One of the rarest Ferrari's and one owned by Ross Brawn has been put up for sale by Hexagon.

• Leading London classic car retailer Hexagon Classics is proud to offer for sale one of the rarest Ferrari Dinos
• Super exclusive 1974 246 GTS has the factory-fitted option of 7½-inch Campagnolo wheels, complete with a wider track and flared wheelarches
• Known as the ‘Flares’ variant, it is one of the most collectable and prized of all Dinos and car for sale is one of only 12 built worldwide
• Previously owned by former Mercedes team principal and F1’s new Managing Director, Ross Brawn
• Finished in Bianco Polo Park white paint with black hide, this right-hand-drive car is also the penultimate Dino to be exported to the UK

Leading London classic car retailer Hexagon is delighted to welcome one of the rarest and most desirable Ferrari 246 GTS Dino models in existence – the famous ‘Flares’ variant.

Previously owned by former Mercedes team principal and F1’s new Managing Director, Ross Brawn, this very special 1974 open-top Dino features the famous ‘Flares’ package of factory-fitted 7½-inch sand-cast Campagnolo wheels with a wider track and flared wheelarches.

A very rare Dino indeed with just 12 examples built worldwide, the right-hand-drive car at Hexagon Classics is also the penultimate model to be exported to the UK, further adding to its desirability. 

Freshly re-painted in period Bianco Polo Park white and with just 24,000 miles it is in almost as-new condition and represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.

It also features re-trimmed black leather seats to Daytona specification (so named after the V12 coupe, which was also on sale at the time). When combined with the wheelarches and Campagnolo wheels in period, the factory-fitted package was known as ‘Chairs and Flares’.   

As with all Dinos, power comes from a mid-mounted 195hp 2.4-litre V6 giving a top speed of 146mph. The car comes complete with the manufacturer’s order and associated invoices to Maranello Concessionaires, the original Concessionaires sales order and correspondence, operating handbook and parts book, handbook wallet and historical chassis file including marque specialist invoices. It also carries Ferrari Classiche certification.

Hexagon Classics Chairman Paul Michaels said: “This is one very special Dino indeed. Not only does it have a famous previous owner in the shape of Ross Brawn, but it is also one of the rarest in the world. The factory-fitted ‘Flares’ package is rightly highly desirable – those stunning Campagnolo wheels, wider track and, of course, flared arches, are subtle yet stunning additions to an already striking car.

“Factor in the retro-fitted Daytona seats, right-hand drive and its status as the penultimate Dino to be brought to the UK and you have a very collectable classic Ferrari. This is without doubt a wonderful opportunity to purchase one of the finest Dinos currently on sale anywhere.”

The Ferrari 246 GTS Dino is available to view now at Hexagon Classics’ flagship showroom in north London.

The latest Silverstone Auctions has somes seriously stunning cars up for auction.

• 95 best of breed classic and sports cars will be offered by Silverstone Auctions at Race Retro on 25^th and 26^th February.
• The auction house has compiled its best ever Race Retro catalogue.
• A 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT will headline the sale with an estimate of £300,000 to £350,000.

Silverstone Auctions returns to Race Retro to host a two-day Classic Car Sale on Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th February, in addition to its Competition Car Sale on 24th February, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

With an incredibly varied catalogue, it’s best ever at Race Retro, Silverstone Auctions has brought together the finest classic cars with plenty of rare and low mileage examples, high performance sports cars and collectible modern classics to choose from, as well as a selection of luxury watches and automobilia.

“This is our sixth auction at Race Retro and we have another exceptional line-up of cars this year, perhaps our best ever at the event,” comments Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. 

“We’re delighted to be part of the show again and, as always, we have some really unique opportunities for buyers and collectors and some really special cars on offer that rarely come to market.”

Headlining the sale is a UK, right-hand drive 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT featuring the incredibly rare and desirable factory fitted flared wheel arches and Campagnolo wheels. It will be offered for sale for the first time in 22 years at an estimate of £300,000 to £350,000.

Another highlight of the sale is a 1983 Lamborghini Countach LP500S with an impressive 12 British Outright Speed records. 

The rare, right-hand drive, UK delivered Countach LP500S is one of only 25 examples made and was first owned by racing driver and Lamborghini aficionado Barry Robinson. Presenting a unique opportunity to collectors, it will be offered at a sale estimate of £325,000 to £350,000.

For buyers seeking a younger model, a right-hand drive 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV finished in the striking combination of Arancio Leonis with an Alcantara interior, is offered at an estimate of £240,000 to £280,000.

Also in the sale, a 1956 BMW 502 V8 saloon, one of just 12 right-hand drive examples produced, offers collectorsa rare and stylish road car with lots of provenance. A regular in the St. Mary’s Trophy at the Goodwood Revival meeting over the years, it has been driven by many famous racing drivers including Marc Surer and Alan Jones, 1980 F1 World Champion, and will be offered with a sale estimate of £30,000 to £35,000.

Other luxury classics on offer include a 1962 Rolls-Royce SCT100, one of just 17 long-wheelbase variants in right-hand drive without a division, and the first ever such Cloud III LWB coach built by James Young. It will be offered at £65,000 to £75,000 presented in Velvet Green with a Champagne leather interior, with original luxury walnut features.

A very special 2006 Bentley Azure 6.7 Convertible in Dark Sapphire Blue Azure presents an ultra-rare opportunity to own an 'almost as new' condition, incredibly low mileage, modern classic Bentley. With just one registered keeper from new, it is offered at £135,000 to £155,000.

For collectors looking for something a little more unusual, a 1939 4 1/4 Ltr Blown Derby Bentley "Rusty Turner" Special will be offered with an estimate of £110,000 to £140,000. One of three built by the talented Tony Fabian and converted to a sports racer by 'Rusty' Turner in 1968, it emotes pre-war Bentley with a long and interesting history.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors at Race Retro to our special sale and we hope to help show-goers leave with their dream classic,” concludes Nick Whale.

1974 Time Warp VW Beetle in mint condition with just 90km's on the clock is going up for auction.

A 42 year old Volkswagen Beetle,that has covered just 90 km, has been discovered in time warp condition and will be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Race Aarhus Auction in Denmark on 28^th and 29^th May.

Unique is a word often used incorrectly, but in the case of this 1974 Beetle, it is not inaccurate. With just one owner from new and only 90 kilometres on the clock, this little car must be one of the lowest mileage examples in existence still in its original condition.

Supplied new by G. Terragni Volkswagen, Genoa, Italy, on the 23rd January 1974, its first and only proud owner was an elderly gentleman by the name of Armando Sgroi. He had never owned a motorcar before and did not particularly want this one. However, he was a deeply religious man and walked every Sunday from his house in the hills to his local church. This was only a short distance, but it had become a struggle as he became more and more frail with age.

The car was used less and less as his church-going became more infrequent, up until the last outing in 1978, when the car was retired to a barn where it has remained for almost four decades. This little Beetle has recently been rediscovered, has been lightly recommissioned and will now be offered at auction. For sale for only the second time in its life, it will head to auction with an estimate of €35,000 to €40,000.

Speaking ahead of the sale, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions commented, “The VW Beetle is one of the most successful and loved cars worldwide, and we’re no strangers to them at Silverstone Auctions, but this one is a very special example and something we rarely see. With such an incredibly low mileage it is in virtually new condition, 42 years after it was first bought.”

Finished in blue with a black leather interior and all its original features, this left-hand drive, manual example still holds the original oil in the engine and is shod with its first set of tyres. The original books and invoice, along with its unwrapped tool kit, are also supplied with the car.

The car features as part of the Classic Race Aarhus Auction hosted by Silverstone Auctions and Lauritz.com at the prestigious motorsport festival in Denmark.

JD Classics’ legendary Ford Cologne Capri continues its winning ways with victories at the 2015 Spa Classic.

• JD Classics’ legendary Ford Cologne Capri continues its winning ways with a comprehensive victory at the 2015 Spa Classic
• The 1974 Ford chalked up impressive victories in the past year, including at the Silverstone Classic and Donington Historic Festival
• A dominant performance saw the Capri win both legs of the Heritage Touring Cup by 40 seconds and 30 seconds respectively

JD Classics’ Ford Cologne Capri has chalked up another comprehensive victory following a dominant season of racing in 2014. In the past twelve months, it has conquered its rivals at the Silverstone Classic and Donington Historic Festival.

As the 1974 Cologne Capri Works arrived at a warm and dry Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, its drivers Chris Ward and Andrew Smith prepared for qualifying in the Heritage Touring Cup. Of a field of 38 strong contenders, the JD Classics Capri qualified second, sitting just behind the Rover Vitesse of Tim Summers and Richard Meaden.

But the work wasn’t over, with the night time practice session looming. Complete with an all-new lighting system, and never having run in the dark before, the Ford Cologne Capri showed just how dominant it can be, recording a lap that was six seconds quicker than any other in the field.

The following day was the first of two hour-long Heritage Touring Cup races, with driver Andrew Smith sitting on the grid behind the wheel of the Ford. At lights out, the JD Classics car’s searing pace was immediately obvious as the Rover ahead struggled to maintain its lead. By the time the cars were approaching the notoriously tricky Eau Rouge corner on lap one, the Ford Cologne Capri was in the lead.

And once in front, the Capri’s consistently quick lap times allowed it to pull out a lead that made it uncatchable. As the gap to second place lengthened, the JD Classics team called the Capri in for a pit stop, with time to give the car a once-over and allow Chris Ward to step in to the driver’s seat. By the time the chequered flag had fallen, the Capri had claimed fastest lap of the race and was 40 seconds ahead of second place – the Ford Capri of Steve Dance.

Later the same day, the JD Classics Capri headed out for the second of the Heritage Touring Cup races – an hour-long sprint in the dark, kicking off at 10pm.

Sitting on pole, the Capri extended its lead from the very first lap, but dropped to second as the team performed a pit stop and driver change with the safety car out. Nevertheless, the first-place Capri of Steve Dance couldn’t hold the lead for long, and before the out lap was through, the JD Classics Capri was back in the lead. Free to extend its lead once again, the Capri crossed the finish line 30 seconds ahead of its closest rival, showing no signs of interrupting its impressive winning streak.

JD Classics founder, Derek Hood, said: “The race results of our Ford Cologne Capri Works are a testament to the world-class engineers, drivers and support crew that make up our Competition Department. Its track record is seriously impressive and we believe there’s plenty more to come from this fantastic car.”

Skoda celebrates 40 years of RS production.

• ŠKODA 180 RS/200 RS: established in 1974 as the first original RS models of ŠKODA’s successful motorsport era of the 1970s and 1980s
• Legendary ‘Porsche of the East’: the ŠKODA 130 RS
• The new era: from the first generation ŠKODA Octavia RS (2000) to the fastest ŠKODA Octavia of all time (2013)

ŠKODA aficionados associate these initials which, according to ŠKODA historians, stand for Rally Sport, with very sporty, racy, classy and dynamic cars. The ŠKODA RS story began in 1974 with the ŠKODA 180 RS and ŠKODA 200 RS racing cars. The legendary ŠKODA 130 RS in the 1970s and 1980s was one of the most successful sports cars of its time. The Czech car makers launched the ŠKODA Octavia RS (known in the UK as Octavia vRS) as the first RS model of the new era in 2000. Then came the ŠKODA Fabia RS (also known in the UK as Fabia vRS) in 2003. The new ŠKODA Octavia RS has been the current star of the ŠKODA RS racers for the past year – it is the fastest and most powerful Octavia of all time.

“Our RS models are sporty power machines for the ŠKODA brand,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “This is just as true today as it was 40 years ago. The RS initials denote ŠKODA’s successes in motorsport as well as the high performance and passion represented by select production models. They are an expression of our outstanding motorsport tradition,” says Vahland.

1974: ŠKODA 180 RS and 200 RS – spectacular racing cars

ŠKODA used the abbreviation RS for the first time as a model designation in 1974. ŠKODA 180 RS and 200 RS racing cars are considered to be the original RS cars. The reason for the development was a desire to compete in the more prestigious and higher-volume racing classes, as well as challenge internationally successful brands on the race tracks.

After just half a year’s preparation, in the spring of 1974, ŠKODA launched three super sports models (one 180 RS, and two 200 RSs), which ran in an official motorsport competition for the first time in June of the same year, then known as the ŠKODA Rally. “The ŠKODA 180 RS and 200 RS models represented the brand’s entry into top-class rallying,” says Michal Velebný, Restoration Workshop Manager at the ŠKODA Museum.

This fireball’s bonnet concealed a 120 kW (163 PS) two-litre engine with an overhead camshaft. The top speed of the ŠKODA 200 RS was 210 km/h. In addition to its acceleration power and high top speed, the vehicle impressed with its outstanding handling, favoured by a newly developed trailing arm rear axle. The transmission came from Porsche.

ŠKODA 130 RS – a racing legend is born

Positive experiences with the 200 RS quickly decided those in positions of responsibility to build a vehicle for general motorsport. Just one year later, the ŠKODA 130 RS drove into the international racing limelight ready for the 1975 season. This was the start of six great years of motor racing.

The ŠKODA 130 RS became one of the most successful racing cars of its time and was a powerful competitor in rallies and races until the beginning of the 1980s. Many motorsport fans are familiar with the 130 RS, also referring to it as the ‘Porsche of the East’. The successes of the 130 RS have shaped ŠKODA’s great reputation in motorsports to date.

The 130 RS celebrated its greatest triumphs with a double victory in the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally in the up to 1,300 cm³ cylinder capacity category and a victory in the European Touring Car Championship of 1981. Even in major Czech competitions, such as the Barum Rally, the Bohemia Rally or the Sumava Rally, the vehicle achieved many victories.

The rear-wheel drive racing car was powered by a 103 kW (140 PS) 1.3 litre four-cylinder engine. The racing configuration was successful among other things due to Weber carburettors for fuel/air mixing, an eight-port cylinder head and dry-sump lubrication. The racer, around four metres long, 1.72 metres wide and just 1.34 metres high, achieved a top speed of 220 km/h.

When production of the 130 RS came to an end in 1981, the RS era at ŠKODA was interrupted for almost 20 years.

RS goes into standard production – ŠKODA Octavia RS (2000-2005)

At the turn of the millennium, ŠKODA sets again a clear signal in terms of production sports cars, with a clear reference to the RS era. In 2000, the manufacturer launched the ŠKODA Octavia RS. Four years before, the new Octavia had celebrated its debut – the first model from the brand to be developed from scratch after the fall of the Iron Curtain and Volkswagen’s association with the Czech manufacturer. Now the new ŠKODA best seller was the first to have its own RS version as a consumer model – another homage to the tradition of the ŠKODA 180/200 RS, and in particular the successes of the ŠKODA 130 RS. The new era RS model proved to have immediate consumer appeal. A more powerful engine, outstanding handling and sporting charisma, combined with all the advantages of a compact family car – an irresistible combination.

The vehicle had a 1.8 litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 132 kW (180 PS). The gear system was a manual five-speed transmission. The Octavia RS accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds; peak speed was 235 km/h. The first generation Octavia RS was produced from 2000 to 2005.

In 2001 a racy Octavia RS special model attracted much attention. On the occasion of the first centenary of ŠKODA Motorsport, the brand launched a limited-edition of 100 pieces of ŠKODA Octavia RS WRC Edition.

Following on from the ŠKODA Octavia WRC rally car, which had competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC) since 1998, ŠKODA trimmed its Octavia RS WRC with some sporty design features. These included, among other things, 17-inch aluminium wheels and xenon headlamps. The vehicle was also fitted with ESC as standard.

The first generation ŠKODA Fabia RS (2003-2007)

In 2003 the manufacturer extended its RS range with a second model and gave starter’s orders to the sportily designed small car ŠKODA Fabia RS.

The first sporty hatchback model of the brand was powered by a 1.9 litre diesel turbo engine with 96 kW (130 PS) and a six-speed transmission. The vehicle accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and was capable of a top speed of 204 km/h. The first generation ŠKODA Fabia RS came off the production line between 2003 and 2007.

The second generation ŠKODA Octavia RS (2005-2013)

A new ŠKODA Octavia RS followed in 2005 with the second generation ŠKODA Octavia. The second generation sports car was manufactured up to 2013. In addition to the saloon, the RS version was also available for the ŠKODA Octavia Combi.

In addition, ŠKODA fitted the new ŠKODA Octavia RS with two engine versions. The customer had the choice between a two-litre petrol turbo engine with 147 kW (200 PS) and a two-litre diesel turbo with 125 kW (170 PS). Both engines could be combined with manual six-speed transmission or for the first time also with automatic six-speed DSG transmission.

The second generation ŠKODA Octavia RS was impressive with once again significantly improved acceleration and speed values. The petrol engine accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds (up to then it had been 7.9 seconds), and achieved a top speed of 240 km/h.

The second generation ŠKODA Fabia RS (since 2010)

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, ŠKODA launched the new second generation ŠKODA Fabia RS. For the first time since then, the compact sports car has been available as a hatchback or as an estate.

A small car with a powerful engine: the Fabia has an automatic seven-speed DSG gearbox fitted as standard. Its twin turbocharged 1.4 TSI petrol engine 132 kW (180 PS) accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Its top speed is 224 km/h.

Current generation ŠKODA Octavia RS: The fastest Octavia in series production

The third generation of the ŠKODA Octavia RS continues to set new standards among cars tuned for sporty driving. Customers may choose from either liftback or estate body styles in combination with an advanced 2.0 TSI petrol engine with an output of 162 kW or a 2.0 TDI (135kW) turbocharged diesel unit utilising state-of-the-art technologies to achieve an excellent combination of fuel consumption and on-road dynamics. The petrol version of the ŠKODA Octavia RS reaches a top speed of 248 km/h, which rightly gives it the title of the fastest-ever series production model in the ŠKODA Octavia range.

SCOOP 2 - The 2014 facelifted versions of Volkswagen's Scirocco and Scirocco R coupes have been revealed

Volkswagen has given a sleek new look to its Scirocco and Scirocco R hatchback coupes. While visually, the new VW Scirocco may appear to be a classic case of a blink and you’ll miss it facelift, VW has also made revisions under the bonnet, with more powerful but more efficient engines now offered.

The updated model will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, which kicks off on March 4. The unveiling will also mark 40 years since the original model was first revealed at Geneva back in 1974.

Designers have borrowed styling cues from the latest-generation VW Golf, carrying over the aero-optimised blades featuring integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights sitting beneath the restyled headlights. If you opt the optional bi-xenon headlights, the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights.

At the rear, changed are also minimal but all models now come with LED taillights, while the bumper has been reshaped. Also, like the Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now doubles as boot release handle. New-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console inside, complete the visual changes.  

 

The flagship Scirocco R benefits from similar cosmetic treatments, but features bespoke bumpers and a new alloy wheel design. Mechanically, the range-topper features one of six new tubocharged direct-injection engines. It's now fitted with a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 276bhp – up 15bhp on the old car.

Three other petrol and two diesel engines are offered across the range. The petrol lineup consists of a 123bhp 1.4-litre (up from 120bhp), a new 177bhp 2.0-litre and a 217bhp 2.0-litre TSI engine, which replaces the previous 207bhp motor. Diesel offerings come in the shape of a 148bhp or 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine. All come with a six-speed manual as standard, with selected models offered with a seven-speed DSG gearbox.  

Despite the increase in power across the range, VW Claims efficiency is also up by 19 per cent, with the engines returning between 68.9 and 34.9 mpg.

The refreshed Scirocco will be available to order in the UK from May, with first deliveries scheduled for September. Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s launch. 

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