of
French colonial project in Africa during its long autumn. 1967 was assisted by elfin helpmeets who were not given
The 504, which lived until 1983 in Europe and 2006 in much personal publicity. Neither did they ask for any.
Nigeria, was more ambitious than the 404, although still Outstanding was Aldo Brovarone, born in Piedmont in
technically straightforward. The torque-tube propeller 1926. Having moved to South America to work as a
shaft gave a solid link between engine and final drive that graphic designer in Buenos Aires, he came into contact
smoothed turning moments, greatly enhancing both with the mercurial and recently immigrated Piero Dusio
comfort and durability for customers on the Boulevard who founded Autoar, or Automoviles Argentinos.
Saint-Germain and in Ouagadougou. Dusio’s beautiful Pininfarina-designed Cisitalia from his
It also boasted deliciously comfortable long-travel pre-Argentina era, the original ‘GT’, later became the
suspension and complementary seats of positively first car to be acquired for the permanent collection at
decadent squidginess. The ‘Break’ estate version ran on a New York’s Museum of Modern Art, scriptural home
wheelbase 6.3in longer and had a raised rear roofline, of the newly emergent ‘design’.
98
‘A tiny raised
section at the
back modestly
reflects the Dino’s
flying buttresses’
By 1952, Brovarone was back in Italy. Two years later

he joined Pininfarina as an assistant to Francesco
Salomone and Franco Martinego. At first his work was
restricted to colouring-in the sketches of others, but soon
he graduated to the autograph design of Roberto
Rossellini’s Ferrari, the Alfa Romeo Superflow and a one-
off, fuoriserie, Ferrari 375 America for Gianni Agnelli.
And it was for Ferrari that he did his most exceptional
work. A 1965 show car called the Dino Berlinetta Speciale
essayed the Dino 206 and 246 of 1967, to many the most
beautiful cars ever. This was a completely original shape.
The front wheelarches are emphatic, as they were on the
contemporary Ferrari 330 P3 sports-racer, in my view the
most beautiful racing car of them all. At the rear, a vertical
glass is bent on a heroic concave radius, framed by lateral
fins that taper to the tail.
And this feature you see on Brovarone’s 504: a tiny
raised section at the back modestly reflects the Dino’s
flying buttresses. And there are character lines a-plenty.
There is the ghost of a Coke-bottle curve, less emphatic
than the contemporary Vauxhall FD Victor’s or, two years
99
Left and opposite

Linear facia and a
light, airy aura
contrast with today’s
claustrophobic
cocoons, but steering
wheel is clearly not
the one that left
Sochaux; angles of
car park walls echo
those of the bootid.
later, the Ford Cortina MkIII’s, but nonetheless apparent. de la Société-Ponthieu-Automobiles of 1905, looks like
The 504’s trapezoidal headlights established a facial something else entirely. But parking was soon to engage
character that just about remains recognisable in the modernists’ imaginations. The Soviet architect
Peugeot physiognomy of today. Konstantin Melnikov had a bold concept in 1925 for a
But before CAD, even Pininfarina’s sculpturally adroit garage over the Seine. Nine years later in Venice, Eugenio
designers had difficulty in realising voluptuous three- Miozzi’s Autorimessa demonstrated the Futurist vision.
dimensional forms. The 504 meets the eye as a shape By the 1950s, parking garages were emerging as a
conceived in two dimensions – front elevation and side distinct building type. There’s the amazing Parking
elevation – and only later on the production line Facility No.5 of 1952 by Chicago’s Loebl, Schlossman and
amalgamated into a three-dimensional mass. Peugeot had Bennett. And when in 1959 Frank Lloyd Wright
no Scaglietti to render Pininfarina’s flat drawings into completed New York’s Guggenheim Museum with its
voluptuous shapes. amazing helical ramp, quite a few visitors recalled that the
We find this 504 Berline, belonging to a Swiss collector, architect had tested this design on Max Hoffman’s car
at Lance McCormack’s Romance of Rust in Brentford. showroom at Park and 56th, cruelly demolished in 2013.
This is a workshop in the heart of Duke of London, a The genre reached its apogee in Gateshead with Owen
collective of boutique car dealer, pizzeria, cinema and Luder’s Trinity Square of 1967, immortalised in Michael
wine bar. McCormack is a master metal-basher, trained as Caine’s Get Carter the year before the Peugeot 504’s
a boy at the coachbuilder Mulliner, who has fastidiously arrival. Brutalism was the favoured language of car park
re-bashed this Peugeot. But even his great artifice was not designers. No-one is saying that the fine 504 is in any way
able to disguise that, in most cars of this era, doors, brutal, but it has a character determined by a culture that
bonnets and boots open with the creaky imprecision architects understand.
of a vintage tin toy. The 504, especially in its Break or Familiale versions,
It was, structurally speaking, irresistible to shoot the became a favourite of architects. In 1968, this tribe was
pictures in a concrete parking garage, an architectural identifiable by its corduroy suits, suede desert boots,
form reaching its maturity when the 504 was launched. statement glasses and polo-neck sweaters. The more
Happily, there was one adjacent to Romance of Rust: prosperous of them might have owned an Eames chair, or
serendipity.Parkinggaragesspeakasimple,uncomplicated had barometers and a ship’s clock attached to tongue-and-
language. There is only one purpose: to be a hotel for cars. groove panelling and illuminated by spotlights.
In Nikolaus Pevsner’s History of Building Types of 1976, English intelligentsia liked French cars. Indeed, French
car parks do not feature. To this great architectural stuff in general. By 1968, Terence Conran’s Habitat stores
historian, they had not achieved artistic distinction. were well established; here you would find Duralex
Indeed, the very first car park, Auguste Perret’s Garage glasses and other fine examples of vernacular chic.
100
1973 Peugeot 504 Berline GL
Engine 1971cc OHV four-cylinder, Solex 32/35 SEIEA
twin-choke carburettor Power 92bhp @ 5200rpm Torque 117lb
ft @ 3000rpm Transmission Four-speed manual, rear-wheel
drive via torque tube Steering Rack and pinion Suspension
Front: double wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers,
anti-roll bar. Rear: semi-trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic
dampers Brakes Discs front, drums rear Weight 1230kg
Top speed 101mph 0-60mph 12.5sec
101
Conran’s B-roll, soft-focus Francophilia involved long

journeys after lunch along a plane-tree-lined Route
Nationale in a gloriously floaty and hypnotising Citroën
DS. And it found many takers among the discoverers of
wine bars, quiche lorraine and profiteroles, a chicken
brick and a butcher’s block.
But Peugeot’s Frenchness was more to do with
workmanlike bleu de travail and rationality than with
grande luxe or the gastronomy that will forever be
associated with the Citroën DS. Or, if not the
roadmender’s or binman’s bleu de travail, then at least
bourgeois refinement. In 1968, Peugeot had not realised
its global ambitions and was still in essence the original
family business based in Sochaux in the Franche-Comte.
The take-over of Citroën was still a handful of years away.
Sochaux is near to the source of poulet de Bresse, the de
luxe chicken for Conran’s chicken brick. And to explain
the 504’s artisanal background, I don’t believe a tourist
has ever intentionally visited Sochaux. You need only
know that the Peugeot business began as iron-founders,
evolving into manufacturers of saws, bicycles and pepper-
mills. Some spirits cannot be eradicated.
Despite its success in rough-and-tumble rallying, no-
one could, at least by today’s standards, describe the 504
as a driver’s car. To say it drives like a light truck is to bring
modern light trucks into disrepute. Although it is a very
fine passenger’s car: what the seats lack in structure they
compensate for with astonishingly embracing softness.
This is what I thought about, sitting in the back.
And I pondered, too, how far ergonomics have
advanced since 1968. Today, the meanest Korean thing
you find at an airport’s car-rental pool has thoughtfully
arranged secondary controls that all fall to hand without
the necessity of the close formal analysis of the tableau de
bord required to understand how to operate the Peugeot.
In the 504, there are knobs, sliders, buttons, each an
articulate witness to the unsophisticated innocence of From top end of the Mount Fuji climbing season. But while
the analogue era. And one forgets that, while today, solid- Bayley sinks into the devotees will climb Fuji again next year, the Peugeot 504
504’s seductively soft
state electronics have made cars very tidy in terms of back seat; he says it’s
is not coming back. So savour the experience of a car
wiring, in the 504 a gnarly bundle of colourful cables more a passengers’ car manufactured by the makers of the best pepper-mills,
is only just out of sight underneath the steering wheel. than a driver’s, although designed by the man who drew the most beautiful Ferrari,
And as for in-car entertainment, that was really it won many a rough-and- and which exudes a Frenchess as effable as the smells of a
tumble rally in Africa.
restricted to Pierre resting his hand on Chantal’s left knee (possibly now illegal) Gitane and of garlic cooking in hot
as he put his right foot down. You see, the cassette deck oil. All that has now been lost.
also appeared in 1968 and, at first, there was some Why did I enjoy the Peugeot 504? Let the most
resistance to such a wantonly decadent innovation. You accessible Structuralist, Jean Baudrillard, explain: ‘We
wanted sounds? You tuned to RTL. need a visible past, a visible continuum, a visible myth
The Peugeot 504 was an exact contemporary of the of origin to reassure us as to our ends, since ultimately
more gorgeous, but less sensible, Jaguar XJ6: each the end we have never believed in them.’
of something old rather than the beginning of something There, if you like, is the classic car proposition as
new. Cars such as the 504 were votaries of a value system described by the loftiest Parisian intello. In short, the stuff
and a design ethic that was soon to be atomised by of dreams. And thus, the Peugeot 504: a new car of 1968,
globalisation, the extinction of old class rules, Computer but also a rather old one. So, here’s a paradox those
Aided Design, intelligent ergonomics, crash protection Structuralists would have relished. End
legislation, democratised electronics and eco-activism.
To experience a 504 today is as infinitely touching Thanks to Romance of Rust, romanceofrust.com,
as the Yoshida Fire Festival that, every year, marks the and Duke of London, dukeoflondon.com.
102
01582 967777
9am-9pm • 7 days 13,000+ reviews A
40
YEARS
• Established 1982 •Over50millionnumbersavailable

• The UK’s largest private dealer • Over a million satisfied customers
AOR I4N C4 RLY DOT 5 HAW I3Y KEE I3Y MAD 6E PHE I4N S7 OKE
Adrian Carly Dots Hawley Keeley Madge Phelan Stoke
AGA 7E CHA 73R DOV 3R HEW 3R KEY 5 MAII ARD POW I3Y SUT 3R
Agate Chater Dover Hewer Keys Mallard Powley Suter
AMB 205E CHE 573R EVE 270N HOI6 ATE KOU 54R MOR 370N PRA 7T TA66 ART
Ambrose Chester Everton Holgate Kousar Moreton Pratt Taggart
BAN 70N CH2I STY EXL 3Y HOL 647E LAK 3R MO22 ELL REN 70N TA22 ANT
Banton Christy Exley Holgate Laker Morrell Renton Tarrant
84 TES CLA 2K FEG 4N HOL 5T LAM 80N NAN 5 RON 4ID T3 NCH
Bates Clark Fegan Holst Lambon Nans Ronald Tench
BOG 5 60 LE FOR 7H HOP 600D LAN 670N NEE 50N RO54 NNA TUR I3Y
Bogs Cole Forth Hopgood Langton Neeson Rosanna Turley
BOU ID 60 OKE FOS 73R HOW 4T LAR 6E NI ALL RU 6 TYN 4N
Bould Cooke Foster Howat Large Niall Rug Tynan
BOY 3R 600 MBS GAO I HUX I3Y LAU 23N ORG 4N RUS 70N W46 NER
Boyer Coombs Gaol Huxley Lauren Organ Ruston Wagner
BRU 70N COO 7E GAY IE HYD I LAW I3R ORG 45M SI0 UGH W33 DON
Bruton Coote Gayle Hydi Lawler Orgasm Slough Weedon
BUF 70N COP I3Y G3 ARY I KEA LUM I3Y OXL 3Y SP2I GGS WES I3Y
Bufton Copley Geary Ikea Lumley Oxley Spriggs Wesley
BUII ARD CUR 7IN GOW 3R I VA LYN 377E PAG 3T 574 LEY WES 50N
Bullard Curtin Gower Iva Lynette Paget Staley Wesson
BUT 70N D3 NBY HA66 ART JAV I3R MAC I34N PAR 70N S7 AMP W357 LEY
Button Denby Haggart Javier Maclean Parton Stamp Westley
CAR 3N DO20 THY HAR 7E JUL I3T M4 DGE PAX 70N STO 88S WOO 770N
Caren Dorothy Harte Juliet Madge Paxton Stobbs Wootton
All numbers illustrated are Regtransfers stock and available immediately.

Regtransfers are always looking to purchase similar numbers for stock. For more information, visit
www.regtransfers.co.uk/stock or email [email protected]
THE
O C TA N E
INTERVIEW
Alan Gow
Meet the BTCC boss who turned unknown
drivers of souped-up repmobiles into
household-name heroes of the racetrack
Words Ben Barry Photography Jonathan Fleetwood
DISTIL THE 1990s British Touring Car It was 30 years ago this year that the TOCA
Championship to its essence and it’s a hard sell: organisation he co-founded became the
four-door saloons usually driven by sales reps promoter of the BTCC series and kickstarted
were thrashed around the racetracks of Britain that golden era, so it’s a timely opportunity to
by men that most of the population – at least catch up, learn how it all came together, where
initially – had never heard of. it all went wrong and where it’s all heading
In reality, ’90s BTCC became unmissably now. Gow is as well placed as ever to comment
exciting. Humble Cavalier, Laguna and Primera on all the above; the 67-year-old remains at the
bodyshells were among others dropped low helm of BTCC as chief executive while
over monster slick-shod 19-inch alloys, behind simultaneously serving as the president of the
which you’d find sophisticated suspension, FIA Touring Car Commission.
sequential transmissions, extensive carbonfibre He meets Octane at the Thruxton race circuit
and highly tuned 2.0-litre four-, five- or six- both to talk and to give his beloved ‘step-front’
cylinder engines eventually pushed right back 1966 Alfa Romeo GT Junior some exercise
to the bulkheads and lowered to improve around a circuit that – handily enough – is
weight distribution. Every boy racer wanted operated by a company of which he’s chairman.
the wheels, the single wiper, the sunstrip. The 1.3-litre twin-cam Alfa makes a useful
More than anything the racing was epic, ice-breaker as photographer Fleetwood and I
helping BTCC drivers become household pore over its Giugiaro-penned lines. ‘It’s a
names (well, my mum can’t reel them off, but two-owner car, originally from the south of
you get the point), and they were soon joined France, and has a genuine 36,000km,’ explains
by guest Formula 1 drivers. Even Nigel Mansell, its proud owner. He’d forewarned us that the
who was reigning F1 World Champion when Alfa wouldn’t be coming should there be any
he suffered one of the biggest shunts of his hint of rain, so protective is he.
career driving a Mondeo around Donington ‘It’s never been restored, even though it’s
Park, surely an impossible scenario today. immaculate and totally rust-free. It’s just a
Eight-figure budgets, huge crowds, big TV gorgeous little car. [Marque specialist] Ian Ellis
figures, the TOCA Touring Car Championship looks after it for me and always says so. I’ve
computer game, Murray Walker’s frenzied loved the 105-series since I was a kid, and this
delivery struggling to keep pace with the action one is definitely a keeper.’ A concours 1960
and the offs… it was ‘Go, go, go!’ as the man Volkswagen Beetle is also tucked away at home.
himself would have said. Gow did not grow up in Britain dreaming of
Alan Gow steered the championship from Alfas and air-cooled Volkswagens, however.
behind the scenes, and for fans the straight- He grew up in Australia and admits he fancied
talking boss remains as synonymous with the himself as a race driver, quickly blowing up the
series as championship winners Harvey, Holden Torana XU-1 that was his first race car
Tarquini, Menu, Biela and Cleland. (a Vauxhall Viva-based coupé with Bathurst-
104
105
ALAN GOW INTERVIEW
This page from top, and opposite

Australian series set tone for BTCC; racing legend
Peter Brock is to the right of Gow; racer and close
friend Allan Moffat tries an unsuccessful skull cooler;
Gow did several 24-hour 2CV races in the 1990s;
Tarquini in Alfa 155T at Thruxton, 1994; Gow’s
Alfa GT Junior is unrestored; Donington 1992.
winning pedigree). Perhaps more surprisingly,

he enjoyed some success as a water-skier.
‘From my teenage years I’d be water-skiing
every weekend, and eventually I entered some
international events in Australia,’ he reveals. ‘I
thought I was pretty good, but up against the
world’s best I looked pretty ordinary!’
Instead, Gow found his success with
management and series promotion. He became
a key figure behind the scenes in motorsport,
working closely with multiple Bathurst winner
Peter Brock – a little too closely at one point.
‘Peter reported a noise coming from the
differential of his Holden Commodore race car
while testing at Phillip Island, so I climbed into
where the rear seats would have been to hold
onto the rollcage and listen,’ Gow chuckles.
Forgetting he had a passenger on board, Brock
set off at race speed. ‘Once I got over the shock
it was just fantastic to watch him at work,’ says
Gow, who admits he was too choked up at
Brock’s death competing on the Targa West in
2006 to deliver the eulogy at his state funeral,
preferring to pen some words instead.
Long before then, Gow, Brock and eight
others created TEGA, which secured the rights
of the V8 Supercars race series in Australia –
and unwittingly laid the foundations of 1990s
BTCC in the process. ‘We sold out at the end of
1989 and I came over here to look around for
12 months, as every Australian does.’
In the UK, Gow worked with multiple
BTCC champion and engineer Andy Rouse on
a road-car project. Rouse had raced in Australia
both for Brock and for Australian Touring Car
champion – and latterly team owner – Allan
Moffat, a close friend of Gow’s. As Rouse
focused on the new car’s engineering, Gow
liaised with Ford dealers to sell the Rouse-
tuned, road-legal Sapphire Cosworth 304-R.
In 1990, the pair joined forces with Prodrive
boss David Richards and Vauxhall’s David
Cook and by 1991 they had negotiated the
rights to the BTCC with the Motor Sports
Association. ‘The MSA immediately recognised
this as a good idea,’ remembers Gow. ‘It was the
governing body, not the promoter, but there
could have been some conflict of interests as
my partners were involved with BTCC teams.
To make sure that didn’t happen, running the
championship was largely left to me.’
When TOCA ran its first season of BTCC in
1992, it spelt the end of the Group A era that
had been dominated by E30 BMW M3s and
Sierra Cosworth RS500s. These, confusingly,
ALAMY
had raced in different classes, and any class
106
ALAMY
107
ALAN GOW INTERVIEW
Alan Gow chats with Trevor Carlin

of Carlin Motorsport, who runs a
British Formula 4 team in one of
the BTCC’s supporting races.
could provide the outright championship

winner even if it hadn’t dominated the head of
the field. In Group A’s place came the 2.0-litre
banned adjustable front and rear spoilers for
the 155, Audi’s all-wheel-drive A4.
‘It was the mid-to-late 1990s, a domestic
‘FANS COULD ENJOY
Super Touring cars, putting everything on an
even footing with the prospect of closer racing
championship, and the manufacturers were
spending stupid amounts,’ Gow reveals. ‘Ford RACES WITH MAYBE
and, so the theory went, more affordable costs.
It was the BTCC teams rather than the FIA
spent £12million, Nissan wasn’t far behind. It
was unsustainable and we knew it, so we were 30 CARS – AT LEAST
FOR THE FIRST LAP
who proposed the new rules, initially dubbed trying to bring the cost down. Then someone
‘the 2.0-litre regulations’. The Super Touring would build bigger hospitality units, or pay
tag came later and was adopted worldwide. But more for better drivers or engineers. It became
while the new foundations were promising,
Gow describes the BTCC of the time as ‘a good
a pissing competition.’
When American-based company Octagon OR SO, GIVEN THE
but incredibly under-developed championship’.
He hoped to unlock its potential using lessons
learned from V8 Supercars.
made TOCA an offer impossible to refuse in
2000, the BTCC bubble was about to burst.
Only Ford, Honda and Vauxhall fielded works
OFTEN HIGH RATES
BBC Grandstand television coverage was
key, and kick-started a virtuous circle of more
squads for that year’s championship. ‘Octagon
bought the Brands Hatch group of circuits and
OF ATTRITION’
manufacturers, stiffer competition and action- the lease for Silverstone as well, and they
packed racing. As trackside attendance reached thought they’d come over here and make a
40,000, ten manufacturers joined the grid for fortune out of motorsport,’ remembers Gow.
1994, more than competed in F1 races of the ‘They were in the business for three-and-a-half
period. BMW, Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Mazda, years, did very badly, and walked away with
Renault, Peugeot, Volvo, Nissan and Alfa their tail between their legs.’
Romeo all battled on track. Add the privateers, The British Automobile Racing Club
and fans could enjoy races with maybe 30 cars ultimately picked up the wreckage of TOCA,
– at least for the first lap or so, given the often bringing back Gow and putting him in charge.
high rates of attrition. That was 2003, two years into the new, more
The naturally aspirated racers weighed affordable BTC Touring regulations that failed
around a tonne, and some produced over to lure back manufacturers as intended. ‘At my
300bhp. With so much at stake, entrants looked first race back there were just 12 cars on the
for an advantage anywhere they could or were grid and one-hour highlights only on some
quick to protest when others got there first: regions of ITV. It was horrible,’ says Gow. ‘I
Alfa Romeo with its controversial and quickly have spent all that time since then rebuilding it.’
108
ALAN GOW INTERVIEW
Right, from top

Alan Gow extols the virtues of his Alfa,
just 36,000km from new and hailing from
the south of France; today’s BTCC
racers are hybrids such as this Toyota
Corolla, seen here at Goodwood’s
Festival of Speed driven by James Cole.
And so the series boss has worked through

the S2000 regulations, the NGTC regulations,
the unprecedented uncertainty of the
pandemic, and most recently one of the biggest
shifts in the championship’s 64-year history
with a switch to hybrid regulations for 2022.
Gow is quick to draw parallels with the Super
Touring era and prevailing market forces.
‘When the BTCC switched to 2.0-litre
regulations, that was the way the market was
going,’ he explains. ‘We have to do the same
now. You can’t keep racing irrelevant vehicles
for the public or manufacturers, and people
tend to underestimate the sponsors – they’re
even more demanding these days. The first
question they ask is, what are you doing about
electrification or sustainability? Thirty years
ago it was about how many cigarettes I can sell.’
With the rise of Historic motorsport, there’s
been a groundswell of interest in the Super
Touring era – not that it ever really faded. The
Classic Touring Car Racing Club runs pre-
2003 machinery, with 1989 and 1995 BTCC
champion John Cleland racing a Vauxhall
Vectra and multiple race-winner Anthony Reid
a Nissan Primera against a grid of gentlemen
drivers. Wouldn’t it make sense to unite old and
new on one generation-spanning bill?
‘I’m not really interested in the Historic
element,’ comes the level-headed response.
‘Our support races are largely manufacturer-
backed, it’s a very demanding race weekend,
and we’d need [a Historic series] to meet
certain very high standards. Having gentleman
drivers doesn’t fit our bill, so it doesn’t suit me.
I don’t think it would suit them either.’
On the other hand, the series boss is more
open to full electric racers when the UK
outlaws new petrol and diesels entirely in 2035
(following a five-year grace period for hybrids),
if only because he knows better than to rule
anything out of what is likely to be an
unpredictable future. ‘If you’d told me ten or
15 years ago that we’d be racing hybrids, I’d
have scoffed. Motorsport never looks at itself
ten or 15 years ahead, five years is about the
most, so who knows? I can’t imagine I’ll be
around in 2035 to have to address that issue,’
adds Gow, matter-of-factly.
The BTCC will need a big personality to step
up to the plate when Gow, the championship’s
guiding force for much of the last three decades,
eventually steps down. For the rest of us the
search is easier, especially if that all-electric
future one day comes to pass. Just tap ‘1990s
ALAMY
BTCC’ into your YouTube search bar. End
110
BUGATTI HYDROPLANE
W AT E R W AY T O
112
In 1933, Niniette III set a World Water Speed
Record. In 2022, John Simister braves the
newly restored Bugatti-powered hydroplane
TR AVEL
Photography Barry Hayden
113
BUGATTI HYDROPLANE
A
straight-eight Bugatti engine, Niniette was the nickname of Ettore Bugatti’s knots (23mph) or so. That’s the hydroplaning
supercharged. A wooden second daughter, Lidia. There were, most part, minimising water-drag aft of the step.
boat about 15ft long, the Bugatti experts agree, five water-borne Niniette III has been sympathetically and
single occupant of which Niniettes, plus a sixth Bugatti-engined painstakingly restored by Tim Dutton, Bugatti
kneels on the rearmost powerboat (skinned in aluminium and built by magician at the Buckinghamshire marque
extremity, apparently a little a different boatbuilder) that might or might specialist founded by his father Ivan, and his
below water level. A world speed record set not have borne the name. This third of the line team of craftsmen. Tim is about to take the
in 1933. And all these things combined in one is the only one left, the others having met their hydroplane on its maiden hydroplaning run on
– somewhat intimidating – artefact. end in a wartime US bombing raid on the one of the Queenford Lakes, near Wallingford
These are among the ingredients whipped up outskirts of Venice, where they were stored. in Oxfordshire and close to the Thames.
in the mixing bowl that is my head as I steel And nowadays there is a modern ‘Bugatti Anything could happen. He has already learnt
myself to push the throttle lever forward and, Niniette’ superyacht, built by Palmer Johnson. that Niniette’s front-mounted rudder, perhaps
in doing so, regain the ability to steer at the Ruspoli’s new record speed was positioned there to make the steering more car-
expense of an increased rate of arrival of the 93.305km/h, or 57.989mph. That’s fast for a like, or perhaps to avoid disruption of the
lake’s far shore. But I have to do it; I owe it to small boat. It’s actually a ‘one-step’ hydroplane, water-thrust from the propeller, dangles
you, the reader, because not many other writers its underside beginning with a conventional uselessly above the water in the acceleration
are ever likely to get the chance to streak across keel shape at the prow but changing to a flat zone between pottering and hydroplaning,
the water in Niniette III, commissioned by bottom about a third of the way along. This when the prow is pointing up the most. Which
Prince Carlo Ruspoli for his attempt on the shape causes the prow to rise as soon as you’re means you can’t steer it until you’re at speed.
World Water Speed Record for 1.5-litre power moving beyond walking (or fast-swimming) ‘So you have to make sure there’s a good
boats on Lake Como in November 1933. pace, followed by a rise of the stern beyond 20 straight stretch of unobstructed water,’ Tim
114
1933 Niniette III hydroplane
Engine Bugatti T51A 1493cc DOHC
straight-eight, Zenith carburettor, Roots
supercharger, magneto ignition
Power 130bhp Transmission Wet
multiplate clutch, 1:1 ratio transfer
box to propeller, no reverse
Structure Plywood skin on wooden
framework, with steel reinforcement
at high-stress points
Steering Front-mounted rudder
actuated by chain and cables
Length Approx 15ft Top speed 58mph
says, before checking exactly where the lake’s it straight, and a cowl over the engine helped
buoys are, stepping off the jetty, paddling across ease the passage of the craft’s superstructure
Niniette’s decking and taking up his kneeling through the air. Ruspoli had already been
pose, water lapping perilously close to the introduced to Ettore Bugatti by his brother-
cockpit’s edge. He turns on the fuel pump, in-law, Duke Armand de Gramont, and an
presses the starter button and crackle-boom! arrangement was forged in which Bugatti
The supercharged twin-cam motor with its would lend engines and other mechanical parts
eight little cylinders inline bursts into life, its for the boats that Celli would build.
two open exhaust stubs blattering away, the So it was that Ruspoli and Niniette III broke
engine slowing as Tim eases the clutch in to the record on 1 November 1933 on Lake
set the propeller turning, then speeding back Como, reaching 93.305km/h. On 17 December
up as he gives it a touch of throttle. he had another go, this time on Lake Maggiore
A touch more and the tail sinks into the with 94.830km/h the result. The streamlined
water-hollow instantly created, the bottom of cowl was left off for both runs; Niniette ran
that hollow still circulating menacingly around better without it. After that no more is heard of
Tim’s posterior. The prow is up and Tim can’t Niniette III, the engine of which was probably Clockwise from opposite
steer, so he slows until he’s close to the lake’s returned to Bugatti at some point before war Cockpit looks like you can sit
north shore, turns and then opens her up. To a broke out, apart from its wartime survival in in it but you have to kneel;
looks serene when stationary;
point; it’s a bit too soon to emulate Ruspoli’s the Celli factory while its sister craft were water laps around Tim
run. The tail duly rises, the prow settles and obliterated in another depot. Dutton; Prince Carlo Ruspoli
hydroplaning is occurring, with a fine tail of And Prince Ruspoli? He became a wartime aboard Niniette III in 1933.
spray. It works. fighter pilot who went from perhaps reluctantly
Tim must now slow down gently, because if
he’s too abrupt the wash he’s created behind
will catch him up and engulf him. It’s another
thing to remember in this new and unfamiliar
sub-world of Bugatti-powered machinery.
RUSPOLI WAS KEEN on anything nautical

and organised regattas in the Venice area.
Having discovered the thrills of racing fast
motor boats with his 1500hp, Fiat-engined
craft named Savoia, he commissioned Celli, a
Venetian builder of gondolas, to build the first
of what became a series of Niniettes. Numbers
I, II, IV and V were designed to race around
marked courses and had 5.0-litre Bugatti 50B
engines. Niniette III had a different purpose:
to break speed records, which required
maximum straight-line stability, less need of
manoeuvrability and an engine size suitable for
a class in which victory could be achieved.
So Niniette III was smaller, with an engine of
just 1493cc, which gave around 130bhp with
the help of its supercharger. Its plywood hull
featured strakes on its underside to help keep
115
BUGATTI HYDROPLANE
Left and below

Tiny fuel tank is just big
enough for a record run,
with gauge to confirm;
small propeller is set
under epoxy-coated
wooden hull; owner Greg
is marooned but happy.
fighting for Mussolini to dropping leaflets from SO WHAT HAD GREG bought? A hydroplane
the air encouraging those below to accept that with flaking paint, no mechanical parts but a
the game was up. He also played a high-level surprisingly intact structure, which would need
part in liaising with the Allies to get Italy a lot of detective work and the ability to scale
functioning again after the conflict, then moved components from photographs using clever
to Argentina where he died in June 1947, just CAD programmes. This was a world familiar
40 years old. to Tim Dutton and his team, albeit not with
In the 1950s, Celli family member Dino a hydroplane as the subject.
decided to revive Niniette III. He painted it red ‘We’ve kept as much of it original as possible,’
and white, installed a 1.5-litre Lancia Aprilia says Tim. ‘The longerons are original and so is
engine tuned-up with twin carburettors, and most of the decking, but we had to make new
moved the rudder to the back. But it wasn’t corners.’ Niniette is made mostly of glued-
competitive against more modern hydroplane together plywood, much of it five-ply and 6mm
designs, so Dino sold the engine and Niniette thick, with steel bracketry for reinforcement
‘It’s working was dormant once more. He went on to design
his own successful hydroplanes over the next
around the engine bay and cockpit and that
skeleton of longerons – themselves of doubled-
well, the two two decades. Eventually, in 2006, Dino’s son
Giorgio sold Niniette III to Guido Romani, a
up 19mm plywood – to support the skin.
All through the restoration Tim has striven
pilots so far are collector of historic racing boats who had spent
eight years persuading Giorgio to part with it.
for a patinated look, so the edges of old paint
underlayers remain. He has emphasised these
intact and not Ten years later it passed into the hands of its
current owner, whom we shall call Greg from
and traces of woodgrain by rubbing leather dye
over the surface, then wiping it off. You can’t
too wet. What New York. Greg, thrilled with his purchase,
naturally doesn’t divulge the price but says ‘it
see the glue that holds Niniette together,
though, so modern epoxies can be used such
could possibly was phenomenal value to someone nuts
enough to bring it back to life’. Post-purchase,
that the hydroplane ‘should last another 100
years’ as Tim’s right-hand restoration man,
go wrong?’ he took it straight to Tim Dutton. Simon, observes. Epoxy coats the underside,
too, in place of the original doped fabric, so the
wood’s beauty is on display.
Even epoxy couldn’t adhere to the wood
around the engine, however, thanks to oil that
had soaked in from the usual Bugatti leaks. So
that wood had to be replaced. And the engine
itself? ‘It’s basically new,’ says Tim, who’s well
known for creating complete replacement
Bugatti engines, ‘but we’ve aged it a bit.’ He
points out the long magneto drive (the
magneto sits in that pylon-like cage in front of
the engine) just like the one in a T51 GP car,
and the multiplate clutch that’s again standard
racing Bugatti issue. Even parts of the steering
system use cables and guides from a terra-firma
Bugatti’s brakes (Type 35, specifically),
although the chain-and-sprocket part of the
linkage is more chandler than car shop.
Just forward of the clutch is perhaps the
most challenging part of the restoration: the restrained by the rope still tying it to the jetty. addition, as is the electric water pump. ‘Now it
gearbox that sends the drive back to the ‘Clutch, clutch!’ yells Tim; it hadn’t been runs too cool,’ he said earlier, ‘and we still
propeller. The input and output shafts diverge disengaged when starting. On the second haven’t worked out how they used to start the
by 15º, and the Dutton workshop built the attempt, Greg eases off smoothly, there’s no engine. Where would the starting handle go?’
entire thing from scratch. A specialist in drama and soon he’s hydroplaning. Then it The engine catches and settles to a tickover
Birmingham created the period-style propeller; stops. The tank is tiny and it’s out of fuel. A tow speed high enough to let Niniette move off
it was the last piece in a five-year restoration back from one of the lake’s resident water-ski without touching the throttle as I ease the
during which two years were lost to Covid. motor boats, then lunch. Greg is a very happy clutch into engagement. Otherwise you’d need
Greg is enthusing over details: the four metal Bugatti owner. three hands, given the likely need to steer.
lifting loops, the aluminium capping over the Niniette and I are moving at a brisk walking
copper strip that seals decking to hull, the YES, I’M GOING TO have a steer. Except pace, steering is happening and I push the
flexible spray-diverters that keep water away when there is no steering to be had, of course. throttle forwards. Up rears the front, off we
from the engine and the pilot. He’d thought I’ve seen Niniette working well, its two pilots shoot across the lake on a heading I have just
they looked like a lash-up before learning that so far are intact and not too wet, and what checked for unobstructedness. The apparent
they were entirely correct. could possibly go wrong? Now I’m kneeling in pace, the swirling of water aft and the loss of
Ballast has been added to the sharp end in an the cockpit, shoes dripping from the boarding steerability are exhilarating in a fatalistic way.
effort to trim Niniette’s attitude (a longer phase process. All eyes are upon me. Throttle lever I ease the throttle back, regain steering and
of steerability, less chance of a wet cockpit), left, clutch lever right, rev-counter ahead, a lot make a large-radius turn to aim towards the
and now Greg is to try his new toy. of engine further ahead. south shore. Niniette III doesn’t do tight turns.
He starts the engine and Niniette Fuel pump on. Position of kill switch noted. Now, the beans. Tim said it was doing 3000rpm
immediately rockets off until abruptly Press button to activate starter: that’s a Dutton while he was hydroplaning, and thinks the
117
BUGATTI HYDROPLANE
propeller, designed to propel cleanly up to Later, it is winched out of the water and
5000rpm in a piece of inspired guesswork, may placed on its ‘sledge’, a faithful copy of the
be undergeared as we would say in car-speak. wooden construction designed to ease
He also thought Niniette’s steering a touch too Niniette’s entry to Lake Como down an
sensitive at speed; ‘It feels like a racing car unusually steep slipway. Nearby is a 1932
going too fast in the wet,’ he said. Bugatti T51A, Marc Newson’s car with a rich
The beans, yes. What happens next in this Grand Prix history and a lot of metal DNA
almost 90-year-old machine is thrillingly alien. shared with Niniette. Bobbing in the water
The no-steering phase is dismissed in a few beyond is a beautiful Bugatti You-You in
seconds, then the prow settles as the stern rises perfectly varnished wood, one of a series of
and I have a much better view of the shore I will gentle motor launches built after World War
reach too soon. The engine bellows its approval, Two. Originally it had Bugatti’s sole design of
we’re hydroplaning and it feels terrifyingly single-cylinder engine, but this one is electric.
fantastic. I don’t want it to stop, but rather than Electrification is a not a fate that will befall
Above attempt an objective assessment of yaw rate Niniette III. Greg had originally planned just to
Bugatti T51 Grand Prix car versus steering input (it’s not as if I’m have it in his collection but now, having driven
shares engine and more
with Niniette but not the
swimming with relevant in-brain comparative or piloted or skippered or helmed it, he’ll be
You-You behind; Simister data), I need to think about slowing down exercising it regularly on the lakes near his US
gets Niniette hydroplaning. without being engulfed. home. At 58mph? It will be hard to resist. End
This happens soon enough to allow another
large-radius turn back to the jetty and dry land. THANKS TO Tim Dutton and Laura Shirley at
I sense the relief among those I had left behind. Ivan Dutton Ltd; Alexander Evans for historical
I feel the same, and Niniette is still intact. background; (brave) owner Greg.
118
T H E L AST K NOW N 4.5L F R E E S T ONE & W E BB S A L O O N L O N G WIN G TO U R E R
MORSE’S FIRST JAGUAR
ONE MAN’S
This Jaguar Mk1 has been developed to a high pitch over the last 27 years of
120
ENDEAVOUR
ownership. And it became a crime-busting TV star on the way, as Robert Coucher discovers
Photography Barry Hayden
121
Y
ou know when you spot a
really good motor car at 50
yards. I don’t mean some
flashy, over-restored boiled
sweet; I mean a car that is
honest, straight and clean,
and the demeanour and
stance of which tell you that it’s a well-sorted
piece of kit that’s going to be good to drive.
I was at Jaguar specialist Twyford Moors in
Hampshire a couple of months ago and spied
this attractive Jaguar Mk1 parked on the
forecourt. So I went and introduced myself to
the owner. It turns out that Anthony Gilsenan
has been the custodian of this 1959 Jaguar for
27 years and has subjected it to a continuous,
rolling restoration. Ah, a long-term, committed
owner – this sporting Jaguar is probably going
to prove even better than it looks.
SIR WILLIAM LYONS was in the motor-

manufacturing business to make money. He
was a notorious penny-pincher, cutting costs
wherever he could. That meant he produced
motor cars at affordable prices, but his real
genius was that the cars were beautifully styled
and extremely well engineered. Motor racing,
Le Mans success and sexy sports cars grabbed
the headlines and were all good fun, but Lyons’
mission was to produce in volume and the
saloon car segment was where that lay –
compact, aspirational saloons aimed at the
burgeoning middle-class driver.
He’d had success with Jaguar saloons since
the late ’30s , cars such as the 1.5, 3.5 and later
2.5-Litre and the huge MkVII, but with the
arrival of the Jaguar 2.4 saloon in 1955 (the
Mk1 nomenclature was used retrospectively
after the Mk2 appeared in 1959) he introduced
another game-changer for Jaguar: unitary
construction. The 2.4, joined by a 3.4 in 1957,
was the first roadgoing Jaguar freed from an
old-fashioned separate chassis.
Attached to the modern, light and compact
structure was independent front suspension
featuring double wishbones, coil springs,
telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar, all
carried in a separate subframe mounted to the
body by rubber bushes to insulate the occupants
from noise, vibration and harshness. It was not
122
123
1959 Jaguar 3.8 Mk1

Engine 3781cc straight-six,
DOHC, twin SU HD6 carburettors
Power 210bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque 216lb ft @ 3000rpm
Transmission Four-speed manual
with overdrive, rear-wheel drive
Steering Worm and roller
Suspension Front: double
wishbones, coil springs,
telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar.
Rear: live axle, cantilevered
leaf springs, Panhard rod,
telescopic dampers
Brakes Discs Weight 1380kg
Top speed 120mph
0-60mph 9sec
This page and opposite

S-type 3.8 has ousted original
Mk1 motor; rolled, spatless rear
’arches and a Mk2’s wide axle
signal underlying potency;
central dials inhabit super-shiny
dash; red interior goes well with
a white wedding dress.
124
‘I took it to Roland Stoat for the
bodywork. He found that the driver’s-
side floor was made of glassfibre’
a solution unique to Jaguar at the time, but it room in the back for an extra two adults. No Jaguar to Roland Stoat at RS Coachworks in
was an effective, even world-class, refinement British saloon had managed this before. Berkshire to have the bodywork done. He
tool that reached its zenith in the XJ saloon that The Mk1 was effective both on the racetrack found that the driver’s-side floor was made of
was voted Car of the Year in 1970. and as a rally weapon. It was driven by the best, glassfibre. He did a super job including the sills
The rear suspension was a simplified including Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn (that and the rear spring hangers, and fitted correct
development of the D-type’s, featuring inverted ended badly), Tommy Sopwith and Roy spatless rear wings, which were properly rolled
semi-elliptic springs cantilevered into the main Salvadori, cementing Jaguar’s racing prowess and lead-loaded. I then fitted wire wheels.
body frame, with the rear quarter section while selling in good numbers to the fast These are now the second set from Motor
carrying the live axle and acting as a trailing fellows in the growing number of affluent Wheel Service International, and I think they
arm. A Panhard rod took care of transverse suburbs. Then, having sold a little over 35,000 look great in black to match the body colour.
forces. It was a clever arrangement, which used Mk1s to enthusiastic press-on drivers, Jaguar ‘Over the years I have done pretty much
simple components and relieved the rear unveiled the Mk2 in 1959. It was an evolution everything. The underneath is Mk2, including
bodywork of torsional stress. with more glass area, a more modern dashboard the front subframe, suspension, disc brakes and
One anomaly, though, was rear track a hefty and a back axle of the correct width. And then a limited-slip diff. It runs on Koni Classic
4.5in narrower than at the front. The marketing sales of Jaguar’s compact saloon really took off. dampers, which are great, along with a thicker
blurb told us that a narrow rear track helped front anti-roll bar to tighten up the handling.
high-speed stability, but it did look peculiar. HIS BACKGROUND is in engineering, but The clutch is hydraulic and the brakes are servo
More likely, reckoned insiders, was that Lyons Anthony Gilsenan’s career is in advertising, assisted, so it really stops. The 3.8-litre engine
bought a job lot of Salisbury rear axles of a marketing and PR. Naturally, then, he had to has been rebuilt to standard spec but it does
given size and got his engineers to make them have a suitable Mad Men motor car. ‘I had the have a special exhaust made by the chap who
fit (badly) into the rear of the Mk1. first Beacham Mk2 [a restomod from New produced racing exhausts for John Coombs. I
Drum brakes slowed the first Mk1s, but Zealand]in the UK, followed by another Mk2. absolutely love the sound it produces.’
Jaguar’s famous, race-proven discs-all-round But I always wanted a Mk1, a much rarer model And so it continues. Clearly Anthony has
arrived in 1957 to seal the Mk1’s reputation as with looks that I prefer. I found this car invested a good deal of time and money in UFF
a fast, secure and comfortable sporting saloon. advertised at a London dealer in 1995 and it 325, but it’s the careful honing and detail
Grace, space and pace, indeed. The Jaguar was a looked good in black, so I bought it. improvements that indicate more than just
true 100mph machine in 3.4-litre form, well ‘It was fitted with a 3.8-litre engine from a maintenance. This is heart-and-soul stuff. Poly-
able to blow the doors off the then-current Jaguar S-type, along with an all-synchromesh bushed suspension, of course. High-torque
Humbers, Rovers and Standard Vanguards. geabox with overdrive. It was certainly fast but starter motor, naturally. New radiator and
Even more remarkably, it could stay with sports unfortunately the bodywork was in a poor efficient electric fan, certainly. Complete re-
cars such as Jaguar’s own XK 140 while offering state. So began the long restoration. I took the trim in soft red leather, beautifully done. LED
125
ON SET: ANTONY GILSENAN

‘The young actor Shaun Evans, who
played Morse in his early days, took to
the Jaguar with ease and drove it well’
dashboard lightbulbs, why not? E-type interior would be an ideal mobile backdrop for confess I’m a sucker for a Mk1 Jaguar. It appeals
seatbelts, just the job. He has also fitted neat a bride’s white dress, so I set up a wedding-car to me more than the slightly blinged-up Mk2,
rear-view mirrors on each side, added sound- business. I’ve been doing it for years and it has especially with all the period upgrades on this
deadening liners to the doors, and affixed a 3.8 more than paid for all the work the car has example – specifically the wider rear axle and
badge to the boot-lid. And the Jag absolutely needed. It’s been fun to invest in the Jaguar and beautifully turned rear arches.
has to have that natty roof aerial and Webasto I enjoy driving a beautiful bride to the church. I sense Anthony is a little nervous about
sunroof with visor, to add the final flourishes. And the newlyweds always enjoy the Jaguar. letting me drive his well-loved motor car, so
‘One Christmas I had some quiet time, so I ‘Then, about ten years ago, a television let’s be gentle. The 3.8-litre engine fires
decided to strip and re-varnish all the wood production company contacted me. They’d instantly thanks to the high-torque starter
veneer in the cabin,’ says Anthony. ‘The wood heard I had this black Mk1 which they wanted motor and the well-tuned, original-spec 1¾-
was slathered in a thick yacht vanish and looked to use as a police car in the first Endeavour inch SU carbs. The engine feels sharp,
rather crude. There are 27 individual pieces television programme, featuring Inspector responsive and light of flywheel. The twin-pipe
that make up the interior, so there was quite a Morse as a young man. They made up new Coombs exhaust is a little naughty, but nice.
lot of rubbing-down and varnishing to be numberplates and a police sign to mount on The red leather seat is by no means a ‘bucket’,
done,’ he laughs. The result is superb, set off by the radiator grille, and we began seven days of more a softly sprung chair, and the hydraulic
the red leather upholstery and the gleaming filming in and around Oxford. I had to be on clutch feels firm. I make a bit of a hash of
black paintwork. standby with the Jaguar. finding first gear as the rubbery gearlever
‘I did fit a set of Harvey Bailey front springs ‘The young actor Shaun Evans, who played linkage requires a bit of learning. As I wind it
and an anti-roll bar, but the springs proved to Morse in his early days, took to the car with up through the gears and into overdrive top,
be too harsh so I dialled back to standard Mk2 ease and drove it really well. Unfortunately, my immediate realisation is how much more
springs, which are better-suited to my road use. Roger Allam [playing Detective Inspector Fred refined this unitary body is over the separate
I have thought about power steering, but the Thursday] had the habit of slamming the front chassis and body of the preceding XK models.
wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel works door shut. On one occasion he slammed it so This ground-breaking Mk1 is significantly
effectively if you wear leather gloves. They hard the window glass came down and stuck. more genteel: it’s quiet, the body feels taut, the
increase grip enormously. Also, the Blockley With 37 people on set I had 15 minutes to suspension mounted on the rubber-bushed
radial tyres recently fitted lighten the steering remove the door trim and get the window back subframe is pliant and the solid rear axle is
weight enormously, so the lack of power up again. Some pressure.’ subdued over transverse ridges. UFF 325 feels
steering is not an issue.’ This 78-year-old is We meet at Glorious Goodwood on a lovely much younger than its 63 years thanks to both
clearly in excellent shape. sunny day to take photographs. Not Oxford as its innate design quality and Anthony’s
It’s obvious that Anthony is a bit of an in the Endeavour series, but Anthony’s home committed attention to detail.
entrepreneur as he chats about his business turf where the B-roads perfectly suit the Picking up some speed on the B2146 and
interests and other things. ‘Once I’d restored Jaguar’s mien. He hands me the diminutive B2141 between Petersfield and Mid Lavant,
the Mk1 I realised its black paintwork and red ignition key and suggests I have a drive. I must one of the finest road sequences in southern
126
Facing page
The Mk1, on film
duty with different
numberplates, meets
siblings at a fictional
used-car lot; Roger
Allam, aka DI Fred
Thursday, looks rueful
after slamming the door
and causing the window
to disappear inside.
127
England, the Jaguar starts to reveal its depth.

This engine is just marvellous. I’m not sure
a sequence of corners with good sightlines.
God, this is fun. The Jaguar just wants to drift ‘Anthony relaxes,
what has been done to its innards but it revs
with gusto. All the while the Mk1 feels neat and
and dance, its engine zingy, the suspension
taut, the body tight, the exhaust note full of so I squirt the
tidy on the road. The worm-and-peg steering is
a bit vague around the straight-ahead position,
bravura at high revs, the brakes immense.
I could tell from 50 yards that this 3.8-litre Jaguar through
but once you’ve got a bit of lean on early in the
corners to add weight to the steering, the slack
Mk1 was going to be good. From the driver’s
seat it’s even better, thanks to the heart and soul a sequence of
is eradicated and it sharpens right up. that Anthony Gilsenan has put into this
The initial understeer and the entry/exit fabulous Jaguar over the 27 years since he saved corners with
angles are very simply and enjoyably controlled it from ruin. One man’s endeavour, indeed. End
by the throttle, aided and abetted by the (again
slightly naughty) limited-slip differential. This THANKS TO Twyford Moors, wwwjagxk.com.
good sightlines.
really is the ‘right stuff ’. I can feel Anthony
beginning to relax so I squirt the Jaguar through
And if you need a smart wedding car, contact
Anthony at www.agclassicweddingcars.co.uk.
God, this is fun’
Clockwise from above

Coucher and owner Gilsenan peruse the
Morse-themed press cuttings; ‘Police’ marking
is discreet but menacing; South Downs replace
Oxford for today’s production of twin-tailpipe music.
128
LAST CHANCE
TO ENTER!
ENTRIES CLOSE
31ST AUGUST
HOSTED AT A BRAND NEW LOCATION

The Londoner Hotel, Leicester Square, London – Wednesday 16th November 2022
ENTRIES ARE FREE AND OPEN UNTIL 31ST AUGUST. PURCHASE YOUR
TICKETS TO THE EVENT TO JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION
For more information on the 2022 categories, to enter or to
purchase a ticket for the event, please scan the QR code or visit
historicmotoringawards.co.uk
C VEH
SSI IC
LA LE
C
S
&
AL
HISTORIC
LIANCE
2022 SPONSORS:
S
1
2
E
TA
BLI 20
SHED
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ID BROW
AV
D
1947 N 1972
years
S
S
A
TO IN
N M ART
MATTHEW HOWELL
MARTIN’S
ASTON
SERVICES
JMB SERVICES M C GURK STRAT TON MOTOR COMPANY ADRIAN JOHNSON MARTIN’S ASTON SERVICES
World-class reputation for Aston The widest range of used Aston Independent and family-run, A world-renowned Aston Martin Scotland’s only independent
Martin engine components, Martins for sale in the UK under celebrating our 50th anniversary specialist formed in 1979 and specialist, caring for all ages and
rebuilds and upgrades. one roof. McGurk Performance this year. Full selection of Aston specialising in all aspects of the models of Aston Martin:
+44 (0)1621 815556 Cars only buy and sell the finest Martins for sale, new workshop DB marque. Offering sales, modern, classic and vintage.
[email protected] used low-mileage Aston Martin for restoration and servicing, servicing and concours-winning +44 (0)141 266 0020
www.astonspecialist.com examples that have been loved Cat A approved bodyshop, restorations to the www.martinsastonservices.co.uk
through life. parts department and more. highest standard.
+44 (0)1926 691000 +44 (0)1508 530491 +44 (0)113 284 3666
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.mcgurk.com www.strattonmotorcompany.com www.adrian-johnson.co.uk
CHILTERN ASTON CENTRE LTD
ASTON
Official Aston Martin Heritage Partner and Aston Martin
Approved Body Repair Centre, celebrated for its integrity,
engineering expertise and focus on customer service.
+44 (0)1442 833177, [email protected]
MARTIN
www.chilternaston.co.uk
DB MkIII DYLAN MILES LTD

Specialists in the sale and acquisition of classic and modern
sports cars. We pride ourselves on providing an enthusiastic,
professional and insightful service to all of our clients.
EVOLUTION WAS the name of David Brown’s game +44 (0)7522 103259, [email protected]
with the launch of the third-generation DB2/4 in 1957. www.dylan-miles.com
Called simply the DB MkIII (the DB3 was a racer) even
at the time of its launch, it was in essence an evolution of
the previous DB2/4 but with some decent improvements.
Here was the fastest and most refined of the Feltham
Astons, but at the same time it was surprisingly practical,
with a hatchback and rear passenger seats.
An elegant new front grille replaced the previous rather AS T O N S ER V IC E DORS E T
Officially appointed manufacturers of genuine parts for
tacked-on design, and its shape represented a new face that 1948-1963 Aston Martins, plus David Brown Lagondas.
would be incorporated into all future Astons. The MkIII Suppliers of parts including DB7 Vantage and Vanquish S.
featured the final development of the Claude Hill-designed +44 (0)1202 574727, [email protected]
www.astonservicedorset.com
separate chassis, clothed in attractive aluminium
coachwork, while a new instrument panel placed the main
gauges in front of the driver and bucket seats replaced the
flat bench. Mechanically, the 2.9-litre WO Bentley straight-
six was redesigned by Tadek Marek, making it both stronger
and more powerful. In standard tune it produced 162bhp
(the DBA engine) and an optional twin exhaust system RUNNYMEDE MOTOR COMPANY
raised this to a claimed 178bhp. With triple SU carburettors A long and proud record of handling interesting motor cars,
(the DBD engine) it produced 180bhp; optional triple mainly Aston Martin. Over 30 cars normally in stock,
which can be viewed on our website.
Webers (the DBB) brought 195bhp. Front disc brakes were [email protected]
supplied by Girling part-way through the production run, www.runnymedemotorcompany.com
and an optional overdrive by Laycock-de Normanville
added longer legs for decent high-speed cruising. Five cars
were made with automatic transmission.
In total, 551 Aston Martin DB MkIIIs were produced
until 1959. Of these 462 were hatchbacks, 84 Drophead
Coupés and just five Fixed Head Coupés.
NOBLE HOUSE BV, NETHERLANDS
Noble House is the Aston Martin Heritage Specialist in high
quality restorations, repairs and maintenance for your classic
Aston Martin and new-era model. Our skilled craftsmen will
take care of your precious Aston Martin in every detail.
+31 (36) 532 53 00, www.noblehouseclassics.nl
LONGSTONE XK ENGINEERING LTD RICHARDS OF ENGLAND ASTON SERVICE LONDON DESMOND J SMAIL
Providing all manner of One of the country’s leading An award-winning Aston Martin London’s largest independent Leading Aston Martin specialist
original-equipment tyres and Aston Martin accident repair establishment that specialises Aston Martin service centre, providing sales, servicing, parts
Borrani wheels for classic Aston centres. Catering for all models, in the David Brown era and catering for all models from 1960 and restoration of cars past
Martins, including the OE Pirelli body and paint repair and full V8 models. to the present day. and present.
Cinturato radial fitted to the restoration. We are Aston Martin Restoration and servicing [email protected] Sales +44 (0)1234 240636
David Brown cars. Category A approved. [email protected] +44 (0)20 7272 1944 [email protected]
+44 (0)1302 711123 Enquiries +44 (0)2476 622288 Sales and acquisitions www.astonservicelondon.com Service, parts and restoration
[email protected] Repair and restoration +44 (0)7824 [email protected] +44 (0)1234 713083
www.longstonetyres.co.uk 564341 / +44 (0)7970 622288 +44 (0)1522 685476 [email protected]
www.xkengineering.com www.richardsofengland.com www.djsmail.co.uk
by Octane staff and contributors
OCTANE CARS
OW N I N G + D R I V I N G + M A I N T A I N I N G
Shockingly good news

and I took the Mustang to France away briefly – and I couldn’t see if the dampers themselves turned
earlier this year (see Octane 228), how a shock absorber could be out to be a false economy.
1966 the squeak didn’t materialise until affected like that. Fitting them was carried out
FORD MUSTANG the moment we drove up the Nevertheless, the joy of owning on my drive, during a couple of
MARK DIXON ramp into France from Le Shuttle. a Mustang is that parts are easy to balmy evenings that made me
Even though we jacked up the source. As usual, Mustang imagine I could be in LA. So far
front end next morning (as Maniac, mustangmaniac.co.uk, I’m impressed. The ride has
IF I HAD any chickens, I’d be pictured top right) and took turns came up trumps: I ordered a pair firmed-up a little and, yes, there’s
letting them roam free, and the trying to isolate the source of the of standard front shocks and they no squeaking as yet. I’ve put the
fox take the hindmost. The one squeak, we couldn’t locate it. arrived next day, total cost £123 best part of a tank of Esso
thing I wouldn’t be doing is While it didn’t exactly spoil the including delivery. Supreme through the engine
counting them. That’s because trip, it was a constant irritant. I must admit, since the shocks on various trips and all is quiet.
I’ve just changed the front shock Most of the front suspension are from the American-as-apple- For the time being, though,
absorbers on the Mustang, and bushes have been changed, and pie Scott Drake company in those chickens can remain
– get this – it seems as if the new ‘perches’ (the rocking Nevada, I was disappointed to numberless and the Fat Lady can
mystery suspension squeak that platforms on the lower wishbones find that they were made in take her time preparing for her
has plagued me on-and-off for for the coil springs) recently China, and exhibited a little soot final number.
the last year has been cured. fitted. The list of possible culprits residue on the pistons where
That said, I’m still waiting for was diminishing but I’d yet to rule they’re welded to the top mount. Clockwise, from above
Hopefully, Clarkson will approve;
a rather heavily built lady to out the dampers. What made me But I figured that I might at least fruitless squeak-source investigation in
perform her operatic encore. slightly sceptical was that, on find out whether the squeaking France; driveway damper replacement;
When art editor Rob Hefferon left-hand turns, the squeak went was shock-related or not, even enjoying some quiet motoring again.
132
SUPPORTED BY
OCTANE’S FLEET
These are the cars – and
motorbikes – run by the
magazine’s staff and
contributors
ROBERT HEFFERON
Art editor
●2004 BMW Z4 3.0i
ROBERT COUCHER
International editor
● 1955 Jaguar XK140
ANDREW ENGLISH
Contributor
● 1962 Norton Dominator
● 1965 Aston Martin DB5
● 1967 Triumph GT6
GLEN WADDINGTON
Associate editor
● 1989 BMW 320i Convertible
● 1999 Porsche Boxster
SANJAY SEETANAH
Advertising director
● 1981 BMW 323i Top Cabrio
● 1998 Aston Martin DB7 Volante
MARK DIXON
Deputy editor
● 1927 Alvis 12/50
● 1927 Ford Model T pick-up
● 1942 Fordson Model N tractor
● 1955 Land Rover Series I 107in
● 1966 Ford Mustang 289
JAMES ELLIOTT
Editor-in-chief
● 1965 Triumph 2.5 PI
● 1968 Jensen Interceptor
JOHN SIMISTER
Contributor
● 1935 Singer Nine Sports
● 1961 Saab 96
● 1972 Rover 2000 TC
● 1989 Mazda MX-5 Eunos
MATTHEW HOWELL
Photographer
● 1962 VW Beetle 1600
● 1969 VW/Subaru Beetle
● 1982 Morgan 4/4
MASSIMO DELBÒ
Contributor
● 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230
● 1972 Fiat 500L
● 1975 Alfa Romeo GT Junior
● 1979/80 Range Rovers
● 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL
● 1985 Mercedes-Benz 240 TD
EVAN KLEIN
Photographer
● 2001 Audi TT Quattro
133
OCTANE CARS / Running Reports
OCTANE’S FLEET
Seams
RICHARD HESELTINE
Contributor
l 1966 Moretti 850 Sportiva
much
better
l 1971 Honda Z600
DAVID BURGESS-WISE
Contributor
l 1903 De Dion-Bouton
l 1911 Pilain 16/20
l 1926 Delage DISS
1973 PORSCHE
MATTHEW HAYWARD CARRERA RS 2.7
Markets editor DELWYN MALLETT
l 1990 Citroën BX 16v
l 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four
l 1996 Saab 9000 Aero
l 1997 Citroën Xantia Activa

IN MY PREVIOUS report in
l 1997 Peugeot 306 GTI-6
Octane 227, I noted my dismay at
l 2000 Honda Integra Type R how much rot was exposed after
l 2001 Audi A2 the Carrera’s bodyshell was
blasted and that I had given Steve
SAMANTHA SNOW Kerti the nod to start cutting out
Advertising account manager the gangrene and commence
l 1969 Triumph Herald
restorative surgery.
13/60 Convertible
l 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
My next visit to Dunkeswell,
Devon, home of Classic
JESSE CROSSE Fabrications (classic-fabrications.
Contributor com), provided an even greater
l 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 shock. Much of my beloved RS
l 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was gone! I guess I should have
expected it – I had seen the size of
MARTYN GODDARD the replacement panels – but the
Photographer gaping voids left where the new
l 1963 Triumph TR6SS Trophy
was to replace the old knocked me
l 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII
back a pace or two. After Steve
DELWYN MALLETT had laboriously drilled out
Contributor hundreds of spot-welds to liberate
l 1936 Cord 810 Beverly the inner wings and had cut off
l 1937 Studebaker Dictator the nose and boot floor, there was
l 1946 Tatra T87 very little front end left. It looked
l 1950 Ford Club Coupe
like an anatomical dissection
l 1952 Porsche 356
l 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

prepared for medical students.
l 1957 Porsche Speedster
Better news was that, contrary
l 1957 Fiat Abarth Sperimentale to his earlier diagnosis, Steve now
l 1963 Abarth-Simca felt that the genuine Porsche outer
l 1963 Tatra T603 wings were good enough to save, pressing for what was intended to From top
l 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS
requiring only the odd be a limited-volume run, Porsche Looks holesome after blasting; RS
l 1992 Alfa Romeo SZ seam in rear wheelarch; new inner
‘improvement’ here and there. I achieved the extra wing width by
wings welded in; 911-shaped again.
had them fitted when I bought the taking a standard 911 panel,
SARAH BRADLEY car and had it restored in 1981, cutting out a substantial arc of the thought of Steve removing
Contributor
l 1929 Ford Model A hot rod
and I had grown rather fond of metal and welding in the new even more outer body panels.
l 1952 Studebaker Champion them. The front wings bolt on and flared shape. This left a telltale With the new front inner panels
l 1956 Chevrolet 3100 pick-up are fairly easy to remove but the seam on the inner surface and it is in place and a new nose bridging
l 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner
rears are peculiar to the RS, being not unknown for RSs to have the gap between them, the RS
l Various motorbikes
wider than the standard 911 wing been restored with the incorrect began to look less like a pile of
of the day and with a different profile on the rear wings. scrap and more like a car again.
HARRY METCALFE contour to the wheelarch. You can’t see it without Temporarily adding the front
Contributor
l 20 cars and 15 motorbikes
The RS was the first roadgoing removing the rear wheels and wings and bonnet to judge fit and
To follow Harry’s adventures with Porsche to feature wider wheels peering up inside the wheelarch, alignment added to the effect. It’s
his cars and bikes, search for on the rear than on the front and, but it’s satisfying to know that the a major step forwards but there’s
Harry’s Garage on YouTube. rather than investing in a new factory weld is there. I dreaded still a long way to go.
134
HAMBURG | BERLIN
1961 MASERATI 3500 GT TOURING COUPÉ 1965 ASTON MARTIN DB 6 MK I COUPÉ -NO. 1-
1970 ISO GRIFO 7 LITER 1960 FACEL VEGA HK 500 1965 MASERATI MISTRAL 3700 COUPÉ
SERIE II COUPÉ
1943 ALFA ROMEO 6C 2500 SS 1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 1937 MERCEDES-BENZ 540 K

SPIDER EX „SLEEPING BEAUTY“ 300 SL ROADSTER SPEZIALROADSTER
Many more interesting cars in stock, please ask or visit our website: www.thiesen-automobile.com
WE WANT TO BUY YOUR CAR!
THIESEN HAMBURG GMBH THIESEN BERLIN GMBH

AUTOMOBILE RARITÄTEN – Timm Meinrenken CLASSIC REMISE – Karl-Helmut Larkamp
Griegstraße 73 · 22763 Hamburg, Germany Wiebestraße 29 – 38 · 10553 Berlin, Germany
M +49 (0) 172 / 540 15 60 · T +49 (0) 40 / 450 343 - 0 M +49 (0)172 / 317 48 65 · T +49 (0) 30 / 345 020 - 44
Tyred and emotional

What an astonishing
transformation. During my 11
1989 BMW 320i years or so with the 320i we have
CONVERTIBLE travelled only about 14,000 miles,
GLEN WADDINGTON and the tyres were pretty fresh
when I bought it. Rubbish, but
fresh. I can’t even remember the
BOY, WAS IT HOT at the brand, though it reminded me of
weekend. Perfect weather for a bottle of soy sauce I’d once seen
being out in the BMW with the in a Chinese supermarket. It took
roof down. Thing is, it had been until this year’s MoT for them
garaged for three weeks since our to show up as an advisory, not
last trip. It’s kept a couple of miles because they lacked tread depth,
away in a lock-up, while the but simply because they were old
Boxster lives on the other side and the sidewalls were perishing.
of my office wall. And something Of course, there had long been
had slipped my mind. good reason to replace them, not
As we headed out, I was least the amount of squealing they
revelling in its refinement. Sure, it were responsible for in even But I was wrong to make such Vintage Tyres at Beaulieu. We
has one of the smoothest engines modest cornering. They seemed assumptions. After the advisory, I discussed sizes (my 320i is on the
in existence, but I suddenly otherwise quiet, and any called my old mucker Ben Field, optional BBS cross-spokes and
noticed the ride and the lack of deficiencies in ride quality I put once a motoring journalist on the matchingly optional 205/55 15s),
underlying vibration. Then I down to early-1980s German same mag I used to work for, and Ben recommended the Vredestein
remembered: my new tyres! suspension engineering. for the last few years MD of Sprint + and sorted a fitting date:
136
Above
Rock-hard old tyres are removed; Ollie
shows Glen what a locking wheel nut
looks like; lovely machinery at CPE.
not all the way down at his has only 15g. And 90g is a lot.’
Even better on
Beaulieu HQ but more locally The latter might explain the
to me at Classic Performance slight coarseness I’d perceived as
Engineering, Vintage Tyres’ agent a drivetrain issue, and also the fact
the right rubber

at Bicester Heritage. that, years ago, Mark Dixon had
There I met technicians Ollie followed me and commented that
and Steve and learned a few I had a buckled back wheel. The
things. One, that the tiny key one with all the weights…
on the keyring is for the locking All that’s in the past, along with The best classic car experience is just a new set of tyres
wheel nuts (a little barrel sits over the mild wheel shake I used to get away. We stock new tyres in period-correct patterns for
the top of the nut, one per wheel). around 65mph. The change is cars from the 1890s through to the 1990s. On road,
Two, that those BBS wheels are scarcely believable: a better
off-road, rallying or racing – itʼs even better on the right
superbly made and in brilliant primary ride (less reaction over
condition. Three, that the new long undulations) and a better rubber and thatʼs all we sell at Vintage Tyres.
tyres are also unusually well secondary ride (less harshness Branches at Beaulieu and Bicester Heritage.
made. Four, that the old tyres over bumps). Gone is the old
were utter crap. tyres’ combination of sog with
‘People think that balancing slap, gone is any hint of vibration.
01590 612261
weights are used to correct wheels Also gone is the squealing – now [email protected]
that are out of true, but really it’s it feels buoyant, and so much vintagetyres.com
the tyres,’ Steve told me. smoother. The new tyres even
‘Yes, one of the new tyres has look better, a classic-style tread
gone on with no balance weights and rounder shoulders restoring
at all,’ said Ollie, ‘while that back the BMW’s 1980s stance. I just
one had 90g on it before and now wish I’d fitted them a decade ago.
137
mirror and sundry other fittings.

Micro-Finishers in Bedford
(microfinishers.co.uk) did an
excellent job for a good price and
without a huge lead time.
This done, the Singer was
booked into local trimmer Hukes
for a new hood cover. Hukes made
the last one in the early 1990s but
between my ownerships it went
missing. A smart new cover now
hides the reinstated hood, and the
six sidescreens have responded
well to a thorough clean.
Then there was the mystery
of the mutated Hartford friction
dampers. Last time around, I
expensively replaced all four. This
time, on investigating the rear
suspension’s lack of pliancy, I
discovered that an interim owner
had purloined that end’s four-disc
Hartfords for something else and
replaced them with less-
absorptive two-disc items.
Correct, and new, Hartfords are
now reinstated.
Finally, the tail. For decades,
BOB MARSDEN
only the combined numberplate/

stop/tail light has illuminated
when braking, so I have fitted new
internals to the two outer lights
and now have a full complement
Singer
THE SINGER didn’t make it to under way. Might this be it, with of brake lights. While doing this I
the Brooklands British Car Day the timing never anywhere near noticed some truly terrible wiring
in April. I had reassembled the ideal? I sent the distributor off to junctions, which promptly
now on
engine with its new valvegear Martin Jay, aka The Distributor shorted out while I was testing the
(camshaft, rockers, valves, the Doctor, for a rebuild. ‘It would lights. Remedying the resulting
lot), and fitted the torque reaction have been impossible to set up,’ he melted mess called for complete
rod that I devised to cure the reported. ‘It’s very worn and new wiring from halfway along
song clutch judder in reverse gear. This

was a total success, so reversing
up my driveway was no longer a
torture. But still the engine’s pep
there’s far too much advance.’ A
week later it was back, as good as
new. And at last the engine feels
somewhere near right.
the chassis rearwards.
I finished the job with a new
rear numberplate, featuring digits
the correct 3½in high instead of
wasn’t what it should be, so we Meanwhile there have been 3⅛in and repositioned on the rear
took my Rover 2000 TC instead. other improvements. When I crossbar instead of under it. The
1935 SINGER What to do next? I knew the owned the Singer last century, I three-function light is now above
NINE SPORTS distributor was sub-optimal, was irritated by the painted badge the plate, in the middle, instead of
JOHN SIMISTER requiring a static timing setting far bar and luggage rack. They should lurking at one end, and the whole
retarded from where it should be be chromed and now they are, thing looks much more proper.
to avoid excess advance once along with the stalk for the new Next: de-cracking the seat leather.
Above, and from left

Simister looks pensive at Chiltern Hills
Rally; engine now optimal; wrong and
right Hartfords; new tail chrome.
138
TA L A C R E S T
t h e wor l d ’ s n u mbe r on e cl a ssi c f e r r a r i d e a l e r
1969 FERRARI 365 GTC
A se l e ct i on of ot h e r cl a ssi c f e r r a r i s F OR SA L E
1968 FERRARI 365 GTC 1964 FERRARI 250 GT LUSSO 1966 FERRARI 330 GTC
1958 FERRARI 250 GT CABRIOLET SERIES 1 1966 FERRARI 275 GTB 1959 FERRARI 250 GT CABRIOLET SERIES 2
W W W. TA L A C R E S T. C O M
+44 (0)1344 308178 | +44 (0)7860 589855 | [email protected]
SUPPORTED BY
OTHER
NEWS
‘Spring-loaded guide
flaps were causing the
rear screen to catch
on the bulkhead when
lowering the roof.
Staving off
Removing them has
helped – a little!’
Robert Hefferon
dis-Integration ‘Took the Triumph to an

JORDAN BUTTERS
ace Wimbledon meet,

but it was tinged with
sadness as it was the
nearby industrial estate, I spotted diagnostic port, which gives a first for me since its
several interesting Japanese flashing code on the dash)
2000 HONDA classics and various older Fords revealed a problem with the left creator, my friend
INTEGRA TYPE R outside a small industrial unit. All front ABS sensor. I’ve done this Charles Evans, died’
MATTHEW HAYWARD looked immaculate, so as soon as so often that I was over-confident James Elliott
I’d finished on the shoot I went in my diagnosis, so I didn’t bother
back for a closer look. It turned to check the resistance reading of ‘My XK140 had
THE INTEGRA has been driving out to be a small father-and-son the sensor before ordering a new
better than ever this summer, and body shop, Platinum Paintworks, one. Which was a mistake. developed a rattle. First
the air-con has proved an effective and after I’d chatted with the son What I hadn’t twigged was that thought: something
heatwave antidote. Now it’s time (who’s very much into Japanese every ABS fault code the car had
for some long-awaited TLC. classics) we took a look at the ever had was apparently still loose in the suspension.
Keeping on top of rust is a key Honda’s arches. His thoughts stored in the system. Had I waited Now seems it’s a brake
part of DC2 ownership. This one echoed my own: the previous for the blinking light to complete
has been well maintained, but the repairs had held up well, but now its cycle, no fewer than ten fault
pad rattling in the
previously repaired rear was the time to strip them back codes would have flashed up. calliper. And so new
wheelarches were starting to
bubble up again when I bought
and do them again. He had a great
attitude and filled me with
Clearing them involves turning
the ignition on then pressing the
pads have arrived’
Robert Coucher
the car. This had barely changed a confidence, so I booked it in there brake pedal when the light flashes
year later, but a further year on, and then. Of course, there will be on/off. Now one code remained:
the driver’s side ’arch is looking a three-month wait… the right rear sensor. ‘I have emptied the
considerably more troubling. I’d Last time I mentioned an ABS Finding a front sensor was easy, tank of my Mercedes
planned to get the wheelarches fault, which I thought would be an but a rear? No chance. Honda’s
sorted out soon after buying the easy fix. Checking the fault codes supplies of these dried up years 230 and refilled with
Integra, but I guess I was just (done by jumping two pins on the ago, and remaining new ones racing fuel. I hope this
having too much fun driving it. change hands for £400-plus.
Kicking the can down the road Secondhand items are a bit of a
means the carburettors
is never the best idea, though, so I lottery but still sell for £70 or will not be clogged
contacted a few of my usual body
shops. Most were booked solid for
more. An eBay search revealed
that a UK-based company,
when the car is unused’
Massimo Delbò
three months or more, so it would R-Motion, sells a custom-built
be a while before the wheelarches cable for £185: not cheap, but
could be made well again. good value next to other options
ES T . 1 9 6 2
I took the Honda when I was and a small price to pay for
helping out on last month’s M3 working ABS. Mike at R-Motion
Contact Vintage Tyres on
CSL photoshoot with Jordan Above
even got in touch with handy tips
+44 (0)1590 431051
Butters, who took the lead pic Custom-made rear ABS sensor has for swapping it over without vintagetyres.com
above. As I turned round in a fixed what had become quite a worry. causing any further headaches.
140
2018 Porsche 991.2 Carrera GTS
Well specified and supremely capable £92,995
2016 Rolls Royce Phantom 2017 Porsche Panamera 4S 2013 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Coupe
One off Drophead Coupe £358,995 High spec. V8 Diesel 40k miles £59,995 Flagship variant in sought after spec. £25,995
2018 Mercedes Benz C63 S Coupe 1988 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Sport 2005 Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Tastefully specified V8 bruiser £57,495 Low miles beautiful G50 Sport Coupe £62,495 Definitive V12 Gentleman’s GT £31,995
Tel 0203 930 1 911

Email [email protected]
Web www.garagesportique.com
Social @garagesportique
by Octane staff and contributors
OVERDRIVE
Other interesting cars we’ve been driving
Electrifying
the past
ELECTRIC
RENAULT 5
MATTHEW HAYWARD
SPENDING A DAY ambling built for Renault to celebrate means that the suspension, the interesting prospect – and could it
through the French countryside is the occasion. The company drivetrain and most of the be argued that the R5’s engine is
one of life’s great pleasures, and responsible for it, which also mechanicals remain untouched. far enough from being its defining
what more suitable tool for the developed the electric Méhari and Even the standard cooling system characteristic that the conversion
job than a Renault 5? We’re on the 2CV we’ve featured in the past, is adapted to chill the electric won’t rob the car of its soul? Only
verge of seeing a brand new plans to offer the conversion motor. There’s a small electric one way to find out.
electric R5 at the end of the year, commercially in the near future, heater in place of the original It takes a minute to get
and with 2022 marking the 50th at a price of around €15,000 fitted. water-fed matrix, though, and an accustomed to the controls. The
anniversary of the legendary For such a conversion to be legal electric pump to provide vacuum clutch pedal is needed only to
original, the company has invited in France, it has to be for the brake servo. engage a gear (second or third to
Octane to its factory in Flins to homologated and installation The relatively small 10.7kWh start) and you set off using the
drive a few examples from the must be by an approved dealer. battery pack is mounted in the throttle as you would in a normal
back catalogue. Also, the power of the motor must boot, leaving considerably less electric vehicle. There’s instant
This delightful bright green 5 not exceed that of the original usable space, and weighs 90kg. torque, if not quite the kick of a
is known as the ‘Retrofit’ and, as internal combustion engine. However, the removal of the Tesla. It’s mapped to provide
you might have guessed, it has As with several of these electric engine, exhaust and fuel tank similar performance to the R5
been converted to electric power. conversions, the Retrofit retains make the overall weight gain a TL’s R4-derived 956cc, 45bhp
It’s one of a small batch of cars the host car’s original gearbox. It negligible 30kg. It’s a technically engine, so it’s not particularly
142
quick off the line. Once up to the R5 is; it shrugs off larger ruts purely a city runaround, and the
speed in second gear, a shift up to and undulations, and even the R5 feels like a perfect candidate. Clockwise from above left
Electric motor’s cover marks R5’s
third gives it slightly longer legs worst broken surfaces won’t faze Yet a fly is approaching the anniversary; Hayward’s head tries
and you hear the motor’s the chassis. Roll it gently into ointment: a drive in a beautiful, to rule heart but fails; original and
high-pitched whine switch to a corners and it’ll lean over to a original-engined R5 TL. beautiful petrol-fuelled R5 is why.
more relaxed hum. Shifting up comical degree, yet it remains It turns out that much of the
and down through the ’box extremely well tied down and is car’s character is wrapped up in
doesn’t feel natural, though, great fun at very modest speeds. the sound and smell of the engine, visceral levels. As a means of
requiring an unpleasant amount Its compactness is charming, too: as well as your interaction with it. travelling from A to B, the electric
of force on the original linkages. this car takes up even less than its Within 30 seconds it’s clear that Retrofit makes perfect sense: it’s
Out on the country lanes it fair share of the road. driving the original R5 reveals a clean, quiet and has the classic,
feels perfectly happy cruising at Fifty years on from its launch, wholly different and more lovable charming R5 looks. For someone
80km/h, with 100km/h about the this is still a striking piece of personality. It instantly raises who loves driving, though, the
upper limit. It doesn’t take long to design. I’m open to the idea of an more of a smile, and engages you 50-year-old original leaves it in
appreciate just how comfortable electrified classic, especially if it’s on so many different, more the French countryside’s dust.
‘I’m open to electric classics and the R5 is a

perfect candidate. But driving the original
reveals a more lovable personality’
143
OVERDRIVE / Other Cars
Turned up to 707
standard-fit carbon ceramic
brakes, which exhibit not a hint
2022 ASTON of grabbiness even when cold.
MARTIN DBX707 There’s more progressive steering
MARK DIXON feel than in the original DBX as
well, sharpened a little by those
bigger rims, and on-road
THE DAY I SAT down to write dynamics are as good as you’d
this piece on the new, improved expect of an Aston.
DBX – dubbed 707 because its V8 But the 707’s really impressive
now puts out 707ps (697 imperial feature is not its gorgeous engine,
bhp), not in homage to a late-’50s nor its impeccably crafted interior,
Boeing – an email pinged into my but its superb ride quality. Despite
inbox from Aston Martin’s PR our test car being fitted with the
people. ‘Send your senses into optional 23in alloys (22s are
overdrive. Pupils dilating, breath standard), the 707 copes
cut short, heartbeat racing on a amazingly well with broken,
flying lap, dopamine spiking, potholed, rippling tarmac – that is
endorphins queuing in the heel to say, about 80% of British roads.
of your pedal.’ Eh? It’s a double-whammy, in fact: you
All that purple prose may not can leave the dampers in their
seem terribly British, but Comfort setting and yet the car
fortunately the DBX707 is very remains very well-composed but,
Aston and very British. Externally, conversely, it doesn’t become
it’s been gussied up with a deeper harsh and choppy if you set them
grille and some fiddling with the to Sport. Dampers in Comfort,
side-skirts and aero generally, but Drive set to Sport+ seems the
a huge raft of changes has been ideal combo for an enjoyably
introduced under the skin to brisk but not frenetic journey.
make it not only faster but more Surprisingly, while the 707
assured and, very importantly, looks a bit of a beast from the
more user-friendly. For example, outside, it doesn’t feel that large
to select the driving mode you no from the driver’s seat. Narrow
longer have to go into a sub-menu country lanes are never going to
on a touch screen; instead, a be its natural habitat but they’re
simple rotary control does the job. not unmanageable either. Parking
The standard DBX, with aside, it’s quite a practical family
542bhp on tap, is pretty brisk but car, if you’re able to blow £190k
the 707 has off-the-line urge to on such a thing. Interestingly,
match that of its eponymous despite its 155 extra horsepower,
jetliner: 0-60mph in 3.1sec. The the 707 returns fuel consumption
4.0-litre, twin-turbo engine also figures similar to those of the
makes a fabulous bassy snarl with standard DBX.
the active exhaust switched on. Also available in rather more
Highly praiseworthy, too, are the subtle paint shades than the
eye-catching metallic Racing
Green with Lime accents pictured
Left, from top here, the DBX707 is a remarkably
Grille on DBX707 is deeper for lovely thing. Even if you don’t
extra cooling; interior feels as particularly like SUVs, and you
premium as you’d expect; Racing
Green option is Aston head of don’t have endorphins queuing
design Marek Reichman’s favourite. in the heel of your pedal.
144
2006
FERRARI SCAN ME
F430 GTC
Driven by ex F1 driver Pedro Lamy

Winner of the GT España Championship in 2009
Winner of the GT2 class at Le Mans Classic 2022
Eligible for Gulf Historic, Masters Endurance Legends,
Endurance Racing Legends and Le Mans Classic
www.ascottcollection.com
Xavier Micheron
Phone: + 33 (0) 9 67 33 48 43
Mobile: + 33 (0) 6 17 49 42 50
Paris - France
OVERDRIVE / Other Cars
distracting than locating a button stupendously torquey overtaking

the old-fashioned way. With manoeuvres when caravans got in
barely a thought. That’s my kind the way. The ride, on air, stumbled
of autonomous. a bit over lumpy sections yet was
Perhaps somewhere within otherwise unobtrusive, and the
these digital machinations there’s seats remained as completely
a way of ensuring all your choices comfortable in the shadow of
are stored and adhered to without Tryfan as they were when we got
having to reset them every time on the A14 near Kettering. Only
you switch on. If there is, it didn’t a hint of wind noise around the
make itself obvious. driver’s door impeded the silence.
There are more discomfiting Mercedes has worked hard to
aspects, too. Only one thing is keep this leviathan’s weight down,
more intrusive than that tug at the it is one of the most aerodynamic
The new-fangled wheel when the car decides your

cornering line for you, and
disabling Active Lane Assist
cars currently on sale, managed
well over 700 miles on a single
tank and showed a remaining
luxury machine
means more stabs, every time you 120-mile range even then. It is
start the engine. That other thing? utterly solid in its build and, heck,
The potentially brilliant cruise I even like the retro-futuristic
control recognises speed limits – cod-deco styling of its interior.
S-Class world, I’m there with the even those no longer in play. On The latest S-Class is at the
1979-on W126 generation. Easy. the M54, it decided we’d gone forefront of old tech, while the
2022 MERCEDES- This, the latest S-Class, is the from a 70 to a 40 and anchored all-new EQS chases battery
BENZ S350DL seventh generation, and it plays on. In the outside lane. I pulled fanatics who care less about range
GLEN WADDINGTON the ‘ease of use’ card hard. So over sharpish and hunted through – and it will be most interesting to
the car unlocks based on your the submenus to quell that ‘aid’. make a comparison when I drive
proximity, and if you swing the Apart from that, I enjoyed that car in the near future.
SEEMS I’M OUT of sync with door so it’s almost closed it’ll do the big £100k Merc’s wafting
the luxury car market. These days the last bit on its own. Locate the refinement on a four-hour drive Top and below
Retro-futuristic cabin is ultra-
it’s all about connectivity. Rather start button, grab Drive and pull to Snowdonia. It was capable of comfortable but driver aids can
as Octane readers tend to prefer away. You don’t even need to entertaining on the twistier drive you mad; bulky but slippery
reading a paper product instead disengage the parking brake; that’s sections of A5, and of Benz can do 800 miles on a tank.
of logging-in for an online fix, sorted for you. Brilliant.
I prefer to be disconnected from But there are settings that you
rude reality. The main musts for might want to fiddle with first.
me in such a car are ease of use, Sat-nav, maybe. Or music. And
silence, space, and a ride softer you have to wait a few long
than a Disney Princess’s bed. seconds for the system to come to
We’ll tackle the first of those life. Even selecting your preferred
right now: ease of use. I’m happy drive mode (‘Individual’ for me,
to use a key to unlock a car, or everything in Comfort setting
maybe even plip it on a remote. except Sport for throttle and
Pull open the door, get in, belt on, gears) must be done every time
turn key, into gear, handbrake off you switch on. That’s another
and you’re away. I had to think couple of stabs at the screen.
hard about that sequence because These attempts to help get in
it’s automatic: I don’t have to the way of things, and waving
think about it as it takes place. In your finger at a screen is more
146
Download App
For more info
10,513 miles - Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupe, 1965, RHD

Opalescent Pale Blue Metallic with Beige Leather, JHT certificate, impeccable history, totally original RHD example.
A AC Cobra Superblower, 1999, RHD AC Aceca Bristol, 1956, RHD Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, 1960, LHD
Modified with period dash and interior trim, Silver Metallic with Grey Hide, Anthracite Grey with Cognac Hide,
Midnight Blue, 2,800 miles, Alloy body, 19,800 miles since restoration, 57,000 miles, matching hardtop,
15” Halibrand Wheels. Mille Miglia eligible. Hirschmann antenna.
PoPorsche 911 3.0 Targa, 1976, RHD Jaguar MK II 3.8, 1964, RHD Porsc Porsche 911 2.4S, 1972, LHD
Platinum Metallic with Cork Interior, 76.800 British Racing Green with Magnolia Leather, 310 Gemini Blue Metallic with Black Leather, 84,375
miles, sportomatic gearbox, owned for 38 years miles since restoration, 5-Speed getrag gearbox, miles, sports seats, 15” Fuchs Wheels, Radio,
by previous keeper. chrome 72-spoke wire wheels. speakers and antenna.
Hexagon Classics, London, N2 0NL

0203 714 8377
Jonathan Ostroff: 07522 911 911 Ali Khawaja: 07544 911 911
Over 85 classic cars in stock, visit:

hexagonclassics.com
Aus Healey
Austin
Range Rover
Rang
Land Rover
Triumph
Triu
Jaguar
Mini
MG
Electric fans with high-perfor-

mance blades
bi-directional airflow capability –
just turn the impeller on the shaft
and reverse the polarity!
▸ 15 different diameters
▸ 12 Volt or 6 Volt Radi
Radiator hoses: Kevlar - reinforced or silicone
▸ from stock a classic radiator rubber compound reinforced with a highly tear-
▸ parabolic fan blades resistant high-tech synthetic fibre. Or silicone rubber: tough, elastic
▸ aerodynamic optimization and resistant to high temperatures, extremely pressure-resistant and
▸ increased air flow with the durable. No embrittlement!
same power consumption. Mini 479135 £132
Inexpensive due to mass for example:
purchasing and own production! Austin Healey BN4 to BJ8 Aluminium high-performance
Each fan £66 without heating: set of 2 with heating: set of 4 radiator
scparts.co.uk/Electric-fan 205398 £107 205396 £142 True to original replica, fanta-
stically finished ... again 3 kg
less front axle load! The best
aluminium high performance net
Stainless steel exhaust systems for all British classics available on the market. Complete list
Austin Healey • Jaguar • Triumph • scparts.co.uk/
We added some more exhaust MG • Mini • Range Rover • Land Radiator
Systems to our already wide pro- Rover • Lotus • Alfa Romeo
duct range. Our stainless steel
exhausts will fit perfectly under This is an addi-
your car. Used material and craft-
manship is outstanding. tional chemical
The seams are well elaborated cooler
and polished afterwards.
afterwards. It‘s a
shame they disappear under the Super coolant
Chassis. Stainless steel 2" Water Wetter, the additional che-
Tubular manifold mical cooler. Refined chemistry
E-Type reduces the surface tension of
207223 £564 the coolant with the effect that
no more insulating vapour bub-
bles are formed at the surface
between metal and coolant.
355ml of super smart chemistry.
Radiator fin rake Reduces coolant temperatur at
to align and straighten cooling about 10 temperature!
fins on radiators and oilcoolers for petrol engines
to provide an optimum heat 303509 £15
transfer. for diesel engines
best quality 348635 £12 342352 £15
best price scparts.co.uk/

Exhaust Bumpers for MGA available from stock
available from
stock
Overrider
6108 £27
4 X £ 27
rear Bumper
+ 1 X £ 110
Radiator grille
available from stock
6109 £110 + 1 X £ 210
chromed
MGB to October 1969 •
front
ont Bumper
5263
263 £210 = £ 399
MGC (1967-69)
14406 £250
In stock:
Hydraulic timing chain
tensioners
ensioners
„EAC3629A“
for
or Jaguar, Land Rover, Daimler
Bumper kits 317573
7573 £47
V2A stainless steel
available from stock „12H3292“
2H3292“
for example: Stainless steel bumper kits forr Austin Healey, MG,
MGB • MGB V8 • MGC available for most classics Alfa
fa Romeo
522810 £1,306 scparts.co.uk/Bumpers 207139 £37
WWW.SCPARTS.CO.UK
Tel. 0 12 93 - 847 200
ORDER ONLINE HERE

WWW.SCPARTS.CO.UK
Jaguar XJ12, XJS, EV12, Mercedes W111, 116 Jaguar XJS and XJ40
Come and see us
Cool cat available from stock available from stock
Brand new state-of-the-art air • almost double the cooling Factory new air conditioning at the
conditioning compressor made capacity compressor for Jaguar XJS and Goodwood Revival Meeting
exclusively for us! Jaguar XJ12, XJS, E V12, Mercedes XJ40 „CCC4929“ 16 - 18 September 2022
• 5.9 kg instead of almost 16 kg W111, 116, 3.5, 4.5, 6.9 (all V8- 481277 £244
• replaces the good old compres- models) Opel Diplomat 5,4, Audi “Over the Road” area.
sor 1:1 100 / 200 We strongly recommend Stand no. 363
• no conversion work 505939 £571 replacing the filter drier
• half power consumption
All Jaguar Water Pumps

available from stock
From the Jaguar XK120 early This is
„C4946CONV“ also an effec- Also cool
531710 £334 Umbrella
…to the Jaguar Mark II in the tive additional dark grey
ultra-light aluminium version scparts.co.uk/
parts.co cooler ! 455741 £30
„C15694A“ water-pump Union Jack
513157 £203 535434 £59
…to the Jaguar E V12 early
„GWP409“
504808 £519
Triumph
Manifold and exhaust thermal wrap
1 Graphite thermal tape with patented, heat-resistant colour pig-

Fuel pump for TR 5 - 6 models with fuel injection ment in white. Heat resistant up to 1,000 °C
complete conversion kit ‚ready may replace OE Lucas pump.
to-bolt-on‘ with mounting plate 306980 £381 2 Mineral fibre fabric, black up to approx. 650 °C direct and up to
with filter, hoses and wiring - 1090 °C radiant heat, permanent up to 520 °C
3 Titanium Hi-tech Carbonfiber-Look fibres made of powdered lava

rock up to approx. 980 °C direct heat and up to 1,370 °C radiant
heat, permanent 650 °C.
Width Length Part no. Price

Injector lead set
with connectors, stainless 25 mm 4,5 m 478981 £27
steel braided. 50 mm 4,5 m 478983 £30
1
Supplied in sets of 6. Fuel injector 25 mm 15 m 478985 £40
18907 £355 289404 £140
50 mm 15 m 478987 £54
All available from stock: 25 mm 4,5 m 478982 £27
50 mm 4,5 m 478984 £30
New steering for almost all British LHD or RHD vehicles, also high ratio. 2
25 mm 15 m 478986 £40
LC05082022
Triumph TR4 - TR6, Stag TR7, Spitfi re, MGA, MGB, MG TD TF,
Spitfire, 50 mm 15 m 478988 £65
Midget, Jaguar E-Type, XK etc. 25 mm 4,5 m 505204 £27
for example: 50 mm 4,5 m 505205 £30
3
Steering rack 25 mm 15 m 505202 £40
547197
Triumph Spitfire 1500 lhd 50 mm 15 m 505203 £65

11211 £208
WWW.SCPARTS.CO.UK
Gone but not forgotten
WORDS DELWYN MALLETT
Left, from top

Friedrich Geiger headed Mercedes-Benz’s
styling department until the end of 1973; seen
here (centre) with the R107 design study,
Hans Jooss (head of model construction, left)
and body engineering chief Karl Wilfert.
can read from page 60). This excited the US

importer Max Hoffman, who famously pledged
to take 1000 300SLs if the factory would build
them. An offer they found impossible to refuse.
The racecars had introduced ‘doors in the
roof ’ as a means of boarding the beast and,
although aerodynamically efficient, the simple,
slab-sided, bodies were very much the product
of the wind tunnel rather than a stylist. Geiger,
with his artist’s eye for form and the subtlety of
a curve, transformed the car into the legendary
300SL ‘Gullwing’.
Launched to the public in 1954, the car was
a sensation. The starkness of the racer’s slab
sides was relieved by introducing a gentle
sweeping curve from stem to stern at the
MERCEDES-BENZ
waistline, the addition of ‘eyebrows’ over the

wheelarches, and a large vent to the rear of
the front ’arch to extract engine heat. The
Mercedes tri-star floated prominently in the
reshaped and deeply recessed radiator opening.
Friedrich Geiger
When Mercedes decided to make a coupé
version of the 300SLR sports racer, Geiger
once again worked his magic, producing a
minimalist masterpiece of sinuous curves that,
To many, he’s Mr Gullwing – though he wasn’t always credited as the cliché goes, looks like it’s doing 100mph
(or, in this case, should that be 176mph?) when
AT £115 MILLION it’s the most expensive he joined Daimler-Benz as a design engineer standing still.
car ever sold at auction. In most reports the at its ‘special vehicle department’. In 1957 an open-top version of the 300SL
1955 Mercedes 300SLR has been referred to as This was only a few months after the National appeared, perhaps even more beautiful than
the ‘Uhlenhaut Coupé’, accurately reporting Socialist Party came to power, led by Adolf the closed car, with a few styling tweaks to
the moniker attached to it back in its day. Hitler. The significance of this was that the the surface treatment, extending the cooling
Uhlenhaut was, of course, the immensely Party wanted large armour-plated limousines vents’ chrome bars into the Roadster’s
talented project engineer responsible for the and designing these behemoths became the conventionally opening doors, all imparting
exotic mechanical specification of the famed responsibility of the special vehicle department. a feeling of forward momentum.
300SLR sports racers derived from the Hitler also instigated an expansion of the By then Geiger was head of the styling
Mercedes Grand Prix cars. But the SLR Coupé Autobahn network, which encouraged the department but, unlike the modern breed of
is far more than just a sophisticated mechanical production of high-speed cars. Still in his mid- designers, he was not one to strut his stuff.
package: to many it is quite simply the most twenties, Geiger was also responsible for the Throughout his career, Geiger was content to
beautiful racing car to ever turn a wheel. spectacular flowing lines of the fabulous 500K remain in the background, nurturing and
Yet Friedrich Geiger, the man who penned and 540K special roadsters. guiding his very talented staff as they designed
its sinuously seductive curves, was never After WWII, Mercedes underwent a period some of the finest and most refined road cars of
mentioned in the press reports of the sale. of restructuring and Freidrich left the company their day. To mark his 100th anniversary,
Ironic to consider that this artefact has in 1948 before returning to the Sindelfingen author Günter Engelen, writing in Mercedes-
commanded a price that puts it on a level with styling department two-years later. Benz Classic, aptly summarised the man:
fine art masterpieces yet the artist who ‘drew’ At the luxury end of Mercedes’ output, the ‘Friedrich Geiger was rather the type of reticent
its form should not be credited. 300-series was vying with Rolls-Royce to be conductor who was capable of bringing out the
Friedrich Geiger was born in 1907 in ‘the best car in the world’, and its drivetrain, very best from his chamber orchestra without
Seußen, 50km to the east of the Stuttgart home through expediency, formed the basis for the being overly ostentatious.’
of Daimler-Benz. By his early twenties he company’s return to international motorsport. This unpretentious yet gifted man retired
had completed a strict German apprenticeship Under ‘Rudi’ Uhlenhaut’s direction, a radical from Mercedes-Benz on the last day of 1973. A
as a cartwright and was declared a Master tubular spaceframe was constructed to hold the talented painter, he continued with his art,
Craftsman. In parallel he studied vehicle 300 saloon’s running gear, and in 1952 the leading a quiet life with his wife Johanna,
construction at the Meissen Engineering 300SL – Sports Leichtbau – triumphed at Le whom he had married in Meissen Cathedral
School and, on his graduation in April 1933, Mans and in the Carrera Panamericana (as you in 1936. Friedrich died on 13 June 1996.
150
2015 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT3-R
£149,950
1960 Aston Martin DB4 2003 FERRARI 360 CHALLENGE 2014 FERRARI 458 SPECIALE LHD 2013 McLaren P1
£425,000 STRADALE £249,950 £1,395,000
£139,950
1991 Porsche 964 Carrera RS 2016 FERRARI CALIFORNIA T 2006 FERRARI 575 SUPERAMERICA 2003 FERRARI 360 CHALLENGE
£175,000 £106,950 POA STRADALE
POA
BELL SPORT & CLASSIC

RESTORATION | SALES | SERVICE
+44 (0) 1582 857 940

www.bellsportandclassic.co.uk
Icon
WORDS DELWYN MALLETT IMAGE SHUTTERSTOCK
Compact Disc
It was the future, once. And there’s still
something good about holding a physical
embodiment of a sound source
ON 1 MARCH 1983, Dutch newspapers was the advent of Philips’ video LaserDisc in learn that even a greasy fingerprint could make
carried an advertisement introducing a new 1979 that prompted it and Sony, which was a CD skip a beat or two, or refuse to advance.
and apparently miraculous recording medium working on a similar device, to pool their And rubbing with stones is not recommended.
with a bold claim: ‘This will be a memorable resources. They agreed to co-operate in Take-up of the CD was initially slow because
day in the history of sound. For the first time standardising the technology, size and capacity you also had to invest in the very expensive
music will sound in the living room as pure as of the compact disc in order to avoid the video- hardware. So not unti 1985 did the first million-
in the concert hall: without the extra noise of cassette format battle that had ensued over selling CD arrive, in the form of Dire Straits’
the needle in the groove, without dust particles, VHS versus Betamax (and indeed Philips’ own Brothers in Arms – digitally recorded at every
scratches or dents.’ completely different format). stage. It was also the first album to sell more
The ‘Compact Disc’ was a joint development Given the complexity of the technology on CD than vinyl, and many argue that it was
by Dutch company Philips and Japanese giant involved in the evolution of the CD, the size of this band more than any other that contributed
Sony, and it was the Japanese consumer who the hole in the centre was determined in an to the success of the format.
got first dibs at the novelty in December 1982. endearingly analogue fashion. Joop Sinjou, In 1988 CD sales overtook those of the vinyl
The first commercially produced compact head of Philips audio products, reported that LP, and the following year they also kicked
disc was pressed at Philips’ Polygram factory in ‘The fastest decision in the development stage market-leading pre-recorded cassette tapes
Langenhagen, near Hanover in Germany, on 17 was about the diameter of the hole. I put a into the weeds. Sales grew exponentially,
August 1982. It was a recording of Chopin dubbeltje on the table and that was the size.’ No making the cheap-to-manufacture but
waltzes by Claudio Arrau, who was on hand to one argued. A dubbeltje was a Dutch ten-cent premium-priced CD the biggest and most
press the start button. The first pop CD was The coin, 15mm across, worth a tenth of a guilder. profitable money-spinner that the music
Visitors by ABBA, their last studio album and The first public demonstration of the new industry had ever seen.
digitally recorded. By November a catalogue of technology was on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World in The MP3 player, followed by streaming,
150 albums, mainly classical, had been pressed. 1981. Kieran Prendiville, demonstrating the did for the CD what the CD had done for vinyl.
Immediately the ‘Is vinyl better than CD?’ disc’s so-called ‘indestructibility’, attacked one CD sales in the US peaked around the
controversy started. Hi-fi buffs, in love with the with a stone before playing, significantly, a millennium at 900 million a year (2.455 billion
sound of the stylus in the groove and their different disc (the Bee Gees’ Living Eyes). This worldwide), but by 2020 US sales had declined
expensive decks, amplifiers and speakers, event has gone down in folklore memory as the by 97%. It looked like the CD was destined to
swore then – and continue to do so to this day ‘strawberry jam-spreading demonstration’, be relegated to its secondary role of twirling in
– that analogue is better than digital. Here, which was actually on another programme and fruit trees to deter birds. But it seems that sales
‘better’ is largely a subjective assessment; both could have been confused with DJ Mike Read are now bouncing back, albeit only marginally.
formats have their sonic advantages. on Breakfast TV pouring honey and coffee on a They’ll never get back to millennium levels but
Pub quiz facts: a stylus travels roughly 1500 disc before washing it off and playing it. But the just as the once-doomed vinyl disc has hung
feet per side of a vinyl album, but to reassemble point was well made – try that with your vinyl in there, so has the CD.
the on-off binary code bumps and pits of a CD, album and see where it gets you. Meanwhile ABBA, who split in December
the laser sampling them 44,000 times a second Despite the hype, early adopters would soon 1982 shortly after their first CD was pressed,
covers more than 3.5 miles. Above
have now turned back the clock 40 years and
Digital recording on to magnetic tape Sony’s first CD player is demonstrated to the made a concert comeback – via the latest
preceded the CD by around a decade, but it press at Japan Electronics 1982 in Tokyo. technological miracle of digital avatars.
152
Chrono
WORDS MARK McARTHUR-CHRISTIE
Casios, Nikes and other quartz bits and bobs.

Actually, not. There are several Patek Philippes,
a Rolex Day-Date, an IWC Ingenieur, a TAG
Heuer Monaco, a Carrera and what looks like
a brace of Breguets in the pile.
He impatiently stirs the heap of watches with
his index finger, dividing it into sheep and
goats. ‘Yeah, these are some things that were
given to me for racing,’ he says, flicking his
hand towards the knot of watches on his right
that includes the Rolex, TAG Heuers, the IWC
and, slightly incongruously, a TW Steel. ‘These
are the ones I quite liked, though,’ he says,
gesturing at the other pile: four Pateks and two
Breguet Grand Complications.
Impressive haul that this is, something’s
missing. There are pictures of Scheckter with
what looks like a white-faced Camaro ref. 7743
or 7220 in the 1970s. When I spoke to Derek
Bell (Octane 217), he showed me his gold ref.
1158CH Carrera – the Heuer Holy of Holies
that Scheckter should also have as an ex-driver
for the marque. Did he get a similar 1158 when
under Heuer sponsorship in 1978 and ’79? He
shakes his head. ‘You mean when I was racing?’
he asks. ‘No, I don’t remember that at all.’ Is his
1158 lurking out there somewhere, having lost
its history along the way?
I ask him about the Rolex. It looks like it’s
never been worn, despite being dumped in a
box with about 15 other watches. ‘That? I got it
for getting pole in Monaco. They give you a
watch – at least, they used to – if you came in
on pole. I think it was ’79 or thereabouts.’ I
comment that it seems in remarkable condition
for a 43-year-old watch. Scheckter says he’s
Scheckter’s
gets the sense this man doesn’t sit still for long. never worn it. ‘It’s too small for me, and I’ve
Today, racing trophies and photos on the never really liked that sort of thing.’
shelves rub up alongside the estate’s awards There’s an IWC Ingenieur chrono he had
for prize lamb, cheese and wine. Scheckter’s from the Race of Legends in 2005 at the
timely stash desk is strewn with pens, power adapters and

papers, and there’s a lined A4 pad covered in
angular, incised doodles and quick calculations.
And a faded box, slightly smaller than a
Norisring, a TAG Heuer Monaco from the
Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2011, a TAG
Heuer Carrera and an old Elysse self-winder
with his name on the dial. He’s not fussed
For someone claiming little shoebox, with ‘Breguet’ on it. Perhaps things about any of them.
interest in watches, the F1 are looking up after all. But the watches he’s bought himself – ‘I just
‘I don’t wear a watch,’ he says, dashing my liked the look of them’ – from various auctions
star has quite a collection hopes, ‘but when I used to, it would be a Casio over the years have a theme. They’re all
or a Nike or something practical.’ understated, plain and classic. A Patek 5015, a
IT’S NOT A PROMISING start. ‘What was To be fair, Scheckter did warn me. Before we 5009J, a 3960J, a 5034 Travel Time, a Breguet
my first watch? When I was young, you mean? met he emailed to say: ‘I’m not a watch buff. I Classique Perpetual Calendar ref. 5327 and a
Jesus, I don’t know.’ have about six watches and I think only two are Classique Moonphase ref. 3137BB. Even
I’m talking to past F1 ace Jody Scheckter in connected to racing directly.’ without their F1 ownership pedigree that’s a
his office at Laverstoke Park. Starting with He reaches across and picks up the box as horological royal flush, and then some. Not a
McLaren in 1972, moving to Tyrrell and its I catch a glimpse of a sticker on the side that I watch buff, perhaps, but one hell of an eye for
remarkable six-wheeled P34, then on to Wolf think says, simply, Grande Complication. ‘I the good stuff.
and finally Ferrari, he notched up ten Grand used to collect watches though, years ago,’ he Maybe Jody Scheckter is more of a watch
Prix wins and took the Drivers’ Championship says, taking off the lid. enthusiast than he likes to let on. As I’m
in 1979. Since then he’s started, run and sold a Rather than taking out a sleek, padded inner walking down the stairs to leave, I hear him call
multi-million-dollar firearms training company box, he reaches in and grabs two handfuls of out to one of his team: ‘Come and take a look at
in the USA, commentated on F1, and run an loose watches and dumps them on the desk. my watches. I was just showing them to that
award-winning organic farm on his estate. One My expectations are low: probably a few old guy from the magazine…’
154
WE LEAVE THE
COMPLICATIONS
TO THE SWISS.
BU Y & SEL L AT WATCHCOL LE CT IN G. COM

Chrono
WORDS MARK McARTHUR-CHRISTIE
ONE TO WATCH
Sinn 356
This German aero watch is good value
and free of frills. Just resist the upgrades
IWC MAKES some gorgeous flying watches, as does Zenith, but they’ll
put quite a dent in your wallet. You don’t have to spend the price of a
Stansted sandwich to get yourself a proper, high-quality flieger.
If you distilled a pilot chronograph – a flieger – down to its essence,
you’d end up with this 356. Colour? Why do you want colour on your
watch? High-contrast black and white is best. Posh case materials? No,
you’re getting bead-blasted stainless steel. What’s that? Sapphire crystal?
Nasty, shatterprone things – acrylic is what you want. And easier to read
than the front page of The Sun thanks to simple syringe main hands, stick
chrono pointers and plenty of lume.
The 356 is, like its Stuttgart automotive numbersake, German.
Founded in Frankfurt in 1961 by former Luftwaffe instructor, pilot and
racer Helmut Sinn, the eponymous firm has been making flying
instruments ever since. They’re utterly without frippery or fuss; Sinn just
makes stuff that does the job.
On the side of the three-part case you’ll see ‘SUG’ engraved. SUG is
still the only German casemaker to land DIN EN ISO 9002 certification.
But there are options beyond the basic: you can have your 356 with a
copper dial (the 356 Sa Pilot II), a GMT (Pilot UTC), clutter it up with
a power reserve indicator (the Sa GR) or, if you must, a sapphire glass on
the Sa model. Original is best, though, so try for a 356.7994 powered by
a Valjoux/ETA 7750 (rather than the later Sellita) and an acrylic crystal
(polish out scratches with Brasso or Polywatch) at around £1200.
NEW WATCHES
DAMASKO DC86 SERICA 5303 MEISTERSINGER SINGUL ARIS

You’d think it wouldn’t be too hard to find a Paris-based Serica has just two ranges of Who says you need two hands to tell the
watch with a central chronograph minute hand watches: Field and Dive. Both are simple, time? Münster-based Meistersinger has been
for the stopwatch. It’s such a useful robust three-handers but the firm is doing making single-handers for more than 20 years
complication. After all, it’s far easier to read a something interesting with its diving watches: and, if you’ve not seen one before, they’re a lot
counter that tracks the full circumference of it’s using the Soprod Newton movement. easier to use than you might think. The dial is
the dial than struggling with a fiddly sub-dial Introduced two years ago, it’s intended as an divided into five-minute segments so, because
somewhere. But no: since the sad demise of alternative to the ETA2824 – and it’s one of of its 43mm, diameter you can read almost to
the wonderful Lemania 5100 movement, the few at this price to use a balance bridge the minute. And when was the last time you
central chrono hands have been scarce. So secured at both ends (more stable for the had to be somewhere at 11.43am anyway?
it’s splendid to see another German maker, balance) and a double-cone Incabloc as its Inside this one is the Cal. MSA01, developed
Damasko, making the DC8X using its shock absorber. The 300m water-resistant by Synergies Horlogères with a 120-hour
chronograph cal. C51. Like most Damaskos, 5303-1, 2 and 3 are mechanically identical but power reserve thanks to two mainspring
it has a proper heft to it and will last a lifetime. give you a choice of different dial colours. barrels running in series.
€3826, damasko-watches.com €1075, serica-watches.com £4690, meistersinger.com
156
Our passion is classic competition cars
2012 ex-Dempsey Racing Lola B12/80 LMP2

Carbon fiber monocoque with Judd 3.6 liter V8 engine. Fully rebuilt in 2019 incl. engine and gearbox. P.O.A
2008 Porsche 997 GT3 RSR 1965 Jaguar E-type 3.8L Competition FHC
One of only 33 RSRs built in 2008. As new and matching numbers. Built-up by Valley Motorsport. State-of-the-art spec, hardly used and as-new with FIA
Completely overhauled and fresh w/ extensive spares. P.O.A. HTP. P.O.A.
1970 ex-Ronnie Peterson March 701 (8) 1968 AMC Javelin TransAm
Ronnie’s 1970 F1 championship car. Continuous ownership. Rare and iconic. Freshly built with 5.0 liter AMC V8 and T10 Gearbox.
Race-ready w/ Richardson DFV, FIA HTP and good spares. P.O.A. New FIA HTP and good spares. EUR 135.000
We have a wider variety of great cars for sale. Please call or visit our web-site for more information.
www.rmd.be - [email protected] - +32 (0) 475 422 790 - Schoten, Belgium
Books
REVIEWED BY OCTANE STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS
Book
of the
month
Ton Up!
PAUL D’ORLEANS, Motorbooks,
£24.99, ISBN 978 0 7603 6045 3
It’s easy to imagine that the café

racer was exclusive to 1960s
London. However, here Paul
d’Orleans traces its history
much further back, illustrating
how the ‘racing crouch’ stance
so typical of the culture was
already evident in riders of the
earliest motorcycles, having
evolved from horse-riding and
cycling – and not to mention
the birth of ‘the age of speed’
when Brooklands opened in
The 8C Story Continues

1907. Naturally, the Americans
had a hand in the movement,
too, but it’s really the advent of
SIMON MOORE, Parkside Publications, £300, ISBN 978 0 9820774 3 6 the 1950s rockers that cemented
it. Fascinating stuff, even for
As the title implies, this into a haycart that wasn’t scrapped until the late four-wheeler fans. GW
isn’t a standalone work; 1980s – and there’s a photo of the cart! Then there
it’s an addendum to the are the colour images of 8C 2300 chassis 2211102
author’s previous works parked with a Land Rover in 1950s Nigeria; the
on the classic eight- then-owner had reputedly bought the Alfa for £17,
cylinder Alfa Romeos of and recalled bringing back a dead leopard in the back
the 1930s. Simon Moore seat, after shooting it because it had killed two boys.
published his first As so often, it’s the stories of the people involved
volume, The Immortal with the cars that really draw you in. A fabulous 1933
2.9, way back in 1986 and, even though it was then image of the Monte Carlo Concours shows an 8C
considered a milestone in automotive research, he’s cabrio that was entered by the young Baroness Maud Ghia
been continuing to study them ever since. von Thyssen-Bornemisza. Two years later, recalled to
So, in 2000, we were presented with The Legendary Paris by her husband while conducting a tryst with a
Masterpieces of Style
2.3, followed by a new edition of The Immortal 2.9 in former Georgian prince down in Spain, she was badly Edited by LUCIANO GREGGIO,
2008, and then The Magnificent Monopostos in 2014. injured in a car crash when the prince’s Rolls-Royce Giorgio Nada Editore, £48,
ISBN 978 88 7911 722 7
You’d have thought he’d have mined every possible left the road. ‘Spanish newspapers noted that she was
source by now, but no: new information and photos not wearing any underwear at the time of the crash This picture-heavy 168-page
are always coming to light, and this 518-page and dubbed her “the princess without panties”.’ hardback is the latest from
doorstep of a volume proves it. Some addendum. Thanks to generous print runs, both of Moore’s Giorgio Nada Editore on the
The previous works were chassis-by-chassis earlier books on the 2.3 and 2.9 (but not the great Italian coachbuilders. Like
histories of each individual car, and this new book Monoposto volume) are still available new for about the others, it’s a full history of
collates all the stories, anecdotes and previously £300. When they sell out, prices will rise; so, if 8Cs Ghia, not just focusing on the
unpublished images in the same way. It mostly are your bag, start adding to your library now. MD beautiful cars – of which there
doesn’t repeat any of the background given in the are many – but the people, deals
other volumes so, if you don’t own at least one of and various relationships with
those earlier books, you’ll be at a disadvantage – a manufacturers. It ends with a
brief summary of each car’s history might have been small chapter on how Ford
useful here. However, not knowing the individual absorbed all of the useful parts
back-stories doesn’t detract too much from the of Ghia after the 1973 takeover.
browsing experience because the new material If you want to know why this
is engrossing enough in its own right. meant more than just using the
Take, for example, chassis 2211136, an 8C Monza name on top-of-the-range Ford
racer that was broken up in Switzerland after an Granadas, then we’d suggest
accident in the late 1940s. The chassis was turned picking up a copy. MH
158
w w w.hortonsbooks.co.uk
Collector’s
book
Lotus Springbok Grand Prix
The Complete Story ROBERT YOUNG, LP Magazines, 1969, value £150
JOHNNY TIPLER, The Crowood Press, Everything about reflects that. It has long been
£40, ISBN 978 0 71984 005 0 this humble little hard to find, yet its subject
book is very matter – single-seater racing in
This book might more accurately of meat to tuck into in a work that appealing – its South Africa during the 1960s
be titled My Life with Lotus – the clearly has to cover a large expanse size, the period – has become very popular.
Complete Story, because there is of well-trodden ground. Tipler graphic art on the People just seem to have an
an awful lot of the author in this breaks the story down into natural cover and the good-quality affection for this period and
overview of the Lotus marque. As chunks – the Hornsey Years, the photographs inside. genre of motorsport, in a
he admits in his preface: ‘Stories Cheshunt Years etc – and leavens It was published in South country where world-famous
and images reflect events I’ve it with digressions that prevent it Africa in 1969 by an outfit drivers such as Jim Clark and
attended, road trips I’ve done, all getting too ‘heavy’, including that more usually produced Graham Hill battled it out
and venues visited over the years.’ interviews with, for example, magazines, and the format is with local heroes such as Sam
That means an abundance of Historic racer Malcolm Ricketts. substantially more than just a Tingle and John Love. Yet,
photos taken and interviews Fair dos: this book is a bit pamphlet, though smaller even now, not that many
conducted at the Goodwood different from all the other Lotus than the typical racing book. people are aware that the book
Festival of Speed and a handful of histories – and the use of those Covering a ten-year period even exists. Ben Horton
other places. On the one hand, aforementioned happy-snaps does from 1959, Springbok Grand
the plethora of recent images gives keep it bright and cheerful. MD Prix includes race reviews and
a rather amateurish impression; results within its 159 pages.
on the other, they bring some Written in a pacy, magazine-
colour to what could otherwise be style of journalism, it’s a lovely
a very monochrome story – and thing to own.
they are at least photos that you For the collector, its rarity
won’t have seen before. also makes it something
If you can get past the ‘me, me, special and its price tag
me’ approach, then there’s plenty
Lamborghini: at the Cutting Edge of Design

GAUTAM SEN, Dalton Watson, £185, ISBN 978 1 85443 317 6
As with other Dalton such as the Flying Star II, and some fascinating Miura
Watson books, first styling proposals from Touring.
Bugatti in Denmark impressions suggest The second volume continues through the 1980s,
FRANK STUDSTRUP, Editocar,
that this 784-page, when some of the concepts became even more
£55, ISBN 978 87 973354 1 3 two-volume set is well outlandish. Bertone’s Lamborghini Genesis (a V12
worth the £185 asking MPV) springs to mind here. The long drawn-out
Published to coincide with the price. Gautam Sen, with and somewhat messy development of the Diablo is
140th anniversary of the birth Branko Radovinovic explained in brilliant detail, with several sketches
of Ettore Bugatti, this 226-page and Kaare Byberg, set out to explore the entire we’ve never seen before. Then came the Audi years,
hardback notes that the first history of Lamborghini’s design language. We all in which the company has grown and flourished. The
Bugatti arrived in Denmark in know just how radical the Miura was in period, not stories are less of a mystery than the old days, but
1912 – only three years after to mention how breathtaking the Countach was with countless concepts and limited-production
the company was founded by (and remains today), but this book delves into their models there’s just as much to explore. If you adore
Ettore. Total output of 8000 in development and helps to understand how and why Lamborghini, don’t hesitate to buy this book. MH
30 years amounts to three days they worked so well.
of Ford Model T production; That means that much of this book’s text is made
20 of those reached Denmark up of first-hand recollections from Marcello Gandini,
by 1940, thanks to importer Luc Donckerwolke, Walter de Silva and other
Hersleb Christiansen’s foresight, designers, not to mention plenty of quotes from
and one set the first Danish engineers and others involved in the models, too.
speed record. Here is a quirky As you would expect, the first volume concentrates
insight into the early cars raced on the classic era, from the company’s formative
and enjoyed in Denmark, and years building tractors through to the Countach.
how the enthusiasm evolved There are comprehensive chapters on all of the road
into a modern Bugatti club, cars but, as this is a history of design, there’s plenty of
re-established in 2018. GW importance given to the many concepts and one-offs,
159
Gear
COMPILED BY CHRIS BIETZK
MINI MAGIC BY JOHN KETCHELL

Paddy Hopkirk is sadly longer with us, but it will be a long while yet before he and his exploits on the
1964 Monte Carlo Rally fade from the collective memory. John Ketchell’s energetic painting captures the
Hopkirk/Henry Liddon Mini-Cooper S zipping along ahead of the Saab 96 of Erik Carlsson and Gunnar Palm,
despite being weighed down by the giant tin of beluga caviar that Hopkirk picked up en route in Minsk.
Prints from £49 (original already sold). historiccarart.net
A MAN ON
THE MOONN BY
ANDREW CHAIKIN
Fifty years on from the end of
NASA’s Apollo programme,
it remains hard to grasp the
enormity of its achievements.
Chaikin’s tome, eight years in
GTI Mk1 SOCKS the making, does a superb

job of chronicling the Apollo
BY HEEL TREAD missions and explaining how
it feltt to make history, and the
Heel Tread’s latest offering borrows text is complemented in this
the jolly plaid pattern that greeted special edition by some of
some lucky buyers of the archetypal the most awe-inspiring
hot hatch, the VW Golf GTI Mk1. photographs ever taken.
£10.12. heeltread.com £160. foliosociety.com
160
RENAULT E-SCOOTER
Renault’s designers have come up with a city cruiser
even smaller and nimbler than the Twizy. This electric
scooter is good for 25km/h, has a range of 40km and
is fitted with an LED headlamp and a parking stand.
¤535. theoriginals-store.renault.com
‘THE STOKE’ PANAMA SCALEXTRIC

HAT BY LOCK & CO WILLIAMS FW11
A new Panama from London hatter Scalextric’s collection of Turbo-Era
Lock & Co, but inspired by the classic Formula 1 cars now includes the
one that James Bond wears on the Williams in which Nigel Mansell
golf course in 1964’s Goldfinger. pipped Nelson Piquet to victory
Just the thing for the Indian summer at the 1986 British GP – the
that seems to be on the way. last to be held at Brands Hatch.
£445. lockhatters.com £53.99. scalextric.com
FENDER GEORGE HARRISON

‘ROCKY’ STRATOCASTER
‘When we all took certain substances,’
George Harrison recalled, ‘I decided to paint
[my 1961 Stratocaster] in Day-Glo colours.’
The cheerfully ridiculous guitar, known as
Rocky, was played on some of The Beatles’
biggest hits and became a fan favourite.
1:12 FERRARI 288 GTO
A couple of years ago Fender created BY SCULTURIA CARS
a dead-on, aged replica costing £23,000,
A distillation of the fabulous lines of the 288 GTO, crafted in
but now a copy (hand-painted but not aged,
solid okoume wood by Modena-based outfit Sculturia Cars.
and made in Mexico rather than the USA)
POA (up to ¤1500 depending on options). sculturiacars.com
can be yours for a comparatively affordable
£1849, if you’re quick enough.
£1849. fender.com
161
Models
REVIEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHY MARK DIXON
Classic model
WORDS: ANDREW RALSTON
IMAGE: VECTIS AUCTIONS
DODGE CHARGER
by Sabra
There was a time when
American cars were very
popular subjects in the UK toy
market. By the later 1960s,
however, Dinky and Corgi
were moving on to exotic
supercars such as Ferraris,
1:18 scale Lamborghinis and De
FORD ESCORT MK 2 RS2000 Tomasos, and this left

a gap – which an Israeli
manufacturer attempted
By Model Car Group Price £72.95 Material Diecast
to fill with the Sabra range.
Sold in export markets as
Cars don’t have to be flashy or fancy to make great Produced in Bangladesh – fast becoming the ‘new ‘Detroit Seniors’, all but one of
large-scale models; in fact, a relatively humble subject China’ for manufacturers of model cars – this diecast the 20 basic castings in the
presented in the big 1:18 scale really allows you to metal Escort has a satisfyingly solid feel. It’s definitely range were based on US
appreciate its design in a way that’s less easy with 1:43 no-frills underneath but the all-black interior has subjects. They were originally
miniatures. A Mk2 Escort (even an RS2000) may not been fully yet delicately modelled, as has the relatively commissioned by Cragstan,
a New York-based toy
have the cachet of a Ferrari or an F1 car, but seeing it sparse exterior trim. Also available in yellow or white
distributor, which placed an
reproduced at this size brings home what an elegant (the latter with black ‘vinyl’ roof), it’s a very fairly order for three million units
and clean-looking machine it is. priced and good-looking piece. from Israel’s Habonim toy
company. This was beyond
Habonim’s production
resources and the company
came under the control of
Koor, one of Israel’s largest
industrial concerns.
The Sabra range eventually
expanded to something like
50 different variations. Several
models were finished with
Hebrew lettering to appeal
to the local market, and the
volatile situation in the Middle
East is reflected in the choice
2022 Alpine A522 1966 Ford J-Car 2021 Ferrari 488 GT3 of vehicles in United Nations
Spark £69.95 Spark £64.95 Looksmart £104.95
livery, such as the Dodge
Spectacularly fine model of Alonso’s Complete with ‘duct tape’ over the The mind-bogglingly intricate livery
Bahrain GP car, produced just a few bonnet ducts, this is a super replica of this Spa 24 Hours winner has been Charger pictured here.
months after the actual race. of the J-Car as it tested for Le Mans. reproduced perfectly here. Incredible. Packaging was ingenious, too,
taking the form of a Perspex
box with ‘garage’ door.
The range initially proved
popular in the United States
but, in the longer term, Detroit
Seniors lost out to the vastly
more popular Hot Wheels.
Production of the Sabra/
Detroit Seniors range ceased
in 1975 – yet, with models of
desirable cars including the
1964 Austin-Healey Sprite LM 1979 Aston Martin V8 1984 Volvo 240T
1967 Dodge Charger, 1966
MEA 43 £133.95 Tecnomodel £116.95 Ixo £47.95 Plymouth Barracuda and
Distinctly ‘rustic-looking’ next to the Available in other race liveries, too, the Who says Volvos can’t be sexy? Check 1967 Chrysler Imperial
other models on this page, this French Bell/Preece/Hamilton Aston is nicely out this great diecast model of a Monza convertible, Sabra had earned
handbuilt does have a certain charm. presented here in Silverstone 6h guise. 500km European Touring Car racer. its place in diecast history.
162 Models above are to 1:43 scale and are available from Grand Prix Models, +44 (0)1295 278070, www.grandprixmodels.com
AS Motorsport ltd
ASM hand build bespoke versions of the R1 roadster, inspired by the Aston Martin
race cars that won Le Mans and the world Sportscar championship in 1959.
Contact us for details of commission builds and stock.
Poplar Farm, Bressingham, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2AP
Tel: 01379688356 • Mob: 07909531816
Web: www.asmotorsport.co.uk
163
EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
3 ISSUES
FOR J UST £5
224 225
224 225
FEBRUA RY 2022 M A R C H 2 0 2 2
223
FEBRUA RY 2022 M A R C H 2 0 2 2
J A N U A R Y 2 0 22
G R E AT R E A S O N S T O S U B S C R I B E
• Pay £1.66 an issue for your first 3 issues (usual shop price £5.70)
• Never miss an issue - FREE delivery direct to your door
• Money-back guarantee - cancel and we’ll refund
• your remaining issue
• Unique subscriber-only covers
VISIT
octane.co.uk/subscribe
AND ENTER OFFER CODE DAU G22
Live outside the UK? For our best overseas subscription offers visit
http://subscribe.octane-magazine.com/overseas-subscriptions
or call +44 (0)330 333 9491. Calls to 03 numbers will be charged at your standard local rate.
Central London’s Largest Classic Car Showrooms
A selection of our 50+ cars currently for sale
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 1955 AC Aceca

Fully restored. Fully restored.
1998 Aston Martin V550 1971 Jenson Interceptor SP

5.000 miles from new. One of the first 12 ever made.
1988 AC Cobra MK IV 2015 Land Rover Defender

Immaculate condition. 1 of 100 Autobiography editions.
www.graemehunt.com
+44 (0) 20 7937 8487 [email protected]
Edited by Matthew Hayward
THE MARKET BU Y I N G + S E L L I N G + A N A LY S I S
TOP 10 PRICES
JULY 2022
£2,945,500 (¤3,418,000)
1954 Maserati A6 GCS/53
Spider by Fiandri & Malagoli
Artcurial, Le Mans, France
2 July
£1,684,500 (CHF 1,955,000)

1991 Ferrari F40
Bonhams, Gstaad, Switzerland
3 July
£1,363,500 ($1,650,000)
1970 Plymouth
Hemi Superbird
Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, USA.
2 July
£892,000 (¤1,035,000)
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
Dorotheum, Vösendorf, Austria
Makinen makes record £146k

2 July
£883,500 (¤1,025,120)
1958 Mercedes-Benz
Collecting Cars sets new Evo IV benchmark as Japanese icons soar 300SL Roadster
Artcurial, Le Mans, France
2 July
CERTAIN RESULTS really make you sit up and 1974 Lamborghini Espada just eclipsing it at £77,500.
take notice. We’ve seen examples of the legendary At the other end of the scale there was a particularly
£664,500 ($800,000)
Mitsubishi Evo Tommi Makinen Edition (above) nice Austin 1100 at £10,304. 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4
breach the £100,000 mark in the past, but with H&H managed a similarly strong £2.2million Competizione conversion
Collecting Cars setting a new £146,500 benchmark result at its Buxton venue, which was led by a 1934 Bring a Trailer, online
for the model – of which 2500 were built – it’s clear Bentley 3.5 Litre (below). Clothed in a Figoni et 9 July
that these were not fluke results. Falaschi-style body created by Rod Jolley, it sold for
Nowhere has seen Japanese classic values explode £117,000. Other highlights included a 1971 Mercedes £590,000 ($707,500)
quite like the USA though, exemplified this month by 600 Grosser at £95,625, plus the rarely seen 1954 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider
Bring a Trailer, online
the sale of an attractive, if far from perfect, 1997 Swallow Doretti for £50,625. 18 July
Toyota Supra Turbo for $230,000 on Bring a Trailer. Manor Park Classics held its best sale to date,
Dave Kinney explores this result on the next page. moving 80% of its July catalogue. The auction was a
£585,500 ($695,000)
In the USA, Mecum posted $40million in sales fertile hunting ground for people seeking Hagerty 2001 Ferrari 550
with 81% at its Pennsylvania auction – its best result Festival of the Unexceptional cars: a 1975 Fiat 128 Barchetta Pininfarina
at this location to date. Although it was topped by a made £5290 and a very original 1978 Datsun 120Y Bring a Trailer, online
2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series at $473,000, Coupé sold for £9430. Far from unexceptional was 16 July
closely followed by a 1985 Lamborghini Countach a 1996 manual Ferrari 355 GTS, which, fresh from
LP5000S at $467,500, a string of excellently prepared a £4500 service, looked good value at £71,300. £579,500 ($706,000)
Corvettes littered the top ten. 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
It’s been a quiet month for blockbuster sales in the Bring a Trailer, online
29 July
UK, but there has been plenty going on. Historics
managed to take £2.64million at its Summer
Windsorview Lakes auction, selling 71% of lots. A £571,500 ($680,000)
1988 Lamborghini
couple of Italian exotics that achieved interesting Countach 5000 QV
results included an orange 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal Bring a Trailer, online
at £72,800, with a highly original right-hand-drive 6 July
167
THE MARKET / Reports
DAVE KINNEY’S USA ROUND-UP
1997 Toyota Supra Turbo

Bring-A-Trailer, Illinois
7 July
The fourth-generation Supra, launched in 1993, exited from the US and
European markets in 1998 but continued on sale in Japan past the turn of
the century. Although much more desirable to the enthusiast thanks to its
technical sophistication, racy handling and the twin sequential turbos of
the top models, it sold in much lower quantities than the previous
generation. Price was one reason: a well-equipped Turbo model such as CAR OF THE MONTH
this one, recently sold on the Bring-A-Trailer website, could cost close
to $50,000 when new. That was a particularly big ask in 1997. price in 14 months? The first and simplest answer is too many people
Fast-forward 25 years, and the fourth-gen Supra is now a big deal that with too much money chasing too few examples. Another is FOMO: if I
many collectors covet. This very same car, a Limited Edition Fifteenth don’t jump in now, I might never be able to afford the one I want. A third
Anniversary example with a removable roof, sold in May 2021 at a possible reason? Bring-A-Trailer is currently perceived by many as the
Gooding & Company ‘Geared Online’ auction for $77,000 – a huge place to buy and sell a car, and a golden ticket to make a profit. So, is the
amount for any Supra. It doesn’t have the more valuable manual fourth-generation Supra the new 300SL? I just don’t see it in the long
transmission, it has three previous owners and is listed as having two term. I think we’ve reached peak Supra, and perhaps peak market.
previous, albeit very minor, accidents. It has aftermarket suspension, too. Dave Kinney is an auction analyst, an expert on the US
It sold for a scarcely credible $230,000. What can make a car triple in market scene, and publishes the Hagerty Price Guide.
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 It’s one of just 531 Super Cobra 1985 Lamborghini Countach In single-family ownership since
Mecum, Pennsylvania Jet 429-powered Mach 1s with the Mecum, Pennsylvania 1989, it was retro-fitted with Bosch
Drag Pack, and it’s a four-speed fuel injection so it could be
manual with an R-Code Ram-Air registered in emissions-stringent
bonnet added in period. These states. There has been a recent
Mustangs were quite a sensation uptick in values for the later
when new. You might find one Countachs, and I saw a steady
in tidier shape for $15,000 or stream of punters sampling the
$20,000 more, but someone loved driver’s seat and savouring the
the dirt enough to take this one lipstick-red leather. It sold for
home at a good-value $38,500. $467,500, maybe to one of them.
AUCTION TRACKER CITROËN SM

Citroën’s acquisition of a controlling Artcurial’s 2013 Rétromobile sale provided Artcurial with another
interest in Maserati paved the way brought the current SM high of stand-out result.
for the idiosyncratic SM, combining €127,600 (£108,000) for a car that Its 1972 SM with a rare set of
futuristic styling and technically seemed at the time to be something resin wheels (pictured) changed
advanced features with a hastily of an outlier, having undergone an hands for €113,240 (£96,000), with
developed Maserati V6 engine. unprecedented CHF250,000 barely 4000km use since the
The declining fortunes of both restoration by Garage du Lac in completion of a two-year €150,000
companies following the 1973 oil Switzerland (covered by us in overhaul at marque specialists in
crisis saw production come to an Octane 89). However, subsequent France. Artcurial also set the
end in 1975, after only 12,920 auctions indicated top cars were benchmark for the ultra-collectable selling at all, or at a great discount.
of the left-hand-drive-only coupés approaching this level five years Mylord Cabriolet – believed to be ‘In the UK, US-spec SMs are
had been built. later, when Rétromobile once again one of only five converted by cheaper, but make sure that it is a
Chapron – achieving €548,320 manual and that you can find all the
£150,000 (£464,500) for a single-owner parts to change the US headlamps.
example in 2014. ‘There are a few shades that
Olivier Houiller of French Classics divide opinion like bright red and
£100,000 explains the wider market: ‘Expect to some of the more obscure golds.
pay £35-65k for a running SM. The The Continental Edison radio for the
market is steady and a bit slow at SM is rare and valuable. Expect to
times, but cars with impeccable pay £3000 for one: it’s a serious
£50,000 service history and proof of bonus if your car has it.’ Rod Laws
timing-chain and valve modifications
are selling faster than original cars
£0 with original engines. Cars with the
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 wrong colour combination or an Glenmarch is the largest free-to-access online
resource for classic and collector car auction markets.
Line charts the top prices for comparable cars at auction. automatic gearbox are either not Visit www.glenmarch.com to keep up to date.
168
PETER BRADFIELD LTD
1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Short Chassis Le Mans

Back in the day a short chassis 4½ Litre Bentley was simply one of the best cars money could buy and accordingly they were
sought after by racers, aristos, enthusiasts, and bounders alike. Marque expert Clare Hay sums it up nicely, “the 4½ ‘Shorties’ were
the nicest handling Vintage
intage Bentleys built, combining compact appearance with a high power to weight ratio”
This one was conceived in 1947 when chassis XF 3515 had its decrepit saloon body removed, was shortened to Le Mans spec and
fitted with an open sports body. The car has a documented history detailing these early days, its 1966 departure for 30 years in the
USA and latterly 10 years in the Channel Islands.
The beautifully proportioned Le Mans body was fitted in 2006 by VBE and shortly after was bought by celebrity enthusiast, Alan
Titchmarsh
itchmarsh beginning a 15 year ownership.
It is fair to say that it will not suit a straight laced matching number zealot but a more liberal minded driver will be rewarded
by a really good car with an interesting history at a most attractive price. It has benefitted from extensive mechanical work and
recent service by the talented Mr. Getley at Kingsbury Racing and is a delight on the road with light steering, an easy gear-change
and high ratio back axle.
Also available:
1934 Invicta S Type • 1954 Bentley R Type Continental • 1957 Bentley S1 Continental DHC • 1964 Porsche 356SC Coupe
See website for more details

8 REECE MEWS KENSINGTON LONDON SW7 3HE
SHWHU#EUDGÀHOGFDUVFRP ZZZEUDGÀHOGFDUVFRP THO 78 8787
THE MARKET / Auction Previews
A racy 250 SWB

Gooding & Company, London, UK 18 August
WITH FERRARI’S sights set on winning impressive fifth overall and second in class. Historic racing, and it was seen in action all
pretty much everything, the 250 GT SWB was After it returned to the factory, along with the way through the 1990s. The current owner
to be its ultimate roadgoing racer. This gorgeous a damaged SWB, it was renumbered to the acquired the SWB in 2001 and has continued to
yellow example, to be offered by Gooding & current 2021 GT chassis number. Repainted in race it extensively, including several appearances
Company at its London auction, is one of the metallic grey, the Ferrari was sold on to French at Goodwood.
46 alloy-bodied competition cars. racing driver Pierre Dumay, who immediately In 2013, it was sent to Lanzante Ltd in the UK
This one started its life as 1931 GT, which entered it in the Goodwood Tourist Trophy, for a full restoration, with Ferrari Classiche also
was built for the 1960 Le Mans 24 Hours. retiring after 45 laps. He also entered it for the brought in to oversee the project. During this
Factory build sheets show that it was originally 1960 Tour de France but failed to start. He sold process, conclusive evidence of the original
fitted with the latest tipo 168B ‘outside-plug’ the SWB soon after, and it went on to be used 1931 GT chassis number was uncovered. It now
V12 engine in racing spec, and it was sold to in various European events throught the 1960s. features a correct 250 SWB Competizione
North American distributor Luigi Chinetti. By the 1980s it had found its way into the engine, originally fitted to 1875 GT. This well-
One of four cars he entered under the NART garage of collector and L’Oréal executive proven Historic racer is estimated to sell for
banner that year, it eventually placed an Lindsay Owen-Jones. He prepared the car for £6,000,000-7,000,000. goodingco.com
Aston Revival Bonhams, Goodwood, UK 17 September

THIS YEAR marks the 70th BRDC May Silverstone race
anniversary of Goodwood’s first meeting, where three of the four
endurance race in 1952. By sheer DB3s entered took a 1-2-3 finish in
coincidence, or some very clever the 3-litre class to prove the car’s
consigning, the very works Aston potential. The next year, piloted by
Martin DB3 that won the Reg Parnell and George Abecassis
Goodwood Nine Hours will be and then with 2.9-litre power (up
offered by Bonhams at the Revival. from 2.6 litres), it placed second
Driven at Goodwood by Peter at the Sebring 12 Hours.
Collins and co-driver Pat Griffith, After it was retired from racing,
this was the fifth of five 2.6-litre the DB3 was road-registered and
works cars. It has a rich period race exported to Hong Kong. It
history, including entries in the returned to the UK in 1990, and
Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans since then it has taken part in many
24 Hours, also in 1952. of the great Historic race meetings.
It made its debut at that year’s bonhams.com
170
QUICK GLANCE AUCTION DIARY
Please confirm details with
auction houses before travelling
26 August
Barons, Southampton, UK
26-27 August
Silverstone Auctions, Silverstone,
UK
27-28 August
Lucky Collector Car Auctions,
Tacoma, USA
1-3 September
1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster 1965 Morris Mini-Cooper S Worldwide, Auburn, USA
Dore & Rees, Somerset, UK Classic Car Auctions, Warwickshire, UK 3 September
8 October, doreandrees.com 24 September, classiccarauctions.co.uk Gooding & Company, London, UK
This right-hand-drive XK120 was entered into the first The first owner of this 1071cc Cooper S kept it for just
Mille Miglia retrospective rally in 1977 – it still wears the a few months but it has stayed with the second owner
3-4 September
stickers – and, having been well looked after since then, throughout the following 56 years. Despite spending the Silver Auctions, Sun Valley, USA
has avoided a full restoration. Although far from last 30 years in storage it looks in remarkable shape, and 7-10 September
concours, it’s an honest, characterful and very usable it would certainly form a great basis for restoration. It’s Mecum, Dallas, USA
example. Coming from the current owner of 15 years, showing what is believed to be a correct 39,114 miles
8 September
it’s fitted with a 3.8-litre engine, but the original 3.4-litre and, although in need of some love, this sought-after
DVCA, online
unit will come with the car. Estimate £45,000-55,000. early model has an estimate of £28,000-32,000.
9 September
RM Sotheby’s, St. Moritz,
Switzerland
9-10 September
Mathewsons, online
10-11 September
Bonhams, Beaulieu, UK
14 September
Brightwells, online
14-17 September
Mecum, Fountain City, USA
15 September
2019 Aston Martin DB5 stunt car 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo Brightwells, online (motorcycles)
Christies, London, UK Silverstone Auctions, Silverstone, UK 17 September
28 September, christies.com 27 August, silverstoneauctions.com
Bonhams, Goodwood, UK
It might look remarkably similar to an original DB5, but This is the only S1 Escort RS Turbo factory-painted in
this is one of six stunt cars built for No Time to Die. It black. It was built by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering 22-24 September
has a spaceframe chassis, a ‘third party 3.2-litre department for Diana, Princess of Wales – and the RM Sotheby’s, Marshall, USA
straight-six’ (an E46 BMW M3 engine and ’box) and a colour (and base-spec grille) were requested by the 24 September
carbonfibre body. It’s not road registered so would make Royalty Protection Command (SO14) to make it a little Classic Car Auctions,
a great museum exhibit for someone – or it could, we’re more stealthy. She used the car regularly from 1985 to
Leamington Spa, UK
sure, be a lot of fun on a private test track. Part of a 1988, and it’s offered in concours condition. To be sold
Historics, Bicester, UK
charity auction, it’s estimated at £1.5-2million. with no reserve, with a ‘six-figure’ sale price expected.
Morris Leslie, Errol, UK
30 September
Barons, Southampton, UK
Bonhams, Newport, USA
ALSO LOOK OUT FOR… 5 October
Charterhouse, Sparkford, UK
In March, rapper Drake opened for distribution to be completed (motorcycles)
$200,000 worth of basketball before the end of the season. Most 5-6 October
cards in a fruitless search for a examples of the card featuring New RM Sotheby’s, Hershey, USA
particular rarity, a card that was York Yankee Mickey Mantle sat in 6-8 October
sold for $2.4m as soon as it was a warehouse until Topps disposed Vicari, Biloxi, USA
found in May. This is the way of of its unsold stock by dumping it in
8 October
the modern collector card world: the sea off the coast of New York.
Tennants, Leyburn, UK
much-hyped ‘golden tickets’ are In the mid-1980s, by which time
hidden in overpriced packs that Mantle had been inducted into the 9 October
are bought by speculators. Baseball Hall of Fame, sports card Bonhams, Knokke-Heist, Belgium
Seventy years ago, things were dealer Al Rosen took a call from a $1000. In 1991 Rosen bought it 12 October
different. It didn’t occur to anyone man who claimed to have a stash back, and flipped it for $50,000. Charterhouse, Sparkford, UK
that the card pictured here might of uncirculated 1952 Topps cards. You get a sense of where this is 13-15 October
become valuable – least of all to His father had apparently been a going… when the Mantle is sold Mecum, Chicago, USA
the people at manufacturer Topps. delivery driver for the company. (online) by Heritage Auctions
The company released its 1952 Rosen bought all the good stuff, on 27 August, it is expected to IN ASSOCIATION WITH
baseball cards in three series, including this mint-plus-graded become the most expensive sports
but the third was printed too late Mantle, which he then sold for card ever. Estimate? ‘$10m-plus.’
171
THE MARKET / Showroom Stars
SHOWROOM BRIEFS
1974 CITROËN GS BIROTOR

£24,950
One of a handful of Wankel-
engined Citroëns that escaped
the crusher, as the company
attempted to buy back and
destroy this failed venture. This
one looks well kept and original.
leriche.com (GBJ)
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental 1988 PORSCHE 959 SC

POA
£975,000 from Graeme Hunt, London, UK With power pushed beyond
800bhp, this 959 is Bruce
Canepa’s ultimate expression of
JUST OVER R 70 years ago, Bentley Motors pulled overstating it, but it underwent testing and was the Porsche supercar. The third
the covers off something very special at the Paris shaped with high-speed stability as a priority. built, it is fully restored, upgraded
motor show: the R-Type Continental. This swooping Built in 1954, this delightful example is the final, and well-developed.
canepa.com (US)
fastback represented a new breed of post-war best-developed D-series model. Due to the extra
coachbuilt Bentley, which moved the company weight of the earlier fully specified Continentals,
further away from Rolls-Royce by offering more these came from the factory with a larger 4.9-litre
performance and sporting ability than its cousins. engine to improve cruising speed. The car was
This was a car that had been developed with an eye restored in the early 2000s by PJ Fischer, a known
on the ability to cross continents at great speed and in marque expert. As well as completing the restoration
great style. During development, it was decided that to a very high standard, Fischer also fitted a number of
the Continental needed to cruise comfortably at very discreet upgrades at the same time. Although
100mph, which would mean a top speed of around hidden away, there’s a modern radio set-up, as well as
120mph. To make this possible, it needed to be lighter a retractable sunroof. Perhaps neatest of all is the row 1987 DODGE DAYTONA
and more powerful. The body was to be clothed in of small bonnet vents to aid cooling. PACIFICA TURBO, 22,500
Not a car you often see outside of
aluminium, while the standard R-Type’s 4.6-litre After restoration it was sold to the current owner, the USA, especially not with just
straight-six was tweaked, with new exhaust, intake who’s letting it go after 14 years. Used extensively in 22 miles on the clock. It has been
and carburation giving increased power of 153bhp that time, driven in tours and rallies all over Europe, in a dealership collection for over
compared to the standard car’s 140bhp. it has been looked after by specialist P&A Wood. 25 years, and looks – as you might
expect – as new.
Almost all were bodied by HJ Mulliner and based If you’re heading to Salon Privé, you will be able to kenniscars.nl (NL)
on a fastback design from Ivan Evernden and John view this magnificent machine, offered at £975,000,
Blatchley. ‘Honed in a wind tunnel’ might be on Graeme Hunt’s stand. graemehunt.com
1979 ROVER 3500

NZD $15,990
Often jokingly referred to as the
five-door Ferrari Daytona, the SD1
is a great-looking car – especially
in Series 1 form. This V8 model
was locally built in Nelson in Astral
Blue, a unique NZ colour.
waimakclassiccars.co.nz (NZ)
172
The ex-Stirling Moss, Goodwood and Monaco eligible
1953 Cooper-Alta Grand Prix
Also available: 1935 Talbot BA110 Drophead Coupé, 1934 MG ND Magnette.
Please see website for more details.
Landline: +44 (0) 1440 841 447 [email protected]

www.polsonmotorco.com
Mobile: +44 (0) 7493 897 975 @polsonmotorco
THE MARKET / Buying Guide
Ford Thunderbird THE LOWDOWN
After 20 years, is this retro-styled T-Bird worthy of re-evaluation? WHAT TO PAY

Although it wasn’t offered in
AS A BOND fan, whenever I see the retro-styled updated AJ35 engine with power bumped up to right-hand drive, plenty of left-
hand drive models have made
Ford Thunderbird I’m reminded of its fleeting 280bhp thanks to variable camshaft timing. Otherwise
it to the UK as grey imports.
appearance in Die Another Day. Driven by Bond’s CIA there were no major changes, just minor updates to Prices have firmed up in the
counterpart Jinx (Halle Berry), it fits the larger-than- the interior such as a revised gauge cluster from past two years in line with the
life character and joyfully OTT film down to that last 2003, plus a few more colours and a new wheel market, but you can still find a
T. Yet, out in the real world, there’s something slightly option. After that initial flurry of interest, though, well-maintained example from
surreal about it – especially in the UK. sales and production pretty much fell off a cliff. around £10,000, rising to
Although the 1950s and ’60s T-Birds are fondly There were a few special edition versions over the £15k for a minter.
remembered, the model lost its way somewhat years, which are worth keeping an eye out for. The Although finding one in the
through the 1980s and ’90s before the forgettable 2002 Neiman Marcus Edition got an interesting two- UK is easy enough, the selec-
coupé version was killed off in 1997. The revival set tone black-and-silver paintjob and a nicely appointed tion of cars in the US is far su-
perior. Prices are broadly the
out to make a return to the glory years, thanks to a interior, while the 2003 James Bond 007 Edition got same and there is no shortage
heavy dose of retro styling and a revisiting of its the same Coral paint and white hardtop as Jinx’s film of pampered cars around the
convertible roots. The final design was completed in car. With neat numerical symmetry, Ford built 700 $15,000-20,000 mark.
1999 under the watchful eye of J Mays, and the first 007s. All 2005 model-year Thunderbirds featured
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
production models landed in 2001. 50th anniversary plaques, and the Cashmere Special
The Jaguar-based engine
Under the skin, the Thunderbird was based on the Edition featured a particularly nice grey interior trim. is a known quantity and
Ford DEW platform that had underpinned the Production finally came to an end in July of the generally very reliable. Any
Lincoln LS and the equally retro-looking Jaguar Thunderbird breed’s 50th year. Just over 68,000 misfires are most likely to be
S-type. As the Thunderbird was a prestige model, examples of this last incarnation had rolled off the caused by failing coil packs.
instead of sticking the Mustang’s V8 under the bonnet production line over four years. It hadn’t quite been Check for oil leaks around the
Ford built its own short-stroke, 252bhp, 3.9-litre the success that Ford had hoped for, but it had found valve covers, which is often
version of Jaguar’s AJ30 V8 engine, mated to its own plenty of loving owners. Ford hasn’t reprised the the main reason.
five-speed automatic transmission. Thunderbird idea since then despite the affection in Ensure that the electric
The Thunderbird was designed as a cruiser from which it is held, nor is it likely to any time soon. hood operates correctly,
especially if it is fitted with a
the outset, with style, comfort and luxury to the fore. There’s a small but loyal following for this final
hard top. Repair kits for the
Buyers flocked to the dealers and Ford sold 31,368 Thunderbird in the US, with a few decent specialists fragile latches are available.
Thunderbirds in the first full year. The reviews were ensuring plenty of support for owners around the Also, check the condition
mostly positive, too; Motor Trend magazine even world. It’s an acquired taste, much like Die Another of the spare spacesaver tyre.
crowned it as Car of the Year. Day, but it’s one that seems good value right now, They have been known to
For the 2003 model year, Ford introduced an both here and in the US. Matthew Hayward explode in the boot!
174
Download App
For more info
1961 JAGUAR E-TYPE COMPETITION – INTERNATIONAL PERIOD RACE HISTORY

Chassis 875511 was dispatched on the 29th September 1961 directly to a Mr Hans Schenk of the Bahamas via East Bay Service Ltd of Nassau. Schenk
was a celebrity chef and racing driver of note in the Bahamas, and bought the car for the sole purpose of winning at the world-famous Internati onal
Bahamas Speed Week. In its distinctive black and cream livery, and with sponsorship from Goodyear Tires and Champion Spark Plugs, Schenk was
immediately on the pace, taking multiple podiums and wins in ‘NP 975’, including outright victory in the prestigious 1962 ‘Bahamas Cup’ race. 1963 saw
Schenk and NP 975 take a clean sweep of the Speed Week, winning race one, race two and once again the Bahamas Cup race. For 1964, Schenk sold his
winning E-type to rival Tony Adams, who would score more podiums through until 1965. Today the car is in its period pre-63/Kinrara race specification,
and comes with its original engine as spare. A unique and eligible car, with an exotic history – perfect for Goodwood’s flagship Kinrara Trophy.
C HARLES P RINCE Worldwide Collector Car Sales
1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Supercharged
Download App
For more info
A meticulous rebuild on an original 4.5 Litre.

Now with full Le Mans Birkin coachwork and a blower. The very highest engineering standards
have gone into this rebulid incorporating a fully spilt pinned chassis, shell bearings, full flow oil filtration and much more.
Please visit our website for more details, photos and videos.
Cars can be seen tried and tested in London or Petersfield in Hampshire.
Worldwide shipping arranged.
[email protected]
Int T 0044 (0) 79 85 98 80 70
charlesprinceclassiccars.com
2021 Porsche 911 (992) C4S Targa Heritage Edition
Guards red with Atacama beige leather interior and a black convertible top. 1 of 992 Heritage
models produced worldwide. 1 owner, over £16,000 of extras | 39 miles
2015 Porsche 911 (991) GT3 (LHD)

White with black interior, clubsport package, front axel lift, 20” GT3 alloys, sport seats, 90L fuel tank | 161 miles
2018 Ferrari Superfast (LHD)

Rosso corsa with nero leather interior, 20” forged alloys in grey, passenger display plus loads more extras | 228 mile
The leading specialist in sourcing the rare and unobtainable

We are always looking to buy interesting cars
+44 (0) 1772 613 114 | [email protected] | www.williamloughran.co.uk
Bramley Motor Cars
- SPECIALISTS IN THE SALE OF IMPORTANT MOTOR VEHICLES -
2009/59 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. 2006/56 Aston Martin Vanquish S.

New Sable Metallic with Black Hide. Nero Daytona Metallic with Obsidian Black Leather interior.
24,265 Miles. 11,595 Miles.
£169,850 £99,850
2019/69 Ferrari 488 Pista. 2010/60 Porsche GT2 RS. 1991/H Daimler Double Six Series III.
Argento Nurburgring with Blu Scuro White with Black and Red interior. Diamond Blue Metallic with Cream
Alcantara interior. 152 Miles. 7,373 Miles. interior. 46,000 Miles.
£369,850 £389,850 £39,850
2019/19 Ferrari GTC4LUSSO T. 2018/68 Bentley Continental GTC 2019/69 Ferrari 812 Superfast.
Grigio Alloy with Nero Hide. Supersports. Verde Abetone with Cuoio Hide.
4,991 Miles. Quarzite with Black Hide. 2,944 Miles. 4,015 Miles.
£184,850 £139,850 £289,850
HAVE A VEHICLE YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING? CONTACT US FOR A FREE VALUATION.
VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT
26 High Street, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0HB

+44 (0) 01483 898 159
[email protected] | www.bramley.com
Rolls-Royce and Bentley
HeRitage dealeRs
“Attention to Detail”
Rolls-Royce 20/25 1933 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 1919

3-position Drophead Coupé by James Young Alpine Eagle Dual Cowl Tourer by Flewitt Ltd of Birmingham
Attractive and rare coachwork. A most interesting and original Silver Ghost.
Bentley 3½ Litre 1934 Bentley 4¼ Litre 1938

Drophead Coupé by Barker Drophead Coupé by Vanden Plas
Ready to use and enjoy. Well maintained condition with extensive history.
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I 1959 Bentley S1 Continental 1958

Standard Saloon 4-door Sports Saloon by James Young
Ideal for Concours events and touring. Fully restored with exceptionally elegant coachwork.
Bentley Azure Mulliner. March 2003 Bentley Continental T. October 1996

12,000 miles from new and in excellent condition. Considered as a modern classic.
Great Easton, Dunmow, Essex CM6 2HD, England

Telephone: 01371 870848 Fax: 01371 870810
E-mail: [email protected] www.pa-wood.co.uk
Mercedes 680K £3,500,000 Sold From Swiss Storage Unit Bugatti Type 57 by Guillore £1,200,000 Sold From Southern German Clientʼs Garage
O L D
S
1939 Bugatti
BugattiType 57C54Stelvio
Type CabrioletSold
€4,800,000 £1,400,000 Sold from
From Clientʼs clientsGarage
Belgian French Garage Mercedes 770K Innenlenker €2,000,000 Sold From Belgian Garage
1931 Bentley Speed Six £950,000 Sold From Scottish Collection 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 ʻThe Phantom of Loveʼ £800,000 Sold to Australia
1954 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback £900,000 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Piccadilly Roadster £470,000
Sold from Swiss Clientʼs Zurich Garage
COMMISSION SALES OF HIGH END CLASSIC CARS

OF
ERS
WINN
NE
AZI
MAG ’
HE YEAR
T OF T
2017
IALIS
‘SPEC
D
AWAR
AC HERITAGE
1962 AC 2.6 Ruddspeed Ace

One of only 36 factory-built examples, matching numbers, full weather gear, recently recommissioned by the AC Heritage Works. £379,995
1959 AC Aceca Bristol

Left Hand Drive, 3 owners from new, original condition, full mechanical overhaul, comprehensive history throughout. Current US title. £120,000
1961 AC Aceca Bristol

One of the very last AC Aceca Bristol's produced, has been in single ownership for the past 40 years. Fully restored in the 2000s. £129,995
AC Heritage · International Broker of Historic & Classic Motorcars · Brooklands Motor Circuit, Surrey, UK
Telephone +44(0)1932 828545 · Mobile +44(0)7860 912217 · www.acheritage.com
Aston Martin V12 Speedster Lamborghini Murcielago Ferrari 812 Superfast
DBR1 specification package including the special Black alcantara interior, with white SV stitching and Carbon fibre front spoiler, Carbon fibre mirror
optioned paint, White roundels and Silver grille as gloss black SV alloys. An incredible spec car with casings, Carbon fibre centre caps, Carbon fibre
well as matching racing helmets for both the driver carbon fibre options, small decals, lifting, reverse door handles, Carbon fibre fuel cap. 10,750 miles.
and passenger. 300 miles. £1,200,000 camera, Larini sports exhaust. 5,000 miles. £429,990 £254,990
Aston Martin Vantage V600 Lamborghini Aventador S LP740-4 Lamborghini Huracan LP640-4
This 2 owner car was first registered in November Park assist with rear view camera, Fully electric Nero Cosmus alcantara interior with contrasting
1998, and five months later it was returned to the heated seats, Transparent engine cover, Rosso alala stitching. Full electric and heated
factory in Newport-Pagnell to undergo the V600 Sensonum premium sound, Dab radio. comfort seats, Navigation system with car play.
upgrade. 18,000 miles. £239,990 11,000 miles. £239,990 7,500 miles. £209,990
Porsche 992 Turbo S Lamborghini Murcielago Coupe Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Spyder
Heated and ventilated front seats, Heated muli Branding package, Hercules alloy wheels, Fully electric and heated seats, Electric folding
functional GT sports steering wheel in race LP640 LED rear light upgrade, Manual mirrors, Piano black interior trims, Multi functional
tex, Electric slide and tilt sunroof. 2,200 Miles. transmission, Tubi exhaust system. steering wheel, Lifting system, Branding package.
£209,990 25,000 miles. £174,990 5,900 Miles. £172,990
Ferrari FF V12 Porsche 911 GT3 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Carbon fibre drivers zone with LED’s, Carbon Comes equiped with Bucket seats with Porsche Full electric heated seats, satellite navigation,
fibre shift paddles, Carbon fibre airvents, Carbon logos, Porsche CD player and radio, Steel electric roof, 19 Inch cassipea alloy wheels in
dash inserts, Carbon fibre central bridge. brakes with Red brake callipers, 18” GT3 Alloy graphite grey. 22,800 miles. £85,990
26,000 miles. £108,990 wheels. 6,400 miles. £99,990
Aston Martin Vanquish V12 Mercedes AMG GT V8 BITURBO Maserati Gransport V8

Bang and Olufsen surround sound system, Fully electric & heated front seat, Drivers Carbon fibre centre console and steering
Carbon fibre centre console, Fully electric memory package for seat; steering column and wheel that came as part of the Gransport
memory seats, Perforated leather steering mirrors, Heated head scarfs, Red seatbelts. package. Fully electric and heated memory
wheel. 28,500 Miles. £82,990 11,000 miles. £79,990 seats. 1,700 miles. £49,990
BUYING OR SELLING LAMBORGHINI MOTORCARS

T +44 01580 714 597 E [email protected] k W www.vvsuk.co.uk
(
(Viewing by appointment onlyy)
y) Address: VVS UK LTD PARK FARM, GOUDHURST ROAD, CRANBROOK, KENT, TN17 2LJ
www.lamborghinibuyer.com Additional Websites: www.justlamborghini.com
www.hurstpark.co.uk Please see our web-site for a
Tel: +44 (0)1372 468487 selection of other cars
[email protected] for sale.
MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL (W113) 1968. Silver with matching hard- Alvis TA21 3-position DHC by Tickford 1952. Imperial maroon
top and Black hide interior. White steering wheel. Automatic/P.A.S. with beige hide interior, beige soft top, manual gearbox and electric
Original ‘matching numbered’ UK supplied example with history power steering. Restored by Earley Engineering many years ago.
going back over many years. £99,995 Classic coachbuilt British 4-seater tourer. Previously supplied by
ourselves. £47,500
WE LOVE INTERESTING CARS AND OFFER THE FOLLOWING FROM

AMONG OUR CURRENT SELECTION OF MORE THAN 70 GREAT EXAMPLES
2010 FERRARI CALIFORNIA SPIDER 1957 SUPERCHARGED FORD THUNDERBIRD 1991 FERRARI TESTAROSSA 1964 FIAT 500. Fully restored in Italy @10 years ago, then brought 1961 JAGUAR XK-150SE COUPE. This is one of the
After spending most of its life in San Antonio, A correct and original “F-BIRD” A very late production car. completely original and magnificent to the U.S. as a gift for a local enthusiast’s father. Shown many times, rare 3.8 litre “SE” cars with a 4-speed manual and overdrive. It has had
Texas, this beautiful all original car moved North with the ultimate 3-speed/overdrive example. Near flawless red body with beautiful .tan leather. Came always winning something before coming to us and sold to another Italian two owners since the 1970’s and possibly from new. It is spectacular in
in 2016, then with 2,900 miles. We sold the car in manual floor shift. ‘ One local owner from original owner to us @ 20 years ago, sold twice by us since collectible enthusiast. Now just replaced by an Autobianchi. Drives just as it British Racing Green with Biscuit leather. Numbers are all matching per
2019 with 4,200 miles, still in as new condition. for the past 30+ years and in fabulous then. Last major belt service completed 3 years ago. All manuals, should and cute as a button in off-white with blue and white interior, original accompanying Heritage Certificate. Complete with original manuals, full
Silver /red lather. 5,238 miles. $128,000 condition throughout. $165,000. tools, etc. Looks and drives as new. 24,233 miles. $165,000. owner’s manual. Driven 4,227 kilometers since restoration. $19,500 original tool kit and service records. 56,470 miles. $128,000.
1947 FORD WOODY WAGON. An extremely original car--sold by us 1941 DESOTO CUSTOM 80-S SEDAN. 1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL COUPE/ROADSTER. Sold by 1937 BENTLEY 4&1/4 FREESTONE AND WEBB RAZOR EDGE 1973 JAGUAR XKE-V/12 ROADSTER. From a local enthusiast’s
nearly 40 years ago and maintained in a climate controlled collection An amazingly original car from Georgia with beautiful rust- us twice in the past 40 years and serviced by us that entire SALOON. This was the1936 Earl’s Court show car and is an estate, this is a very nice and correct, low mileage, U.S.
free body. Completely original interior in very nice condition
and driven sparingly each year since then.; The rather rare 3-seat with the exception of wear on drivers seat and carpets time. Absolutely gorgeous in Signal Red with gorgeous exquisite razor-edge design with a most prestigious chain of delivery example. Finished in Sable with Biscuit leather and
model with original walk-through seating, flathead V-8 engine and A multi-show winning car which drives beautifully and looks original black interior. Both tops, automatic transmission, ownership. Black/silver grey with original black leather. The equipped with factory air conditioning, automatic transmission
3-speed manual transmission--all in excellent condition. $59,000. great. 43,138 miles with documentation, original manuals, air conditioning, original Becker Mexico stereo, tinted glass, engine was fully rebuilt fewer than 1000 miles ago and the (recently fully rebuilt), this is exactly as delivered new per the
records and trophies. $16,000.
factory chrome overriders, etc. 99,729 miles. $115,000. car drives beautifully. $157,000. accompanying Heritage Certificate. 48,654 miles. $73,000.
thoroughbred motorcars
70+ great cars currently in our Gladstone showroom.
189
THE PRE-EMINENT PRE-WAR ASTON-MARTIN SPECIALIST
FIRST CLASS TECHNICAL SERVICES • Engine shop
Today, Ecurie Bertelli cleverly blends traditional artisan engineering skills handed down • Purpose-built dyno
over generations with modern facilities and the latest cutting-edge technology to provide
• Manufacturing
the ultimate in pre-war Aston-Martin service. With over 2,500 original parts’ drawings at our
disposal, we can manufacture and supply pre-1940 parts to their original specification. • Extensive part stock
+44 (0)1234 240024 | [email protected] | ecuriebertelli.com | 53 Stilebrook Road, Olney, MK46 5EA, UK
£79,990 £64,990
1978 Ferrari 308 GTB Ex - Col.Ronnie Hoare 2001 Ferrari 360 F1 Modena - One of 23
Metallic blue (Blu Dino) with sand (sabbia hide).originally registered to Col.Hoare chairman Metallic dark blue (Tour de France) with beige hide and blue Alcantara inserts on the
of Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. Fully optioned with metallic paint, front fog light. 7.5” optional factory sports seats. Factory optioned with Xenon headlamps with power wash,
wide wheels, air conditioned and deep front spoiler. Detailed history from new with leather headlining, road legal(non-intrusive)roll bar and battery charger. One of 323 360
factory original service book, past invoices, and MOT’s. One of 211 officially imported F1 Modena’s that are taxed or SORN’d in the UK, with just 23 in a shade of dark blue.
with 121 remaining taxed or SORN’d with just seven in blue. Just completing suspension, Detailed service history (22 stamps) document the 31,100 miles, along with factory
brake and engine bay detailing. original books, past invoices and MOT’s. All original keys, immobilisers, even the Maglite
Please contact Mike Wheeler for further details and to arrange viewing torch! NOVITEC sports exhaust ,front and rear parking sensors and the registration
number F360 XXX. Just fully serviced with new cam belts.
www.rardleymotors.com
Experience the Experience.
190
Continental DHC by Park Ward
1960 BENTLEY S2
One of the 57 Right Hand Drive
examples built, chassis BC 54 BG
has had a ground up restoration
by Michael Hibbard, winning its
class at the 2019 Bentley Drivers
Club concours
1937 AC 16/80
Chassis L 593 is the first of the 14
sloping-tail AC 16/80s and the 1937
London Olympia Motor Show car.
Over a number of years it has been
restored to concours condition
T +44 (0)1869 357126 W www.pendine.com E [email protected] Located at
191
TIMELESS JAGUARS available from CLASSIC SHOWCASE
•1968 XKE SERIES 1.5 4.2L ROADSTER CHASSIS No.1E16622
•1976 XJ12C V12 COUPE CHASSIS No. UG2G50531BW
•1966 XKE SERIES 1.25 4.2L ROADSTER CHASSIS No.1E15366
•1958 MARK 1 3.4L RHD SALOON CHASSIS No. S986312BW
1987 Porsche 924S –

Private sale
The Porsche 924S is a pure hybrid – sitting between
the Audi derived Porsche 924 & the replacement
Porsche 944 - benefiting from the new 2.5 litre
Porsche engine, rear disc brakes, telephone dial
wheels & power steering etc..
This is a matching numbers car with 3 owners – the

first for 30 years – it has comprehensive history files
including the original ‘bill of sale’ for £20,433.00 –
has covered a mere 56k miles, corroborated by all
copies of MOT’s from inception. A full underbody
restoration was carried out last year –including all
suspension, axle & engine upgrades – all new belts &
a full bespoke s/s exhaust system – at a cost of £11k.
Fitted with a new Nardi steering wheel, a £2k media

upgrade - to include ‘hands free’ & Apple Play,
00
£15,0
original tool kit & rare sunroof bag. Voted by car &
classic as car of the week.
https://www.carandclassic.com/magazine/1987-
A true rarity in such excellent condition
porsche-924s-classified-of-the-week/
Call Andy or Roy - 07710 402980 or 07771622281

roystonclassic.co.uk
192
SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
1996 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta - AUS del., Manual, immaculate, books 1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello - LHD, Blu Tour de France, grey leather, books
2009 Porsche 911 997 GT2 - AUS del., totally original, very collectable 1980 Porsche 911 SC - superb condition, 3.0 litre, 5 speed manual, books
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint - very original, incredible history 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL - superb example, AUS delivered, air con
BAYS 3&4 50-64 PACIFIC HIGHWAY NORTH SYDNEY AUSTRALIA T +61.2.9922 2036 F +61.2.9922 4594
SPEEDMASTER SPECIALIST IN HISTORIC AUTOMOBILES

Tel: +44 (0)1937 220 360 or +44 (0)7768 800 773
[email protected] www.speedmastercars.com
1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group V Download App

Built to Group IV regulations in 1972, chassis 2343 is the only factory built group IV car converted by the
factory to Group V specification. A competitor in period at Le Mans 24h (with Giampiero Moretti) and
Giro D’Italia amongst other international Sportscar events.
Recently restored with great spares package, this car is a competitive car in Peter Auto, Le Mans Classic
and Masters Sportscars. 2343 is also road registered making it highly versatile for racing and tour events. For more info
193
NOW AVAILABLE Download App
For more info
1956 • National Gold Winner

AUSTIN-HEALEY • Numbers Matching
100M • 1 of 640 Produced
919.454.7155
WWW.KWATTSANDCO.COM
194
Specializing in Vintage Sports,
Racing and GT Cars since 1979 2006 Ferrari F430:
11k miles, stick-shift, flawless.
1951 Ferrari 212 Inter: 1960 Mercedes Benz 190SL:

Mille Miglia -1952, 1954. Fully sorted. Matching numbers. Concours quality.
1969 Lola T163-17: 1958 AC Aceca: Superbly restored.

Ex Penske/Donohue. Alloy-inj Chevy. Matching numbers.
1951 Jaguar XK120: 1958 MGA Twin Cam: Frame-up

Outstanding mech & cosmetic condition. restoration. Iconic sports car.
1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider: Out- 1985 COBRA Autokraft MK IV:
standing mechanical & cosmetic condition. Continuing Shelby’s legacy; 12k miles.
WE WILL BUY AND CONSIGN ALL FERRARI AND ALL VINTAGE

SPORTS RACING & GT CARS • FINANCING AVAILABLE
www.Motor
rClassiCCorp.CoM
350 ADAMS STREET, BEDFORD HILLS NEW YORK 10507
914-997-9133 • [email protected]
1992
JaguarJAGUAR
C-Type XJS 4.0 COUPE.
Replica MANUAL
by Suffolk 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE DHC.
Kingfisher
3.4 Litre. Blue with Biscuit leather
Manual/Overdrive. interior
Live axle. 16” 1962 Jaguar
Jaguar E-Type
C-Type Flat Floor
Replica Roadster
by Suffolk. Black with Biscuit trim. LHD. Matching Numbers.
trim. Substantialbar
wheels.Torsion £45,000.00 KWE estoration.
front suspension. Excellent Opalescent Dark gearbox.
3.4 with manual/Overdrive Blue with Live
Greyaxle.
trim (original Factory
16” wheels. spec). owned by
Originally Borrani 16” wheels. An excellent, well owned,
are 5-speed
build manual.
quality.Cream Immaculate.
with Burgundy Amongst
trim and the Matching Numbers UK Right
Roger HandofDrive.
Williams Chassis No.: 850305
Suffolk. example maintained by WinSpeed since 2016.
best currently
wheels. available.
Originally ownedFully documented
by Roger KWE
Williams Excellent historic
Torsionrestoration.
bar front From private collection.
suspension. Maintained
Excellent build by WinSpeed
quality. First owner: Bao Dai – last emperor of
restoration on file. £19,995.00
of Suffolk. £79,500.00 £168,500.00
£79,500.00 Vietnam! £110,000.00
£98,500.00
….Knowledge, experience & expertise from The inSpeed Family….
LD LD
SO SO
1992 JAGUAR XJS 4.0 COUPE. MANUAL

1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 Coupe
Kingfisher Blue with Biscuit leather interior
BEACHAM JAGUAR Mk2 AJ6 4.0 Litre UK
1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Coupe. trim. HD example £45,000.00
Substantial in Silver with Blackestoration.
KWE trim. 5-Speed
Desirable & rare bespoke build by Beacham of Gearbox, Sports
are 5-speed exhaust.
manual. Excellent, Amongst
Immaculate. robust, regular
the
New Zealand. Opalescent Dark Blue. Modernised. Opalescent Dark Blue with immaculate Grey trim. A fully estored, immaculate, driver with good History file. £69,950.00
example driving and presenting beautifully. 5-Speed gearbox. WinSpeed maintained best currently available. Fully documented KWE
Biscuit trim interior. AJ6 4.0 engine with `J` gate. restoration on file. £19,995.00
£24,995.00
Automatic gearbox. Electric seats. C/locking. inc. fast road head. £148,500.00
Air Conditioning. Thoroughly usable & very WINSPEED MOTORSPORT LTD.
Distinctive!! £69,500.00 [email protected] www.winspeedmotorsport.com
Tel: 01483 537 706 Mobile: 07831 164 460
195
CARS FOR SALE
ADVERTISE
OCTANE IN-MAG
MARKETPLACE
Browse classic cars for sale, or reach a huge international classic
FOR FREE!
PRIVATE SELLERS
ONLY,
car market to sell yours, with a free advertisement in Octane – LIMITED SPACES
go to subscribe.octane-magazine.com/classifieds AVAILABLE
Octane cannot endorse any cars for sale in classified advertisements and recommends that you meet the vendor and are satisfied with the car before parting with any money.
Race Proven Parts

Tel: +44 (0)1543 472244
1930 Cadillac La Salle 340 Coupe
€68,500
For more information please contact me,
www.bighealey.co.uk FRANK KENNIS +31 622 420 766
[email protected] www.kenniscars.nl
www.classic-spares.com
Austin Healey Specialist
www.murrayscott-nelson.com
tel. 01723 361227
1961 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII

Finished in Jaguar Westminster Blue, overdrive,
rare triple-carburettor MkII, £14,000 spent in 2022. RESTORATIONS • BODYWORK • PAINTWORK • SERVICING
1970 Daimler 420 Limousine
NATIONWIDE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE • STORAGE €24,500
Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT 1600 £62,500. Tel: +44 (0)1420 23212, email Sales@
CONCOURS PREPARATION • MAIL ORDER PARTS For more information please contact me,
Very rare and original example that has never been RawlesMotorsport.com, www.RawlesMotorsport.
com (T). FRANK KENNIS +31 622 420 766
pulled apart and is in incredible condition for its age.
Has had exterior paint and has done 48,000 miles.
Can send more photos on request. AUD $92,500. Tel:
+61 419 628565, email [email protected].
1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII

Investment-quality 3000 MkIII Phase 2 with Colorado Red, original black seats, recently replaced Fiat Dino 2400 Coupé
1970 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV - remarkable history. Low mileage, three owners from black carpets, Everflex hood. Bare-metal respray Fitted with the legendary Ferrari V6 motor. Currently
fully restored, Grigio Medio, new (two noted Austin-Healey authors and business in 2020. Many original details and concours-ready a reliable daily driver, with recent mechanical
features o en lost during restoration. £69,950. Tel: expenditure of over £12,500. Ongoing work required
Red leather partners of Donald Healey himself), original panelling
but a very usable and rare Dino. £32,995. Tel: +44
and drivetrain, never welded, long list of features and +44 (0)1420 23212, email Sales@RawlesMotorsport.
trims lost on 99% of restored examples. £85,000. Tel: com, www.RawlesMotorsport.com (T). (0)7768 938967, email [email protected],
+44 (0)1420 23212, email Sales@RawlesMotorsport. www.eraclassics.co.uk (T).
com, www.RawlesMotorsport.com (T).
Earley Engineering Limited

Alvis Specialists 䄀甀猀琀椀渀䠀攀愀氀攀礀倀愀爀琀猀匀瀀攀挀椀愀氀椀猀琀
+44 (0)1981 250244
[email protected]
Ford Anglia Lotus twin-cam
www.earleyeng.com
1951 Austin Sheerline Full nut-and-bolt rebuild to an exceptionally high
DS1 Saloon €39,500 standard. A true homage to the original Lotus
● Servicing ● Chassis engineering
● Restorations ● Engine builds For more information please contact me, twin-cam development Anglia driven by Jim Clark.
● Upgrades ● Coachbuilding Ready to enjoy as a fast road car or trackday special.
● Sales
● Parts
● Bodyshop
● Race / rally prep 眀眀眀⸀䄀䠀㐀䠀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 FRANK KENNIS +31 622 420 766
£57,995. Tel: +44 (0)7768 938967, email darren@
eraclassics.co.uk, www.eraclassics.co.uk (T).
196
1971 Jaguar E-type V12
Chassis number: 1s50468. 79,574 miles recorded.
Sable Brown with Cinnamon interior (original Porsche 911 2.7 RS Evo
colour combination). Originally purchased in 1978 Rebuilt Californian 911, bare-metal respray, Blood
by the late John McAleese, renowned garage and Orange, 3.0-litre engine, top and bottom rebuild,
bodyshop proprietor, part of his personal collection 915 gearbox rebuilt 4500 miles. Lightweight black
since. Recently restored to mint condition, currently interior, original Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel,
housed at the business in Ayrshire, Scotland. Blaupunkt radio. Immaculate. £65,000 ono. Tel: +44
£75,000. Tel: +44 (0)7968 845503. (0)7771 994134, email [email protected].
2001 Porsche 911 C4

1970 Land Rover Series 2A 2.25 Superb low-mileage 996. Manual, Seal Grey metallic.
Pastel green. Petrol. Professionally rebuilt to a high Only 66,200 miles. 3.4-litre, new IMS/clutch/flywheel.
standard on a galvanised chassis. Mechanically Full details and photo file available upon request.
overhauled, reliable, cool colour and ready for action. £24,995 Tel: +44 (0)7768 938967, email darren@
Full photo file and video walk-around upon request. eraclassics.co.uk, www.eraclassics.co.uk (T).
£31,995. Tel: +44 (0)7768 938967, email darren@
eraclassics.co.uk, www.eraclassics.co.uk (T).
2004 Toyota Century V12 G50 -

The Ultimate Classic Japanese
Luxury Car in Samui Eternal Black
C M COPLEY
M O T O R C A R S
SPORTS AND CLASSICS SINCE 1995
1956 Volkswagen Beetle “Oval” -

Superb “Cal-Look”, 2.3 litre, 180
bhp engine
Copley Motorcars, 37 Chestnut Street, Needham, Massachusetts 02492 USA

Tel. 781-444-4646 | e-mail: [email protected]
www.copleymotorcars.com
197
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
INTRESTED
OCTANE SERVICES GUIDE
Browse services for you and your classic car, including insurance,
IN ADVERTISING?
CONTACT DOU G HOWARD
DOU G_H [email protected]
parts, restoration, marque specialists, home & garage

improvements, covers & storage facilities.
GALLERY, ART & MEMORABILIA COACHTRIMMING
HERITAGE COACH TRIMMING LTD

CARRIAGES OF EXCELLENCE FOR 50 YEARS
Bespoke Tailoring For Your Car Interior
[email protected]
+44 7887721998
BESPOKE KEYS
An extensive variety of original motor racing paintings, photographs and autoraphed items for sale.
T: 01327 858 167 E: [email protected]

www.speedsport-gallery.com
BMW PARTS SPECIALIST
STEERING WHEEL RESTORATION CHROME PLATING
ELECTRIC PARTS
TRAMSMISSIONS BRAKE PARTS
BPA Engineering
SPECIALIST TRANSMISSION
SERVICES
HEWLAND BUILD & REBUILD
NEW & S/H SPARES
GEARS, SPARES & COMPETITION GEAR
KITS DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED
CASTINGS PRODUCED FROM
DRAWINGS OR SAMPLES
Tel: 44 0 1256 895757
Fax: 44 0 1256 895151
www.bpaengineering.com
198
Servicing and restoring post-war
Rolls-Royce and Bentley since 1985
Experience the Hythe Road ethos
01234 713871 | [email protected]

65SUPERSTORES
NATIONWIDE
WHERE QUALITY COSTS LESS

MODULAR GARAGE STORAGE SYSTEMS
• CREATE THE PERFECT FITTED GARAGE / WORKSHOP • HEAVY DUTY, PROFESSIONAL PACKAGES
ACKAGES - CHOICE OF 10 • ALL UNITS ALSO AVAILABLE SINGLY FOR CUSTOM BUILD
HEADER A
PACKAGE Modular design – build Gas struts to High quality, stylish, A choice of Top quality super smooth Lockable Corner units
£
3478INC.VAT
.80 your own by adding
units as required
hold top cabinet
doors open
black and grey
powder coated finish
stainless steel
or wooden
ball bearing drawer runners floor cabinets in stock
worktops
HEADER C
PACKAGE
£
2242INC.VAT
.80 HEADER E
PACKAGE
HEADER D
PACKAGE
£
1917INC.VAT
.60
OPTIONAL WORKTOPS £
1654INC.VAT .80
38mm Wood
Thick
463mm Stainless
Deep Steel
HUGE CHOICE OF TOOL CHESTS/CABINETS

GARAGES/WORKSHOPS
Extra
Storage
CUSTOMER
PICTURES
FLOOR
TILES IN HEADER
FROM ONLY
STOCK
SIZES UP TO 40' x 16'
£
310.80
INC.VAT
FREE
TURBO AIR
3 EASY WAYS COMPRESSORS
TO BUY... 492 PAGE PAY Monthly OVER

80
SUPERSTORES CATALOGUE or MODELS
NATIONWIDE GET YOUR IN THE
RANGE
FREE COPY! NEW BUY NOW HEADER
TIGER 8/260
ONLINE IN-STORE £
143.98
www.machinemart.co.uk INC.VAT
TELESALES
PHONE
0844 880 1265 PAY LATER • 7cfm
ONLINE • 2HP
0115 956 5555 www.machinemart.co.uk SEE ONLINE, ASK IN STORE • 24 litre
32229 Calls to the catalogue request number abo
above (0844 880 1265) cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. For security reasons, calls may be monitored. All prices correct
at time of going to press. We reserve
ve the right to change products and prices at any time. *
time All offers subject to availability, E&OE. Terms & conditions apply see machinemart.co.uk/finance for more details
CHOOSE FROM OVER 21,000 PRODUCTS ONLINE AT machinemart.co.uk

Insurance
Zero to sixty in
three seconds?
It’s enough to make your typical insurer run
in the opposite direction just as fast. Thankfully,
at Adrian Flux we do insurance differently.
Just like the world’s best supercars,

we constantly strive for innovation. From the
UK’s first driverless car policy to a multi-car
scheme that covers vehicles of all shapes and
sizes, we aren’t afraid to cover new ground.
To see how much you can save

on your insurance, call us today
0800 085 5000

adrianflux.co.uk
Authorised & regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority
Airchamber instantly converts any shed,

barn or garage into the ideal clean, dry and
condensation free storage area for your car,
bike or personal belongings.
Using a unique space-saving internal frame
Airchamber provides drive in, drive out
access while creating a low-cost protective
environment for either frequently used vehicles
or those in long term storage.
Available from stock in seven sizes we offer
fast UK and International shipping from our
Oxfordshire warehouse.
Airflow UK are manufacturers and worldwide
distributors of Airchamber.
Visit us at www.Airflow-uk.com
o call us on
or o (+44)
( ) 01367
0 36 718550
8550
201
Restoration
SHELBY COBRA MUSTANGS
Location, supply, servicing, restoration and authentication

of genuine Shelby and AC motorcars by engineer with 40plus years
direct experience of these vehicles.
Please telephone Alan on 07846 861853
www.dragonwheelsrestorations.co.uk
Hayward & Scott

Stainless Steel Manufacture
Very Competitive Prices • Excellent Workmanship
Lifetime Guarantee • Bespoke and Competition
Requirements are our speciality
For further information please telephone
01268 727256
10-11 Nobel Square, Basildon, Essex SS13 1LS
www.haywardandscott.com
202
Parts & Restoration
CALL MASSIMO ON
07809 331082 or 07432 680208
SPRAY BOOTH
OVEN FOR HIRE
Based in Potters Bar EN6
Rent by the day
Discounts for longer hire
THE ASTON MARTIN

SPECIALISTS
Maintaining the future with TRINITY ENGINEERING
engineering of the past www.trinityaston.co.uk
Servicing – Diagnostics – Parts – Engineering

For all Aston Martins from Post War to Gaydon Era
• Restoration • Enhancements • Routine servicing • Concours preparation
• Engine rebuilds • Insurance repairs • Sports exhausts • Insurance valuations
• Re-trimming • Gearbox conversions • Fault diagnostics • Handling kits
• MOT preparation • Braking upgrades • Chassis and paintwork • Purchase advice
• Product advice • Power steering • Transportation • Air conditioning
Servicing enquiries tel: +44 (0) 1483 211899

Parts & online store enquiries tel: +44 (0) 1483 211289
Parts enquiries email: [email protected]
Online parts store enquiries email: [email protected]
203
Parts & Restoration
Immaculate 1963 Porsche 356B Super 90 FOR SALE

The Process The People The Trim Shop
The key to a Our expert staff From full re-trims
successful and timely plan and deliver your to minor repairs,
outcome is planning, restoration project. our in-house trim
coordination and We ensure that shop produces
communication. everyone working show-quality work.
As a Brightwell on your vehicle We have particular
customer, you will is playing to their strengths when
enjoy regular updates, strengths, whether it comes to
photographs and that’s our in-house difficult hoods.
transparent records of staff or external
time spent on your car. contractors.
RESTORATION
EXCELLENCE
Specialists in the restoration of “In 20 years, my car has never driven this well.
classic cars to the highest standards. I’ve fallen in love with it all over again”
Maintenance and upgrades. Aston Martin DB5 owner
Commission sales and purchase advice.
Hockley, Essex, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1702 826438
Find out more at +44 (0) 7757 504540
brightwellmotorcompany.com [email protected]
204
Restoration, Transport & Storage
T he Original British
Vacuum Cleaner
The BVC IV40 Classic Workshop Vacuum Cleaner
Est. ~ ~ 1902
The BVC IV40 Industrial Vacuum Cleaner has

been manufactured in the UK for many years
and is well proven for all types of cleaning
applications.
This limited edition IV40D Classic 120
version, painted in traditional "British Racing
Green" with polished brass badge, celebrates
the founding of the British Vacuum Cleaner
Company by Hubert Cecil Booth in 1902.
Designed to complement every workshop,
the BVC IV40 features a large capacity 40
litre collection drum, heavy duty microfibre
bag filter plus 2nd stage HEPA filter. It is
equipped with a reverse-air filter cleaning
device, to agitate the bag filter and help
prevent filter blinding.
With an emphasis on durability and
reliability, the IV40D Classic 120 is
manufactured from heavy gauge steel with
robust wheels and solid construction. Hose
fittings are metal for long life. IV40 has a 5
year limited parts warranty.
More information :- Supplied with a full tool kit consisting of

tinyurl.com/443snuxe 3.75m 38mm hose, crevice tool, floor tool
with tube extensions, rubber "soft-nose" tool
Quirepace Ltd. 6 Pennant Park and dusting brush tool. Available in 230v
Fareham, Hants, PO16 8XU with 1kW bypass turbine.
023 9260 3700 IV40D Classic 120 with trolley, hose and
www.quirepace.co.uk
[email protected] comprehensive toolkit - £2140 exc. VAT.
Castrol’s Classic Oils are produced to original

viscosities and contain the necessary anti-wear
additives to provide overall protection of
veteran, vintage and classic vehicles.
Original Castrol grades:
XL30, XXL40, GP50, XL20w/50

R40, 10w/60 syn., EP80, EP90
ST90, EP140, D140, LS, B373
TQD TQF, RR363, Brake Fluids
Greases, Semi-Fluid greases etc.
Castrol l Small size from 500ml to
Classic Oils Home Workshop sizes -
+44 (0)1954 231668 Free UK mainland -
[email protected] Next Day Delivery offers.
www.castrol.com/uk/classics
Valvemaster™ and Valvemaster™ Plus
Phosphorus formula - the best protection after lead.
Contains Etha-Guard enabling use of E5 & E10 petrol.
Valvemaster Plus with Octimise-Plus for increased
acceleration* & fuel economy** up to*3% and **2%
l Ultimate valve seat l Ethanol protection to 1
recession protection. engine & fuel system.
l Octimise-Plus l Use with 95, 97, 98,
friction modifier 99 & higher E5
performance. and E10.
250M
Classic Valvemaster™ BOTT L
TRE LE
+44 (0)1954 231668 250L ATS
ITRES
[email protected]
www.valvemaster.co.uk
205
Covers, Storage & Garage Equipment
Hertfordshire Vehicle Storage Ltd. CONTACTS:

Hitchin, Hertfordshire
07595628846
Find us on: [email protected]
3 4
Situated 5 minutes from the A3 on the Surrey / Hampshire /
Sussex borders convenient for Goodwood
Discreet secure insulated storage facility for any
car or motorcycle.
Onsite service and repair available
For further
f information
f Tel: 01420 472 273
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.southlandscherishedcarstorage.co.uk
206
Storage & Transportation
Secure - Clean - Dry - Vehicle Storage
Pricing Location:
Per week: Thames Valley Bucks
Car £45 Marlow 1 mile

Motorcycle £20 Henley 5 miles
Trailer £30 Beaconsfield 7 miles
Windsor 10 miles
London 30 miles
Contact: [email protected]
07920 043 150
www.crestsecure.co.uk
Race Glaze Ltd | +44(0)1780 654065 | www.raceglaze.co.uk
T H E U LT I M AT E B E S P O K E
6 STORAGE FACILITY & HMRC APPROVED
CUSTOMS WAREHOUSE
7
An exceptional, high security building with
state of the art humidity and dust controlled 8
technology. Discreetly situated on the London
Hertfordshire border.
T 020 3973 1520 E [email protected]

mossauto.co.uk
207
JAR Enclosed Car Transport – UK / Europe

01580 753939 • www.jarcarstorage.co.uk
JAR Ashford (Kent) JAR T

Tunbridge Wells (Kent)
Purpose designed facility / transport to storage options Car Storage / Specialist Workshop
2 miles M20 / 38 mins London St Pancras / 15 mins Eurotunnel Transport to storage options
THE CLASSIC
MOTOR HUB
STORAGE
Flexible Weekly Car Storage in the Cotswolds
10 Bibury
A361
A429
Burford
Fairford A40
Burford
Charlbury D
S AN G
SITE TIN
Bourton-on-the-Water 5
OUN
C
+44 (0)1242 384092 : [email protected]
208
11 11 UNITED KINGDOM
S TO R AG E &
TRANSPORTATION
LOCATIONS
7
4
15 8
16 17 12
10 14 5 6 2
1 13
3 9
12
13
AUTO CLASSICA
‘Specialising in automotive storage’ 15
14 • Classic, sports and performance car storage
• Long and short term, secure, discreet purpose built rural facilities
• Comprehensively insured with 24hr CCTV
• Full concierge services
• UK & European enclosed transporter collection and delivery service
• 15 minutes direct access to Manchester International Airport
Facilities in East and South Cheshire.
01565 872400 • [email protected]
q • www.autoclassica.co.uk
16
17
209
Day in the life
INTERVIEW JAMES ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPH LOUISE COLE
audition? Get your kit off and let’s see what you can do.’ I was appalled
and really flattered at the same time!
I was always good at pushing open doors that were slightly ajar, and
after a chance meeting with the right person I went full-time. I got a lot
of work with the Royal Navy painting ships, Harrier jump-jets and
helicopters. Then in 2008 I met the fantastically supportive James Wood,
who told me I should go to the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco. He
promised to introduce me to some people (by which he meant
everyone!) so I went even though I was broke. I sat in the paddock and
started drawing an Alfa Romeo. Soon someone tapped me on the
shoulder and asked if I would do their car next. And that was it…
Jason Wright also took me under his wing and I started not just
painting historic race and rally cars, but competing in them, too. I love
the cars now, especially pre-war cars because they have so much
character. William Medcalf has recently indoctrinated me into pre-war
Bentleys, but my favourite marque is Alfa Romeo.
Over time my work has become a bit more generic, which it has to be
unless you want to restrict sales to a car’s owner and maybe a couple of
prints. At one point all of my work was of old cars, but with barely any
events over the past two years I diversified into portraits and pictures of
people’s houses – whatever gets you through the lockdowns. That meant
more time in my London studio where, having been known for my ink
and paper work, I am expanding my repertoire with more oils on canvas.
I would say 60% of my work is still car-focused. This year I have been
to Monaco and the Le Mans Classic, the Savile Row Concours and the
London Concours. I had a stand at Salon Privé London, will go to Pebble
Beach and take a stand at Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace. I am never
happier than when working on location with my 18x24 sketchbook, my
inks or my watercolours next to me, a tiny A5 portfolio and my stack of
business cards. There are other things I want to do in the car world, but I
don’t know what they are yet! I designed the poster for the 2014
Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court, an area I would like to explore
further – designing the Pebble Beach poster is on my bucket list.
Anna-Louise Felstead
My other life revolves around Freddie and that’s more normal, slightly.
I get up at 6am and get him ready for school, which is near the showroom
of another great friend and supporter, Joe Macari. I often drop in there
after getting Freddie to breakfast club at 7.40am. I might force myself to
You’ll see her on the concours circuit, run around the park before going to my studio, where I always work with
music on whether it’s Ella Fitzgerald or drum ’n’ bass. Freddie goes to
rendering the scenes surreal in ink or paint afterschool club, so after I pick him up at 5pm it’s all about getting him
home, feeding him and getting him off to bed. Then I do my admin –
I KNOW EVERYONE says that no two days are the same in their life, there is so much of it that if I did it in the daytime I wouldn’t get anything
and that’s true, but it would be more accurate to say I have two completely else done. If I don’t fall asleep in front of the computer at 9pm, as has
different lives. I have my single-mum life when I am at home in Fulham, been known, I will tend to work until 11pm and then go straight to bed.
London, with my autistic son Freddie, and I have my classic car life when There are other elements to my life, of course: I spend too much time
I could be anywhere in the world, painting live at Historic festivals and on social media, but I love the way it connects people. Plus, Instagram
attending events. Neither is a life I could have imagined 15 years ago. now brings in 50% of my commissions so it’s crucial for my work.
I was born and brought up in London but went to boarding school in I also reflect on how charmed my life is most days. There’s a lot going
Eastbourne from the age of seven. I was always obsessed with drawing on in my personal life that is really challenging that perspective at the
and art and the facilities at St Bede’s were superb, so I totally immersed moment, but I’ve got my flat, I’ve got my kid, I’ve got my studio and I’ve
myself in it. I went on to Francis Holland, did my Foundation in Brighton, got my little car world. And via my art career I have been able to do the
on to Central St Martins and then the Royal College of Art for my MA. most amazing things – yes, I’ve flown in a Harrier – and to meet the most
As graduation neared in 2003 I panicked about what I was going to do, amazing people including Sir Stirling Moss and Lewis Hamilton, by
then I was advised by the late, great war photographer Tom Stoddart to whom I was embarrassingly starstruck. What would I have to talk about
find a niche. I have always been good at drawing mechanical things and if I just sat in my garret painting all day?
people, and my style has always been very reportage, so I started doing I am also thrilled that my style has become sufficiently established that
themed exhibitions on London’s Glamorous Restaurants or behind the people now recognise it even when I do non-car paintings. It is equally
scenes at London Fashion Week. gratifying to be recognised a little on ‘the circuit’, though not always. At
At that point I had a day job at Reed Exhibitions, but I was always Salon Privé I met a lady who asked what I did. When I told her I was a
drawing people: in the hair salon, at the dental surgery and even strip motoring artist who worked on location, she responded: ‘Oh, there used
clubs. Having arranged to do some live drawing at Stringfellows I turned to be someone else who did that. Quite a fat girl, a brunette, who messily
up and Geoff – Peter’s brother – said: ‘Hello love, are you here for the splashed the ink everywhere.’ How dare she accuse me of being messy!
Octane (ISSN 1740-0023, USPS 024-187) is published monthly by Autovia Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP, UK.
Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY 11256. US Postmaster: send address changes to Octane, WORLD CONTAINER INC 150-15, 183rd St, Jamaica, NY 11413, USA.
Subscription records are maintained at Autovia Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP, UK. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent.
210
T H E H A I R P I N C O M P A N Y
E-TYPE REBORN
1965 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES ONE 4.2

One of the rare official ‘Reborn E-Types’ completely restored by Jaguar Land Rover Classic. Right hand drive,
matching numbers, original colours. Only 300 dry running-in miles since completion.
T E L : 01249 76 0 6 8 6 • T H E H A I R P I N C O M PA N Y.C O. U K
T H E H A I R P I N C O M PA N Y C O M P TO N B A S S E T T W I LT S H I R E S N11 8 R H

Octane UK October 2022

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Octane UK October 2022

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Octane UK October 2022

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What cars are featured in the magazine?

What cars are featured in the magazine?

What is the Heritage HUB?

What is the Heritage HUB?

WHY ROLLS-ROYCE’S SILVER SHADOW IS THE CURRENT MUST-BUY CLASSIC

£5.70 / ISSUE 232 / OCTOBER 2022

Single family ownership and not

Catalogue now online

On hand to provide expertise on buying and selling.

UK Europe USA Catalogue subscriptions

Come and discover the multifunctional space where

ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW

THE OCTANE INTERVIEW

THE OTHER MORSE JAGUAR

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

DAY IN THE LIFE

THE OFFICIAL CIRCUIT DE REIMS-GUEUX CHRONOGRAPH

Available from omologatowatches.com/reims

Commission Trust rediscovers the 504 not

No decade for young men

LAMBORGHINI DEPUTY EDITOR

vs FERRARI ART EDITOR MARKETS EDITOR

battle for new-found style supremacy FOUNDING EDITOR

EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR Dawn Grant

Subscriptions queries Tel: +44 (0)330 333 9491

DEALER ACCOUNT MANAGER SERVICES ACCOUNT MANAGER

Tel: + 44 (0)20 3890 3914

VW’s crazy Half-Track Fox This issue on sale 24 August.

(Contents may be subject to change)

OVER 200 LOTS OF AUTOMOBILIA

ONLINE ONLY NOVEMBER 7–18 CONTACT OUR SPECIALISTS

LOTS BEGIN CLOSING

for just £5! GROUP ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Fuelling the passion Fuelling the passion

+44 (0)20 3890 3840

GERMANY FRANCE NETHERLANDS

Buying your issue of

Octane – new and old

2022 CLASSIC CAR

2005. Available now, price £10.99,

OULTON PARK GOLD CUP, 29-31 JULY

FROM TOP: MICHAEL HOLDEN; PETER McFADYEN

AUSTIN SEVEN CENTENARY, 19-24 JULY

YORKSHIRE MALLE MILE, 21-24 JULY

VSCC SHELSLEY, 3 JULY

HERO SUMMER TRIAL, NORTHERN HISTORIC, 27 JULY

HRDC SNETTERTON, 16 JULY

HAGERTY FESTIVAL OF THE

EIFEL RALLYE FESTIVAL,

CLASSIC NOSTALGIA, 16-17 JULY

YPRES TO ISTANBUL CHALLENGE, 14 JUNE – 3 JULY

GERARD BROWN / RALLY THE GLOBE

Sea and Air Freight OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIER

Worldwide Customs Brokerage

HERO CHALLENGE TWO, 23 JULY

VSCC SILVERSTONE, 16 JULY FIRLE BEACON RALLY, 30-31 JULY

VINTAGE PRESCOTT, 6-7 AUGUST

COMING UP… Gran Premio Nuvolari

16-18 September 24-25 September N EW VE RS IO N

National Museum of Arts