Classic Cars May 2017

Welcome Phil happily reacquaints himself with the Jensen Interceptor before entering a smart-buy advice marathon in London As 6.3 litres of Chrysler E-series V8 rumbled into life I realised that it had been at least a decade since I’d last driven a Jensen Interceptor. Too long. But this month’s cover feature proved the perfect excuse to indulge in all of that leather-lined, torque-propelled grand touring opulence once again. I was determined to savour every last throb of horsepower, every precision click of its abundant toggle switches. The Interceptor, particularly in toggle-switched, low-bumpered Series 1 form, is one of ›ve cars selected by our classic car consumer champion Quentin Willson for the cover feature. They’re chosen because, for various reasons, they’ve fallen behind the market but, thanks to the rich ownership…

As 6.3 litres of Chrysler E-series V8 rumbled into life I realised that it had been at least a decade since I’d last driven a Jensen Interceptor. Too long. But this month’s cover feature proved the perfect excuse to indulge in all of that leather-lined, torque-propelled grand touring opulence once again. I was determined to savour every last throb of horsepower, every precision click of its abundant toggle switches. The Interceptor, particularly in toggle-switched, low-bumpered Series 1 form, is one of ›ve cars selected by our classic car consumer champion Quentin Willson for the cover feature. They’re chosen because, for various reasons, they’ve fallen behind the market but, thanks to the rich ownership experience they offer, he doesn’t think that they will remain such good value for a whole lot longer.…

‘I’ve driven modern Bentleys but they were disappointing, which is why I wanted to sample one from this era’ Have you ever seen that Bond ›lm You Only Live Twice?’ asks Classic Cars reader Tony Barton as he stands on the gravel driveway behind Stratton Motor Company’s premises just south of Norwich, admiring the gleaming Wine Red Bentley Continental S2 Flying Spur we’ve arranged for him to drive. It’s an unusual introduction, but Tony is an extraordinary man – and every car that interests him comes with a surprising anecdote attached. ‘Driving up here to Norfolk put me in mind of a previous trip, back in the Sixties with a friend of mine, to meet Ken Wallis,’ Tony continues. ‘We were put in touch with him via my electrical engineering and Royal…

[ The List ] Your dream drive made real ‘You can tell how bespoke the engineering is’ A chance encounter with a Rolls-Royce in the Sixties left Tony Barton wanting to experience what he calls a ‘proper Bentley’ ever since. Will an S2 Continental Flying Spur satisfy his curiosity? Words SAM DAWSON Photography ALEX TAPLEY ‘I’ve driven modern Bentleys but they were disappointing, which is why I wanted to sample one from this era’ Have you ever seen that Bond ›lm You Only Live Twice?’ asks Classic Cars reader Tony Barton as he stands on the gravel driveway behind Stratton Motor Company’s premises just south of Norwich, admiring the gleaming Wine Red Bentley Continental S2 Flying Spur we’ve arranged for him to drive. It’s an unusual…

TONY’S DREAM DRIVE LIST Aston Martin V8 Volante ‘It might be the best car that Aston Martin ever made’ Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 ‘It’s just such an interesting idea – nearly seven litres of high performance in a luxury saloon’ Aston Martin DB6 Vantage ‘I owned a DB2/4 in the Sixties when the DB6 was current – it would be interesting to try the traditional DB line’s ultimate evolution’ Alvis TD21 ‘I have a particular liking for British luxury cars, and this one typiÿes the breed…’ Alvis Speed 20 ‘…or perhaps this does. I’d love to ÿnd out!’ Frazer-Nash BMW 328 ‘I owned a 1935 example for a short while in 1958 when I was in the Navy. Mine was bought from a breakers’ yard – I’d love to try a…

Aston Martin V8 Volante ‘It might be the best car that Aston Martin ever made’ Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 ‘It’s just such an interesting idea – nearly seven litres of high performance in a luxury saloon’ Aston Martin DB6 Vantage ‘I owned a DB2/4 in the Sixties when the DB6 was current – it would be interesting to try the traditional DB line’s ultimate evolution’ Alvis TD21 ‘I have a particular liking for British luxury cars, and this one typiÿes the breed…’ Alvis Speed 20 ‘…or perhaps this does. I’d love to ÿnd out!’ Frazer-Nash BMW 328 ‘I owned a 1935 example for a short while in 1958 when I was in the Navy. Mine was bought from a breakers’ yard – I’d love to try a good one’ Rolls-Royce Corniche ‘Roof down, touring the English Riviera – perfect’ Triumph 2000 Roadster ‘Another bought from a…