Classic Cars November 2016

The moment I first drove a BMW M3 popped up from the depths of my brain as soon as this month’s cover image landed. I was back at Goodwood 15 years ago with the Classic Cars team, there to test 10 very different cars assembled for a track day classics feature. To be honest I wasn’t very excited about the prospect of the BMW M3, despite its legendary status. As I slipped into the admittedly grippy Recaro seat I expected swift laps defined by cool dynamic efficiency. What I discovered was one of the most driver-connected experiences of my life. A car that eagerly did everything I wanted, and was probably capable of doing a lot more, while still offering uncannily civilised road manners. So all of the hype was justified.…

Welcome Celebrating 30 years of the M3, Monterey’s sensory overload and a right royal experience at Windsor Castle The moment I first drove a BMW M3 popped up from the depths of my brain as soon as this month’s cover image landed. I was back at Goodwood 15 years ago with the Classic Cars team, there to test 10 very different cars assembled for a track day classics feature. To be honest I wasn’t very excited about the prospect of the BMW M3, despite its legendary status. As I slipped into the admittedly grippy Recaro seat I expected swift laps defined by cool dynamic efficiency. What I discovered was one of the most driver-connected experiences of my life. A car that eagerly did everything I wanted, and was probably capable…

The List ‘I’ve driven TR6s before, but the TR5 is so much prettier – the view out over the wings and that power bulge is just fantastic.’ Words ANDREW NOAKES Photography LAURENS PARSONS ‘It’s happy to potter at low revs, but picks up smoothly when I floor it’ AC Ace Bristol 2.6 A beautiful looking car and a huge competition history. Cobras were never as pure.’ Aston Martin Ulster A little dream. Very low, very stylish, nicely built.’ Aston Martin DB3S ‘Beautifully engineered – allegedly handles better than a Jaguar D-type.’ Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica Archetypal British sports car with a twin-tube chassis and that lovely Bristol engine.’ Jaguar E-type 3.8 ‘For me, it would have to be a drophead with faired-in lights.’ Charles Bosher’s automotive CV is peppered…

‘It’s happy to potter at low revs, but picks up smoothly when I floor it’ AC Ace Bristol 2.6 A beautiful looking car and a huge competition history. Cobras were never as pure.’ Aston Martin Ulster A little dream. Very low, very stylish, nicely built.’ Aston Martin DB3S ‘Beautifully engineered – allegedly handles better than a Jaguar D-type.’ Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica Archetypal British sports car with a twin-tube chassis and that lovely Bristol engine.’ Jaguar E-type 3.8 ‘For me, it would have to be a drophead with faired-in lights.’ Charles Bosher’s automotive CV is peppered with the kind of cars many enthusiasts would happily give up vital organs to own, but today he’s adding a new car to his personal dream tally – Triumph’s fuel-injected TR5. We’ve taken him to Triumph specialist Revington TR’s Somerset workshop so Charles can try…

THE IMPORTANT MODELS TR4 1961›65 Live-axle chassis derived from the previous TR3A but more modern styling with straight-through wing line and wind-up windows. Same Standard Vanguard-based straight-four engine, bored out to 2.2-litres. 40,253 built in five years. TR4A 1965›67 Independent rear suspension improves ride comfort and grip on bumpy roads, though some US cars revert to a live axle. Engine and body much the same as TR4, bar straight grille bars and additional chrome trim. 28,683 built. TR5 1967›68 Near-identical body and suspension to TR4/A. New 2.5-litre long-stroke fuel injected version of the Triumph straight six engine improves power and smoothness. Rarest production TR – 2947 built in just over a year. TR250 1967›68 A TR5 for the US, with twin Zenith-Stromberg CD carburettors replacing the Lucas PI system to…

TR4 1961›65 Live-axle chassis derived from the previous TR3A but more modern styling with straight-through wing line and wind-up windows. Same Standard Vanguard-based straight-four engine, bored out to 2.2-litres. 40,253 built in five years. TR4A 1965›67 Independent rear suspension improves ride comfort and grip on bumpy roads, though some US cars revert to a live axle. Engine and body much the same as TR4, bar straight grille bars and additional chrome trim. 28,683 built. TR5 1967›68 Near-identical body and suspension to TR4/A. New 2.5-litre long-stroke fuel injected version of the Triumph straight six engine improves power and smoothness. Rarest production TR – 2947 built in just over a year. TR250 1967›68 A TR5 for the US, with twin Zenith-Stromberg CD carburettors replacing the Lucas PI system to cut costs and improve emissions. Power down to 111bhp –…