RM sets McLaren F1 World Record
How much would an LM Fetch?
3.68 Million USD. That's the amount reached yesterday at RM's Automobiles of London auction for a mint McLaren F1. This money was swapped for chassis 065 which has lived a pampered life with an immaculately maintained history.
065 was one the last of the road-going cars and was used as showcar in McLaren's own Park Lane showroom. In 2004, 065 was sold to its first owner once the showroom closed. Since this time, the car has only racked up 484 kms on its odometer. Despite the low mileage it has been to McLaren for a full service.
Such a phenomenal car fetching such a demanding price is a sign that blue chip cars don't falter under any economy and are solid investments. If this sale is any indication of the future, then we are likely to see more Big Macs on the block soon.
LP560 Racecar, 600 BHP Tuning News
Lamborghini copies Maserati's Trofeo Series
Today Lamborghini announced their one-make racing series dedicated to the LP560. Called the Super Trofeo, 30 of these menacing Gallardos will start their series at Silverstone in support of the FIA GT weekend.
In a couple days, RM Auctions will host their final 2008 auction in London. The cover-car is a striking Horch, but we instead take a look at a rare 1996 Gemballa 911 GTR 600. This is one of only five made and has 600+ on tap.
We end with two new tuned supercars that also reach the 600 bhp mark. The first is a Roock RST 600 LM made to commemorate the company's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Carlsson have also updated the potent C 63 AMG.
Season Wrapup Part 1
A sign of things to come: coupes in ALMS
With all our favorite race seasons coming to a close, now is a good opportunity to review their progress. Despite Peugeot's best efforts, the obvious victors of 2008 are Audi who have won the ALMS and LMS Championships as well as LeMans.
ALMS completed its final round last weekend at Laguna Seca and let Porsche take the P2 Championship from Acura by just one point. Porsche was also testing its new wheel covers and Mazda was getting a grip on their new Lola B10/80 Coupe. These can be seen in our first gallery by Mike Laney.
Before the ALMS Season starts up in five months, we decided to have a look at an all-American newcomer to the series. That is the Doran-Ford GT-R which looks to be more promising in the upcoming seasons.
FIA GT and GT3 both still have a round to go before the year is out and we have the penultimate round from Dirk de Jager. He was present to capture the races at Zolder as well as the last Belcar round which was full of GT3 cars.
2008 Geneva Classics
Europe's Exclusive, Indoor and Classic Show
Geneva Classics always brings out some impressive vintage cars and this year was no exception. At the forefront of these was a Hai 450 SS from the Monteverdi museum. It ranks among the very few Swiss supercars ever made.
Another highlight of the show was a display that included the entire Slavic Collection. This had some rare Ferraris, but many of the heavy hitters were recreations built on donor Ferrari chassis.
Other cars which stood out were Jean-Bugatti's personal Type 49, a Bentley Cresta, David Brown's first car, the DB1, and a quintet of swiss Bugattis. All these can be found in our feature gallery by Julien Giambagli.
Ferrari Racing Days
Too Close: 1139GT & 1401GT Collide!
One of the largest annual gatherings of Ferraris takes place at the Nurburgring. Called the 'Racing Days', these typically include factory support with F1 Clienti, the Historic Challenges and Michael Schumacher flogging his personal cars.
This year, the event was heightened by the FXX Evoluzione program which was on the last leg of its world tour. The factory also managed the Corse Clienti F1s and had the 250 California Spyder prototype on special display.
The historic disc-brake race was well fielded and featured five BBLMs as well as two 308 Group 4s. The latter of these was specially built by Michelotto to compete in rallys and the Targa Florio.
Dirk de Jager braved a cold day at the Nurburgring GP track to bring us this week's feature gallery. Included is an expensive collision between two historic Ferraris.
Top Ten from Paris
Aston Martin One-77 is #2
It's rare when we can compile a list of new supercars from just one show, so Paris is giving us a rare opportunity to play tastemaker.
When it comes to order, we could have mixed the top spots differently. This is especially true considering most haven't yet reached any measurable specification. Thus we are left to judge styling, emotion and nostalgia alone.
Here are the top 10 supercars from the Paris Motor Show, and yes, we are surprised there were no Bugattis at the show.
1) 2008 GTbyCITROEN
2) 2009 Aston Martin One-77
3) 2008 Lamborghini Estoque
4) Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S
5) 2009 Ferrari California
6) 2008 Audi RS6 Sedan
7) Renault Megane Trophy
8) Peugeot RC HYmotion4
9) Venturi Volage
10) 2009 Peugeot 908 HY
Paris Motor Show is Here
Best of Show: GTbyCITROËN
Earlier today the Paris Motor Show opened its doors to many anxious executives, geeky photographers and some public. While our world economy is currently at odds with most of this show, the French companies still have a strong projection of the future. This was exemplified earlier today with stunning design and lavish displays.
Surprisingly, many of the top supercars were kept under wraps until opening day. These include our favorite, the GTbyCITROËN. It has a ridiculous interior, but an external shape that exudes performance without even moving. And with a surprise launch of the Hypnos concept, we can say Citroen really stole the show.
Ferrari used Paris to show off the California which has already been previewed at private functions all over the world. Lamborghini also launched their 4-door Estoque concept ahead of the show which made it less frantic on the floor.
Everything that Paris had to offer is becoming available in our sexy gallery by Dirk de Jager. Over the next few hours expect to see the return of Lada, more ladies d' elegance and French sensibility.
Historic Action from Reims
Hans Hermann Pilots the W196R
Before our focus is completely focused on the Paris Motor Show, we would like to squeeze in a new event from the historic calendar. Called the Weekend of Excellence, it's a revival of the Reims race track that became famous in the twenties.
To commemorate, the organizers were proud to have Hans Hermann drive Mercedes-Benz W196R 00008/54 around the triangular track. Following not far too far behind was Ferrari GTO 3527GT fresh from its restoration in the UK.
In total, 160 cars lapped Reims, providing a memorable sight as they drove past the original pitlane. Dirk de Jager attended both days of the event to capture most of these in action. His gallery will be followed up shortly with all the supercars from the Paris Motor Show.
