2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ‘Stirling Moss’
A mere 75 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ‘Stirling Moss’ editions were built, of which only four were delivered in white. At 1550kg (200kg lighter than the standard SLR) and powered by the same 641bhp engine as the potent ‘722’ edition, the car’s performance is colossal, and only amplified by the lack of roof or windscreen. This rakish ‘Stirling Moss’ has been consigned by Coys to its ‘True Greats 2015’ sale. Given the car’s rarity, the pre-sale estimate is, perhaps inevitably, available on request only. In terms of ultra-special supercars to drive on exceptional occasions, we don’t think they come much better.
1964 Amphicar
A personal memory of Paris that has always stuck in my mind is the sight of an Amphicar on the back of a houseboat on the Seine. It was a totally bizarre sight and yet, thinking about it, it made perfect sense – a tender in which you could go from boat to port, and then drive to a lunch-spot of your choice, be it one or 20 miles inland. This fabulous blue Amphicar resided in a collection that was recently purchased by The Houtkamp Collection in Holland. Given the car’s apparently good condition, we doubt whether it’s seen much water over the years. It’s a quirky and unusual classic that’s bound to attract attention, wherever it may be.
1979 Porsche 911 ‘Turbo’
Strolling through Mayfair the other day, I happened upon a rather fetching Porsche 911 Turbo. Resplendent in Guards Red, it leapt out from the line of saloons and SUVs that flanked it. A subsequent browse in the Classic Driver Market highlighted this Grand Prix White example – complete with Turbo decals – for sale with Fast Classics. Showing just 50k miles, it was delivered new to Kuwait, where it resided proudly in the official Porsche dealership, before being sold to Switzerland and then to the UK in 1984. If you want to make a statement, the 911 Turbo is still the car in which to do it.
1966 AC Cobra 427
The small-block AC Cobra 289 might have been the weapon in which to challenge all-comers on the track, but there's an argument for preferring the more muscular big-block 427, with its vast front intake, snake-like side exhausts, and comically flared arches. Fiskens has just advertised this highly original example – chassis CSX3276 – which is fully documented in the Shelby American Registry. It’s probably not the ideal classic for winter roads, but come the spring, this monstrous Cobra would offer arguably the most exhilarating top-down driving experience you could find. Are you brave enough?
Alpine A310 V6
When Alpine dropped its new V6 (developed by Renault in collaboration with Peugeot and Volvo) into the A310 in 1976, it could finally be considered a supercar. As a Group 4 racer, the car enjoyed great success, actually winning the French rally championship in 1977, with Guy Fréquelin at the wheel. It’s rare to find an A310 in as good condition as this car, which is currently listed for sale in the Market. And the charming shape alone is enough to make us want one.
