While some of our team were sunbathing in the run-up to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como, the rest of us delved into the depths of the Classic Driver Market. We found treasures again – and didn’t get sunburned!
Pre-A Outlaw
Gradually we’ve all seen enough 911s to enjoy a full restomod treatment complete with 4.0-litre, wide body and café racer flair. But there is another model that is a touch more appropriate to the principle of “just get in and drive off”: the plucky little Porsche 356 Coupé.
As you’ve probably guessed, this isn’t your usual Pre-A, as this specimen has been tastefully modified to cope with the rigorous long-distance Tour Auto adventure. Configured in Light Ivory with a black and red interior, this 356 features a completely rebuilt and optimized 1.6 liter engine. With a 912 crankcase, 83mm pistons, motorsport camshaft, modified cylinder heads and 40mm Solex carburettors, this coupé develops an impressive 129 hp. The perfect weekend racer that will make you smile broadly!
Number Seventeen
Co-developed with the Sauber F1 team and limited to 250 units, the Alfa Romeo GTAm is as immediate and raw as any four-door car. This magnificent specimen in Verde is number 17, which has only been moved 3,000 kilometers. The recipe: Take the already formidable Giulia GTA, crank it up to full power, replace the rear seat with a roll cage, and then churn out 530bhp from the Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine for some hell of fun .
One only has to shift this sequential gearbox on the fly to understand just how extraordinary this super sedan really is. Built with passion and deep admiration for the successful Giulia of the ’60s and ’70s, the GTAm is undoubtedly one of the coolest four-door models of the 21st century.
Formula 500
The original Fiat 500 just has that certain something, doesn’t it? While current hatchbacks are being inflated to the size of late 1990s SUVs, micro cars like the Cinquecento are luring us with their talent for scurrying boldly through busy inner cities.
Of course you couldn’t tear anything with the 13 hp of the original 500, but this 1971 Fiat 500 F received a special engine and transmission optimization from D’Angelo Motori, a famous 500 specialist in southern Italy. If the optimized engine and five-speed gearbox still haven’t won you over, the good news is that this example belonged to former Formula 1 driver Thierry Boutsen! The colored side stripes are inspired by his iconic helmet.
Fantastic Ferrari
The Ferrari 512 TR made its debut in 1991 and was the evolution of the extravagant and coveted Testarossa. Although some new technology came on board, this model still retained some of the design cues of its predecessor, albeit with softened front bumpers and side vents.
This excellent example will be called up by Gooding & Company at the upcoming Pebble Beach auction and is one of the finest examples of its kind we have seen so far, configured in pale blue metallic with a sleek beige leather interior. The Ferraris of the early 1990s are among the most sought-after in the Modern Classics ranks. We will be curious about the bids.
Mile Miles Master
We understand if you’re puzzled by this strange-looking machine, but kudos to those who spotted it! This true legend of French motorsport has competed several times in the Mille Miglia and was a works car used in the 1956 and 1957 races. Unbelievable but manufacturer DB has won nearly 1,000 races and is still considered the French manufacturer with the highest number of entries to the 24 Hours of Le Mans!
This DB has had a glittering racing career, but that doesn’t mean this maestro plans to rest on semi-slicks: the under-known Frenchman is quite eligible for upcoming Mille Miglia events. As far as idiosyncratic racing cars are concerned, this one is nothing short of unique. A must have for any vintage motorsport enthusiast.
#collectible #cars #put #garage #week
2023-05-20 04:06:34