Cars

NEW VS USED / Cutting Edge. The BMW 420d Coupé F32  is a very decent machine, but you could have a used BMW 640d F13 for the same money.

Clockwise from centre left: Lagonda Le Mans replica, Lagonda V12 saloon, Alvis Speed 20 Vanden Plas SA, Sunbeam 3-litre Twin Cam and Ford Model TT recovery truck. ‘I buy cars as automotive art’ Robert Lewis and his wife Tanya gave up life on the open sea to indulge their passion for cars. But these are not just static exhibits – all are enjoyed Words: Andrew Roberts. Photography: Laurens Parsons.

Epic Restoration. ’The biggest restoration I’ve done’ – that was a supercar expert’s assessment on how he breathed new life into this Lamborghini Miura.  ‘It’s the biggest job When a leading Lamborghini specialist tells you that after 45 years in the business, you know this Miura received the ultimate restoration Words Nigel Boothman. Photography Laurens Parsons.

Freak Today Comparison Innovative cross-country skiers. But rarely appears a car that the clock actually years ahead puts a trendsetter even in the twilight of his long career still serves as an example for the new order. Four such innovative long runners meet in these pages. Text: Igor Stuifzand /// Photos: Louis Blom.

John Clarke with six of his ten-strong fleet. Clockwise from front left: two MGAs, MGB, Ford Galaxie, Jaguar MkIX, Corvette L82. Many of the cars in the eclectic collection of Canadian John Clarke were bought as basket cases and brought back to life in his own workshop. The Collector John Clarke. ‘Neverbuya carin bits–unlessit’s a Jaguar E-type’.

From left: Porsche 928, Ferrari 355, Aston Martin DBS, Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Berlina and Bentley 4½ Litre Tourer. The Hot 30 Five influential market experts pick the cars – covering six price points – they suggest we would do well to buy in 2016. They include the Porsche 928, Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Berlina, Ferrari F355, Aston Martin DBS and Bentley 4 ½ -Litre Tourer. ‘Each car will coax you to the garage for one last look at night’  Aston Martin DBS is one of the select cars to feature in our invited experts’ hot 30 classics to buy now.

What’s in your Garage? A fantastic collection of E9 CS Coupés this month, all the way from South Africa.  We meet up with Frank Puncec, a true custodian of the E9 Coupé. He owns four of them including the only factory-original Batmobile in South Africa and an E3 Saloon with M535i underpinnings, for good measure… Words: Johann Venter. Photography: Oliver Hirtenfelder.

Thirst for limo D+ class? Comparative Test. So close to heaven. All new 2015 Jaguar XE S against 2015  Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG W205, 2015 BMW 340i F30/2 and 2015 Audi S5 Sportback. Is there in the middle class sporty life beneath the costly top models from AMG and Co.? But yes, a step underneath cavort magnificent supercharged six-cylinder, which are hardly slower but much cheaper.

Its arrival has been imminent for some time, but BMW has finally pulled the wraps off its new BMW 7 Series and it’s clear that it’s really pushed the boat out with its new flagship. The styling might be a little on the safe side but the new car is brimming with the latest technology and this extends all the way from the car’s high-tech construction to the latest range of interior gadgets and driving assistance systems.

A couple of years ago, I was driving an old - but well- maintained - classic car along a dark, unlit country lane when I needed to dip my headlamps. I pressed the foot-operated dipswitch and the headlamps promptly went completely out. This left me in pitch darkness, but, fortunately, the road was straight so I was able to stop without incident. Had there been a sharp bend or another reason to make a quick change of direction, it could have been very unpleasant indeed.