Classic Cars August 2016

When I bought my E-type six years ago it was fresh from a comprehensive restoration, with everything working perfectly and every detail bright and clean as new. Now, after 15,000 miles of adventures I’ve found that the rear suspension is ready for some new paint, plating, parts and upgrades to keep it feeling and looking bright, as you can see in my Our Cars update. And it’s nearly three years since we treated Classic Cars to a thorough rebuild, with lots of new feature series and improvements to old favourites. According to your feedback – and our sales figures – those changes continue to be enjoyed, but I felt it was time to add some new components and refresh the way everything looks. I’m excited by how it’s taking shape, with…

Welcome When I bought my E-type six years ago it was fresh from a comprehensive restoration, with everything working perfectly and every detail bright and clean as new. Now, after 15,000 miles of adventures I’ve found that the rear suspension is ready for some new paint, plating, parts and upgrades to keep it feeling and looking bright, as you can see in my Our Cars update. And it’s nearly three years since we treated Classic Cars to a thorough rebuild, with lots of new feature series and improvements to old favourites. According to your feedback – and our sales figures – those changes continue to be enjoyed, but I felt it was time to add some new components and refresh the way everything looks. I’m excited by how it’s taking…

The List Occasional trips in an Aston Martin V8 Volante were a key influence on Tim Rogers’ childhood, but he never got behind the wheel – until now. Join him as he gets to cross one dream car off his wishlist Words SAM DAWSON Photography CHARLIE MAGEE Aston Martin V8 Volante ‘I spent a lot of time in one of these as a child and was always in awe of its power and luxury’ Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV (105-series) ‘In fast-road trim, perfect for an early morning blast and the occasional track day’ Ferrari 365 GT4 ‘A distinctive design, daring and di erent. I’d have an automatic, in a colour other than red’ BMW M1 ‘I used to watch them race in the Silverstone Six Hours in the Eighties; they…

Aston Martin V8 Volante ‘I spent a lot of time in one of these as a child and was always in awe of its power and luxury’ Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV (105-series) ‘In fast-road trim, perfect for an early morning blast and the occasional track day’ Ferrari 365 GT4 ‘A distinctive design, daring and di erent. I’d have an automatic, in a colour other than red’ BMW M1 ‘I used to watch them race in the Silverstone Six Hours in the Eighties; they looked stunning’ Porsche 911 ‘I’ve got great memories of driving through France in a 1977 2.7S – and I could have bought it for buttons…’ ‘That bonnet is just immense. It’s a car that feels epic in every way’ Tim Rogers is a surprise. I’d built up a picture in my head of a slightly unhinged biker arriving…

1969 DBS V8 The car designed to house Aston’s new engine was released two years before the motor was ready, but DBS and V8 were united in 1969, creating the car otherwise known as the V8 Series 1. The fuel-injected engine made 315bhp. 1972 AM V8 Retrospectively referred to as the Series 2, this makeover saw a new grille flanked by single headlamps, and a name to end the DB line. The old six-cylinder engine was also offered in the new body as the entry-level AM Vantage. 1973 V8 As Aston Martin teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, the troublesome Bosch fuel injection was dropped and the trusty Weber carburettors made a comeback for the Series 3. Power suffered, falling to 288bhp. 1977 V8 VANTAGE New Aston co-owner George Minden’s personal high-performance version, facelifted with blanking plates…

THE IMPORTANT MODELS 1969 DBS V8 The car designed to house Aston’s new engine was released two years before the motor was ready, but DBS and V8 were united in 1969, creating the car otherwise known as the V8 Series 1. The fuel-injected engine made 315bhp. 1972 AM V8 Retrospectively referred to as the Series 2, this makeover saw a new grille flanked by single headlamps, and a name to end the DB line. The old six-cylinder engine was also offered in the new body as the entry-level AM Vantage. 1973 V8 As Aston Martin teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, the troublesome Bosch fuel injection was dropped and the trusty Weber carburettors made a comeback for the Series 3. Power suffered, falling to 288bhp. 1977 V8 VANTAGE New Aston…