Cars

Celebrating in Style As it’s BMW’s centenary year there was plenty of BMW action at Australia’s Phillip Island Classic.    The Phillip Island Classic is like an antipodean version of Goodwood and in BMW’s centenary year there were plenty of Bavaria’s finest taking part. Words and photography: Chris Nicholls.

F20/21 1 Series diesel models BMW really upped its game with the latest 1 Series and as it sold in large numbers there are a plethora of good value second hand machines on the market. Here we look at the pre-LCI diesels. Words: Bob Harper/Andrew Everett. Photography: BMW.

Back in 2013 when I was looking for a car, I originally wanted something that I could drive to the track and then drive home without the worry of a trailer. The problem is a road car will not perform like a race car and I wanted my road car to perform like a race car.

An exclusive look at three of the world’s most desirable hypercars, which just happen to be hybrid. Drive-MY talks to Paul Bailey, the lucky chap who owns all three of these amazing cars. Hyper Hybrids. Ask most people what a hybrid is and typically they’ll perk up with knowledge of a Toyota Prius. Not too many will knowingly answer that hybrids are fast, cutting edge or ‘cool’. Nonetheless, the latest crop of supercars are so fast they’re being dubbed hyper - and they’re all hybrid.

Zed to Zed A new versus used battle as we pitch a new sDrive18i up against an Approved Used sDrive35i. Got a £30,000 budget? Then you can treat yourself to a new Z4 sDrive18i Roadster… or for similar money you could have an Approved Used Z4 sDrive35i instead. So which would prove the better buy? Words: Guy Baker. Photography: Tom Begley.

Can’t quite afford a 911? Opt for a Boxster instead and you certainly won’t feel short-changed. However, many cars have been neglected – so here's how to buy a good one.  Expert buying advice to help you choose your perfect car.

A long time ago, I could certainly understand why American and British companies indulged in badge engineering; British Leyland putting Austin, Morris, Riley Wolseley, MG and Vanden Plas badges on effectively the same car or in the case of Rootes, the Hillman Minx was also the Singer Gazelle and the Sunbeam Rapier; it extended the appeal for little cost.

Dialynx Performance R8 2.0T 650 bhp. The ALT-ernative Audi R8 2.0T Typ 42 LMS Chris Eyre talks to Keith Murray about the latest race car to come out of the Dialynx Performance workshops… Photos: Neil Birkitt.

Each decade has its superhero who outshine all other contemporaries. An encounter with the sportscar milestones from the 1960s to 2000s

Buying Guide Follow our seven steps to buying the best TVR Tuscan Speed Six – you can buy this sports-car thriller without fear. 7 StepsTo BuyingThe BestTvr Tuscan Speed Six. The Tuscan offers supercar performance for £20-£60k. Here’s how to choose wisely.Words Malcolm Mckay. Photography John Colley.

The Bowden family’s collection of touring car racers includes a Bathurst. 1000-winning Ford Sierra RS500, numerous ex-Peter Brock Holdens and a BMW M1 Procar. ‘It’s exactly as it raced in 1979, stonechips and all’ David Bowden and his sons Dan and Chris came back from financial disaster to build up an enviable collection of historic road and race cars. Words Stewart Perry. Photography Ross Perry.

Life Cycle Executive client-pleaser, scourge of Cold War border guards and occasional bovine lavatory – Hugh Cantlie’s E3 BMW 3.0S has done it all in 42 years of single ownership.  This BMW 3.0S has overcome unwanted bovine and border guard attentions and is still with its first owner 42 years later.   Bought new to impress business clients, this BMW has smuggled friends across borders, been assaulted by a cow and is still with its original owner. Words Rob Scorah. Photography Johnathan Jacob.