Posts from the Wheels Category at Luxist

Vintage Aston Martin Auction: Drive Like 007

Posted May 16th 2008 6:02PM by Jared Paul Stern
Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

Tomorrow London auction house Bonhams will host its 9th annual Aston Martin auction in Newport Pagnell, England, at the Aston Martin Works Service. Since 2000 Bonhams have sold over $27 million worth of Aston Martins (James Bond's vehicle of choice) and related automobilia, breaking several records in the process and establishing themselves as the leading Aston auctioneer. The star of the auction dollar-wise is a 2006 DBR9 GT1 Sports-Racing Coupé which triumphed at that year's FIA GT Championship in Dubai. The car is estimated at $700,000 - $780,000.

Other highlights of the sale include the 1969 DB6 Volante pictured here, est. $230,000 - $290,000; a 1965 DB5 Saloon, est. $270,000 - $310,000; a 1986 V8 Vantage Zagato Coupé that belonged to actor Rowan Atkinson, est. $135,000 - $175,000; a 1961 DB4 Series IV Saloon, est. $215,000 - $250,000; and a 1989 V8 Vantage Volante, est. $175,000 - $215,000. On the heels of the Ferrari auction in Italy we told you about the other day, this is definitely a good month to go classic car shopping. See the gallery for more.

Gallery: Aston Martin Auction

Rowan Atkinson's 1986 V8 Vantage Zagato Coupé

Fabulous Ferraris Go on the Block in Italy

Posted May 15th 2008 6:09PM by Jared Paul Stern
Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

An incredible collection of Ferraris spanning 50-plus years of the company's history goes up for auction this Sunday at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. The stars of the sale are undoubtedly a 1961 250 GT SWB California Spyder that belonged to The Magnificent Seven star James Coburn, which is estimated at $4.6 - $5.9 million; and a 1964 250 Le Mans, est. $6.5 million - $7.4 million, making it one of the most expensive Ferraris ever to go on the block. There are plenty of other incredible machines on offer in the Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione event being staged by RM Auctions, however.

Our personal favorite is this beautiful 1962 250 GT Lusso, the very first production unit and one of only three known examples raced, which is considerably cheaper at est. $1.2 million - $1.5 million. Other highlights include a 1990 Ferrari F40 Le Mans, est. $1.5 million - $2.1 million; a 2004 Enzo specially made for a member of a Middle Eastern royal family in a one-off shade of gray, est. $1.2 million - $1.5 million; and a dashing dark blue 1967 GTB/4, est. $1.2 million - $1.6 million. If you can't make it to Italy this weekend, LiveAuctioneers.com has opened bidding online, and will also carry streaming audio/video of the event.

Gallery: Ferrari Auction Stars

Batman's OTHER Ride

Posted May 11th 2008 4:02PM by Rigel Gregg
Filed under: Wheels

So what does a superhero like Batman drive in situations when the Batmobile is just too obvious? A 640hp Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, of course. In the movie trailer for The Dark Knight (due out this summer) Bruce Wayne chooses the Lamborghini over the Batmobile in an attempt to be more subtle driving through town in the middle of the day. What did you expect? A Civic Hybrid? Lamborghini is apparently very proud to be associated with a franchise like Batman, saying in a statement "The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 is the natural choice for Bruce Wayne's other car."

I have to admit, it does fit!

Gallery: Batman's Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Weber Sportscars Faster One: The World's Fastest Car?

Posted May 10th 2008 11:04AM by Rigel Gregg
Filed under: Wheels

The Weber Sportscar's faster one is being billed by its Swiss manufacturer as the world's fastest street legal sportscar. It can reportedly go from 0 - 62 mph in 2.7 seconds and 0 - 124 mph in just 6.6 secs. It's a lightweight two-seater with a V8 engine and has serious aerodynamic styling including doors with no external handles, a smooth underfloor that flairs into an upturned Venturi tunnel, and an electronically controlled deployable rear wing.

It might be fast but to me it's a little "flimsy" looking. And for almost $1.6 million dollars I want something both fun to drive and fun to look at.

Gallery: Weber Sportcars Faster One

Grandes Marques Auto Auction in Monaco Today

Posted May 10th 2008 9:02AM by Jared Paul Stern
Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

London auction house Bonhams is staging a Grandes Marques classic car auction in the principality of Monaco today featuring some of the world's most collectible automobiles. The star attraction - i.e. highest-priced lot - is an historic 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport that raced at Le Mans in 1934, which is estimated at about $4 - $5 million. However there are several very beautiful and more modern motorcars being sold for a fraction of that price.

For example, the gorgeous 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Competition Saloon pictured here, est. about $320,000 - $360,000, similar to the DB5 driven by James Bond (Sean Connery) in Goldfinger. Among our other favorites, as featured in the gallery below: A 1962 Bentley S3 Continental 'Flying Spur' Saloon, est. about $280,000 - $320,000; a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupé, est. about $690,000 - $760,000; a 1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 Spyder, est. about $420,000 - $500,000; a 1994 Bugatti EB110GT Coupé, one of only 154 built, est. about $340,000 - $420,000; and a 1971 Ferrari 365GTB/4 'Daytona' Berlinetta, est. about $400,000 - $480,000.

Gallery: Grandes Marques A Monaco

Bentley Goes Electric with Greenpower

Posted May 6th 2008 4:02PM by Rigel Gregg
Filed under: Wheels, Green

Cute, streamlined, and boasting zero emissions, the new electric Bentley Greenpower tops out at 40mph while running on two 12-volt batteries that power its lightweight motor. Built by a group of Bentley factory apprentices (who are now referred to as Team Bentley) the one-wheel-drive car is comprised mostly of carbon fibre and features a bright chromed grill, Bentley leather interior and a custom Bentley-branded steering wheel. The car will participate in several races throughout the summer with the final one happening at Goodwood in October.

Via Edmunds

Gallery: Bentley's Greenpower

Strida Bicycles

Posted May 1st 2008 4:02PM by Deidre Woollard
Filed under: Wheels

With gas prices hitting high levels even the wealthier consumer is experiencing the joys of pedal power. There are a variety of innovative bicycle designs on the market, perhaps none as distinctive as Strida. Strida is folding bicycle that weighs around 20 pounds and transforms in five seconds. It is made from lightweight, rustproof aluminum and a Kevlar belt replaces the traditional metal chain. The horizontally-mounted handlebars and a soft yet sturdy seat provide a more comfortable upright riding position with a clear view of the road and a secure center of gravity from which to steer. The model shown above sells for $800.

Gallery: Pedal Power

The Hidden Story of the Rolls-Royce to Become a Movie

Posted Apr 30th 2008 9:02AM by Laura Malesich
Filed under: Wheels

Ever looked upon the figurine adorning the hood of a Rolls and wondered who that stunning woman was modeled after? Well, the silver screen will soon bring you the answer -- but I'd be happy to give you a sneak peak. Called the Spirit of Ecstasy or The Whisperer, the emblem was born out of a love affair between Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and his secretary Eleanor Thornton. Although a potential national scandal, the symbol that influenced future Rolls Royce emblems will live on through a new film starring Christian Bale called The Silver Ghost. Love affair, beautiful cars and drama -- sounds like my kind of movie.

Woolworth Heiress' Historic Rolls-Royce for Sale

Posted Apr 23rd 2008 9:02AM by Jared Paul Stern
Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

An ultra-rare 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II drophead coupe built for the original "Poor Little Rich Girl," Barbara Hutton, is being auctioned off on eBay with a starting bid of $1.1 million. The Woolworth Heiress originally purchased the car, one of only two ever made (and the only known example now in existence), for her first husband, the Russian Prince Alexis Mdivani. With coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly, the car cost $20,000 at the time.

This historic Rolls has something of a tragic history; Mdivani, who only stayed married to Hutton for one year (she had seven husbands in all including Cary Grant) was killed while driving it in France shortly after their divorce. Following the macabre accident, the Rolls was sent back to Thrupp & Maberly and fully restored, though the Prince was not. On the plus side, it only has 9,999 miles on it and is in beautiful shape.

[via Men.Style]

Gallery: Hutton's Historic Rolls-Royce

GQ Asks: "Is It Worth It?"

Posted Apr 22nd 2008 4:02PM by Jared Paul Stern
Filed under: Gadgets, Wheels, Wine, Men's Style

In the May issue of GQ hitting stands this week, the magazine gets its hands on twelve of the most expensive items of their kind on Earth to evaluate whether they're really worth the price. From the $5,980 Toto Neorest 600 toilet to the $1.5 million Bugatti Veyron, they try to determine the difference between comically overpriced and extremely valuable.

If you have the money, the magazine says, some things are indisputably worth every penny. The Toto toilet for one, as well as the $64,950 Hastens Vividus bed, a $148,000 pair of ugly but awesome Wilson Audio speakers, and, yes, the Veyron.

Things that are more hype than merit, however, include $6,500 Cheval Blanc wine, $600 java made from the excrement of a coffee bean-eating Indonesian civet cat, the $30,000-per-night Ty Warner Suite at the Four Seasons in Manhattan, and $160 Kobe beef rib eye steak. According to author Benjamin Wallace, "I've had $18 bar steaks that gave me more pleasure." We're willing to take his word for it.

Gallery: GQ's Luxury Test

Ty Warner Four Seasons Suite. GQ's Verdict:

Bond's Aston Martin Takes An Unplanned Plunge

Posted Apr 21st 2008 8:02PM by Deidre Woollard
Filed under: Wheels

Cars in James Bond movies often suffer a rough fate, facing spectacular crashes and extraordinary leaps but one of Bond's beloved Aston Martin's took a dunk this week before it even reached the movie set. An Aston Martin DBS was being driven to the set of Quantum Of Solace, the latest James Bond movie in Italy when the technician driving it went off the road and plunged into Lake Garda. The £134,000 Aston Martin's roof was smashed in but the driver luckily had only minor injuries. The car was to be used in a scene in which Daniel Craig speeds away from a crash scene and a truck ends up in the water. The Daily Mail has a few grisly snaps of the destroyed vehicle.

[via Autoblog]

Bentley Headed For A U.S. Downturn?

Posted Apr 20th 2008 7:02PM by Deidre Woollard
Filed under: Wheels

In the past five years, once-staid Bentley has been the car of choice for those with six figures to spend on transportation. But could the current economic downturn finally be starting to affect the luxury carmaker? The Times reports that Franz-Josef Paefgen, chief executive of Bentley, has said the English brand is noticing less sales in their number one market, the good old U.S.A. Traditionally, cars at the highest end of the market are more immune to the economy than those in the middle-to-upper range. Just a couple of months ago, we heard news that 2007 was the the best year ever for Bentley. The luxury car company sold 10,014 units worldwide, outselling Rolls-Royce, which also broke through the 1,000 mark for the first time last year, by around 10 to one.

But Dr .Paefgen says that Bentley, which is owned by Volkswagen, is now experiencing lower demand in their two top U.S. markets, New York and California. Bentley sells about 45 per cent of their cars in the US. Many of Bentley's deep-pocketed customers are in the financial sector which is an area that has taken deep hits recently.

Bentley's saving grace may come from China and Russia which are both just beginning to to really catch fire. In 2007 in China, sales grew by a blistering 93%, offering the automaker hope for a growing market.

Joe's Garage Vintage Car Auction

Posted Apr 18th 2008 3:02PM by Deidre Woollard
Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

Southern California is often heaven for vintage cars, no harsh weather to break them down and long straight roads for driving. On June 14, RM Auctions will present one of the great Southern California collections, the one belonging to the late Joe MacPherson. MacPherson was a passionate car enthusiast who spent his life devoted to buying, selling and restoring collectible automobiles which he kept at 'Joe's Garage' - a private automotive museum and banquet facility in Tustin, California. The auction will feature 50 historic motor cars for sale, in addition to selected memorabilia and a 25 outstanding motorcycles.

Highlights of the collection include the record-holding 1954 Chrisman Ford Bonneville Coupe, built by the famous Chrisman brothers; a 1957 McCluskey Sprint Car "Tamale Wagon", which won over 120 races and four California Racing Association championships; a 1966 Gurney Eagle Indy Car, which is considered amongst the most beautiful and inspiring of all Gurney Eagles ever built; and a multiple race-winning 1992 Chevrolet Lumina formerly owned by the legendary Dale Earnhardt. The big ticket of the auction is one of the most important Miller racing cars in existence, the supercharged 1923 Miller 122. Badged number 2, this example was driven by such racing greats as Eddie Hearne, Ira Vail, Earl Cooper and Bill Albertson. Following its retirement from racing and a full restoration, this car was awarded 'Best in Class' at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is estimated to sell fro $900,000 to $1.2 million.

Gallery: RM Auction Joe's Garage Auction

Autoblog Road Trips With a Bentley Brooklands

Posted Apr 16th 2008 7:02AM by Deidre Woollard
Filed under: Wheels

While I was learning about the world of luxury at the Luxury Summit, John Neff from Autoblog was driving it. Last week he had the experience of driving a 2009 Bentley Brooklands 550 miles to from New Jersey to Cleveland, Ohio where it would be picked up and driven back to Bentley's North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI. He had the honor of taking the car for its maiden voyage on U.S. soil. Talk about a road trip.

The car is one of only 550 that will ever be built, there are just two in the United States right now. Our man was cool and collected behind the wheel of a car that costs close to $400,000 with options. His post on Autoblog breaks down all the important details but it's the road trip stories I like such as the fact that a man in a Dodge Caravan followed him for 15 miles into a rest stop and that every tollbooth operator on his journey remarked on the car. If you are paying that much for your wheels, you likely want just that sort of attention. Oh, and be warned, the gas consumption is pricey too, filling the 25-gallon fuel tank with 20 gallons of 93-octane premium gas cost $75, and this is not a car known for its high mileage.

Renting a Car the High-Class Way

Posted Apr 10th 2008 11:03AM by Rigel Gregg
Filed under: Services, Wheels

I think having an excuse to rent a car is fun, and what makes it even funner (yeah, I know that's not really a word!) is to get a really nice car that's comfortable and fun to drive. Now for some people a Mustang convertible might be the height of car-renting luxury, but for others names like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Bentley are what really sound good. Car clubs and car rental agencies that specialize in high-end luxury automobiles have seen major growth over recent years, resulting in more opportunities for those car lovers who, for whatever reason, just aren't looking to commit to a purchase.

And who doesn't want to be that person spotted in a new luxe car?

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#	Blogger	Posts	Cmts
1	Deidre Woollard	162	0
2	Jared Paul Stern	57	0
3	Rigel Gregg	52	1
4	Star Sutherland	51	0
5	Laura Malesich	26	0
6	Lisa Palladino	15	0

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Vintage Aston Martin Auction: Drive Like 007

Fabulous Ferraris Go on the Block in Italy

Batman's OTHER Ride

Weber Sportscars Faster One: The World's Fastest Car?

Grandes Marques Auto Auction in Monaco Today

Bentley Goes Electric with Greenpower

Strida Bicycles

The Hidden Story of the Rolls-Royce to Become a Movie

Woolworth Heiress' Historic Rolls-Royce for Sale

GQ Asks: "Is It Worth It?"

Bond's Aston Martin Takes An Unplanned Plunge

Bentley Headed For A U.S. Downturn?

Joe's Garage Vintage Car Auction

Autoblog Road Trips With a Bentley Brooklands

Renting a Car the High-Class Way

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