Classic & Sports Car

the big picture

In January, the ski resort of Zell am See reverberated to the sound of screaming engines and studded tyres scything through the snow with the revival of the Eisrennen (p136). Today, as 60 years ago, one of the stars of the event was the MA-01 ‘Fetzenflieger, or ‘tatter flinger’ – so named because a misfire could cause the covers over the mid-mounted Porsche engine to catch fire and flutter away in trails of burning fabric.Created by Otto Mathé, the 395kg, 130bhp single-seater was driven in unorthodox but effective style by the one-armed Mathé, who leant against the steering wheel to hold course when changing gear. Here he lines up for the 1956 race, which he would win by covering the 4km distance in a record time of 2 mins…

welcome

I’m still finding it hard to believe, but this year will mark my 20th anniversary as a contributor to Classic & Sports Car magazine – though I’m proud to say I was a reader long before – and throughout that period I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about the year of classic motoring ahead. At least a part of that has to do with the fact that my much-missed MG Magnette will soon be coming out of dry dock, but it’s also because there is such a buzz about the classic movement in 2019.I’m not talking about prices, I hasten to add – there’s no doubt that the market is buoyant, but C&SC has always advocated buying a classic for the love first and the investment second.…

a monster in paris

In Citroën’s centenary year, you could be forgiven for expecting the famous brand to be the star of the show at its ‘home’ classic event, Rétromobile in the French capital. Yet the Double Chevron had its thunder comprehensively stolen by another Gallic marque, as roads were closed around the Porte de Versailles expo centre to deliver the simply vast Berliet T100.At its 1957 launch in the same venue, the T100 was the world’s largest truck and at 5m tall, the example on show at Rétro – one of two survivors – towered over lesser vehicles. The 50-tonne behemoth gave a backdrop to selfies throughout the 6-10 February show.A vivid contrast to the Cummins V12 diesel-powered 700hp beast was provided by a wonderful group of 14 Bédélias, the largest-ever gathering…

miura magnificent seven

Among the show debutants this year was top Geneva-based specialist Kidston SA, which presented a dazzling display of seven Lamborghini Miuras including the chassis that first stunned the world at the ’65 Turin Auto Salon, and the unique Miura Roadster. “It took us a long time to decide about exhibiting, and we only wanted to come with something exceptional,” said boss Simon Kidston. “The company has grown and we felt the time was right, plus we also have an exciting new Miura book to announce.”With purple carpet to complement the striking hues of the Lamborghinis, the stand was designed by Peter Russell, the talent behind the Goodwood Revival displays. “Marcello Gandini had a thing about exuberant colours, which really suited the Miura,” enthused Kidston. Taking centre stage was the…

our picks from paris

1957 BMW 507 MOTORBOAT All those fabulous cars, and what do I choose? A boat, of course! But this 1957 launch is pretty special, built to the order of BMW by shipyard Rambeck on the banks of Lake Starnberg, Bavaria.Marque aficionados will spot the clues to what makes this unique craft so interesting – the steering wheel, dashboard and chromed ‘gill’ wing vents come straight from a BMW 507 roadster. More importantly, so does the engine, and it’s easy to imagine the sound of that glorious 3.2-litre, 150bhp V8 as it thunders across Lake Como.After being used for engine sales brochures, the boat fell into disrepair and was discovered in a barn by enthusiast Felipe Garcia, who had it beautifully restored. AC 1957 AC ACE BRISTOL…

classics and capital in london

Following in the wake of Rétromobile is no easy task, but that fate befalls The London Classic Car Show. Still not five years old, the fledgling LCCS successfully drew a wealth of classic metal and enthusiasts to ExCeL in the capital’s Docklands from 14-17 February. Parry-Thomas’ terrifying 27-litre, aero-engined, chain-drive Land Speed Record car ‘Babs’Most of the cars came courtesy of the UK’s numerous dealers, and even by Friday afternoon the centre was awash with ‘SOLD’ placards in windscreens. As a result, the show can feel less visual, or less curated, than some rivals. It’s more geared to turning over cars; but the cars certainly star.Citroën brought its centenary celebrations to the UK with a B12 Taxi sharing the stand with later classics. Those included a pair of beautiful…