The History of the Maranello Ferrari Factory

The Maranello Factory, located in Maranello, Italy, is the renowned manufacturing facility and headquarters of Ferrari, one of the most prestigious and iconic automotive brands in the world. The factory plays a crucial role in the production of Ferrari's high-performance sports cars.

The Maranello Factory was established in 1943 by Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari. Initially, the factory was dedicated to producing machine tools and small aircraft components. However, after World War II, Ferrari shifted its focus to manufacturing automobiles, and the Maranello Factory became the birthplace of Ferrari sports cars.

The factory is situated in the town of Maranello in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Maranello is located about 18 kilometres (11 miles) from Modena and around 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Bologna.

The Maranello Factory encompasses a vast area and houses various production facilities dedicated to different stages of car manufacturing. These include assembly lines, bodywork departments, paint shops, engine production areas, and quality control departments. The factory combines state-of-the-art technology with skilled craftsmanship to create Ferrari's renowned automobiles.

The Maranello Factory provides opportunities for customers to customize their Ferrari cars according to their preferences. Ferrari's Tailor Made program offers an extensive range of customization options, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles in terms of colours, materials, trims, and other features.

Adjacent to the Maranello Factory is the Ferrari Museum, known as Museo Ferrari. The museum showcases a vast collection of historic and contemporary Ferrari cars, memorabilia, and exhibits that provide insights into the brand's rich heritage and racing legacy. Visitors can explore the museum to learn more about Ferrari's iconic models and its significant contributions to the automotive industry.

The Maranello Factory is not only a production facility but also a symbol of Ferrari's passion for automotive excellence and innovation. It represents the culmination of engineering expertise, craftsmanship, and racing heritage that define the Ferrari brand.

To view a great selection of Ferrari cars for sale, then visit our Ferrari-exclusive website here.

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Ferrari: Game Changers Exhibition

Museo Enzo Ferrari: Game Changers Exhibition

The "Game Changers" exhibition recently opened at the Ferrari Museum in Monza, celebrating the Prancing Horse's Spirit of Innovation.

Since its earliest days, Ferrari has been renowned for its passionate soul and focus on both the future and innovation, which has always been driven by the pioneering spirit of its founder.

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The very first car, a 125 S in 1947, was the start of what was to come. A completely original design powered by a high-revving but lightweight 1500cc V12 engine. It arrived and marked the start of a long series of game-changing cars that made history and left an indelible mark on the automotive world.

This is the starting point of the Museo Enzo Ferrari's new Game Changers exhibition, which showcases some of the most significant cars in Prancing Horse history in a wholly new context, this time telling the Maranello marque's story through the eyes of innovation.

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Game Changers will take you on a journey of exploration of Ferrari's most revolutionary models and their futuristic designs, the most innovative technology it adopted in its competition and GT cars alike, and the outstanding performance delivered by its relentless research and development which resulted in its most unforgettable victories.

The story at the exhibition is divided into three sections: design, technology and performance.

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Outstanding examples of virtuoso design are the 375 MM, penned by Pinin Farina in 1952 which was also the first one-off commissioned by Roberto Rossellini for Ingrid Bergman, and the 166 MM, the first aluminium-bodied Barchetta.

A prime example of Ferrari's technological innovation is the 400 Automatic, the first 2+2 Grand Tourer in 1976 with the automatic gearbox. A Ferrari F1-89 is also on view, the first-ever single-seater to adopt an electrohydraulic gearbox.

In the Performance section, visitors can admire the 1973 365 GT4 BB, the first mid-engined GT Berlinetta with an original 180° V12, and 2005's Ferrari FXX, the first model in a Prancing Horse special series designed specifically for track use.

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Innovation is a subject close to Ferrari and the exhibition concludes with the latest game-changer, the Purosangue, a four-seater, four-door, this being a first for Ferrari. This is a completely original design in every way

The Game Changers exhibition runs at the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena from now until 17 February 2024.

More details can be found on their museum website page:

https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/museums/game-changers

If you are looking to buy or sell a Ferrari then take a look at our Ferrari-exclusive website right here: https://www.ferrarimotorcarsales.com/home/home

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Ferrari: Five of Their Greatest Ever Race Cars

Ferrari has manufactured many race cars over the years and compiling a list to showcase a top 5 or 10 is often open to debate. Here, in no specific order, we highlight 5 of the greatest race cars ever made that feature the iconic prancing horse.

The Ferrari 250 GTO is possibly the most famous of them all and was designed to compete in the world sports car arena. With a tubular steel frame, it was quite similar to the GT SWB's but aerodynamic changes and a few other improvements in the overall design improved the rear downforce.

Sergio Scaglietti was brought in to replace the departed Giotto Bizzarrini and complete the project, which resulted in not one of the 36 GTOs made between 1962 and 1964 being identical, adding to the aura that now surrounds this classic.

A truly outstanding car to drive with a price anywhere from $50 - $70 million.

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No list would be complete without the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. A winner at Le Mans in 1958, 1960 and 1961 firmly cemented its place as a legendary race car in the Ferrari stable.

The most famous Testa Rossas were some of the earliest models made, featuring pontoon-style bodywork. The bodywork was later changed when the car became unstable at high speeds but this endurance racing car with its 4-speed manual gearbox remains a true legend in Ferrari history.

The current sales price is in excess of $40 million!

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In 1961, Ferrari entered the Formula 1 Championship with the 156 "Sharknose" and went on to win five of the eight races that season. A new V6 engine gave the car greater performance and resulted in two wins each for drivers Phil Hill and Wolfgang von Trips, plus a win on debut for Italian Giancarlo Baghetti – the only driver in history to win an F1 race at his first attempt.

However, the season is most remembered for the tragic death of Wolfgang von Trips who crashed in Monza, an accident that also resulted in the loss of lives of 14 spectators. Phil Hill of the USA won the driver's championship, but the victory was naturally a bittersweet one.

Enzo Ferrari ordered all 156 cars to be destroyed after this season.

The current sales price is in the region of $8 - $10 million.

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The Ferrari F2004 deserves its place on the list as this was the car that enabled Michael Schumacher to win his seventh (and last) Formula 1 world championship in 2004. Schumacher dominated proceedings, winning 13 of 18 races over the season – his teammate also won another two.

This was the peak of the Schumacher-era domination with five consecutive drivers' titles and six in a row for Ferrari as constructors' champion. With its V10 engine, the F2004 was in a class of its own and the true thoroughbred in the field.

An F2004 was sold at auction several years ago for $2.3 million, a record for a modern F1 car at the time. That figure has since been eclipsed a number of times. An F2003 was sold in 2022 for almost $15 million, so if an F2004 comes on the market again it would certainly command a higher price tag now.

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Finally, we complete our list with something from the late 50s, the 1958 Ferrari 246 Dino F1. The 246 F1 was the first V6-engined car to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix (in France) and was also the last front-engined car to win a Formula 1 race in 1960.

Mike Hawthorn was able to win the World Championship in this car and Ferrari also achieved second place in the Constructors' Championship.

With its tubular aluminium body, the 246 F1 had a light and rigid structure, weighing just over 550 kilos and being powered by a 4-speed manual engine. Its success was limited though as engine capacity regulations changed in 1961 and together with the increase in mid-engined rivals, the 246 F1 Dino drifted away.

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For everything Ferrari then please take a look at our Ferrari website, which has recently had an upgrade.  www.ferrarimotorcarsales.com

Here you will find a wide range of Ferrari vehicles for sale plus other interesting news items and information dedicated to the Ferrari marque.

Classic Car Events in the UK and Europe in Early 2023

As we begin another year it's time to look ahead at a selection of classic car events that will be taking place in the UK and Europe over the next few months. This is just a snapshot of the many events that will be taking place between now and the end of April 2023.

Kicking things off from the 1st to the 5th of February 2023 is the Retromobile show in Paris, France. This is the event that makes Paris become the collectors' car capital for several days and is a great event for anyone interested in vintage cars.

Retromobile brings together a vast collection of vintage cars with dynamic displays showcasing legendary vehicles. The world's leading auction houses are also present to conduct sales, so this is your chance to journey through time and live the dream.

More information can be found here: https://www.retromobile.com/

Retromobile Paris

The London Classic Car Show is now into its ninth year and this must-attend event returns to Olympia London for 2023 from the 24th to 26th of February 2023. This is the event for classic car buyers, collectors and enthusiasts.

The show will feature the "movers and shakers" of the classic car world, the vehicles at the upper end of the classic car market. A live auction has also been added to the list of events for 2023 and this will be limited to just 100 varied classic and collector's cars, with the auction to be conducted by Historics Auctioneers (The London Classic Car Show's newly-appointed Official Auction Partner) on the 25th February.

For more details on this event and tickets click here: https://www.theclassiccarshowuk.com/

London Car Show

A month later, the action moves to the NEC Birmingham from the 24th to 26th of March 2023 and the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show. This annual event is always popular and is regarded as one of the friendliest events on the calendar. From restoration projects to finding that dream ride, all can be experienced at this event.

Expert tips are available at the staged events and there will again be a host of over 1,000 classic cars to be admired, car clubs, barn finds, and an auction conducted by Classic Car Auctions.

This event has something for everyone, full details here: https://www.necrestorationshow.com/welcome

Practical Classics

Moving into April and we strongly recommend the Techno Classica Essen in Germany from the 12th to the 16th of April 2023. The show is divided into numerous exhibition areas including the car and motorcycle industry, prestige cars, classic motorsport, restoration, automobilia, and car auctions, to name just a few.

More than 1,250 exhibitors from 30 nations will be found here in the 12 halls and open-air areas, so this is a huge event on a grand scale. With a theme each year, this world exhibition offers the most important meeting point and trade centre in the world.

More details and ticket information can be found here: http://www.siha.de/tce_uk.php?m=1&ms=1

Techno Classica Essen

Finally, to complete our short list of events during the early part of the year, we feature the 80th Goodwood Members' Meeting which takes place on the 15th and 16th of April 2023. You can get close-up access to all areas but you must be a member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club to attend in person.

The Members' Meeting, presented by Audrain Motorsport, is a thrilling weekend of epic motor racing, high-speed track demonstrations and fun-packed festivities which all take place in an uncrowded environment.

To check out all of the details or apply to become a member then head over to their website right here: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/members-meeting/tickets-and-packages/

Goodwood

If you have an event that needs to be promoted then why not get it featured and showcased on our websites or through our range of marketing options? We have many options available so that your show or event can be presented to thousands of car enthusiasts and potential clients and/or visitors worldwide.

Classic Motors For Sale:   www.classicmotorsforsale.com

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HISTORICS COMES TO THE CAPITAL

  • • Historics Auctioneers announces exclusive 100-car sale at The London Classic Car Show on Saturday, 25th February 2023
  • • Early entry of a 550bhp 2016 AC Cobra 427-SC by Kirkham sets the adrenaline-fuelled tempo  

Historics Auctioneers is starting 2023 in style with an exclusive sale at The London Classic Car Show on Saturday, 25th February 2023, celebrating the return of the showcase event to the capital after a three-year absence with a glittering array of must-see features and attractions.

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As Official Auction Partner to this, the capital’s premier classic car event at Olympia, West London on 24-26th February, Historics - known for its varied and eclectic auction consignments - will offer for sale 100 fine classic and collector cars at the heart of the venue that’s been steeped in motoring history for more than a century.

The addition of the London Classic Car Show to Historics’ yearly schedule will be reflected in a carefully-curated entry appealing to the breadth of classic car enthusiasts and collectors.

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An early sale entry, a mighty and sparingly-used 2016 AC Cobra 427-SC by the famed USA specialist Kirkham Motorsports - featuring an FIA-correct hand-rolled alloy body, 7-litre powerhouse with 550bhp underfoot - sets the hair-raising tempo to what is sure to be an adrenalin-fuelled sale.

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The official show partnership and auction mark a further step-up in Historics’ increasing profile, coming six months after adding Bicester Heritage to its auction roster that also includes Ascot Racecourse, Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands and Windsorview Lakes Berkshire.

Commenting for Historics, CEO Mark Perkins, remarked:  “We are delighted to sign the exclusive agreement with The London Classic Car Show.  Having established and grown to become the South of England’s premier classic car auction specialists, it’s a natural extension to now bring Historics’ unique auction flavour to London and to the legion of enthusiasts in the capital and beyond.”

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Martin Clark, Content Director, Cars, at show organiser Brand Events, enthused: “It’s great to be back at Olympia and to welcome Historics as our new Official Auction Partner.

“A live, public auction never fails to create an electric atmosphere and I’m sure all those coming to London will be spellbound as the bidding starts – even more so if they are tempted to raise an arm! Either way, we are delighted that Historics will be part of our fantastic show and providing us all with even more amazing cars from former golden eras to savour… if not buy.” 

Entries are now invited....

With capacity limited to 100 Lots, Historics is encouraging early consignment to The London Classic Car Show Sale on 01753 639170, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  For further news on the sale, and to pre-register to bid, see www.historics.co.uk and follow Historics on social media.

Winter Storage: Hibernation of your Classic Car

In most of the northern hemisphere winter is fast approaching, so thoughts now start to turn to the all-important winter storage of our classic cars. Today, we take a look at some of the essential points to consider when storing your vehicle and also showcase one of the leading dedicated classic car storage facilities in central London, this being London Car Store, which is the only car storage facility actually located in central London.

Firstly, Cleaning Your Car fully inside and out, including a wash, polish and wax, is an essential starting point. Make sure there is no rubbish or forgotten food hidden away anywhere too. After cleaning, a short run for just 10 minutes will ensure all brake discs are dry.

Next, Wheels and Tyres need inspection so remove and clean all wheel nuts and ensure they are greased with a good anti-seize on the threads before putting them back on. For the tyres, clean out any debris and add an extra 10 psi, unless you can store the car using axle stands – but remember to check tyre pressure and reduce it should you wish to take the car out for a drive.

Moving on, Fuel Levels are essential so fill the fuel tank with premium-grade fuel to avoid any condensation and, if you need to, add some fuel stabiliser to help. Also, remember to fill your anti-freeze with liquid at the right concentration.

Parking can be overlooked, so be sure to park your vehicle with the bonnet facing out, to enable easy access to the battery in particular. Leave the handbrake off and the car in gear (or in "Park" if an automatic) as this will prevent brakes from seizing.

Battery Care is essential although there is no need to remove the battery during winter storage, but it should be maintained and charged. We recommend using a good battery conditioner & charger for this purpose. Keeping windscreen wipers slightly off the glass is also a good idea, to prevent the rubber from perishing.

Next, Preventing Moisture and allowing Air Circulation is essential so it's a good idea to leave the driver's window slightly open, just enough to allow a little finger through but no more, as this will allow a small air flow in the car. Using a dehumidifier is also an option but be sure it is not set too high, as this will draw all moisture from everything.

Finally, it is time to Cover Your Car, so prior to covering it might be useful to put a bung of some kind in the exhaust and cover air intakes. Your actual car cover should not be 100% waterproof so it's best to invest in a semi-tailored breathable cover of some kind. For added security and safety, ensure all garage windows are covered, no garage door remote is left in the car, and you have valid insurance even during these storage months.

During the winter months, keep an eye on your car at least every 30 days. Check the battery conditioner, look over the vehicle for any unwanted additions, look in the boot, under the bonnet, check tyre pressures. Keep an eye open for any oil leaks, make sure that no water or fuel is leaking into the engine oil, and get in and pump the brakes every week or so.

It's not recommended to start up the engine and keep it running for a while during storage but, if there is a nice day, take the car out for a short run, just to warm everything up. However, be sure to check everything has been connected (or disconnected where necessary) before going out and follow the storage steps again on return.

All sounds a lot to do, doesn't it? However, help is at hand if you don't want the hassle yourself. There are many excellent car storage providers out there and, if you are in or near central London, we can strongly recommend the services of London Car Store, a secure car and motorcycle storage facility right in the heart of the capital.

Just five minutes' walk from Marble Arch tube station and the Paddington mainline, they offer an underground storage location that has no public access and has a 24-hour monitored alarm system linked directly to the Metropolitan Police Service. On weekdays, the facility is also fully manned for the full duration of their business hours.

London Car Store will clean your car, complete a thorough check, and then cover it with static dust sheets (unless you wish to use your own cover). If you bring your car in with its battery conditioner they'll ensure it remains in perfect condition throughout, if you don't have one then they have industry-respected CTEK battery conditioners available for purchase.

During storage they will also check the oil, washer and tyre pressures at no extra cost – it's all part of the service – with a minimum storage period of just one month.

Give them a call if you have any questions or require information on 020 7262 8887 or check out their website at www.londoncarstore.com

HISTORICS RETURNS £2.83 MILLION AND 65% RATE

HISTORICS RETURNS £2.83 MILLION AND 65% RATE  AT FLAVOURFUL BICESTER HERITAGE SALE

With the cost of living taking centre stage in the news, the resilience of the classic car market was under scrutiny by the time of Historics’ inaugural sale at Bicester Heritage on Saturday, 24th September.

Yet after the gavel fell on the last of the 153 varied lots in the vast auction hall, Historics returned an impressive £2.83 million gross result with a 65% rate of sale.

The new Historics venue attracted a sea of fresh faces to the bustling auction hall which, over the three viewing days and auction day itself, was visited by over 2,000, doubtless drawn by Historics’ eclectic entry, represented by 43 different car marques. In addition, the sale attracted some 400 registered online international bidders, with 40% of lots selling online.

153 lots spanning nine decades passed across the auction rostrum on the day, a 1933 Pierce Arrow Brougham Coupé (Sold: £30,240) setting the timbre for pre-war motoring against one of the most iconic of modern classics in the shape of the dramatic 2005 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Coupé (Sold: £277,340).

Entries in higher value categories performed well, with all four Ferraris – headed by a  blisteringly quick 730bhp 2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (Sold: £140,000) passing to new owners. Meanwhile, a 1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa Restomod proved the demand for exceptionally-presented, bespoke classic Porsches. Following two equally fine example sold by Historics in recent sales, the elegant Targa soared to £100,800.  Not long before, a fine, matching numbers FIA-papered 1969 Porsche 911E settled at £73,000.

Of the 18 Mercedes-Benz examples entered, 14 sold (78%), illustrating the marque’s enduring appeal in so many age and value categories, with a total yield of close to £850,000 and an average sale price of over £60,700.  Within the entry was also a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL which soared well above estimate to £140,000 (£95,000-£110,000) and a 2000 Mercedes-Benz G500 first owned by Mr. ’Slowhand’ Eric Clapton, making top estimate at £37,356.

Aside from the popularity of German classics, a wonderful example of contemporary British craftmanship in the guise of a rare 2015 Evanta Barchetta brought a rousing round of applause as the hammer came down at £67,920, nearly twice its mid-estimate. Equally impressive was a one-off, lusty, 400 bhp 1972 AC Aceca Cobra Coupe, completed in its current specification in 1982, which rumbled gloriously to £106,400.

The sale also included plenty of choice for those interested in more affordable classics, including those with an eye for the extraordinary...Indeed, whilst the Morris Six showcased the company’s post-war interest in larger cars than the ubiquitous Minor, the 1949 example of the ‘Six’ on sale here was big in other ways...hiding beneath the elegantly re-trimmed leather interior was a window-rattling 7.6 litre Ford V8, quickshift auto, vented discs and all sorts, which doubtless helped propel it to a worthy £14,560.

Meanwhile, a Morris of a wholly different kind was a 1950 Morris 8/40 Coupe Utility built under licence in Australia. In Heritage Green and fully restored, it features a charming locally-built wooden rear body, and doubtless will deliver enormous enjoyment to its new owner at a shade over £9,000.

Finally, and staying with British classics, following Historics’ previous success with Triumph TR8s,  a very fine ex-factory 1980 demonstrator – just one of four RHD automatic examples - passed to a new owner for £24,640. It’s pristine condition was a stark contrast to the 1961 Jaguar ‘flat-floor’ Series I E-Type Roadster restoration which settled on £61,600 .

Full results from the Bicester Heritage sale can be viewed at www.historics.co.uk.

Historics is now consigning for its final sale of the year at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands on Saturday 26th November. To consign a vehicle, call 01753 639170 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you are interested in listing your stock with us and joining a successful and growing client list then please contact us using the details below. 

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | +44(0) 2392 160 809 |This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |  www.classicmotorsforsale.com|

The Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart

This museum in Stuttgart has over 1,500 exhibits on show and is spread over nine levels, covering a floor space of 16,500 m². The history of Mercedes-Benz is in full view here from the very first patented car in the world to the most recent hydrogen vehicle.

Invented by Carl Benz in 1886, the museum celebrates all that the iconic brand stands for; the history, stories, technology and its place in popular culture. Over 160 vehicles of all types form the main centrepiece of the museum, ranging from some of the oldest vehicles ever made to legendary racing cars and vehicles of the future.

These vehicles, together with all of the other exhibits, form a permanent exhibition located in twelve different rooms that can be covered in group or private tours.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, with the ticket office closing at 5 pm – the museum is closed on Mondays and opening hours may vary during holiday periods.

At just 12 Euros for a regular day ticket, the museum offers great value, with reduced tickets also available for 6 Euros and free entry for children up to and including the age of 12.

There are special events and exhibitions organised during the year, guided tours, and activities for kids, so you are guaranteed a great day out.

With so many vehicles on display, here we highlight just a small selection of the legends that you will see during your visit.

The 40 PS Mercedes Simplex is the oldest Mercedes still in existence and was the successor to the 35 PS Mercedes designed by Wilhelm Maybach, which was the world's first car of the modern age. It was given the "Simplex" name due to the ease with which it handled and had a top speed of 50 mph from its 4-cylinder engine.

The 75 PS Mercedes was the first series model and was built between 1907 and 1911, with a variety of different bodies. The one shown here is an open tourer (phaeton) that featured two rows of seats. Another 4-cylinder engine which was capable of reaching a top speed of 59 mph.

At the start of the 50s, we saw the release of the Mercedes-Benz 300 S, a top-of-the-range and very sporty model. Available as a coupe, convertible and roadster it had 6 cylinders and a top speed of 108 mph, with only 560 units produced.

In 1954, the 300 SL production sports car came out. This iconic vehicle soon became known as the Gullwing because of its very characteristic upward-opening doors. With a top speed of 162 mph, it became the dream car of the 1950s and was produced from 1954 to 1957.

And finally, moving into the mid-60s, we can see the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, which was the world's first sports car with a sturdy passenger cell and crumple zones - and also its concaved removable hardtop. Due to this appearance, it soon became known as the Pagoda, a reference to Asian temples of the same name and their roof shape.19831 units were produced between 1963 and 1967 and the 230 SL was capable of reaching a speed of 124 mph.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart is well worth a visit and you can read all about it here on their official website: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/art-and-culture/museum/

For more information about advertising with us, then please get in touch using the details below.

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+44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com|

Ferrari 250 GTO to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary!

2022 will see the 60th birthday of possibly the most famous car in the world, the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO. With only 39 models built, the 250 GTO was destined for greatness, going on to win races with its high performance and admiration for its stunning looks. So, as we wish a happy 60th to such a classic in 2022, we thought it only right to mention a few other notable milestones from both 1952 and 1962.

In 1952, three classics were born that will celebrate 70 year anniversaries in 2022. Firstly, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, now with the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox as opposed to only manual. It was launched as a successor to the earlier Dawn and Bentley MkVI models.

The Bentley Continental R, with its sleek body designed by HJ Mulliner, also appeared in 1952. This very stylish classic was fitted with a manual gearbox in what was a real supercar of the day, but an automatic version was also available. High-speed cruising was the key feature of this beauty, with 100mph attainable even with four occupants.

Completing a trio of Platinum jubilee cars is the Austin A30. This model was initially manufactured as a four-door version in 1952, with two-door and Countryman estate versions following soon after. With a new A-series engine, this A30 was certainly a more visually appealing model than earlier Austin vehicles. This small family car was released as a competitor to the Morris Minor.

As we move into the 60s, 1962 saw the birth of another four classics that will reach their Diamond anniversary in 2022, beginning with the MGB Roadster. For many years the MGB was the best-selling sports car in the world, with production continuing right up until the early 1980s. The Roadster released in 1962 was bigger and more comfortable than the previous MGA, and also quicker. The MGB was only manufactured as a Roadster initially, with another three years passing before a closed GT coupe version became available.

The Triumph Spitfire is another that turns 60 in 2022. This small sports car was built to take on the MG Midget, and with its spacious interior and more powerful engine, it soon became a very popular model, still selling well into the early 80s.

How could we compile a list of 60-year-olds and not mention this one, the iconic AC Cobra? With a Ford V8 engine installed, the first AC Cobra was manufactured in January 1962, with later models having a slightly larger engine capacity. This Carol Shelby classic had amazing performance and would go on to write its own history on the road and race track.

Completing our 60th birthday honours list is the Alfa Romeo Giulia. This early 60s saloon sold over 800,000 models during a 10-year production life. With its smart looks and manual five-speed gearbox, the Giulia was a very agile mover, despite being aimed at the family market.

So there we have a shortlist of Platinum and Diamond anniversary classics to celebrate in 2022, although they still have a few years to go before reaching the century mark of 100 years! One final raise of the glass is in order for the Amilcar C4, which reaches this remarkable milestone in 2022, a car that first appeared was back in 1922 in the days of the cyclecar market!