tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72293251251093444652024-03-14T09:37:16.102+00:00The Car StalkerFine historic sports cars for the casual motoring voyeur or the serious collector.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-75754813805419201252012-01-23T13:21:00.043+00:002012-02-07T10:06:26.575+00:00Why the 993 is the Star Wars generation's supercar'That's the sort 911 I'd want', said a skater-looking dude in his early 30s to an unimpressed female companion, as they walked past my friend’s 993 near Balham Tube Station. He didn't look like a 'Porsche person', and thankf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFnOAiZ9O6JvLE03Dn-Iafs3QsTL64_Px6DvGSNMt-9jlg7vCV9PgrI8Zr7oJzgFKVjuT9m5BDfatqx9bH4x7O2PR16dPHzD9osNI68NCxn4yZgckYBj8RmpKCOKUieWbzDp6Nb1RLy3-/s1600/993+pic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFnOAiZ9O6JvLE03Dn-Iafs3QsTL64_Px6DvGSNMt-9jlg7vCV9PgrI8Zr7oJzgFKVjuT9m5BDfatqx9bH4x7O2PR16dPHzD9osNI68NCxn4yZgckYBj8RmpKCOKUieWbzDp6Nb1RLy3-/s320/993+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700909181759936866" border="0"></a>ully, neither does the driver. I really didn't pay much attention, only hearing as one of our kids in the back insisted we had the sunroof open. A week later after another comment in a London street, this time with all manner of 993-related questions thrown-in about the car, it reminds me of ten years ago, when I bought a '72 911 2.4S just as they became unobtainable to anyone except the deep pocketed 40-50 year-old car collectors. Has my friend recently purchased the most 'desirable' 911 for the next generation of Porsche enthusiasts, the sports car for the generation 'young-ish dad'?<br /><br />It's not that this 993 is a particularly 'special' 911 - it's not a limited edition, an RS or turbo or anything, my 993 911 Carrera, apart from being a Varioram model (their then-new variable air-intake volume device) is a bog-standard two-wheel drive, manual old-shaped, air-cooled 911 - a sup'd-up beetlebug that's nearly 16 years old. But that's, I'm realising, exactly the point.<br /><br />OK, so the attraction of trouble-free motoring when you have got a busy job, young kids and a mortgage is a plus for my lucky friend, but it's not just the guarantee that everything 15 years old in it will work all the time (it has a Heath Robinson toggle switch for everything - no computer panel to go wrong etc). More than this, it's a taste thing, just the feeling that this is not the model before-the-model before the last, you know, the nearly 'new one'... it is the realisation that it is not a trying to be a new car. In our minds at The Car Stalker, the 993 is simply just a classic now - and a full stop in its old evolutionary lineage.<br /><br />The last thick-gauged steel skinned, air-cooled, door clunking, hand made<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCUWBcZILQHGvn_LqxpKGHuswmDIyQzurOXXFFuHwbLoZuymBCnHXU0K_fsrv8ERsPnQn3IjEyaO1RPnhn8GLa-_i1Oj_XKd4OoW0n2jCXpZvxnN3BX0zlCsPDfOxJNoP73IUjWhZIa62/s1600/993+pic3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCUWBcZILQHGvn_LqxpKGHuswmDIyQzurOXXFFuHwbLoZuymBCnHXU0K_fsrv8ERsPnQn3IjEyaO1RPnhn8GLa-_i1Oj_XKd4OoW0n2jCXpZvxnN3BX0zlCsPDfOxJNoP73IUjWhZIa62/s320/993+pic3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700912344789293122" border="0"></a>, proper Swiss army knife quality Germanic sports car made before Porsche became a mass manufacturer (and a capital market investor of considerable size in the Noughties). It epitomises pub conversation contradictions of what could be cast as 'masculine engineering' over the more effeminate 'design ethos' in car production, but is also small and unassuming enough to not look like a great big Zennon-lit penis extension. 1994-97 was as far as they could go with developing a 911 within its modest 1960s body shell, before its sides split, and the mechanical boxer unit, along with Porsche's dwindling fortunes, burst out over its widened rear haunches.<br /><br />Obviously, the noise, pollution, hand-made production costs, not to mention its diminutive size in the future power and size arms race (most hatchbacks do 170 MPH and 0-60 in just about six seconds these days), reminds us of its age but also the nostalgia for an era when the modest 'in the know' fanfare for Stuttgart's track-side tech, was tried and tested on a new production vehicle.<br /><br />Just my imagination? Well, time will tell on the 'price' side, but judging by a current bog-standard 4 wheel-drive 1996 example at <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R008ZbPBEUlOR9GLasS1RDPXTAnFhGzkoNXo8jZlIaUmv9F-ic2v0FlgOAKZ7WVSR5jeidEJ-jvJXNy1XoDPnl5ZFAgoliI52BnS1CUmjQEmMWhhsX59nDo2gSt-9aZKmi5zr7jE4US9/s1600/993+pic2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R008ZbPBEUlOR9GLasS1RDPXTAnFhGzkoNXo8jZlIaUmv9F-ic2v0FlgOAKZ7WVSR5jeidEJ-jvJXNy1XoDPnl5ZFAgoliI52BnS1CUmjQEmMWhhsX59nDo2gSt-9aZKmi5zr7jE4US9/s320/993+pic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700911311470340706" border="0"></a><a href="http://www.monksheathprestige.com/usedcar/PORSCHE/911_Carrera+4+%28993%29/Nether+Alderley/16388183">Monks Heath</a> going for a tidy £47,000, anyone finding one of the many good, well-looked after examples (even with stellar mileage) at the mid £20k mark will be making a superb investment, and will prob have a lot of fun driving it too. Did I forget to mention, it's one of the most alive, responsive sports cars most experts have driven? All of that, plus street cred and room for the kids (and their light-sabres) in the back, it seems there is no darkside in the future Porsche value wars for the 993.Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-20594165989315121322011-05-19T13:43:00.017+01:002011-05-24T15:21:46.001+01:00McQueen's Le Mans 911S auctions in Aug, how did it get there?For many 911 enthusiasts, this is a most special car. Like many Porsche fans, I cannot recall the amount of times I've re-visited that wonderfully atmospheric qiuet-before-the-storm beginning of the 1971 McQueen racing movie, Le Mans.<br /><br />Having always thought that the car in the movie was the one seen by myself and many others at the <a href="http://www.petersen.org/default.cfm?DocID=1014&cat=STEVE%20McQUEEN%3A%20THE%20LEGEND%20AND%20THE%20CARS&ExhibitID=407&index=4">Peterson Motor Museum in L.A</a>, we at Jelenek have asked how this iconic car has come up for sale? The simple answer: it isn't the same car, the one in the museum was purchased before he filmed LeMans in 1969 (and has stayed in the McQueen family estate) - and the real Le Mans car, (according to a test drive of the very car published in an article three years ago on www.insideline.com) is a car that time forgot.<br /><br />In 1970, McQueen ordered the 2.2 S car with a US delivery spec' for the filming of Le Mans and usage for when on location. His production company, Solar, then exported the car back to Germany (where it underwent transmission upgrading) before being shipped to his home in LA, where it's said to have become surplus to needs, alongside an identical olive green machine. Having sold it off hastily via an advert in the LA Times, a local Porsche enthusiast looked after the car for the next three decades, before its current owner in 2005 purchased the car - a person who hadn't even seen Le Mans the film, until he examined the extensive documentation that came with the 160,000 mile car.<br /><br />Of course, unless you have very deep pockets, this 1970 2.2 car, which auctions at Monterey's Classic Car week <a href="http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r105">RM Auction</a>, isn't going to be within easy reach. However, the early 911 is useable and affordable classic (an appreciating asset), and a car that Jelenek thinks stands leaps and bounds over other classics of it era.<br /><br />In the last few years, however, entry prices of the 2.2 S and 2.4 S 1970s cars have become extortionate, with buyers being well-advised to look at later models, or even less desirable non S models such as Es and American-only Ts. A good look-a-like current example, <a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2636467.htm">for sale in the UK at Paul Stevens</a>, is a US spec short wheelbase model from the late 1960s. As a 2.0 litre, pre-1970 car it is ideal for classic racing event entry, and Jelenek likes its Texan-import patina (original paintwork and engine), not to mention its reasonable price tag of £32,995. All you need to cmplete the McQueen look is the Tag watch, the Ray-Ban shades and a pair of Hush Puppies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/EMIEVEL/jobs1/McQueenPorsche003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 600px;" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/EMIEVEL/jobs1/McQueenPorsche003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-81065070897230741502010-04-25T13:57:00.004+01:002010-09-30T22:38:53.093+01:00996 C4S<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHynRxRtDWEJAFoinYBiBFmbxJ7CSlzcyH3aVLAxi5vb7M80zcL6kihOkx6vfkHXnSz98GlkoODqT2JYIU6ieNK9ULHJI4M95HBDwVzcz8SZehBBulF1SWuqgBCZUrKNoPbQo8ttJID8/s1600/996+C4S.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHynRxRtDWEJAFoinYBiBFmbxJ7CSlzcyH3aVLAxi5vb7M80zcL6kihOkx6vfkHXnSz98GlkoODqT2JYIU6ieNK9ULHJI4M95HBDwVzcz8SZehBBulF1SWuqgBCZUrKNoPbQo8ttJID8/s320/996+C4S.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464059910873599346" /></a><br />A Jelenek first with this new in box 2<a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1590331.htm">003 water cooled 996</a>. Less than 3000 miles on the clock from new. If the 996 makes it to collectors status, a tall order in our view, the 4S will definitely be the wise collectors choice from Porsches first water cooled 911.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-5198917341580057742010-03-27T12:34:00.002+00:002010-03-27T12:57:43.042+00:00Joseph Stalins Parade Car For Sale in Finland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa9gykeR1AwtbVTcIeLcqcfRt5U9BHyXgaK0y9nMvByILNzuI_emTIPgb_SlGhboVP0F6lBuXpo2UOc4Tg4LkYaSk0WrveVBFG3L1V_csP3nsfSKhaqSn8185D92b7YRZ1zAAcORrOGo/s1600/stalin-car-1_B1IWF_65.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa9gykeR1AwtbVTcIeLcqcfRt5U9BHyXgaK0y9nMvByILNzuI_emTIPgb_SlGhboVP0F6lBuXpo2UOc4Tg4LkYaSk0WrveVBFG3L1V_csP3nsfSKhaqSn8185D92b7YRZ1zAAcORrOGo/s320/stalin-car-1_B1IWF_65.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453297023654783890" /></a><br />Ex-dictator Joseph Stalins Zil 110 Parade car has recently appeared for sale in Finland on <a href="http://www.jameslist.com/advert/90119/for-sale-zil-110">JamesList</a>.<br /><br />It is claimed that Stalin was given a Packard Super Eight by Franklin D Rossevelt during the war, the car impressed him so much that Zil were instructed to manufacture their own version, being the 110. This particular model served as his parade car from 1950 until his death in '53. Having covered only 792 miles the car was meticulously restored to its original specifications in 2001.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-63966414554810421862010-03-19T18:44:00.014+00:002010-03-19T19:07:47.287+00:00Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche’s prototype 3.0 Carrera comes up for sale<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKhoGb6WXoTOaym4ebkhje1XDpFxPjhRNXT9xtH1OCqHHYl9pStB1pfp4QWVjkWC-ZOwMXWX1cr_FFhP_DMBUo8QELM5mECS9pfY7CaQcFtdaXNBCKX6s_pJ8sJZWuIZ0EsAo6CBN4a1z/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450420883690572850" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Unlike the ‘spurious’ origins of the 3.0 RSR for sale of James Hunt provenance, which made headlines here and elsewhere, an opportunity to acquire a Porsche with unquestionable intrigue and history in concourse condition, is a rare thing indeed - even for the seasoned ‘car stalker’ at Jelenek.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Available at </span><a href="http://janluehn.com/stock/73/stock.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jan Luehn</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, this 3.0 Carrera in dark metallic green may look like a standard, albeit impeccable, 1976 production 911, but it is something of an anomaly - an insider’s glimpse at what became the 3.0 Carrera and the 911 SC.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpmDx038HJdMb9jJ1QC5s8lvaE-SthZjzNjJTmDT85Uljet5zg4t_qKLJKB08IL6NbhOxsWxqKaY7YUY6vvBMD0QiOp1L04sELEDZOgLj-ZxIsKtvEfvZARb7mQs0sPKbcXwG63j1W476/s320/36417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450421830864366418" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche, son of Porsche’s founder and father of Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche (who penned the now legendary curves of the first 911) was given this car as a taster of a new generation of normally-aspirated 911s that would exceed the 3 litre barrier by the Weissach factory on his 65</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> birthday in 1974. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Having recently stepped-down from the board to take an Honorary Chairmanship of </span></span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Stuttgart, Ferry used this prototype which took its engine, not from the production 911 ‘G </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Series’ 2.7 litre engine </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">of the day, but from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> the race-ready Carrera 3.0 RSR, some two years before the general launch of a production 3.0 Carrera – a model which shared its boxer block with the 930 turbo, launched in 1975.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZPvqK072ubDAtcfl5tSv_b7xyWxP0XdzMqBTue-2boREK274YcAKL5pHQzOyk8k5Z-YzKD4T77s43CwntaOUql053ux3mbhVcEP7CqtnWQ1lt2Nu3Pmv12enfc38nM0dWjLDHtILOHc3/s320/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450421111460149234" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This unique car is said to have many other ‘pre-production and race parts’ but is hardy enough to have been used by Ferry as his daily driver for nearly two years. As a ‘one-off’ and one of only a handful of cars available as being owned by the Porsche family, its successor Ferry’s proto’ 911 (930) Turbo (in the same colour combination) resides on display at the new Porsche Museum at Stuttgart. A talking-point 911 available at €175,000 (around the same price as a 997 ‘Sport Classic’) – this is air-cooled heritage without the cod-retro.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-58804348383231110092010-03-05T12:35:00.002+00:002010-03-05T12:40:18.872+00:00Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgAyZrHL0tEuUW-F2u6IAH9uB-BhHtRdMns6Cbn9gN_MeS4gujbnPbJP6PD3QBZYwz-xB9uIRuDoFC3UOR13gzS_eE6PXGU1RuaNZL4wNUJM2k-PIKhHNDEuv9DMcviAa2dRF5wAdfg0/s1600-h/Porsche-918-Spyder-Hybrid-01-500x353.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgAyZrHL0tEuUW-F2u6IAH9uB-BhHtRdMns6Cbn9gN_MeS4gujbnPbJP6PD3QBZYwz-xB9uIRuDoFC3UOR13gzS_eE6PXGU1RuaNZL4wNUJM2k-PIKhHNDEuv9DMcviAa2dRF5wAdfg0/s320/Porsche-918-Spyder-Hybrid-01-500x353.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445128646295452306" /></a><br />At this weeks Geneva motor show Porsche demonstrated its commitment to hybrid technology with the 918 Spyder concept, a car that boasts an outlandish spec. The two-seater uses a plug-in hybrid system comprised of two electric motors coupled to a 3.4-liter V-8 racing engine. As a parallel hybrid, the car can run on pure electricity, petrol, or a combination of the two.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-78889478864656546972010-03-03T20:21:00.003+00:002010-03-03T20:38:03.195+00:00Barn Find Maserati Khamsim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5n2SRKW4bV16z0jnHQjhmIqwfzO9h1VuNWWcfyUxOAw6PPwNNAFcoRG_SR49okNFKBxYckZlX_XSQhQu4HYl9eaIytvcYOIAdYfBiGWOu1VG6_oIBgzT7dioK8eVJCgqbNRDSS5-VsQ/s1600-h/Maserati+Kamsim.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5n2SRKW4bV16z0jnHQjhmIqwfzO9h1VuNWWcfyUxOAw6PPwNNAFcoRG_SR49okNFKBxYckZlX_XSQhQu4HYl9eaIytvcYOIAdYfBiGWOu1VG6_oIBgzT7dioK8eVJCgqbNRDSS5-VsQ/s320/Maserati+Kamsim.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444509543602367762" /></a><br />Called in to assess the estate of a wealthy business man in Suffolk, Lacy Scott and Knights valuer was asked on leaving whether he would mind having a quick look at the old cars in the barn. The contents including a virtually unused Silver Maserati Quattroporte III, a De Tomaso Longchamp and a brace of Bentleys go under the hammer on <a href="http://data.bidmaster.co.uk/lsk/documents/AUTOMOBILESDOC_002.pdf">March 13th</a>Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-87165965524883789512010-02-18T09:03:00.005+00:002010-02-18T09:19:04.751+00:00Famous Porsche Tuner Gemballa Goes Missing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-CfHNVGeuELmTPQlVZkQkdl3u2HgrqvSrtJWc-w2y5u2yo5CTQPJRJCVOpCjetIKdiC3m5DL78HZZjjmY7TUpXYRtwUGdWuPjNH8lYZgJB9QPiHFGSUXYlTxoc6rYn7x_gyxFBijBTs/s1600-h/GEMBALLA-GTR-650-Evo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-CfHNVGeuELmTPQlVZkQkdl3u2HgrqvSrtJWc-w2y5u2yo5CTQPJRJCVOpCjetIKdiC3m5DL78HZZjjmY7TUpXYRtwUGdWuPjNH8lYZgJB9QPiHFGSUXYlTxoc6rYn7x_gyxFBijBTs/s320/GEMBALLA-GTR-650-Evo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439508681637068994" /></a><br />The famous German tuner specialising in Porsche after market re builds has disappeared in South Africa.<br /><br />According to German press articles, <a href="http://www.gemballa.com/">Uwe Gemballa </a>(51 years old) was on a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa when he disappeared. <br /><br />It seems that German police are working with the local authorities to try to identify his location, but there are few details at this time about the famous German tuner. According to German police, no one has had any knowledge of his wereabouts since February 8. It is not apparent as to whether he simply wanted to disappear into obscurity, or a more sinister set of circumstances has occurred.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-36511715619821534442010-02-17T13:37:00.004+00:002010-02-17T14:16:28.576+00:00993 RS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MzdNWONm8mExXhJGPOrSwp7Mz4NQI2fAuOIgI1_snpWlSJ1OqMOgUDJ7vpvt6bPYdH77Lvhc10N2ZpaCdVJ8CB6X56U_sPrrys0vwbUbYxdqUzKvDzZEWKgYhG_rleCfztFeXQFu9D0/s1600-h/Porsche_993_Carrera_RS.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MzdNWONm8mExXhJGPOrSwp7Mz4NQI2fAuOIgI1_snpWlSJ1OqMOgUDJ7vpvt6bPYdH77Lvhc10N2ZpaCdVJ8CB6X56U_sPrrys0vwbUbYxdqUzKvDzZEWKgYhG_rleCfztFeXQFu9D0/s320/Porsche_993_Carrera_RS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439215575957267410" /></a><br />The lightweight variant of jelenek favorite the 993, and distinguishable by the non retractable rear wing, this stripped out version never made it across to the US.<br /><br />A total of only 1150 RS models were built, most of them were raced and have been subject to accident damage making it incredibly hard to find a straight example. Due to the high demand for all light weight Porsche and the low supply, prices for 993 RS are constantly increasing.<br /><br />Porsche also offered a more radical version, the Carrera RS Club Sport, which featured a welded-in roll cage and further deletion of unnecessary items like carpets, power windows, AC radio and sound proofing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dovehousecars.com/stock/details.asp?VehicleID=963">Dove house motor company</a> currently have a fine example on at just shy of £115,00.00Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-76960519072894202152010-02-15T11:10:00.006+00:002010-02-17T18:12:59.073+00:00Testarossa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD8NYNCUnJ6Lm3eOj0ptgeRzY31o1pTVGA52R59hxVUR5vtkBFLYUNbPostrxOloZxcWX4L6F8CTGuwMez_YRO7efV7ufsu_4Fpzpx33pldkVvTlxZZgLUd3KPJrrFo-_vkCNsOjGm3E/s1600-h/Ferrari+Testarossa+TS+18+3pc.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD8NYNCUnJ6Lm3eOj0ptgeRzY31o1pTVGA52R59hxVUR5vtkBFLYUNbPostrxOloZxcWX4L6F8CTGuwMez_YRO7efV7ufsu_4Fpzpx33pldkVvTlxZZgLUd3KPJrrFo-_vkCNsOjGm3E/s320/Ferrari+Testarossa+TS+18+3pc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438456208825555282" /></a><br />Meaning "red head" due to the red cam covers, the 1984 Testarossa replaced the previously mentioned 512. Probably best known as Don Johnson's run about in Miami Vice, and subsequently riled for its ostentatious lines, these cars are now beginning to attract the avant-garde collector.<br />Recognizable by its large cold-air inlets located on the side of the car. This was necessary because of the new location of the twin radiators in the rear. By doing this, it also allowed space up front for a little luggage.<br /><a href="http://www.sparkscars.com/index.php/component/option,com_ezautos/Itemid,8/task,detail/id,201/">Sparks cars</a> in West London currently have this extremely low mileage 1991 example at £75,000.00. When first launched the selling price in the UK was £62,666.00. Should they continue in the same vain as their predecessors, the now classic Daytona, and emerging classic the 512, these Testarosa's have to be considered as a worthwhile place to park some money for ten years. Surely wiser than squandering double that on the current offering and watching it sink like a stone...Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-72982894486440058182010-02-12T17:48:00.008+00:002010-02-13T10:44:37.170+00:00James Hunt’s 911 Carrera – will the real RS please stand up?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVlXKB4hGIfjQ1NA7xbNc68vA4F76RGLmgSGQ66KLNc2BPjG5hdDQwbtkp8kCALejtpBYRvbgoYQkS1CyhvouusheL_cWH26OQTCimU0iCxbnAAQGvf7cxn6lINjjMLOWYGgyz7qXNuj0/s1600-h/In_Gear_678716a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVlXKB4hGIfjQ1NA7xbNc68vA4F76RGLmgSGQ66KLNc2BPjG5hdDQwbtkp8kCALejtpBYRvbgoYQkS1CyhvouusheL_cWH26OQTCimU0iCxbnAAQGvf7cxn6lINjjMLOWYGgyz7qXNuj0/s320/In_Gear_678716a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437415797515712386" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Although there can be no question of the pedigree of the Carrera RSRs featured in our recent post, it seems like there may have been about the 911 we linked-to for sale at </span><a href="http://www.nickwhalesportscarsdirect.co.uk/classic-cars.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nick Whale Sport Cars</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, a car which was said to have been driven by James Hunt.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since posting the link, there have been several stories in the media questioning the history of the green £365,000 1974 RSR. It seems the car may have not been the daily road car used by James Hunt, as per the dealer's sales notes, the misinformation having passed down the line in good faith to the garage via its previous owner (an easy mistake considering the vehicle was owned by Hunt’s team boss Lord Hesketh).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">According to the Sunday Times Newspaper and others, James Hunt’s daily-drive in the mid Seventies was, in fact, a white Carrera 2.7 RS – a vehicle that was often photographed cruising the streets of Marbella (where Hunt lived in tax-exile), before it worked its way back to England in 1980. The 1973 911 was later bought by the father of Gary Taylor (pictured) for £7,000 from a north London garage.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In his interview with the Times, Taylor explained: </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“Back then, it was viewed as just another Porsche 911 and a seven-year-old one at that. Dad paid £7,000 and just as he was about to drive off the forecourt, the dealer casually mentioned that it had been owned by Hesketh and James Hunt.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2UlOcNBm7STAHmGZY_3Z4XditL5y5shLHPMY8X7MwO8ibgyuUYjhEOJgxebpeien9HhYJlxtNmaTjmCMxq8IIqFLI7zj1JCjuCVL9mZ4zhyaKYtYx3IN-DsNA4VjbtOfdF28QnTwYBYq/s320/In_Gear_678718a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437415997536341522" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-US;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Taylor, having never questioned the provenance of NSD 298L, had its heritage later marked on the car itself - getting James Hunt’s signature on the glove box door, penned less than a decade before his untimely demise in 1993.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-81846216673111483922010-02-02T19:57:00.022+00:002010-02-03T11:17:29.437+00:00Daytona Darling - the 1975 911 Carrera RSR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWNia4BXtEykda8iFPSMvn8eQ6ez6zVvywgDFjhwmWoNkB_xwU5xWc-Z1qsUXrr-nAt38r30jDAPdgX7WPo54oAiD_xTFDjYCrXuauFSxv5xGJr7Ux4XeojJa8cXWvwgavw7taboVNtQx/s1600-h/porsche+ad+1974.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWNia4BXtEykda8iFPSMvn8eQ6ez6zVvywgDFjhwmWoNkB_xwU5xWc-Z1qsUXrr-nAt38r30jDAPdgX7WPo54oAiD_xTFDjYCrXuauFSxv5xGJr7Ux4XeojJa8cXWvwgavw7taboVNtQx/s320/porsche+ad+1974.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433740131958460786" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">To mark Porsche’s recent 22<sup>nd</sup> victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Jelenek thought it might be a nice excuse to indulge in some classic Porsche racing history, and this poster of the Brumos Porsche (they always raced Number 59) taking a podium in 1975, is the sort of image that sends air-cooled Porsche people into a nostalgic daydream about the pedigree of the 911 Carrera.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In 1975 Porsche cleaned-up at the Daytona 24 hour race - a race that saw the legendary Porsche wheelman Hurley Haywood (the man who also boosted Porsche’s US commercial sales in the mid ‘90s, even appearing in 993-era promotional owners’ video), take his second-ever Daytona win. The photograph clearly depicts one-after-another Porsche Carrera RSR passing the chequered flag, the marque, in fact, taking first through to sixth place that year, leading their German promotional poster declaring: A triumph of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">zuverlassingkeit </i>(reliability). About as near to the standard production car as it ever got, the tough, reliable wide-bodied 911 Carrera RSR was succeeded in this endurance race by the 935, and then the more Le Mans-looking 962. Porsche dominated the Daytona 24 until 1988, when Toyota, Nissan and the Corvettes starting getting in on the podium action. Hurley Haywood is now Brumos team manager, having driven his last Daytona race as No 59 this year, attaining only 26th position.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">To acquire a 1975 3.2 RSR with race provenance, well who knows what you’d pay? However, a road-going 1974 3.0 UK right-hand-drive example, recently posted on Jelenek as having belonged to James Hunt (one of only six 3.0 RSRS made) at<a href="http://www.nickwhalesportscarsdirect.co.uk/classic-cars.php"> Nick Whale Sport Cars,</a> is for sale at a mere £365,000. All bit rich for your taste? Well, we’d recommend buying this full-size classic poster on eBay, valued at circa $200, and simply fantasising!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-998944402240714322010-01-23T20:41:00.005+00:002010-01-23T21:58:38.361+00:00Porsche 964<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5IM1GU8lP0Z2dYbgMVEUyy7gYlyAzvCw1lxmf0qG9z_BK43eoijSPA962HsU0PTwPxN91cGxooO15pegUjOUHI-0hh6iWdt7xiJG4DadqE13g2kvTt-4WdpHCg4Kl6jraS6poitcQt0/s1600-h/Porsche+964.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5IM1GU8lP0Z2dYbgMVEUyy7gYlyAzvCw1lxmf0qG9z_BK43eoijSPA962HsU0PTwPxN91cGxooO15pegUjOUHI-0hh6iWdt7xiJG4DadqE13g2kvTt-4WdpHCg4Kl6jraS6poitcQt0/s320/Porsche+964.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430042592228164946" /></a><br />A bridge between the 3.2 Carrera and what is considered to be the ultimate air-cooled 911 the 993. This particular variant was built between 1989 and 1994 and was rumored to be 85% new as compared to its predecessor. It was also the first 911 to be offered with a tiptronic gear box, and the first to have four wheel drive. Currently for sale at <a href="http:///www.johnhollandsales.co.uk/vehicle-details.asp?ID=1123081">John Holland </a>Yorkshire is what must be one of the only delivery mileage examples around.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-52952784998199021772010-01-22T16:44:00.008+00:002010-01-23T22:48:03.577+00:00Ferrari 512 BB<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-je3AVFBq7IdZlHSYs16HNT4Nafm6_TcUr9Lvnfc7xxoqsIYdQw_zJY2rxeBG46TUSJzvmYW8VCWnhqiaimSVE5hXXbDqtCHYOPOmHACsnpsFmQ8T5piSTs7hQzBcBm7pGyJAK95wFhw/s1600-h/512bbi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-je3AVFBq7IdZlHSYs16HNT4Nafm6_TcUr9Lvnfc7xxoqsIYdQw_zJY2rxeBG46TUSJzvmYW8VCWnhqiaimSVE5hXXbDqtCHYOPOmHACsnpsFmQ8T5piSTs7hQzBcBm7pGyJAK95wFhw/s320/512bbi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429918301292292178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVJ-wE1MecN_ED2GwJtbflwIa9urBn5_D2jF2pRfqeOlP0Clhska0ZdNjXq4KPZ5Y4NxbNQ_fTKvbVD1OuciwCZm4nh93PayqyjCNbxMq-oylG3NmYRu0zDnJerTRFoDMEgLvAEbqdic/s1600-h/1974+Ferrari+365+GT4+BB.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVJ-wE1MecN_ED2GwJtbflwIa9urBn5_D2jF2pRfqeOlP0Clhska0ZdNjXq4KPZ5Y4NxbNQ_fTKvbVD1OuciwCZm4nh93PayqyjCNbxMq-oylG3NmYRu0zDnJerTRFoDMEgLvAEbqdic/s320/1974+Ferrari+365+GT4+BB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429609985044537122" /></a><br />It’s difficult to write about the 512 BB without first mentioning the 365 BB.<br /><br />Originally announced in 1971 at the Turin Motor show as a replacement to the now much loved Daytona, the 365 was produced for 5 years before being superseded following a few alterations, by the similar 512 BB. <br /><br />Despite being the successor, the 512 was actually less powerful, not as quick and slightly heavier. This was due mainly to new government legislation and the usual safety regulations of the time. <br /><br />In spite of its lineage, both the design and engine layout of the 365 and 512 were massively different, and were a huge departure from its famous predecessor. <br />Like the Dino this was mid-engined and the flat V12 was mounted longitudinally as opposed to transversely. This set up making the cross over from Ferrari’s 312b 1970 Formula One car of the time. It’s also worth mentioning that Lamborghini’s futuristic Muira (definitely the subject of a future piece) had a similar lay out some seven years earlier.<br /><br />In 1981 having produced only 387 BB365’s and 929 BB512’s the model was again up graded, to the 512 BBi. Ferraris almost ever present Weber carbs were replaced by a Bosch K- Jetronic fuel injection system, which made the car far easier to service and the engine slightly less rigid. Very few aesthetic alterations were made, the most noticeable being small white running lights above the front spoiler.<br /><br />Come the next economic boom (circa 2025) and subsequent scramble for classic Fezza’s , this one is sure to be near the head of the list. Should anyone wish to pre-empt this, <a href="http://www.dkeng.com/sales/blue-chip--competition-cars/512-bbi-concours.aspx">DK engineering</a> have a beautiful concours 512 BB, fully restored by <a href="http://www.nickcartwright.com/">Nick Cartwright.</a>Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-17780961592721016112010-01-20T16:18:00.011+00:002010-02-13T10:50:12.777+00:00La bella macchina: Lancia Fulvia Coupé Serie II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFMosLAZJQzoGTFpsJnHLctj0UnPZeCzihvbp89ZzZOPghQlwtrqlERNC8hMvq0ziP6Ym57dhnG5F9002HZm-f2-I8T4KHsWEVwN_sOL86ZU2T_cdLE9OLyex-sTtEtg6AWUBMTJTs2cF/s1600-h/ea1247161914.jpg"><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span><img style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFMosLAZJQzoGTFpsJnHLctj0UnPZeCzihvbp89ZzZOPghQlwtrqlERNC8hMvq0ziP6Ym57dhnG5F9002HZm-f2-I8T4KHsWEVwN_sOL86ZU2T_cdLE9OLyex-sTtEtg6AWUBMTJTs2cF/s320/ea1247161914.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428922097124779938" /></a><br /><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">For those of you that avidly watch Top Gear (so that’s most of the UK adult, child and animal population then), it may have come as a surprise that their most rated car manufacturer, ever, was not Ferrari, Porsche or even Ford but a marque not often seen in the UK<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- Lancia. For those among you, however, who pronounce this make as ‘Lan-chee-aa’ (how it’s supposed to be said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">in Italiano</i>), this will come as no surprise at all - which includes me, as I pine giving one up ten years ago. And even though I’ve had some lovely (and more expensive) cars since, ever since I sold my 1971 Fulvia Series 2 1.3 S for barely enough money to carpet the downstairs of my first house, I’ve missed the slightly smoky, slightly rusty <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">bella macchina.</i></p><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2tNOAZVSImQMPtJGp-EDJNK8R63GM7k3SApgUyvSyfvLW-szV9gleTWGn7HZtla1aDZyMqIpKeJRVeukjqPr6_o9WBkdaf6UsajriRnE_T3wOXkGHlkXYj3f7cmXWZSf03i7xWf15rGe/s320/motore03.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428921775162987074" /> <p class="MsoNormal">There was something about the clever and well-engineered tiny little v4 engine that was so cammy, spritely and dramatic – belying its puny 90hp output. Something about the lines of the car that gave it a look, like a cross between a Riva speedboat and a short-wheelbase ‘60s Ferrari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was something almost bespoke, about its interior and trim, and the Lan-chee-aa bores out there will tell you, the development of the Fulvia nearly bankrupt the then prominent sport car manufacturer, as a result. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A small, practical 4-seater ‘60s car that had front wheel drive, a V4 engine with double over-head camshafts, disc brakes all-round and a five speed gearbox <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- all at a time when our dads’ generation had the Ford Anglia, Lancia took nothing from the newly formed Lancia-Fiat<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>parts-bin of the day. The Fulvia Series 2, ahem, sorry <i>Serie Due <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">was a car which made its previous incarnation the Series 1 look like the boxy Italian Alfa police cars that break down in the Italian Job. But unlike in the the film, when launched this was a much more illusive (and expensive) car to be seen driving than a Mini Cooper.</span></i></p> <img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcagdOTmwDxdhPwDhPQnb075z7oU77IUfnyOVbegSMwvLyLGMu9sING4S0qplGtR_zVrghj7SryA-Zh2tdwnV6Qvmic41Y6MYNGZTX4T_RQzKlqHgjstyMtkKJwU-OijMq9-dDID4ZIz2E/s320/1186097162LanciaFulviaLeiKL_preview.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428859015330789122" /><p class="MsoNormal">Launched in 1969 the new Fulvia was a radical departure from its previous incarnation and went on to become one of the most important pre-Audi Quattro era rally cars - winning numerous competitions until the late '70s. The Fulvia <a href="http://www.anglocars.be/index.php?option=com_autostand&act=object&task=showEO&id=131">(like this lovely example for sale in Belgium at Anglo Cars)</a> marked a high water mark for the brand, which seemed to subsequently go further and further downhill under Fiat ownership (think Beta, think rust, Lancia Thema think erm….), making owning a Series 2 Fulvia, owning a piece of Italian auto design pride. Long gone as a modern day prestige brand, but not long forgotten: viva la Fulvia!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-65769768116057971382010-01-13T13:36:00.006+00:002010-01-23T21:11:57.492+00:00BMW 2002 Turbo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtHIUZv_0Q98yF6oMfNsfz3727qd1FoAlnQ-DVY-n9WnOVwK5leHvVH8suIk1iSXkQx9soIMATUxOE0-EHhQ03pDqs-_h0jN-eo_9S91pYslz3k-1tmPG76O5ZK8__AzofECsK_CDe4Q/s1600-h/BMW_2002_Turbo_angle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtHIUZv_0Q98yF6oMfNsfz3727qd1FoAlnQ-DVY-n9WnOVwK5leHvVH8suIk1iSXkQx9soIMATUxOE0-EHhQ03pDqs-_h0jN-eo_9S91pYslz3k-1tmPG76O5ZK8__AzofECsK_CDe4Q/s320/BMW_2002_Turbo_angle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426218768495546034" /></a><br />First introduced in 1973 at the Frankfurt motor show, the BMW 2002 Turbo is an extremely rare car with only 1672 produced in total.<br />Powered by BMW’s celebrated 4 cylinder M10 engine with KKK turbo the car has a 170BHP and top speed of 130.<br />Available only in Camonix White or Polaris silver, the car was manufactured complete with <a href="http://www.simondas.com/SimonDas.com/About%20Simon%20Das.html">Turbo wheels</a> and a boost gauge on the instrument cluster. Other upgrades from the standard 2002, one of which was once owned by celebrated car nut Jay Kay, include limited slip differential, upgraded suspension and vented rotors to assist the cooling of the breaks. These cars are now extremely difficult to come across, however one is currently available at <a href="http://www.eclecticcars.co.uk/vehicles/1/329/BMW+2002+Turbo.html">ecleticcars</a>. Although priced highly this one has undergone complete restoration at <a href="http://www.mandersautogas.nl">Manders Autogas</a> in the Netherlands and would now make a brilliant choice to take on a classic euro rally.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-68575184736143305532010-01-12T15:42:00.004+00:002010-02-12T18:03:46.067+00:00Don't drop an E - 911 2.4E<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQig7ZWHsCKIQwfVEs0ljeToBEzrSkkynXaAMEZ1iSeHeCqK_zQQ3ItVoGHBu_NRFp3_au9mbErxKNwNalihRDWwq1brNWAsiB0dC7JrZYe0rlyCbMshpgQzwT2jaKqAk3Mxdjk_eFDS-/s1600-h/1150507-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQig7ZWHsCKIQwfVEs0ljeToBEzrSkkynXaAMEZ1iSeHeCqK_zQQ3ItVoGHBu_NRFp3_au9mbErxKNwNalihRDWwq1brNWAsiB0dC7JrZYe0rlyCbMshpgQzwT2jaKqAk3Mxdjk_eFDS-/s320/1150507-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425880119751082994" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It’s one of those things most people want to do – own a historic car, but they don’t want to live with the danger of haemorrhaging cash on restoration and garage bills. The answer? An early 911, of course – the toughest and most useable of classics. I had one, a 1972 2.4S to be specific, and not only did the experience thrill (every outing seemed to be such an occasion), running and maintenance costs only ran into around £2k per year. Not exactly new-car cheap on the up-keep front, but by the time I had invested £6k on the car, bringing back some of its ailing bits and bobs (brakes, electrics, fuel injection tuning) it had more than doubled in value. Okay, so I got lucky finding a ‘matching numbers’ (engine and gearbox serials) ‘S’ model sourced via Holland, but the truth is, if you know these early cars, there is not a massive difference between an early ‘70s ‘S’ and the much cheaper ‘E’ model. Depending on precise history details about up-keep: restoration of engine, mechanical fuel injection and brakes, the 25HP performance difference can be negligible. What’s more, if you can find a nice 1971 car (and not later), you’ll benefit from a better weight distribution of having the massive oil tank located inside the wheelbase. With 1971 – 1973 911 S prices being sky-high at £40k min for a good one, a twenty thou’ 911 E (like this </span><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1150507.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nice RHD ’70 2.2 model for sale at Brooklands</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) should make for a great investment, guaranteed to rise in value as they become more and more scarce.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Simon Dashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119242525040442304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-71035519146496759332010-01-12T12:38:00.004+00:002010-01-12T21:32:42.452+00:00Swiss bank vault<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40IXHp9ypSYqUzdRZJPCBfVIJyJzg5QF2pxTwMf_Jq7XryzGXv8obVr32nfXICT_1J5TsQkr9nj2qUi5IDbfbbEfZ1xeY_HQk33kGFZBPuNic8ZrqFdicw6gf_bmbrU6nQlF1eg5EJQY/s1600-h/mail.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40IXHp9ypSYqUzdRZJPCBfVIJyJzg5QF2pxTwMf_Jq7XryzGXv8obVr32nfXICT_1J5TsQkr9nj2qUi5IDbfbbEfZ1xeY_HQk33kGFZBPuNic8ZrqFdicw6gf_bmbrU6nQlF1eg5EJQY/s320/mail.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425832410980941714" /></a><br />A safe as a Swiss bank vault: invest in a 1980s Alfa legend…<br />As long as we’ve known Jelenek insider, Max W, he’s always hankered after Alfa Romeo’s angular ‘80s ancestor to the 8C Competizione - the legendary Sprint Zegato (SZ). According to London-based Max, he’s acquired “one of the UK’s finest examples” making a rare car to find, even rarer. Alfa produced only 1036 examples from 1989 – 1993 (in any colour, as long as it was Alfa red), having launched Antonio Castellana’s prototype for Zegato at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show. Mechanically based on the 3.0 litre Alfa 75 group A rally car, the SZ boasted more than muscular looks with a meaty 210 HP V6 motor and precision Lancia-Fiat works’ suspension. Although UK buyers won’t find one of these on Pistonheads anytime soon, <a href="http://www.carclassic.com/stock.asp?Ref=EA39&Lang=en">an almost new (5,000 Km) example is currently up for sale in Switzerland</a>) which at 44,000 Euro seems like a sound long-term investment.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-28456651585421305032010-01-11T18:52:00.007+00:002010-01-11T19:07:44.122+00:001987 Porsche Carrera<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWXD5DtUylZsh7Sm1FixrkwThsOCHxFbRFH2OSQDMEMxwDUuLnJ1ZhXl-Yqh1vHJX8pMhXjHDQ9_Z9PHXTB7oBauAvTUt1G8pGE-ITKQaIl8V3wHbcmaEb1EFo9k9Pwosut2-nffLtFc/s1600-h/1432237-2t.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWXD5DtUylZsh7Sm1FixrkwThsOCHxFbRFH2OSQDMEMxwDUuLnJ1ZhXl-Yqh1vHJX8pMhXjHDQ9_Z9PHXTB7oBauAvTUt1G8pGE-ITKQaIl8V3wHbcmaEb1EFo9k9Pwosut2-nffLtFc/s320/1432237-2t.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425560079801214018" /></a><br />Without looking too Porsche-centric, this <a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1432237.htm">3.2 carrera coupe</a> sent over by fellow tire kicker James McB in what looks like slate grey is great value. 60,000 miles for a car of this age and pedigree is nothing. Without the 80's barbeque kit, the car has the classic 911 coupe shape.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-78430159691217151462010-01-09T15:24:00.001+00:002010-01-09T21:34:43.964+00:00Ferrari 250GT LWB California Spider<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CnGz6d3SmIc2jTw4auEWZKH6qch4zGUQyJhONH7qgXKE1aP-1venITR7LFTkJx9xZmcFvWtCnn6J6AKwxOFgvCdIZa9Z-njZq42Y6a5uFozjRG3KwdAilse7Gk7HmJAqM3NQOFTrw-o/s1600-h/57793.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CnGz6d3SmIc2jTw4auEWZKH6qch4zGUQyJhONH7qgXKE1aP-1venITR7LFTkJx9xZmcFvWtCnn6J6AKwxOFgvCdIZa9Z-njZq42Y6a5uFozjRG3KwdAilse7Gk7HmJAqM3NQOFTrw-o/s320/57793.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424762071462688802" /></a><br />The 250 GT California Spider in long wheelbase form was first built in 1957, with coachwork designed and built by Scaglietti in Modena. Around fifty examples were constructed, of which chassis # 1253 GT was the twenty first built before it was succeeded by the virtually identical short wheelbase (2400mm) version in 1960. It has always been a highly desirable car, and when new was very popular with those in the entertainment business, as apart from James Coburn, the Italian tenor Maria del Monaco and the French film director (and one time husband of Brigitte Bardot) Roger Vadim were other high profile owners. The model’s cult status was highlighted when a replica featured in the 1986 film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, nearly twenty five years after it had ceased production. Currently owned by the new Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Chris Evans, H R Owen in London are offering this car for saleArconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-77366337657254132452010-01-09T14:47:00.000+00:002010-01-09T18:20:31.412+00:00James Hunts 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIqYWDQSsqW9lmX5Br_0L6hNkXLOoCmUH1RYdszaNxNVTEDH3sqDShjnN2H17SKT7aC6kampL9qDOEW9K12SY7fghePlahhBEII7iyqHEk5dCWwsf-WAm1qXYmcsOmLI5IQe3g1CtCJU/s1600-h/resize_thumbs.php.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIqYWDQSsqW9lmX5Br_0L6hNkXLOoCmUH1RYdszaNxNVTEDH3sqDShjnN2H17SKT7aC6kampL9qDOEW9K12SY7fghePlahhBEII7iyqHEk5dCWwsf-WAm1qXYmcsOmLI5IQe3g1CtCJU/s320/resize_thumbs.php.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424755587598194386" /></a><br />Supplied originally to Lord Hesketh, the owner of Hesketh Grand-Prix, this car was given to James Hunt as his daily driver for the '74 and '75 season. It is now at Autofarm where it is undergoing a strip down and re-spray. Has covered 30,000 miles from new.<br />Nick Whale sports cars direct are looking for £365,000.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-10350083533851292792010-01-09T14:19:00.002+00:002010-01-11T19:12:47.158+00:001981 911 SC Coupe Black/Black 15,283 miles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeYeJ6R_L4ZJ887m5kDv56mdLb4s-8rd9e-ItP5mvgnozXWR73SGTi3DwEMJnVv-uILN6fRCLJx0YE5x1JPalwwuKZO6e9wBX7DgkELYAhLPPk3uItBMRNfc2BaoFy8ZotDiObmokcPU/s1600-h/381_opener.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeYeJ6R_L4ZJ887m5kDv56mdLb4s-8rd9e-ItP5mvgnozXWR73SGTi3DwEMJnVv-uILN6fRCLJx0YE5x1JPalwwuKZO6e9wBX7DgkELYAhLPPk3uItBMRNfc2BaoFy8ZotDiObmokcPU/s320/381_opener.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424749618544924370" /></a><br />So, first up. sloancars.com have a showroom condition <a href="http://sloancars.com/381/1981-911-sc-coupe-blackblack-15000-miles/">1981 911 SC</a>. One owner from new. A car with a history such as this from this era is a very rare find. All original stickers and keys.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229325125109344465.post-11949232413709423352010-01-09T13:53:00.000+00:002010-01-09T14:18:10.887+00:00First PostFirst post. Right. So basically i shall start with a statement of intent. This blog hopes to highlight the most interesting sports cars and classics available on the world wide market for both the enthusiast to enjoy vicariously, and for the discerning buyer to consider adding to their collection. Interest and history will be the defining criteria, not simply an eye-watering asking price.Arconianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04051169755870123146noreply@blogger.com0