Octane Magazine

‘I’ve always been fascinated by Gordon Murray so it was an honour to be invited to interview him about his new car. He can make pretty much anything seem obvious, to the point you start to wonder why nobody else had thought it up before. Then you rea

Issue 209 on sale 23 September All the Eagle E-types On the ground in the astronauts’ wheels of choice: Corvette Stingray Lister Storm at Daytona Interviewing the saviour of Aston Martin and DeLorean, Mike Loasby (Contents may be subject to change) ■

In an effort to simplify its operations and focus more on the profitable South-East Asian market, Mitsubishi recently confirmed its plans to wind down its European arm – with no new models to be developed for the European market. The current line-up

It’s a flashback to the 1970s in so many ways: not only the disco-ball reflections of the cover design but the very notion that the reader might spend time ‘fixing the car’. So there’s a hell of a lot of nostalgia here for many. I was a little kid wh

In the early 20th Century, explorers and adventurers traversed the world desperate to be the first, the farthest and the highest. Sometimes the further away from everyday life an adventure occurs gives it more status and, as a result, achievements th

This past week was the living proof to me that old cars are more fun and more engaging than new ones. I work closely with the Audrain Automotive Museum in Newport, Rhode Island, which had its first concours last year. It was a huge success, as I thin

It isn’t often that I’m lost for words. However, the opening round of the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship – that was staged in July, let’s not forget – had me spellbound from start to finish. There was almost too much to take in. I had to let the n

This month my subject is Will Self, the novelist, tireless provocateur, cyclist and successful irritant of conventional liberal causes. He is also funny. We are not close friends, but are neighbours and like each other well enough. Certainly, if we m

When developing the F1’s V12 powertrain, McLaren took delivery of two Ultima Mk3s to use as testbeds. The first was nicknamed ‘Albert’ and was used to assess the gearbox and central driving position, while the second car – christened ‘Edward’ (pictur

I’ve driven the Urus and more than one Aventador, but until now I hadn’t driven Sant’Agata’s V10-powered baby. The 2020 Huracán Evo looks stunning in Blu Aegeus with orange stripes and I’m childishly excited. Why? Well, I’ve had a soft spot for the U

‘The Lamborghini Espada is due to make its first post-refurb appearance at the London Concours on 19-20 August. It’s been quite a journey!’ Harry Metcalfe ‘My Aston Martin DB5 almost found a new home last month, but sadly the buyer slipped through my

Lansing, Iowa, is known as ‘the town that buttons built’. From 1897 until as recently as 2016, residents of this small community on the banks of the Mississippi found steady employment with the Lansing Company Inc making buttons, originally from clam

1965 Shelby GT350R Prototype Mecum, Indianapolis, USA. 10-18 July 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy RM Sotheby’s, 14-22 July. Online 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Artcurial, Monte-Carlo, Monaco. 21 July 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Mecum, Indianapolis, USA. 10

CONSIDERING THAT the HAGI P Porsche index moved upwards by just 1.16% through the whole of 2019, a bounce of 7.24% in June may seem nothing short of dramatic. Similarly the drop back by 5.05% in July appears equally striking, particularly when you be

Artcurial, Auriol, Gibel, France 13 September, www.artcurial.com An eclectic selection of cars from the French enthusiast André Trigano will be auctioned by Artcurial next month. As well as Trigano’s prized Lamborghini 400GT 2+2, the catalogue is ful

19-26 August Shannons, Australia, online 27 August Charterhouse, UK, online (motorcycles) 27-29 August Mecum, Kissimmee, USA 29 August Dorotheum, Vösendorf, Austria 29-30 August Lucky Collector Car Auctions, Tacoma, USA 3-5 September RM Auctions, Aub

Converted by Wood & Pickett in 1966, this was the first of four Mokes used in the iconic series. Rediscovered in 2011 and complete with original features, it has been carefully restored. philscollectables@yahoo.co.uk Originally a 500LM that competed

A good early Vitesse usually sells for between £5000 and £8500, with great examples pushing north of £10,000. Condition is key. Twin Plenums are the most desirable. Solid cars start from around £5500, but top cars – in completely original condition –