Edition 05/2009 49.942 subscribers
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EDITORIAL
We hear on the news that Tuesday saw Britain's continuing 'snow event' force 49 of the 55 state schools in Westminster to stay shut for a second day. This, despite the fact that there was no recorded snowfall in the area that day.
Meanwhile, in Birmingham, two inches of snow led to the two–day closure of all 428 state schools.
Jump back one week and the Classic Driver team was in the Austrian Alps, driving the new MINI Cooper S Convertible. As Jan–Christian Richter reports, the assembled British and German journalists drove the new car — often on rather more than two inches of snow — with the roof down for the entire 3hr 29min route. I don't recall a single 'crash event', as the BBC might call it.
BMW had also brought along Rauno Aaltonen (winner of the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally in a pre–BMW Mini), who kindly attempted to teach me the mysteries of left–foot braking on a short snow–driving course. While Rauno showed infinite patience at my less–than–expert driving, I doubt he could tolerate Britain's attitude to winter weather...
Steve Wakefield, incidentally, is not snow–bound at home but cavorting merrily at Rétromobile, in Paris. He'll be back next week. Weather permitting.
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Charis Whitcombe |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Set for Geneva Launch£140k, 510bhp V12 promises 190mph and 0–62mph in 4.2secThe 12–cylinder, two-seater Aston Martin will be launched on March 3rd at this year's Geneva Salon. read more... |
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MINI Cooper S Convertible'Always Open'In the middle of winter, the Classic Driver team defied sub–zero temperatures in the mountains around Villach, Austria, for the first test–drive of the new MINI Cooper S Convertible — and drove top–down for almost the entire two days. read more... |
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Historic Matra Le Mans Car to be Sold by ArtcurialArtcurial will sell the very first Matra MS650 at its forthcoming Paris sale. Driven by some of the great names of the period, it's the first of a long line of Matra V12 sports–racing prototypes that were to dominate at Le Mans in the early '70s. read more... |
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New 911 GT3 for Autumn 2009A host of detailed changes are sure to make the latest road–going Porsche 911 GT3 significantly quicker than its predecessor. The full specification of the new model, which goes on sale in the autumn, will be released later but the essence of what is to come has just been announced by Porsche. read more... |
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CLASSIC LIFE
Valentine's Day 2009Just over a week to go till 14th February and Valentine's Day... when neither your romantic nature nor the national economy will forgive you if you're miserly. But what to choose to demontrate your love this year? A weekend away? A simple gift of chocolate? Here are a few suggestions... read more... |
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CLASSIC ESTATE
Darling Harbour Immobilier: Bastide with sea view in St. Tropezprice
P.O.R. Darling Harbour Immobiliercontact
Jürgen Hasse |
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This stunning Bastide with sea view is located in a sought-after
peaceful gated community, just a few minutes' walk to the renowned
Pampelonne beaches. Renovated throughout to the highest standards;
a very rare and unique property. A total of 3 kitchens, 3 guest
bedrooms (all en-suite), one magnificent master bedroom with en-suite
bathroom, fitted wardrobes and a private terrace solarium. A large
dining room with fireplace, an enormous living room with fireplace
and exposed beams. Separate TV lounge. Fitness room. Large natural
gardens with tennis court. Pool house. Private gated path in the
domain leading directly to the beach. |
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THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Maserati Gran Turismo
colour Bordeaux Pontevecchio |
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Specification Includes: 20in Birdcage Design Alloys, Brake Calipers In Aluminium, Comfort Pack Front Seats, Dashboard And Rear Shelf In Nero, Bose Premium Sound System, Interior Stitching In Bordeaux, GSM Phone, Trim in Black Piano Wood, Skyhook Suspension, Electrically Adjustable Seats, Electric Windows, Dual Front Airbags and Side-bags, Power Steering, Drive-by-Wire Accelerator, Central Door Locking, CD Player,Bose Sound System.
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Dick Lovett Maserati SwindonTown/City: Swindon, UK |
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CLASSIC
Bentley Continental R
colour British Racing Green |
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Arguably one of the most attractive cars produced in recent years by Bentley Motors.
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Hillier HillTown/City: |
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SPORTING
Ferrari 312 B2
colour Red |
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The Ferrari 312 B2 Formula 1 car was first raced in 1971; a development of the 312B, with notably different rear suspension and rear wing, the 312 B2 scored an impressive victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1971.
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SpeedmasterTown/City: Bradford, UK |
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EVENTGUIDE 2009
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06.02. — 15.02. Rétromobile 2009, Paris, France |
SERVICE
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