Classic Cars December 2019

Welcome The charmingly British trait of self-deprecation leads us to not value home-grown greats as much as overseas rivals I sometimes look at a British car and wonder how differently we might treat it here if it wore the badge of an Italian, German or French manufacturer, instantly gifting it an extra layer of mystique and glamour. Mercedes P5B, Lamborghini Esprit or Ferrari E-type – all a bit more Côte d’Azur than Coventry bypass, with the inevitable upward pressure on values. We’re lucky that such cars are tracking behind their rivals and, in the case of the magnificent seven gathered for our cover story, behind where they could easily go when the market swings their way. Their selection was a considered process, in that the rest of us considered it…

I sometimes look at a British car and wonder how differently we might treat it here if it wore the badge of an Italian, German or French manufacturer, instantly gifting it an extra layer of mystique and glamour. Mercedes P5B, Lamborghini Esprit or Ferrari E-type – all a bit more Côte d’Azur than Coventry bypass, with the inevitable upward pressure on values. We’re lucky that such cars are tracking behind their rivals and, in the case of the magnificent seven gathered for our cover story, behind where they could easily go when the market swings their way. Their selection was a considered process, in that the rest of us considered it a good idea to pack our resident market watcher, Russ Smith, off into the basement with his spreadsheets and slide rule to…

‘I can see why Sixties journalists were so shocked by the performance, yet it’s imperious and never feels unruly’ There’s no doubting the credentials of today’s lucky reader. Jonathan Privett gives a quick acknowledging nod and grin before reversing his 16-year-old Mercedes-Benz CL600 V12 into a customer parking bay at The SL Shop. It confirms that here is someone familiar with both the three-pointed star and heavy dollops of horsepower. So he’s unlikely to be overawed by today’s mighty motor, which is something of a relief because he is about to meet – and at this point I feel inclined to cue dry ice and film trailer-style bassy voiceover – the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3. This was a car that at its 1968 launch caused even hardened motoring journalists to shake their heads…

[ The List ] Your dream drive made real ‘Wow! That acceleration would become addictive’ Jonathan Privett once owned a W108 S-Class but the 6.3 version has always drawn him. We arranged a satiating drive Words RUSS SMITH Photography JONNY FLEETWOOD ‘I can see why Sixties journalists were so shocked by the performance, yet it’s imperious and never feels unruly’ There’s no doubting the credentials of today’s lucky reader. Jonathan Privett gives a quick acknowledging nod and grin before reversing his 16-year-old Mercedes-Benz CL600 V12 into a customer parking bay at The SL Shop. It confirms that here is someone familiar with both the three-pointed star and heavy dollops of horsepower. So he’s unlikely to be overawed by today’s mighty motor, which is something of…

JONATHAN’S DREAM DRIVE LIST Riley Kestrel ‘Dad had a 1936 one. Mum impressed him by knowing what it was. They got together and I’m here as a result.’ Abarth 750 Zagato ‘Ultimate derivative of the Fiat 500, I think of it as a small, affordable Ferrari 250LM.’ Renault 5 Turbo 2 ‘Ultimate Eighties rally car/hot hatch – mundanity mixed with exoticism.’ BMW M635CSi ‘When I was growing up someone local to me had one and I was always drooling over it.’ Lancia Aurelia B20GT ‘One of the most beautiful cars ever made. Such purity of form and detailing.’ Rover P6 3500S ‘Grandad had a 2000TC which holds fond memories. He could never afford the V8.’ AC 428 ‘An AC Cobra with practicality, and one that will never be mistaken for…

Riley Kestrel ‘Dad had a 1936 one. Mum impressed him by knowing what it was. They got together and I’m here as a result.’ Abarth 750 Zagato ‘Ultimate derivative of the Fiat 500, I think of it as a small, affordable Ferrari 250LM.’ Renault 5 Turbo 2 ‘Ultimate Eighties rally car/hot hatch – mundanity mixed with exoticism.’ BMW M635CSi ‘When I was growing up someone local to me had one and I was always drooling over it.’ Lancia Aurelia B20GT ‘One of the most beautiful cars ever made. Such purity of form and detailing.’ Rover P6 3500S ‘Grandad had a 2000TC which holds fond memories. He could never afford the V8.’ AC 428 ‘An AC Cobra with practicality, and one that will never be mistaken for a replica.’ Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS ‘Another great beauty and a car that gets its performance from aerodynamics and…